10 Pay-Per-View Concepts WWE Needs To Bring Back
4. World War 3
Yet another WCW concept, the mad-as-a-box-of-frogs three-ring, 60-man battle royal World War 3. This was a short-lived Eric Bischoff and Kevin Sullivan creation which survived for four incarnations, and allowed the likes of jobbers Bobby Walker, Pez Whatley, and James Earl Wright to get an unlikely appearance in a pay-per-view main event under their belts.
The concept was far from simple. Firstly there were three 20-man battle royals – all randomly assigned - contested in each of the rings simultaneously, all broadcast to baffled viewers at home on a three-way split-screen. Depending on the year, eliminations could occur via being thrown over the top rope, leaving the ring in any manner, and - in 1997 only - pinfall and submission. When 20 men remained they would all move to the central ring and the last man standing was declared the winner. It’s bonkers, utterly bonkers, but what a visual three rings was! It made for interesting spots during the singles matches contested earlier in the card too, as all three rings could be used.
The return of World War 3 (which would likely need rebranding due to corporate considerations) would be an opportunity for WWE to utilise all of their massive roster on one event. It could also be used to promote all three brands at once, with Raw, SmackDown, and NXT given one ring and 20 participants each, leading to never-before-seen clashes and intriguing confrontations. While it is unlikely that WWE would be willing to present such a similar show to the Royal Rumble, it would be some spectacle if they did!