Ole Anderson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ole Anderson
Anderson, c. 1982
Birth nameAlan Robert Rogowski
Born(1942-09-22)September 22, 1942
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedFebruary 26, 2024(2024-02-26) (aged 81)
Monroe, Georgia, U.S.
PartnerMarsha Cain[1]
Children7, including Bryant[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Al Rogowski[2]
Ole Anderson[2]
Rock Rogowski[2]
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[2][3]
Billed weight255 lb (116 kg)[2]
Trained byDick the Bruiser[2]
Verne Gagne[2]
DebutAugust 19, 1967[2]
RetiredApril 28, 1990[2]
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Specialist

Alan Robert Rogowski (September 22, 1942 – February 26, 2024), better known by the ring name Ole Anderson (/ˈoʊlɪ/), was an American professional wrestler, booker, and promoter.

Following a stint in the U.S. Army, Rogowski made his professional wrestling debut in his native Minnesota in 1967, wrestling for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) as Al "the Rock" Rogowski or simply Rock Rogowski. The following year, he debuted in the Carolinas-based Jim Crockett Promotions, where he adopted the ring name Ole Anderson and began teaming with his "brother" Gene Anderson as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. Following a further stint with the AWA and appearances with Championship Wrestling from Florida, in 1972 Anderson settled into wrestling primarily for Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling. By the mid-1980s, Anderson was a part-owner of, and the booker for, Georgia Championship Wrestling. After Georgia Championship Wrestling was acquired by Vince McMahon in 1984 in what was known as "Black Saturday", Anderson broke away to form his own promotion - Championship Wrestling from Georgia - which was acquired by Jim Crockett Promotions the following year. Anderson spent the rest of his career with Jim Crockett Promotions and its successor, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), forming a new iteration of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Arn Anderson, co-founding influential stable The Four Horsemen, twice serving as booker for WCW, and running the WCW Power Plant. He retired from the ring in 1990, and from the professional wrestling industry in 1994.

Known amongst his contemporaries for his gruff, cantankerous demeanor and toughness, Anderson is a key figure in the history of professional wrestling in Georgia and the Carolinas. He held over 40 championships over the course of his career, including eight reigns as National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Tag Team Champion. He was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994 and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2010.

Early life[edit]

Rogowski was born to the Polish immigrants Robert Joseph Rogowski and Georgiana Bryant in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1942. He attended Alexander Ramsey High School in nearby Roseville, Minnesota.[4][5][6][7] He spent his adolescence in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked at his father's bar.[6] As a youth he took part in amateur wrestling and football.[6][8] After high school, Rogowski attended the University of Colorado (where he played football for the Colorado Buffaloes), the University of Minnesota, and St. Cloud State University, but did not graduate.[6]

Rogowski served in the U.S. Army for three years,[1][6] reaching the rank of specialist.[8] During his service, he spent time stationed in Germany and performed clerical work.[9] While in the Army, Rogowski trained in amateur wrestling, boxing and powerlifting.[6]

Professional wrestling career[edit]

American Wrestling Association (1967–1968)[edit]

While exercising at a YMCA gym, Rogowski was approached by professional wrestler Tiger Malloy to meet with Verne Gagne, the promoter of the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based American Wrestling Association (AWA).[6][10] Rogowski was trained to wrestle by Gagne and Dick the Bruiser. He debuted with the AWA on August 19, 1967, defeating José Quintero in a bout in the Minneapolis Auditorium.[2][11][12] He wrestled as "Al 'the Rock' Rogowski" or simply "Rock Rogowski".[2][13] He was occasionally billed as being the nephew of Dick the Bruiser, and as a relative of The Crusher.[6][14] He went on a short unbeaten streak which ended the following month when he and Mighty Igor Vodik unsuccessfully challenged Harley Race and Larry Hennig for the AWA World Tag Team Championship. In October 1967, Rogowski defeated Bob Orton for the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship; Orton regained the title from him the following month.[15] In December 1967, he twice again challenged for the AWA World Tag Team Championship, teaming with Bill Watts in a pair of losses to champions Dr. Moto and Mitsu Arakawa. Rogowski wrestled regularly for the AWA until June 1968, when he moved to Jim Crockett Promotions.[11] By the end of his first year in professional wrestling, Rogowski was earning $32,000 (equivalent to $269,000 in 2022) per annum.[5]

Jim Crockett Promotions (1968–1970)[edit]

See also: Minnesota Wrecking Crew

In mid-1968, Anderson began wrestling for the Carolinas-based Jim Crockett Promotions. Adopting the ring name Ole Anderson (Ole being a traditional Norwegian Minnesotan name, and also a play-on-words referring to the toxic shrub oleander), he was presented as the brother of Gene Anderson and Lars Anderson. Billed as Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the trio wrestled in a series of six-man tag team matches. In September 1968, they began feuding with Art Thomas, George Becker, and Johnny Weaver, culminating in a Texas death match in October 1968 that was won by Becker, Thomas, and Weaver. Following the Texas death match, Lars Anderson left the territory to return to Minnesota, and the Minnesota Wrecking Crew continued as a tag team.[4][16][17]

The Minnesota Wrecking Crew continued to feud with Becker and Weaver. In January 1969, they defeated Becker and Weaver to win the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship; they lost the titles back to Becker and Weaver one week later. In January 1969, they began a long-running series of matches against the Flying Scotts. In June 1969, Ole and Gene were re-joined by Lars Anderson. The Minnesota Wrecking Crew resumed their feud with Thomas, Becker, and Weaver, and also began a series of violent matches against Aldo Bogni, Bronko Lubich, and George Harris.[17]

After Lars departed once again in July 1969, Ole and Gene reverted to being a tag team. In March 1970, they defeated Becker and Weaver to win the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship. They held the titles for 180 days, finally losing to Nelson Royal and Paul Jones in September 1970. Anderson departed Jim Crockett Promotions later that month.[17]

American Wrestling Association (1970–1971)[edit]

In November 1970, Anderson returned to the American Wrestling Association, readopting his "Rock Rogowski" ring name.[11] Upon his return, he defeated Tex McKenzie to win the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship for a second time, losing the title to Stan Pulaski the following month.[15] Also in November 1970, Anderson challenged his trainer Verne Gagne for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, wrestling him to a double countout.[11] In early-1971, Anderson held the AWA Midwest Tag Team Championship on two occasions, once with The Claw and once with Ox Baker.[3][18] Anderson left the AWA once more in mid-1971 to join Championship Wrestling from Florida.[11]

Championship Wrestling from Florida (1971–1972)[edit]

In July 1971, Anderson began wrestling for the Florida-based Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion. Shortly after arriving, he formed a tag team with Ronnie Garvin, with the duo winning the vacant NWA Florida Tag Team Championship later that month. They lost the titles to the Australians (Larry O'Dea and Ron Miller) the following month.[19] In December 1971, Anderson defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Florida Television Championship. His reign ended one week later when he lost to Bob Roop.[3][20] Anderson wrestled regularly for Championship Wrestling from Florida until spring 1972, when he left to return to Jim Crockett Promotions.[21]

Jim Crockett Promotions; Georgia Championship Wrestling (1972–1984)[edit]

See also: Minnesota Wrecking Crew

From 1972 to 1985, Anderson wrestled primarily for Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling. From the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, The Minnesota Wrecking Crew became synonymous with tag team wrestling in the Georgia and Mid-Atlantic territories by capturing the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship and the Mid-Atlantic territorial version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship seven times each.[16] The Andersons feuded with such stars as Mr. Wrestling and Mr. Wrestling II, Wahoo McDaniel, Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, Dusty Rhodes, Tommy Rich, Johnny Weaver, Dino Bravo, Paul Jones, Greg Valentine, Ricky Steamboat, Rufus R. Jones, The Mongols, and Thunderbolt Patterson throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.[16]

In 1973, Anderson won the NWA Eastern Heavyweight Championship.[22]

In January 1975, Ric Flair was introduced to Jim Crockett Promotions as a cousin of Ole and Gene Anderson, with the trio taking part in a series of six-man tag team matches.[7][23]

In 1975, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew faced Paul Jones and Wahoo McDaniel in a series of matches for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. A June 1975 featured the "supreme sacrifice" angle, which saw Ole ram McDaniel into Gene's head, knocking both men out and enabling Ole to pin McDaniel.[4]

In May 1976, Anderson was attacked by a knife-wielding audience member in Greenville, South Carolina. The attacker slashed his arm and chest, necessitating the reattachment of tendons and a large number of stitches.[6][4]

In 1976, Anderson was appointed as booker of Georgia Championship Wrestling by majority owner Jim Barnett, replacing Harley Race.[24][25] Anderson eventually became a part-owner of Georgia Championship Wrestling.[6] He also had a stint booking JCP in 1981–82. For a time he even booked both companies simultaneously, often combining both rosters for supercards which were noted for offering some of the best action in the business at that time. He later left JCP to book and wrestle for GCW full-time.[citation needed]

In 1980, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew turned face.[22] In July 1980, Anderson was involved in one of Georgia Championship Wrestling's more infamous angles. After turning face, Anderson had repeatedly petitioned his former rival Dusty Rhodes to team with him. Rhodes eventually acquiesced, and the duo challenged the Assassins for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship in a steel cage match in the Omni Coliseum, with Gene Anderson and Ivan Koloff as guest referees. During the match, when Rhodes attempted to tag Anderson in, Anderson instead attacked Rhodes, leading to all five heels beating down Rhodes. Following the attack, Ole Anderson gave an interview to Gordon Solie in which he gloated that he had planned the betrayal for over a year.[22][26]

Championship Wrestling from Georgia (1984–1985)[edit]

See also: Black Saturday

In July 1984, Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, and other shareholders sold their shares in Georgia Championship Wrestling to Vince McMahon for $900,000 (equivalent to $2,535,000 in 2022) in what became known in the wrestling industry as "Black Saturday". The deal gave McMahon a 90% stake in the promotion and control over Georgia Championship Wrestling's 6:05 PM ET Saturday night timeslot on TBS, in which World Championship Wrestling had aired since June 1981.[27][28][25][29] Anderson - the head booker of the promotion, and a 10% minority shareholder - rejected McMahon's new direction for the promotion and acrimoniously resigned.[27][30]

Anderson joined forces with long-time NWA-sanctioned promoters Fred Ward and Ralph Freed to start a new company called Championship Wrestling from Georgia.[16] TBS president Ted Turner granted Championship Wrestling from Georgia a 7:30 AM ET Saturday morning timeslot on TBS, which outperformed McMahon's revamped World Championship Wrestling in television ratings.[27][28] Championship Wrestling from Georgia promoted its first event in August 1984 and its final event in April 1985,[31] when Anderson sold it to Jim Crockett Jr..[27]

In addition to promoting and booking Championship Wrestling from Georgia, Anderson also wrestled for the promotion throughout its existence. In his first match, Anderson teamed with Brad Armstrong to defeat Bob Roop and The Spoiler in the Macon Coliseum. Anderson went on to feud with Roop, facing him in a series of street fights, cage matches, and taped fist matches. In October 1984 at Championship Wrestling from Georgia's "Night of Champions" event, Anderson and Dusty Rhodes wrestled AWA World Tag Team Champions the Road Warriors to a double disqualification. In November 1984, Anderson began teaming with Thunderbolt Patterson, with the duo defeating the Long Riders for the NWA National Tag Team Championship in January 1985; they vacated the titles in March 1985 when Anderson turned on Patterson.[32][33] In March 1985, Anderson reformed the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Gene Anderson; the duo continued to team together until the promotion's final event in April 1985.[32]

Jim Crockett Promotions and World Championship Wrestling (1985–1994)[edit]

Minnesota Wrecking Crew; Four Horsemen (1985–1987)[edit]

See also: Minnesota Wrecking Crew and the Four Horsemen
Anderson (left) as a member of the Four Horsemen, c. 1987

In April 1985, Jim Crockett Promotions acquired Championship Wrestling from Georgia. In the same month, Gene Anderson retired from professional wrestling. Ole Anderson was paired with the debuting Marty Lunde, who had a similar facial appearance as Ole. Lunde was renamed "Arn Anderson" (variously billed as being Ole's brother, cousin, or nephew[6][4]) and the duo began teaming together, originally simply as the Andersons, then as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.[17][34][35] Later that month, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew defeated Manny Fernandez and Thunderbolt Patterson to win the NWA National Tag Team Championship.[17]

In September 1985, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew joined Ric Flair in an attack on Dusty Rhodes. The three men, along with Tully Blanchard and his manager J. J. Dillon, went on to form a stable. The following month, Arn Anderson delivered a promo in which he stated that "not since the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have so few wreaked so much havoc on so many", leading announcer Tony Schiavone to dub them "the Four Horsemen". The Four Horsemen swiftly went on to become a dominant heel faction in Jim Crockett Promotions.[34][35]

Over the following months, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew successfully defended their NWA National Tag Team Championship against challengers such as America's Team (Dusty Rhodes and Magnum TA); Brad Armstrong and Steve Armstrong; Ron Garvin and Terry Taylor; and Jimmy Valiant and Sam Houston. At Starrcade '85: The Gathering that November, they successfully defended the titles against Billy Jack Haynes and Wahoo McDaniel. They held the titles until January 1986, when Ole was injured in a six-man tag team match against Dusty Rhodes and the Road Warriors, forcing them to vacate the Championship.[17][33]

After recuperating from his injury, in March-April 1986, Anderson wrestled in Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling as part of its Champion Carnival tour. He took part in a tournament for the NWA United National Championship, defeating Killer Khan, losing to Genichiro Tenryu, and wrestling Ashura Hara to a draw; the tournament was ultimately won by Tenryu. Anderson's other opponents during the tour included Animal Hamaguchi, Haru Sonoda, Rocky Hata, and Takashi Ishikawa.[17]

Following his return from Japan, Anderson resumed teaming with Arn Anderson in Jim Crockett Promotions. In July 1986, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew began a long-running series of matches against the Rock 'n' Roll Express. In November 1986 at Starrcade '86: Night of the Skywalkers, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew unsuccessfully challenged the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) in a steel cage match in the Greensboro Coliseum. They continued to team together until February 1987.[17][36]

Feud with the Four Horsemen; tag team with Lex Luger (1987–1988)[edit]

In February 1987, Anderson left the Four Horsemen after punching Tully Blanchard when he referred to Ole's son Bryant as a "snot nosed kid".[37] He subsequently began feuding with the remaining Four Horsemen, facing Blanchard, Arn Anderson, and Dillon in a series of matches. Anderson also vied with Big Bubba Rogers and his manager Jim Cornette, who Dillon had hired to get rid of Ole. In March 1987, he formed a short-lived tag team with Tim Horner. Anderson went temporarily into retirement in July 1987.[17][37]

Anderson returned to the ring in January 1988, forming a tag team with Lex Luger, who had left the Four Horsemen the month prior. Anderson and Luger began feuding with their former stablemates, repeatedly challenging Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard for the NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version). They also joined forces with Dusty Rhodes to face Anderson, Blanchard, and Ric Flair in a series of six-man tag team matches. The tag team disbanded in March 1988 when Anderson returned to retirement.[17]

Four Horsemen reunion (1989–1990)[edit]

See also: the Four Horsemen

Anderson came out of retirement once more in November 1989, reforming the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Arn Anderson, who had returned to Jim Crockett Promotions (since renamed "World Championship Wrestling") after a stint in the World Wrestling Federation. The following month, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew reformed the Four Horsemen with Ric Flair and Sting.[34][38] The Minnesota Wrecking Crew went on to compete in WCW's tag team division, facing teams such as the State Patrol (Lt. James Earl Wright and Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker), the Fabulous Freebirds, the New Zealand Militia (Jack Victory and Rip Morgan), and the Samoan SWAT Team. The reformed Four Horsemen also feuded with the J-Tex Corporation/Gary Hart International, culminating in a steel cage match at Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout in February 1990 where the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and Flair defeated Buzz Sawyer, the Dragon Master, and the Great Muta.[17]

At WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing in February 1990, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew unsuccessfully challenged the Steiner Brothers for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. They challenged the Steiner Brothers on multiple occasions in early 1990, but failed to win the titles. In March-April 1990, Anderson briefly managed Mike Enos and Wayne Bloom, who had been dubbed the Minnesota Wrecking Crew II. Anderson wrestled the final match of his career on April 28, 1990, teaming with Arn Anderson in a loss to Rick Steiner and Road Warrior Animal.[17] He subsequently retired again to manage the Four Horsemen.[34][38]

Retirement; backstage roles (1990–1994)[edit]

In spring 1990, Anderson began heading the booking committee for WCW, replacing Ric Flair.[8][39] Anderson's tenure saw some of the more outlandish creative ideas tried by WCW. Among his creations were The Black Scorpion, which was intended to be a nemesis from Sting's past.[40] After several miscues, the Scorpion's identity was eventually revealed as Ric Flair, in a ploy to confuse Sting and force him to lose the WCW World Heavyweight Championship back to Flair.[40] The May 1990 pay-per-view Capital Combat saw the fictional character RoboCop come to the ring to rescue Sting.[8] Anderson was dismissed as booker at the end of 1990.[41]

On the June 13, 1992 episode of WCW Saturday Night, Anderson was appointed senior referee of WCW by Bill Watts.[42]

After Bill Watts was ousted as Executive Vice President of WCW in February 1993 and replaced by Bob Dhue, Anderson once again became booker for WCW.[43][44] When Ric Flair returned to WCW that spring, Anderson questioned what value he had after having lost a loser leaves town match to Mr. Perfect on national television in the World Wrestling Federation, which Flair took as a personal attack, leading to him ending their friendship.[45]

In May 1993 at Slamboree, Anderson, Arn Anderson, Ric Flair and Paul Roma appeared on an edition of Flair's interview segment A Flair for the Gold and declared themselves to be a new line-up of the Four Horseman. Ole Anderson did not reappear following Slamboree and the stable proceeded as a trio.[34]

In early 1994, Eric Bischoff was promoted to replace Bob Dhue; after a series of creative disagreements, Bischoff reassigned Anderson to be head trainer of the WCW Power Plant training school.[5][44][46] in May 1994, at Slamboree, Anderson was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame.[47] Anderson was fired from WCW by Bischoff in September 1994 after meeting Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) promoter and booker Jim Cornette - who was on bad terms with Bischoff - in the parking lot of the Power Plant to cut promos for his son Bryant's upcoming debut in SMW.[46]

Legacy[edit]

After leaving WCW, Anderson retired from professional wrestling. In 2003, he co-authored an autobiography with Scott Teal, titled Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling.[48][24]

Fellow professional wrestler Ric Flair described Anderson as "the consummate wrestler - he was tough, he could talk, he looked good in the ring, and he really knew how to wrestle".[23] The Minnesota Wrecking Crew were one of the highest earning acts in professional wrestling in the 1970s.[6] George Schire described the Minnesota Wrecking Crew as having "reigned as the top tag team in the South for over a decade".[14] Journalist Alex Marvez described Anderson as "one of wrestling's top villains in the 1970s and '80s"; he was stabbed on seven occasions.[49] Writing in 2024, journalists Oliver Lee Bateman and Ian Douglass described Anderson as "one of the best workers and wrestling minds of the previous era".[6] In 2004, journalist Mike Mooneyham described him as "an intriguing, almost mythical, figure in the wrestling business".[50]

During Anderson's stint as booker of Georgia Championship Wrestling, the promotion became highly profitable.[6] His later runs as WCW booker in 1990 and 1993-1994 drew some criticism. Mick Foley, who described Anderson as a "wrestling traditionalist", resigned from WCW in 1990 after a discussion with Anderson in which he critiqued Foley's style.[39] Robbie V left WCW in May 1993 shortly after Anderson replaced Bill Watts as booker, feeling he was "lost in the shuffle".[51] Eric Bischoff described Anderson's ideas as "dated and unsophisticated", while praising his "'feel' and understanding of the basics of the physical side of storytelling".[44]

Anderson had acrimonious relationships with many wrestlers.[45] He was characterized by some co-workers as a bully.[52] He criticized former partner and friend Ric Flair for wrestling formulaic matches.[6][24][45] Anderson was also vocal about his personal issues with Vince McMahon, Dusty Rhodes, Michael Hayes, Paul Heyman, Eric Bischoff, Tully Blanchard, Jim Herd, Roddy Piper, Bruiser Brody,[53] Ernie Ladd,[6] and Thunderbolt Patterson.[6]

Professional wrestling style and persona[edit]

Anderson was known for his "hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor".[54] As a member of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, he wrestled in a stiff, "nothing flashy, no gimmicks" style.[4] Professional wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker described the Minnesota Wrecking Crew as "old-school rough and tumble brawlers with mat knowledge and superior ring psychology".[7] His signature moves included a diving knee drop,[2] a hammerlock,[2] and an armbar.[55] He was nicknamed "Brute" [14] and "the Rock".[56][13] He generally wrestled in red trunks, sometimes adorned with yellow stars.[36]

Personal life and death[edit]

Rogowski had seven children from a marriage that ended in divorce, including Bryant Rogowski, who wrestled as Bryant Anderson. At the time of his death, he had been in a relationship with Marsha Cain for 22 years.[1][50]

In addition to his professional wrestling career, Rogowski at one stage in his life owned a sawmill in Wisconsin.[50]

In July 2007, Gerweck.net reported that Rogowski had multiple sclerosis and had gotten worse with decreased mobility and memory loss.[citation needed] On February 27, 2011, it was announced that Rogowski had been nursing broken ribs due to a fall he had earlier that day, as well as a broken arm.[57]

Rogowski died on February 26, 2024, at the age of 81.[1][54][58]

Bibliography[edit]

  • Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling (2003)

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

Ole Anderson (right) and Gene Anderson (left) as tag team champions

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Obituary for Mr. Alan Robert Rogowski". CarterFHWinder.com. February 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Ole Anderson". Cagematch.net. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Lentz III, Harris M. (2010). Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling (2 ed.). McFarland and Company. p. 12. ISBN 978-1-4766-0505-0.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Oliver, Greg (February 26, 2024). "Ole Anderson dead at 81". SlamWrestling.net. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Mooneyham, Mike (January 18, 2004). "Ole Anderson part 2". MikeMooneyham.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Bateman, Oliver Lee; Douglass, Ian (February 29, 2024). "Ole Anderson was the ghost of wrestling's past". TheRinger.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Hornbaker, Tim (2023). The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair. ECW Press. p. 34-44. ISBN 978-0-613-33590-4.
  8. ^ a b c d Truitt, Brandon (January 5, 2004). "Ole Anderson shoot interview". TheSmartMarks.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  9. ^ Kovachis, Chris (July 27, 2004). "On the road with Ole Anderson". SlamWrestling.net. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  10. ^ Bayless, Brian (January 6, 2017). "RF Video shoot interview with Ole Anderson". BlogOfDoom.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Ole Anderson - matches - American Wrestling Association". Cagematch.net. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  12. ^ "Inside Out by Ole Anderson". CrowbarPress.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Stone, David. "Ole Anderson". KayfabeMemories.com. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Schire, George (2010). Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling: From Verne Gagne to the Road Warriors. Minnesota Historical Society Press. p. 67. ISBN 978-0-8735-1620-4.
  15. ^ a b Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006). Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  16. ^ a b c d Oliver, Greg; Johnson, Steve (2005). "Top 20: #6 The Minnesota Wrecking Crew". The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams. ECW Press. pp. 42–46. ISBN 978-1-5502-2683-6.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Ole Anderson - matches - Jim Crockett Promotions". Cagematch.net. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  18. ^ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2000). "Nebraska: AWA Midwest Tag Team Title [Dusek]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  19. ^ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006). Wrestling Title Histories (4 ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  20. ^ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006). Wrestling Title Histories (4 ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  21. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Ole Anderson - matches - Championship Wrestling from Florida". Cagematch.net. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c Stone, David. "Ole Anderson page 2". KayfabeMemories.com. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Flair, Ric; Greenberg, Keith Elliot (2010). Ric Flair: To Be the Man. World Wrestling Entertainment. p. 62. ISBN 978-1-4391-2174-0.
  24. ^ a b c Bedard, Derek (December 28, 2003). "Wrestling Observer Live radio report with Ole Anderson". WrestlingObserver.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Watts, Bill; Williams, Scott (2006). The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story. ECW Press. pp. 115, 181. ISBN 978-1-5502-2708-6.
  26. ^ Rickard, Mike (2010). "I Never Was Your Friend, Gordon Solie". Wrestling's Greatest Moments. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-5549-0331-3.
  27. ^ a b c d Eddie Mac (July 14, 2017). "This day in wrestling history (July 14): Black Saturday". CagesideSeats.com. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Molinaro, John F. (July 15, 2012). "End of an era on TBS: Solie, Georgia and 'Black Saturday'". Canoe.ca. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  29. ^ Johnson, Weldon T.; Wilson, Jim (2003). Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring. Xlibris US. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-4628-1172-4.
  30. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (September 20, 2022). "Tony Schiavone says Ole Anderson regretted how he treated Vince and Linda McMahon". Fightful.com. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  31. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Championship Wrestling from Georgia - events". Cagematch.net. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  32. ^ a b Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Ole Anderson - matches - Championship Wrestling from Georgia". Cagematch.net. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  33. ^ a b c NWA National Tag Team Title history Archived 2007-12-18 at the Wayback Machine At wrestling-titles.com
  34. ^ a b c d e Bourne, Dick (2017). Four Horsemen: A Timeline History. CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1545468548.
  35. ^ a b Cawthon, Graham (2013). the History of Professional Wrestling Vol 3: Jim Crockett and the NWA World Title 1983-1989. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1494803476.
  36. ^ a b Keith, Scott (November 26, 2020). "The SmarK Rant for NWA Starrcade 86". BlogOfDoom.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "JCP – 1987 results". TheHistoryOfWWE.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Cawthon, Graham (2014). the History of Professional Wrestling Vol 4: World Championship Wrestling 1989-1994. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1499656343.
  39. ^ a b Foley, Mick (2000). Have a Nice Day! a Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. Turtleback. p. 235-236. ISBN 978-0-613-33590-4. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  40. ^ a b RD Reynolds; Randy Baer (2003). Wrestlecrap – the very worst of pro wrestling. ECW Press. ISBN 1-55022-584-7.
  41. ^ Oliver, Greg (December 22, 2003). "Ole lets lose in new book". SlamWrestling.net. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  42. ^ Colling, Bob (December 13, 2013). "WCW Saturday Night 6/13/1992". WrestlingRecaps.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  43. ^ Keith, Scott (May 19, 2017). "Wrestling Observer Flashback–02.22.93". BlogOfDoom.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  44. ^ a b c Bischoff, Eric; Roberts, Jeremy (2006). Controversy Creates Cash. Simon and Schuster. pp. 83, 102–106. ISBN 978-1-4165-2729-9.
  45. ^ a b c Chin, Michael (March 2024). "Ole Anderson: why he was one of the most hated men in wrestling history". TheSportster.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  46. ^ a b Keith, Scott (May 21, 2018). "Wrestling Observer Flashback–09.26.94". BlogOfDoom.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  47. ^ "WCW Slamboree: history 1994". WCW.com. World Championship Wrestling. Archived from the original on May 11, 2000.
  48. ^ Oliver, Greg (January 5, 2004). "Ole Anderson offers insights and insults". SlamWrestling.net. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  49. ^ Marvez, Alex (May 14, 2004). "Legendary villain has a grudge and he isn't faking it". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  50. ^ a b c Mooneyham, Mike (January 11, 2004). "Ole Anderson part 1". MikeMooneyham.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  51. ^ Fisher, Kieran (November 27, 2023). "RVD details issues working under Bill Watts and Ole Anderson in WCW". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  52. ^ Riesman, Abraham Josephine (2023). "Get Over, Act I". Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America. Atria Books. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-9821-6944-2.
  53. ^ Mooneyham, Mike (January 17, 2004). "Ole Anderson speaks out". MikeMooneyham.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  54. ^ a b "Ole Anderson passes away". WWE.com. WWE. February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  55. ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Ole Anderson". WrestlingData.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  56. ^ Bourne, Dick (May 16, 2021). "How firm a foundation: what Ole Anderson left to Arn Anderson and the Four Horsemen". MidAtlanticGateway.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  57. ^ "Ole Anderson Suffers Nasty Injury". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
  58. ^ Rose, Bryan (February 26, 2024). "Four Horsemen member Ole Anderson passes away at 81 years old". Wrestling Observer – Figure Four Online. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  59. ^ AWA Midwest Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  60. ^ AWA Midwest Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  61. ^ NWA Florida Television Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  62. ^ NWA Florida Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  63. ^ NWA Columbus Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  64. ^ NWA Georgia Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  65. ^ NWA Georgia Television Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  66. ^ NWA Macon Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  67. ^ NWA Macon Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  68. ^ NWA Southeastern Tag Team Title (Georgia) history At wrestling-titles.com
  69. ^ NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  70. ^ NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  71. ^ NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  72. ^ NWA World Tag Team Title (Mid-Atlantic/WCW) history At wrestling-titles.com
  73. ^ WCW Hall of Fame history At wrestling-titles.com
  74. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  75. ^ NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ole Anderson.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ole_Anderson&oldid=1213195766"