The New World Order (nWo) is one of the most influential and revolutionary factions in professional wrestling history. Debuting in World Championship Wrestling in 1996, the nWo played a crucial role in the Monday Night Wars, helping WCW dominate the ratings against the World Wrestling Federation. This article delves into the origins, key moments, and legacy of the nWo.
The Origins of nWo
The Prelude
Before the nWo's formation, WCW was struggling to compete with the WWF. Eric Bischoff, WCW's Executive Vice President, sought to innovate and find a way to attract a larger audience. This led to the recruitment of high-profile WWF talent, including Scott Hall (Razor Ramon) and Kevin Nash (Diesel).
The Outsiders Invade
On May 27, 1996, Scott Hall made a shocking appearance on WCW Monday Nitro, interrupting a match and declaring that he was there to take over. This marked the beginning of what would become known as the "Outsiders" angle. Kevin Nash joined Hall a few weeks later, and together, they hinted at an impending invasion by outsiders, blurring the lines between reality and storyline. This strategy worked because Hall and Nash were recently on WWF TV, and many people believed they were still under contract with WWF. As a result, the WWF filed a lawsuit, forcing Hall and Nash to publicly state that they were not under WWF contract.
The Birth of the nWo
The "Third Man" Question
As Hall and Nash wreaked havoc in WCW, they promised a "third man" would join their cause at Bash at the Beach 1996. Speculation ran rampant, with fans and wrestlers alike wondering who the mysterious third man could be.
Bash at the Beach 1996
The official formation of the nWo occurred at WCW's Bash at the Beach pay-per-view on July 7, 1996. In a tag team match pitting Hall and Nash against Sting, Lex Luger, and Randy Savage, the wrestling world was turned upside down. Hulk Hogan, the ultimate babyface for over a decade, shocked fans by turning heel, joining Hall and Nash and adopting the Hollywood Hogan persona. Hogan's betrayal and subsequent promo, where he declared the formation of the New World Order, solidified the group's impact.
During the promo, Hogan stated:
"As far as I'm concerned, all this crap in the ring represents these fans out here. For two years, brother, for two years, I held my head high. I did everything for the charities, I did everything for the kids, and the reception I got when I came out here—you fans can stick it, brother. Because if it wasn't for Hulk Hogan, you people wouldn't be here."
The Rise of the nWo
Dominance and Expansion
Following Bash at the Beach, the nWo rapidly grew in numbers and influence. Key members such as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Syxx (Sean Waltman), and "Macho Man" Randy Savage joined the faction, bolstering its ranks. Eric Bischoff eventually joined the group, bringing kayfabe executive power to the faction and making it even more dominant.
Chaos and Controversy
The nWo constantly wreaked havoc in the arena and backstage, attacking wrestlers, spray-painting their fallen foes, and creating a sense of anarchy. This chaos sometimes led to actual SWAT teams being called in, as some viewers believed the events were real and contacted the police. This blend of reality and storyline captivated audiences, causing the TV ratings of Nitro to skyrocket.
Celebrity Involvement
Dennis Rodman, the NBA star, made several appearances with the nWo, further boosting its mainstream appeal and drawing in non-wrestling fans. Rodman's involvement included notable matches, such as his tag team bout alongside Hogan against Karl Malone and Diamond Dallas Page.
Going up against "The Icon" Sting
One of the most iconic angles involved Sting, who adopted a darker, brooding persona inspired by "The Crow" movie. For over a year, Sting remained silent, watching the nWo's actions from the rafters. This culminated in a showdown at Starrcade 1997, where Sting faced Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in a highly anticipated match.
nWo Monday Nitro
The nWo's influence grew to the point where they took over WCW Monday Nitro, rebranding it as nWo Monday Nitro for one night. This was a testament to the faction's dominance and the storyline's centrality to WCW programming.
The Decline of the nWo
Internal Conflicts and Splits
As the nWo continued to add more members, the faction's impact began to dilute. Internal conflicts and the creation of sub-groups, such as nWo Wolfpac (led by Kevin Nash) and nWo Hollywood (led by Hogan), further fragmented the storyline. The rivalry between these factions became a focal point but also signaled the beginning of the nWo's decline.
The Fingerpoke of Doom
One of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, the "Fingerpoke of Doom," occurred on January 4, 1999 edition of Nitro. Kevin Nash, then the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, faced Hogan. In a shocking turn of events, Hogan poked Nash in the chest, and Nash theatrically fell to the mat, allowing Hogan to pin him and reclaim the title. This moment is often cited as a significant factor in WCW's eventual downfall.
nWo Elite and Fallout
In an attempt to rejuvenate the faction, the nWo Elite was formed, comprising top members like Hogan, Nash, and Hall. However, Hogan's subsequent injury and the group's overexposure led to diminishing returns. By 1999, the nWo's once-dominant presence had waned, and WCW's inability to innovate led to declining ratings and financial struggles.
nWo Restorations
nWo 2000
In a bid to revive the nWo, WCW introduced nWo 2000. This iteration included Bret Hart, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, and the Harris Twins. Despite the star power, this version failed to capture the original nWo's magic and quickly fizzled out.
nWo in WWF
In 2002, the nWo storyline was brought into the WWF as Vince McMahon sought to "inject a lethal dose of poison" into his company. Hogan, Hall, and Nash returned, later joined by X-Pac, Big Show, Shawn Michaels, and Booker T. Despite initial fan interest, this revival also failed to maintain the momentum of the original faction. Hogan left the group just a month after returning due to a babyface turn, and Scott Hall was fired from the company later that year. Kevin Nash also left due to an injury, further weakening the faction.
The Band in TNA
In 2010, a reunion of sorts occurred in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) with "The Band," featuring Hall, Nash, and Waltman. This was a nostalgic nod to the nWo but did not achieve significant success.
Later Appearances
The nWo has made several one-off appearances in WWE, including a memorable moment at WrestleMania 31, where Hogan, Nash, and Hall confronted D-Generation X during the Sting vs. Triple H match, bringing a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the event.
Legacy and Impact
The nWo revolutionized professional wrestling, contributing to WCW's dominance during the Monday Night Wars and pushing the WWF to adopt the more adult-oriented "Attitude Era." The faction's impact is still felt today, with numerous wrestling promotions and wrestlers paying homage to the nWo's legacy. Their catchphrases, hand gestures, and rebellious attitude remain ingrained in wrestling culture. In recognition of their monumental influence, the nWo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing their status as one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history.
Conclusion
The New World Order's formation and rise mark a pivotal chapter in professional wrestling. From its shocking inception to its cultural impact and eventual decline, the nWo remains an iconic faction that changed the industry forever. This comprehensive overview of the nWo's formation, rise, key moments, and lasting impact is designed to appeal to both wrestling enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Stay updated with our latest articles and analyses to explore more about wrestling's rich history and influential moments.