10 Underrated Elements Of WCW In 1999

3. Fresh Faces And Youth Movement

perry saturn chris jericho
WWE.com

WCW more-than earned the criticism it receives for its inability to look past the aging veterans that ruled the roost throughout the second-half of the '90s but once one gets past the Flairs, Hogans, Outsiders and Savages, there was a wealth of young talent that the company featured in fairly high-profile spots.

We have already discussed Rey Mysterio, Buff Bagwell and Scott Steiner. There was the introduction of Torrie Wilson, the rise of "The Cat" Ernest Miller, the steady consistency of Booker T and the outstanding tag team division.

Billy Kidman was, arguably, the workhorse of the promotion while Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko were heavily featured, despite a lack of main event success.

You can never forget Goldberg who, despite his status as the franchise star, was still young and fresh in comparison to the stale old guys that dominated the upper half of the card.

The pieces were in place and it was always a joy to watch those excited, motivated stars ply their craft every Monday night. While it is easy to flip on an episode of Nitro from 1999 and grow disenfranchised by how much attention was given to the veterans, one cannot help but remain invested in the youthful energy elsewhere on the roster.

Contributor
Contributor

Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.