10 Last Minute Changes That Saved Wrestling Stables
3. NWO
Objectively one of the most important moments in wrestling history is the reveal of “the third man”. Hulk Hogan, returning to WCW, casting off the red and yellow and his long-time babyface superhero character to join Hall and Nash and form the New World Order shook the industry in ways that are still felt today.
Whilst the nWo was set to have three members however, it wasn’t always the case that Hogan was going to step into that role. How does a name like Sting grab you? Eric Bischoff even confirmed that Sting had agreed to the idea before the plans changed when Bischoff met with the Hulkster.
Speaking on his podcast 83 Weeks, Bischoff said “Once Sting agreed to be the third man, it was literally within days that I ended up getting a phone call from Hogan and flew out to California.” That is to say, it was around this time that a clearer picture came into focus for the WCW booker.
Whilst Sting as one of the founding members of the nWo may have been cool to see, it’s hard to know if it would’ve worked and most importantly Hogan turning heel on Randy Savage to announce his position of “the third man” was a way bigger shock for the WCW audience.
Moreover, the group’s ongoing feud with 'The Icon' gave Sting something to do for a very long time so in truth it positively affected both men’s careers.