George Steele's Comedic WWF Moment At Detroit Zoo In 1985

Mean Gene Okerlund humorously searched for the wrestling star at the Detroit Zoo, blending wrestling antics with local baseball humor.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a playful 1985 segment on Saturday Night's Main Event, "Mean" Gene Okerlund went looking for the eccentric wrestler George "The Animal" Steele at the Detroit Zoo, featuring the two engaging in comedic banter and interacting with the zoo's animals as a nod to Steele's wild on-screen persona.

Why it matters

This video package exemplifies the over-the-top, cartoonish nature of professional wrestling in the mid-1980s, when the WWF (now WWE) was known for its outlandish and humorous off-the-wall segments that blended sports entertainment with local culture and current events.

The details

In the video, Okerlund searches for the "elusive" Steele at the Detroit Zoo, eventually finding him and engaging in a conversation that references the struggling Detroit Tigers baseball team that year. Steele, who was highly educated despite his wild on-screen persona, plays along with the zoo theme, providing amusing responses.

  • The video package aired on October 5, 1985 during an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event.
  • The previous year, in 1984, the Detroit Tigers had won the World Series, but by 1985 they were 15 games behind the division leaders and out of playoff contention.

The players

George "The Animal" Steele

A professional wrestler known for his eccentric, animalistic on-screen persona, despite having a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master's degree from Central Michigan University.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund

A legendary wrestling interviewer and personality who was known for his humorous interactions with wrestlers like Steele.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are here looking for the most elusive creature on this entire planet. No, it's not Bigfoot, The Loch Ness monster or Judge Crater. I could only be talking about about George 'The Animal' Steel. Now we've had reports that he's been seen here at the Detroit Zoological Park and if anybody could find him, I can. Come along.”

— "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Wrestling Interviewer (Saturday Night's Main Event)

“Detroit Tiger? He does seem a little sleepy this season...”

— "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Wrestling Interviewer (Saturday Night's Main Event)

What’s next

The video package showcased the playful and over-the-top nature of professional wrestling in the 1980s, blending sports entertainment with local culture and humor. While it was a lighthearted moment, it also highlighted the struggling Detroit Tigers baseball team that year, providing a timely reference for viewers.

The takeaway

This video exemplifies how the WWF (now WWE) embraced a cartoonish, comedic style in the mid-1980s, using off-the-wall segments to engage fans and blend wrestling antics with local references and current events. It showcases the unique personality of wrestlers like George "The Animal" Steele and the ability of interviewers like "Mean" Gene Okerlund to create memorable, humorous moments that have endured as part of wrestling history.