Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard were known to be a pair of no-nonsense Bad-Asses. For example, in this Tag Team jobber-squash, they waste no time beating down their whipping boy — George South.
The jobber’s partner, Curtis Thompson, is a lot stronger and may be able to beat the Heels, but Arn and Tully wisely isolate weakling George South and prevent him from tagging in his big, buff partner.
The Heels in their matching trunks are a “Well Oiled Machine,” tagging frequently and methodically grinding up their victim like a bundle of branches in a chipper.
Arn and Tully were portrayed as especially heartless and sadistic — no compassion or mercy for their opponents. They were likened to animals or Sociopaths when it came to describing their disdain and lack of care for the wellness of their victims.
But suddenly, Tully pauses in the corner and is embraced lovingly from behind by Arn Anderson who circles an arm around him and pats him on the chest. Shocking! Arn nuzzles against Tully’s neck whispering in his ear. The brutes are shown to be human and compassionate after all — as much in need of TLC as the rest of us lost souls! It’s rare moments like this that make me really love watching pro wrestling…
Then Tully reverts to his vicious nature, grabbing South’s neck from behind. Now Tully’s intention is to deliver pain with his embrace, not love and support. The message here is that it’s Arn and Tully against the world. Their compassionate hugs are reserved for one another — but every other man (including us) is excluded from their little club. This further highlights that they are a couple — that they are compassionate only with each other.
When George South gains the upper hand over Tully Blanchard (just for a minute) Arn’s revenge is swift and brutal — hammering poor South repeatedly in the back — which is more violent and cruel than really necessary to win the match.
Arn is sending a message to to the world that anyone who harms his man Tully is going to face his cruel retribution. There is an implication of a bond between Arn and Tully that goes beyond mere drinking buddies or work associates.
The match ends, Arn and Tully easily win, and we go to commercial. And what image do they show on-screen to summarize what we’ve just watched?! Sure enough, it’s the moment of tender embrace between Arn and Tully — the money-shot of the match. And the words under the photo describe the “pleasure” we can feel by watching wrestling.
Is this meant to refer to pleasure beyond simply the fun of watching a sport? Is it coincidence that the term “pleasure” is used in conjunction with one of the most blatant Public Displays of Affection ever performed by Arn Anderson?
You can watch this video on YouTube…