WWE Hall of Famer Mean Gene Okerlund Dies aged 76

Gene Okerlund in 2017. Photo by Mediapunch/REX/Shutterstock (8469421s)

Legendary WWE announcer, interviewer and wrestler ‘Mean Gene’ Okerlund died Wednesday morning aged 76, WWE announced.

“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away,” the organization said through a statement.

Okerlund was one of the most recognizable names in sports entertainment at his height. He worked for the American Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment.

He rose to international fame as an interviewer during the 1980s and 1990s. He then ventured into ring announcements and hosting before he retired and was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Hulk Hogan in 2006.

Upon the announcement of his death, fellow Hall of Famer Steve Austin paid his tribute on Twitter.

Former wrestler and WWE executive Triple H also paid his tribute.