Alan Robert Rogowski, famed in wrestling circles under the moniker “Ole Anderson,” achieved legendary status within the sport. Recognized as a key figure in the formation of the renowned wrestling faction, The Four Horsemen, his recent demise marks the end of an era in the wrestling world.
On February 26, the WWE revealed the passing of Rogowski on X, previously known as Twitter. The wrestling organization expressed sympathy to his loved ones and supporters. Rogowski, who was 81 years old at the time of his demise, had his cause of death undisclosed.
Born in 1942, Rogowski enlisted in the US Army before embarking on his wrestling career. In 1967, he became associated with the American Wrestling Association in Minnesota, where he remained for approximately a year. He later transitioned to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the Carolinas. It was during this time that he assumed the persona of “Ole Anderson” and asserted to fans that he was the sibling of Gene and Lars Anderson. Together, they formed the renowned trio known as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.
Following his departure from JCP in 1970, the wrestler ventured through various wrestling organizations until 1985, when he reconnected with JCP once more. Between 1985 and 1995, he maintained ties with both JCP and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), during which he became a pivotal member of The Four Horsemen. Alongside partners such as Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Arn Anderson, he solidified his place within the group’s legacy. However, he was later ousted from the faction to make room for Lex Luger. Subsequently, in 1989, he orchestrated the reunion of The Four Horsemen, rejoining Flair, Arn, and Sting in the process.
In 1990, Rogowski transitioned to the role of head of the booking committee at WCW. He is recognized for contributing some of the most innovative ideas to the company, which was subsequently acquired by WWE. In 1992, he commenced his tenure as a referee, and in 1993, he assumed temporary leadership of WCW following the dismissal of Bill Watts.
In 2004, Rogowski published his book titled “Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling,” wherein he criticized the corporate evolution of the sport. He detailed his conflicts with figures such as former WWE CEO Vince McMahon. The book was characterized as both enlightening and resentful. McMahon notably excluded Rogowski when inducting the Four Horsemen into the WWE Hall of Fame. Rogowski is survived by his longtime partner, Marsha Cain, and his seven children.
