| Randy Anderson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | Randall Anderson |
| Born | (1959-07-17)July 17, 1959 Georgia, U.S.[1] |
| Died | May 5, 2002(2002-05-05) (aged 42) Rome, Georgia, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Testicular cancer |
| Spouse | Kristy Anderson |
| Children | 2 |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Pee Wee Anderson Randy Anderson |
| Billed height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)[1] |
| Debut | 1978 |
| Retired | 1999 |
Randall "Pee Wee" Anderson (July 17, 1959 – May 5, 2002) was an Americanprofessional wrestling referee andamateur wrestler who worked for theNational Wrestling Alliance (NWA)'sJim Crockett Promotions andWorld Championship Wrestling.
Anderson was a childhood friend ofArn Anderson.[1] He started out training for aprofessional wrestling career with Arn under the tutelage ofTed Allen.[1] Anderson started working as a referee upon his graduation in 1978 inMid-South Wrestling. He also refereed inFlorida Championship Wrestling before arriving in theNational Wrestling Alliance (NWA)'sJim Crockett Promotions in 1985.[2] He quickly rose up the referee ranks and was the referee for several main event matches. In 1988, whenTed Turner bought Crockett and renamed itWorld Championship Wrestling, Anderson stayed on. Anderson was the referee in charge of the main event six-man tag match atBash at the Beach 1996 which saw the heel turn ofHulk Hogan and the formation of theNew World Order (nWo).
From 1996 to 1997, Anderson played a role in the "hostile takeover" of WCW by the nWo. He refused to work on the September 23, 1996, episode ofMonday Nitro after nWo members took control of the broadcast.[3]Eric Bischoff and the nWo bullied him around. AtSouled Out, nWo refereeNick Patrick wasbumped and knocked out. Anderson came from the crowd to count the pinfall and award the tag team championship to the Steiner Brothers.[4] Bischoff fired Anderson for interfering, but then decided to allow Anderson to wrestle Patrick to get his job back. Anderson defeated him by using a foreign object, from fellow WCW referee Jimmy Jett. Immediately following this match, Eric Bischoff reversed the decision and fired both Jett and Anderson.[5] According to story line, Anderson was reinstated and officiated his first match after being fired on the March 10, 1997, episode ofNitro. Anderson continued as a referee in WCW until his battle with cancer forced him to retire in 1999.
Anderson was anamateur wrestler in high school, winning a state championship in the 119-lb class.[1]
Anderson was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 36.[1] He was diagnosed after recognizing his symptoms while reading a medical magazine.[1] Because of amalignant tumor, he had to have his left testicle removed.[1] Anderson died on May 5, 2002, as a result of the testicular cancer. He was 42 years old. Anderson was survived by his wife Kristy, daughter Montana, and son Chase.