2019 is starting off on a sad note for wrestling fans.
WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund has passed away at 76 according to WWE.com.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76.
In his early days, "Mean Gene", as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse "The Body" Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Hulk Hogan. In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76. https://t.co/DyPiEiVLoV
— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2019Fans on Twitter quickly reacted to the very sad news.
THE GREATEST EVER! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! pic.twitter.com/LbdKjsCW6R
— Vince 22 (@VinceGagliardi) January 2, 2019The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family. https://t.co/NoRha36c9k
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@MustafaAliWWE) January 2, 2019So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you.
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) January 2, 2019RIP "Mean" Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.God Bless. -- pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019"Mean" Gene conducted some of the best interviews wrestling fans have ever seen.
