WCW has struggled to bring back the wrestling audience they once captivated. WCW’s storylines have constantly changed; creative writers were in turmoil, pondering what to do.
WCW was piledriven to the bottom, seemingly pinned for a final three count.
The rockbottom ratings were dismal. Wrestling aficionados have been saying WCW would never regain prominence, nor return to the pinnacle of Monday nights.
Eric Bischoff masterminded WCW’s success with the n.W.o (New World Order). Bischoff created the “gang” faction of wrestlers, the Outsiders. The n.W.o wreaked havoc in WCW, wrestling fans tuned in every week to see what the faction of thugs would do next.
The n.W.o eventually withered and WCW’s ratings fell. The n.W.o had fresh competition, on Monday night television.
Vince Russo is the creative genius who guided the World Wrestling Federation back into the spotlight. Working with WWF owner Vince McMahon, they constructed “sports entertainment.”
Russo’s creativity persuaded many wrestling fans to turn the station to WWF Monday Night Raw.
The new format of wrestling featured vast soap-opera storylines, T n A, hardcore wrestling and excess vulgarity. Russo developed characters like;
Degeneration-X (a group of degenerates who make gestures towards their crotches [D-X crotch chops] and repeat obscene words in interviews, Goldust (a “gay” wrestler), and Sable (a female valet that dressed revealingly).
Russo and Bischoff never liked each other. The two wizards despised one another. The two bookers always tryed to outdo the other. They were the grounds of the Monday night rating wars. Wrestling insiders never imagined the two foes coming together.
Trying to kick out of a pinned predicament, WCW shocked the wrestling world. WCW swayed the two marvels to coincide. Bischoff and Russo would attempt to bring WCW out of its drought.
Together, Bischoff and Russo situated royalty in WCW.
In their first week of guiding WCW, they created a colossal angle; The New Blood feuding with the Millionaire’s Club. The NB features the young stars; Buff Bagwell, Shane Douglas, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Vampiro, Kidman and others.
The MC consists of veteran wrestlers; Hulk Hogan, Sting, DDP, Lex Luger, Ric Flair, and others.
This twist allowed young talent to enhance their role.
The new regime of WCW capitalized on the new comedy, “Ready to Rumble,” a parody of WCW. In the movie David Arquette helps out crowd favorite, The King.
WCW wasted no time, bringing Arquette into the mix. Arquette assisted Diamond Dallas Page during a match with NB members. Arquette will likely help DDP win the WCW title at Slamboree.
Watch for Bret Hart to turn on Hogan and feud with “Hollywood.”
Bischoff and Russo have put a vivid light at the end of WCW’s rapidly diminishing tunnel. At the next WCW PPV, Jeff Jarrett of the NB will defend his title against MC member DDP, in a triple-stacked steel cage match, which was featured in the movie.
Working together diligently, Bischoff and Russo will take WCW out of the pinned position. WCW can only look forward to a bright future; Two heads are better than one!
