Arn Anderson Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2024
Arn Anderson Then
Arn Anderson, born Martin Anthony Lunde on September 20, 1958, in Rome, Georgia, developed an early interest in wrestling.
His entry into the wrestling world was initially unconventional. Although he was not related to the legendary Anderson family, Lunde was given the wrestling persona “Arn Anderson” and was often billed as a relative of Ole Anderson due to their similar appearances and wrestling styles.
His early training came under Ted Lipscomb, and he began his career in Georgia Championship Wrestling on December 16, 1981, using the ring name Jim Vertaroso.
Arn Anderson Wrestling Career
Arn Anderson, originally known as Jim Vertaroso, began his wrestling career on December 16, 1981, in Georgia Championship Wrestling.
Trained by Ted Lipscomb, Anderson spent his early years wrestling across various independent promotions, including a stint in Mid-South Wrestling from 1982 to 1983.
His time in Southeastern Championship Wrestling (SECW) was particularly formative, where he adopted the ring name “Super Olympia” and joined Ron Fuller’s Stud Stable.
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Anderson’s tag team success in SECW, where he won the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship multiple times, helped establish his reputation in the wrestling world.
In 1984, Anderson’s career took a pivotal turn when he began working with Ric Flair in Southeastern Championship Wrestling.
This partnership led to a crucial move to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling territory, where he adopted the ring name “Arn Anderson,” and teamed with Ole Anderson to form the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.
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Their formidable presence in the ring was solidified with the capture of the NWA National Tag Team Championship in March 1985.
The Andersons’ dominance was further showcased at Starrcade 1985, where they defended their titles against notable opponents Wahoo McDaniel and Billy Jack Haynes.
The formation of the Four Horsemen in late 1985 marked a new chapter in Anderson’s career.
Alongside Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and J.J. Dillon, Anderson and Ole Anderson, now dubbed the Horsemen, became a dominant faction in the wrestling world.
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Their impact was felt through high-profile feuds and matches, including Anderson’s reign as NWA Television Champion from January 1986 to September 1986.
The Four Horsemen’s influence was significant, with their involvement in memorable storylines and their ability to generate substantial revenue for the company.
The group’s stability faced challenges in late 1986 and early 1987, particularly with the departure of Ole Anderson and the addition of Lex Luger.
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Despite these changes, Anderson and Tully Blanchard continued to excel, winning the NWA World Tag Team Championship in September 1987 and maintaining their status as top competitors.
However, internal conflicts and contractual disputes led to a shift in Anderson’s career trajectory. By late 1988, Anderson and Blanchard left Jim Crockett Promotions to join the WWF.
In the WWF, Anderson and Blanchard, known as the Brain Busters, quickly made an impact by winning the WWF Tag Team Championship from Demolition on July 18, 1989.
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Their reign was brief, but they remained influential in the tag team division.
Anderson’s return to WCW in December 1989 saw him rejoining the Four Horsemen and achieving success with multiple title reigns, including the WCW World Television Championship.
His involvement in various stables and alliances, such as the Dangerous Alliance and the Stud Stable, continued to shape his career.
Throughout the early 1990s, Anderson’s career was marked by continued success and occasional setbacks.
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His reigns with the WCW World Television Championship and his tag team successes with Larry Zbyszko and “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton highlighted his enduring prominence in the wrestling world.
Despite injury and changing group dynamics, Anderson remained a key figure in WCW until his retirement from active competition in the mid-1990s.
His legacy is defined by his contributions to wrestling as a member of the Four Horsemen and his impact on various promotions throughout his career.
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Arn Anderson Wrestling Competition
- Georgia Championship Wrestling (1981–1982)
- Mid-South Wrestling (1982–1983)
- Southeastern Championship Wrestling (1983–1984)
- Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (1984–1988)
- World Wrestling Federation (1988–1989)
- World Championship Wrestling (1990–1991)
- Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1993)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling (1994)
- World Championship Wrestling (1994–1995)
Arn Anderson’s Wife and Children
Arn Anderson married his wife, Erin, in 1985, and together they have built a life in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Their son, Brock Anderson, has followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in professional wrestling.
Anderson’s dedication to the wrestling industry has been deeply personal; he has mentioned on his podcast, The Arn Show, that his commitment to the business was partly driven by his desire to ensure Brock had the opportunity to establish himself in the same field.
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Anderson’s career and passion for wrestling have not only shaped his own legacy but also significantly influenced his son’s professional journey, highlighting a family connection to the sport that extends beyond just a career but into a legacy of mentorship and support.
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Arn Anderson Now
At 65 years old, Arn Anderson, best known by his ring name, remains an influential figure in the world of professional wrestling.
After a storied career as a wrestler, Anderson transitioned into a role as a road agent, author, and on-screen personality.
In a notable move, Anderson joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a head coach and the on-screen manager for Cody Rhodes, contributing his extensive experience to the organization and supporting Rhodes’ career.
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On May 28, 2024, Anderson announced on his podcast, The ARN Show, that he would not be renewing his AEW contract, which was set to expire on May 31, 2024.
This decision marked the end of his tenure with AEW, signaling a shift in his professional trajectory.
Subsequently, on August 3, 2024, Anderson made a surprise appearance at WWE’s SummerSlam event.
During a backstage segment, he was seen with Cody Rhodes during his entrance to the main event.
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In this segment, Anderson promised Rhodes that he would not face the formidable Bloodline faction alone, highlighting his ongoing support and involvement in Rhodes’ wrestling journey even as his formal association with AEW concluded.
This appearance underlined Anderson’s enduring presence and influence within the wrestling industry, bridging his legacy with current events in the wrestling world.
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Arn Anderson’s Net Worth
Arn Anderson, a renowned American former professional wrestler, boasts a net worth of $3 million, reflecting his successful career and contributions to the wrestling industry both inside and outside the ring.
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FAQs
Arn Anderson’s career was effectively ended by a series of injuries and a physical altercation with Sid Vicious in 1993, leading to his departure from wrestling.
No, Ole Anderson and Arn Anderson are not biological brothers. They are kayfabe brothers, with Arn adopting the “Anderson” name as part of his wrestling persona.
Arn Anderson’s finishing move was the ” spinebuster,” a powerful slam where he would lift his opponent and slam them back-first onto the mat.
As of now, Arn Anderson is involved in professional wrestling as a coach and manager, and he has made appearances in various wrestling promotions, including WWE.
Yes, Arn Anderson continues to host his podcast, The ARN Show, where he shares insights and stories from his wrestling career.
Yes, Arn Anderson was known for his toughness and hard-hitting style, earning respect for his in-ring skills and resilience throughout his wrestling career.
Arn Anderson’s last match took place on December 19, 1997, at a WCW house show where he teamed with Ric Flair against Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko.