The professional wrestling universe lost a true legend this week with the passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. For a generation of fans, he was the voice of sports entertainment. Any major promo from the heyday of the WWF involved Mean Gene. He was the host of the company’s major Saturday morning syndicated programming.
Gene broke into the business in 1970 working for Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association (AWA). Coming over from a career in radio, Okerlund became the lead broadcaster for the popular wrestling promotion. Working with the likes of Pat Patterson, Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Nick Bockwinkel, he became one of the most well known broadcasters in the business.
In 1983, the famous broadcaster joined many of the top AWA talents in their exodus to the WWF. Vince McMahon was building a juggernaut at the time and Okerlund became one of the crucial pieces. He became a household name the territory went national and his segments drove the product. There was not one important promo from the golden era of 1980s WWF that didn’t involve Okerlund. He knew when to push back on the heels and let the outgoing personalities shine.
The Wrestlemania era of the WWF needed Gene to help facilitate. He is probably most closely linked to Hulk Hogan’s rise and championship promos. There is a generation of fans who couldn’t wait to hear “Let me tell you something Mean Gene”. As much as a facilitator he was to Hulkamania he also provided some memorable moments with Macho Man Randy Savage and Bobby Heenan and the Heenan Family.
In 1993 Okerlund left the WWF and began working in the rival WCW. His contract had expired with the WWF. Working in WCW he was able to make promo magic with Ric Flair and he hosted the famous WCW hotline. Fans could and get the inside scoop from Mean Gene. He stayed with the company until it was sold in 2001. After that he returned home to the WWF. He participated in the Gimmick Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 17 and hosted different shows on WWE on Demand. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. Most recently you may remember his time in the Legends House or him narrating the WWE Network Story Time series. Mean Gene was a true gem and will be missed by the wrestling business.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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