Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Wrestling Fan Andy Warhol Attends WWF Event At MSG In 1985


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jan 10, 2013

Modified Jan 10, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jan 10, 2013

Modified Jan 10, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

If you thought Billy Corgan was the most unlikely candidate to get into the professional wrestling scene, then look no further than 1985, when Andy Warhol turned up on camera with some of the World Wrestling Federation's biggest names of the time.

According to Open Culture, the artist actually "frequented wrestling shows at Madison Square Garden during the 1970s," so at the time the appearance happened wrestletainment was already in his life.

Below, watch Mean Gene Okerlund interview the artist about the rock and wrestling connection backstage at MSG, following "The War to Settle the Score." Warhol quietly declares, "It's the best I've seen in my entire life, the most exciting thing."

"The War to Settle the Score" was a New York-only professional wrestling event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now the WWE) which was broadcast live on MTV. The throwdown took place on February 18th, 1985 at MSG, and featured Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Cyndi Lauper, Mr. T and Captain Lou Albano.

Tagged

1980s

1985

andy warhol

flashback

history

The War to Settle the Score

wrestletainment

wrestling

wwf


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 19, 2026 at 12:43 p.m. ET


Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.

Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.

By

Sonia Rao

Arts & Entertainment

Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.

Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.

By

Sonia Rao


Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?

By

Elizabeth Shwe

and

James Ramsay

How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years

By

Hannah Frishberg

A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .