Ole Anderson dead at 81: Wrestling legend who founded iconic stable The Four Horsemen with Ric Flair passes away

PRO WRESTLING legend Ole Anderson has died at the age of 81, WWE has confirmed.

Anderson was one of wrestling’s biggest innovators that took the sport to new heights along fellow greats, such as Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.

WWE legend Ole Anderson has passed away at the age of 81

Anderson was part of the legendary Four Horsement stableWWE

Anderson formed the legendary Minnesota Wrecking Crew tag team with Arn AndersonWWE

The Four Horsemen feuded with some of the greatest stables in wrestling historyWWE

The American grappler’s career kicked off in 1967 at the American Wrestling Association and took off in 1985 when he formed the legendary Minnesota Wrecking Crew tag team with Arn in WCW.

The two heavyweights looked very similar and promoters decided to pair them up as relatives – usually as brothers or cousins – although there was no relation between them.

A year later the duo teamed up with Flair and Tully Blanchard to form the legendary Four Horsemen stable.

The group got embroiled in heated feuds against other popular teams, such as The Road Warriors and The Rock ‘N Roll Express.

WWE announced: “WWE is saddened to learn that Ole Anderson has passed away.

“A founding member of The Four Horsemen, Ole’s hard-nosed style and gruff demeanor helped define the group as one of the greatest stables in sports-entertainment history.

“Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, Anderson was a prolific and decorated tag team wrestler, most famously alongside Arn Anderson in The Minnesota Wrecking Crew.

“When the duo then joined forces with Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard and manager J.J. Dillon, they established the iconic stable known as 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 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.”