Ole Anderson, along with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, were the original founding members of The Four Horsemen faction in the 1980s, one of the first and most dominant factions in pro wrestling history.
Ole Anderson has died at 81-years-old.
Former NWA star Ricky Morton wrote on Instagram Monday that Anderson, 81, had passed.
“Rest in Paradise, Ole Anderson,” he wrote. “You taught me so much in professional wrestling. You were tough as nails. You will be missed, my friend.”
Ric Flair paid tribute to Anderson on social media after the news broke.
‘Forever Thankful’
“I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin,” Flair wrote. “It Launched My Career. 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 & Gene Started Me. Rest In Peace My Friend!”
Tributes from wrestlers came from everywhere.
RELATED: John Cena Admits He’s Working On An ‘Exit Strategy’ From WWE
Ole Anderson Was a Force
The Wrestling Observer noted, “Anderson (Alan Robert Rogowski) entered Jim Crockett Promotions in 1968, billed as the brother of Gene Anderson. Together, they were known as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. In 1986, he became part of the original Horsemen lineup with Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and JJ Dillon. He also was part of WCW’s booking committee in 1990 and 1993, shortly before Eric Bischoff was put in charge of the company in 1994.”
Anderson was a major part of the 1980s wrestling boom both as an in-ring talent and a booker, for Georgia Championship Wrestling and late World Championship Wrestling. He made a major impact on the business during a time when it was reaching new heights, particularly within popular culture.
RIP