The Complete History Of The New World Order | Wrestling Timelines
July 29, 1996 - Rockhouse
The nWo debut their theme ‘Rockhouse’ on Nitro. This, arguably, is the greatest theme in pro wrestling history. Certainly, the best non-licensed one.
It’s a soundalike composite of several Jimi Hendrix cuts.
This is an ingenious idea because Hendrix’s work is eternally cool. It never ages, and while this riff on it is heavily distorted, at a time when nu-metal is lurching onto the airwaves, it too never dates. ‘Rockhouse’ fits the time but is not damned by it, either.
A deep, heavily modulated spoken word sample says “New World Order”, repeating the word ‘New’ several times.
This single idea conveys both the intimidation factor carried by the stable, and the extent to which they run roughshod over Ted Turner’s organisation. It is an absolutely stunning, rousing, almost scary composition. The modulated effect is jolting, even after repeated listens.
The twilight setting of the Disney MGM studio is an ideal backdrop for this violent, above-it-all force. The darkness is about to descend.
It’s little wonder that the young adult males fall in love with the heels.
July 29, 1996 - Lawn Dart
The date is not a mistake; on the same show, the nWo is responsible for another iconic pro wrestling moment. This era of Nitro is amongst the greatest run of shows in episodic TV history. The idea is groundbreaking.
Where previously, the action was confined to the ring and the backstage area, WCW, or rather the New World Order, opens up the terrain. Jimmy Hart sprints to ringside, telling of a commotion. The direction here is superb, attentive. There are no cameras stationed in the production area because nothing is “meant” to happen there. There is no sense of contrivance; only chaos.
The camera operators run backstage to discover that the nWo has invaded the show again. This is sold expertly by a beleaguered, appalled commentary team, who look shaken as they attempt to uphold their professionalism.
The sanctity of Monday Nitro as a broadcast, with scheduled matches designed to advance wrestlers up and down the card, is under threat. This is critical to the success of the storyline. It is must-see television; you are meant to think that there might not be a WCW left, when the nWo is through with it.
The brilliant yet tiny Rey Mysterio, intent on fighting off the interlopers, is met by Nash near a production truck. In a gruesome spot that looks phenomenally ill-advised - and positively awesome - Nash throws Rey against it with a lawn dart. Everything you knew about pro wrestling is being disrupted, mangled.
We’re taking over.