"Mean" Gene Okerlund -- the most famous announcer in the history of pro wrestling -- has died, WWE has confirmed. He was 76.
Vince McMahon's company issued a statement saying, "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."
Hulk Hogan also commented ... saying, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."
Okerlund started as a radio DJ back in Nebraska before taking a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970.
He moved to WWF in the early '80s and WRESTLED -- famously pinning Mr.