If you read my n.W.o: The Revolution DVD review, then you know it’s not worth your money. But if you’re still inclined to make the purchase, then be sure to spend your money on the blu-ray edition with the additional 90 minute Legends of Wrestling roundtable discussion that is NOT included on the standard DVD. This roundtable (as seen on WWE Classics on Demand, hosted by Gene Okerlund and featuring Jim Ross, JJ Dillion, Kevin Nash and Michael Hayes) is worth the price of the set alone and makes up for ALL the faults on the actual documentary.
Here are some of the key points worth noting:
-Kevin Nash talks about his and Scott Hall’s contract negotiations with WCW, and how they were offered more than “Sting money” – which was a term Sting’s contract of 750K per year , which no one else was making in the early days of WCW.
-Another term that fans are smartened-up to is “Favored Nations” – which is a clause added to a contract stating that if another performer receives better terms, the said individual is entitled to equal compensation. After learning this, Nash tells the story of how Hall’s agent already had the clause in place for him as a former Intercontinental champion, and how Hall pushed for Nash to sign as a former heavyweight champion at 1.2 million so that his contract would get bumped up as well.
-Nash discusses talks he had with his pregnant wife. His decision was based on more money and less days; a smaller ring; and older guys on the roster which would result in less risk of injuries. He admits to going to Vince out of loyalty and asking him to match it, but Vince declined because had he made the exception for him, he’d have to do it for a number of other performers on the roster.
-Interesting clips of some rehashed Eric Bischoff interviews where he calls out the early 90’s WWE product for being too animated and to cartoonish. He also admits that the n.W.o. concept was not completely original and was a rehash of a New Japan angle.
-An interesting point is brought up, as such in what the chances were that Hall and Nash’s contracts with the WWE would be up within five days of each other. This was an opportunity to fulfill inter-promotional dream matches.
-Nash talks about the WCW office not “getting” the n.W.o. gimmick. Merchandising wanted to do combo packs selling their t-shirts. In order to keep it real, Nash wouldn’t allow it. He took the shirts and sold them to fans on the street.
-Jim Ross discusses the lawsuit filed by the WWE against WCW for intellectual property. He then goes into talking about when they decided to swerve the fans by announcing that Razor and Diesel would be returning to RAW, and how WCW panicked and offered Hall and Nash an additional 400K each to their contracts – causing WCW to pay 800K to sign two guys who were already signed. No wonder WCW went out of business.
-There is talk of Hulk Hogan not wanting to turn heel and potentially ruin his legacy. They also mention how the back up plan was to have Sting join if Hogan decided to balk on the idea – yet, Sting didn’t want to do it either. Nash says Hogan was smart enough to hear the boos and knew the business well enough to make money with it.
-If this roundtable does anything other than give a first-hand look at that the strategy and impact of the n.W.o., it gives a newfound respect for Eric Bischoff. He was an underdog who took the chance and the fight to the Gods…and won…at least for 83 weeks.
-Michael Hayes talks about the WWE locker room and their conflicting jealousy and fear of going out of business. He also mentions the concern for the employees at WWE headquarters who would have been unfortunate casualties of war.
-Jim Ross also mentions that the n.W.o.’s affect on the Monday Night Wars forced enhancement matches to disappear, because management was now forced to micro manage every segment for star power. So much, that WCW’s attempt to spoil Mick Foley’s pre-taped title win backfired when 800K fans switched the channel to RAW and killed WCW’s 83 week streak.
This is just a few examples of could have made the n.W.o. dvd great, and makes us question why these topics weren’t covered or talked about in greater detail in the actual documentary. It never covered how the n.W.o. helped build new stars such as Diamond Dallas Page, Booker T, Goldberg and reinvent an aging Sting.
There was so much potential left on the table and omitted based on poor choices by the dvd’s producers. But if there is any salvation to wrestling fans, it’s THIS roundtable discussion that gives you more in 90 minutes of discussion than the actual assignment itself.
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What are your thoughts/reviews on the DVD? Do you agree or disagree with me? Post your comments below and feel free to share this review with your friends.
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