As I See It: A Look Back At WWE Purchasing WCW Eleven Years Ago

Since this is being put together before Wrestlemania, thought I'd go back to a column written in what was the most newsworthy week in professional wrestling history not involving Chris Benoit or Owen Hart.... 11 years ago this past week WWE purchased WCW after WCW's TV contract was cancelled by Turner Broadcasting.

It wouldn't be an overexaggeration to call this the most newsworthy week in the modern history of professional wrestling.

First, on March 19th, new Chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting Jamie Kellner ended 30 years of Turner-originated/sponsored professional wrestling with his canceling of Monday Nitro on TNT and Thunder on TBS.

Then, on March 20th, Fusient Media Ventures withdrew from negotiations to purchase WCW, due to Kellner's decision to pull wrestling from TBS and TNT.

On March 21st, the Pro Wrestling Torch reported that the WWF was back in the hunt to purchase, and on March 22nd was the first outlet to break the story that WWF Entertainment has purchased WCW.

WCW staff were officially notified by Brad Siegel on March 23rd that the purchase had taken place.

This brings us to this past Monday night.

Even though what was happening Monday had once been rumored weeks before (prior to what everyone concerned thought was a sale to Fusient Media Ventures), and even though we had already talked about it in this column... actually seeing it officially in print had to blow away wrestling fans worldwide:

"STAMFORD, Conn., March 23, 2001 – World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) today announced its purchase of the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) brand from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS Inc.), a division of AOL Time Warner.

"The purchase of WCW creates a tag team partnership with the World Wrestling Federation brand that is expected to propel the sports entertainment genre to new heights.

"In keeping with the company's strategic alliance with Viacom, new WCW programming is anticipated to air on TNN in the near future. The possibility of cross-brand storylines and intrigue, however, may start as early as Monday night during WWF Raw Is War on TNN and the final performance of WCW Monday Nitro Live on Turner Network Television (TNT)...

"'...This acquisition is the perfect creative and business catalyst for our company,' said Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of World Wrestling Federation Entertainment. 'This is a dream combination for fans of sports entertainment. The incendiary mix of World Wrestling Federation and WCW personalities potentially creates intriguing storylines that will attract a larger fan base to the benefit of our advertisers and business partners, and propel sports entertainment to new heights.' "

Then to see Vince McMahon open the final episode of Turner-originated wrestling television ever with:

"Imagine that. Me, Vince McMahon, here . . . on WCW television. How can that happen? There is only one way . . . and it was just a matter of time before I bought my competition. That's right, I own WCW.

Therefore, in its final broadcast tonight on TNT, I have the opportunity to address you, the WCW fans and WCW superstars. What is the fate of WCW? Well, tonight in a special simulcast you will all find out. The fate of WCW is in my hands!"

Then, to actually see Shane McMahon in the ring at Panama City, Florida, on the final night of wrestling on Turner Broadcasting as the "new owner of WCW"...all of these happenings were so surreal as to defy description. So many other people and so many websites have said much the same thing this week.

But with all of the excitement, comes concern for the wrestling industry. While many will continue to work for the McMahon-owned WCW, there are those within WCW who have worked for decades in the old NWA and WCW who likely saw their careers end on Monday night.

Yes, Shane McMahon held a talent meeting with wrestlers and office personnel on Monday afternoon prior to Nitro, and said WCW would be run as a fully operational promotion within WWFE; with "everyone having a shot to remain with WCW".

While Vince McMahon is reported to have said to WWFE staff on Monday that he could have let WCW go under, and said he did not want to see people with families to feed with no other options for work on a national scale; there are those who will suffer exactly that fate. An obvious example was Vince McMahon basically giving live, on-air notice to Jeff Jarrett, Road Warrior Animal, and Dustin Rhodes during his promo.

Then, today, the meeting occurred where WCW staff were officially informed by Time-Warner that WCW would cease to exist as a company, and that all staff were all being laid off. They were to turn in all equipment immediately, and go to their offices and collect their personal belongings. WWF staff told the workers that they could apply for jobs within the Stamford WWF offices.

As I said last week, there are those within WCW who I've met over the years, and who I worry about in the short term: Jeremy Borash, Gary Juster, a number of the wrestlers...and yes, Bob Ryder. Many of them may not land the same sorts of positions in the WWF-owned WCW.

There's one more person I have to feel a little sorry for, though I've never met him. Even though he was largely responsible for the most recent hemorrhaging of millions, and is responsible for the still-outstanding racism lawsuit against WCW which Time-Warner will have to handle; you had to feel a little sorry for
Vince Russo, who called into last night's finale of the WCW Live online show as "Vincent from New Jersey." While Jeremy Borash and Bob Ryder didn't directly acknowledge Russo's identity, they allowed him to say goodbye in a short, emotional farewell.

As for the in-ring workers, salaries will be lower for many of those who are hired by Vince McMahon. The Time-Warner contract buyouts for talent ranges from 30 to 70 cents on the dollar. Others have contracts that are not guaranteed, which will likely result in renegotiation into WWF-style contracts with lower guarantees within the next three months.

For those who aren't hired, while independent promoters will no doubt seek some of those available. But it's pretty obvious that none of them will be paying TBS level salaries.

The wild card in all of this is Eric Bischoff. Bischoff did not attend Nitro, and rumors persist that he will seek to form another promotion. For such a promotion, if it is formed, to provide a real financial alternative to wrestlers, he'll need the backing of a Rupert Murdoch or those with similarly deep pockets.

So an era ended Monday night, and another began, or will begin within a few weeks, when WCW programming resumes in a new form on TNN. For those few remaining who hadn't figured it out, the ending of an era was made clear at the end of Nitro by the following...

It is ironic that at 9:58 pm Eastern Standard Time, the last two voices ever to be heard on a Turner-originated wrestling broadcast were Jim Ross and Paul Heyman.

It was both ironic and perhaps appropriate, when you consider that Jim Ross had been pushed out the door years back as a victim of WCW's eternal political struggles, and more recently viciously ridiculed by Ed Ferrera via the "Oklahoma" gimmick. Paul Heyman, of course, saw ECW stripped of its talent beginning in 1995.

But as Vince McMahon (in character?) said in his landmark simulcast promo on Monday night: "He who laughs last, laughs best."

I imagine Jim Ross and Paul Heyman are at least having a chuckle right now.

But there are quite a few people right now working for WCW who aren't.

To this day, this night saw the most hits to my PWBTS.com website (and probably every wretling website that was in existence back then) not involving the death of a wrestler.

If you told me that Shane McMahon would be out of wrestling altogether...I'd have thought you were nuts.

So's Paul Heyman. So's Vince Russo, at least for the moment.

Jim Ross is only occasionally an on-air commenator, but still has a behind the scenes role.

WWE blew the Invasion angle...one that could have been the best money-maker the company ever had...because Vince McMahon couldn't allow WCW to be competitive enough in storyline to give the angle legs.

Since then, we've had the political attacks of the Parents Television Council and Linda McMahon's political campigns taking the legs from under most WWE programming that is the least bit adult-oriented. We've had the Benoit family tragedy. There's the obsession with social media to the exclusion of fgetting over the actual live matches that are supposed to get fans to attend live shows and/or purchase PPVs.

To conclude, another reminder on 2 cancer-related charity shows.

The star-studded event happens Saturday, April 28, 2012 with a 7:45 pm bell-time at the Parks & Recreation Building, 44 Park Avenue, Nutley, NJ. Headlining the extravaganza are main event bouts with WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana and WWE Legend The Rocker Marty Jannetty. Santana and Jannetty are former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champions. WWE Legend Young Stallion Jim Powers, a former Survivor Series winner, hosts a meet and greet session. Kevin Knight will defend the IWF Heavyweight Title. Also appearing are Self-Made Travis Blake with IWF Commissioner Richard Ross, Hi-Definition Chris Steeler, Phat Daddy Biggie Biggs, Outlaw Shane O'Brien, IWF Tag Team Champions The Master Frank Scoleri and Absolutely Edwin, All-Star Austin Williams, The Gambler Mr. Casino, Roman, Doctor Hurtz, Nightlife Nicky Oceans, Mad Dawg Jenkins, Rock Queen Alissa, AJ Sparxx, and more.

Doors open 7 pm as Ocean Beach NJ Sales and Rentals presents the interactive All-Access Pre-Event Fan Fest where families can connect with health-related businesses featuring Muscle Maker Grill of Nutley and Lyndhurst, Signature Fitness of Belleville, High Street Rehab of Nutley, and Champion Nutrition. The Fan Fest is free with your event ticket. Net proceeds from the spectacular will be donated to Relay For Life. Advance tickets available online at www.CampIWF.com. Advance tickets also available at the Nutley Recreation Department, 44 Park Avenue, Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm (check or money order only, payable to: Relay For Life Nutley). 'Kids of all ages will see a sports-entertainment spectacle like no other,' said Kevin Knight. "We are proud to return home to the site of the first-ever IWF Event in 1998 and present this special Fundraiser in conjunction with Mayor Tucci and the Parks and Recreation Department."

In the UK, Power Trip Wrestling does shows for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Power Trip Wrestling Present "When We Shoot – We Score' – a fundraising show for the Teenage Cancer Trust! on Saturday 7th April, at The Corn Market Hall, London Road, Kettering, Northants, NN15 7QA., Doors open 6.30pm, Show starts 7.00pm. Tickets are £7 adults, £5 children/concessions, £20 family of four (2 adults/2 children)

Matches scheduled : * Former TNA, ROH, and top UK wrestling star 'Wonderkid' Jonny Storm VS Kettering's hometown hero 'The BlackHeart' Rudi!; TITLE MATCH : PTW World Champion 'Sexy' Zizou Middoux w/PTW Wildcard Champion 'Perfect' P.T. Player VS Lewy 'Ripper' Paradise!; TITLE MATCH : PTW Internet Champion 'Black Magic' Shaka VS Thomas Stevens!; Robert Rochester-Rose VS 'The Renegade' Marcus Phayer!; TITLE MATCH : PTW Wildcard Champion 'Perfect' P.T. Player will defend the title.....but against who? ; 10 Man Battle RoyalPlus...making their PTW and UK debuts, from New York, USA – Team CK (Sean Carr & Kage) and PTW stars such as Born To Fly (Alex Young & TJ Ski), Steve Omega, Chris Sharpe, and more to be confirmed in the upcoming weeks to the show!

"Power Trip Wrestling – "Bedfordshire's Favourite Family Night Out – As Featured on National Television (BBC2, Sky Digital), TalkSPORT radio, The Sun, & The Metro newspapers, BBC Radio Northampton & BBC 3 Counties Radio, and much more!"

Until next time...

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