Okerlund's career spanned nearly five decades as a ring announcer and interviewer for every major professional wrestling association beginning with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1970. Future Minnesota Governor would give him the "Mean Gene" moniker belying his reputation as one of the nicest people in the business. In the early 1980's, Okerlund would develop a close relationship with Hulk Hogan and would move with him to WWE (then known as the WWF) before moving on to WCW (World Championship Wrestling) in the early 1990's. Okerlund has made sporadic appearances with the WWE since the early 2000's. His final appearance came nearly a year ago when he came back for the RAW 25th anniversary special to interview then WWE Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles.
"Mean" Gene had a powerful voice and an innate ability to play the straight man in the most absurd of all theaters. R.I.P.
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