WWE News: Twitter reacts to death of 'Mean' Gene Okerlund

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'Mean' Gene Okerlund was part of some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.

What's the story?

Tributes have poured in for 'Mean' Gene Okerlund, after the most famous interviewer in wrestling history died earlier today aged 76.

In case you didn't know

Arguably the most famous announcer in wrestling history, Gene Okerlund joined entertainment as a DJ in Nebraska, before joining the AWA in 1970.

Moving to the WWF in the 1980s, Okerlund became a fixture of WWF programming as a commentator, announcer, interviewer, and occasional wrestler, and sang the national anthem at the very first WrestleMania.

In 2006, Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on the night before WrestleMania 22, by former World Champion Hulk Hogan.

On January 2, 2019, Okerlund died at the age of 76.

The heart of the matter

Hulk Hogan, who was interviewed by Okerlund countless times, and inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame, said that he will always love the legendary interviewer.

Mean Gene I love you my brother HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019

205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick took to Twitter to share a humorous anecdote of the first time he met Gene, after signing with the WWE.

I remember the first time I met Gene.

Gene: “Spud - I was walking around the offices of Titan Towers in Stamford CT. Do you know who was talking about you?”

Me: “OMG - Who Gene?”

Gene: “Absolutely f’n NOBODY!”

God bless you sir #RIPMeanGene

— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) January 2, 2019

Triple H rightly described Mean Gene as the voice and soundtrack to an entire era of wrestling.

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

Tony Schiavone, who worked with Mean Gene during his time in WCW, said he was devastated at the death of his friend.

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

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin described the late interviewer as untouchable in every role he had.

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

Whilst current interviewer Cathy Kelly shared her own tribute with a photo of the two interviewers together.

💔 RIP Mean Gene pic.twitter.com/oDZASdcOh5

— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) January 2, 2019

What's next?

Okerlund is survived by his wife Jeanne, whom he married in 1964, and their two children.

We at Sportskeeda would like to offer our best wishes to Jeanne and the entire Okerlund family at this time.

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