Legendary Wrestler Ole Anderson Passes Away at 81
Original Four Horsemen member Alan Rogowski, known as Ole Anderson, passed away at the age of 81, according to a statement by WWE.
Renowned as a founding member of the iconic group, The Four Horsemen, Ole Anderson’s hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor symbolized the greatness of this legendary stable in the history of sports-entertainment, as confirmed by WWE.
“A founder member of The Four Horsemen, Ole’s hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor helped define the group as one of the greatest stables in sports-entertainment history,” WWE said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Anderson’s family, friends and fans.”
Ric Flair Remembers Ole Anderson’s Impact
One of his colleagues and close friends, Ric Flair, generously shared his heartfelt admiration through a post on the social media platform X. Flair gratefully acknowledged the impact that Ole Anderson had on his career, stating, “I will be grateful forever for you giving me the opportunity to become who I am today. We didn’t always agree with each other, but the honest to God truth is you and Gene started me. Rest In Peace My Friend!”
Ole Anderson’s WWE Career
Ole Anderson, then known as Alan Rogowski, embarked on his distinguished wrestling journey during the 1960s. However, his career truly took off in 1986 when he joined forces with manager J.J. Dillon, as well as teammates Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Arn Anderson. This formidable alliance became known as The Four Horsemen, setting an exceptionally high standard for all WWE legends that followed.
During their dominant reign, The Four Horsemen completely controlled both the Mid-Atlantic Championship and World Championship Wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape.
Retirement and Continued Influence
In 1987, Rogowski briefly retired but subsequently returned in 1989 to form a new group alongside Arn Anderson, Flair, and Sting before ultimately retiring for the final time.
Despite stepping away from in-ring competition, Rogowski continued to contribute to the wrestling industry in various roles, including manager and head of the WCW booking committee. His passion for the sport and his remarkable legacy will always be cherished.
