WCW introduced plenty of new concepts to the world of professional wrestling but Arn Anderson was no fan of the BattleBowl concept.
The BattleBowl idea saw 16 tag teams created by a random drawing compete in an elimination tournament. The winning teams competed in a singles battle royal.
On a recent edition of his “ARN” podcast, Anderson shared his view on the unique stipulation. He said,
“I wasn’t a fan. Maybe as a one-off, I don’t know, but [I] just wasn’t a fan of the concept.”
The first BattleBowl took place in 1991 and returned in 1992 at the Starrcade pay-per-view.
In 1993, the BattleBowl was won by Vader, who teamed with Cactus Jack in the tournament portion before winning the every-man-for-himself battle royal.
The concept was used again in 1996 as part of the WCW Slamboree pay-per-view and was won by ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page.
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WCW’s BattleBowl: A Unique Concept in Professional Wrestling
WCW (World Championship Wrestling) was known for introducing innovative concepts to the world of professional wrestling. One such concept was the BattleBowl, a tournament that featured a unique stipulation. However, not everyone was a fan of this idea, including legendary wrestler Arn Anderson.
The BattleBowl concept involved 16 tag teams that were created through a random drawing. These teams would then compete in an elimination tournament, with the winning teams advancing to a singles battle royal. The ultimate goal was to win the battle royal and be crowned the BattleBowl champion.
Arn Anderson, who recently shared his views on the concept on his “ARN” podcast, expressed his lack of enthusiasm for the BattleBowl. He stated, “I wasn’t a fan. Maybe as a one-off, I don’t know, but [I] just wasn’t a fan of the concept.” Anderson’s opinion reflects the mixed reception that the BattleBowl received from both wrestlers and fans.
The first BattleBowl took place in 1991 and made a return in 1992 at the Starrcade pay-per-view. In 1993, the tournament was won by Vader, who teamed up with Cactus Jack before emerging victorious in the every-man-for-himself battle royal. This victory solidified Vader’s dominance in WCW at the time.
The BattleBowl concept resurfaced in 1996 as part of the WCW Slamboree pay-per-view. This time, it was ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page who emerged as the winner. Page’s victory further elevated his status in WCW and showcased his ability to overcome multiple opponents.
While the BattleBowl may not have been universally loved, it provided a platform for unique matchups and unexpected outcomes. The randomness of the tag team pairings and the subsequent battle royal added an element of unpredictability to the event, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The BattleBowl concept may not have stood the test of time, but it remains a notable part of WCW’s history. It showcased the promotion’s willingness to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of traditional wrestling formats.
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In conclusion, WCW’s BattleBowl was a unique concept that divided opinions among wrestlers and fans. While some, like Arn Anderson, were not fans of the concept, it provided memorable moments and unexpected outcomes. The BattleBowl remains a significant part of WCW’s legacy and a testament to the promotion’s willingness to take risks in the world of professional wrestling.