Ranking What Was REALLY The Best Wrestling PPV Every Year 1990-2020

24. 1997 - WCW Bash At The Beach

Dennis Rodman Hogan Bash at the Beach
WWE

Combine the WWF's main events, and WCW's undercards, and what is yielded is the greatest North American promotion up to that point in time. The issue is that they were almost definitively split; indeed, the war was all but over when Vince McMahon gutted that undercard in 1999 and beyond. WCW had no redeeming value whatsoever in 2000.

But in 1997, it reigned as undisputed king of the wrestling world.

Bash At The Beach serves as the best PPV snapshot of an era that WCW blew away on TV: sensational, distinctive, internationally-flavoured undercards, old legends who could still get it done when they fancied it, and legit mainstream appeal and renown, this July show, fittingly, was a scorcher.

The eclectic range and stunning quality of the famous Cruiserweight division was in full effect across two undercard bangers. Ric Flair and Roddy Piper reversed a dire trend by working a strong effort, advancing years and all. And the crowd went apesh*t for everything Dennis Rodman did in the main.

WCW, everybody - but this time, it was a proud boast.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!