10 Things You Learn From Watching 1992 On The WWE Network
Ric Flair should have been given a medal for his performances throughout the year...
Perhaps the over-riding lesson learned from analysing the year 1991 in the WWF was that things were changing. This was more so behind the scenes than in front of the camera, although 1992 would accelerate that notion too. Without hyperbole, 1992 was the single most different year of WWF action people had witnessed since the mid-1980's.
More than ever before, Vince McMahon was scrambling, a process that would only heighten as time marched on towards the middle of the decade. The Ultimate Warrior had been a failed experiment, unable to fully replace Hulk Hogan as the top name in the promotion.
Looking for something a little out of left field, McMahon turned to a performer who was more closely associated with his chief rivals in WCW. That man would be 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair, and he would bridge the gap between Hulkamania and the likes of Bret Hart admirably.
Saturday Night's Main Event was put to bed after 1992, only making a return in 2006. Therefore, the events looked over here will be the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania VIII, SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
Here are ten things learned from looking in-depth at 1992 on the WWE Network...
10. 1992 Marked The First Attempted Change In Direction For The Company
From the moment he decided to put full faith in the Hulk Hogan machine, Vince McMahon struck gold. A household name, Hogan pulled in monster business for the WWF, success McMahon tried to replicate with The Ultimate Warrior. Sadly for company hierarchy, Warrior didn't quite reach the heights of Hulkamania.
By 1992, it was time to try something different. Throughout the entire year, there's a prevailing sense that McMahon knew he had to switch things up. He may not have been fully aware of which direction to turn, but there's much more of a focus on smaller, more athletic performers as 1992 progresses.
Ric Flair bridged the gap from the titans of before, eventually letting the likes of Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels shine. Even Roddy Piper and Mr. Perfect were focal points, along with stalwarts like Randy Savage.
Warrior did come back into things eventually, but it was too late for him to haul his legacy back from the brink. Wrestling fans had been introduced to something refreshing, and it was time to put full stock in actual in-ring performance.