WWE legend Arn Anderson has once again made headlines, this time by placing his former manager, JJ Dillon, among the greatest managers in professional wrestling history. Speaking on his popular ARN podcast, Anderson was asked to name his “Manager Mount Rushmore”—a list of the four most influential and impactful managers in the business. Without hesitation, he included Dillon, calling him a consummate professional whose contributions to wrestling are often underrated.
The Mount Rushmore Debate
The concept of a “Manager Mount Rushmore” is a long-standing topic among wrestling fans and insiders. Managers have played pivotal roles in shaping storylines, elevating talent, and adding drama to the squared circle. Names like Bobby Heenan, Jimmy Hart, and Paul Bearer are often cited, but Anderson’s inclusion of JJ Dillon has sparked renewed conversation about the legacy of managers from the 1980s and 1990s.
Anderson explained that while some managers were flashy or over-the-top, Dillon’s style was different. “JJ wasn’t about the theatrics,” Anderson said. “He was about the business. He understood his role, and he did it better than anyone.”
JJ Dillon’s Managerial Legacy
JJ Dillon’s career as a manager spanned decades, but he is best remembered for his work with The Four Horsemen, the legendary stable that included Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and others. Dillon was the group’s manager and mouthpiece, often seen at ringside, guiding the action and cutting promos that helped solidify the Horsemen as one of the most dominant factions in wrestling history.
According to a WWE insider who worked with Dillon during the late 1980s, “JJ was the glue that held the Horsemen together. He wasn’t just a manager—he was a strategist, a mentor, and sometimes even a referee. He knew how to get the most out of every wrestler he worked with.”
Anderson echoed that sentiment, recalling how Dillon’s calm demeanor and sharp mind helped the group navigate the complex politics of the wrestling business. “He wasn’t just there to hype up the guys,” Anderson said. “He was there to make sure everything ran smoothly, both in the ring and behind the scenes.”
The Consummate Professional
One of the qualities that set Dillon apart, according to Anderson, was his professionalism. “JJ was always prepared,” Anderson said. “He knew the business inside and out. He wasn’t just a manager—he was a leader.”
That professionalism extended beyond the ring. Dillon was known for his ability to handle backstage politics, negotiate contracts, and maintain relationships with promoters and wrestlers alike. “He was the kind of guy who could walk into a room and command respect without saying a word,” Anderson added.
A former WCW executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Dillon’s influence went far beyond his on-screen role. “JJ was one of the few managers who could actually help shape the direction of a promotion. He had a real understanding of what worked and what didn’t.”
The Horsemen Era
The Four Horsemen era is often cited as one of the golden ages of professional wrestling. The group’s blend of in-ring excellence and compelling storytelling captivated audiences and set a new standard for tag teams and stables. Dillon’s role as manager was crucial to that success.
Anderson recalled how Dillon’s presence at ringside often made the difference in key matches. “He wasn’t just there to cheer us on,” Anderson said. “He was there to make sure we stayed focused, to remind us of our goals, and to help us out when things got tough.”
That focus and discipline helped the Horsemen dominate the competition and cement their legacy as one of the greatest factions in wrestling history.
A Manager’s Manager
Anderson’s praise for Dillon is not just about nostalgia—it’s about recognizing the lasting impact that managers like Dillon have had on the industry. “There are a lot of great managers out there,” Anderson said. “But JJ Dillon? He belongs up there with the best of them.”
According to a longtime wrestling journalist who covered the Horsemen era, “JJ Dillon was the manager’s manager. He set the standard for professionalism, loyalty, and effectiveness. He wasn’t just a manager—he was a mentor, a strategist, and a true professional.”
The Mount Rushmore List
When asked to name his Manager Mount Rushmore, Anderson listed Bobby Heenan, Jimmy Hart, Paul Bearer, and JJ Dillon. “Each of them brought something unique to the table,” Anderson said. “But JJ? He was the one who understood the business better than anyone.”
That assessment is likely to spark debate among fans and insiders, but there’s no denying Dillon’s impact on the industry. From his work with the Horsemen to his later roles as a backstage executive, Dillon’s influence can still be felt today.
Final Thoughts
Arn Anderson’s endorsement of JJ Dillon as one of the greatest managers in wrestling history is a testament to Dillon’s enduring legacy. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, the contributions of managers like Dillon remain a vital part of the sport’s rich history.
“JJ Dillon belongs up there,” Anderson said. “He was the consummate professional, and he helped shape the business in ways that people still talk about today.”
For fans of classic wrestling, that’s a sentiment worth remembering.