Arn Anderson Says a Startling WWE Hall of Famer Is What He Owes His Career
A prominent character in professional wrestling and one of the mainstays of the fabled Four Horsemen gang, Arn Anderson recently talked about a crucial period in his career that nearly didn’t happen. In an open conversation on the podcast “Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw,” Anderson revealed a tale that gives his already illustrious career even more dimension. This story is about how WWE Hall of Famer Junkyard Dog (JYD) made a coincidental proposal that turned Anderson into the legendary wrestler he is today.
In a field where superstars’ careers are frequently shaped by fortuitous meetings and unanticipated events, Anderson’s tale stands out as an example of how unpredictable professional wrestling can be. If not for a seemingly casual remark made by JYD, Anderson—who is renowned for his technical skill in the ring and his indisputable influence on the wrestling world—may never have achieved the heights to which he eventually rose.
A Meeting to Define Careers
The story opens in one of the numerous unremarkable rooms that have given rise to wrestling legends. Along with Anderson and other wrestlers, prominent wrestling promoter Bill Watts was present. Finding Anderson a tag team partner was the main topic of discussion because it was a pivotal choice that might have made or destroyed his career.
“We’re sitting around at TV, everybody was in one room for Bill Watts, and he said, ‘We gotta get you a partner and we’ll see any ideas?’ And nobody had any ideas,” Anderson recalled, his voice tinged with the nostalgia of that pivotal moment.
In the world of wrestling, inspiration can strike from anywhere. However, it was JYD—a well-respected individual both inside and outside the ring—who made the move that would change Anderson’s life.
The Revolution-Changing Idea from JYD
JYD’s suggestion was simple, yet it carried immense weight. He turned to Bill Watts and said, “Hey Bill, Lunde looks just like Ole Anderson, why don’t you send him [to Jim Crockett] and make him an Anderson?”
This idea, given in the course of a casual chat, would influence Arn Anderson’s future. At that precise moment, JYD’s astute observation and his readiness to speak up initiated Anderson’s transition from Marty Lunde to the legendary wrestler known as Arn Anderson.
The Arn Anderson Birth
“They call us in. I walked in, and Ole looked up and says, ‘Damn, you do look like me.’ I didn’t know if that was good or bad, but he said, ‘I’ll tell you what, we’ll give it a try. We’re gonna call you Arn Anderson.’ That’s how it was born that day, just like that,” Anderson shared, with a mix of gratitude and disbelief in his voice.
Anderson was dispatched to meet seasoned wrestler Ole Anderson, who was one of the original members of the Anderson family in the wrestling plot, at JYD’s request. The meeting was short but memorable.
The choice was made instantly, and Arn Anderson was born. In addition to fitting the wrestling narrative, Anderson’s new character shot him to fame and helped him make a lasting impression on the business.
A Single Moment Defines a Legacy
Looking back on that fateful day, Anderson doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the crucial role JYD played in his career. “Had it not been for JYD, I might’ve never been anything. So that’s how stuff happens in this business,” Anderson admitted, highlighting the often unpredictable and collaborative nature of professional wrestling.
His tenure with the Four Horsemen, a group that would go on to become one of the most significant factions in wrestling history, would go on to define Anderson’s career. But JYD’s idea was the catalyst for it all; it might have been easily disregarded, but instead it laid the groundwork for a wrestling legacy.
The “Glock” Ad That Nearly Got Arrested
There was more to Anderson’s career’s unpredictable nature. Years later, Anderson ran into controversy in AEW because of his infamous “Glock” promo. In his remarks, Anderson expressed his sincere concern that his remarks could have legal consequences.
Recalling the events that followed the promo, Anderson admitted, “I thought I could be arrested.” He revealed that in order to resolve the matter, AEW President Tony Khan had to speak with TNT executives over the phone. Anderson expressed his fears, but Khan reassured him that everything was OK because of Arn Anderson’s standing and respect in the business.
H/t to ITRWrestling.com
