10 Precise Moments Kayfabe Ended

4. Vince Russo's Bizarre WCW Mission Statement

Buff Bagwell La Parka
WWE Network

The October 18, 1999 WCW Nitro marked the first of the Vince Russo era.

Over the course of one, bizarre angle, he set a tone that alienated the very same hardcores to which he geared a product with legit mainstream penetration and household stars. Those drawn to the draws were clearly left baffled by the postmodern approach. Those aware of and fascinated by the backstage goings-on, of which there were relatively very few, weren't much interested, either. This wasn't lurid, real-life fascination. This was worked-shoot fascination.

So, to recap: Russo diluted the traditional version of wrestling and his own.

Immediately, wrestlers began to acknowledge the "script", revealing this new era of WCW as outwardly predetermined. Madusa complained aloud that 'they' were making her perform in an Evening Gown match. Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan wondered aloud why Buff Bagwell was out there. It wasn't on the format! This new WCW wasn't going to follow the rules, bro!

Buff appeared later, for his match against La Parka, with a different disposition. He was no longer the Chosen One 'they' said he was, and so, in the parameters of a pro wrestling match, he lazily went through his worked routine and invited La Parka to get to the prearranged finish, all while wearing his job face.

Who's the better man? has sustained huge box office combat for forever.

Who am I booking to be the better man? was Russo's arrogant, insane reinvention, and it sunk a company.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!