News

Ole Anderson Passes Away At Age 81

By John Canton • Published 26th February 2024
ole anderson face

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Ole Anderson.

Ole Anderson passed away at the age of 81. His real name was Alan Robert Ragowski. The cause of death hasn’t been announced.

The news was first mentioned by WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton on Instagram.

“Rest in Paradise, Ole Anderson.

You taught me so much in professional wrestling. You were tough as nails.

You will be missed, my friend. ❤️”

Fans will most remember Ole Anderson for being one of the founding members of the Four Horsemen group. Ole was in the group with Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson. A few years later after retiring as a wrestler, Ole was a manager of the group.

Ole Anderson was not part of the WWE Hall of Fame induction of the Four Horsemen induction due to past issues with Vince McMahon and refusing to work for the company in any way. It was mentioned by Tony Schiavone on his podcast that Ole Anderson regretted how he treated Vince & Linda McMahon.

In addition to his career as a wrestler, Ole Anderson was also known for being a booker of both Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling. Anderson was the main booker of WCW in the early 1990s before Eric Bischoff took control in 1994 and Anderson was relieved of his duties.

Ole Anderson was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2010.

Ric Flair Pays Tribute To Ole Anderson

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who turned 75 years old on February 25th, paid tribute to his friend Ole Anderson.

I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin. It Launched My Career. I Will Be Grateful Forever For You Giving Me The Opportunity To Become Who I Am Today. We Didn’t Always Agree With Each Other, But The Honest To God Truth Is You & Gene Started Me. Rest In Peace My Friend!

There are plenty of other people in the wrestling industry who knew Ole has also shared messages about his incredible life.

During Monday Night Raw, announcers Michael Cole and Pat McAfee sent condolences to the loved ones of Ole Anderson. A graphic was shown on Raw as well.

Everybody here at TJRWrestling sends our condolences to Ole Anderson’s family, friends and fans. May he rest in peace.