WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76. https://t.co/DyPiEiVLoV
— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2019
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away,” the company said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Okerlund’s family, friends and fans.”
Okerlund began his career in sports entertainment in the 1970s, with backstage interviews with stars of the Minneapolis-based American Wrestling Association, including Jesse “The Body” Ventura, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Hulk Hogan, according to the WWE.
In 1984, he moved to the what was then called the World Wrestling Federation, where he became a staple on national cable television as a locker room interviewer and announcer. He also provided ringside commentary and hosted several WWE shows, including “All-American Wrestling,” “Tuesday Night Titans” and “Prime Time Wrestling.”
He famously stepped into the ring in the 1980s, according to TMZ, defeating Mr. Fuji and George "The Animal" Steele alongside Hulk Hogan.
Okerlund left the WWE to join World Champion Wrestling in the early 1990s, but he returned to the WWE when the company purchased WCW in 2002, according to SB Nation.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan.
“Mean Gene I love you my brother,” the wrestler wrote Wednesday on Twitter.
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
Fans, friends and former colleagues took to social media to remember Okerlund.
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.
It’s so true that our tomorrow’s are never guaranteed.
Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx
I MAKE THE GENE MEAN LAUGH SO HARD HERE HE TELL ME I MAKE HIM CRY. HE HELP ME WHEN I DONT REMEMBER THE JABRONIS NAMES I WRESTLE. I LOVE YOU BROTHER. https://t.co/YFnuEWVFn6 pic.twitter.com/YvgpApVeTE
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 2, 2019
A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/9ddj6372eE
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
Condolences to his friends and family.
RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019
God Bless. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am
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