Wrestling Legend and Four Horsemen Founding Member Ole Anderson Dead at 81

Former professional wrestler Ole Anderson has passed away at the age of 81, the WWE confirmed on Monday night. Anderson, born Alan Robert Rogowski, was a founding member of The Four Horsemen professional wrestling stable in the '80s, alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Tully Blanchard.

"WWE is saddened to learn that Ole Anderson has passed away," the wrestling promotion said in a statement, describing Ole’s "hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor" as having helped define The Four Horsemen "as one of the greatest stables in sports-entertainment history."

Anderson got his start with the Minnesota-based American Wrestling Association (AWA) where he was trained by WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, making his professional debut in 1967. He went on to become a decorated tag team wrestler as a member of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew before founding The Four Horsemen.

"During their legendary run, The Four Horsemen feuded with the likes of Dusty Rhodes, The Rock 'N Roll Express, The Road Warriors, and many more," the statement continued. "The group set a standard of style, attitude and success that has inspired every stable that followed."

"WWE extends its condolences to Anderson's family, friends, and fans," the promoter added.

Flair likewise paid tribute to his former team member in a series of social media posts.

"I am forever thankful to Ole and Gene for bringing me in to Crockett promotions as a cousin," Flair wrote in one post. "It launched my career. I will be grateful forever for you giving me the opportunity to become who I am today. We didn’t always agree with each other, but the honest to god truth is you and Gene started me. Rest in peace my friend!

"Four Horsemen Forever! WOOOOO!" the 75-year-old captioned another photo of the OG crew.

Anderson's cause of death has not been announced.