This content originally appeared on Open Culture and was authored by OC
Andy Warhol did for art what the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) did for wrestling. He made it a spectacle. He made it something the “everyman” could enjoy. He infused it with celebrity. And, some would say, he cheapened it too.
Looking back, it makes perfect sense that Warhol frequented wrestling shows at Madison Square Garden during the 1970s and 80s. And here we have him appearing on camera at The War to Settle the Score, a WWF event that aired on MTV in 1985. Hulk Hogan battled “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in the main event. But, the sideshow included (let’s get in the Hot Tub Time Machine) the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T, and Andy too.
If you’re familiar with the 1980s professional wrestling script, you know that Mean Gene Okerlund conducted backstage and ringside interviews with the wrestlers, giving them the chance to pound their chests and gas off. When Okerlund turned to Warhol and asked for his hot take on the Hogan/Piper match, Warhol couldn’t muster very much. “I’m speechless.” “I just don’t know what to say.” And, before you know it, his one minute of professional wrestling fame was over. Just like that.…
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This content originally appeared on Open Culture and was authored by OC