Hall of Famers to appear at wrestling event this Saturday

Two WWE Hall of Famers will visit Hot Springs this Saturday as part of CWA Wrestling: Lloyd’s Rumble at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Though neither is scheduled to fight, Arn Anderson, WWE HOF class of 2012, and Cowboy Bob Orton, WWE HOF class of 2005, will both make special appearances at the event. Orton, a second-generation wrestler, told The Sentinel-Record he is excited to return to Hot Springs.

“I’m looking forward to it … I haven’t been to Hot Springs in 30, 40 years,” Orton said.

Orton debuted in wrestling in 1972, following in the footsteps of his father, Bob Orton Sr. He would tie with Tony Garea to win the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year award in 1973. Orton’s brother, Barry Orton, also wrestled for WWF, and his son, Randy Orton, is a nine-time WWE Champion and winner of “PWI’s” Rookie of the Year in 2001.

Asked about his favorite career memories, Orton said getting inducted into the Hall of Fame was a highlight and participating in WrestleMania, WrestleMania 2 and WrestleMania III. At the first WrestleMania, Orton was in the corner of Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in their main event fight against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T at Madison Square Garden. At the second event, Orton was again in Piper’s corner as he fought Mr. T in a boxing match. At WrestleMania III, Orton teamed with Don Muraco to fight Rick Martel and Tom Zenk in front of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Orton said he has kept busy over

the years, making one or two appearances a month at indie wrestling shows like the one Saturday. Orton said such events are fun for him because he gets to entertain people and see the country while doing so.

“It’s fun, that’s the whole point of these shows, for people to have a good time,” he said.

CWA is a local, independent, wrestling promotion not connected to WWE or AWE. Such shows are where the stars of the future start out, Orton said, noting, “There’s a few, pretty darn good guys on the independent tour.”

Speaking about Anderson, fellow wrestler Matt Riviera said “there is no other wrestler more respected than Arn Anderson. Having him in Hot Springs is an asset to all.”

Saturday’s scheduled matches include a grudge match between Buff Bagwell and Riviera, Tim Storm vs. Greg Anthony, The Pope Elijah Burke vs. Barrett Brown, Jon Michael vs. Jakob Edwinn, and Genetic Perfection vs. Matt Boyce and Derrick King. Also, the MidStates Wrestling’s Heavyweight Champion Gary Gram will defend his belt against Meklakov.

The event will also feature a 15-man battle royal to crown the first CWA Arkansas Heavyweight Champion.

CWA Lloyd’s Rumble is at the Hot Springs Convention Center at 7 p.m. Saturday.