Nation of Domination's Legacy

 

Back in the mid-late 90's in the world of professional wrestling, the hierarchy of stables went like this. In WCW it was the nWo without question, in WWF especially in 1998 it was D-Generation X. Now which was the overall better and more popular group is a matter of personal preference in my opinion.

Alongside these groups were other factions like the Hart Foundation, Triple Threat in ECW, The Corporation, and a group known as the Nation of Domination.

In 1996 Ron Simmons joined the WWF with a Roman gladiator inspired gimmick going by Faarooq Asad. Everyone quickly realized how foolish that was and repackaged him as the leader of a militant Black Panther/Nation of Islam inspired group.

Even though the Nation was clearly inspired by these organizations, with background actors dressed similar to members of those groups. The WWF deflected comparisons by making it an multi-racial group with members such as Savio Vega, Crush, and tag team PG-13. 

While Faarooq could ignite a fire with fans with his calls of racism in the world of wrestling. The group just wasn't catching on as hoped and those members were kicked out. Replaced by D'lo Brown, Kama Mustafa, Ahmed Johnson at one point who I previously covered didn't fit in. Eventually a young guy trying to find his footing who went by the name Rocky Maivia joined the group.

Once the dead weight of Ahmed Johnson was shed. NOD really started to find it's groove, then in late '97 Rocky Maivia transitioned to The Rock. Started displaying more charisma and becoming more comfortable on the mic and a raw talent that just needed guidance Mark Henry joined the group. In '98 after kicking out Faarooq, The Rock becoming the leader and Owen Hart joining the Nation probably enjoyed they're most success.

                                     

They had an legendary feud with D-X. D'lo Brown became the European champion. Mark Henry was improving, Owen Hart showed another side to his act as The Blackhart. Kama was transitioning into The Godfather his most popular act. The Rock's path to superstardom was clearly unavoidable as he was the IC champion entering contention for the world championship. All these factors led to the group silently dissolving and going they're seperate ways.

As a unit besides The Rock and D'lo's respective reigns the group didn't carry many titles. However the individual accomplishments of the talent all which being apart of NOD contributed to their success makes this an legendary group. I'm not saying The Rock wouldn't have become the big Hollywood star he is today if not for his time in NOD, but it currently would have been prolonged if he hadn't. Add in everytime a group of Black wrestlers come together as a unit, there are instant comparisons to the Nation. All of this plays a factor in their legacy. 

I'd say NOD's place in faction history is top 10 of the last 25-30 years. Faarooq, Mark Henry, and The Godfather are WWE hall of famers. The Rock is a shoe in at some point, D'lo deserves his shine, he was one of my favorites growing up and I honestly thought he was on his way to competing for the world title at some point in 1999.

 Unfortunately Owen Hart's death and his family disdain for the Mcmahons will keep him out of the hall. Collectively as a group though, NOD deserves to stand on a stage in front of thousands one Wrestlemania Weekend and receive their flowers.