• OLD SCHOOL HISTORY (January 02, 1989) – WWF Prime Time Wrestling [1988 YEAR IN REVIEW – SPECIAL]
On this day in 1989, the World Wrestling Federation aired an episode of their weekly TV show ‘WWF Prime Time Wrestling’.
It featured pre-taped matches, studio interviews & storyline segments on the road to the ‘WWF Royal Rumble 1989’ PPV.
The card can be found right here:
– Danny Davis vs. Jim Powers (12/6/88; Daytona Beach, FL; Ocean Center)
– The Rockers vs. Jose Estrada & Iron Mike Sharpe (Wrestling Challenge – 12/7/88; Tampa, FL; SunDome)
– Bret Hart vs. Bad News Brown (5/7/88; Boston Garden)
• BREAKING: WWE Hall Of Famer Passes Away
We are saddened to announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76.
Below is what WWE posted about this sad story:
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76.
In his early days, “Mean Gene”, as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Hulk Hogan. In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more.
Okerlund branched out from interviewing by providing ringside commentary and hosting several shows, including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling. Announcing wasn’t all that Okerlund could do with a microphone, as his distinct voice sung the National Anthem at the first WrestleMania in 1985. Later that year, Okerlund would sing “Tutti Frutti” on WWE’s The Wrestling Album.
In 1993, Okerlund joined WCW as lead interviewer where he continued to interview many of the legends he had worked with in the AWA and WWE as well as WCW stalwarts, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, Goldberg and others.
In 2001, Okerlund returned to WWE to call the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and continued to appear on WWE television programming, including being a cast member on WWE Network’s Legends’ House.
WWE extends its condolences to Okerlund’s family, friends and fans.”
