10 Things AEW Can Learn From WCW Nitro's Debut
Unique. Exciting. Elite.
For the first time since WCW fizzled out (and ultimately became Vince McMahon's property) in 2001 and TNA tried to establish a new 'Monday Night War' with iMPACT! in 2010, WWE could have some competition.
AEW, the next hopeful in line, has promise. The company is backed by the mega-rich Khan family, has shrewd business minds like Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks and Chris Jericho in tow, and the promotion has buzz before landing on TV or pay-per-view. The future is already looking up, so what better time than now to look to the past?
There was a time when McMahon's ironclad grip on the North American wrestling TV market seemed impenetrable. Then, Eric Bischoff improvised during a meeting with Ted Turner and accidentally ended up with two hours of prime time telly every Monday. Nitro was born, and it changed everything.
The very first episode aired on 4 September 1995. It was a hot start from Bischoff's group; he and they dared to go nose-to-nose with the market leader and beat them at their own game. Here's everything AEW suits can learn from WCW's daring approach, and what they can take from the one-hour debut itself...