Exclusive interview: David Arquette on his tumultuous time as WCW World Champion
On April 25, 2000, David Arquette kicked off a firestorm of controversy when he won the WCW World Title in a convoluted match on WCW Thunder. Arquette was a likeable actor best known for films like “Scream” and the WCW farce “Ready to Rumble,” but the sports-entertainment world did not take kindly to the sight of him holding the same title as WCW greats like Ric Flair, Sting and Vader. How did the reaction impact the star? Arquette spoke with WWE.com about this tumultuous time in his life.
WWE.COM: What are your memories of holding the WCW World Title?
DAVID ARQUETTE: Oh man. In all honesty, my memory was that I won the title and they were like, “Here, you’re in charge of it now.” And I was like, “What do you mean? You can’t give this to me. I’m supposed to travel with this and check it?” And they were like, “No, don’t check it. That’s a carry-on, brother.” I asked what would happen if I lose it? And they said, “You can’t lose it. You cannot lose this.”
WWE.COM: Did you have to put a deposit down on it?
ARQUETTE: No, but I couldn’t believe that they left it in my hands, like a knucklehead. What I would do, is before all the shows I’d bring it out to all the fans, and have them be able to put the real title on and take pictures. Some kid threw a mud ball at my face — an actual dirt ball — this little kid.
WWE.COM: You were not very well loved by the fans back then.
ARQUETTE: No, especially this one kid. I think it was in Memphis. He gave me the middle finger, and he was probably 10-years-old. A big chunk of dirt smashed me right in the eye. I look up and there’s this kid.
WWE.COM: Do you have any other memories of carrying the title?
ARQUETTE: After I lost it, I had to give it back, obviously. I had it for about two weeks and gave it back, but I was bummed. I at least thought they’d give me one to keep or something! A couple months after, Goldberg sent me one, but it said “Goldberg” on it, so I popped that off and had an “Arquette” plaque made and put it on there.
WWE.COM: Holding the “Big Gold Belt” really meant a lot to you, huh?
ARQUETTE: It was like being a little kid living a dream just to be backstage and meeting all the wrestlers and heroes I’d watched my whole life. I used to watch Andre the Giant wrestle at the LA Sports Arena. So to be part of it and live that experience for a month was incredible.
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