The Surprising Story of Luther Vandross’s Passion for Pro Wrestling

Of all the celebrity fans in the history of professional wrestling, one of the most surprising might be the legendary R&B singer, Luther Vandross. Known for his incredibly smooth, romantic ballads and a voice often described as "velvet," Vandross was also a passionate and dedicated fan of the over the top action of the WWE.

His fandom wasn't just a casual interest; he was deeply invested, following the product for years. In a vintage clip, Vandross himself confirmed his passion, stating with a smile, "I've been backstage, I've met all the wrestlers." This was a man who didn't just watch from afar but actively engaged with the world he loved.

A Ringside Seat in the Recording Studio

The singer's love for wrestling was so profound that it would often intersect with his legendary music career. His colleagues and friends were well aware of his weekly viewing habits. Ron Gillyard, then of J Records, shared a humorous story about questioning the superstar's entertainment choices. "I was teasing him one day because he ordered the last SmackDown," Gillyard recalled. "And I was bugging, I was like, 'You actually ordered SmackDown?' and he's like, 'Yeah.' and looked at me like, 'Who doesn't order the latest SmackDown?'" It should be noted SmackDown was usually on free television, so Gillyard is likely confusing this with a pay-per-view.

For Vandross, ordering the weekly shows and pay per views was non negotiable. The iconic dancer and actor Gregory Hines, a frequent collaborator, noted that not even crucial recording sessions could get in the way of the biggest show of the year. "We were working in the studio, we'd be right in the middle of something really crucial, stop, WrestleMania, and he would watch it," Hines explained.

The Curtain Call at Madison Square Garden

Perhaps one of the most fascinating anecdotes about Luther Vandross's fandom comes from WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash. Nash remembers spotting the singer in the front row during one of wrestling's most infamous and controversial moments: the "Curtain Call" at Madison Square Garden in May 1996.

For newer fans, the "Curtain Call" was an unscripted incident where a group of top stars known as The Kliq broke character in the ring. After a cage match between Shawn Michaels and Diesel (Kevin Nash), their real life friends Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) and Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Triple H) came to the ring to celebrate together. Seeing these on screen rivals, both heroes and villains, embrace publicly was a major breach of kayfabe that had significant backstage repercussions.

Nash recalled seeing the famous singer in the crowd that night. "The night of the Curtain Call... when we all went out to the ring, you know, at Madison Square Garden, the house lights were up. And like, second row was Luther Vandross," Nash said. He added, "He was a huge Razor Ramon fan. And I didn't know that."

The story doesn't end there. Nash revealed that after learning Scott Hall was checking into rehab a few years later, Vandross performed an incredible act of kindness. "I guess somebody from the office must have told Luther that Scott was going through a hard time," Nash explained. "And he sent a huge floral arrangement to the rehab that Scott was at. I always thought that was like, one of the coolest things." It's a testament not only to his fandom for "The Bad Guy," for whom he reportedly owned merchandise, but to his character as a person.

A True Music Legend

While his love for wrestling might be a fun piece of trivia for many, Luther Vandross's primary legacy is his monumental music career. With a voice that could convey incredible emotion and technical skill, he became one of the most celebrated and successful male vocalists of his generation. Selling over 40 million records worldwide, he won eight Grammy Awards and produced timeless hits like "Never Too Much," "Here and Now," and "Dance with My Father." His influence on R&B and soul music is immeasurable, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and artists around the globe.