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Ric Flair, Dave Meltzer & More React to the Passing of Wrestling Great Ole Anderson

Originally posted on SE Scoops | By Aaron Varble | Last updated 2/26/24

Ric Flair, Dave Meltzer and more have reacted to the passing of pro wrestling legend Ole Anderson.

Ole Anderson, a significant figure in professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 81. The news of Ole Anderson's death was initially shared by Ricky Morton, who posted the announcement on Instagram. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. As a member of the Four Horsemen, Ole will always be remembered for his impact on the sport.

The pro wrestling world is reacting after Ole Anderson's passing broke. Kris Zellner posted a tribute to Twitter/X, as he gave Ole credit for his booking genius.

Ole Anderson passed away today.....

A true legend in the South....one of the most effective wrestlers ever....

Also a booking genius before not being one later in life....

RIP https://t.co/a0TlVJbYhb
— Kris Zellner (@KrisZellner) February 27, 2024

Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter also tweeted out after Ole's passing broke. He gave him credit for being such a great heel, and a fantastic talker on the microphone, as he drove heat for his programs for years.

Sorry to hear about the death of Ole Anderson. One of the major characters in pro wrestling of the 70s and 80s. Excellent talker and great heel.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) February 27, 2024

Ric Flair also sent out a tribute for his Four Horseman brother. The Nature Boy thanked Ole Anderson for everything he did for his career, including bringing him to Crockett Promotions in the first place.

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 &… pic.twitter.com/bYinfeWhKp
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) February 26, 2024

Tommy Dreamer sent out a tribute as well, as he had some words to remember Ole's legend. The Innovator of Violence said he watched Ole wrestle thousands of times as well.

I watched him wrestle thousands of times
He was great at his job
Heel or babyface
RIP Ole Anderson pic.twitter.com/d4A4pzMmyd
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) February 27, 2024

One of the original members of the Four Horsemen, alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and JJ Dillon, Ole played a crucial role in shaping the industry. Throughout his career, spanning from 1967 to 1990, he held NWA titles in various promotions and territories.

This was a great loss for the pro wrestling world, and Ole Anderson's legend certainly received a ton of respect today. You can check out a few more tributes in the space below. RIP Ole.

RIP Ole. You were smarter than all of us. pic.twitter.com/UTCb1KwM7G
— IANdrew Dice Clay (@IANdrewDiceClay) February 27, 2024

Ole Anderson was one of the most influential figures in the entire industry at the peak of his power - booking both Georgia and the Carolinas concurrently, which was insane when you understand what that entailed

"Polarizing" doesn't even begin to describe him
— John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock) February 27, 2024

R.I.P. to the legendary Ole Anderson. One of my first interviews on @BustedOpenRadio was with him and I will never forget it. pic.twitter.com/AM7mydeFpp
— Dave LaGreca (@davidlagreca1) February 27, 2024

He was one of the best promos ever. A hell of a worker; one half of the team that invented tag team wrestling. A booker/promoter who crafted some of the most memorable angles ever. An ornery SOB who rubbed many the wrong way, but always stood by his convictions. #RIPOleAnderson pic.twitter.com/OIOnAFQqEc
— Brian R. Solomon (@BrianRSolomon) February 27, 2024

This article first appeared on SE Scoops and was syndicated with permission.

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