**UPDATED** RIP to Mean Gene Okerlund (Some of my Favorite Moments)

UPDATED RIP to Mean Gene Okerlund (Some of my Favorite Moments)

Received a notification about the passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. Check out this link for WWE's announcement of his passing:

WWE on Passing of Mean Gene

How can anyone not consider Mean Gene Okerlund as the best interviewer in wrestling history? His work in helping wrestlers cut promos was second to none as he guided even the most verbally-challenged wrestlers to at least decent promos. His history is the history of professional wrestling: AWA, WWF, WCW, and as a legend talent back in WWE. And let's never forget the hotline: "1-900-909-9900. Kids, have your parents' permission before calling."

As you can tell by one of my memes, I loved Gene Okerlund's work in the old WWF especially. Here are some of my favorite Gene Okerlund memories...

1) "PUT THAT CIGARETTE OUT"

Gene was hilarious at the right time. See this moment...

2) "Longfellow couldn't have said it better."

Sometimes, Gene didn't need to do much. But he would add in that one line that would put the cap on already great promo. This is an example of that with Jake cutting an absolutely great promo and Gene just getting in this great line.

3) (BLEEP)

This was the infamous SummerSlam 1989 botch where the sign fell down behind Gene, Rick Rude, and Bobby Heenan. This was a taped botch, but the production crew played it by accident during the actual broadcast. In WWF's G era of wrestling, this was definitely a unique situation. And it is hilarious to look back on 30 years later.

4) The Voice of the People

This last one is from Hulk Hogan's heel turn in WCW that created the nWo. Here, Mean Gene represents the fans in the arena and at home who feel betrayed by Hulk Hogan's actions. Subtly here, through his comments and interjections, Gene helps guide the interview to where it needed to go. Plus, he's got a fleet of lawyers. Lol.

I'm leaving off so much that I probably could go back to, including his escapades on Legends House. So, raise a glass to Mean Gene. Thank you Gene for all the memories.

Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.

**UPDATE** I am somewhat upset with myself for the fact that in doing a Mean Gene tribute, I forgot to include this!!!! I used to turn over to Nitro during the Monday Night Wars just to hear Ric Flair do this every week. Seriously, if I saw Ric Flair coming down the aisle, I stopped switching channels at least long enough to hear him go "Mean... WOOOOO! BY GOD! .... Gene!" So, yes: Ric Flair made me turn the channel much more than Goldberg or Hulk Hogan did in 1998. And a good bit of that reason is Mean Gene playing straight man to Flair's antics.

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