Ole Anderson, iconic wrestling heel and long-time WCW booker, dies at 81 as fellow ex-Four Horseman member Ric Flair credits him for launching his own career: ‘Rest In Peace My Friend!’

Wrestling icon Ole Anderson, best known as a member of the original Four Horseman faction, passed away Monday at 81.

A cause of death was not revealed, but he was previously diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and had been dealing with limited mobility. The Minneapolis native and US Army veteran’s death was confirmed by friends and family.

Born Alan Rogowski, Anderson cultivated one of wrestling’s most indelible heel personas and was known throughout the industry for his ability to cut a promo. He later became a top booker for Georgia Championship Wrestling, which aired on Ted Turner’s TBS from the 1970s until 1984.

‘Just saw the Ole Anderson news,’ one fan wrote on X, echoing statements made by countless others on Monday. ‘RIP to one of the most important historical figures in wrestling, who was also a top-tier promo in wrestling history and at his peak a great booker.’

Anderson and his fellow Four Horseman – Arn Anderson, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard – would fight for several promotions, including Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling and later Turner’s World Championship Wrestling.

Wrestling icon Ole Anderson, best known as a Four Horseman member, passed away Monday at 81. A cause of death has not been revealed, but he did have multiple sclerosis

Ole Anderson (far left) is seen with his fellow Four Horseman, including Ric Flair (far right) 

The WWE was among several wrestling promotions to honor Ole Anderson online on Monday

Not only was the group successful on its own, but they would help turn Flair into a legendary star for both the WCW and WWE.

‘I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin,’ Flair wrote on X, repeating the kayfabe narrative that he and the two ‘Andersons’ were actually related. 

‘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!’

‘Ole Anderson’s passing is a somber moment or the wrestling world,’ retired grappler 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 went on to add: ‘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.’

Anderson had seven children, including wrestler Bryant Anderson, whose real name is Bryant Rogowski.