Legendary 80s WWF Announcer “Mean Gene” Okerlund Has Died
“Ya know somethin’ Mean Gene” was one of the most iconic lines from pro wrestling in the 80s. We’re sad to hear today that WWE Hall of Fame TV announcer “Mean Gene” Okerlund has died. He was 76.
Known mostly as an interviewer, Mean Gene did step in the ring a couple times! Here is training with Hulk Hogan!
I only got to see Gene in person once. I was 15 years old when my mother somehow got me tickets to WrestleMania 4 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After much digging today, I found a pic of Mean Gene with Gladys Knight (who sang “God Bless America” to start the day) and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous host Robin Leach. All three have now passed away.
Knew I’d find it. That’s @TheGeneOkerlund with Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ Robin Leach during a break at #WrestleMania 4 before the Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant rematch. #RIPGeneOkerlund pic.twitter.com/ZUDOkioifj
— Geno from Q105 (@GenoRadio) January 2, 2019
During my ring announcing days in the 90s, I got to work with a lot of the 80s #WWF heroes I grew up watching on TV. Unfortunately Mean Gene was not one of them but will never forget seeing him, Hulk, Andre, and Randy at #WrestleMania4. pic.twitter.com/n8ZeL5YKF3
— Geno from Q105 (@GenoRadio) January 2, 2019
There were many reactions on social media today from Mean Gene Okerlund’s wrestling friends.
Celebrating Mean Gene and our friendship with his favorite Martini,brother RIP my friend HH pic.twitter.com/VWwf3K2AD5
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/u3bS6pePmY
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) January 2, 2019
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
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
