10 Underrated Pivotal Nitro Moments

Wow, today marks 30 years since WCW Monday Nitro debuted on TNT. Running for five and a half years before WCW's closure. In the world of professional wrestling the show left a strong legacy. It was the show that made fans take WCW serious, kick start the Monday Night Wars. And for a time became a pop culture icon.

I previously wrote a couple blogs for the 25th anniversary, one on great moments and one on great matches. This article I'm gonna cover 10 pivotal Nitro Moments that are underrated in the shows history.

10. The White Hummer Mystery Is Kind Of Resolved

When the Bischoff/Hogan regime took over WCW in April of 2000. They tried to really start fresh with the organization and build new stars. That meant tying up some loose ends from the old guard. One being an idea Eric Bischoff started with no clear cut end game in mind.

That was the white humvee mystery that started in the summer of 1999. After turning on Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff rammed into his limo with the humvee. Not solving the mystery but acknowledging it was time to put certain things to rest. It left high hopes for the future of WCW.

9. Ric Flair Becomes WCW President

December 28th, 1998 the Nitro after Starrcade that year saw Ric Flair face Eric Bischoff for control of WCW. For the 2nd year in a row the Nitro after Starrcade ended in a wild brawl in a high stakes match. This match saw a returning Macho Man with a new look and new valet Gorgeous George by his side. Being the x-factor in the outcome of the match.

It was a feel good moment for one of the organization's franchise players. Left alot of questions, WCW sadly didnt answer. However at that time once Flair got the pin, all was right in the world

8. Jeff Jarrett Returns

October 18th, 1999 night one of the Vince Russo/Ed Ferrera regime in WCW. Jeff Jarrett returns to WCW attacking Buff Bagwell, after wrestling Chyna the previous night at WWF No Mercy. It planted seeds that Jarrett was going to be the "guy" under the new regime. 

While also feeding into that anything can happen at any time appetite, fans clamored for at the time.

7. Sting Saves Diamond Dallas Page

During Sting's battle against the nWo, he was often known for hanging in the rafters. And closing out the show by saving the day. On the June 9th, 1997 edition of Nitro he played a part in one of the greatest visuals ever produced on wrestling TV period.

Saving DDP from a beat down by the nWo. He came down the rafters like a superhero, fended the nWo off. Then hooked DDP up and they both disappeared up into the rafters. Well telegraphed when DDP came with a trench coat, well choreographed, and a damn good moment.

6. Bret Hart WCW Debut

While his run was rather lackluster and uneventful. Bret Hart signing with WCW in 1997 was a big deal. With the fallout from the Montreal Screw job and the perceived association with the nWo, many were eager to see Bret Hart on WCW.

The company did the right thing holding off on his debut as much as possible. When he finally debuted to be announced as the special guest referee for the Eric Bischoff/Larry Zybsko match. He left alot of questions about who he was aligned with, and made for a damn good debut.

5. Booker T Wins TV Championship 

When Stevie Ray went down with an injury in late 1997. It opened up the door for Booker T. to try his hand in singles competition. On December 29th, 1997 the night after Starrcade, a star was born. When Booker T. defeated Disco Inferno for the WCW television championship, he showed the world what he was capable of.

From his matches with Perry Saturn and Rick Martel. To the legendary best of 7 feud with Chris Benoit, Booker T. showed he was a force to be reckoned with. Leading to his eventual world Heavyweight championship run.

4. Eddie Guerrero Promo

Rumor has it that in 1998 Eddie Guerrero furious with his role in the company and lack of opportunities. Demanded Eric Bischoff release him or give him a raise, resulting in Bischoff throwing coffee at Guerrero. Allegedly it was a worked shoot with inconsistencies in the story. 

However it was probably the moment that kicked started the Eddie Guerrero we would see in WWE years later. It resulted in the LWO faction being born and Guerrero showing more personality. And got fans talking about how real this all was.

3. DDP Turns Down the nWo

While the nWo was focused on growing their ranks, they made offers to all the power players in WCW. One of the rising stars on the roster was one DDP, who was starting to gain traction with the fanbase. 

As Hall and Nash offered him a shirt, he proudly put it on. Then boom hit Scott Hall with the Diamond Cutter (one of Hall's best sell jobs by the way). His popularity skyrocketed leading to his run in the main event scene.

2. Kevin Nash Debuts in WCW

Scott Hall's debut was the warning a "war" was coming. Kevin Nash's debut was the escalation that it was here. The duo were ready for a fight and were itching to spring into action. Laying the groundwork for the Bischoff Powerbomb at Great American Bash that year. Which led to the 6 man tag at Bash At The Beach the following month.

1. Shane McMahon closes out Nitro

March 26, 2001 the final WCW Monday Nitro, after an emotional  main event match between Sting and Ric Flair. Nitro was simulcast with Raw (still a big deal at the time) as Vince McMahon talked about his purchase of WCW. Only for Shane McMahon to appear at Nitro and announced that he actually purchased WCW.

It was such a pivotal moment not just for the historical purchase of a rival promotion. Also the fact no one knew what the hell was going to happen next.