Episode 421: Inside WCW's Wildest Creations

·1 hr 57 min·5 clips

Andre Freitas reveals how he secretly molded Hulk Hogan's head to create the shocking prop used on WCW Nitro.

The episode is an interview format with Eric Bischoff hosting special effects artist Andre Freitas. Freitas begins by recounting his early interest in special effects, teaching himself from magazines and getting an apprenticeship at the Smithsonian after high school. He then moved to Los Angeles to work for effects artist Michael Burnett on films before returning to Atlanta to start his own company, AFX Studios. Freitas explains how he connected with WCW through wrestler Ray Lloyd (later Glacier), whom he met on a bizarre fetish film set. This led to Eric Bischoff and Diamond Dallas Page visiting his studio, sparking the development of the 'Blood Runs Cold' characters: Glacier, Mortis (Chris Kanyon), and Wrath (Brian Adams). Freitas describes the detailed design process, including mood boards, body casting, and working with Turner Studios for graphics and effects like artificial snow. He discusses the political resistance from older wrestlers and bookers who resented the elaborate, movie-style production. A major segment covers the creation of the fake Hulk Hogan head for a 1997 Nitro segment, including secretly molding Hogan's head at his studio. Freitas also talks about creating parody makeup for the NWO's Four Horsemen skit, which caused real-life tension with Arn Anderson. He details his contract negotiations with WCW, including a $97,000 buyout for character rights and a later talent contract. The interview touches on his work with Sting, designing his Crow-inspired look, and creating multiple fake Stings using masks. Throughout, Freitas provides insights into the clash between traditional wrestling culture and new production values in the mid-90s.

As heard by us

Andre Freitas connects his WCW special-effects work to a lifelong craft obsession, then explains why the money eventually pushed him beyond wrestling.

83 Weeks heads to Atlanta's AFX Studios for a warm, craft-focused conversation with Andre Freitas, the special-effects artist whose wrestling path began in WCW's early days after the company found him.

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Why you'd press play

You get WCW history from Andre Freitas, the special-effects master whose studio story begins with wrestling and keeps one foot in monsters, models, and practical craft.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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