Vince McMahon & Hulk Hogan On Gene Okerlund, WWE NXT UK Tag Titles Update, John Cena's RAW Return
- Today's WWE NXT UK episode saw Trent Seven and Tyler Bate defeat Gallus' Mark Coffey and Wolfgang in a semifinal match to advance in the NXT UK Tag Team Title tournament. Next week's show will feature James Drake and Zack Gibson vs. Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews in another semifinal match. The winners of that match will face Seven and Bate at NXT UK "Takeover: Blackpool" on January 12 to crown the first-ever NXT UK Tag Team Titles. Above is video from today's Gallus vs. Moustache Mountain match and below is post-match video of Radzi Chinyanganya talking to the winners.
Bate and Seven say Moustache Mountain will have their champagne moment at Takeover in Blackpool, where everything started, and they can't wait.
- WWE announced the following for John Cena's red brand return on next Monday's RAW from Orlando:
John Cena is back
John Cena might have kicked off 2019 with an appearance on SmackDown LIVE, which saw him team with Becky Lynch against Andrade "Cien" Almas & Zelina Vega in a Mixed Tag Team Match, but this coming Monday, the 16-time World Champion (and the star of "Bumblebee") will drop in on the red brand.
As evidenced by what transpired between The Cenation Leader and The Irish Lass Kicker on New Year's Day, anything can happen when Cena's in the house.
- As noted, WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund passed away at the age of 76 earlier today at a hospital in Sarasota, FL. Okerlund suffered a fall a few weeks back and his health deteriorated from there. Below are more Twitter tributes from Vince McMahon, The Rock, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, Shane McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg, Kevin Owens, WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler, Corey Graves, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, Eric Bischoff, and WWE Hall of Famer Sting.
Vince wrote, "It was impossible not to crack a smile whenever "Mean" Gene Okerlund entered a room. He was the voice behind so many of WWE's most iconic and entertaining moments, and the WWE family will miss him immensely."
Hogan wrote, "The best partner I ever had. We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me "hey big man what do u want to do?" I would always answer "just follow you brother" and it worked from 1980 – 2017. RIP my brother HH"
It was impossible not to crack a smile whenever "Mean" Gene Okerlund entered a room. He was the voice behind so many of WWE's most iconic and entertaining moments, and the WWE family will miss him immensely. pic.twitter.com/zbrkQAvtug
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) January 3, 2019
The best partner I ever had. We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me "hey big man what do u want to do?" I would always answer "just follow you brother" and it worked from 1980 – 2017. RIP my brother HH pic.twitter.com/OBtn6NxT1E
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 3, 2019
Gene Okerlund was always a consummate pro. His iconic voice, personality, and talent helped so many superstars climb to the top.
I am deeply saddened by his passing. RIP Mean Gene.— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) January 2, 2019
Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I've met that knew him.
Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.
Those things can undoubtedly be said about him. #RIPMeanGene
— Soon. (@FightOwensFight) January 2, 2019
I will always value those days at the TV Studio where Gene would have everybody rolling with laughter.
Tonight, indulge in a vodka soda with a splash of cranberry. An "Okerlund" in our business.
Don't cry because we lost him. Smile because we had him.
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
RiP Mean Gene. I will miss you. #thebestever pic.twitter.com/Z0Dd59peb3
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) January 2, 2019
So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund
I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.
It's so true that our tomorrow's are never guaranteed.
Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. ?? pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019
I'm very sorry to hear that Gene has passed away. He was a good man and one of the greatest of all time. You will be missed my friend. pic.twitter.com/POLwK2bJ9b
— Sting (@Sting) January 2, 2019
Very sad day as I hear of the passing of another legend. Lots of fond memories with old Mean Gene and the Goldberg family ..... you will be missed my friend. ???? @TheGeneOkerlund
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) January 2, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of our friend, Mean Gene Okerlund.
I'll always remember Gene with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand and always wanting to help. His was "The Voice" of @WWE RIP Gene. pic.twitter.com/tgS1Yy3VpA— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 2, 2019
We lost a wrestling legend on the microphone.
The incomparable "Mean Gene" Okerlund.
What an iconic career and extremely distinct voice of the squared circle during distinct eras of the smart/cool sounding "neutral" wrestling commentator.
Solie, VKM, Monsoon, JR, Okerlund etc.
RIP legend, strength to your Okerlund ohana and thanks for the awesome memories ~ DJ
#LemmeTellYaSumthinMeanGene
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