3. Nitro Beat Raw In Ratings Multiple Times
The debut edition of Monday Nitro on September 4th, 1995 ran unopposed. That week, Monday Night Raw didn't air, and Nitro posted a 2.5 rating. It was a promising start for the program, one which would eventually become the hottest broadcast on wrestling television. Fans were excited for matches such as Brian Pillman vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, and wanted to see more. A lot has been made over the idea of WCW never beating the WWF until they captured lightning in a bottle with the nWo storyline. In truth, that's not strictly the case, because Nitro whipped Raw in the ratings several times before the end of 1995. In fact, on September 25th, Nitro posted a 2.7 rating to Raw's 1.9. In the main event of the WWF show, The Undertaker faced The British Bulldog. Over on Nitro, Meng defeated Lex Luger in the main event slot. It's strange to think that WCW beat the WWF on this occasion, especially considering 'Taker vs. Bulldog was the better bout. It wouldn't be the last time Nitro came up trumps, WCW won the ratings war 6 more times before the end of 1995. This isn't something that's often brought up when people discuss the 'Monday Night Wars'.
Jamie Kennedy
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
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