WCW 1996

The New World Order all over again.

I was not watching professional wrestling in the summer of 1996. I wouldn’t come back to it until 1998, when the World Wrestling Federation was shifting the industry to its favor. And once I started watching again, I would rarely flip to TNT for World Championship Wrestling’s Monday Nitro. Being from the East Coast, I didn’t like WCW’s Southern roots; moreover, I didn’t want to see aging stars such as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Ric Flair every week.

This is to say that I missed the most creative era for WCW, the period between 1996 and ’98 when the New World Order ran roughshod and changed perceptions. I didn’t feel bad about it then, but looking back, I wish I was more open-minded and gave WCW a try; nevertheless, I’ve carried a healthy appreciation for WCW’s creative peak and have gone back to watch much of it.

But, ya know, what if we rebooked it? Much of that early nWo storyline is nearly perfect, but there’s always room to tinker. Plus, I’ve always wanted to sink my teeth into this relatively loaded and fun roster. So, let’s rewind back to August 1996. The nWo has formed and is pissing people off. WCW doesn’t know how to respond. Excitement is growing across the Southeastern U.S.

What’s next?

Presentation: ’90s Smart Mark
Show by show recaps with Wrestling Observer tidbits weekly

We start during the first week of August 1996. The week before on Monday Nitro, the nWo attacked several wrestlers—Marcus Bagwell, Scotty Riggs, Arn Anderson and, famously, Rey Mysterio Jr—before driving off with Randy Savage plastered to the limousine roof in a major angle. The rest of the show was essentially reaction and epilogue.

I want to build on that incredible momentum and shock value, but I don’t want to overdo it, as I envy WCW’s ability to build slowly with anticipation.

WCW Monday Nitro – Week 1, August 1996

WCW Saturday Night – Week 1, August 1996

WCW Hog Wild – Week 1, August 1996

Wrestling Observer Newsletter – Week 1, August 1996

WCW Monday Nitro – Week 2, August 1996

WCW Clash of the Champions XXXIII – Week 2, August 1996

WCW Saturday Night – Week 2, August 1996

Wrestling Observer Newsletter – Week 2, August 1996

WCW Monday Nitro – Week 3, August 1996

WCW Saturday Night – Week 3, August 1996

Wrestling Observer Newsletter – Week 3, August 1996

WCW Monday Nitro – Week 4, August 1996