Wrestling legend dies aged 81 as WWE leads tributes to original Four Horseman-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Ole Anderson was a founding member of the Four Horsemen (Picture: WWE)

Wrestling legend Ole Anderson has died aged 81.

The decorated wrestler, who was a founding member of iconic faction The Four Horsemen, plied his trade for the likes of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Jim Crockett Promotions and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

WWE paid tribute to Anderson with a graphic on screen during last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw, just hours after his death was confirmed.

Fellow wrestling veteran Ricky Morton had revealed on X: ‘Rest in Paradise, Ole Anderson.

‘You taught me so much in professional wrestling. You were tough as nails. You will be missed, my friend.’

In WWE’s own tribute on its website, the organisation highlighted Anderson’s ‘hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor’, which helped lead the Horsemen to immortality, having founded it in 1968 alongside  Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and manager J. J. Dillon.

He leaves behind an incredible legacy (Picture: WWE)

WWE added: ‘Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, Anderson was a prolific and decorated tag team wrestler, most famously alongside Arn Anderson in The Minnesota Wrecking Crew.’

As well as his in-ring career, Anderson served as a promoter, including a spell on WCW’s booking committee in 1990 and 1993, before boss Eric Bischoff was placed in charge in 1994.

He was a decorated champion across the US (Picture: NWA Legends)

All Elite Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance shared their own tributes to Anderson, while Ric Flair credited him with his own success.

He wrote: ‘I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin. 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.’

WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce added: ‘Godspeed, Ole Anderson. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Grateful for your myriad contributions to our sport. Rest well, sir. ’

And veteran Tommy Dreamer praised Anderson for the way he was able to work on both sides of the coin, whether it was as a villain or a fan favourite.

He tweeted: ‘I watched him wrestle thousands for times. He was great at his job. Heel or babyface. RIP Ole Anderson.’

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