Arn “The Enforcer” Anderson, the man who could probably arm-wrestle a grizzly bear and still have time for a podcast, is waving goodbye to AEW. After Mark “The World’s Strongest Man” Henry announced he’d be departing to lift even heavier things (maybe the moon next?), Anderson revealed on his “ARN” podcast that he’s also heading out the door as his contract wraps up on May 31.
And why is the Enforcer leaving the thrilling world of body slams and suplexes? It turns out, he’s got a more personal tag team to focus on—his son, Brock. “The limited time that I have left [in my wrestling career], I want to spend with [my son] Brock, because I think Brock has aptitude and attitude,” Anderson said. “I think he will be a player for somebody. And I just got to get him some experience, and that’s where I’m going to go with my time – helping develop Brock and teaching him.”
That’s right, folks! Anderson isn’t hanging up his boots; he’s just moving from the main event to the main family. He’s on a mission to transform his son Brock from a promising rookie into a ring warrior. It’s like a wrestling Rocky montage, but with more headlocks and less running up stairs.
Arn Anderson, whose AEW stint started in 2019, became the Gandalf of the wrestling world—wise, bearded, and occasionally wielding a metaphorical staff. He began as Cody Rhodes’ personal advisor and then took under his wing a new batch of talents including Wardlow, Lee Johnson, and of course, Brock Anderson. Brock tried to follow in his dad’s footsteps but decided to forge his own path, leaving AEW in October 2023.
Arn took a moment to thank the mastermind behind AEW, Tony Khan, with a heartfelt (and maybe slightly tear-jerking) farewell: “I just want to say thank you. I appreciate everything, and that goes to everybody that works there.”
And so, as Arn Anderson rides off into the sunset, not to retire but to nurture the next generation, we bid him adieu. The ring won’t be the same without him, but we know Brock is in good hands.