15 Times WCW Was Better Than Literally EVERYTHING
12. DDP Arrives As A Main-Eventer
As aforementioned, both Randy Savage and Diamond Dallas Page worked a hot rematch at Halloween Havoc 1997, but not many remember that anywhere near as fondly as the original at Spring Stampede 6 months or so prior. The April pay-per-view saw DDP ascend to main event level, and he had none other than good buddy 'Macho Man' to thank for putting him on the map as someone worth caring about.
Credit where credit's due though: Page worked his socks off to defy expectations behind the scenes and become one of WCW's greatest homegrown success stories. He started his training relatively late at the old Power Plant, but turned mediocrity and chortling into headline box office drawing power and respect by 1997.
The 'No DQ' match at Stampede fittingly rubber stamped DDP's arrival, and Randy was only too happy to elevate him. This must've been unthinkable for those who'd rubbished Page's bid to become a solid pro mere years beforehand. They were eating humble pie as DDP tangled with a bonafide legend and endeared himself to the fanbase.
There was another upside to all of this. Savage had been relegated to the commentary desk in the WWF before leaving in 1994. Vince McMahon didn't think 'Mach' had it in him to work top matches anymore, and had even (disappointingly!) knocked back bids to wrestle Shawn Michaels. Randy could stick some fingers up at the fed boss for overlooking him after tearing the house down in Mississippi with Page.
Cream of the crop, uh-huh! Cream of the crop indeed. Savage helped propel Page to the top of the cards in one night, and there was no looking back.