Editing Arn Anderson (section)

== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1981–1984) ===
Lunde began his career on December 16, 1981, in Georgia Championship Wrestling going by the ring name Jim Vertaroso,<ref name="cagematch.net">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&s=2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729001132/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&s=2000 |archive-date=2021-07-29 |title=Matches « Arn Anderson « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> having been trained by Ted Lipscomb (Allen). He spent much of the year wrestling in various independent wrestling companies across the United States, including a minor run in [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Mid South Wrestling]] for [[Bill Watts]] from 1982 to 1983.<ref name=AlumArch>{{cite web|title=WWE Alumni, Arn Anderson Bio|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/arnanderson/bio/|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=June 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209040915/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wwealumni/arnanderson/bio/|archive-date=February 9, 2010}}</ref> By the middle of 1983, he made his way to [[Continental Championship Wrestling|Southeastern Championship Wrestling]], an [[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]] affiliated promotion operating out of [[Tennessee]] and [[Alabama]]. Taking the name of "Super Olympia", Lunde soon became a member of [[Ron Fuller (wrestler)|Ron Fuller]]'s [[Stud Stable]] before the year was out. Lunde saw success in the tag team ranks by winning the [[CWF Tag Team Championship|NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship]] three times with [[Jerry Stubbs|Mr. Olympia]] and once with Pat Rose throughout 1984. It was also here in this promotion that Lunde met and began what would become a lifelong friendship with Ric Flair. By the end of the year, however, Lunde left the company and joined Mid South Wrestling based out of Shreveport. Lunde's time in Mid South was coming to an end, and during a TV taping the [[Junkyard Dog]] mentioned to Bill Watts, the owner of Mid South Wrestling, that Lunde looked like an Anderson. Watts called Jim Crockett and convinced him to book Lunde.<ref name="patreon.com">{{cite web| url = https://www.patreon.com/posts/arn-finishing-up-51699890| title = Reference at www.patreon.com}}</ref>

=== Jim Crockett Promotions / World Championship Wrestling (1984–1988) ===
==== Minnesota Wrecking Crew (1984–1985) ====
{{see also|Minnesota Wrecking Crew (professional wrestling)|l1=Minnesota Wrecking Crew}}
Lunde made his way to [[Jim Crockett, Jr.]]'s [[Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling]], based in [[the Virginias]] and [[the Carolinas]]. By this time, the company extended its range into [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] after rival promoter [[Vince McMahon]] [[Black Saturday (professional wrestling)|purchased]] [[Georgia Championship Wrestling]]. There was a strong physical resemblance between Lunde and [[Ole Anderson]], who had achieved legendary status in the Georgia and Mid-Atlantic territories as a tag team wrestler. Ole noticed that Lunde's style was a no nonsense approach in the ring and specialized in working over a part of an opponent's body throughout the match, much like Ole himself. Anderson agreed to work with Lunde, helping to hone his capabilities, and re-formed the [[Minnesota Wrecking Crew]] with Lunde replacing [[Gene Anderson (wrestler)|Gene Anderson]] and taking on the name of "Arn Anderson", Ole's kayfabe brother. The team quickly became a force in the territory by capturing the [[NWA National Tag Team Championship]] in March 1985.<ref name=AlumArch/> Arn and Ole defended the titles throughout the year, with their highest profile match being part of the card for [[Starrcade (1985)|Starrcade 1985]] on [[Thanksgiving]] night. The Crew successfully defended the titles against [[Wahoo McDaniel]] and [[Billy Jack Haynes]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11285| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

==== The Four Horsemen (1985–1988) ====
{{see also|Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|l1=The Four Horsemen}}
{{Blockquote|quote="Not since the [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]] have so few wreaked so much havoc on so many." - Arn Anderson, 1985<ref name="BourneB"/>}}
[[Image:Arn Anderson, circa Spring 1987 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Anderson in 1987]]

In the latter half of 1985, the Andersons formed a loose knit alliance with fellow heels [[Tully Blanchard]] and [[Ric Flair]], as they began to have common enemies. The foursome frequently teamed together in six-man, and sometimes, eight-man tag matches or interfered in each other's matches to help score a victory or, at least, to prevent each other from losing their titles. The alliance quickly became a force within the territory, working in feuds against some of the biggest stars in the company like [[Dusty Rhodes]], [[Magnum T. A.]], the [[Road Warriors]] and the [[Rock 'n' Roll Express]]. Anderson also saw success as a singles wrestler on January 4, 1986, by winning the vacant [[WCW World Television Championship|NWA Television Championship]].<ref name=AlumArch/> Simultaneously, Anderson was still one half of the NWA National Tag Team Champions and, even though Crockett promotions abandoned the National Tag titles in March, Anderson's success as a dual champion elevated his status within the territory. It was also during this time (in 1986) that the Andersons, Blanchard, and Flair began calling themselves [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|The Four Horsemen]] with [[J. J. Dillon]] serving as the group's manager.<ref name=AlumArch/> Anderson also had a tremendous ability to do interviews to further the storylines he participated in. His ability to improvise in interviews allowed him to coin the "Four Horsemen" moniker for the stable, as he likened their coming to wrestle at an event and the aftermath of their wrath as being akin to the [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]], and the name stuck. Anderson continued his reign as NWA Television Champion for most of the year, holding the championship for just over 9 months before losing it to Dusty Rhodes on September 9, 1986.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=260414| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

The first real setback with the Horsemen occurred at [[Starrcade (1986)|Starrcade 1986]] after Anderson and Ole lost a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|Steel Cage match]] to the Rock 'n' Roll Express, with Ole getting pinned. The subsequent storyline positioned Ole as the weak link within the team, possibly attributed to his age. Ole's position with the group was only further weakened after he decided to take two months off after Starrcade. After Ole's return in February 1987, the other Horsemen turned on him and threw him out of the group, resulting in Ole incurring numerous attacks over the next several months. Afterwards, Ole was replaced with [[Lex Luger]] and the Horsemen resumed their dominance of the company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/lex-luger/|title = Lex Luger - OWW| date=May 22, 2023 }}</ref>

As a member of the Horsemen, Anderson continued to be involved in high-profile angles within the company. By mid-1987, Anderson and fellow Horsemen Tully Blanchard began regularly competing as a tag team and rose quickly through the tag team ranks.<ref name=AlumArch/> The duo faced the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|NWA World Tag Team Championship]] on September 29, 1987, and were victorious.<ref name=AlumArch/> This win further solidified the group's dominance in the company as Lex Luger was the reigning [[WWE United States Championship|NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]] and Ric Flair spent most of 1987 as the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship|NWA World Heavyweight Champion]], losing it to Ron Garvin in September, only to regain it at [[Starrcade (1987)|Starrcade 1987]] on Thanksgiving night. Anderson and Tully continued to feud throughout the rest of the year and first few months of 1988 with the Road Warriors, the Rock 'n' Roll Express and the [[The Midnight Express (professional wrestling)|Midnight Express]] being their most frequent rivals.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&s=1400| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&s=1300| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&s=1200| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

By December 1987, Luger had defected from the Horsemen and began a heated feud with the group, with Ric Flair especially. In early 1988, Luger formed a tag team with [[Barry Windham]] and began challenging Anderson and Blanchard for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. The bigger, stronger team of Windham and Luger were eventually successful, winning the titles on March 27, 1988. The reign would be short lived, however, as Anderson and Blanchard regained the titles less than a month later after Barry Windham turned on Luger during their match and joined the Horsemen. Though Anderson and Blanchard were two of the biggest stars in Crockett's company, they were frequently in dispute with Crockett over their pay. Despite the fact that the two, along with the Horsemen, were helping to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the company, they considered themselves to be underpaid. Their last contracted match with the company took place on September 10, 1988, when they dropped the NWA World Tag Team Championship to the Midnight Express before leaving for the WWF.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=32986| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== World Wrestling Federation (1988–1989) ===
{{see also|Brain Busters}}
[[File:Brain Busters (Anderson and Blanchard).jpg|thumb|Anderson with his tag team partner [[Tully Blanchard]] in 1989]]

Anderson and Blanchard left Crockett's company to join Vince McMahon's [[World Wrestling Federation]]. Upon being named the [[Brain Busters]], the team took [[Bobby "The Brain" Heenan]] as their [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] and quickly began rising through the tag team ranks, eventually coming to challenge [[Demolition (professional wrestling)|Demolition]] for the [[WWF Tag Team Championship]]. On July 18, 1989, the Brain Busters won the titles, ending Demolition's historic reign of 478 days; the match would air on the July 29 edition of ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXII]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/demosbusters7-29-89review.htm| title = Reference at www.thehistoryofwwe.com| access-date = May 25, 2021| archive-date = December 2, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211202054700/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/demosbusters7-29-89review.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref> Although they would lose the titles back to Demolition on an episode of ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|WWF Superstars]]'' just over three months later, the Brain Busters continued to be a force in the WWF's tag team division.<ref name=AlumArch/>

=== World Championship Wrestling (1989–2001) ===

==== World Television Champion (1990–1991) ====
{{see also|Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|l1=The Four Horsemen}}

In December 1989, Anderson left the WWF and went back to WCW.<ref name=AlumArch/> Blanchard was slated to return as well but WWF accused him of testing positive for cocaine. Crockett's company was now called [[World Championship Wrestling]] and was under the ownership of billionaire mogul [[Ted Turner]]. Anderson helped to reform the Horsemen and he quickly found success in the company, winning the [[WCW World Television Championship|NWA World Television Championship]] on January 2, 1990.<ref name=AlumArch/> Anderson remained the champion almost the entire year before dropping it to [[Tom Zenk]]. Zenk's reign would be short lived, however, as Anderson regained the title, having been renamed the [[WCW World Television Championship]] on January 14, 1991.<ref name=AlumArch/> His third reign with the title was also considered successful as he held the title a little more than five months before dropping it to [["Beautiful" Bobby Eaton]] on May 19, 1991. Afterwards, with Horsemen members [[Ric Flair]] and [[Sid Eudy|Sid Vicious]] gone to the WWF and [[Barry Windham]] having turned face, Anderson entered the tag team ranks of WCW.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1554| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

==== World Tag Team Champion (1991–1992) ====
{{see also|Enforcers (professional wrestling)|l1=Enforcers|Dangerous Alliance}}

In the summer of 1991, Anderson formed a tag team with [[Larry Zbyszko]] and they called themselves the [[Enforcers (professional wrestling)|Enforcers]]. After competing for several months and moving up in the tag team ranks, they successfully captured the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] on September 2, 1991. The reign would be short lived, however, as they lost the titles roughly two and a half months later to [[Ricky Steamboat]] and [[Dustin Rhodes]]. Anderson and Zbyszko wrestled their final match as a tag team in December 1991 as part of WCW's "Roar Power" tour of Europe.

Later in December 1991, Anderson joined [[Paul E. Dangerously]]'s new stable the [[Dangerous Alliance]], where he formed a new tag team with [["Beautiful" Bobby Eaton]]. They quickly moved up the tag team division and were soon a threat to Steamboat and Rhodes. Anderson and Eaton quickly won the titles on January 16, 1992, and defended the titles against all comers for the next four and a half months before losing the titles to the [[Steiner Brothers]] in May 1992.<ref name=AlumArch/> The Dangerous Alliance disbanded in November 1992 following [[Clash of the Champions XXI]], following which Anderson took a short hiatus from WCW.

==== The Four Horsemen reunion (1993–1994) ====
{{see also|The Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|l1=The Four Horsemen}}

Ric Flair returned to WCW in February 1993; as a result of a "no-compete" clause he was initially unable to wrestle, so he hosted a short-lived talk show segment called "A Flair for the Gold". Anderson usually appeared at the bar on the show's set.

While still under WCW contract, Anderson wrestled a handful of matches for [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]] in March and April 1993, teaming with the [[Rock 'n' Roll Express]]. At [[Slamboree '93: A Legends' Reunion]] in May 1993, Anderson unsuccessfully challenged [[Barry Windham]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]].

In May 1993, Anderson joined Ole Anderson and Ric Flair to once more reform the Four Horsemen. The Horsemen introduced [[Paul Roma]] as their newest member. Although athletic and a skilled in-ring competitor, Roma had spent much of his career as a [[Job (professional wrestling)|jobber]] in the WWF. As part of an interview segment for the ''Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen'' DVD, [[Triple H]] stated that he thought the addition of Roma made the membership the weakest in the history of the group, and Arn himself referred to Roma as "a glorified gym rat". Although Anderson and Roma won the WCW World Tag Team Championship in August, the group was seen as a failure by WCW.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&search=roma| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref> The stable disbanded in October 1993 after Anderson was [[legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] injured in an altercation with Sid Vicious.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/brutal-story-arn-anderson-backstage-fight-sid-vicious/|title=The Brutal Story Of Arn Anderson's Backstage Fight With Sid Vicious|first=Malik umar Khalid|last=mahmood|date=September 27, 2021|website=TheSportster}}</ref>

Anderson returned to the ring in December 1993, facing his former stablemate Paul Roma in a series of matches. In February 1994, he formed a short-lived tag team with Ricky Steamboat. In May 1994, Anderson wrestled at the [[Eastern Championship Wrestling]] event [[ECW When Worlds Collide|When Worlds Collide]] as part of a talent exchange between WCW and ECW. At the event, Anderson teamed with Terry Funk in an unsuccessful challenge to [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] and Bobby Eaton.<ref>Chris (June 2nd, 2022), "[https://www.retroprowrestling.com/2022/06/event-review-ecw-when-worlds-collide.html Event Review: ECW When World's Collide 1994]", ''Retro Pro Wrestling'', (Retrieved: August 20th, 2022)</ref>

==== Stud Stable; World Television Champion (1994–1995) ====
{{see also|Stud Stable}}

In May 1994, Anderson formed another new tag team, this one with [[Dustin Rhodes]]. At [[Bash at the Beach 1994]], Anderson and Rhodes faced [[Robert Fuller (wrestler)|Col. Rob Parker]]'s [[Stud Stable]]; during the match, Anderson betrayed Rhodes and cost him them match, subsequently joining the Stud Stable alongside [[Terry Funk]], [[Bunkhouse Buck]], [["Stunning" Steve Austin]] and [[Tonga Fifita|Meng]]. The Stud Stable feuded with [[Dusty Rhodes|Dusty]] and [[Dustin Rhodes]] until late 1994 when Funk left.<ref name=Stud>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/stud-stable.html|title=Stud Stable|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=2009-09-08}}</ref>

Anderson's last championship run began on January 8, 1995, after winning the World Television Championship from [[Johnny B. Badd]]. Anderson helped restore the prestige of the title, which he held for just over six months before dropping it to [[Rick Wilson (wrestler)|The Renegade]] at [[Great American Bash 1995]]. He briefly feuded with long-time friend Flair, and was assisted by [[Brian Pillman]] in his efforts.

==== The Four Horsemen reunion (1995–1997) ====
{{see also|Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|l1=The Four Horsemen}}

In 1995, Anderson reformed the Four Horsemen yet again with Flair, Anderson, Pillman, and a partner to be named later (who ended up being [[Chris Benoit]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metafilter.com/62384/Chris-Benoit-19672007|title=Chris Benoit, 1967-2007|website=www.metafilter.com}}</ref>

By the end of 1996, Anderson rarely competed in the ring as years of wear and tear on his body finally started to catch up with him. On the November 25 edition of ''Nitro'', Anderson fought Luger to a double count-out in a quarter-final tournament match for the vacant WCW United States Championship.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=4092| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

==== Semi-retirement (1997–2002) ====
On the August 25, 1997, episode of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Monday Nitro]]'', Anderson formally announced his retirement from the ring.<ref name=AlumArch/> While standing in the ring, surrounded by Ric Flair and newest Horsemen members [[Steve McMichael]] and Benoit, Anderson declared that his last official act as the "Enforcer" for the Four Horsemen was to offer his "spot" in the group to [[Curt Hennig]], as he was forced to retire due to extensive neck and upper back injuries. He worked a couple tag matches afterward, including teaming with [[David Flair]] on an episode of ''[[WCW Thunder]]'', but his physical involvement was extremely limited in those bouts.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=479&page=4&search=david+flair| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

On the September 14, 1998, edition of ''Nitro'', alongside Steve McMichael, Dean Malenko, and Chris Benoit, Anderson ceremoniously reintroduced Ric Flair to WCW after his 12-month hiatus. In doing so, they reformed the Horsemen who then feuded with WCW President [[Eric Bischoff]]. Flair won the presidency of WCW from Bischoff on the December 28, 1998, episode of ''Nitro'' followed by winning the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Uncensored (1999)|Uncensored 1999]] and turn heel in the process. Anderson remained Flair's right-hand man during this time as he attempted to keep Flair's delusional hunger for power at bay.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1704| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

In 2000, Anderson was a member of the short-lived Old Age Outlaws. Led by [[Terry Funk]], the group of veteran wrestlers battled the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)#Revival|revived]] [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]].<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/arn-anderson/|title=Online World of Wrestling profile|date=May 22, 2023 }}</ref> On May 9, Anderson wrestled and lost to [[David Flair]] and a week later teamed with Ric Flair to defeat David Flair and [[Crowbar (wrestler)|Crowbar]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

WCW was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in early 2001, ending Anderson's tenure there. He later made his return to the WWF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/arn-anderson-says-the-spinebuster-he-gave-to-undertaker-at-wrestlemania-18-was-his-favorite-all-time-talks-involvement-in-the-match/|title=Arn Anderson Says The Spinebuster He Gave To Undertaker AT WrestleMania 18 Was His Favorite All-Time, Talks Involvement In The Match|first=Joey|last=G|work=Wrestling Headlines |date=November 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/67205/20-Years-Ago-Today-WWF-Bought-WCW/|title=20 Years Ago Today WWF Bought WCW|date=March 23, 2021}}</ref>

=== Return to WWF/WWE (2001–2019) ===
[[File:Arn Anderson Aug 2014.jpg|thumb|Anderson in 2014]]

Not long after the closing of WCW, Anderson became a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#A|road agent]] for WWF, renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in May 2002.<ref name=AlumArch/> He occasionally appeared on WWE television trying to, with the help of other WWE management, pull apart backstage brawls. Before the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|WCW/ECW Invasion]] storyline, Anderson took up color commentary for a [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] match between [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] and [[Buff Bagwell]], [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] match with [[Billy Kidman]] and [[Gregory Helms]] as well as another WCW Championship match between Diamond Dallas Page and Booker T, which would be his only appearances as a commentator in WWE. He made an appearance on ''Raw'' in 2002 delivering a video to [[Triple H]] before he was supposed to renew his wedding vows to then-heel, [[Stephanie McMahon]]. Anderson was assaulted by [[The Undertaker]] on February 25, 2002, in an episode of ''Raw'' leading up the Undertaker vs. Ric Flair match at [[WrestleMania X8]]. During that bout, Anderson made an in-ring appearance, delivering his signature ''[[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|spinebuster]]'' to The Undertaker.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-difference-between-mark-calaway-and-undertaker-persona|title=Arn Anderson On The Difference Between Mark Calaway And 'The Undertaker' Persona &#124; Fightful News|website=www.fightful.com}}</ref> He would later turn heel by helping Ric Flair in his feud with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], leading to Austin [[urinating]] on him. Anderson became a face once again on June 10, 2002, and attempted to help a then-babyface Flair gain sole ownership of WWE during a match with [[Vince McMahon|Mr. McMahon]], but backed down from a confrontation with [[Brock Lesnar]], who entered the ring to assist McMahon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2020/10/10/wwe-raw-6-10-2002/|title=WWE RAW 6/10/2002|first=Bob Colling|last=Jr|date=October 10, 2020|website=Wrestling Recaps}}</ref>

Anderson made a special appearance at the October 2006 ''Raw'' Family Reunion special, in which he was in Ric Flair's corner for his match against [[Nick Mitchell|Mitch]] of the [[Spirit Squad]]. Anderson was in the corner of Flair, [[Sgt. Slaughter]], Dusty Rhodes, and [[Ron Simmons]] at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series 2006]], where the four faced the Spirit Squad, but was ejected from the arena during the match. On the March 31, 2008 ''Raw'', Anderson came out to say his final goodbye to Ric Flair and thank him for his career. At [[No Mercy (2008)|No Mercy]], he was backstage congratulating [[Triple H]] for retaining the [[WWE Championship]] against [[Jeff Hardy]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=28973| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

On an episode of ''Smackdown Live'' in August 2016, Anderson made an appearance as one of the people asked by [[Heath Slater]] to be his tag team partner for the tournament to determine the inaugural winners of the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]]. Anderson refused to help Slater upon learning that he was not Slater's first choice as a tag team partner. On the August 8, 2017, episode of ''Smackdown Live'', Anderson made a guest appearance on Fashion Police, revealing himself to be the one who destroyed Breezango's toy horse, Tully, and boasting he was the best horse from [[The Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|The Four Horsemen]], and that "Tully" should have been named "Arn".<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=181370| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

On February 22, 2019, it was reported Anderson had been released from the WWE.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=124356| title = ARN ANDERSON GONE FROM WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT {{!}} PWInsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/arn-anderson-let-go-wwe/#.XG_Ye-hKiUk|title = Arn Anderson Has Been Let Go from WWE|date = February 22, 2019}}</ref> It was later reported this was due to Anderson allowing an intoxicated [[Alicia Fox]] to wrestle a match at a WWE Live Event on February 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-arn-anderson-was-let-go-wwe-because-he-allowed-alicia-fox-wrestle-while-intoxicated|title = Report: Arn Anderson Was Let Go from WWE Because He Allowed Alicia Fox to Wrestle While Intoxicated &#124; Fightful News}}</ref> At Starcast II, Anderson spoke briefly about his release saying he didn't want to be somewhere he was not wanted and the hours had become too much for him. He couldn't say much due to being bound by a non-disclosure agreement.<ref name="fightful.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-unable-detail-his-wwe-departure-says-he-doesn-t-want-be-where-he-s-not-wanted|title = Arn Anderson Unable to Detail His WWE Departure, Says He Doesn't Want to be Where He's Not Wanted &#124; Fightful News}}</ref>

=== All Elite Wrestling (2019–2024) ===
On August 31, 2019, Anderson made a surprise appearance at the [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) pay-per-view event, [[All Out (2019)|All Out]], assisting [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] in his match against [[Shawn Spears]] by hitting Spears with a spinebuster. On November 6, 2019, Anderson would be a guest commentator on ''[[AEW Dark|Dark]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=#AEW Dark Episode 6 - Charlotte, NC| date=November 8, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rsIYGxO7FY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/0rsIYGxO7FY |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2019-11-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On December 30, 2019, AEW announced that Anderson had signed a contract with the company as Cody's personal advisor and head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/12/30/cody-rhodes-to-introduce-arn-anderson-manager-aew|title=Breaking: Cody Rhodes Will Have Arn Anderson as Manager in AEW|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|publisher=Sports Illustrated|website=si.com|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019}}</ref> He would make his ''[[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]]'' debut on the January 1, 2020, episode, assisting Cody to win his match against [[Darby Allin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-january-1-2020|title=AEW DYNAMITE Results January 1, 2020|publisher=All Elite Wrestling|website=allelitewrestling.com|date=January 1, 2020|access-date=January 1, 2020}}</ref> On June 3, 2020, Anderson announced that he had signed a new multi-year contract with AEW.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/06/arn-anderson-re-signs-with-aew-671036/|title = Arn Anderson Re-Signs with AEW| date=June 3, 2020 }}</ref>

On the June 11, 2021 episode of ''Dynamite'', in an interview with [[Tony Schiavone]], Anderson, alongside his son [[Brock Anderson|Brock]] and Cody (now going under his original ring name Cody Rhodes), announced that Brock would be wrestling with AEW and would join the [[Nightmare Family]]. The interview was interrupted by [[Q. T. Marshall]] and a fight ensued.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/06/14/brock-anderson-aew-what-to-know/|title = Brock Anderson: What to Know About Newest Nightmare Family Member|date = June 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/live-results-aew-dynamite-june-11-2021/|title = AEW Dynamite Live Results - June 11, 2021|date = June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> On the June 18 episode of ''Dynamite'', Anderson accompanied Brock to the ring for his debut match. Brock, teaming with Rhodes defeated Marshall and [[Aaron Solo]]w. After the match, Anderson hugged Brock and raised his hand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2021/06/18/aew-friday-night-dynamite-results-for-june-18-2021/|title = AEW Friday Night Dynamite Results for June 18, 2021|date = June 19, 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/brock-anderson-18542.html|title = Brock Anderson: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD)}}</ref>

On the September 29 episode of ''Dynamite'', Anderson dumped Rhodes, who was on a losing streak, and left the ring with [[Lee Johnson (wrestler)|Lee Johnson]], who had just successfully scored a winning pinfall while teaming with Rhodes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dynamite-92921-results-adam-cole-vs-jungle-boy-tnt-championship-match-miro-vs-sammy-guevara|title=AEW Dynamite 9/29/21 Results Adam Cole vs. Jungle Boy, TNT Championship Match Miro vs. Sammy Guevara|first=Rob|last=Wilkins|publisher=Fightful.com|date=29 September 2021|access-date=30 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theovertimer.com/2021/09/aew-dynamite-results-bryan-danielson-assigns-new-nickname-to-kenny-omega-lee-johnson-cody-rhodes-defeat-matt-sydal-dante-martin-arn-anderson-drops-cody-rhodes-as-a-client-09-29/|title=AEW Dynamite Results: Bryan Danielson Assigns New Nickname To Kenny Omega, Lee Johnson & Cody Rhodes Defeat Matt Sydal & Dante Martin, Arn Anderson Drops Cody Rhodes As A Client? (09/29)|first=Matthew|last=Blanchard|publisher=The Overtime|date=29 September 2021|access-date=30 September 2021}}</ref> During the promo when he dumped Rhodes, Anderson (a real-life gun enthusiast) told him that Rhodes would allow a [[Carjacking|carjacker]] to steal his car while Anderson would "pull out the [[Glock]], put it on his forehead, and spill his brains all over the concrete". The promo, which received approval in advance from both [[Tony Khan]] and [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]],<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/HkMmIiDhuRk| title = Reference at www.youtube.com| website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref> received universal critical praise from fans and other wrestlers, as the quote got Anderson trending on [[Twitter]]; AEW promptly released a T-shirt featuring the quote due to the reaction.<ref>{{cite news|
url=https://prosportsextra.com/arn-andersons-glock-promo-with-cody-rhodes-on-aew-dynamite-is-blowing-up-the-internet/|title=Arn Anderson's glock promo with Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite is blowing up the internet|first=Doug|last=Rush|publisher=Pro Sports Extra|date=30 September 2021|access-date=3 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/aew-arn-anderson-gun-t-shirt-on-sale-lee-moriarty-shot-of-brandi/|title=AEW News: Arn Anderson Gun T-Shirt Now On Sale, Lee Moriarty On A Shot of Brandi|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|work=411Mania.com|date=1 October 2021|access-date=3 October 2021}}</ref> Additionally, the promo was sampled by rapper [[JPEGMafia]] in the song "End Credits".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-glock-promo-sampled-for-jpegmafia-track/|title=Arn Anderson's 'Glock' Promo Sampled For JPEGMAFIA Track|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|work=411Mania.com|date=25 October 2021|access-date=4 February 2024}}</ref> However, Anderson would afterwards resume coaching Rhodes, who would later go on to have another reign as [[AEW TNT Championship|AEW TNT Champion]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2021/12/25/aew-rampage-results-winners-news-and-notes-as-cody-rhodes-wins-tnt-title/|title=AEW Rampage Results: Winners, News And Notes As Cody Rhodes Wins TNT Title|first=Alfred|last=Konuwa|work=Forbes|date=26 December 2021|access-date=5 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-rampage-live-results-tnt-title-match-tag-team-street-fight-364166|title=AEW RAMPAGE LIVE RESULTS: TNT TITLE MATCH, TAG TEAM STREET FIGHT|first=Joseph|last=Collins|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=31 December 2021|access-date=5 January 2022}}</ref> Rhodes departed from the promotion in February 2022, which also caused the end of the Nightmare Family, but Anderson would continue to manage Brock and Johnson for the rest of the year.

On the April 19, 2023 episode of ''Dynamite'', Anderson assisted [[Wardlow (wrestler)|Wardlow]] in his match with [[Powerhouse Hobbs]] to win the TNT Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-dynamite-live-results-jay-white-vs-komander|title=AEW Dynamite live results: Jay White vs. Komander|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Ryan|last=Howard|date=April 19, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref> Anderson and Wardlow began feuding with [[Christian Cage]] and [[Luchasaurus]], and at [[Double or Nothing (2023)|Double or Nothing]], he was involved in a spot where he bit the thumb of Luchasaurus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-double-or-nothing-live-results-four-pillars-world-title-match-anarchy-in-the-arena|title=AEW Double or Nothing live results: Four Pillars World title match, Anarchy in the Arena|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Ryan|last=Howard|date=May 28, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref> Wardlow ended up retaining the title at the event, but Anderson and Wardlow's partnership ended after he lost the title to Luchasaurus on the June 17 episode of ''[[AEW Collision|Collision]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-explains-why-he-doesn-t-want-be-official-road-agent-aew|title=Arn Anderson Explains Why He Doesn't Want To Be An Official Road Agent In AEW|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=August 29, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref> On the August 12 episode of ''Collision'', held in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]], Anderson was in Brock's corner who unsuccessfully challenged Luchasaurus for the TNT Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-collision-live-results-cmftr-challenge-house-of-black-for-trios-titles|title=AEW Collision live results: CMFTR challenge House of Black for Trios titles|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Suit|last=Williams|date=August 12, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref> Brock's contract with the promotion would expire later that month and Anderson took a backstage role as a producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/brock-anderson-confirms-aew-departure|title=Brock Anderson confirms AEW departure|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Joseph|last=Currier|date=October 23, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2024}}</ref>

On May 28, 2024, Anderson announced on his podcast ''The ARN Show'' that he would not be renewing his AEW contract upon its expiration on May 31, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carrier |first=Steve |date=2024-05-28 |title=Arn Anderson Announces Departure from AEW |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/05/28/arn-anderson-announces-departure-from-aew/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Second return to WWE (2024) ===
On August 3, 2024, Anderson made an appearance at WWE's [[SummerSlam (2024)|SummerSlam]] event in a backstage segment during Cody Rhodes' entrance as a part of the main event, promising Cody that he would not be facing [[The Bloodline (professional wrestling)|The Bloodline]] alone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=2024-08-04 |title=Arn Anderson appears as part of Cody Rhodes' entrance at WWE SummerSlam |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/08/03/arn-anderson-appears-as-part-of-cody-rhodes-entrance-at-wwe-summerslam/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=POST Wrestling {{!}} WWE AEW NXT NJPW Podcasts, News, Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2024-08-04 |title=Cody Rhodes Reunites With Arn Anderson At WWE SummerSlam |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1493923-cody-rhodes-reunites-with-arn-anderson-at-wwe-summerslam |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}</ref> On January 25, 2025, Anderson was shown alongside Tully Blanchard in the crowd during [[Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event XXXVII]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arn Anderson Returns To WWE TV For The First Time Since 2019 At SummerSlam |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/arn-anderson-returns-to-wwe-tv-for-the-first-time-since-2019-at-summerslam/ar-AA1ocbMG?ocid=BingNewsVerp&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1 |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>