Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, The ARN Show, Arn Anderson discussed a variety of topics, including Andre The Giant, Michael Hayes, and more.
Sharing his thoughts on Andre The Giant’s presence at Clash of the Champions 1992, Anderson expressed his admiration for Andre. He said,
“Well, it’s always an honor to be in the room with the Giant. Because you gotta understand, what he contributed to the business and at what personal peril, just trying to get in a seat, you know, in a rental car. Trying to get in a seat on an airplane. You know, all the things traveling and all the issues that went with that. Life was not easy for Andre and he was a bona fide giant. And the fact that he worked so hard and always had a smile on his face — and especially before his back got bad, he was always pleasant to be around. And I can only imagine after his back started ailing him, how difficult it was. And yeah, just to see him walk by and you’re sitting there going, ‘My God, he is really a giant.’”
Anderson also discussed his collaboration with Michael Hayes. Describing Hayes as a flamboyant and talented individual, Anderson recognized his versatility and the different personas he had portrayed throughout his career. Anderson said,
“Well, Michael’s very flamboyant. When he’s backstage, you know, he is backstage and he’s very talented. And he was kind of, at that point in his career, between gimmicks, you know what I mean? Where was Buddy? Where was Bam Bam. And it’s just, you know, Michael by himself, but I mean, he’s a very talented guy and, you know, a great talker.”
When asked about Hayes’ potential in a creative role, Anderson acknowledged that although he hadn’t personally worked with Hayes extensively, he knew of his reputation as a veteran who understood the business. He said,
“I mean, I had an idea… if I hadn’t been directly involved with matches with him that much, it was — you know, I knew that guys had a reputation. If somebody that you trusted was a veteran that had drawn money said ‘The guy’s got a good mind for the business,’ you took it at face value. And Michael would’ve been one of those guys. I mean, when he was in Texas, those guys were on fire. Yeah. Big time.”