World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was founded as a wrestling promotion that emerged from the ashes of the defunct Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) and rapidly became WWE's most significant competitor in the 1990s. Let's explore the roots, founding, and development of WCW:
Origins: Jim Crockett Promotions and the NWA (1931-1988)
Before WCW existed, Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) was one of the largest and most influential wrestling promotions in the United States. Founded by Jim Crockett Sr. in 1931, JCP was based in the Southeastern U.S., particularly in the Carolinas and Virginia, and became a member of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1952.
Jim Crockett Jr.'s Leadership (1973-1988): After Jim Crockett Sr.'s death in 1973, his son Jim Crockett Jr. took over the promotion and expanded it significantly during the 1970s and 1980s. JCP promoted some of the NWA's most popular territories, featuring stars like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, Magnum T.A., The Four Horsemen, and many others.
NWA Supercards and Expansion: Crockett aggressively expanded JCP by purchasing other NWA territories and establishing a strong television presence. JCP produced successful events like Starrcade, The Great American Bash, and Clash of the Champions, becoming the de facto flagship promotion of the NWA.
Financial Troubles and the Turner Broadcasting Purchase (1988):
By the mid-1980s, JCP faced severe financial troubles due to rapid expansion, heavy spending, and competition from Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The purchase of the UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation) territory in 1987 and other expansions stretched JCP's resources thin. Moreover, the WWF had successfully established itself nationally with cable television deals and cross-promotional ventures, leaving JCP struggling to keep pace.
Ted Turner's Interest: Despite JCP's financial issues, it had a significant television presence on Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). Wrestling was a ratings success on TBS, and Turner valued it as an essential part of his programming. In 1988, as JCP teetered on bankruptcy, Ted Turner decided to purchase JCP's assets to keep wrestling on his network. This acquisition led to the creation of World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Founding of World Championship Wrestling (1988):
1. Official Formation Under Turner Broadcasting:
On November 2, 1988, Ted Turner officially purchased JCP and rebranded it as World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Turner saw professional wrestling as a way to provide consistent, popular programming on his cable networks and believed he could make the promotion profitable with his resources.
Initial Management Team: The newly formed WCW retained many of the same staff and wrestlers from JCP, including long-time NWA talents like Ric Flair and Sting. However, Turner installed executives to oversee the operation, including Jack Petrik and later Jim Herd as Executive Vice President. Herd, a former TV executive with no wrestling experience, was responsible for day-to-day operations.
2. Early Struggles and Growing Pains (1988-1993):
WCW initially struggled to find its footing in the wrestling industry for several reasons:
Management Issues: WCW’s early years were marred by poor management decisions, particularly under Jim Herd's leadership. Herd's lack of understanding of the wrestling business led to numerous creative and operational blunders, such as poorly received gimmicks (e.g., the Ding Dongs and Oz) and the alienation of top stars like Ric Flair.
Ric Flair's Departure (1991): One of the most significant early setbacks was Ric Flair's departure in 1991. Flair, who had been the face of JCP and WCW, left for the WWF due to a contract dispute with Jim Herd. His exit was a major blow to WCW, as he took the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt with him.
Inconsistent Creative Direction: WCW lacked a clear creative direction in its early years. The booking committee, which often included several executives with little wrestling knowledge, struggled to create compelling storylines. Additionally, there were frequent changes in leadership, leading to a lack of continuity and vision.
3. Restructuring Under New Leadership (1993-1995):
WCW underwent several changes in leadership and strategy to find its identity:
Bill Watts' Tenure (1992-1993): In 1992, WCW hired Bill Watts, a former wrestling promoter known for his success with Mid-South Wrestling (later the UWF). Watts aimed to return to a more traditional style of wrestling, emphasizing realism and toughness. However, his strict management style, controversial policies, and clashes with wrestlers led to his departure in 1993.
Eric Bischoff's Rise to Power (1993): In 1993, Eric Bischoff, a former announcer and junior executive, was promoted to Executive Vice President of WCW. Unlike his predecessors, Bischoff had a clear vision for WCW’s future. He aimed to differentiate WCW from WWF by emphasizing realism, a more adult-oriented product, and a national and international reach.
4. The Monday Night Wars and WCW's Peak (1995-1998):
Under Bischoff's leadership, WCW underwent a massive transformation:
Introduction of WCW Monday Nitro (1995): On September 4, 1995, WCW launched Monday Nitro on TNT, directly challenging WWF's flagship show, Monday Night Raw. Nitro's live format, surprise debuts, and competitive matches set a new standard for wrestling programming.
The New World Order (nWo) Storyline (1996): WCW reached its peak with the creation of the nWo (New World Order) storyline in 1996. The storyline began with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash (former WWF stars) invading WCW, followed by Hulk Hogan turning heel and joining them to form the nWo. This storyline blurred the lines between reality and fiction, captivated fans, and helped WCW surpass WWF in the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks.
Top Talent Acquisitions: WCW aggressively recruited top talent from around the world, including Randy Savage, Lex Luger, Roddy Piper, Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio Jr., Chris Benoit, and others. The cruiserweight division, in particular, brought high-flying, athletic wrestling to mainstream U.S. audiences.
5. Decline and Demise (1998-2001):
Despite its initial success, WCW began to decline in the late 1990s:
Creative and Financial Mismanagement: WCW's success led to complacency and overspending. Expensive contracts for aging stars, lack of long-term planning, and erratic booking decisions caused the product to lose focus and appeal.
Declining Ratings and Fan Interest (1998-1999): Overexposure of the nWo storyline, repetitive booking, and lack of new star development led to a decline in ratings. The WWF, under Vince McMahon, countered with the Attitude Era, which resonated more with the young demographic.
Turner Broadcasting Merger and Corporate Changes (2000-2001): The merger of AOL and Time Warner in 2001 resulted in a change of corporate priorities. WCW, seen as a liability due to its significant financial losses, faced an uncertain future. New executives had little interest in continuing wrestling programming on the Turner networks.
Sale to WWE (2001): In March 2001, Vince McMahon's WWF purchased WCW’s assets for a reported $2.5 million, effectively ending WCW’s existence as an independent entity. The purchase included WCW’s video library, trademarks, and select contracts, which were later used in the Invasion storyline in WWF (later WWE).
Legacy of WCW:
Despite its demise, WCW left a lasting legacy in professional wrestling. It revolutionized wrestling television with the Monday Night Wars, pioneered innovative storylines and matches, and contributed significantly to the development of wrestling talent. WCW’s existence forced the WWF to adapt and evolve, ultimately leading to one of the most successful periods in wrestling history.
Comments