RIP Mean Gene Okerlund

*Autbot_Benz* · 01-02-2019, 11:22 AM

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.

In his early days, “Mean Gene”, as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Hulk Hogan. In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more.

Okerlund branched out from interviewing by providing ringside commentary and hosting several shows, including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling. Announcing wasn’t all that Okerlund could do with a microphone, as his distinct voice sung the National Anthem at the first WrestleMania in 1985. Later that year, Okerlund would sing “Tutti Frutti” on WWE’s The Wrestling Album.

In 1993, Okerlund joined WCW as lead interviewer where he continued to interview many of the legends he had worked with in the AWA and WWE as well as WCW stalwarts, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, Goldberg and others.

In 2001, Okerlund returned to WWE to call the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and continued to appear on WWE television programming, including being a cast member on WWE Network’s Legends’ House.

WWE extends its condolences to Okerlund’s family, friends and fans.

*Prowler* · 01-02-2019, 12:15 PM

Sucks. He was arguably the greatest backstage interviewer in North American wrestling.

We'll never hear Hogan saying "you know something, Mean Gene?" again.

RIP

*MsMarvelDuckie* · 01-02-2019, 04:27 PM

*sigh* 2019 claims its first legend. This is sad, Gene was one of the few figures in wrestling I enjoyed watching. Will miss him.

*wpugh2424* · 01-02-2019, 04:57 PM

Our childhood continues to pass away
RIP MEAN GENE

01-02-2019, 11:22 AM	#1
Autbot_Benz Hellblazer Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ventura California Posts: 9,193	RIP Mean Gene Okerlund 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. In his early days, “Mean Gene”, as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Hulk Hogan. In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more. Okerlund branched out from interviewing by providing ringside commentary and hosting several shows, including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling. Announcing wasn’t all that Okerlund could do with a microphone, as his distinct voice sung the National Anthem at the first WrestleMania in 1985. Later that year, Okerlund would sing “Tutti Frutti” on WWE’s The Wrestling Album. In 1993, Okerlund joined WCW as lead interviewer where he continued to interview many of the legends he had worked with in the AWA and WWE as well as WCW stalwarts, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, Goldberg and others. In 2001, Okerlund returned to WWE to call the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and continued to appear on WWE television programming, including being a cast member on WWE Network’s Legends’ House. WWE extends its condolences to Okerlund’s family, friends and fans. __________________ I respect what FW cartoon did for the turtles franchise but it is the most overrated and hard to watch of the 3 turtles cartoons.

01-02-2019, 04:27 PM	#3
MsMarvelDuckie I Married a Duck! Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: The bowels of Hell, Texas(otherwise known as Decatur) Posts: 8,773	sigh 2019 claims its first legend. This is sad, Gene was one of the few figures in wrestling I enjoyed watching. Will miss him. __________________ "You IDIOTS! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -from "Spaceballs" "Where Science ends, magic begins." -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491 My various stories and fan-fics are now here- https://m.fanfiction.net/u/4770494/#end

01-02-2019, 04:57 PM	#4
wpugh2424 Mad Scientist Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Triceraton Republic Posts: 1,525	Our childhood continues to pass away RIP MEAN GENE __________________ "Go! Move it, will ya? Aw, you're letting him blow right by ya! Can you believe this guy? Come on! Don't just...! Ninja-kick the damn rabbit! Do something!"

01-02-2019, 12:15 PM	#2
Prowler Emperor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,999	Sucks. He was arguably the greatest backstage interviewer in North American wrestling. We'll never hear Hogan saying "you know something, Mean Gene?" again. RIP