BYE, ‘MEAN GENE’

WWE Announcer Gene Okerlund Dead at Age 76

Iconic pro-wrestling figure had been with WWE since 1984.

Longtime pro-wrestling announcer Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76, the WWE reported early Wednesday. “Mean Gene,” as he was dubbed, started announcing for the then-WWF in 1984, and became a staple interviewing wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Jake “the Snake,” The Ultimate Warrior, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and many, many more. Okerlund later branched out from interviewing by providing ringside commentary and hosting several shows, including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge, and Prime Time Wrestling. WWE said in a statement that it was “saddened to learn that... the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away.”