Alan Robert Rogowski, widely recognized by his ring name Ole Anderson, was an influential figure in the world of professional wrestling. He had a multifaceted career as a wrestler, booker, and promoter, contributing significantly to the industry. Known for his rugged persona and in-ring prowess, Ole Anderson became a prominent name in wrestling circles, particularly in the territories where he worked both behind the scenes and as a performer.
September 22, 1942: Birth of Alan Robert Rogowski
Alan Robert Rogowski, later known as Ole Anderson, was born on September 22, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This date marks the beginning of the life of a future wrestling legend.
1942: Early Life and Education
Alan Robert Rogowski, later known as Ole Anderson, was born in 1942 to Polish immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, attended Alexander Ramsey High School, and later enrolled in several universities, although he did not graduate.
August 19, 1967: Professional Wrestling Debut with AWA
On August 19, 1967, Ole Anderson, then known as Al 'the Rock' Rogowski, made his professional wrestling debut with the AWA, defeating José Quintero in Minneapolis.
October 1967: Won AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship
In October 1967, Ole Anderson won the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship by defeating Bob Orton, marking his first major championship victory in professional wrestling.
December 1967: Challenged for AWA World Tag Team Championship
In December 1967, Ole Anderson twice challenged for the AWA World Tag Team Championship, teaming with Bill Watts, although they were unsuccessful in winning the titles.
1967: Professional Wrestling Debut
In 1967, following his service in the U.S. Army, Ole Anderson made his professional wrestling debut in Minnesota. He wrestled for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) under the name Al 'the Rock' Rogowski.
June 1968: Moved to Jim Crockett Promotions
In June 1968, Ole Anderson relocated to Jim Crockett Promotions, marking a significant step in his wrestling career as he transitioned to a new promotion.
January 1969: Won NWA Southern Tag Team Championship
In January 1969, Ole Anderson and the Minnesota Wrecking Crew won the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship, defeating Becker and Weaver. They lost the titles back within a week.
June 1969: Lars Anderson Rejoined the Minnesota Wrecking Crew
In June 1969, Lars Anderson rejoined the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, and they resumed their feud with Thomas, Becker, and Weaver, and started a series of matches against Aldo Bogni, Bronko Lubich, and George Harris.
July 1969: Lars Anderson Departed Again
In July 1969, Lars Anderson departed again, leading Ole and Gene Anderson to revert to a tag team format.
January 1970: Wrestled in Japan
In January 1970, Ole Anderson wrestled a series of matches in Japan, including a notable loss to Antonio Inoki in Himeji as part of the 'New Year Champion Series'.
March 1970: Won NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship
In March 1970, Ole Anderson and the Minnesota Wrecking Crew won the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship, holding the titles for 180 days with successful defenses before losing them in September.
September 1970: Lost NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship
In September 1970, Ole Anderson and the Minnesota Wrecking Crew lost the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship to Nelson Royal and Paul Jones, ending their 180-day title reign.
November 1970: Won AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship
In November 1970, Ole Anderson, wrestling as 'Rock Rogowski', won the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship for the second time by defeating Tex McKenzie.
July 1971: Won NWA Florida Tag Team Championship
In July 1971, Ole Anderson and Ronnie Garvin won the vacant NWA Florida Tag Team Championship shortly after Anderson joined Championship Wrestling from Florida.
December 1971: Won NWA Florida Television Championship
In December 1971, Ole Anderson defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Florida Television Championship, although he lost the title to Bob Roop a week later.
1971: Held AWA Midwest Tag Team Championship
In early 1971, Ole Anderson held the AWA Midwest Tag Team Championship twice, once with The Claw and once with Ox Baker, before leaving the AWA mid-year.
February 1972: Return to Jim Crockett Promotions
In February 1972, Ole Anderson returned to Jim Crockett Promotions and resumed teaming with Gene Anderson as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. The team faced various competitors such as Rip Hawk and Swede Hanson, the Von Steigers, Klondike Bill and Nelson Royal, and Ronnie Garvin and Thunderbolt Patterson.
November 1972: Second NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship
In November 1972, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew briefly captured the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship for a second time by defeating Art Neilson and Johnny Weaver. Neilson and Weaver regained the titles one week later.
1972: Settled into Wrestling with Jim Crockett Promotions
In 1972, Ole Anderson primarily settled into wrestling with Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling. This marked a significant period in his career as he became a prominent figure in these promotions.
1972: Left Championship Wrestling from Florida
In spring 1972, Ole Anderson left Championship Wrestling from Florida to return to Jim Crockett Promotions, marking another significant move in his career.
March 1973: Third NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship
In March 1973, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew defeated Art Neilson and Johnny Weaver to win the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship for a third time.
May 1973: NWA Eastern Heavyweight Champion
In May 1973, Ole Anderson won the NWA Eastern Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jerry Brisco. He held the title until July 1973.
July 1973: NWA Atlantic Coast and Eastern Heavyweight Championships
In July 1973, Ole Anderson experienced both highs and lows. He lost the NWA Eastern Heavyweight Championship back to Jerry Brisco. However, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew won the NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship for a fourth time by defeating Jerry Brisco and Thunderbolt Patterson.
October 1973: End of Fourth NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Championship Reign
In October 1973, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew's fourth reign as NWA Atlantic Coast Tag Team Champions ended when they lost the titles to Nelson Royal and Sandy Scott.
November 1973: Touring Japan with International Wrestling Enterprise
In November 1973, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew toured Japan with International Wrestling Enterprise as part of its Big Winter Series. They faced teams such as Isamu Teranishi and Strong Kobayashi, and Animal Hamaguchi and Mighty Inoue, and unsuccessfully challenged Great Kusatsu and Rusher Kimura for the IWA World Tag Team Championship. The tour concluded with a six-man tag team match at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, where the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and Klondike Bill lost to Great Kusatsu, Mighty Inoue, and Rusher Kimura.
May 1974: Joining Georgia Championship Wrestling
In May 1974, Ole Anderson began wrestling regularly for Georgia Championship Wrestling. This marked the start of a long association where he would wrestle primarily for Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling until 1985.
October 1974: NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship Victory
In October 1974, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew defeated Bill Dromo and Mike McCord in Columbus, Georgia to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship (Georgia version). They lost the titles to Buddy Colt and Roger Kirby the following month.
January 1975: Introduction of Ric Flair to Jim Crockett Promotions
In January 1975, Ric Flair was introduced to Jim Crockett Promotions as a cousin of Ole and Gene Anderson. The trio participated in a series of six-man tag team matches.
June 1975: Supreme Sacrifice Angle
In June 1975, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew faced Paul Jones and Wahoo McDaniel in a series of matches for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. A notable moment was the "supreme sacrifice" angle, where Ole Anderson rammed McDaniel into Gene Anderson's head, knocking both men out and allowing Ole to pin McDaniel.
May 1976: Knife Attack Incident
In May 1976, Ole Anderson was attacked by a knife-wielding audience member in Greenville, South Carolina. The attacker slashed his arm and chest, necessitating the reattachment of tendons and numerous stitches.
1976: Booker of Georgia Championship Wrestling
In 1976, Ole Anderson was appointed as booker of Georgia Championship Wrestling by majority owner Jim Barnett, replacing Harley Race. He eventually became a part-owner of the promotion.
May 1977: Macon Heavyweight Championship
In May 1977, Ole Anderson defeated Mr. Wrestling II in Macon, Georgia to win the Macon Heavyweight Championship. He held the title until January 1978.
December 1977: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Victory
In December 1977, Ole Anderson and Jacques Goulet defeated Tommy Rich and Tony Atlas for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They lost the titles in February 1978.
1977: High Earnings
By 1977, Ole Anderson was earning $140,000 per year, equivalent to $704,000 in 2023.
January 1978: Loss of Macon Heavyweight Championship
In January 1978, Ole Anderson lost the Macon Heavyweight Championship to Dick Slater.
February 1978: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Loss
In February 1978, Ole Anderson and Jacques Goulet lost the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship to Tony Atlas and Mr. Wrestling II.
May 1978: Loss of NWA Georgia Television Championship
In May 1978, Ole Anderson lost the NWA Georgia Television Championship to Thunderbolt Patterson.
June 1978: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Victory
In June 1978, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff defeated Thunderbolt Patterson and Tommy Rich to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They held the titles until September 1978.
September 1978: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Loss
In September 1978, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff lost the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship to Tommy Rich and Rick Martel.
October 1978: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship with Stan Hansen
In October 1978, Ole Anderson teamed with Stan Hansen to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship for the eleventh time. They were stripped of the titles the following month.
November 1978: Columbus Heavyweight Championship
In November 1978, Ole Anderson defeated Mr. Wrestling in Columbus, Georgia to win the Columbus Heavyweight Championship. He was stripped of the title the following month.
January 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Victory
In January 1979, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff defeated Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They lost the titles in April 1979.
April 1979: Loss of NWA Georgia Television Championship
In April 1979, Ole Anderson lost the NWA Georgia Television Championship to Bob Armstrong.
June 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Victory
In June 1979, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff defeated Tommy Rich and Wahoo McDaniel to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They lost the titles in July 1979.
July 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Loss
In July 1979, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff lost the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship to Tommy Rich and Stan Hansen.
August 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Victory
In August 1979, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff defeated Tommy Rich and Stan Hansen to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. They lost the titles in September 1979.
September 1979: End of Tag Team with Ivan Koloff
In September 1979, Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff stopped teaming regularly after losing the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship to Tommy Rich and Crusher Lisowski.
October 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship with Ernie Ladd
In October 1979, Ole Anderson teamed with Ernie Ladd to defeat Crusher Lisowski and Tommy Rich for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship. The team fell apart later that month when Anderson turned face and began feuding with Ladd.
November 1979: NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship Declared Vacant
In November 1979, Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen faced Ernie Ladd and Masked Superstar to determine the NWA Georgia Tag Team Champions. After the match ended in a draw, the titles were declared vacant.
December 1979: Texas Death Match
In December 1979, Ernie Ladd defeated Ole Anderson in a Texas death match.
July 1980: Infamous Betrayal in GCW
In July 1980, Ole Anderson was involved in a famous angle in Georgia Championship Wrestling. After turning face, he convinced Dusty Rhodes to team with him. During their match against the Assassins for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship in a steel cage, Anderson betrayed Rhodes, leading to a beatdown by all five heels. Anderson later revealed in an interview that he had planned the betrayal for over a year.
June 1981: World Championship Wrestling debuts on TBS
In June 1981, World Championship Wrestling debuted on TBS at the 6:05 PM ET Saturday night timeslot, becoming a significant wrestling program.
1981: Booking for JCP
In 1981, Ole Anderson had a stint booking for Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP). For a time, he booked both JCP and Georgia Championship Wrestling simultaneously, often combining both rosters for well-regarded supercards.
February 1982: Anderson and Hansen win tag team tournament
In February 1982, Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen won a one-night tag team tournament by defeating the Blond Bombers in the final. Later that month, they also defeated the Brisco Brothers to win the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-Atlantic version). This marked the beginning of their successful run as a tag team.
August 1982: Anderson leaves Jim Crockett Promotions
In August 1982, Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen vacated the NWA World Tag Team Championship when Anderson left Jim Crockett Promotions. This decision marked the end of their title reign and a significant shift in Anderson's career.
November 1982: Anderson and Hansen separate
In November 1982, Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen ended their partnership in Georgia Championship Wrestling, marking the conclusion of their brief yet impactful alliance.
November 1982: Anderson forms a new tag team with Buzz Sawyer
In November 1982, Ole Anderson formed a new tag team with Buzz Sawyer. They faced Tommy Rich and various partners in a series of matches, adding a new chapter to Anderson's tag team career.
March 1983: Anderson and Sawyer cease teaming regularly
By March 1983, Ole Anderson and Buzz Sawyer stopped teaming regularly, marking the end of their partnership in the wrestling ring.
June 1983: Anderson begins feuding with Paul Ellering and the Road Warriors
In June 1983, Ole Anderson started a new feud with Paul Ellering and the Road Warriors, showcasing his continued prominence in the wrestling scene.
August 1983: Anderson threatens retaliation against WWF
In August 1983, during the National Wrestling Alliance convention, Ole Anderson expressed his anger at WWF promoter Vince McMahon's expansion. He threatened to retaliate by running opposite shows in McMahon's territory of Pennsylvania.
July 1984: Black Saturday
In July 1984, Jack and Jerry Brisco, along with other shareholders, sold their shares in Georgia Championship Wrestling to Vince McMahon for $900,000. This event, known as 'Black Saturday,' gave McMahon control over the Saturday night timeslot on TBS. Ole Anderson, the sole holdout, rejected McMahon's new direction and resigned.
July 1984: Anderson's final match with Georgia Championship Wrestling
In July 1984, Ole Anderson wrestled his final match with Georgia Championship Wrestling, teaming with Ronnie Garvin to defeat the Road Warriors at the Macon Coliseum.
August 1984: Championship Wrestling from Georgia debuts
In August 1984, Ole Anderson, along with Fred Ward and Ralph Freed, started Championship Wrestling from Georgia. TBS granted them a 7:30 AM ET Saturday morning timeslot, which outperformed McMahon's show in ratings. They promoted their first event that month.
August 1984: Anderson's first match in Championship Wrestling from Georgia
In August 1984, Ole Anderson wrestled his first match in Championship Wrestling from Georgia, teaming with Brad Armstrong to defeat Bob Roop and The Spoiler at the Macon Coliseum.
October 1984: Night of Champions event
In October 1984, at the Night of Champions event, Ole Anderson and Dusty Rhodes wrestled the AWA World Tag Team Champions, the Road Warriors, to a double disqualification.
November 1984: Anderson teams with Thunderbolt Patterson
In November 1984, Ole Anderson began teaming with Thunderbolt Patterson. Their partnership led to significant matches and victories.
1984: Formation of Championship Wrestling from Georgia
In 1984, after the acquisition of Georgia Championship Wrestling by Vince McMahon, Ole Anderson formed his own promotion, Championship Wrestling from Georgia. This was a pivotal career move following the 'Black Saturday' incident.
January 1985: Anderson and Patterson win NWA National Tag Team Championship
In January 1985, Ole Anderson and Thunderbolt Patterson defeated the Long Riders to win the NWA National Tag Team Championship, marking a high point in their partnership.
March 1985: Anderson turns on Patterson
In March 1985, Ole Anderson turned on Thunderbolt Patterson, leading to the duo vacating the NWA National Tag Team Championship. Anderson then reformed the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Gene Anderson.
April 1985: Championship Wrestling from Georgia's final event
In April 1985, Championship Wrestling from Georgia held its final event before being sold to Jim Crockett Jr. This marked the end of the promotion's brief but significant run.
April 1985: Minnesota Wrecking Crew wins NWA National Tag Team Championship
In April 1985, Ole Anderson began teaming with Arn Anderson, forming a new iteration of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew. They defeated Manny Fernandez and Thunderbolt Patterson to win the NWA National Tag Team Championship.
April 1985: Minnesota Wrecking Crew's final event
In April 1985, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, reformed by Ole and Gene Anderson, participated in the final event of Championship Wrestling from Georgia before its sale to Jim Crockett Jr.
1985: End of Wrestling Primarily for Jim Crockett Promotions and GCW
By 1985, Ole Anderson concluded his period of wrestling primarily for Jim Crockett Promotions and Georgia Championship Wrestling, which had started in 1974.
January 1986: Ole Anderson injured
In January 1986, Ole Anderson was injured in a six-man tag team match against Dusty Rhodes and the Road Warriors, forcing the Minnesota Wrecking Crew to vacate the NWA National Tag Team Championship.
April 1986: Anderson wrestles in Japan
In April 1986, Ole Anderson participated in the Champion Carnival tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. He competed in a tournament for the NWA United National Championship, facing opponents such as Killer Khan and Genichiro Tenryu.
July 1986: Minnesota Wrecking Crew vs. Rock 'n' Roll Express
In July 1986, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew began a long-running series of matches against the Rock 'n' Roll Express, further solidifying their place in wrestling history.
November 1986: Steel cage match at Starrcade '86
In November 1986, at Starrcade '86: Night of the Skywalkers, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew unsuccessfully challenged the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the NWA World Tag Team Championship in a steel cage match.
February 1987: Minnesota Wrecking Crew disbands
In February 1987, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew, consisting of Ole and Arn Anderson, disbanded, marking the end of their partnership.
February 1987: Ole Anderson leaves Four Horsemen
In February 1987, Ole Anderson left the Four Horsemen after a confrontation with Tully Blanchard, who insulted Anderson's son. This led to a series of matches between Anderson and the remaining Four Horsemen members.
March 1987: Tag team with Tim Horner
In March 1987, Ole Anderson formed a short-lived tag team with Tim Horner.
July 1987: Temporary retirement
Ole Anderson went into temporary retirement in July 1987 after a series of feuds and matches.
January 1988: Return to the ring
In January 1988, Ole Anderson returned to the ring and formed a tag team with Lex Luger. They began feuding with their former stablemates, challenging for the NWA World Tag Team Championship.
March 1988: Return to retirement
In March 1988, the tag team of Ole Anderson and Lex Luger disbanded, and Anderson returned to retirement.
November 1989: Reformation of Minnesota Wrecking Crew
In November 1989, Ole Anderson came out of retirement to reform the Minnesota Wrecking Crew with Arn Anderson. They competed in WCW's tag team division and reformed the Four Horsemen as a face stable.
February 1990: WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing
At WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing in February 1990, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew unsuccessfully challenged the Steiner Brothers for the WCW World Tag Team Championship.
April 1990: Managing Minnesota Wrecking Crew II
In March-April 1990, Ole Anderson briefly managed two masked wrestlers named the Minnesota Wrecking Crew II.
April 28, 1990: Final match of career
On April 28, 1990, Ole Anderson wrestled the final match of his career, teaming with Arn Anderson in a loss to Rick Steiner and Road Warrior Animal.
May 1990: Capital Combat and creative ideas
In May 1990, at the Capital Combat pay-per-view, RoboCop appeared to rescue Sting, a storyline created during Ole Anderson's tenure as head booker of WCW. Anderson's inventive storylines included The Black Scorpion, who was revealed as Ric Flair. Anderson was dismissed as booker at the end of 1990.
1990: Retirement from Wrestling
Ole Anderson retired from active wrestling in 1990, concluding a significant chapter in his career. He continued to contribute to the industry in other roles until his full retirement in 1994.
June 13, 1992: Appointed senior referee
On June 13, 1992, Ole Anderson was appointed senior referee of WCW by Bill Watts.
February 1993: Return to booking for WCW
In February 1993, after Bill Watts was ousted as Executive Vice President of WCW, Ole Anderson once again became the booker for WCW. This period saw the end of his friendship with Ric Flair due to a personal conflict.
May 1993: New Four Horsemen lineup
In May 1993 at Slamboree, Ole Anderson appeared on Ric Flair's interview segment and declared a new lineup of the Four Horsemen with Arn Anderson, Ric Flair, and Paul Roma. Ole did not reappear following this event.
May 1994: Induction into WCW Hall of Fame
In May 1994, Ole Anderson was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame during Slamboree.
September 1994: Fired from WCW
In September 1994, Ole Anderson was fired from WCW by Eric Bischoff after meeting with Jim Cornette to cut promos for his son's upcoming debut in Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
1994: Retirement from the Professional Wrestling Industry
In 1994, Ole Anderson retired from the professional wrestling industry entirely. This marked the end of his active involvement in wrestling after decades of contributions.
1994: Induction into WCW Hall of Fame
In 1994, Ole Anderson was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact and contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
2003: Autobiography published
In 2003, Ole Anderson co-authored his autobiography, Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling, with Scott Teal.
July 2007: Health issues reported
In July 2007, it was reported that Ole Anderson had multiple sclerosis, which was progressively worsening and affecting his mobility and memory.
2010: Induction into NWA Hall of Fame
In 2010, Ole Anderson was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame as part of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.
2010: Induction into NWA Hall of Fame
Ole Anderson was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2010. This honor highlighted his influential role and achievements within the National Wrestling Alliance.
February 27, 2011: Injury and health update
On February 27, 2011, it was announced that Ole Anderson had been nursing broken ribs and a broken arm due to a fall earlier that day.
2023: High Earnings Equivalent in 2023
By 1977, Ole Anderson's earnings of $140,000 per year were equivalent to $704,000 in 2023.
2023: Earnings in First Year of Wrestling
By the end of his first year in professional wrestling, 2023 equivalent, Ole Anderson was earning $32,000 annually, highlighting his early success in the industry.
February 26, 2024: Death of Ole Anderson
Ole Anderson, born Alan Robert Rogowski, passed away on February 26, 2024. He left behind a significant legacy in the wrestling world, known for his contributions as a wrestler, booker, and promoter.