On Wednesday morning, word broke that the world of professional wrestling had lost one of its legendary figures. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, long a fixture with WWE, passed away. He was 76 years old. The WWE Hall of Famer will be greatly missed. Sadly, we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing or enjoying Okerlund as much in recent years, but for those fans who grew up watching and listening to him, his presence will live on forever.
I was first exposed to wrestling via Saturday morning programming-typically Superstars and the like. Every so often we’d get a Saturday Night Main Event (I didn’t have cable until the 1990s). One of the key fixtures during all of those Saturday morning shows? “Mean” Gene. To me, he was WWE. He was a practically constant figure, even more than some of the other on air characters like Bobby “The Brain” Heenan or Lord Alfred Hayes. Forget about Vince McMahon the announcer. For me, Okerlund was a signature guy. He was, as Triple H put it “the soundtrack for an era.
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
When word of his passing reached me, that was what I first thought: Another part of my childhood has passed away. We’ve lost others, to be sure. We will eventually lose them all. But he was one of those people on TV who have such a big part of your life-and they rarely know it. I know it sounds crazy, but he was as big a reason as any for me to get sucked into this wild and wonderful world of professional wrestling-something I am still a fan of more than thirty years after the fact.
Taking one look around Twitter, I was not alone in feeling the loss:
The world lost an incredible man today. The very BEST at his role in our industry. On-camera—quick wit, great hype, pro’s pro; off-camera— a gentleman’s gentleman. The phrase of “often imitated, but never duplicated” is very appropriate for my friend. RIP ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) 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.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
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
Gene Okerlund was always a consummate pro. His iconic voice, personality, and talent helped so many superstars climb to the top.
I am deeply saddened by his passing. RIP Mean Gene.— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) 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.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) 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
He was truly a beloved figure-one of the most beloved of that era, including the wrestlers themselves. So many current Superstars, like myself, grew up watching him. He will be missed.
Rest in peace, “Mean” Gene.
