He’s back!
Dennis Rodman, making his return to the scene of his Bulls glories in the United Center for the first time in 13 years, was overcome with emotion about his affection for Chicago after appearing in the first part of the AEW Collision wrestling program Saturday.
“It’s amazing,” Rodman said backstage after the event that continues in the United Center on Sunday night. “Chicago’s been love to me. I get so emotional because they love me so much... can’t speak now...”
Rodman then paused in an attempt to regain his composure and continue in a brief interview being conducted for Bulls.com by wrestler and promoter Jeff Jarrett.
“Thirteen years since I’ve been here,” Rodman then added. “So much love here. I respect these people so much and thank God they love someone who worked their ass off. I hope the city of Chicago would love me as much as I love them.”
It seemed apparent the affection was mutual during the Saturday segment known as AEW (All Elite Wrestling) Collision. Wrestling stable, The Acclaimed, sent out a message Saturday after Rodman’s ring contretemps saying they will defend Rodman at Sunday’s pay-per-view conclusion, AEW All Out.
Rodman, of course, was the famed 6-6 “Worm” who made the Bulls’ skin crawl when he was a member of the two-time champion Detroit Pistons. But after the breakup of the Pistons’ run and a misguided stay with the San Antonio Spurs, the Bulls traded for Rodman before the 1995-96 season to replace the previously departed Horace Grant.
Bulls fans immediately warmed to the eccentric Rodman, who acted out both on and off the court. But he also filled the interior void and helped the Bulls win three championships between 1996 and 1998.
Rodman’s life then often spiraled to an ill-advised supposed diplomacy with North Korea, substance and legal problems and occasional forays into television and politics.
Now 62, Rodman was sporting a salt-and-pepper goatee and rings in his lower lip and three in his nose. He was wearing dark glasses for the late night appearance, a black baseball cap turned backward, a grey tee-shirt crowded with images of himself, black slacks and white clogs. He didn’t seem ready for any public submission hold despite so many two counts over the years.
Rodman said he hoped the team someday will retire his No. 91 Bulls jersey to hang with those of Jordan and Pippen. He then reminisced enthusiastically about becoming a Bull 28 years ago.
“It was amazing for the fact Detroit and the city of Chicago, we battled so many years, the Bad Boys, and all of a sudden I’m with Chicago,” Rodman recounted. “I couldn’t believe it. Like wow, someone told me they are trading me for Will Perdue. I’m like, ‘Really? OK.’”
Rodman with his movie and television experience drew out his response with an exaggerated gasp as if to suggest, ‘Could you believe it?’
Life’s sleeper hold just can’t seem to silence Dennis Rodman.
“So once that happened my energy just went up higher,” Rodman said, gesturing upward with his hand. "The old days were gone for me. Phil Jackson, I love him so much. Phil Jackson, Toni Kukoč, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, man, what a family and the city of Chicago just captivated us. And we did one thing. Our job was to win for the city; it wasn’t personal. For the city.
“That’s what I wanted,” said Rodman. “Ain’t about the money. It’s for the city.”
And with that he was gone. But never really counted out.
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