The professional wrestling world has lost a legend today (Wed. January 2, 2019). WWE has announced that Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76-years-old. After leaving the radio industry, Okerlund began his professional wrestling career with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1970. He remained there for 14 years before accepting a job with WWE in 1984.
Okerlund remained with WWE until his deal expired in 1993 when he made the decision to venture off to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) after WWE did not offer him a renewal. Throughout his career, Okerlund solidified himself as, arguably, the greatest ring announcer and interviewer professional wrestling has ever seen.
In 2001 Okerlund returned to WWE and had made sporadic appearances for the company over the next 17 years. In April of 2006, Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame.
He also inducted Mr. T into the HOF in April of 2014 just before WrestleMania 30. His latest WWE appearance came at the RAW 25th anniversary special last January when he interviewed then-WWE Champion AJ Styles.
We here at SEScoops would like to offer our deepest condolences to Okerlund’s family during this difficult time.
The Wrestling World Reacts to the Passing of Mean Gene
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) 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.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
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
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene Okerlund. Gene was the mold others aspired to be. Without a doubt one of the most talented individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with. Rest in Peace Gene and thank you for all of your wisdom and help throughout the years.
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) January 2, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of our friend, Mean Gene Okerlund.
I'll always remember Gene with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand and always wanting to help. His was "The Voice" of @WWE RIP Gene. pic.twitter.com/tgS1Yy3VpA— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 2, 2019
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
Gutted to hear that Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. He could get things out of guys during promos in a way few others could. One of my greatest thrills was being able to interview him in person. A class act. https://t.co/dyZfxRaPah
— Jason Solomon ?? (@solomonster) January 2, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you.
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) 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.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1080494555378503681
Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019
RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.
God Bless. ? pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019
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