**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.

Comments

WWE Super Show-Down 2018 Review: Last Time Ever Delivers + Some Other Solid Matches

Another big show in the WWE this year will happen today as WWE comes from Melbourne, Australia in front of 70,000 people. A lot of big matches are happening here. Let's Do This! No Pre-Show today. It's straight to the show. The new WWE opening takes place, and we get a WWE video package putting over the show and the LAST TIME EVER match. It looks like the Raw Announce Team will be calling the show. We go to the arena, and they've already spent more money on fireworks than they have for WWE programming this year. 70,309 in attendance. For once, the entrance way is understated. 1) SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship The Bar vs. The New Day (c) I wonder if Vince/WWE Management is ordering people to run the aisle tonight. Both tag teams were doing that coming to the ring. Nice back and forth action with Kingston and Cesaro, along with Woods after getting the tag. Woods and Kingston had an awesome sequence of moves to start off. The Bar a minute later catches bot...

WWE TLC 2018 Review- Tables and Ladders and Chairs, Oh My!

HERE WE GO! Pre-Show 1) WWE Cruiserweight Championship Buddy Murphy (champ) vs. Cedric Alexander They started this match early. Apparently, they wanted just as many fans in the arena as there usually are in 205 Live matches for this to give it the authentic feel. The bell rings. A lot of tie-ups and switches to start up the match to a good reaction from the crowd. A Loud 205 Chant. Alexander takes down Murphy to the floor. Really good back and forth action here with both men moving quickly. Alexander catches Murphy with a dropkick for a 2 count. BIG KNEE to the head of Alexander sends him to the floor. Murphy flies off the top rope and hits a Meteora (maybe that’s what they were going for?) for a 2 count. Murphy has the advantage for a few moments, including a power choke on the corner on Alexander. He jumps off it to eat a SUPERKICK to the chest. Crowd seems invested in the matc...

WWE Stomping Grounds 2019 Review

What's up everyone, It's the sequel to WWE Super Showdown as WWE presents the first ever Stomping Grounds event. Will this be an annual thing or go the way of "Great Balls of Fire?" We'll find out later. Anyways, stay here throughout the night if you are reading live (or keep reading if you are seeing this afterwards) as I am providing live thoughts of the show. WWE Stomping Grounds Tacoma, WA June 23, 2019 Pre-Show - A preview is shown of Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston in a Steel Cage Match. This doesn't feel like a WWE Championship match. Rather, it feels like a Raw 2011 mid-card match for the United States Championship. And worse at that. At least 2011 had Vickie Guerrero at ringside yelling "EXCUSE ME!" - In a cool bit, Booker T is in the steel cage showing off the cage for the pre-show audience. That was a cool visual. - Coach is so much better on the Kickoff Panel than he ever was behind the announce table. If WWE does ge...

UnWrest

Search This Blog