9 WCW Monday Nitro Episodes You Must Watch On WWE Network
2. Reboot - April 4, 2000
By the year 2000, World Championship Wrestling was in serious trouble. They were handily losing to the World Wrestling Federation in the ratings war on Monday nights. A drastic decision was made on the part of WCW management, in an attempt to counteract this. It was decided to bring back both Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff. WCW was hopeful that the two could run the company together, and that they would get the best of both worlds. It didnt work. However, on their first night back, Bischoff and Russo attempted something that was never done in wrestling before -- and has never been done since, which should be an indication of things. World Championship Wrestling and its flagship Monday Nitro program were essentially rebooted. The show began with nearly every wrestler inside the ring and around ringside -- save for most of the upper echelon, like Hogan, Nash, Hart, Flair, etc. Jeff Jarrett, who was the United States Champion, strode to ringside and got on the mic. He introduced none other than Vince Russo -- who had never appeared on WCW television before, despite running things backstage for a number of months. Russo, surrounded by the mob of competitors inside the ring, cut a scathing promo against WCW management and the direction of the company. Eric Bischoff soon interrupted the proceedings. Fans thought they would see a confrontation between the two, but instead, Bischoff embraced Russo. After being confronted by some of the top stars of the company -- Diamond Dallas Page, Sting, Lex Luger, and WCW Champion, Sid Vicious -- it was announced the Bischoff and Russo were stripping every champion of their respective titles and that the company was starting anew. It was a bold move for WCW which ultimately did not produce the result that they desired. The company attempted to move away from their established stars of yesteryear and shift their focus to the young talent of tomorrow, but fans werent interested. And, like most things to take place in WCW at that time, it was poorly handled and managed.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
