1 00:00:05,672 --> 00:00:08,006 - I got a hell of an idea. 2 00:00:08,075 --> 00:00:12,945 Consider this an open invitation, vince mcmahon. 3 00:00:13,147 --> 00:00:15,881 - How do you describe the Monday night wars? 4 00:00:16,083 --> 00:00:18,884 The yankees can't stand the boston red sox. 5 00:00:18,952 --> 00:00:24,089 Well, in wrestling, we have wwe and wcw. 6 00:00:24,158 --> 00:00:27,959 - Hulkamania lives at world championship wrestling! 7 00:00:28,029 --> 00:00:29,962 - We just wanna be as successful as vince is, 8 00:00:30,030 --> 00:00:33,298 And then we'd like to, you know, kick his butt. 9 00:00:33,366 --> 00:00:34,967 ♪ ♪ 10 00:00:35,169 --> 00:00:37,836 - He was there to try to put vince out of business. 11 00:00:37,905 --> 00:00:40,372 - They beat us for 83 weeks straight. 12 00:00:40,441 --> 00:00:41,239 We fought back. 13 00:00:41,308 --> 00:00:42,908 - Go! 14 00:00:42,976 --> 00:00:44,843 - I felt very competitive with 'em. 15 00:00:45,045 --> 00:00:46,778 It's like, "hey, man, [bleep] these guys." 16 00:00:46,847 --> 00:00:48,714 - This is going entirely too far. 17 00:00:48,916 --> 00:00:51,382 - Such a unique time in the business. 18 00:00:51,452 --> 00:00:52,451 [thunder booms] 19 00:00:52,653 --> 00:00:53,986 - Everything had an edge. 20 00:00:54,054 --> 00:00:55,320 It was kind of like the cool thing to do. 21 00:00:55,389 --> 00:00:57,456 - Mike tyson! 22 00:00:57,525 --> 00:00:58,924 - Uh-oh, here we go! 23 00:00:58,993 --> 00:01:01,527 - You don't know what's going to happen next, 24 00:01:01,729 --> 00:01:02,861 And you don't wanna miss it. 25 00:01:02,930 --> 00:01:06,532 - It was a legit rivalry and competition 26 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:08,333 Between two companies. 27 00:01:08,536 --> 00:01:10,469 - You want a war? 28 00:01:10,671 --> 00:01:12,204 You're gonna get one. 29 00:01:12,406 --> 00:01:15,006 ♪ ♪ 30 00:01:15,075 --> 00:01:18,210 - This rivalry has just escalated into a war. 31 00:01:18,412 --> 00:01:19,611 ♪ ♪ 32 00:01:19,680 --> 00:01:22,080 - When two legends collide, 33 00:01:22,149 --> 00:01:25,217 Their rivalry stays pinned in our minds forever. 34 00:01:25,286 --> 00:01:27,019 ♪ ♪ 35 00:01:27,221 --> 00:01:28,887 This is where we break down the legendary stories 36 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:31,223 Behind the greatest rivalries of all time. 37 00:01:31,292 --> 00:01:32,490 ♪ ♪ 38 00:01:32,559 --> 00:01:35,627 I'm freddie prinze jr. 39 00:01:35,695 --> 00:01:38,297 And this is "wwe rivals." 40 00:01:38,365 --> 00:01:40,999 ♪ ♪ 41 00:01:42,970 --> 00:01:45,770 This was the craziest time in wrestling 42 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:48,707 That I had ever experienced as a fan. 43 00:01:48,776 --> 00:01:52,111 We're gonna discuss wcw and wwe. 44 00:01:52,313 --> 00:01:54,179 - As a fan, you're getting, like, the best of both worlds 45 00:01:54,247 --> 00:01:56,648 To where you're tapin' "nitro" on the vcr in one room, 46 00:01:56,717 --> 00:01:57,916 And then in the other room, 47 00:01:57,985 --> 00:02:00,118 You're watching live 'cause you can't go back 48 00:02:00,187 --> 00:02:02,721 And watch both, otherwise, you're missing the key points 49 00:02:02,789 --> 00:02:04,055 Of the stories. So I feel like 50 00:02:04,125 --> 00:02:08,793 It was just such a good job of really trying to honor, 51 00:02:08,862 --> 00:02:11,730 I guess, the customer or the viewer 52 00:02:11,932 --> 00:02:13,398 By putting out, like, good stuff. 53 00:02:13,466 --> 00:02:14,733 [crowd roars] 54 00:02:14,802 --> 00:02:16,601 - So, john, I'm wondering if you can 55 00:02:16,670 --> 00:02:17,536 Sort of put into perspective-- 56 00:02:17,604 --> 00:02:18,803 How did this come about? 57 00:02:18,872 --> 00:02:21,139 - Sure. It's because of television. 58 00:02:21,208 --> 00:02:22,941 Look, television was regional, and they were talking about 59 00:02:23,143 --> 00:02:25,076 Goin' national because they saw what was coming 60 00:02:25,145 --> 00:02:27,346 With national television, and they knew somebody 61 00:02:27,548 --> 00:02:28,947 Was gonna do it. 62 00:02:29,016 --> 00:02:29,814 - Hello, everyone. This is vince mcmahon 63 00:02:29,884 --> 00:02:32,951 In the studios of the usa cable network. 64 00:02:33,020 --> 00:02:35,487 We wholeheartedly welcome you to the premiere 65 00:02:35,689 --> 00:02:37,956 Of all-american wrestling. 66 00:02:38,024 --> 00:02:40,559 - Vince is the guy that is going national. 67 00:02:40,761 --> 00:02:44,563 - Welcome to wrestlemania iii! 68 00:02:44,765 --> 00:02:45,897 - And look at the hulkster. 69 00:02:45,966 --> 00:02:49,968 What an unbelievable individual he is. 70 00:02:50,036 --> 00:02:52,237 - But guys weren't able to beat vince at it, 71 00:02:52,305 --> 00:02:56,908 And the one guy that's left is jim crockett in the carolinas. 72 00:02:56,977 --> 00:02:59,978 And jim crockett sells to ted turner. 73 00:03:00,047 --> 00:03:03,582 So this is the last battle of the territories 74 00:03:03,650 --> 00:03:06,118 In the united states. 75 00:03:06,186 --> 00:03:07,786 - I wanna congratulate world championship wrestling 76 00:03:07,988 --> 00:03:09,854 For continuing the tradition of bringing 77 00:03:09,924 --> 00:03:14,259 Action-packed wrestling excitement to tbs. 78 00:03:14,327 --> 00:03:17,795 The reason that I got involved from an ownership standpoint 79 00:03:17,864 --> 00:03:20,598 Is that I had a vision that eventually, 80 00:03:20,667 --> 00:03:21,933 We'd be successful with it. 81 00:03:22,002 --> 00:03:27,005 - Wcw was the distant number two to wwe. 82 00:03:27,207 --> 00:03:30,475 Nobody ever thought it would be competitive to wwe. 83 00:03:31,078 --> 00:03:33,945 - We just wanna be as successful as vince is, 84 00:03:34,014 --> 00:03:36,748 And then we'd like to, you know, kick his butt. 85 00:03:36,950 --> 00:03:38,550 [sirens wailing] - welcome, everyone 86 00:03:38,618 --> 00:03:41,219 To "Monday night raw"! 87 00:03:41,288 --> 00:03:44,356 - "Monday night raw" starting on the usa network in 1993 88 00:03:44,558 --> 00:03:46,224 Was revolutionary. 89 00:03:46,293 --> 00:03:50,428 - Prior to that, shows felt very canned and put-together. 90 00:03:50,497 --> 00:03:52,030 The launch of "raw" 91 00:03:52,098 --> 00:03:55,300 Sort of completely changed sports entertainment. 92 00:03:55,502 --> 00:03:56,701 - Is uncut. 93 00:03:56,770 --> 00:03:59,638 - Uncensored-- - and uncooked. 94 00:03:59,706 --> 00:04:00,906 - The live nature of it-- 95 00:04:01,108 --> 00:04:03,642 The sort of anything-can-happen quickness 96 00:04:03,710 --> 00:04:05,777 Of it-- - wait a minute! 97 00:04:05,845 --> 00:04:08,447 - One, two, three! [bell rings] 98 00:04:08,515 --> 00:04:09,847 - He got him! 99 00:04:09,916 --> 00:04:12,584 - There was a magic to that show, 100 00:04:12,653 --> 00:04:13,718 And the way it was presented-- 101 00:04:13,787 --> 00:04:15,720 That sort of was a game changer. 102 00:04:15,789 --> 00:04:20,125 All: Macho! Macho! Macho! Macho! 103 00:04:20,327 --> 00:04:22,994 - Back then, vince was moving in a different direction. 104 00:04:23,063 --> 00:04:25,730 Vince was moving to younger wrestlers at the time, 105 00:04:25,799 --> 00:04:26,798 And it was like a youth movement. 106 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:30,935 - Unbelievable applause for lex luger! 107 00:04:31,004 --> 00:04:32,670 - And it just seemed like the perfect time 108 00:04:32,739 --> 00:04:34,272 For us to mutually part ways. 109 00:04:34,875 --> 00:04:38,076 When I did "thunder in paradise," 110 00:04:38,145 --> 00:04:40,545 On the soundstage next to me, where I was filming, 111 00:04:40,614 --> 00:04:43,815 Was ted turner's wcw. 112 00:04:43,884 --> 00:04:46,084 Eric bischoff started coming over, 113 00:04:46,152 --> 00:04:47,752 And he started bringing ric flair with him, goin', 114 00:04:47,821 --> 00:04:48,620 "hey, hulk, we want you to come back 115 00:04:48,688 --> 00:04:49,421 And be a part of wrestling." 116 00:04:49,489 --> 00:04:51,889 I said, "no way." 117 00:04:51,958 --> 00:04:54,092 This went on for a good five or six months. 118 00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:57,963 I missed wrestling so much that finally, I caved, 119 00:04:58,031 --> 00:05:00,232 And basically went to work for ted turner. 120 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:04,569 I told ya hulkamania was gonna run wild in the wcw, brother! 121 00:05:04,772 --> 00:05:06,305 Look at all the hulkamaniacs! 122 00:05:06,507 --> 00:05:08,840 [crowd cheering] 123 00:05:08,909 --> 00:05:13,044 - That was the first blow of, like, "hmm." 124 00:05:13,113 --> 00:05:17,582 Now they're taking established stars from the wwe 125 00:05:17,651 --> 00:05:19,650 And bringing them into wcw. 126 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:22,054 That's gonna get 'em noticed. 127 00:05:22,256 --> 00:05:25,791 - Hulkamania lives in world championship wrestling! 128 00:05:25,993 --> 00:05:28,059 - The first night on a pay-per-view 129 00:05:28,128 --> 00:05:31,396 It had much more traction than they'd had ever. 130 00:05:31,598 --> 00:05:32,931 One man, one champ, 131 00:05:32,999 --> 00:05:34,733 And the only champion in the world today. 132 00:05:34,935 --> 00:05:35,734 Everybody double-bobbed and said, 133 00:05:35,803 --> 00:05:37,803 "whoa, what's going on over here?" 134 00:05:38,005 --> 00:05:39,871 It made everybody look and not look away. 135 00:05:39,940 --> 00:05:43,608 - And then from there, it was randy savage. 136 00:05:43,677 --> 00:05:45,877 - I'm here for only one reason 137 00:05:45,946 --> 00:05:49,814 And that's to take it to the limit, yeah! 138 00:05:49,883 --> 00:05:54,086 - Mach and hogan came in. It was huge. 139 00:05:54,288 --> 00:05:57,622 - All these wrestlers that we used to watch growing up 140 00:05:57,691 --> 00:06:00,425 Were now going to a different 141 00:06:00,493 --> 00:06:01,426 Place of business 142 00:06:01,628 --> 00:06:02,828 To work for someone else 143 00:06:02,896 --> 00:06:04,829 That we never thought we'd see before. 144 00:06:04,898 --> 00:06:07,965 - Hulk hogan and "macho man" randy savage 145 00:06:08,034 --> 00:06:11,636 Had been established as the two biggest stars 146 00:06:11,705 --> 00:06:12,971 In all of sports entertainment. 147 00:06:13,040 --> 00:06:15,640 So the idea that they were on another channel, 148 00:06:15,709 --> 00:06:17,776 Wrestling for another company, 149 00:06:17,845 --> 00:06:20,712 Instantly gave that company credibility 150 00:06:20,780 --> 00:06:22,714 And gave that company eyeballs. 151 00:06:22,782 --> 00:06:24,782 - Without a shadow of a doubt, 152 00:06:24,851 --> 00:06:27,185 This is where the big boys play. 153 00:06:27,387 --> 00:06:28,786 ♪ ♪ 154 00:06:28,855 --> 00:06:29,854 - Look, they were out-vincing vince. 155 00:06:29,923 --> 00:06:30,522 Both: Yeah. - You know, you look at what 156 00:06:30,724 --> 00:06:32,391 Vince did at wrestlemania 1. 157 00:06:32,593 --> 00:06:34,525 He poaches piper. 158 00:06:34,594 --> 00:06:36,528 He brings in liberace. 159 00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:38,730 He brings in muhammad ali. 160 00:06:38,798 --> 00:06:39,598 They were doing the same things. 161 00:06:39,800 --> 00:06:42,600 - The hulkster is in the ring! 162 00:06:42,669 --> 00:06:44,535 High-fives shaquille o'neal! 163 00:06:44,604 --> 00:06:45,604 - They poached hogan. 164 00:06:45,806 --> 00:06:46,938 They bring in the celebrities. 165 00:06:47,007 --> 00:06:50,274 This was his most formidable opponent by far. 166 00:06:50,343 --> 00:06:53,011 ♪ ♪ 167 00:06:53,079 --> 00:06:55,146 - We'd like to make an announcement today. 168 00:06:55,215 --> 00:06:59,818 "wcw Monday nitro" live on tnt will be seen Monday nights. 169 00:06:59,887 --> 00:07:02,153 - The first time I heard about "nitro" 170 00:07:02,222 --> 00:07:04,823 Going head-to-head with us, I thought they were crazy. 171 00:07:05,025 --> 00:07:07,092 Why wouldn't you go on a different day 172 00:07:07,294 --> 00:07:11,696 Where you have an opportunity to have all of the audience? 173 00:07:11,764 --> 00:07:12,897 - I wanted to go on Monday night, 174 00:07:12,966 --> 00:07:15,567 'cause I wanted to go head-to-head with vince. 175 00:07:15,635 --> 00:07:16,501 You can't beat anybody 176 00:07:16,569 --> 00:07:17,702 Unless you get into the ring with 'em. 177 00:07:17,771 --> 00:07:20,105 - We wanna give viewers a choice. 178 00:07:20,173 --> 00:07:21,907 We believe we got the biggest stars in our industry. 179 00:07:22,109 --> 00:07:25,043 - When wcw made the decision to go head-to-head 180 00:07:25,111 --> 00:07:29,647 Monday nights, that was absolutely an act of war. 181 00:07:29,716 --> 00:07:31,716 - It was real competition-- 182 00:07:31,785 --> 00:07:35,987 Same time spot, one channel apart. 183 00:07:36,055 --> 00:07:37,389 - Buckle your seatbelt, because it's gonna be 184 00:07:37,591 --> 00:07:39,257 A bumpy, bumpy ride. 185 00:07:39,326 --> 00:07:43,194 ♪ ♪ 186 00:07:43,263 --> 00:07:44,930 - Everyone in the minneapolis, st. Paul area getting ready 187 00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:49,000 For "Monday nitro" on tnt this Monday night. 188 00:07:49,069 --> 00:07:51,135 Check your local listings. It's coming your way. 189 00:07:51,204 --> 00:07:54,472 I had just finished doing, probably, about six months 190 00:07:54,541 --> 00:07:55,674 Worth of research. 191 00:07:55,876 --> 00:07:57,742 I traveled all over the country, 192 00:07:57,811 --> 00:07:59,944 Sitting in different focus groups. 193 00:08:00,013 --> 00:08:03,415 The element of surprise is one of the things 194 00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:04,615 That I kept hearing. 195 00:08:04,684 --> 00:08:06,952 - And I've got the inside track on a scorching rumor 196 00:08:07,020 --> 00:08:10,021 That has a very prominent wrestling superstar 197 00:08:10,089 --> 00:08:13,958 About to sign with world championship wrestling. 198 00:08:14,027 --> 00:08:16,694 - Lex luger was one of wwe's biggest stars. 199 00:08:16,763 --> 00:08:19,764 Lex luger's contract had expired. 200 00:08:19,833 --> 00:08:22,834 Lex didn't let anybody in wwe know 201 00:08:22,902 --> 00:08:24,102 That his contract was coming up, 202 00:08:24,304 --> 00:08:28,239 And somehow, wwe just let it slip between their fingertips. 203 00:08:28,909 --> 00:08:31,042 - As we're getting closer and closer 204 00:08:31,244 --> 00:08:33,778 To the debut of "nitro," lex came to me, and he said, 205 00:08:33,847 --> 00:08:36,581 "look, my contract is up Sunday." 206 00:08:36,649 --> 00:08:40,318 I thought, "whoa, huh." 207 00:08:40,387 --> 00:08:41,319 "lex, it's eric. 208 00:08:41,521 --> 00:08:42,186 I got an idea." 209 00:08:42,256 --> 00:08:44,255 [laughs] 210 00:08:44,324 --> 00:08:45,790 ♪ ♪ 211 00:08:45,859 --> 00:08:48,526 - What a matchup we have got in store 212 00:08:48,595 --> 00:08:50,795 In this debut broadcast. 213 00:08:50,998 --> 00:08:53,465 - What in the hell is he doing here? 214 00:08:53,667 --> 00:08:55,734 All: Luger! Luger! Luger! 215 00:08:55,936 --> 00:08:59,471 - Lex came in, that was like, "whoa." 216 00:08:59,673 --> 00:09:01,539 - He had jumped ship. 217 00:09:01,608 --> 00:09:02,541 People are freaking out. 218 00:09:02,743 --> 00:09:05,076 He really helped set us up 219 00:09:05,278 --> 00:09:09,080 For great success, because there was already controversy. 220 00:09:09,282 --> 00:09:11,816 - Now we have the opportunity to really surprise people. 221 00:09:11,885 --> 00:09:13,084 - Well, you said things are gonna happen 222 00:09:13,153 --> 00:09:16,087 Every Monday night, bischoff, and it's happenin'! 223 00:09:16,155 --> 00:09:19,691 - It was definitely a big shocker for wrestling fans. 224 00:09:19,759 --> 00:09:21,559 - "wha--how is this happening?" 225 00:09:21,628 --> 00:09:22,493 - Wait, luger's in there! 226 00:09:22,563 --> 00:09:24,829 - Lex luger in the ring! 227 00:09:24,898 --> 00:09:27,365 - It was such a shocker to everyone. 228 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:28,900 It was a big deal. 229 00:09:28,969 --> 00:09:31,636 - Lex luger has come from out of nowhere! 230 00:09:31,705 --> 00:09:32,837 - It was gonna be different. 231 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:34,906 It was never gonna be the same ever again. 232 00:09:34,975 --> 00:09:37,442 - This is the most amazing turn of events 233 00:09:37,511 --> 00:09:39,044 I have ever seen. 234 00:09:39,112 --> 00:09:42,647 - It worked magically, didn't it, bruce prichard? 235 00:09:42,715 --> 00:09:44,516 - Damn, how did that happen? 236 00:09:44,584 --> 00:09:47,519 - I am sick and tired 237 00:09:47,721 --> 00:09:49,454 Of playing around with kids! 238 00:09:49,523 --> 00:09:50,788 I'm here to get it on 239 00:09:50,857 --> 00:09:54,792 With the big boys, and that means you! 240 00:09:54,861 --> 00:09:55,794 - It was electric. I mean, this was our 241 00:09:55,996 --> 00:09:58,663 Opportunity to gain some more momentum. 242 00:09:58,732 --> 00:10:00,131 I know where you've been, brother! 243 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:03,668 - It told everybody that you have to tune into "nitro" 244 00:10:03,870 --> 00:10:06,604 Every week because you don't know 245 00:10:06,673 --> 00:10:07,539 What's going to happen next. 246 00:10:07,741 --> 00:10:09,807 And you don't wanna miss it. 247 00:10:09,876 --> 00:10:11,676 - Okay, we're gonna compete. Let's go. 248 00:10:11,878 --> 00:10:13,277 We're in a fight. Let's go fight. 249 00:10:13,346 --> 00:10:16,014 ♪ ♪ 250 00:10:19,419 --> 00:10:20,819 [dramatic music] 251 00:10:20,887 --> 00:10:23,822 - Last week, debut edition of "nitro," 252 00:10:24,024 --> 00:10:27,559 We saw it-- lex luger stunning the world, 253 00:10:27,761 --> 00:10:29,960 Making his appearance here. 254 00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:32,964 That lex luger moment, it had a lot more to do 255 00:10:33,032 --> 00:10:36,034 With "nitro's" success-- in its early success-- 256 00:10:36,102 --> 00:10:38,970 Than almost anything, because it set the tone. 257 00:10:39,038 --> 00:10:41,906 Here's this new show coming on to compete 258 00:10:41,974 --> 00:10:45,643 With "Monday night raw," head-to-head, 259 00:10:45,712 --> 00:10:47,112 And we're doing things that 260 00:10:47,180 --> 00:10:48,847 Nobody else in the wrestling business had ever done. 261 00:10:48,915 --> 00:10:51,849 - At the time, "Monday night raw" 262 00:10:51,918 --> 00:10:54,585 Was recorded live every other week, 263 00:10:54,655 --> 00:10:56,721 And they were live every week, 264 00:10:56,790 --> 00:10:58,523 And they would often give spoilers 265 00:10:58,725 --> 00:10:59,457 As to what was gonna happen 266 00:10:59,526 --> 00:11:00,925 On our taped shows. 267 00:11:00,994 --> 00:11:02,994 Announcer: In case you're tempted to grab 268 00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:05,330 The remote control, check out the competition, 269 00:11:05,532 --> 00:11:06,665 Don't bother. 270 00:11:06,867 --> 00:11:08,066 Shawn michaels beat the big guy 271 00:11:08,135 --> 00:11:10,401 With a superkick he couldn't earn a green belt with 272 00:11:10,470 --> 00:11:12,003 At a local ymca. 273 00:11:12,205 --> 00:11:14,005 - He wasn't there to do good business for himself. 274 00:11:14,207 --> 00:11:15,940 He was there to try to put vince out of business. 275 00:11:16,008 --> 00:11:18,810 It was just, "try to attack vince mcmahon. 276 00:11:19,012 --> 00:11:20,411 That's how I'm going to get recognized." 277 00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:21,813 - Look at her. 278 00:11:21,882 --> 00:11:23,614 - And alundra blayze, once again, 279 00:11:23,683 --> 00:11:28,219 The wwe woman's champion! 280 00:11:28,288 --> 00:11:31,556 - So alundra blayze never lost the wwe women's championship. 281 00:11:31,625 --> 00:11:32,490 But her contract ran out, 282 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:35,493 And eric bischoff and wcw 283 00:11:35,562 --> 00:11:37,028 Signed her right away, 284 00:11:37,096 --> 00:11:40,298 And she brought the championship belt with her 285 00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:41,900 To "nitro." 286 00:11:42,102 --> 00:11:44,502 - That, indeed, it is. - Not in the trash can. 287 00:11:44,571 --> 00:11:45,837 - And that's what I think 288 00:11:45,905 --> 00:11:49,106 Of the wwe woman's championship belt. 289 00:11:49,175 --> 00:11:53,778 - Alundra blayze throwing that title in the garbage can 290 00:11:53,980 --> 00:11:56,648 Let the wwe know that the gloves were off. 291 00:11:56,716 --> 00:11:58,650 - Competition is one thing, 292 00:11:58,718 --> 00:12:01,786 But wcw, some of their tactics 293 00:12:01,855 --> 00:12:04,723 Were a little on the personal side. 294 00:12:04,925 --> 00:12:06,590 - Oh, sheet covers just got soaked up 295 00:12:06,659 --> 00:12:07,725 On that one in connecticut, 296 00:12:07,794 --> 00:12:09,994 Didn't they, my friend? - Wow! 297 00:12:10,063 --> 00:12:12,797 - Competition's great, and it brings out the best. 298 00:12:12,866 --> 00:12:14,733 It also brings out the worst sometimes, 299 00:12:14,935 --> 00:12:17,735 And one thing that we had never done 300 00:12:17,804 --> 00:12:18,869 Was acknowledge our competition. 301 00:12:18,938 --> 00:12:21,539 "don't acknowledge them. They don't exist." 302 00:12:21,608 --> 00:12:23,875 But we were in a fight, 303 00:12:23,943 --> 00:12:27,144 And there are no rules in a fight. 304 00:12:27,213 --> 00:12:31,816 - I built this company by doing one thing really well-- 305 00:12:31,885 --> 00:12:34,753 Buying old assets and repackaging them. 306 00:12:34,955 --> 00:12:37,622 Heck, I even bought old wrestlers. 307 00:12:37,690 --> 00:12:39,557 - The billionaire ted skits 308 00:12:39,759 --> 00:12:40,424 Were something we had to do. 309 00:12:40,494 --> 00:12:42,092 It was unorthodox. 310 00:12:42,162 --> 00:12:45,897 - Joining us tonight, the huckster and the nacho man. 311 00:12:45,965 --> 00:12:48,632 - Vince started doing the mockeries-- 312 00:12:48,701 --> 00:12:50,568 Not really the smartest move, 313 00:12:50,636 --> 00:12:52,503 'cause all of a sudden, 314 00:12:52,572 --> 00:12:55,440 The wwe wrestling fan 315 00:12:55,642 --> 00:12:58,576 Who loved those two guys 316 00:12:58,644 --> 00:13:00,578 And you mock those two? 317 00:13:00,646 --> 00:13:03,781 That pissed wwe fans off. 318 00:13:03,850 --> 00:13:04,983 - It kind of, like, made fans-- 319 00:13:05,051 --> 00:13:07,452 "we better turn to wcw to see if hulk hogan's 320 00:13:07,654 --> 00:13:08,652 Really pushing a walker." 321 00:13:08,721 --> 00:13:10,789 It made people look, you know, 322 00:13:10,991 --> 00:13:13,591 To see if I was really that washed up. 323 00:13:13,793 --> 00:13:15,860 - I was not that offended by 'em. 324 00:13:15,929 --> 00:13:17,862 I said, "boy, vince must be hurtin' 325 00:13:17,931 --> 00:13:20,798 To be resortin' to this kind of stuff. 326 00:13:20,867 --> 00:13:22,600 - We're losing guys left and right, 327 00:13:22,669 --> 00:13:24,268 And our business is suffering. 328 00:13:24,337 --> 00:13:26,136 ♪ ♪ 329 00:13:26,206 --> 00:13:29,473 - We were starting to lose in the ratings more regularly, 330 00:13:29,542 --> 00:13:30,808 And it became clear 331 00:13:30,877 --> 00:13:33,344 That wcw had, what I would call, 332 00:13:33,546 --> 00:13:34,813 The hot hand. 333 00:13:35,015 --> 00:13:37,749 - Am I on a roll, or am I on a roll, bobby? 334 00:13:37,951 --> 00:13:38,216 - You're on a roll. - How 'bout it? 335 00:13:38,285 --> 00:13:39,884 ♪ ♪ 336 00:13:40,086 --> 00:13:42,086 - When I got there, business wasn't that great. 337 00:13:42,155 --> 00:13:45,023 - I can remember very distinctly being in pittsburgh 338 00:13:45,091 --> 00:13:48,092 In a half-full arena, standing in the curtain 339 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:50,761 With austin, him saying, "man, do you think it'll ever 340 00:13:50,831 --> 00:13:53,031 Be as big as it was like in the '80s? 341 00:13:53,099 --> 00:13:55,566 - I remember one show, we had like 500 people. 342 00:13:55,635 --> 00:13:58,102 That was really, really bad. 343 00:13:58,170 --> 00:14:01,172 - A lot of our big guys are leaving to go to wcw. 344 00:14:01,240 --> 00:14:03,507 They had just kind of basically opened up their checkbook 345 00:14:03,576 --> 00:14:04,709 And said, "come on down. 346 00:14:04,911 --> 00:14:05,777 "you're not gonna have to work much, 347 00:14:05,979 --> 00:14:07,845 And you're gonna get paid a lot of money." 348 00:14:07,914 --> 00:14:09,780 - There was more money being offered 349 00:14:09,849 --> 00:14:14,184 Than had been offered before to guys. 350 00:14:14,254 --> 00:14:17,455 - The businessman in me is going, "this is a good thing," 351 00:14:17,524 --> 00:14:18,590 'cause I'm a wrestler. 352 00:14:18,792 --> 00:14:19,657 So the more wrestling companies 353 00:14:19,859 --> 00:14:21,258 There are, the better it is for me. 354 00:14:22,395 --> 00:14:25,062 - Dallas page, who was really good friends with scott hall, 355 00:14:25,131 --> 00:14:27,865 Kind of brought a ballpark number of what he would get 356 00:14:27,934 --> 00:14:31,669 Guaranteed money for half as many dates. 357 00:14:31,738 --> 00:14:33,604 So it was basically, for scott, 358 00:14:33,673 --> 00:14:35,873 Almost three times the amount 359 00:14:35,942 --> 00:14:40,545 Of money he made for half as many dates, 360 00:14:40,613 --> 00:14:42,213 And it was guaranteed. 361 00:14:42,415 --> 00:14:44,749 ♪ ♪ 362 00:14:44,951 --> 00:14:47,618 I looked over at scott, and I said, 363 00:14:47,687 --> 00:14:49,220 "see what they'll give me." 364 00:14:49,289 --> 00:14:50,288 ♪ ♪ 365 00:14:50,356 --> 00:14:52,556 - Dude... 366 00:14:52,626 --> 00:14:55,893 - Say hello to razor ramon. 367 00:14:55,962 --> 00:14:58,029 - Razor ramon and diesel had been built 368 00:14:58,097 --> 00:15:02,100 As two of the biggest new superstars in wwe. 369 00:15:02,302 --> 00:15:07,105 They left the wwe and decided to go for big money in wcw. 370 00:15:07,173 --> 00:15:10,641 - It works because number one, the stars are aligned. 371 00:15:10,710 --> 00:15:14,445 Scott hall walks on wcw tv. 372 00:15:14,513 --> 00:15:17,448 - You want a war? 373 00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:18,850 You're gonna get one. 374 00:15:18,918 --> 00:15:22,854 - The next week, kevin nash walks on tv. 375 00:15:22,922 --> 00:15:26,391 This is where the big boys play, huh? 376 00:15:26,593 --> 00:15:27,725 - You know who I am, 377 00:15:27,794 --> 00:15:31,929 But you don't know why I'm here. 378 00:15:31,998 --> 00:15:35,133 - They're not saying they're razor or diesel. 379 00:15:35,201 --> 00:15:37,402 Razor's got the same haircut. He's got the toothpick. 380 00:15:37,470 --> 00:15:38,870 His "hey, yo," 381 00:15:38,938 --> 00:15:40,804 And diesel's, you know, out there 382 00:15:40,873 --> 00:15:42,807 And doing big daddy cool stuff. 383 00:15:43,009 --> 00:15:44,541 Perception as an audience member is, 384 00:15:44,610 --> 00:15:45,476 Are we working together? 385 00:15:45,545 --> 00:15:47,478 Wwe's invading wcw. 386 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:49,480 Oh, this is good stuff. 387 00:15:49,549 --> 00:15:50,949 - These two rogues 388 00:15:51,151 --> 00:15:54,618 Who think they're gonna come in and take over 389 00:15:54,688 --> 00:15:56,421 World championship wrestling-- 390 00:15:56,623 --> 00:15:58,423 - So it seemed as if 391 00:15:58,625 --> 00:16:01,559 Wwe was invading wcw. 392 00:16:01,628 --> 00:16:02,760 - It made it so you never 393 00:16:02,829 --> 00:16:06,297 Wanted to turn the channel off "nitro." 394 00:16:06,499 --> 00:16:08,499 - The big mang 395 00:16:08,568 --> 00:16:10,435 And the medium-sized mang 396 00:16:10,637 --> 00:16:13,504 And our surprise buddy 397 00:16:13,573 --> 00:16:17,775 Are gonna carve them up. 398 00:16:17,977 --> 00:16:21,512 - Who is gonna show up to wcw next? 399 00:16:21,581 --> 00:16:22,579 And who is going to join 400 00:16:22,648 --> 00:16:25,516 This invasion organization 401 00:16:25,585 --> 00:16:27,651 That razor and diesel-- 402 00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:29,253 Hall and nash--were starting? 403 00:16:29,322 --> 00:16:31,522 ♪ ♪ 404 00:16:31,591 --> 00:16:32,856 - I wanna confront you. 405 00:16:32,925 --> 00:16:35,526 I don't see three men here tonight. 406 00:16:35,595 --> 00:16:37,662 Where is your partner? 407 00:16:37,864 --> 00:16:41,732 - Chico, you know too much already. 408 00:16:41,801 --> 00:16:43,601 All you need to know, little mang, 409 00:16:43,670 --> 00:16:48,072 Is he's here, and he's ready. 410 00:16:48,141 --> 00:16:49,674 - I thought the buildup to "who's the third man?" 411 00:16:49,876 --> 00:16:51,409 Was huge. It was one of the coolest 412 00:16:51,611 --> 00:16:52,343 Things in wrestling. 413 00:16:52,545 --> 00:16:53,678 - Hulkamania! 414 00:16:53,880 --> 00:16:55,479 - Hulk hogan-- - hogan is here! 415 00:16:55,548 --> 00:16:56,814 - Hulk hogan's here! 416 00:16:56,883 --> 00:17:00,952 - Now, hulk hogan, since the early '80s 417 00:17:01,020 --> 00:17:04,756 Had been the ultimate hero in wrestling. 418 00:17:04,958 --> 00:17:07,224 So wcw decided to shock the world. 419 00:17:07,293 --> 00:17:08,993 ♪ ♪ 420 00:17:13,099 --> 00:17:15,833 - Hulk hogan arrived. - Go get him, baby! 421 00:17:16,035 --> 00:17:18,970 - The white meat, baby face, good guy-- 422 00:17:19,038 --> 00:17:22,173 This was the role model for your children. 423 00:17:22,241 --> 00:17:26,778 But the act had started to get stale with wrestling fans. 424 00:17:26,980 --> 00:17:28,579 - What is he doing? - Oh, my god! 425 00:17:28,647 --> 00:17:29,513 - Is he the third man? 426 00:17:29,582 --> 00:17:30,782 - He's the third man! 427 00:17:30,984 --> 00:17:35,520 - Hulk hogan dropped the leg on wcw. 428 00:17:35,588 --> 00:17:36,987 Hulk hogan went villain. 429 00:17:37,057 --> 00:17:38,990 - Like, are you kidding me? And not only that, 430 00:17:39,058 --> 00:17:43,528 But literally have trash thrown at hulk hogan, 431 00:17:43,596 --> 00:17:45,930 Beloved hulk hogan. 432 00:17:45,999 --> 00:17:48,733 - The ring filled up with so much crap, I said, 433 00:17:48,801 --> 00:17:51,536 "oh, my god, we got some heat." 434 00:17:51,604 --> 00:17:53,471 As far as I'm concerned, 435 00:17:53,673 --> 00:17:56,673 All this crap in the ring 436 00:17:56,742 --> 00:18:00,677 Represents these fans out here! 437 00:18:00,746 --> 00:18:03,347 You fans can stick it, brother! 438 00:18:03,550 --> 00:18:04,948 [crowd jeering] 439 00:18:05,017 --> 00:18:06,818 - "all you fans can stick it, brother." 440 00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:10,888 Like, what a moment in wrestling history. 441 00:18:10,957 --> 00:18:15,159 - This right here is the future of wrestling. 442 00:18:15,228 --> 00:18:21,766 You can call this the new world order of wrestling, brother! 443 00:18:21,968 --> 00:18:23,968 - He's like, "I'm bigger than wwe, 444 00:18:24,037 --> 00:18:28,439 And I'm gonna make this company bigger than you." 445 00:18:28,641 --> 00:18:29,707 - That fuse was lit. 446 00:18:29,776 --> 00:18:31,642 - Oh. - And it was a short fuse. 447 00:18:31,844 --> 00:18:34,512 - Yeah. - And when it blew up, 448 00:18:34,580 --> 00:18:36,647 You guys took over. 449 00:18:36,716 --> 00:18:38,649 ["rockhouse" by 5 alarm music] 450 00:18:38,717 --> 00:18:39,383 - The following announcement 451 00:18:39,586 --> 00:18:40,451 Has been paid for 452 00:18:40,653 --> 00:18:41,652 By the new world order. 453 00:18:41,854 --> 00:18:44,721 - Well, you talk about the money. 454 00:18:44,790 --> 00:18:46,991 You talk about beatin' people up. 455 00:18:47,193 --> 00:18:49,927 Well, it's a new world order, and I hope it's okay, 456 00:18:49,996 --> 00:18:53,798 Because there's nothing you can do about it. 457 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:55,533 - The nwo became the most popular thing 458 00:18:55,735 --> 00:18:57,001 In sports entertainment-- 459 00:18:57,203 --> 00:19:01,272 The antiheroes that everybody was craving in that era. 460 00:19:01,474 --> 00:19:04,275 - Here's... 461 00:19:04,343 --> 00:19:05,609 The nwo! 462 00:19:05,678 --> 00:19:07,478 - Ready or not, here we come! 463 00:19:07,547 --> 00:19:09,814 - They were so hot. 464 00:19:10,016 --> 00:19:12,016 They kind of, like, redefined wrestling. 465 00:19:12,084 --> 00:19:14,885 - He is spray painting on the video truck! 466 00:19:14,954 --> 00:19:16,887 Oh, you talk about a bunch of cowards. 467 00:19:16,956 --> 00:19:19,556 - They were supposed to be the bad guys... 468 00:19:19,625 --> 00:19:20,825 - Oh, no! - [grunts] 469 00:19:20,893 --> 00:19:22,626 - But they were too cool to be bad. 470 00:19:22,695 --> 00:19:25,429 - Everybody here just can't 471 00:19:25,632 --> 00:19:31,302 Get enough of the nwo. 472 00:19:31,504 --> 00:19:31,969 [crowd cheering] 473 00:19:32,171 --> 00:19:32,904 - And so you were kind of 474 00:19:33,106 --> 00:19:34,838 Wondering what's gonna happen next week. 475 00:19:34,908 --> 00:19:37,508 "who's gonna be the next guy in the nwo?" 476 00:19:37,577 --> 00:19:38,576 - I guess we're getting 477 00:19:38,644 --> 00:19:39,443 The official coronation 478 00:19:39,646 --> 00:19:40,578 Of the newest member 479 00:19:40,646 --> 00:19:42,046 Of the new world order. 480 00:19:42,114 --> 00:19:44,648 - Culturally, the most influential thing that was 481 00:19:44,717 --> 00:19:46,250 Happening was west coast rap. 482 00:19:46,452 --> 00:19:47,985 - For life. 483 00:19:48,187 --> 00:19:49,987 - I remember hogan saying, "well, where'd you guys 484 00:19:50,056 --> 00:19:53,324 '4 life' at?" I said, "it's at the beginning 485 00:19:53,526 --> 00:19:54,592 Of 'mack 10.'" 486 00:19:54,661 --> 00:19:57,194 All we did was just took all these different little culture 487 00:19:57,263 --> 00:20:02,199 Things and kind of integrated 'em and then just ran with it. 488 00:20:02,268 --> 00:20:05,068 - It kind of mashed what was really goin' on in society 489 00:20:05,137 --> 00:20:07,872 Where everything had an edge, and nwo fell right 490 00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:10,407 In that pocket with what was cool and acceptable. 491 00:20:10,476 --> 00:20:12,476 [dramatic music] 492 00:20:12,545 --> 00:20:14,478 - You gotta love this. 493 00:20:14,547 --> 00:20:17,481 Once the nwo emerged, 494 00:20:17,684 --> 00:20:19,082 That train just took off 495 00:20:19,151 --> 00:20:20,284 And left everybody, including "Monday night raw," 496 00:20:20,486 --> 00:20:21,485 In the dust. 497 00:20:21,554 --> 00:20:24,288 - Nwo for life, brah. 498 00:20:24,490 --> 00:20:27,758 [crowd cheers] 499 00:20:27,827 --> 00:20:31,829 - Wcw beat us for 83 weeks straight. 500 00:20:31,898 --> 00:20:35,366 - The nwo is the reason for the success 501 00:20:35,568 --> 00:20:37,702 Of "Monday nitro." 502 00:20:37,770 --> 00:20:40,704 - Wcw was catering to that 18 503 00:20:40,773 --> 00:20:43,841 To 34-year-old male demographic. 504 00:20:43,910 --> 00:20:46,444 - Everything they did seemed to work. 505 00:20:46,646 --> 00:20:48,779 We didn't have that yet. 506 00:20:48,848 --> 00:20:52,383 - The wwe product in the mid-1990s 507 00:20:52,451 --> 00:20:53,784 Was a cartoon. 508 00:20:53,853 --> 00:20:55,653 - Yes, isaac yankem on his way. 509 00:20:55,855 --> 00:20:58,656 - It was aimed at young people. 510 00:20:58,725 --> 00:20:59,390 - Is it the whoopie cushion? 511 00:20:59,592 --> 00:21:00,524 - Wha-- [fart] 512 00:21:00,592 --> 00:21:01,792 - It certainly was. 513 00:21:01,861 --> 00:21:03,661 - Wrestling fans around the world-- 514 00:21:03,863 --> 00:21:04,195 That's just not what they want. 515 00:21:04,397 --> 00:21:07,731 ♪ ♪ 516 00:21:07,800 --> 00:21:09,600 - We couldn't sell any tickets. 517 00:21:09,668 --> 00:21:10,801 They're on fire. - Yeah. 518 00:21:10,869 --> 00:21:13,537 - They're the innovators. We're not, 519 00:21:13,740 --> 00:21:16,006 And they're kicking our ass. 520 00:21:16,075 --> 00:21:18,876 - Back then, you know, you are true blue, wwe. 521 00:21:19,078 --> 00:21:20,077 You get that loyalty, you know what I mean-- 522 00:21:20,279 --> 00:21:22,947 In this kind of a thing, but then you see this other side 523 00:21:23,015 --> 00:21:25,482 Of these guys doing their thing over here. 524 00:21:25,551 --> 00:21:27,218 You're captivated by it. 525 00:21:27,286 --> 00:21:29,553 - I remember one time, we were flying back from "nitro." 526 00:21:29,756 --> 00:21:32,890 It was hulk, me, scott, eric, 527 00:21:33,092 --> 00:21:37,361 Randy, and all of us have worked for vince. 528 00:21:37,429 --> 00:21:38,362 - Mm-hmm. 529 00:21:38,564 --> 00:21:40,765 - We're all drinkin' and laughin' and bischoff said, 530 00:21:40,967 --> 00:21:43,500 "ha, I'm gonna put him out of business." 531 00:21:43,569 --> 00:21:45,002 It's just like, "ha ha--" 532 00:21:46,439 --> 00:21:48,773 [laughter] 533 00:21:48,975 --> 00:21:52,977 And hogan's the first one. Hogan goes, 534 00:21:53,045 --> 00:21:54,712 "you'll never put that man out of business." 535 00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:56,847 - You're looking at a company 536 00:21:56,916 --> 00:21:59,783 Where top stars are leaving to go there, 537 00:21:59,852 --> 00:22:02,853 And the tide shifts, and all of sudden, 538 00:22:02,922 --> 00:22:06,590 You have to recreate from what you have left. 539 00:22:06,659 --> 00:22:08,325 - Guys, we're gonna be doing-- 540 00:22:08,394 --> 00:22:10,861 Is--some of you, 541 00:22:10,930 --> 00:22:12,997 I think, were in this last meeting that I had 542 00:22:13,065 --> 00:22:15,599 In terms of where we're going with our product. 543 00:22:15,668 --> 00:22:17,668 To give us more of an edge, 544 00:22:17,736 --> 00:22:18,869 One of the things we're doing 545 00:22:18,938 --> 00:22:21,605 Is putting more sex appeal into our product. 546 00:22:21,808 --> 00:22:26,076 - Viewer discretion is advised. 547 00:22:26,145 --> 00:22:30,548 - When we really made the change and dove in head first, 548 00:22:30,750 --> 00:22:32,416 There was no turning back. 549 00:22:32,618 --> 00:22:33,951 - We are d-generation x. 550 00:22:34,020 --> 00:22:38,889 You make the rules, and we will break 'em, yeah! 551 00:22:38,958 --> 00:22:41,758 - Shawn michaels and hunter hearst helmsley 552 00:22:41,827 --> 00:22:44,495 Started gesturing to their crotches, 553 00:22:44,564 --> 00:22:48,566 Became d-generation x. 554 00:22:48,768 --> 00:22:50,701 - Took on a life of its own. 555 00:22:50,903 --> 00:22:51,836 You're not gonna tell us what to do. 556 00:22:51,904 --> 00:22:53,837 You're not gonna tell us what we can say. 557 00:22:53,906 --> 00:22:54,772 You're not gonna tell us how to dress. 558 00:22:54,841 --> 00:22:56,774 We're gonna tell you to suck it. 559 00:22:56,843 --> 00:23:00,244 Shawn and I both got jumbo weenies. 560 00:23:00,312 --> 00:23:01,779 I don't think you saw yourself hanging out with the nwo. 561 00:23:01,981 --> 00:23:04,047 You saw yourself hanging out with dx. 562 00:23:04,116 --> 00:23:07,651 It resonated in the same voice of kind of a culture 563 00:23:07,854 --> 00:23:08,986 And where it was at at the time. 564 00:23:09,188 --> 00:23:11,989 - Surely, the era of the superhero who urged you 565 00:23:12,057 --> 00:23:14,458 To say your prayers and take your vitamins 566 00:23:14,527 --> 00:23:15,926 Is definitely passé. 567 00:23:16,128 --> 00:23:18,862 We encourage some degree of parental discretion 568 00:23:18,931 --> 00:23:19,529 As it relates to the younger audience 569 00:23:19,598 --> 00:23:20,464 Allowed to stay up late. 570 00:23:20,666 --> 00:23:21,999 - When he committed to, 571 00:23:22,067 --> 00:23:24,668 "okay, we're leaving the kid stuff behind, 572 00:23:24,736 --> 00:23:26,270 Now we're moving to this"-- 573 00:23:26,339 --> 00:23:28,205 Hell yeah. 574 00:23:28,407 --> 00:23:29,406 - Whoa! 575 00:23:29,475 --> 00:23:31,876 - The product needed to change and be more realistic, 576 00:23:31,944 --> 00:23:34,478 Hence, the birth of the attitude era. 577 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:35,612 - We're gonna push it. 578 00:23:35,681 --> 00:23:37,414 We're gonna walk to the line 579 00:23:37,483 --> 00:23:39,150 And step over it. 580 00:23:39,352 --> 00:23:41,351 We're gonna try and move that line a little bit as well. 581 00:23:41,421 --> 00:23:42,820 - Wait a minute. 582 00:23:42,888 --> 00:23:44,288 This is going entirely too far. 583 00:23:44,356 --> 00:23:49,560 - The attitude era represented the seismic shift into a more 584 00:23:49,762 --> 00:23:52,896 Edgier program. - [bleep]! 585 00:23:52,965 --> 00:23:55,098 - It was such a unique time in the business, 586 00:23:55,168 --> 00:23:58,101 And there was one man in particular who was responsible 587 00:23:58,170 --> 00:24:01,639 For ushering in the attitude era, and that man was 588 00:24:01,707 --> 00:24:02,373 "stone cold" steve austin. 589 00:24:02,575 --> 00:24:05,042 [glass shattering] 590 00:24:05,244 --> 00:24:08,111 - Steve austin does what he wants, when he wants, 591 00:24:08,180 --> 00:24:12,983 And that's the bottom line, 'cause stone cold said so! 592 00:24:13,051 --> 00:24:16,587 - The style of delivery was so much different 593 00:24:16,656 --> 00:24:18,856 Than other wrestling promos. 594 00:24:18,924 --> 00:24:20,991 - The only thing that I'll deliver is 595 00:24:21,059 --> 00:24:24,661 A big can of whoop ass right to your front door! 596 00:24:24,730 --> 00:24:26,864 - Austin is entertaining as hell. 597 00:24:26,932 --> 00:24:30,400 - Someone's gonna get their ass whipped! 598 00:24:30,469 --> 00:24:31,335 - He's impactful. 599 00:24:31,537 --> 00:24:32,936 [dramatic music] 600 00:24:33,005 --> 00:24:35,005 - Steve was unique, and he was special, 601 00:24:35,074 --> 00:24:38,475 And what that did just in terms of moving the needle 602 00:24:38,544 --> 00:24:39,877 And raising the bar-- 603 00:24:40,079 --> 00:24:44,481 - Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass! 604 00:24:44,550 --> 00:24:45,950 Tune in next week, 605 00:24:46,018 --> 00:24:51,889 Same stone cold time, same stone cold channel! 606 00:24:52,091 --> 00:24:54,758 I knew that we were in competition with wcw, 607 00:24:54,827 --> 00:24:56,827 And I felt very competitive with 'em. 608 00:24:57,029 --> 00:24:58,228 It's like, "hey, man, [bleep] these guys." 609 00:24:58,297 --> 00:24:59,563 ♪ ♪ 610 00:24:59,632 --> 00:25:00,830 - "Monday night raw" began 611 00:25:00,900 --> 00:25:02,499 To have a little bit more of an edge, 612 00:25:02,568 --> 00:25:03,968 And I began to notice it, 613 00:25:04,036 --> 00:25:06,236 But it didn't really concern me too much... 614 00:25:06,305 --> 00:25:08,572 ♪ ♪ 615 00:25:08,774 --> 00:25:10,507 Until mike tyson showed up. 616 00:25:10,576 --> 00:25:15,178 - "iron" mike tyson! 617 00:25:15,248 --> 00:25:18,048 - Mike tyson was, at the time, one of the biggest celebrities 618 00:25:18,250 --> 00:25:21,519 On the face of the planet and certainly, the baddest man 619 00:25:21,721 --> 00:25:22,653 On the face of the planet. 620 00:25:22,721 --> 00:25:25,789 - Mike tyson in a wwe ring. 621 00:25:25,992 --> 00:25:27,525 - This is big, ladies and gentlemen. 622 00:25:27,727 --> 00:25:30,460 - I thought, "oh, [bleep]." 623 00:25:30,529 --> 00:25:32,196 That's gonna sting. 624 00:25:32,398 --> 00:25:33,998 ♪ ♪ 625 00:25:37,670 --> 00:25:39,870 - Mike tyson in a wwe ring. 626 00:25:39,939 --> 00:25:41,672 - Mike tyson brings a lot of eyeballs 627 00:25:41,874 --> 00:25:44,008 From boxing and mainstream media 628 00:25:44,076 --> 00:25:47,945 And everywhere in the world to what we do. 629 00:25:48,147 --> 00:25:51,882 - Mike tyson is standing in stone cold's ring. 630 00:25:51,950 --> 00:25:55,752 - To see mike tyson go nose-to-nose 631 00:25:55,821 --> 00:25:58,489 With "stone cold" steve austin, 632 00:25:58,691 --> 00:26:00,958 That was very interesting. 633 00:26:01,027 --> 00:26:04,628 - I respect what you've done in the boxing world. 634 00:26:04,830 --> 00:26:06,163 But [bleep], son, when you step 635 00:26:06,232 --> 00:26:09,700 In this ring, you're messing with "stone cold" steve austin, 636 00:26:09,902 --> 00:26:12,302 And that's something you don't do. 637 00:26:12,371 --> 00:26:14,504 - Whoa! 638 00:26:14,573 --> 00:26:15,773 - Whoa, here we go! 639 00:26:15,841 --> 00:26:16,906 - Here we go! - Here we go! 640 00:26:16,976 --> 00:26:18,976 - Tyson and austin! Tyson and austin! 641 00:26:19,044 --> 00:26:21,111 All hell has broken loose! - Look at this! 642 00:26:21,179 --> 00:26:23,380 - I sat there, and I said, "oh, my god, they got it." 643 00:26:23,449 --> 00:26:25,516 [dramatic music] 644 00:26:25,584 --> 00:26:26,850 They figured it out. 645 00:26:26,918 --> 00:26:27,785 - You ruined it, damn it! You ruined it! 646 00:26:27,853 --> 00:26:29,920 You ruined it, you son of a bitch! 647 00:26:29,988 --> 00:26:32,589 - That was the first time that I knew 648 00:26:32,658 --> 00:26:35,459 We were in for a rough fight. 649 00:26:35,661 --> 00:26:37,394 - This is pandemonium! 650 00:26:37,462 --> 00:26:38,662 [crowd cheering] 651 00:26:38,864 --> 00:26:39,997 - Vince realized from the numbers 652 00:26:40,199 --> 00:26:43,601 That people were not watching "raw" like they used to. 653 00:26:43,803 --> 00:26:46,936 What does vince do--is he takes 654 00:26:47,006 --> 00:26:49,807 The number one pay-per-view name, mike tyson, 655 00:26:49,875 --> 00:26:52,876 And puts him into wrestlemania. 656 00:26:52,944 --> 00:26:54,878 - I would like to thank mike tyson, 657 00:26:54,946 --> 00:26:57,948 Being the media magnet that he is. 658 00:26:58,017 --> 00:27:00,084 - It's just what I love to do. I love wrestling, 659 00:27:00,152 --> 00:27:02,886 And I was just so happy to be involved with that. 660 00:27:02,954 --> 00:27:05,956 I'm happy with the wwe. I'm very happy. 661 00:27:06,024 --> 00:27:08,825 - Mike tyson is the hottest thing in sports. 662 00:27:08,894 --> 00:27:10,961 With mike there, it'll draw more attention 663 00:27:11,163 --> 00:27:14,898 To the athleticism and showmanship of the athletes 664 00:27:14,966 --> 00:27:16,366 In the world wrestling entertainment. 665 00:27:16,435 --> 00:27:18,035 - Get ready-- 666 00:27:18,237 --> 00:27:21,038 The world wrestling entertainment title at stake, 667 00:27:21,107 --> 00:27:24,308 And the enforcer, the baddest man on the planet, 668 00:27:24,510 --> 00:27:26,710 Mike tyson. 669 00:27:26,779 --> 00:27:27,444 - Austin--he got it! - Ah! 670 00:27:27,512 --> 00:27:30,380 - The stunner! 671 00:27:30,449 --> 00:27:31,849 Mike tyson in. 672 00:27:31,917 --> 00:27:33,517 Austin is the champion! [bell rings] 673 00:27:33,719 --> 00:27:36,920 The austin era has begun! 674 00:27:36,988 --> 00:27:38,856 - I think the mike tyson/steve austin 675 00:27:39,058 --> 00:27:42,459 Storyline, and the way it was presented, 676 00:27:42,528 --> 00:27:43,861 Was so believable. 677 00:27:43,929 --> 00:27:46,864 That not only set up steve austin, 678 00:27:47,066 --> 00:27:49,867 But it launched the mr. Mcmahon character 679 00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:52,736 In such a credible, believable way. 680 00:27:52,805 --> 00:27:55,672 - Nobody, especially vince mcmahon, 681 00:27:55,741 --> 00:27:57,808 Tells "stone cold" steve austin 682 00:27:58,010 --> 00:28:00,343 What to do, and that's the bottom line. 683 00:28:00,412 --> 00:28:03,947 - Oh! Oh! 684 00:28:04,150 --> 00:28:08,285 Stone cold just stunned the owner of the wwe! 685 00:28:08,353 --> 00:28:09,953 ♪ ♪ 686 00:28:10,156 --> 00:28:12,756 - All of a sudden, it wasn't just about wrestling. 687 00:28:12,958 --> 00:28:15,292 It was about this guy against his boss. 688 00:28:15,494 --> 00:28:16,827 [crowd cheers] 689 00:28:16,896 --> 00:28:22,633 Mcmahon 3:16 says I just pissed my pants. 690 00:28:22,835 --> 00:28:24,501 If you wanna see austin/mcmahon, 691 00:28:24,570 --> 00:28:26,436 Give me a "hell yeah!" 692 00:28:26,505 --> 00:28:28,505 All: Hell yeah! 693 00:28:28,707 --> 00:28:30,507 - Just brought viewers in. 694 00:28:30,576 --> 00:28:32,509 - Austin and mcmahon 695 00:28:32,578 --> 00:28:34,311 Turned the tide for wwe. 696 00:28:34,379 --> 00:28:35,512 ♪ ♪ 697 00:28:35,580 --> 00:28:36,646 - I can't believe 698 00:28:36,715 --> 00:28:37,848 What we're about to witness. 699 00:28:38,050 --> 00:28:41,185 - And wwe started winning the ratings. 700 00:28:41,387 --> 00:28:43,787 ♪ ♪ 701 00:28:43,856 --> 00:28:44,788 - You know, you've heard the saying, 702 00:28:44,857 --> 00:28:47,591 "all boats rise with a high tide." 703 00:28:47,793 --> 00:28:51,729 Wwe, wcw was at its highest tide. 704 00:28:51,931 --> 00:28:53,664 Announcer: Welcome to "wwe raw!" 705 00:28:53,732 --> 00:28:56,066 We are absolutely sold out! 706 00:28:56,135 --> 00:28:59,202 - All my friends would come over, and so we would just 707 00:28:59,271 --> 00:29:02,739 Be, like, flipping back and forth, flipping back and forth. 708 00:29:02,808 --> 00:29:05,608 - It's austin! It's austin! 709 00:29:05,677 --> 00:29:06,543 - I mean, arenas are full. 710 00:29:06,745 --> 00:29:08,011 Everybody's household names. 711 00:29:08,080 --> 00:29:12,616 - Sting is heavyweight champion of the world! 712 00:29:12,685 --> 00:29:13,616 - The greatest time, I think, 713 00:29:13,685 --> 00:29:15,419 In the history of wrestling. 714 00:29:15,487 --> 00:29:19,022 - If ya smell! 715 00:29:19,090 --> 00:29:22,359 - This was two mega companies going head-to-head 716 00:29:22,428 --> 00:29:23,693 With one another. 717 00:29:23,763 --> 00:29:25,628 - The wrestling universe got bigger 718 00:29:25,697 --> 00:29:26,897 Than it had ever been before. 719 00:29:26,966 --> 00:29:28,498 I mean, millions and millions of people 720 00:29:28,567 --> 00:29:29,767 Watching every night. 721 00:29:29,969 --> 00:29:31,969 - The mailman, karl malone, teaming 722 00:29:32,037 --> 00:29:34,838 With diamond dallas page against the tandem 723 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:37,507 Of "hollywood" hogan and dennis rodman. 724 00:29:37,576 --> 00:29:39,375 Jay leno in command! 725 00:29:39,444 --> 00:29:42,112 - Bullseye! 726 00:29:42,180 --> 00:29:45,048 - I feel like nwo was really cool up to a point. 727 00:29:45,116 --> 00:29:48,785 And then austin and dx kind of made wwe cool. 728 00:29:48,854 --> 00:29:51,454 So wcw now needed an answer to that. 729 00:29:51,524 --> 00:29:53,256 Who was their answer? 730 00:29:53,325 --> 00:29:56,526 Goldberg. 731 00:29:56,595 --> 00:30:00,864 All: Goldberg! Goldberg! 732 00:30:00,933 --> 00:30:02,666 - And goldberg just went on a streak 733 00:30:02,734 --> 00:30:05,335 Of just beating people's ass. 734 00:30:05,404 --> 00:30:07,670 - 173 and 0. 735 00:30:07,739 --> 00:30:09,539 - It was completely different. 736 00:30:09,608 --> 00:30:11,608 It was shock and awe. 737 00:30:11,677 --> 00:30:13,544 What you see is what you get. 738 00:30:13,746 --> 00:30:15,879 - The first undefeated man 739 00:30:15,947 --> 00:30:17,414 To ever win the world championship! 740 00:30:17,616 --> 00:30:18,815 - It was perfect. 741 00:30:18,884 --> 00:30:20,951 - Who's he think he is, dick clark? 742 00:30:21,019 --> 00:30:25,622 - The amount of rivalry that wcw and wwe had 743 00:30:25,690 --> 00:30:27,090 At that moment in that time. 744 00:30:27,159 --> 00:30:30,760 They would throw jabs at each other live on television. 745 00:30:30,829 --> 00:30:34,097 - Me and you, mcmahon, in the ring. 746 00:30:34,166 --> 00:30:37,700 - You didn't see the red sox or the yankees doing that. 747 00:30:37,769 --> 00:30:40,637 - It really was a legit rivalry. 748 00:30:40,706 --> 00:30:42,973 - And I'm gonna knock you out. 749 00:30:43,041 --> 00:30:46,576 - Wcw is now going in and actively going in 750 00:30:46,645 --> 00:30:47,911 And trying to hurt business. 751 00:30:47,980 --> 00:30:49,779 They're going in, and we booked tv at a venue, 752 00:30:49,849 --> 00:30:51,849 And our stuff is announced earlier. 753 00:30:52,051 --> 00:30:52,516 They shift, and they booked the scope 754 00:30:52,718 --> 00:30:54,784 Right just down the road, 755 00:30:54,853 --> 00:30:55,919 And things are thrown out, like, 756 00:30:55,988 --> 00:30:57,721 "we should go down there, and do something live 757 00:30:57,923 --> 00:30:59,522 "in their parking lot, or just, like, 758 00:30:59,592 --> 00:31:02,125 Get that attention on it." 759 00:31:02,328 --> 00:31:04,461 Go! 760 00:31:04,530 --> 00:31:06,863 Ladies and gentlemen, 761 00:31:06,932 --> 00:31:08,331 We are the number one wrestling promotion 762 00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:09,465 In the world! 763 00:31:09,534 --> 00:31:13,937 All: Dx! Dx! Dx! Dx! 764 00:31:14,005 --> 00:31:15,739 - Oh, my gosh, we're talking about it being 765 00:31:15,941 --> 00:31:18,274 The Monday night wars, and here's dx 766 00:31:18,343 --> 00:31:22,078 Driving up outside their arena while their show is going on. 767 00:31:22,147 --> 00:31:24,748 That's just something that had never been done before. 768 00:31:24,817 --> 00:31:28,552 - It was so, like, "holy [bleep]." 769 00:31:28,754 --> 00:31:32,089 - Wcw is a bunch of cowards-- 770 00:31:32,157 --> 00:31:34,491 - If someone came to your house, trying to fight, 771 00:31:34,560 --> 00:31:35,626 You'd close the drapes. 772 00:31:35,828 --> 00:31:37,627 - They closed that door because they knew scott and I 773 00:31:37,696 --> 00:31:38,695 Were trying to get out there. 774 00:31:38,897 --> 00:31:40,964 [laughter] - well, let 'em out! 775 00:31:41,166 --> 00:31:43,967 From watching it as a fan, it just looked like, 776 00:31:44,035 --> 00:31:44,901 "oh, my god, they just came to the doorstep." 777 00:31:44,970 --> 00:31:47,304 - Yeah, "let's do it." - "this is goin' down 778 00:31:47,373 --> 00:31:47,837 Right now." 779 00:31:47,907 --> 00:31:51,041 - Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo! 780 00:31:51,109 --> 00:31:54,911 - There was a 68-year-old man running that door. 781 00:31:54,980 --> 00:31:56,780 We're like, "open the door. Open the door." 782 00:31:56,849 --> 00:31:58,915 [all laughing] all I'm thinkin' of-- 783 00:31:58,984 --> 00:32:01,051 "I'm gonna walk on 'raw' here in a minute." 784 00:32:01,119 --> 00:32:03,053 - We're thinkin', "boy, [bleep] about to go down." 785 00:32:03,122 --> 00:32:04,721 Something's about to go down. We don't know what it is. 786 00:32:04,790 --> 00:32:05,789 But we're gonna be a part of it. 787 00:32:05,991 --> 00:32:08,258 That's how crazy it was-- and then nothing. 788 00:32:08,326 --> 00:32:09,926 Nothing. 789 00:32:09,995 --> 00:32:12,329 - Tell me who rules professional wrestling! 790 00:32:12,531 --> 00:32:15,732 All: Dx! Yeah! 791 00:32:15,801 --> 00:32:16,600 - I remember there was a moment 792 00:32:16,802 --> 00:32:18,935 Where bruce prichard had said, 793 00:32:19,004 --> 00:32:20,804 "what if they put a bunch of guys in a car 794 00:32:20,873 --> 00:32:23,073 "and they come here, and they try to do 795 00:32:23,141 --> 00:32:24,007 "the same thing back to us, and they just shoot it 796 00:32:24,076 --> 00:32:25,876 "and then they put it in the show next week? 797 00:32:25,944 --> 00:32:27,878 What do we do?" and vince was like, 798 00:32:27,946 --> 00:32:29,212 "open up the garage doors. Let 'em in. 799 00:32:29,281 --> 00:32:30,880 "what show are you gonna watch? The one with all the wrestlers 800 00:32:30,949 --> 00:32:33,216 "or the one with none of the wrestlers? 801 00:32:33,284 --> 00:32:34,951 "let 'em go right to the ring. They drive straight out there 802 00:32:35,020 --> 00:32:35,885 "into the ring, and then we'll all come out. 803 00:32:35,955 --> 00:32:37,954 That's--that's--that's the greatest tv ever." 804 00:32:38,023 --> 00:32:40,023 And I remember thinking at that moment, like, 805 00:32:40,092 --> 00:32:42,292 "this is why we're gonna win. Like, that's genius," 806 00:32:42,360 --> 00:32:43,994 ♪ ♪ 807 00:32:48,100 --> 00:32:53,837 - 40,000 fans are on hand for "wcw Monday nitro"! 808 00:32:54,039 --> 00:32:56,039 - There's nothing like a good battle. 809 00:32:56,108 --> 00:32:57,774 It was not only the creative battle that took place 810 00:32:57,843 --> 00:32:59,842 Between the characters inside the ring, 811 00:32:59,911 --> 00:33:02,245 It was the battle between two companies. 812 00:33:02,314 --> 00:33:06,049 I suggested to tony schiavone that he give away the finish 813 00:33:06,117 --> 00:33:09,052 To "Monday night raw" and kind of downplay it. 814 00:33:09,254 --> 00:33:11,788 - If you're even thinking about changing the channel 815 00:33:11,857 --> 00:33:14,858 To our competition, fans, do not. 816 00:33:14,927 --> 00:33:17,927 - I hear tony schiavone tell their viewers 817 00:33:17,997 --> 00:33:19,729 To not even think about changing the channel. 818 00:33:19,798 --> 00:33:21,732 - We understand that mick foley 819 00:33:21,934 --> 00:33:24,001 Is going to win their world title. 820 00:33:24,203 --> 00:33:26,269 [scoffs] that's gonna put some butts in the seat. 821 00:33:26,338 --> 00:33:27,804 [scoffs] 822 00:33:27,873 --> 00:33:28,805 - "they're taped, and here's what happens. 823 00:33:29,007 --> 00:33:30,941 So you might as well stick around here." 824 00:33:31,143 --> 00:33:33,876 That was the idea, and it worked very, very well 825 00:33:33,945 --> 00:33:35,679 All the way up until the night I tried it 826 00:33:35,747 --> 00:33:37,814 With the rock and mick foley, 827 00:33:37,883 --> 00:33:39,683 Because a lot of my audience went, 828 00:33:39,751 --> 00:33:41,685 "oh, really? Rock, mick foley? 829 00:33:41,753 --> 00:33:43,619 Ah, I'm gonna go check that out." 830 00:33:43,688 --> 00:33:45,889 - The rock against mankind, 831 00:33:46,091 --> 00:33:49,559 And the odds are stacked against mick foley. 832 00:33:49,628 --> 00:33:51,828 - 500,000 to 600,000 people 833 00:33:51,896 --> 00:33:53,363 Had switched channels instantaneously. 834 00:33:53,565 --> 00:33:56,299 - No! No! 835 00:33:56,502 --> 00:33:57,633 Don't do it! 836 00:33:57,702 --> 00:33:59,035 [crowd roars] [bell rings] 837 00:33:59,104 --> 00:34:03,907 - Foley was so beloved, and it backfired on "nitro." 838 00:34:04,109 --> 00:34:05,575 - Sometimes, things work really, really well, 839 00:34:05,643 --> 00:34:08,378 And sometimes, they suck. 840 00:34:08,447 --> 00:34:10,513 That one sucked. 841 00:34:10,582 --> 00:34:11,448 - Did you watch "raw"? 842 00:34:11,517 --> 00:34:13,516 - Yes. [laughter] 843 00:34:13,585 --> 00:34:15,118 I watched every Monday. 844 00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:18,655 Back then, we would have our show, and then we would have 845 00:34:18,723 --> 00:34:21,390 The "raw" show, both monitors. 846 00:34:21,460 --> 00:34:22,725 - What the hell? 847 00:34:22,794 --> 00:34:24,661 Austin's driving the beer truck! 848 00:34:24,730 --> 00:34:25,261 - Look out! - Wait a minute, 849 00:34:25,330 --> 00:34:26,596 King! 850 00:34:26,798 --> 00:34:28,732 - Steve was such a mega star, 851 00:34:28,934 --> 00:34:31,400 And rock was such a mega star... 852 00:34:31,470 --> 00:34:32,602 - Wait a minute! 853 00:34:32,671 --> 00:34:34,671 - Ah! - Stone cold! 854 00:34:34,740 --> 00:34:35,539 - That's beer! - Stone cold 855 00:34:35,741 --> 00:34:38,475 And a beer bath! - Ah! 856 00:34:38,677 --> 00:34:39,876 - But when you watched 857 00:34:39,944 --> 00:34:41,945 The landscape of sports entertainment 858 00:34:42,147 --> 00:34:45,482 At that time, from the minute that show started, 859 00:34:45,551 --> 00:34:47,551 Everybody was a star. 860 00:34:47,753 --> 00:34:49,753 Every Monday was woodstock. 861 00:34:49,821 --> 00:34:50,553 - Jeff hardy-- - look at that! 862 00:34:50,622 --> 00:34:51,354 - Leapfrogged the ladder, 863 00:34:51,423 --> 00:34:53,756 For god sakes! 864 00:34:53,826 --> 00:34:55,091 - Triple h has realized his dream! 865 00:34:55,160 --> 00:35:00,097 He is now the world wrestling entertainment champion! 866 00:35:00,299 --> 00:35:02,899 - To go up against this thing, that's when I just sat back, 867 00:35:03,101 --> 00:35:05,301 And I went, "I am so glad I got guaranteed money." 868 00:35:05,370 --> 00:35:08,305 [laughter] 869 00:35:08,373 --> 00:35:09,506 - [sighs] 870 00:35:09,574 --> 00:35:11,241 This is ridiculous. 871 00:35:11,309 --> 00:35:14,778 At wcw, for the first time in a year and a half, two years, 872 00:35:14,980 --> 00:35:16,846 Almost three, we're playing catch up. 873 00:35:16,915 --> 00:35:19,316 - The wcw world television champion, 874 00:35:19,518 --> 00:35:20,783 Chris jericho. 875 00:35:20,852 --> 00:35:21,984 - For a while, it felt more like, 876 00:35:22,053 --> 00:35:23,920 "oh, wwe guys are jumping ship to go there," 877 00:35:23,988 --> 00:35:25,922 And when it started becoming the opposite, 878 00:35:25,991 --> 00:35:27,990 That was pretty exciting as a fan, for sure. 879 00:35:28,059 --> 00:35:31,862 ["break down the walls" by wwe and jim johnston"] 880 00:35:32,064 --> 00:35:34,864 Jericho's tron hits, and I lose my mind. 881 00:35:34,933 --> 00:35:36,799 My dad's, like, gotta work in the morning. 882 00:35:36,868 --> 00:35:38,868 I wake him up. I'm just losing my mind. 883 00:35:38,937 --> 00:35:40,403 It just felt like a really big deal. 884 00:35:40,606 --> 00:35:42,805 - That one stung. 885 00:35:42,874 --> 00:35:45,074 When you start losing key talent 886 00:35:45,143 --> 00:35:47,677 At the same time you're losing ground competitively, 887 00:35:47,745 --> 00:35:50,880 It's kind of a double whammy. 888 00:35:50,949 --> 00:35:52,615 - I fell out of wwe for about a year, 889 00:35:52,684 --> 00:35:54,016 So now, I just got back in. 890 00:35:54,085 --> 00:35:57,086 I think it's the best thing in sports entertainment. 891 00:35:57,155 --> 00:36:01,490 - Fans started to realize how much was really happening 892 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:02,559 On "Monday night raw." 893 00:36:02,761 --> 00:36:03,960 - We're talking about sable. 894 00:36:04,028 --> 00:36:06,829 She's on the cover of "playboy magazine." 895 00:36:06,898 --> 00:36:08,498 - And when they changed the channel, 896 00:36:08,567 --> 00:36:11,968 They didn't change back. 897 00:36:12,037 --> 00:36:13,769 - Ted turner really doesn't care about his fans. 898 00:36:13,838 --> 00:36:15,305 He just throws together a program. 899 00:36:15,374 --> 00:36:17,707 - Wcw sucks! 900 00:36:17,775 --> 00:36:20,777 - Wwe, number one. Wcw sucks. 901 00:36:20,846 --> 00:36:22,846 - Wwe has always greatly benefitted 902 00:36:23,048 --> 00:36:27,116 By having one genius in charge of everything. 903 00:36:27,185 --> 00:36:31,520 And wcw, they were part of a much larger corporation, 904 00:36:31,590 --> 00:36:32,522 Which was time warner. 905 00:36:32,590 --> 00:36:33,789 - We are very excited 906 00:36:33,858 --> 00:36:35,992 About joining forces with time warner, 907 00:36:36,060 --> 00:36:38,861 Because we share a common vision for the future. 908 00:36:38,930 --> 00:36:40,930 - The subsequent aol time warner merger 909 00:36:40,999 --> 00:36:44,668 With turner created a lot of radical changes 910 00:36:44,736 --> 00:36:47,003 Within turner broadcasting. 911 00:36:47,072 --> 00:36:50,807 People within turner broadcasting didn't want wcw 912 00:36:50,876 --> 00:36:52,475 In that prime-time real estate position 913 00:36:52,678 --> 00:36:53,943 On Monday night on tnt. 914 00:36:54,012 --> 00:36:57,948 They wanted those time slots for movies. 915 00:36:58,150 --> 00:37:00,483 Everybody looked down their nose at wrestling, 916 00:37:00,686 --> 00:37:02,152 With the exception of ted. 917 00:37:02,220 --> 00:37:05,622 He had been relegated to a back office with a view, 918 00:37:05,690 --> 00:37:07,891 Had absolutely no influence. 919 00:37:07,959 --> 00:37:11,628 - Wcw was in shambles at that point. 920 00:37:11,697 --> 00:37:14,096 The people at aol time warner, 921 00:37:14,165 --> 00:37:16,699 They weren't wrestling fans, and they wanted to get rid 922 00:37:16,768 --> 00:37:19,502 Of that property, the wcw property. 923 00:37:19,570 --> 00:37:21,971 We made an offer. 924 00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,574 It was, "look, we're gonna buy certain assets. 925 00:37:24,642 --> 00:37:26,843 "we'll buy the library. 926 00:37:26,911 --> 00:37:28,044 "we'll take a look at your contracts. 927 00:37:28,113 --> 00:37:30,646 "if there's any contracts we may want to pick up, 928 00:37:30,715 --> 00:37:31,847 We'll pick up some of 'em." 929 00:37:31,916 --> 00:37:33,450 We had a real cash offer on the table 930 00:37:33,652 --> 00:37:34,851 That-- [snaps finger] 931 00:37:34,919 --> 00:37:37,320 Could be done like that, and they took it. 932 00:37:37,522 --> 00:37:38,989 [dramatic music] 933 00:37:42,661 --> 00:37:44,460 - Many of you may already know 934 00:37:44,529 --> 00:37:48,531 That wcw has new owners. 935 00:37:48,734 --> 00:37:49,732 - We couldn't believe it. 936 00:37:49,801 --> 00:37:51,934 Somebody's going out of business, 937 00:37:52,004 --> 00:37:55,805 And at the end, we realized that wwe had won, 938 00:37:55,873 --> 00:37:57,741 And we were staying there with them, 939 00:37:57,943 --> 00:37:58,541 And we had been with them throughout-- 940 00:37:58,744 --> 00:37:59,942 Through the thick and thin. 941 00:38:00,012 --> 00:38:02,945 I mean, it was a pretty, I don't know, euphoric, 942 00:38:03,014 --> 00:38:04,680 Because we didn't dislike the boys down there. 943 00:38:04,749 --> 00:38:05,615 - Of course. - They were us. 944 00:38:05,817 --> 00:38:06,416 - Of course. - They were us. 945 00:38:06,618 --> 00:38:07,884 They were our friends. 946 00:38:08,086 --> 00:38:09,819 - The fans weren't the ones who were fighting. 947 00:38:09,888 --> 00:38:13,022 We were just enjoying all of the product 948 00:38:13,091 --> 00:38:14,624 That we were gettin' to see. But it wasn't like, 949 00:38:14,693 --> 00:38:16,893 "oh, good job, wwe. You won." 950 00:38:16,961 --> 00:38:17,493 It's like, "aw, this is one less product 951 00:38:17,562 --> 00:38:19,162 That I get to watch." 952 00:38:19,230 --> 00:38:21,564 - 'cause the whole time, I was a double agent with vince. 953 00:38:21,632 --> 00:38:23,433 - Of course. - Oh... 954 00:38:23,502 --> 00:38:24,367 - See? [laughter] 955 00:38:24,436 --> 00:38:26,769 [dramatic music] 956 00:38:26,838 --> 00:38:29,572 - Imagine that. Me, vince mcmahon, 957 00:38:29,641 --> 00:38:34,444 Here I am on wcw television. 958 00:38:34,646 --> 00:38:37,113 How can that happen? 959 00:38:37,182 --> 00:38:40,316 - Rival networks, and we were simulcasting this thing-- 960 00:38:40,385 --> 00:38:41,785 Huge deal. 961 00:38:41,987 --> 00:38:47,790 - Here's wcw, and here, we have the owner 962 00:38:47,859 --> 00:38:50,593 Of the world wrestling entertainment 963 00:38:50,662 --> 00:38:56,733 And, now, the owner of wcw. 964 00:38:56,935 --> 00:38:59,669 - The Monday night wars are over. 965 00:38:59,871 --> 00:39:01,804 - The strongest passion won out. 966 00:39:01,873 --> 00:39:02,805 Time warner had no skin in the game. 967 00:39:02,874 --> 00:39:04,674 They didn't care. They hated the property, 968 00:39:04,742 --> 00:39:05,941 And wanted to get rid of it. 969 00:39:06,010 --> 00:39:07,610 We loved our property, loved what we do, 970 00:39:07,679 --> 00:39:09,678 And that was the difference. 971 00:39:09,748 --> 00:39:12,949 - Shane mcmahon is on "nitro"! 972 00:39:13,017 --> 00:39:14,884 - The decision was to let shane go down 973 00:39:15,086 --> 00:39:18,888 And shock vince and say that he had bought wcw. 974 00:39:19,090 --> 00:39:22,892 - The name on the contract does say "mcmahon." 975 00:39:22,961 --> 00:39:28,431 However, the contract reads "shane mcmahon." 976 00:39:28,499 --> 00:39:30,033 - Oh, my god! 977 00:39:30,101 --> 00:39:32,836 - The storyline was my brother against my dad. 978 00:39:32,904 --> 00:39:34,504 But in reality, it was the moment 979 00:39:34,706 --> 00:39:38,308 That we knew wcw was done. 980 00:39:38,376 --> 00:39:40,009 ♪ ♪ 981 00:39:40,712 --> 00:39:42,044 - Wwe didn't buy wcw. 982 00:39:42,114 --> 00:39:46,782 Wwe bought the assets of wcw, bought the tape library, 983 00:39:46,851 --> 00:39:49,319 Bought the intellectual properties-- 984 00:39:49,521 --> 00:39:50,987 Smart purchase. 985 00:39:51,056 --> 00:39:54,190 - You have to grab your competition by the throat, 986 00:39:54,258 --> 00:39:57,460 And you've gotta squeeze the life out of your competition, 987 00:39:57,662 --> 00:40:00,864 Just like I did to wcw! 988 00:40:00,932 --> 00:40:04,734 - In the end, wwe put the boots to wcw, 989 00:40:04,802 --> 00:40:08,003 And we wound up winning the war. 990 00:40:08,072 --> 00:40:11,874 - The landscape of our industry is changing. 991 00:40:11,943 --> 00:40:16,746 - As a fan, the idea that your experience 992 00:40:16,815 --> 00:40:18,814 Watching wrestling on a Monday night 993 00:40:18,883 --> 00:40:21,617 Was never going to be the same again 994 00:40:21,686 --> 00:40:23,886 Was a tough pill to swallow. 995 00:40:23,955 --> 00:40:27,090 - I remember one guy crying, and he was like, 996 00:40:27,292 --> 00:40:29,758 "man, it's the final night. What are you gonna do, book?" 997 00:40:29,828 --> 00:40:31,294 I was like, "man, I'm going to wwe." 998 00:40:31,362 --> 00:40:32,361 ♪ ♪ 999 00:40:32,431 --> 00:40:35,431 - Flair, sting, 1000 00:40:35,500 --> 00:40:38,101 Hogan, the nwo-- 1001 00:40:38,169 --> 00:40:40,970 Those contracts were paying so much money to people 1002 00:40:41,172 --> 00:40:45,575 To just sit at home--didn't get sting versus austin, 1003 00:40:45,643 --> 00:40:47,510 Flair versus the rock, 1004 00:40:47,579 --> 00:40:50,713 The nwo versus dx-- 1005 00:40:50,916 --> 00:40:52,916 Didn't get the dream matches I wanted 1006 00:40:52,984 --> 00:40:55,251 Until it was done ten, 15 years later. 1007 00:40:55,320 --> 00:40:56,786 ♪ ♪ 1008 00:40:56,854 --> 00:40:58,588 - Sting's first-ever appearance 1009 00:40:58,790 --> 00:41:00,323 On the grandest stage of all, 1010 00:41:00,525 --> 00:41:02,925 Wrestlemania. 1011 00:41:02,994 --> 00:41:04,594 - You know, there had been periods of time 1012 00:41:04,796 --> 00:41:06,529 When there had been overtures 1013 00:41:06,597 --> 00:41:07,597 Of sting to come in, 1014 00:41:07,666 --> 00:41:09,798 And they had been shut down. 1015 00:41:09,868 --> 00:41:12,869 When sting finally signed to come in, 1016 00:41:13,071 --> 00:41:15,271 We end up making the match with me and him. 1017 00:41:15,340 --> 00:41:17,674 ♪ ♪ 1018 00:41:17,876 --> 00:41:19,475 - I was sitting in the third row 1019 00:41:19,544 --> 00:41:21,010 For wrestlemania 31. 1020 00:41:21,212 --> 00:41:23,946 To see him in the ring, face-to-face with triple h, 1021 00:41:24,015 --> 00:41:25,815 Who is a symbol for everything that wwe is, 1022 00:41:26,017 --> 00:41:29,886 Is enough of a mind-blowing moment. 1023 00:41:29,954 --> 00:41:31,421 But then, halfway through the match, 1024 00:41:31,623 --> 00:41:33,423 The nwo music plays. 1025 00:41:33,625 --> 00:41:35,358 The dx music plays. 1026 00:41:35,427 --> 00:41:38,027 - Dx, the nwo! 1027 00:41:38,096 --> 00:41:41,497 The Monday night wars have come to wrestlemania! 1028 00:41:41,566 --> 00:41:43,700 This place is buzzing! 1029 00:41:43,902 --> 00:41:44,901 - And you're like, "oh, my god, 1030 00:41:45,103 --> 00:41:47,503 "this is all happening right in front of me 1031 00:41:47,572 --> 00:41:48,771 All these years later." 1032 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:50,439 - Look out! - Shawn michaels! 1033 00:41:50,509 --> 00:41:52,975 Sweet chin music! 1034 00:41:53,044 --> 00:41:54,910 - Like the Monday night war is still happening. 1035 00:41:54,979 --> 00:41:58,047 - What an absolutely incredible moment. 1036 00:41:58,115 --> 00:42:00,783 History in the making, tonight at wrestlemania. 1037 00:42:00,986 --> 00:42:03,852 - These two great, iconic, legendary groups 1038 00:42:03,922 --> 00:42:05,922 That people will remember as long as 1039 00:42:05,991 --> 00:42:07,457 There's sports entertainment in the world, 1040 00:42:07,659 --> 00:42:08,791 They finally hook up. 1041 00:42:08,860 --> 00:42:10,994 To me, it was just a magical moment. 1042 00:42:12,731 --> 00:42:13,930 - When the match was over, 1043 00:42:13,998 --> 00:42:15,732 We kind of all just stood there in the ring, 1044 00:42:15,934 --> 00:42:17,800 And sting and I sort of shook hands, 1045 00:42:17,869 --> 00:42:20,135 And it was, "we all did this war. 1046 00:42:20,204 --> 00:42:25,141 It's all over," and to me, that's what made it work. 1047 00:42:25,210 --> 00:42:27,944 - The rivalry between wcw and wwe, the Monday night wars, 1048 00:42:28,013 --> 00:42:30,813 It completely changed the wrestling industry. 1049 00:42:31,016 --> 00:42:33,349 Announcer: Goldberg dominates again. 1050 00:42:33,418 --> 00:42:34,283 - Who's next? 1051 00:42:34,352 --> 00:42:35,818 - Suck it! 1052 00:42:35,887 --> 00:42:37,487 - That was a great time for television. 1053 00:42:37,689 --> 00:42:38,354 - Ah! [bedpan clanks] 1054 00:42:38,423 --> 00:42:39,956 - It was hot. 1055 00:42:40,025 --> 00:42:41,958 - There will be nothing like this ever again. 1056 00:42:42,026 --> 00:42:44,093 The two number one rated shows on two networks, 1057 00:42:44,161 --> 00:42:47,830 And they're fighting each other on live television. 1058 00:42:47,899 --> 00:42:50,966 - Good god, almighty! He killed him! 1059 00:42:51,035 --> 00:42:54,571 - The battle between wcw and wwe was real. 1060 00:42:54,773 --> 00:42:56,839 People gravitated towards it. 1061 00:42:56,908 --> 00:42:59,976 - It doesn't matter what your name is! 1062 00:43:00,045 --> 00:43:02,445 - It was the right time and the right companies 1063 00:43:02,647 --> 00:43:03,646 Going head-to-head. 1064 00:43:03,715 --> 00:43:05,848 It stands the test of time. 1065 00:43:05,917 --> 00:43:07,249 We're still talking about it to this day. 1066 00:43:07,318 --> 00:43:08,985 ♪ ♪