Pro Wrestling Community Reacts To “Mean” Gene Okerlund’s Passing

“Mean” Gene Okerlund’s passing has hit the wrestling community with many sharing their memories of Okerlund who worked with pretty much all of the biggest names in professional wrestling.  Below is a small blurb of what WWE posted about his time working with the company.

In 1993, Okerlund joined WCW as lead interviewer where he continued to interview many of the legends he had worked with in the AWA and WWE as well as WCW stalwarts, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, Goldberg and others. 

In 2001, Okerlund returned to WWE to call the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and continued to appear on WWE television programming, including being a cast member on WWE Network’s Legends’ House. 

Below are the various reactions by people.

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

So 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, 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

Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl

— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019

A voice of my childhood, and one of the greatest of all time — you will be missed, Gene. 🙏 https://t.co/15kNprnbRd

— Nattie (@NatbyNature) 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

So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund

I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.

It’s so true that our tomorrow’s are never guaranteed.

Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) 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