10 Awesome Storylines That WWE Totally Ruined

8. The New World Order Revival

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WWE.com

This should’ve been easy money. While the New World Order had been heavily watered down and greatly overstayed their welcome in WCW, enough time had passed to renew interest in the stable by the time they hit WWE.

Driven mad by the prospect of having to share his company with Ric Flair, Vince McMahon brought Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash back to “kill his creation.” It was the first time any of the trio had been featured on WWE television since jumping ship to WCW and kickstarting the Monday Night Wars in the ‘90s. This should’ve been a big story in and of itself, but adding the nWo brand to proceedings only amplified the anticipation.

They debuted at No Way Out 2002, and immediately targeted WWE’s two biggest stars at the time: Steve Austin and The Rock. A logical move, but the story died a quick death. Hogan, Hall, and Nash were treated like returning heroes, not hated heels, and the group gradually disintegrated.

Hulk Hogan turned face on the group after a month. Kevin Nash, surprise surprise, injured himself shortly after debuting, and Scott Hall got himself in trouble and was released after a couple of months. Flair was installed as an associate and Shawn Michaels became a full-time member along with Booker T, but they were disbanded by July, and died without making any kind of impact on the company’s landscape.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.