It was tragically confirmed yesterday that legendary wrestling announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund passed away at the age of 76. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death are still coming out, but in the meantime, fans and wrestlers have been posting their tributes and kinds words about Okerlund online. Several stars posted their messages earlier in the day, but even more wrestling superstars have reacted to Okerlund’s passing. Names like The Rock, Eric Bischoff, and The Iron Sheik have commented on the matter, as have several other wrestlers from the past and present who knew or worked with Gene at one point or another. The tweets and posts from the wrestlers can be viewed right down below:
We lost a wrestling legend on the ?? microphone. The incomparable “Mean Gene” Okerlund. What an iconic career and extremely distinct voice of the squared circle during distinct eras of the smart/cool sounding “neutral” wrestling commentator. Solie, VKM, Monsoon, JR, Okerlund etc. RIP legend, strength to your Okerlund ohana and thanks for the awesome memories ~ DJ #LemmeTellYaSumthinMeanGene
A post shared by therock (@therock) on
#meangeneokerlund was the perfect representation of what a backstage interviewer should be like. His ability to entertain knew no bounds and as a human being, Gene was loved by all. He will be missed and there will never be another like him. #RIPMeanGene pic.twitter.com/zZMwF0P6rG
— Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion) January 2, 2019
Very sad day as I hear of the passing of another legend. Lots of fond memories with old Mean Gene and the Goldberg family ….. you will be missed my friend. ???? @TheGeneOkerlund
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) January 2, 2019
????With heavy hearts we send our sincere condolences to the family of @WWE legend and hall of famer @TheGeneOkerlund You will be dearly missed. xo??WGs pic.twitter.com/OBqfmby8eJ
— Dana Warrior (@DanaWarriorWWE) January 2, 2019
RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.
God Bless. ?? pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene Okerlund. Sorry for the auto correct of such a fine man. RIP.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.
Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.
Those things can undoubtedly be said about him. #RIPMeanGene
— Soon. (@FightOwensFight) January 2, 2019
I’m sad today! I only worked with “Mean” Gene professionally once but I spent a lot of time personally with him. What a gentleman and a professional. The voice of a couple of “Eras” and definitely of a generation! God Speed and #RIPMeanGene
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) January 2, 2019
Very sad to hear of his passing. He was incredible at what he did. Watching him was how I learned that every single role is important. He taught me that if you don’t care then they won’t care. Thoughts go out to his family. https://t.co/HK68HfcPhE
— Austin Creeds finally going to MagFest (@XavierWoodsPhD) January 2, 2019
We will all miss Mean Gene. It’s a very sad thing to lose him. I feel blessed that we got to hang at #wrestlecade #legend #2019
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) January 2, 2019
Rest In Peace Mean Gene Okerlund. Thanks for the memories.
A post shared by Brian Myers (@thecurthawkins) on
I remember the first time I met Gene.
Gene: “Spud – I was walking around the offices of Titan Towers in Stamford CT. Do you know who was talking about you?”
Me: “OMG – Who Gene?”
Gene: “Absolutely f’n NOBODY!”
God bless you sir #RIPMeanGene
— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) January 2, 2019
What an incredible man with a voice like no other. Thank you for the time you spent entertaining us all. A true legend. RIP Mean Gene???????? #ChildHoodMemories #Legend #RIPGeneOkerlund https://t.co/mhTrkHabCv
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was one of my favorite people to be around. He was a man who loved the pro wrestling business and everything it had to offer. And treated everyone the same no matter who you were. He is a reminder to enjoy every step of whatever your journey is. #ripmeangene
— Jonathan Coachman (@TheCoachrules) January 2, 2019
Devastated today hearing of the passing of Mean Gene. Truly one of the greatest in our industry. Thankful that I ever got to meet him and shake his hand. #RIPGeneOkerlund
— Viktor (@ViktorRiseWWE) January 2, 2019
I’m very sorry to hear that Gene has passed away. He was a good man and one of the greatest of all time. You will be missed my friend. pic.twitter.com/POLwK2bJ9b
— Sting (@Sting) January 2, 2019
Devastated to hear the news of my friend Gene Okerlund’s passing. He was, and will always be, pro wrestling greatest stick man #meangene
— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) 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
I MAKE THE GENE MEAN LAUGH SO HARD HERE HE TELL ME I MAKE HIM CRY. HE HELP ME WHEN I DONT REMEMBER THE JABRONIS NAMES I WRESTLE. I LOVE YOU BROTHER. https://t.co/YFnuEWVFn6 pic.twitter.com/YvgpApVeTE
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 2, 2019
RiP Mean Gene. I will miss you. #thebestever pic.twitter.com/Z0Dd59peb3
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) January 2, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of Mean Gene.
What a classic and was in a category all his own.
Will always treasure doing the Legends of Wrestling shows with him. R.I.P.
— Michael PS Hayes (@MichaelPSHayes1) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was one of the best TV personalities in our business. I say this because of his facial reactions in response to wrestlers comments. He always made the interview so much more entertaining….I will miss him….RIP my friend
— Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat (@real_steamboat) January 2, 2019
WWE reports that Gene Oakerlund has passed. Gene was loved by so many cause he was such a great person in and out of business. No one ever has anything bad to say about him. AwowaChipsala’Cho. Give Brother Jack a hug for me.
— Gbrisco???? (@Fgbrisco) 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
RIP Mean Gene Okerlund. Gene was the mold others aspired to be. Without a doubt one of the most talented individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with. Rest in Peace Gene and thank you for all of your wisdom and help throughout the years.
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) January 2, 2019
Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories ♥????? pic.twitter.com/EMDrs0ozGP
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) January 2, 2019
RIP Gene
I got to spend some time with Gene the last 6 months. We’d talk about the ‘88 Winter Olympics in Calgary and the WCW hotline. Such a funny and witty guy. A true icon and will be missed by many
#1-900-909-9900
— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) January 2, 2019
RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. “Mean Gene” was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today. https://t.co/qB9FHJFx63
— #WOKEN, yet #BROKEN, Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) January 2, 2019
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
RIP “Mean” Gene Okerlund. ??
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) January 2, 2019
Thanks for the memories Mean Gene RIP?? @WWE #Legend #friend pic.twitter.com/FIaFxHjTyR
— Brooklyn Brawler (@brawlerreal) January 2, 2019
#RIP to a man who made us all more involved fans, who brought the drama of the characters on screen to life with his charm and delivery. You will be missed, Gene
— Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) 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
When I was younger and just starting out in wrestling all the guys at the wrestling gym went by 2 rules to pick a name..
1) You had to be able to imagine Vince McMahon saying the name on commentary
2) You had to be able to hear Mene Gene saying it with a question#RIPMeanGene
— ????TJ Perkins???? (@MegaTJP) January 2, 2019
ROH offers our sincerest condolences to the family and fans of “Mean” Gene Okerlund, a truly legendary voice and spirit in professional wrestling.
— ROH Wrestling (@ringofhonor) 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
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
?? Legend https://t.co/iAT7I1UnkL
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) January 2, 2019
RIP MEAN GENE pic.twitter.com/y38g1VtN6z
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) January 2, 2019
?? Rest easy #MeanGene your Legacy shall live in forever ??
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene! A voice that was powerful and as easy to recognize as any in the business. Gene was always the friendliest and nicest guy to me. Thx for the memories my friend. pic.twitter.com/WokzDQ5dtl
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) January 2, 2019
I’m so heart broken to hear of the passing of Mean Gene!! Thank you Gene for the laughs, advice, and most of a wonderful friendship! #wwe. #legend. #friend pic.twitter.com/hM7E9VoDIa
— Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero) January 2, 2019
Growing up in AWA country, I never wanted to be a wrestler. I wanted to be Gene Okerlund. A wonderful friend and mentor for the past 20 years. There will never be another like him. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/yAz1T5Dr2d
— Jeremy Borash (@JeremyBorash) January 2, 2019
My heart hurts to learn of the passing of my friend Gene Okerlund. He was a mentor to me with such a love for this business and the people around it. He will be severely missed by every heart that he touched. We love you Gene ??. pic.twitter.com/99p1BVx2LR
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene. The Greatest that ever did it. Thanks for the memories. #RIPMeanGene pic.twitter.com/PtI92xAdhq
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) 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.
You will be so missed ???? my condolences to your family.
funny memory: https://t.co/7882p8Pjb4 pic.twitter.com/FgKWy1oY87
— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) January 2, 2019
?? RIP Mean Gene pic.twitter.com/oDZASdcOh5
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) January 2, 2019
Wrestling fan or not… you knew Mean Gene Okerlund.
His work with talents in their promos is a master class in broadcasting. He was the gold standard of wrestling stick men.
Doing a scene with him at Wrestlemania 20 was a career highlight. #RIPMeanGene pic.twitter.com/IGlwoego1A
— David Lagana (@Lagana) January 2, 2019
Gene Okerlund’s warm and comforting presence left an indelible mark on me as a child watching WWF on Saturday mornings. He had superb timing, made wrestling classy and fun. He elevated the product – be it the WWF, WCW, AWA bringing a sense of dignity and quality to wrestling.
— Court Bauer (@courtbauer) January 2, 2019
He was a brilliant performer and often the conscience of WWF & WCW; condemning heels and setting the babyface up perfectly. I had the privilege of working with Mean Gene and he was a sweetheart to work with and boy, what a wicked sense of humor! A true gent. #RIPMeanGene
— Court Bauer (@courtbauer) January 2, 2019
Very cool when one of your childhood idols who was the absolute best at what he did, in real life was one of the most down to earth, funniest and nicest people you will ever meet. #RIPMeanGene #Legend pic.twitter.com/MQtWTXC5fV
— Brian Gewirtz (@bfg728) January 2, 2019
Ever since WWE announced Gene Okerlund’s passing yesterday, fans have flocked to the internet and the WWE Network in search of some of the best and most memorable moments from Okerlund’s career. Fortunately, WWE decided to post some classic videos of “Mean” Gene’s segments from over the years. These have included his famous backstage interviews, his introduction video for the WWE Hall of Fame, and even a training video featuring Hulk Hogan attempting to get Okerlund in shape. There are a huge number of clips and videos for fans to explore online from Gene’s time in the business, but feel free to check out some of the great videos posted below courtesy of WWE’s official YouTube channel.
One WWE Superstar who has experienced somewhat of a career resurgence over the past few months has been Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler became a member of the Raw roster earlier this year, and he found success through his alliance with Drew McIntyre. Ziggler had impressive matches against the likes of Seth Rollins in 2018, and he also had runs with the Raw Tag Team Championships and Intercontinental Championship. After losing a steel cage match to McIntyre on Raw this week, it appears that Dolph may be taking some time off from wrestling for the foreseeable future. Ziggler has revealed that he will be embarking on a standup comedy tour over the next couple of days. This does not confirm that Ziggler will be gone from the ring, but it does certainly seem likely that this Monday’s angle may have been done to write him off of television.
The 1st leg of the #HeelCrew 2019 Comedy Tour *with special guest @sarahtiana* kicks off JANUARY 27 in PHOENIX @standuplive ?????? pic.twitter.com/jIYDq9R4Gw
— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 1, 2019