A founding member of The Four Horsemen and one of the biggest heels from the territory area of wrestling, Ole Anderson, has died. Ricky Morton shared the news of Anderson’s death via his Instagram account last night.
“Rest in Paradise, Ole Anderson,” Morton wrote. “You taught me so much in professional wrestling. You were tough as nails. You will be missed, my friend.”
During last night’s “WWE RAW,” Michael Cole acknowledged Anderson’s death on air before a graphic was shown. Anderson famously hated Vince McMahon (and vice versa) after he took over GCW in 1984.
Anderson, whose real name was Alan Robert Rogowski, was 81 years old. Following his wrestling career, Anderson worked as a booker for Georgia Championship Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions, notably beefing with Vince McMahon over the takeover of GCW in 1984.
Eventually, Anderson would wind up as part of WCW’s executive team but kept to his word as far as McMahon goes, reportedly refusing to agree to participate in documentaries and WWE Hall of Fame presentations, still hanging on to the animosity stemming from McMahon’s territory takeover.
Anderson’s spot as an original Horseman next to Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Arn Anderson, managed by J.J. Dillon, was ultimately ceded to Lex Luger in 1987. He was also part of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, alongside his kayfabe brother Gene Anderson, replacing Lars Anderson (also not related) in the group upon his departure from the territory. In 2007, it was reported that Anderson had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis although there is no word as of yet as to an exact cause of death.
At the same time, WWE posted about Anderson’s death, as did AEW and NWA.
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary Ole Anderson. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.
Fellow Horsemen, Ric Flair said that he was “forever grateful for giving me the opportunity to become who I am today.” Veteran journalist Dave Melzter commented on the impact of Anderson on the pro wrestling industry.
Sorry to hear about the death of Ole Anderson. One of the major characters in pro wrestling of the 70s and 80s. Excellent talker and great heel.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
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