Eric Bischoff: NWO WWE Debut Storyline Was a Mistake
“`html
Eric Bischoff Calls WWE’s 2002 NWO Invasion “Stupid”
Table of Contents
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff harshly criticized WWE’s 2002 attempt to bring the New World Order (NWO) to the company, calling the storyline a fundamentally flawed idea that failed to resonate with audiences. Bischoff, who created the NWO in WCW, detailed his issues in a recent appearance on the 83 Weeks podcast.
The Core Criticism: A Flawed Premise
Bischoff didn’t mince words,labeling the entire concept of the NWO invading WWE as ”stupid.” He argued the storyline’s premise was inherently weak and lacked believability. He believes the idea, whether originating solely with Vince McMahon or as a combination of suggestions, was fundamentally flawed from the start.
According to Bischoff, the storyline failed because it didn’t align with McMahon’s established character. While WWE attempted to portray McMahon as an evil, maniacal figure, Bischoff contends that only a small segment of the audience bought into the portrayal. beyond the first few rows of ticket buyers, the narrative fell flat.
Why the NWO Didn’t Translate to WWE
The NWO’s success in WCW was built on a specific context – a perceived invasion of a more established, “good guy” promotion.Bringing the NWO to WWE,where McMahon already occupied a villainous role,fundamentally altered the dynamic. The heel-vs-heel conflict lacked the necessary tension and audience investment.
Bischoff highlighted that the storyline’s problems weren’t isolated to the initial concept; the execution only exacerbated the issues. He suggested the interconnected nature of the storyline’s flaws contributed to its overall failure. He implied that the setup, premise, and execution were all deeply problematic.
The NWO’s Original Impact vs. the WWE Attempt
to understand the failure in WWE, its crucial to remember the NWO’s original impact. In WCW, the NWO was revolutionary. It blurred the lines between faces and heels, creating a sense of realism and unpredictability that captivated audiences. The group’s initial success stemmed from its portrayal as an outside force disrupting the established order.
| Feature | WCW NWO (1996-1998) | WWE NWO (2002) |
|---|---|---|
| Context | Outsiders invading established promotion | Heels invading a promotion already led by a heel |
| Leader’s Role | Hulk Hogan turning heel, shocking fans | Vince McMahon already established as a villain |
| Audience Reaction | Massive ratings boost and cultural impact | Negative reaction and ratings decline |
| overall impact | Revolutionized wrestling storytelling | widely considered a failure |
The WWE version lacked this crucial element of surprise and disruption. Rather, it felt like a forced attempt to recreate a prosperous formula without understanding the underlying reasons for its original success.