Ole Anderson obit

Ole Anderson, original Four Horsemen member, dead at 81

Anderson left a big mark on the wrestling world

 

He was not on the list.

Pro wrestling legend Ole Anderson passed away on Monday, friends and family members revealed.

He was 81 years old.

Anderson, whose real name was Alan Rogowski, is best known for his role as one of the members of the original Four Horsemen faction.

The group consisted of Anderson, Arn Anderson, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard.

He was considered one of the biggest heels and Anderson was widely respected for his work in the business. 

“Ole Anderson’s passing is a somber moment or the wrestling world,” former wrestler Ricky Morton wrote on Instagram. “Ole was not just a colleague; he was a formidable opponent, a respected veteran, and a part of wrestling history. Our battles in the ring were intense, and the memories we created together will always be cherished.

Morton added: “While his passing leaves a void in the wrestling community, Ole Anderson’s legacy will live on through the impact he made on the sport and the memories he shared with fans and fellow wrestlers alike.”

The Horsemen were one of the most legendary groups in professional wrestling history while performing in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and then World Championship Wrestling.

“I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin,” Flair wrote on X. “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!”

Anderson retired from the ring in 1987 but did return to reform the Horsemen in 1989 before retiring shortly thereafter.

He became the head of the WCW booking committee in 1990 following his retirement.

“WWE is saddened to learn that Ole Anderson has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Anderson’s family, friends, and fans,” WWE said in a statement on X.

“AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary Ole Anderson. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans,” AEW said in a statement of their own Monday night.

WWE also acknowledged the passing of Anderson on its “Monday Night Raw” telecast.