Legendary wrestling interviewer Gene Okerlund has passed away at age 76.
Okerlund got his start in AWA before signing with WWE in 1984. He interviewed all of the top stars in the sport including Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Andre The Giant, Ric Flair and more. He also provided commentary and hosted WWE shows All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling.
Okerlund left WWE in 1993 to join WCW where he continued to add to his interviewing resume, working with the likes of the Four Horsemen, Sting, Goldberg and others. He returned to WWE in 2002 to call the Gimmick Battle Royal alongside Bobby Heenan at WrestleMania 17.
In 2018, Okerlund interviewed AJ Styles as part of Raw 25. The side of the entrance ramp, where the commentary booth currently sits, is referred to as the Okerlund Position in honor of "Mean" Gene as many of his interviews took place in that spot. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
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, 2019
Fightful extends its condolences to the family and friends of Gene Okerlund.
