WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76. WWE confirmed the news today, saying, "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."
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
Okerlund, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, was an icon in the professional wrestling business for decades. Okerlund began his career with the AWA in 1970 and in 1985 he sang the national anthem prior to WrestleMania I, just a year after joining WWE.
In 1993, Okerlund went to WCW where he stayed until WWE bought them in 2001. Gene returned to WWE to commentate the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven. He continued to be a part of WWE programming, appearing on the WWE Network show "Legends' House" in 2014. The last appearance for Okerlund on WWE programming was during the 25th Anniversary of Raw, where he interviewed AJ Styles.
The wrestling world reacts to the passing of Gene Okerlund on social media:
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.
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019
God Bless. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am
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
💔 Legend https://t.co/iAT7I1UnkL— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.
Very sad news. I was a huge fan of Gene’s during his WWF run and enjoyed working with him and getting to know him in WCW. #RIPMeanGene https://t.co/piuE87jfUR— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) January 2, 2019
WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/u3bS6pePmY— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) January 2, 2019
A voice of my childhood, and one of the greatest of all time — you will be missed, Gene. 🙏 https://t.co/15kNprnbRd— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 2, 2019
One of the CLASSIEST Men I’ve Ever had the opportunity to meet and know. Always told me how proud he was to have me in the wrestling business and appreciated what I stand for. Yes I like many others Was a Huge Fan Of His “Work” But I was more Honored to see His WORTH to Everyone https://t.co/biOKHr2OPt— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) January 2, 2019
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