Ole Anderson Passes Away

Ole Anderson (Alan Robert Rogowski) sadly passed away on Monday, February 26 at his home. He was 81 years old.

Anderson's family have released the following obituary: 

"Mr. Alan Robert Rogowski, age 81, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at his residence. Mr. Rogowski was a professional wrestler and wrestled under the name of Ole Anderson. He served the United States faithfully in the Army. Mr. Rogowski was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Joseph Rogowski and Georgiana Bryant; and his brother, Robin Rogowski. 

"Mr. Rogowski is survived by his significant other of twenty-two years, Marsha Cain; children, Bryant Rogowski, Christian Rogowski, Fortune Evans, Aaron Rogowski, Ethan Rogowski, Galen Rogowski, and Dana Armstrong; along with a host of grandchildren and extended family also survives. 

"Per the request of the family, no services will be held. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements."

Anderson began his in-ring career back in Jim Crockett Promotions in 1968, being billed as the brother of Gene Anderson. They performed as the second iteration of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and were one of the dominant tag teams of the 1970s, holding the NWA World Tag Team Championships on seven occasions among a whole host of other NWA tag team title belts during the territory days. 

Gene would retire from in-ring action in 1981 and Ole formed a tag team with Stan Hansen, adding another NWA World Tag Team Title reign to his list of accolades in 1982. Ole later reformed the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with kayfabe nephew Arn Anderson in 1985 and the tag team remained together during the formation of the original Four Horsemen lineup of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and JJ Dillon. Ole remained a part of the stable until 1987 and he would later reform his tag team with Arn, ending his career as one-half of The Andersons in 1990.

Ole was a part of World Championship Wrestling's booking committee in 1990 and 1993, shortly before Eric Bischoff took charge of the promotion. Anderson was fired by Bischoff in 1994. 

Tributes have been paid to Ole Anderson from across the pro wrestling world, including on the February 26 edition of Monday Night Raw. 

Ric Flair also tweeted: "I Am Forever Thankful To Ole And Gene For Bringing Me In To Crockett Promotions As A Cousin. It Launched My Career,” he wrote. “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!"

Cultaholic sends condolences to the family and friends of Ole Anderson.