In Memory of “Mean" Gene Okerlund

By Logan McRay

Professional wrestling icon “Mean” Gene Okerlund died January 02, 2019 at the age of 76. Anyone who watched wrestling in the 1980’s or 90’s will have an appreciation for the work of Okerlund. He was the main interviewer of stars such as Hulk Hogan and Randy “Macho Man” Savage. He also sang (!) on the WWF album and briefly played professional hockey. From the WWE website:

“Mean Gene,” as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, first came to prominence as an interviewer in the American Wrestling Association. In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became as recognizable as the Superstars he asked the tough questions to, including “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and, perhaps Okerlund's greatest guest, Hulk Hogan. Countless Hulkster interviews included the indelible phrase, "Well you know something 'Mean' Gene!"

Okerlund appeared to have lived a long full life. Here’s some choice moments to remember him by: