Arn Anderson Reveals The WCW Match Concept He Hated
WWE Hall of Famer and respected wrestling mind Arn Anderson has revealed his long-standing reservations about one of WCW’s most ambitious match concepts – the 60-man, three-ring battle royal featured at the promotion’s annual World War 3 pay-per-view events.
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast “ARN,” the former Four Horsemen member explained why he was never enthusiastic about the massive elimination match that ran from 1995 to 1998 during WCW’s peak years.
I look at it purely from a performer’s standpoint. Battle royals will either be good or rotten, because there’s only so many things you can do in that setting. You get 20 people in the ring, and people get involved in the match mentally, and they get rocking and rolling.
Arn Anderson, who competed in multiple World War 3 events before transitioning to a backstage role in WCW, highlighted the significant safety concerns that came with having so many competitors involved simultaneously.
They forget, ‘Hey, there’s 19 other people in this ring. Before I get knocked on my ass, or before I throw a punch, or before I do anything, I better be aware of where those other people are.’ Because if they’re right behind you and you get knocked on your can, you land on somebody’s knee, somebody gets injured. You got a guy trapped in the corner, guys walking up behind you, you go to throw a punch, you end up elbowing them in the teeth.
The World War 3 format featured three rings side by side with 20 wrestlers starting in each ring. The final stage would see competitors from all three rings converge into one for the conclusion of the match.
There’s so many things that can happen during that much activity in one ring, much less three. And I just looked at it from a common sense standpoint. If you’re a fan, how many things can you watch at one time?
When asked whether WCW created the event to protect Hulk Hogan by temporarily stripping him of the World Championship, Anderson was measured in his response.
I don’t know what the thought process actually was, to be honest with you. You can look at it as ‘Is it exciting?’ You got all these people, and it’s a spectacle. It absolutely is a spectacle.
Arn Anderson also expressed concerns about the fan experience, particularly for the television viewers watching at home.
When you’re home, you can’t necessarily [see everything]; if the camera’s shooting something else, you get eliminated, I think you lose a little bit of reaction there. I wasn’t a huge fan of it. Let me put it to you that way.
WWE Hall Of Famer Arn Anderson Names Ric Flair’s Greatest Opponent
Also recently on his podcast, Arn Anderson shared his thoughts on who he believes was the best opponent of his fellow Four Horsemen member Ric Flair. Anderson had no hesitation in naming Ricky Steamboat as the guy who brought out the best in Flair.
H/t to 411mania.com