As noted, legendary pro wrestling announcer / interviewer / host and beloved WWE Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund passed away at age 76 this week.
Featured below are a number of tweets from WWE Superstars and wrestling personalities reacting to the unfortunate news.
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
Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/IxpjiLo9UN
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 2, 2019
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
Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.
Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.
Those things can undoubtedly be said about him. #RIPMeanGene
— Soon. (@FightOwensFight) January 2, 2019
Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene! #RIPGene
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) January 2, 2019
Very sad to hear of his passing. He was incredible at what he did. Watching him was how I learned that every single role is important. He taught me that if you don't care then they won't care. Thoughts go out to his family. https://t.co/HK68HfcPhE
— Austin Creeds finally going to MagFest (@XavierWoodsPhD) January 2, 2019
We love you @TheGeneOkerlund #RIPGeneOkerlund pic.twitter.com/E6Q4UB8MdY
— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) January 2, 2019
Rest In Peace Mean Gene Okerlund. Thanks for the memories. https://t.co/Wdq9wpGQEh
— Brian Myers (@TheCurtHawkins) January 2, 2019
RIP Gene Okerlund
— Mandy (@WWE_MandyRose) January 2, 2019
RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. "Mean Gene" was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today. https://t.co/qB9FHJFx63
— #WOKEN, yet #BROKEN, Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) January 2, 2019
#RIPGeneOkerlund https://t.co/b6n7jVQPBl
— Lexi Kaufman (@AlexaBliss_WWE) January 2, 2019
One of the most respected & never will be forgotten! Thank you for always being so kind when I would see you! Legends never die https://t.co/2A8p3xoeLj
— Dana Brooke WWE (@DanaBrookeWWE) January 2, 2019
Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) January 2, 2019
#RIP to a man who made us all more involved fans, who brought the drama of the characters on screen to life with his charm and delivery. You will be missed, Gene
— Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) January 2, 2019
Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories pic.twitter.com/EMDrs0ozGP
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) January 2, 2019
#RIPMeanGene The voice of my Childhood. https://t.co/u9omZFknMt
— Tony Nese (@TonyNese) January 2, 2019
#RIPMeanGene https://t.co/sdLKTQk16z
— Kingslayer (@DakotaKai_WWE) January 2, 2019
This is heartbreaking! Mean Gene is a voice that’ll live on forever! #RIPGeneOkerlund https://t.co/DeqG3Ffl7l
— Tegan Nox (@TeganNoxWWE_) January 2, 2019
RIP “Mean” Gene Okerlund.
— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) January 2, 2019
When I was younger and just starting out in wrestling all the guys at the wrestling gym went by 2 rules to pick a name..
1) You had to be able to imagine Vince McMahon saying the name on commentary
2) You had to be able to hear Mene Gene saying it with a question#RIPMeanGene
— TJ Perkins (@MegaTJP) January 2, 2019
I was always a big mean gene fan, as a character and much more importantly, as a person. We should say positive things about good people more often. never know when you won’t get another chance. #RIPMeanGene
— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 2, 2019
#ripGene https://t.co/bHRqRJEvhP
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) January 2, 2019
#MeanGene pic.twitter.com/x6v8HEFwSS
— The One And Only! (@KingRicochet) January 2, 2019
WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/u3bS6pePmY
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) January 2, 2019
I’m so heart broken to hear of the passing of Mean Gene!! Thank you Gene for the laughs, advice, and most of a wonderful friendship! #wwe. #legend. #friend pic.twitter.com/hM7E9VoDIa
— Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero) January 2, 2019
RIP Mean Gene pic.twitter.com/oDZASdcOh5
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) January 2, 2019
One of the CLASSIEST Men I’ve Ever had the opportunity to meet and know. Always told me how proud he was to have me in the wrestling business and appreciated what I stand for. Yes I like many others Was a Huge Fan Of His “Work” But I was more Honored to see His WORTH to Everyone https://t.co/biOKHr2OPt
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) January 2, 2019
#RIPMeanGene https://t.co/JhYUPooeWH
— MELLA I$ MONEY (@CarmellaWWE) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
Rest easy #MeanGene your Legacy shall live in forever
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) January 2, 2019
A voice of my childhood, and one of the greatest of all time — you will be missed, Gene. https://t.co/15kNprnbRd
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 2, 2019
#RIPMeanGene
— Dean Muhtadi (@MojoRawleyWWE) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019
Legend https://t.co/iAT7I1UnkL
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) January 2, 2019