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Ole Anderson, one of professional wrestling's “Four Horsemen,” died Monday at the age of 81.
Anderson, whose real name was Alan Robert Rogowski, became one of the most influential figures in wrestling when he, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard formed the stable in the mid-1980s.
The Andersons, who played relatives in the ring, formed “The Minnesota Wrecking Crew” of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. Flair and Blanchard joined later.
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Ole Anderson died on Monday at the age of 81.
They were managed by manager JJ Dillon in the NWA wrestling organization. They fought some of the biggest names in wrestling, including Dusty Rhodes, the Road Warriors, Magnum TA and Sting, who later became a member of the four-man team.
Flair posted an ode to his former wrestling partner on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, saying working with him “launched my career.”
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“I am forever grateful to Ole and Gene for inviting me to Crockett Promotions as a cousin.” he wrote. “It launched my career. I will forever be grateful to you for giving me the chance to become who I am today. We haven't always agreed, but the truest truth is that you and Gene founded me. Rest in peace my friend!”
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Major wrestling brands including WWE and AEW paid tribute to Anderson.
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Anderson was a member of the Horsemen from 1986 to 1990. He briefly took over the reins of WCW in 1993, but was fired by Eric Bischoff the next year.
In 2007, it was reported that Anderson suffered from multiple sclerosis.
Anderson was a member of the Four Horsemen.
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According to an obituary from Carter Funeral Home in Winder, Georgia, he also served in the U.S. Army and is survived by his partner of 22 years, Martha Cain, and seven children, including former wrestler Bryant Anderson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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