The rise of the New World Order resulted in unparalleled success for WCW. After years spent in the red, the company grew into a multi million dollar sports entertainment empire, largely on the back of the rebellious faction led by "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, whose unexpected heel turn in July of 1996 shocked the world. It only made sense that the decision would be made to put the top prize around the waist of wrestling's hottest star. The Hog Wild pay-per-view event in August was home to Hogan's triumph, a championship victory over The Giant in front of thousands of unruly bikers. The win started a 359-day championship reign of terror that saw the egotistical industry icon fend off the likes of Ric Flair, Roddy Piper and Randy Savage, most of the time with the assistance of his cronies in the Order. With every passing week, fans grew more and more irate with the vile heel, waiting for anyone to stand up to the most hated man in WCW and wrest the title away. They would get their wish nearly one year to the day that he captured the belt when Lex Luger trapped him in the Torture Rack and brought the tyrannical run to a screeching halt. For the time being, at least. But you already know that...
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.