10 Obscure Wrestling Retirement Matches You Didn't Know About

4. Arn Anderson

Kevin Nash James Ellsworth
WWE

Arn Anderson only wrestled for 15 years, and looked like he was 45 years old when he made his debut in 1982.

In addition to breaking all known laws of space, time, and the process of ageing, Arn was awesome; an expert mechanic who could operate seamlessly between ass-kicking heel and slapstick comedian when on the sell, he was one of the finest promos ever. He delivered awesome soundbite one-liners with an intimidating soft-spoken cadence, so that, when he exploded into a rage, it really mattered. He sold being pissed and ready to gouge out eyeballs better than most as a result.

His full-time run ended in 1997, when his neck and upper back injuries forced him out of the ring. After agenting to much success in WWE - he is credited with laying out the most acclaimed "Big Match" John Cena matches - he has become a treasured meme in AEW for his gun-toting threats. He didn't actually fully retire in 1997, though: in 2000, he worked two very short matches in a noble, impossible bid to get David Flair over (think Austin Theory after a one-year PWG excursion).

Except he actually won the second one, alongside Ric Flair versus David and Crowbar, because WCW.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!