Ranking 10 Most Successful Wrestling Defections

1. Outsiders To WCW

Radicalz Debut
WWE.com

There was no defection more significant in pro wrestling history than that of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Competing as Diesel and Razor Ramon, they were major players in WWE for the first half of the 1990s, representing the company’s New Generation. Disappointed in the lack of financial mobility, Hall reached out to WCW first, followed by his best friend Nash. They left WWE in May of 1996 after the infamous Curtain Call incident.

Two weeks later, Scott Hall appeared out of the crowd on Nitro, insinuating that he was sent by WWE to invade WCW. A couple weeks later, he was joined by Nash, and they promised a third member to complete the takeover of WCW. Nitro ratings skyrocketed as fans wondered what would happen next as the Outsiders attacked WCW’s roster on a weekly basis. Then Hogan revealed himself to be the third man at Bash at the Beach 1996, and the New World Order was born.

The super trio pushed not only WCW but also pro wrestling to its highest levels of popularity and revenue. Unfortunately, the nWo expanded beyond the trio, watering down its power and rarely receiving its comeuppance, ultimately being one of the factors that led to WCW going out of business.

 
Posted On: 
Contributor

Formerly the assistant editor of Wrestledelphia, John has joined the Muthaship at WhatCulture.