Much is made of the big name talent that Bischoff lured away from the World Wrestling Federation in order to build WCW's main event roster but it was the talent Bischoff signed away from Extreme Championship Wrestling, Mexico and Japan that had as much to do with the ratings dominance the company enjoyed from June 1996 to April 1998 as anything. While fans could tune in to see the latest exploits of the New World Order, Lex Luger, Sting and Diamond Dallas Page and stick around to see Dean Malenko tear the house down with Eddie Guerrero. They could enjoy Rey Mysterio and Psicosis turn in a pay-per-view quality match and then sit in awe as Chris Benoit and Booker T delivered another outstanding entry in their Best-of-Seven Series. With so many talented individuals wrestling so many different styles and accentuating the top of the card, there was something for every fan to enjoy. Regardless of whether the audience enjoyed technical wrestling, lucha libre or '80s style featuring former WWF stars, those people could tune into TNT at 8pm ET every Monday night and have their appetites whetted.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
