World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment after it lost its naming rights to the World Wildlife Foundation.
The wrestling world is mourning the death of a legendary announcer. I am truly thankful for "Mean Gene" holding it down for World Wrestling Entertainment. He was an American treasure.
Gene Okerlund passed away. He is a legend among the wrestling fans. Bleacher Reports say that Mean Gene passed away from unknown causes. He leaves behind a wife Jeanne and two children.
His son Todd and
Not to mention he just celebrated his birthday only a few weeks ago.
Vince McMahon, his son Shane, his daughter Stephanie, her husband Triple H and many in the WWE pour their tributes to Mean Gene.
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
Gene Okerlund was always a consummate pro. His iconic voice, personality, and talent helped so many superstars climb to the top.— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) January 2, 2019
I am deeply saddened by his passing. RIP Mean Gene.
Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/IxpjiLo9UN— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 2, 2019
Wishing a Happy Birthday to WWE Hall of Famer @TheGeneOkerlund! pic.twitter.com/tLkMw2Ay0A— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) December 19, 2018
Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
Condolences to his friends and family.
He was the greatest interviewer in wrestling history. He taught me SO MUCH about how to do a wrestling promo. He was a great guy, with a glint in his eye and a joke in his heart. He was… https://t.co/NpocBUExaj— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) January 2, 2019
I was always a big mean gene fan, as a character and much more importantly, as a person. We should say positive things about good people more often. never know when you won’t get another chance. #RIPMeanGene— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 2, 2019
Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene! #RIPGene— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.
The best partner I ever had,we never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer,Gene would ask me “hay big man what do u want to do?”, I would always answer “just follow you brother” and it worked for from 1980 - 2017 ,RIP my brother HH pic.twitter.com/UJeWkueFv9— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) 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
Teared up to the news this morning on the passing of my dear friend and legend Gene Okerlund. He was one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever met and so supportive of me.— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) January 2, 2019
You will be so missed 🙏🏽 my condolences to your family.
funny memory: https://t.co/7882p8Pjb4 pic.twitter.com/FgKWy1oY87
Very sad to say goodbye to Mean Gene Okerlund, a true legend. I always enjoyed being interviewed by Mean Gene, he was the best! He had an amazing personality and a great sense of humor. I was blessed to see him just 5 weeks ago at WrestleCade. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/pFd9mYIaJu— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) January 2, 2019
One of the CLASSIEST Men I’ve Ever had the opportunity to meet and know. Always told me how proud he was to have me in the wrestling business and appreciated what I stand for. Yes I like many others Was a Huge Fan Of His “Work” But I was more Honored to see His WORTH to Everyone https://t.co/biOKHr2OPt— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) January 2, 2019
This one stings. RIP “Mean” Gene Okerlund. As a young fan, he was the only backstage interviewer that mattered. He is the man with the golden voice who is SO synonymous with the culture of pro wrestling. I’m fortunate to have met and shared a beverage with him. Godspeed sir 😢— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) January 2, 2019
Total LEGEND! 🧡 https://t.co/sNFFJ4A77q— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) January 2, 2019
One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You. pic.twitter.com/i7illbxQgw— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 2, 2019
Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories ♥️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EMDrs0ozGP— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) January 2, 2019
💔 Legend https://t.co/iAT7I1UnkL— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) January 2, 2019
His contributions were celebrated in 2006 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
After WWE bought WCW in 2001, Okerlund returned to the company as a jack of all trades and announced the gimmick battle royal at WrestleMania X-Seven alongside fellow Hall of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.
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| Mean Gene with the Hulkster. |
More recently, Okerlund was among the stars on the WWE Network reality series Legends' House, which aired in 2014 and featured other WWE Hall of Famers, including "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.
The South Dakota native will be remembered for several unique traits, including his signature mustache, horseshoe-pattern hair and velvety voice.
Mean Gene was present throughout the rise of Hulkamania in WWE, and he was an underrated aspect of Hogan's enormous success.
Few non-wrestlers have made an impact on the business as big and long-lasting as Okerlund's, and there will likely never be another backstage interviewer as beloved and appreciated as him.
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