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STAMFORD, Connecticut – Alan Rogowski, better known as Ole Anderson and a founding member of professional wrestling’s famous Four Horsemen, has died at the age of 81.
Rogowski teamed with Arn Anderson, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard to create The Four Horsemen in 1986. The four “set a standard of style, attitude and success that has inspired every stable that followed.” World Wrestling Entertainment said on Monday when announcing Anderson’s death.
“A founding member of The Four Horsemen, Ole’s tough style and gruff demeanor helped define the group as one of the greatest stables in the history of sports entertainment,” WWE said.
No cause of death was revealed.
Rogowski turned to professional wrestling in the late 1960s. He joined the “Anderson Family” in 1968, teaming with his storyline “brother” Gene Anderson to form the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. That pair won several tag team titles, along with a pairing of Rogowski and Larry “Lars” Anderson. CBS Sports said.
Rogowski eventually formed a new version of The Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Arn Anderson. They were a dominant force in professional wrestling who later joined with Flair and Blanchard to form The Four Horsemen in 1986.
The Horsemen became one of the most legendary groups in wrestling history, dominating Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and eventually World Championship Wrestling, CBS said.
Rogowski retired in 1987. He returned briefly, reforming the group with Arn Anderson, Flair and Sting in 1989. After retiring again, he served as the group’s manager.
Flair posted his condolences on Xformerly Twitter.
“I will be forever grateful for giving men the opportunity to become who I am today,” Flair wrote. “We didn’t always agree, but the truth is that you and Gene (Anderson) started me. Rest in peace my friend.”
A publication from the wrestling promotions group. NWA Legends he praised Rogowski, saying he had fewer partners in wrestling.
“He was tough as nails, he could handle himself in any situation.” NWA Legends Released in X. “Brutally honest, which offended some. He endeared him to others.”