Tag: Arn Anderson

WWE Hall of Famer pushing for son’s ‘mainstream’ success: ‘That’s my goal’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson recently opened up about working with his son, Brock Anderson, following his departure from AEW and his road to success.

Speaking to Denise Salcedo, Anderson noted that while his son hasn’t “made the mainstream”, he wants to continue supporting his development and help him earn the respect he deserves.

“My son, Brock [Anderson], which I’m sure you don’t know, he hasn’t made the mainstream exactly like I think he’s going to. He’s breaking into the business,” Anderson claimed. “I make as many shows around the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, that he’s wrestling. I go with him so that I can be there to coach him up a little bit.”

Speaking further, he noted, “And, whatever I have left within the wrestling business, all I want to do is make sure I get my son started on the right foot so that he’s respected, he respects the business, and he’s going to make it. That’s my goal. That’s my desire now. It’s not about me anymore. 42 years is enough.”

The 28-year-old Anderson was a part of AEW from 2021 to 2023 before he chose not to renew his contract. Since his return to the independent circuit, Anderson has also been actively wrestling for MLW and TNA.

Arn Anderson wants his son Brock to continue their family wrestling legacy

In the same interview, Anderson opened up about wanting his son to continue the family’s wrestling legacy.

“It’s something that he truly wants to do, and I want to support him. It would be very easy to say ‘well, he’s Arn’s son, it’s a tough act to follow, but he’s Brock, he’s not me, he’s not mini-me or any of those things,” Anderson stated. “I just want to give him an opportunity to be a wrestler, if that’s what he chooses at the end of the rainbow, but at least give it all he’s got, 100%, and let’s see if the cards fall where they will.”

Anderson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 with The Four Horsemen. He is also widely remembered for his tag-team run with Tully Blanchard alongside his recent tenure with Cody Rhodes in AEW.

WWE Hall of Famer is ‘terrified’ by the style of modern-day wrestling

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Recently speaking to Denise Salcedo, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson opened up about his thoughts on the modern-day style of wrestling and why it ‘terrifies’ him.

“I’m terrified. I respect the girls and guys of today’s wrestling industry, but scared to death too, because I see things in the ring that you can’t protect yourself on,” Anderson continued. “Anything going backwards, German Suplex, you can’t protect yourself because you can’t see where you’re going. Stuff off the top, going through tables, things that are dangerous.”

While old-school wrestling was more traditional, modern-day wrestling has seen the influence of more high-flying style into it. Reflecting on his own experience, Anderson stated,

“You look at me, I’m beat up, and I didn’t do any of that stuff, so I’m just worried that in five years we’re gonna have a casualty list, and I hate it for the young guys and girls, because they feel like they need to go to that level to get the audience’s approval.”

“Do you need them to do that to enjoy their matches? If they dialled it down would you not follow them? I’m not saying take everything away from them, take all the excitement away, but take some of the stuff that talent are time after time getting hurt on and just dial it down, that’s all I’m asking.”

Arn Anderson says injuries are more prevalent in wrestling now

In the same interview, Anderson also opened up about how injuries are more frequent in the current era of wrestling.

“I’ll never get my wish. I don’t have any control over the business at all, other than my opinion, but I hear almost on a weekly basis who is dropping out due to injury. It was not that way when I was wrestling, and granted, we weren’t doing the stuff they are doing, and that was by design.”

Taking the example of Charlotte Flair, he said,

“I’ll give an example; Ric’s daughter, Ashley Flair, Charlotte. She’s famous for dropping her opponent on the floor, going to the top rope and doing a Moonsault to the floor. If you go back and slow the tape down, there’s no way to catch somebody off top, and she’s landing on her feet. What’s the odds of her blowing her knee out or tearing her hamstring? You tell me if she doesn’t do that move, I’ll be disappointed. I don’t think so.”

Flair, earlier this year, returned from a year-long injury at Royal Rumble 2025 and won the match, before challenging Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41.

Arn Anderson to manage son for MLW World title match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Brock Anderson will have his father in his corner when he challenges for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship next month.

It was announced today that Mads Krule Krugger will defend the MLW World title against Anderson in a Bunkhouse match on November 20. For the bout, Anderson will be managed by his father — the legendary Four Horsemen member Arn Anderson.

“For this special bout, Brock’s father, the legendary Arn Anderson, will return to ringside to corner his son as part of a triple main event spectacular, bringing with him the same grit, fire, and strategy that made him one of the sport’s most respected figures,” MLW wrote.

“With ‘The Enforcer’ crafting the game plan and standing behind his son, Brock enters Charleston prepared for the fight of his life — and the chance to bring the World Heavyweight Title home to the Andersons for the first time ever.”

Krugger won the MLW World Championship from Matt Riddle this September and is on the second defense of his reign. The first was a multi-man Chamber of Horrors match that included both Brock Anderson and his tag team partner CW Anderson. The story is that Brock is looking to get revenge for how Krugger took out CW Anderson in that match.

The November 20 event is taking place as part of a collaboration between MLW and Hollywood star Danny McBride’s Don Gato tequila brand. The show is being held in Charleston, South Carolina and will air live on YouTube and beIN Sports at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special (Thursday, November 20) —

  • 2025 Opera Cup Finals: Mistico vs. Volador Jr.
  • Bunkhouse match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger defends against Brock Anderson (w/ Arn Anderson)
  • Matt Riddle vs. Killer Kross (w/ Scarlett Bordeaux)
  • MLW World Tag Team Champions The Skyscrapers (Bishop Dyer & Donovan Dijak) defend against The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)

Arn Anderson feels like ‘a doting uncle’ watching WWE star Cody Rhodes succeed

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Seeing Cody Rhodes have so much success makes Arn Anderson feel like a proud uncle.

The two aren’t related by blood, but Anderson has been close with the Rhodes family since he and Cody’s late father Dusty were fierce in-ring rivals. Anderson — who has known Cody since he was young — served as Cody’s on-screen advisor in AEW and also made a special appearance with him at a WWE event last year.

Rhodes is currently on his second reign as WWE Champion, having won the title from John Cena at SummerSlam this August. Busted Open Radio asked Anderson what it was like as a viewer to see Rhodes defeat Cena (who Anderson also played a role in mentoring) in that passing of the torch moment.

“Like a doting uncle. Very, very proud of him,” Anderson responded. “Because he did it the right way. He had a tough road to climb being Dusty Rhodes’ son. You know, most people don’t realize, he’s always going to be compared to his dad. That’s not fair, because nothing about him is like his dad was. They were both megastars in different ways, different eras, in different times in the business. I would just say his dad would be very proud.”

Rhodes’ next title defense is set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1. He’ll be facing off against Drew McIntyre.

On November 20, Anderson is scheduled to make an appearance for MLW at a live special in Charleston, South Carolina. His son Brock Anderson is part of the MLW roster.

Arn Anderson to appear at MLW event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

One of pro wrestling’s all-time greats is set to appear for MLW next month.

MLW has announced that Arn Anderson will make a special appearance at the promotion’s event in Charleston, South Carolina on Thursday, November 20. The legendary Four Horsemen member will also be doing a meet and greet with fans before the show for an added cost.

The event — titled “MLW x Don Gato Tequila” — is being held at Charleston Music Hall in partnership with Hollywood star Danny McBride and his tequila brand. It will air live on YouTube and beIN Sports.

“A founding member of The Four Horsemen, Arn Anderson is one of the most respected and accomplished competitors of all time — a former WCW World Television Champion and multi-time World Tag Team Champion who defined southern wrestling through his time in Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW,” MLW wrote.

“Now, ‘The Enforcer’ returns to the Carolinas for one unforgettable night. Why is he coming to MLW? Why Charleston? Stay tuned… all will be revealed November 20.”

While MLW has not said what the 67-year-old Anderson will be doing, it seems likely that he’ll interact with his son Brock Anderson — who is part of the MLW roster in a tag team with CW Anderson. Brock joined MLW in 2024 after previously being with AEW.

Arn Anderson posts tribute to Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Arn Anderson is paying tribute to his Four Horsemen stablemate Steve “Mongo” McMichael following his passing at 67 years old.

Four years after disclosing his battle with ALS, McMichael passed away on April 23. He had been unresponsive over the last couple of weeks and in and out of the hospital. McMichael died shortly after it was recommended that he be moved from the ICU to hospice care.

Anderson called McMichael “one hell of a man” and said he’s honored to have known him.

“Today, the world is less one hell of a man,” Anderson wrote in a statement posted by his Arn Show podcast. “A beast on the football field and, as everyone in Chicago knows, a real man’s man! He walked into the world of professional wrestling with little or no formal training. Being a god in his world didn’t mean he would necessarily be a success in our world. When we made him a Horseman, we found out right away you would never want to meet him in a dark alley if he had ill intentions. But no better guy to go to war with as we found out on many occasions.

“To his family, thank you for sharing him with us for even a short period of time. To Mongo, nothing but love and respect. I am honored to have known you. Side note to God: You’re gonna have your hands full with this one!”

During his courageous fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) — currently a fatal neurological disease with no cure — McMichael achieved his dream of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. A defensive tackle, he was a star for the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears, considered the greatest defense in NFL history and one of the best football teams of all time.

The charismatic McMichael crossed over to pro wrestling in the 1990s with a run in WCW as a wrestler and commentator. He held the United States Championship one time.

Ric Flair also shared a remembrance of McMichael on Wednesday after his passing:

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The WON HOF case for Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Posted on by Karl Stern

On this week’s DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, I take a look back to the 1930s for more history from Madison Square Garden as the fallout from Jack Pfefer’s expose of pro wrestling continues, a rare hybrid/shoot style show takes place at the Tokyo Dome in 1992, and we discuss the case of Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson (w/ J.J. Dillon) for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: Becky Lynch, Arn Anderson, The Collective 2025

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the highlights of this issue:

  • The life of Joe Koff and how his influence on the current wrestling scene is so underplayed. From being a childhood fan of Bruno Sammartino, heading the production on the original Battle of the Belts series, saving ROH at least twice, and providing a place where many of today’s biggest stars were able to make a living while building resumes that led them to the top in WWE and essentially the building blocks of the formation of AEW, and the success of All In. We look at his life and career both in and out of the wrestling business.
  • Bryan Danielson retires from full-time wrestling, his future and how this played out on WrestleDream.
  • A look at WrestleDream, the business of the show, the rundown and polls.
  • More details on the AEW television deal, what it does and doesn’t cover, prospects for other deals, the economics, attempting to rebuild attendance at shows, the Mexico deal, international prospects going forward and more.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. wins IWGP title while Hiroshi Tanahahashi provides a retirement countdown. Plus a look at the future NJPW lineups, Tokyo Dome prospects and King of Pro Wrestling coverage.
  • The Gegard Mousasi lawsuit and the latest attempt to get a court to rule on the independent contractor vs. employee status.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling shows, placings for the night and week, competition, year-by-year comparisons and more.
  • When did star ratings for wrestling matches begin? The answer will surprise you.
  • Santo draws the biggest indie crowd of the year.
  • Jimmy Jacobs leaves AEW.
  • Bob Ryder and the birth of TNA.
  • International TV ratings.
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows.
  • Fighters depositions in Cung Le lawsuit.
  • UFC TV rights news.
  • Major UFC stars say they want to come out of retirement.
  • How much WWE & UFC are expected to produce this year in revenue.
  • New WWE project with Netflix.
  • Update on Netflix ratings for the two wrestling shows.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Thursday Update

WWE

  • Becky Lynch is set to appear at Vulture Festival in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 17, taking part in a conversation called “Becky Lynch Disarms Us.”
    • WWE Superstar, trailblazer, and New York Times best-selling author Rebecca Quin will join us for a conversation about her recent memoir Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl. We’ll look back on her legendary career — from her early days grinding on the road to being in the first ever women’s match to main event WrestleMania — and just maybe get a glimpse at what The Man has in store for us next.
  • Big E will be the honorary captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team this Saturday when his alma mater plays Northwestern.
  • For Halloween, Shotzi & Scarlett’s Chamber of Horrors series returned with Dominik Mysterio, Otis & Karrion Kross joining them to “explore the demonic Haunted Hill House, a building full of paranormal activity in Mineral Wells, Texas.”
  • Adrian Hernandez interviewed Liv Morgan & Dominik.
  • Today is Cody Rhodes’ 200th day as Undisputed WWE Champion.
  • WWE uploaded a vlog from Cody’s time in Manchester during this month’s UK tour.
  • Bron Breakker turns 27 years old today.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • AEW shared post-Dynamite promos from Kyle Fletcher, Mark Briscoe, and Sammy Guevara.
  • In this week’s Mone Mag, Mercedes Mone listed her top five fantasy opponents:
    • 1. Manami Toyota- when I watched her I was in awe! I could not believe a woman could wrestle like that or perform the way she performed. Not to mention that she could do so in matches that lasted 30 minutes or longer! She was way before her time and my number one fantasy match.
    • 2. Kyoko Inoue- Because I grew up watching Toyota, my second dream match would have to be to one of her best opponents, Kyoko Inoue. She is a wrestler that I have always looked up to, and when I see her wrestle, I am always in awe as well.
    • 3. Trish Stratus- She was just THE GIRL back in the day. And even now, she can just go. I watched her on TV as a fan in her prime and still wish I could lock up with her.
    • 4. Mickie James- What can I say I LOVED her versus Trish [Stratus’] storyline growing up! I was so inspired by it. I never saw a woman’s storyline like that. What made it even more incredible was that it lasted for an entire year which seemed unheard of for women. They even had an amazing WrestleMania match. I was only a teenager then, but they just truly inspired me, so Mickie makes the last for sure.
    • 5. Athena- They say fantasies can’t come true, only dreams can. On that note, a dream match would be against Athena- the Ring of Honor Women’s champion. I’ve only had two matches with her, but they have been multi-women matches. I think she’s an incredible talent. Like the others, I’ve never seen women do things that she’s done before. She also seems to love it just as much as I do. I think if I’m given the chance and opportunity, we would have one of the greatest matches ever.
  • Tony Khan shared a photo with London Mayor Sadiq Khan: “It was great to see the Mayor of London @SadiqKhan, and I was honored to stand with him to unveil the AEW World Championship belt with the special @FulhamFC side plates!”
  • No-Contest Wrestling uploaded part two of their interview with Swerve Strickland.
  • Samoa Joe appeared on the Doughboys podcast, reviewing Canadian chain restaurant Boston Pizza.
  • Today is Kamille’s 32nd birthday.
  • On his ARN podcast, Arn Anderson congratulated AEW on its new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery:
    • I’m very happy for Tony Khan and all of his crew, everybody that works there. Like I said, we need – when wrestling is flourishing, notoriously every available company is doing well. When they catch on fire, then it just causes a competition that everybody is a better product. And so, that’s what I hope for. Let’s see how it goes.
  • Anderson said it’s “just insane” that some fans would want AEW to die:   
    • Probably won’t die in my lifetime. Too many resources. You know, too many resources. [Tony Khan’s] got a talent list 10 miles long. He’s got, I mean forget about the TV deal that they signed, think of all the other assets that him and his family – the Khan family – have to draw from. I mean, I don’t want to see them die. Who the hell would want to see them die? [It’s] just insane. I feel like the company is going to get bigger and stronger, and it’s going to evolve, and it’ll be interesting to see.
  • Mina Shirakawa told WrestleZone that her goal for 2025 is to become a champion in the United States: “I have won Japanese belts and the British belt, but not yet an American belt. In 2025, I want to be a champion in the United States.”
  • GCW announced that The Collective 2025 will be held at The Pearl Theatre at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. It’s taking place from Thursday, April 17 through Saturday, April 19 during WrestleMania week. GCW noted that the event schedule for The Collective is coming soon.
  • TNA streamed a press conference promoting this Saturday’s Bound for Glory PPV.
  • Nic Nemeth named Nick Bockwinkel as the one wrestler from any era that he would have wanted to have a match with.
  • While speaking with TV Insider, Matt Hardy gave his thoughts on Rhino and Bob Ryder being this year’s TNA Hall of Fame inductees:
    • It’s great. Rhino is a very good choice, especially being here in Detroit. He is ‘Detroit Rock City’ through and through. I’ve known Rhino for 24 years now, and he is a very deserving guy. He is someone who busted his ass for professional wrestling and contributed so much to the business. Bob Ryder is such an amazing guy. A pillar of TNA in the beginning. If Bob Ryder doesn’t step into the conversation of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, I don’t know if TNA even becomes a thing. He was hugely instrumental in putting TNA on the map. I’m so excited he is being honored in the Hall of Fame.
  • The Hardys & Joe Hendry were in attendance at last night’s Detroit Pistons NBA game.
  • KENTA vs. Paul London will take place on the TV taping portion of MLW’s Lucha Apocalypto event in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, November 9.
  • Indie wrestler Aaron Mercer announced his retirement.
  • Steph De Lander and Mance Warner celebrated their one-year anniversary yesterday.

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard to attend WWE Bad Blood

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The former Brain Busters and Four Horsemen members will be at Bad Blood.

Arn Anderson wrote a short note on his X account Friday evening announcing that he and Tully Blanchard will attend Saturday’s premium live event in Atlanta.

“Heading to very familiar surroundings for WWE Bad Blood tomorrow in Atlanta,” he wrote. “Having Tully there should provide some serious flashbacks, and it will be an honor to walk the halls of the fresh, new WWE. To all my friends who still work there see ya tomorrow!”

After several years away from WWE, Anderson appeared as a surprise before Cody Rhodes’ SummerSlam match against Solo Sikoa in August. Anderson gave Rhodes a pep talk as he headed toward the entrance. Anderson previously managed Rhodes in AEW before Rhodes departed in 2022, making his return to WWE soon after. Anderson announced earlier this year that he would not be renewing his contract with AEW.

Blanchard also had a run in AEW, most notably as the manager of FTR and later The Gates of Agony before leaving the company in 2022.

Arn Anderson addresses possible reunion with Cody Rhodes in WWE

Posted on by Ian Carey

Arn Anderson says he hasn’t spoken with Cody Rhodes about possibily reuniting in WWE.

Rhodes made headlines last month when he appeared on Busted Open Radio and said he was potentially looking for “a classic wrestling manager” to be by his side. The following week, Anderson revealed on his podcast that his AEW contract expired on May 31. Considering the timing of Rhodes’ comments and Anderson’s contract expriing, many fans felt Rhodes was teasing a reunion with Anderson in WWE.

Anderson appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio on Friday and was asked about the possibility of managing Rhodes again. He responded by saying that whatever he does in the industry moving-forward will be in an effort to help his son, Brock Anderson, get established in the business.

“Well, in case you don’t know, I am 65 and my liver is 127,” Anderson said. “I am on short-time and I don’t have a lot of time probably on the planet, much less in the business. But I am dedicating whatever time I have left in one way or the other to helping my son Brock, who is breaking in, get a spot in the business with some company and get established and help him get to a position where he can make a living, can contribute and be a viable asset to whatever company uses him. That’s what I want to dedicate whatever time I have left for.”

He continued to say he’s not sure if he would come back for a short-term reunion with Rhodes.

“Would I come back in the right situation for a short-term something with Cody? If anybody out there thinks it’s a good idea let me know, I don’t know. That would be something because he and I have never had that conversation,” Anderson continued.

Anderson said he recently had contact with Rhodes when he texted him to check in on the health of Brandi Rhodes, who had surgery for stage four endometriosis last month, and the topic of reuniting their act never came up.

“After (Rhodes’ comments about wanting a manager) blew up just a couple of weeks ago or whatever it was coming off you guys’ show, I mean, that blew up and it was like, ‘Okay, he’s coming back.’ And I sent him a text, his wife has been ill, asked how she was, asked how he was, ‘Everything going okay?’ And we had a couple of texts back-and-forth and it never came up. So, I went maybe that was just him testing the waters himself when he threw that out there, I’m not sure. I was honored, flattered of the things he said, but it’s all true and that’s the way I handled Cody, you know, ‘Hey, you’re the star of the show, go out there and act like one.'”

Rhodes’ comments about wanting a classic manager came shortly after a contract signing segment he had on SmackDown with Logan Paul. He suggested that he was a little jealous of Paul’s entourage at the time.

“One of the reasons I liked having Arn Anderson around me was the same reason I would have loved to have my dad around me. Because I’ll tell you I’m lucky, and I’ll tell you how hard I work, and I’ll tell you how grateful I am. And that is true. But it was nice to have a guy over my shoulder say what you just said,” Rhodes said. “Say, ‘We’re not apologizing for greatness. Mediocrity loves company and we’re not joining that company.’ Like — it was nice to have that voice in your ear.”

“It was something I actually missed when Logan and I were doing this contract signing, to see him flanked by so many people,” Rhodes continued. “I don’t know, maybe I’m looking for the classic wrestling manager to join me on this title reign.”

Arn Anderson to leave AEW after contract expires at the end of May

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Arn Anderson is set to leave AEW at the end of the month.

Anderson announced on his podcast that May 31 was the last day on his contract. He said he wanted to focus on spending time with his son Brock Anderson, who was also working for AEW but had stopped being used after last fall. Anderson thanked Tony Khan for the last four years he had been associated with the company.

“The limited time that I have left I want to spend with Brock, because I think Brock has aptitude and attitude and I think he will be a big player for somebody,” he said. “I just got to get him some experience and that’s where I’m gonna devote my time…and if he comes along like I think and hope he will, it will be sooner than later. So I just wanted to say thank you to Tony.”

He also thanked those backstage, including Billy Gunn, Dean Malenko, and Jerry Lynn.

“I just want to say thank you. I appreciate everything. And that goes to everybody that works there. All my friends, Tony Schiavone, JR, all those guys, all the talent. Dean [Malenko], Billy Gunn, all that crew. Jerry [Lynn], everybody was great. So I just want to say thank you, and see you down the road.”

Anderson joined AEW in 2019 in an on-screen role as a coach for Cody Rhodes. When Rhodes left AEW in 2022, he continued to manage his son.

Arn Anderson announces passing of older son Barrett

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Arn Anderson and his family are going through an awful tragedy.

In a statement posted on Saturday morning, Anderson (real name Martin Lunde) announced that his older son Barrett has passed away. Barrett was the older brother of AEW wrestler Brock Anderson.

Barrett was 37 years old. Further details regarding his passing haven’t been revealed.

Anderson’s statement was released through the social media accounts for his Arn Show podcast:

Last night my family suffered a loss that should never he felt by any parent. Our older son Barrett passed away. I am struggling to write this. Tell those you love that you love them. Barrett was just 37.

Arn Anderson has been part of AEW since 2019, working behind the scenes and making appearances as an on-screen character. Brock Anderson made his pro wrestling debut for AEW in 2021. The 26-year-old Brock is currently part of a tag team with Brian Pillman Jr. in AEW.

Brock wrote about Barrett’s passing:

I never thought of what to say in something like this because it’s not something you just have on stand by waiting for the day to come… Last night I lost my brother Barrett…and since that moment I found out, my body has been in shock. It is not clicking in my brain that he’s gone and idk if it ever will. My parents are in absolute shambles and for the first time in my life, I saw my Dad, a man’s man, absolutely break down in tears… Having to see my parents get that call is the most excruciating and cruel thing I’ve ever witnessed, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Idk why but one thought keeps popping in to my head. I remember him driving me around at 7 years old in his brand new blue Chevy Silverado blasting Young Jeezy and Outkast. Right before the line, ‘What’s cooler than being cool??,’ hit, he would ask me the same question. And before my young mind could register the question, he would cut me off and shout, ‘ICE COLDDD,’ and would send me into hysterics every single time. Memories like that make me not sad for losing him so young, but happy that I had him as long as I did. All my life I’ve been a little brother…and now I’m not even a f*cking brother at all. I love you Wimpster

https://twitter.com/BAndersonAEW/status/1634612398928670722

Daily Update: WWE stock, Arn Anderson, Ospreay vs. Ishii

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

  • Notes on the backgrounds of everyone voted in
  • Huge historical stories on the two promoters voted in talking about wrestling history all over the world
  • Notes on a lot of the people who were not voted in and their candidacy
  • Performer and match of the week
  • Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show
  • Cain Velasquez returns to pro wrestling as AAA comes to the U.S., background, future, attendance, audience drawn and more
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week, looking at the whys, what can be learned, segment by segment of the main shows, competition and more
  • Major mask loss in a cage show coming on January 1 to Arena Mexico
  • A look at the finals of the Stardom tag team tournament as well as the big show at the end of the year
  • What Hall of Fame candidate returns to Dragon Gate on Christmas
  • Several stars leaving All Japan
  • First IWGP women’s title defense to be held in the U.S.
  • New Japan tag team tournaments notes
  • Battle of Los Angeles news
  • Another major movie being produced on a 90s star and his unique story
  • Impact has one of its best matches of the year
  • A detailed look at Tony Khan’s explanation of William Regal’s departure and why he allowed him to go
  • Khan talks about Rampage going forward
  • Dustin Rhodes talks retirement
  • Notes on ROH PPV show
  • Notes on WWE going to new markets and ticket advances
  • International TV ratings
  • AEW & WWE streaming numbers
  • More news on the Pro Slap league TV deal and time
  • Dana White talks Jiri Prochazka’s injury
  • Shawn Michaels talks NXT
  • Lots of WWE injury updates
  • Cena’s schedule for the next few months
  • Lots of WrestleMania news

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

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Tuesday Update

WWE

  • Following a Wall Street Journal report that Vince McMahon has interest in returning to WWE, the company’s stock sank to $73.73 after opening this morning at $76.01.
  • Variety reported that John Cena and Jason Momoa are teaming together for a action comedy movie titled ‘Killer Vacation’.
  • Cena narrated a video that aired on Raw Monday night looking back at WWE’s first Tribute to the Troops event in Iraq back in 2003.
  • Sports Illustrated has an interview with The New Day, where they talk about winning the NXT Tag Team titles for the first time. When Big E’s name is brought up, Kofi Kingston told Sports Illustrated that he was there in spirit. “Big E wasn’t here; but he was here. He’s always with us. We’re doing a lot of this in his honor. I woke up to a great text from him [Saturday] morning about our match. We’re in constant contact. We miss him, and without Big E, there is no New Day. We want him living a happy, healthy, safe life; and that’s what is paramount to us.”
  • WWE has uploaded NXT’s new theme song to YouTube, Shredder.
  • Valerie Loureda (Lola Vice) spoke to Jim Varallone about training in WWE and her first match.
  • Matches added to WWE’s YouTube today include The Shield vs. The Usos from the December 13, 2013 edition of SmackDown, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt from WWE Great Balls of Fire 2017, and Alpha Academy vs. RK-Bro vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens.

AEW

  • Arn Anderson in a statement clarified that his contract with the company isn’t up for another year in a half, saying that he ‘misspoke’ in a recent interview on WrestlingInc where he said 2023 would be a year where he would be at a beach more than once. “If I created any incorrect narrative, I apologize,” the statement reads. “The truth is, I would like to be around for as long as I can contribute to the business and am still having fun.”
  • This week’s AEW Road To Winter is Coming, which focuses on MJF vs. Ricky Starks and the continuation of the best of seven series between Death Triangle and The Young Bucks.
  • Ricky Starks talked to the New York Post ahead of his match against MJF on Wendesday’s Dynamite.
  • Lee Johnson is celebrating a birthday today.

Other Wrestling

  • Revolution Pro announced that Will Ospreay will face Tomohiro Ishii on December 17 at York Hall.
  • NJPW Concurso, their annual bodybuilding competition that is similar to CMLL’s annual competition, will take place on December 22 and 23.
  • Kohei Sato is out of the December 21 and 25 All Japan Pro Wrestling cards due to a lower back contusion.
  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Manabu Soya is returning to AJPW for the December 25 show, where he will face Takao Omori.

Ricky & Kerry Morton vs. Brian Pillman Jr. & Brock Anderson added to Ric Flair’s Last Match card

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Ricky & Kerry Morton will be a part of the Ric Flair’s Last Match card.

Starrcast announced tonight that the father and son team, with Robert Gibson in their corner representing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, will face Brian Pillman and Brock Anderson, with Arn Anderson in their corner. The latter team will be representing The Four Horsemen, with Brian Pillman Sr. & Arn Anderson being former members.

The show, which will take place at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, has representation from a number of promotions, including Impact (which will have a Impact World Championship match), MLW, AAA, and NJPW.

Jim Crockett Promotions Presents: Ric Flair’s Last Match (Sunday, July 31) —

  • Ric Flair’s last match (match to be announced)
  • Impact World Champion Josh Alexander defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Impact Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Deonna Purrazzo and Rachael Ellering in a three-way match
  • Ricky & Kerry Morton (with Robert Gibson) vs. Brian Pillman Jr. & Brock Anderson (with Arn Anderson).
  • Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid vs. Taurus vs. Bandido
  • The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
  • Killer Kross (w/Scarlett Bordeaux) vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
  • Clark Connors vs. Ren Narita

Bret Hart to be in FTR’s corner for Big Time Wrestling match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bret Hart will be in FTR’s corner for an upcoming Big Time Wrestling event in June.

The promotion announced a match between FTR and the team of Brock Anderson & Brian Pillman Jr.. Hart will be in FTR’s corner, while Arn Anderson will be in the corner of his son and Pillman. The event will take place in Webster, Massachusetts on June 10. Ticket information can be found here.

“Everyone’s demanding it! Everyone thinks they know where it’s going to happen… well, it’s going to happen only one place and that place is Big Time Wrestling Friday, June 10th at the iconic Webster Town Hall in Webster, MA,” Big Time Wrestling wrote on their Facebook page. “ It’s Old School 2022 when The Hitman Bret Hart leads FTR to battle with Brian Pillman Jr. and Brock Anderson accompanied by The Enforcer Arn Anderson! Plus an all star card!”

FTR, Anderson, and Pillman are all regulars for AEW. Pillman usually teams with Griff Garrison as The Varsity Blonds. Anderson has been teaming with Lee Johnson, most recently defeating Aaron Solo and QT Marshall of The Factory on an episode of AEW Dark: Elevation that aired on March 30.