Bischoff-Russo Resort to Insider References and Obscenities

The much hyped and anticipated April 10th edition of “Nitro” ushered in a new direction for World Championship Wrestling. The Bischoff-Russo coalition decided to employ several insider references as angles and pander to the Internet and readers of newsletters - commonly known as “marks.”

Such examples include Kidman headlining a flea market show, Sid and a pair of scissors, Shawn Stasiak’s (Meat in the WWF) problems in New York, Shane Douglas continuing to shoot on Ric Flair, and Vince Russo and Jeff Jarrett taking shots at WWF announcer Jim Ross for holding them down during their tenures in the WWF. Russo also took the opportunity to rip on the previous regime - Busch, Sullivan, and Dillon.

On various radio shows, Hulk Hogan lambasted the younger talent in WCW, commenting that they are not over and could not draw a dime. In particular, Hogan pointed out that Billy Kidman could not even headline a flea market show.

Eric Bischoff asked Sid twice about a certain pair of scissors on “Nitro.” This was a reference to the October 1993 stabbing incident involving Sid and Arn Anderson. In a motel in England, Sid attacked Anderson with a pair scissors, resulting in Anderson suffering twenty puncture wounds. A short time later, Sid was terminated by WCW.

Shawn Stasiak, the son of former WWWF champion Stan Stasiak, was fired by WWF last year when it was discovered that the second-generation grappler had secretly recorded a car conversation between Steve Blackman and the British Bulldog.

For years, Shane Douglas openly criticized Ric Flair on ECW television. Keep in mind that Douglas’s comments were carried on ECW’s syndicated program, rather than on their TNN cable program which is carried throughout the United States and Canada.

During his stint with the WWF, Russo and Jim Ross often clashed behind the scenes. Ross, who books WWF house shows, often was critical of Russo for his short term planning, not allowing Ross to announce cards in advance that reflect current Federation storylines. Jeff Jarrett holds Ross, Vice President of Talent, responsible for his departure from the WWF.

The first episodes of “Nitro” and “Thunder” under the Bischoff-Russo alliance both scored much improved 3.1 ratings, however, the next episode of “Nitro” posted an embarrassing 2.47 composite. The overrun featuring the Hogan-Bischoff-Bret Hart cliffhanger could only muster a 1.7 rating.

The Bischoff-Russo regime decided to use Spring Stampede, the first pay-per-view staged under their supervision, as a vehicle to “push the envelope.” Wrestlers and head announcer Tony Schiavone openly used obscenities without a single apology.

On the pay-per-view telecast and on “Nitro” the next night, announcers sold the point that referees would be more lenient with the disqualification ruling for outcomes of matches. However, the final three matches on the April 17th edition of “Nitro” ended with disqualification finishes.

It is apparent the new creative team is lacking in terms of writing consistent finishes. Russo benefited in the WWF by having Pat Patterson contemplate many of the outcomes of matches. Despite the new direction, the central focus on WCW television remains on the same principal players.

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