50 Best WCW Moments Ever
18. Eric Bischoff = New World Order
The nWo's numbers were already swelling by the time Eric Bischoff was revealed as the true benefactor behind their invasion on the 18 November 1996 edition of Nitro. In hindsight, that didn't make much sense initially, because Bisch had been outspoken against the New World Order and even attacked by The Outsiders when they first muscled in.
Oh well, pro wrestling gotta pro wrestle.
The reveal was shocking at the time though. Ted DiBiase thanked Eric for taking some punches, and Bischoff himself remarked that it was better to join the renegades than continue fighting them. They were the future, not WCW. Boy, wasn't that more of a shoot comment than 'Easy E' ever meant it to be! nWo merch is still selling, and WCW is out of business.
Bischoff's nervous segment with an always-unpredictable Roddy Piper gave way to news that he'd become a ring leader for Hollywood Hogan's crew. Credit where it's due: Bisch did pre-date Vince McMahon's own heel character by a solid year or so. He laid the foundations for what Mr. McMahon could do as a tyrannical, heel-favouring authority figure.