Ole Anderson, a founding member of The Four Horsemen and a prominent figure in the wrestling territories passed away on February 26, 2024. The news was shared by Ricky Morton through his Instagram account on Monday night.
“Rest in Paradise, Ole Anderson,” Morton expressed. “You imparted invaluable wisdom to me in the world of professional wrestling. Your resilience was unmatched. Farewell, my dear friend.”
Born Alan Robert Rogowski, Anderson, aged 81, left a significant mark in wrestling. After his in-ring career, he transitioned into a role as a booker for Georgia Championship Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions. Notably, he clashed with Vince McMahon during the GCW takeover in 1984. Despite later joining WCW’s executive team, Anderson remained steadfast in his stance against McMahon, reportedly declining participation in documentaries and WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies due to lingering animosity.
Anderson’s legacy as an original member of The Four Horsemen, alongside Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Arn Anderson under the management of J.J. Dillon, was eventually succeeded by Lex Luger in 1987. He also formed the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with his kayfabe brother Gene Anderson, stepping in for Lars Anderson in the group after his departure from the territory. In 2007, Anderson’s battle with Multiple Sclerosis was reported.
During “WWE RAW” on Monday night, Michael Cole paid tribute to Anderson’s passing on air, followed by a displayed graphic. Anderson’s well-known disdain for Vince McMahon, and vice versa, stemmed from McMahon’s acquisition of GCW in 1984. Reports suggest Anderson confronted both McMahon and his wife, Linda, in a meeting. Despite their history, WWE, AEW, and NWA all extended tributes to Anderson on social media.