One big thing
Former WCW Senior Vice-President Eric Bischoff disclosed that the company had a contingency plan if the New World Order (nWo) storyline failed to resonate with fans.
Key details
• Bischoff revealed this information on his “83 Weeks” podcast.
• The backup plan involved focusing on the cruiserweight division.
• Bischoff noted that the cruiserweights were gaining significant popularity at the time.
Why it matters
The nWo storyline was pivotal in WCW’s 83-week ratings victory over WWE Raw. Understanding WCW’s alternative strategy provides insight into the company’s creative process and the importance of the cruiserweight division.
By the numbers
• 83 weeks: Duration of WCW’s ratings dominance over WWE Raw.
• 1996: Year the nWo was formed.
• 1998: Year the Latino World Order (LWO) was established.
What they’re saying
Bischoff on the potential of the cruiserweights:
“They were the hottest thing on the show, with the exception of the nWo. So, if the nWo wasn’t there, by default what are you going to do next, or instead? You’re going to do the next best thing, which would have been the cruiserweight division.”
The big picture
The cruiserweight division’s importance in WCW’s strategic planning highlights the evolving landscape of professional wrestling in the late 1990s. It also underscores the need for promotions to have backup plans for major storylines.
What’s next
While the nWo’s success is well-documented, this revelation opens up discussions about how the wrestling landscape might have changed if WCW had been forced to pivot to a cruiserweight-focused product.
What do you think would have happened if WCW had to rely on the cruiserweight division instead of the nWo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
