WWE Hall of Fame announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76, according to an announcement by WWE Wednesday morning.
WWE legend ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund has died at age 76
RIP.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for WWE
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Okerlund began his career in professional wrestling in 1970, but became a household name in 1984 with his move to WWE. He pioneered the concept of backstage interviews, turning it into an art form with his unparalleled combination of wit, charm, and ability to banter. Okerlund was able to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Macho Man Randy Savage and Ric Flair, while simultaneously staying out of the way of superstars so they could shine.
While he was best known as an announcer, Okerlund had an impact in every facet of sports entertainment. He participated in a tag match with Hulk Hogan in 1984, and was the first person to sing the national anthem at WrestleMania. After leaving WWE for WCW in the early ‘90s, he became a staple of the competition’s promotion, but was welcomed back when WWE purchased WCW in 2002.
Okerlund never officially retired, remaining a staple on WWE’s Old School RAW yearly program, and starring in several shows on the WWE Network, including the reality show Legend’s House.
He is survived by his wife and two sons. RIP to “Mean” Gene, truly a legend of professional wrestling.
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