Gene Okerlund Wasn't Really Mean

There is debate over who first called Gene Okerlund "Mean Gene." While it is not the most clever moniker, it stuck, no matter who first coined the name.

I first saw Okerlund as a backstage interviewer on WWF television in the mid-80s. At the time, I did not know of his lengthy career prior to that. He actually started back in 1970. He had a great run in the midwest's American Wrestling Association. When Vince McMahon took the WWF nationwide, he gobbled up talent from all other companies, including Okerlund.

I had the pleasure of meeting him several times. He even did a promo for my site, which is in the left column. Even funnier were the outtakes, but I could not make those public. There was nothing bad, just some stories and language better left to my memories. He was quite a character.

He passed away four years ago today, but his legacy is forever. Mean Gene was one of a kine.

Gene Okerlund and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Gene Okerlund and Nick Hausman at C2E2 2017

C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) returns tomorrow through March 2. I'll be there as usual, but for now, I am recalling some fun moments from previous years at C2E2.
A few tears ago, I got to spend some time with wrestling announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund at the Headlocked booth C2E2/. On the first day, I had Scott Steiner with me and Gene poked a bit at Scott for his colorful shirt. Gene kept up that humor all weekend, even though Scott wasn't with me the next two days. It didn't matter. Gene was having fun and I had a big laugh every time.
Chicagoan Nick Hausman joined the fun on and off, too. Nick has been involved in the entertainment and wrestling business for a long time.
Headlocked is a wrestling comic produced by the very talented Michael Kingston. With the original goal of creating a "cool wrestling comic," Michael created Headlocked. He has succeeded. It was embraced by the wrestling community, wrestling fans and comic lovers of all sorts. Through hard work (and lots of comic con appearances), Michael has made Headlocked a big success.

A couple years ago I interviewed Michael about Headlocked. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Michael Kingston.
Michael is still working hard producing and promoting Headlocked.  If Michael is aat a comic con, you can bet there will be several wrestlers joining him.
Unfortunately, Gene passed away last year. He was a legend and is sorely missed.
Go to C2E2.com for more info and follow C2E2 on Facebook for more frequent updates. Also, check out HeadlockedComic.com for some more entertainment.

Nick Hausman, Gene Okerlund and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

Gene Okerlund at Days of the Dead 2018

Days of the Dead is coming to Indianapolis, IN July 5-7. While I look forward to another great DotD event, I am recalling some of my favorite moments from the previous years there.

Last year, at DotD Chicago, Jayson Maples of HeroesandLegendsWrestling brought in "Mean" Gene Okerlund. The promoter of Heroes and Legends of Wrestling Fan Fest has been a staple at DotD, bringing in many of the greats of wrestling. I was super excited when he brought in "Mean" Gene.

I have met Gene previously, but he is always so much fun. He cut one of the funniest promos I have ever gotten (see video in the left column). At one previous event, he jabbed my friend and assistant Scotty Steiner about his shirt all weekend. It was hilarious.

This last Days with Gene was especially poignant. About a month later, right after the new year, Gene passed away at the age of 76.

I am glad I got to spend one last time with Gene. He is such a character. It was his idea to choke me in this picture. That's just the kind of fun you could expect from Gene. He was a true professional, but he was also capable of silly antics.

I talked to Gene about his son Todd, a former Olympic and New York Islanders hockey player. Gene lit up a bit as he talked about Todd and his other son Tor. He was very proud and happy for them.

Gene was the first announcer inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association HOF for his singing success in his younger days.

It was a pleasure and and honor to know Gene and to consider him a friend. He is missed greatly.

Thank you to Jayson for bringing in Gene and the other great legends of wrestling. I look forward to your special guests every show.

Go to DaysoftheDead.com for info on the upcoming show and all other events throughout the year. Also check out HeroesandLegendsWrestling to see the cool events Jayson runs.

Gene Okerland and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Friendly Encounters: Gene Okerlund and Heather Owens

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I met Hardcore Heather Owens at Resistance Pro Wrestling, although I probably saw her at Days of the Dead prior to RPro.  I just didn't know her then.  Aside from being a talented wrester, Heather is one of the Days crew.

I have seen a lot of people (including me) ask Heather for a picture with her.  It is always cool to see that person get excited about taking a picture with another celebrity.  Such was the case when Heather met wrestling Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund.

Actually Gene looked just as happy.  Knowing Gene, he does have an eye for the ladies.  I'm sure Heather did not have to ask twice.

Both Gene and Heather are great.  Look how happy they both look in this picture.  I just love when the picture really shows happiness.  This picture is perfect.

There are five Days events every year.  I highly encourage everyone to attend one of them.  You might see Gene or another wrestling legend.  You will probably also see Heather, but look quickly, because she is usually a blur of activity making sure things run smoothly.

Mean Gene meets Hardcore Heather.  This is awesome!

Gene Okerlund and Heather Owens in Indianapolis, IN-June 2016.

Gene Okerlund at C2E2 2016

Meeting Mean Gene Okerlund was like meeting a piece of wrestling history.  The legendary broadcaster has interviewed all of the biggest names in pro wrestling.

Scottie "The WonderBoy" Steiner and I had a lot of fun at C2E2, hanging with Wisconsin promoter David Herro and Okerlund.  Scottie's colorful shirt was the topic of a few of Okerlund's jokes (and rightly so).

Okerlund looks great, too.  My first memories of Mean Gene go back to the early 80's.  Now 35 years later, I can't believe I am conversing with this legend.  (Maybe 35 years from now, I will say the same about Scottie).

In a sport where huge, ciseld bodies rule and the fans are constantly looking for the next best thing, Mean Gene is timeless.  He transcends the product.  Do not miss any chance to meet this legend.

For that matter, do not miss a chance to go to C2E2, where you can meet such legends.  Go to C2E2.com to learn about the upcoming event.

Scott Steiner, Gene Okerlund and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Mean Gene Okerlund Loves Johngy's Beat

Mean Gene Okerlund is a Hall of Fame wrestling broadcaster.  His career is legendary and his resume is impressive.

He started in the AWA in 1974, but he really earned his stardom in the WWE (then WWF) from 1984-1993.  Whether he was interviewing stars like Hulk Hogan or exchanging barbs with other announcers like Bobby Heenan and Jesse Ventura, Mean Gene was always entertaining.

Thanks to David Herro,. I got to spend a little time with Mean Gene at C2E2 2016.  I also had the privilege of getting his thoughts on Johngy's Beat.  That video is below and also in the left column of promos.

On a side trivia note, Gene's son Todd was an excellent hockey player at the University of Minnesota.  He went on to play 4 games for the New York Islanders and also played on the 1988 United States Olympic ice hockey team before retiring.

Friendly Encounters: Gene Okerlund and David Herro

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Our #SuperFriend David Herro is everywhere and with so many superstars of wrestling.  At the recent Cauliflower Alley Club event in Las Vegas, David was at it once again.
From his wrestling promotion, television appearances, podcasts and more, the Pride of Wisconsin is as recognizable as many of the wrestlers.  As I have written many times, David does all of this with his son Kal.  It's heartwarming to see the father-son bond.
David is hosting the SuperFriends Fan Fest on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday May 8.  It will be two days filled with wrestling superstars and fans interacting with each other.
Among the legends appearing will be Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "Mean" Gene Okerlund, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman.  Active wrestling stars, ODB, Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Thea Trinidad, Melina Perez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Katie Forbes and more.
No, I did not forget Al Snow.  How could I ever forget Al Snow?  Aside from him "punching" me every time I see him, I always enjoy his wit and wisdom.
You can get all of the info, including prices and schedules at the SuperFriends Fan Fest website.  Tell David Johngy sent you.

David Herro and Gene Okerlund in Las Vegas, NV-April 2016.