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WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund Has Passed Away at Age 76

By John Canton • Published 2nd January 2019
TJR Wrestling

There’s sad news to report today because WWE has announced that legendary Hall of Fame announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away. He was 76 years old.

Here’s more info from WWE.com on Gene’s passing.

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.

He was a legend in the business and will always be remembered as the best interview man in wrestling history. I don’t think it’s even close. He did his job so well, he added humor when needed and he gave us a lot of memories we will never forget.

Gene was married to his wife Jeanne since 1964 and the couple had two children together. We send our condolences to his family, friends and millions of fans all around the world.

I’ll post some clips below.