Arn Anderson, the renowned WWE Hall of Fame inductee, recently shared his musings on numerous topics including Harley Race’s wrestling career and more, in his well-received podcast ‘The ARN Show’.
Detailed highlights of the podcast can be gleaned below:
Anderson poured his sentiments regarding the devastating conclusion of Harley Race’s wrestling career in 1995, which was precipitated by a serious car accident. Drawing from a profound sense of adulation, he stated, “I was utterly fascinated by Harley Race, just as several of my predecessors were. In our subconscious, we contemplated, ‘This is just another hurdle to overcome.’ Owing to his extreme resilience, it’s safe to say that he set the standards, becoming the measure of toughness in the wrestling fraternity. When inquiring about true toughness, Harley’s is indeed the first name that pops up. It’s disheartening to witness such a mishap that was completely beyond his control.”
In particular, Anderson expressed his disapproval of WCW’s decision to increase the frequency of pay-per-views in 1995. He firmly believes that, “Excessiveness dilutes quality. I was an ardent supporter of keeping it down to four per year. The concept isn’t merely about the number; rather, following each pay-per-view, the build-up and climax of each match would lead to another three or four month long anticipation for the next event. This pace offers the opportunity for new rivalries, fresh storylines, and a slow-and-steady build up to the next pay-per-view. It should be a cumulative, suspense-filled drama, always leaving fans eager for more, not less.”
He further conveyed his viewpoint that an overabundance of PPV events significantly restricts fans from fully relishing the unfolding feuds. He recommended, “In the grand scheme, it’s the wrestling company that calls the shots. We are merely participants in their game. My suggestion to the talent is to take the initiative and translate the storytelling in the ring. Steer clear from showcasing all your skills at once. Otherwise, it may lead to fans becoming indifferent due to overexposure.”