The wrestling world lost a legend and one of its most recognizable figures on Wednesday, as announce and on-air personality “Mean” Gene Okerlund has died 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 began working for the WWF in 1984 and regularly interviewed some of the biggest stars in wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and many more. He left to work for the WCW from 1993-2001 before returning to the WWE, where he signed a lifetime contract and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1, 2006.
Anyone who grew up watching wrestling remembers some of Mean Gene’s interviews like they were yesterday. After learning of his passing, several members of the wrestling world paid tribute to Okerlund on social media.
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) 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
RIP MY BROTHER GENE MEAN. YOU PUT ME OVER LIKE NOBODY. I LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SINCE THE MINNESOTA. GIVE MY BROTHER NIKOLAI BUG HUG. GOD BLESS YOU. CAMERA MAN ZOOM IT. pic.twitter.com/5k0VRXbKMI
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) 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
The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family. https://t.co/NoRha36c9k
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@MustafaAliWWE) 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
Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business.
Rest In Peace Gene.
— Ligero (@Ligero1) 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
