Credit: WWE.com
WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather recently opened up about one of the most controversial creative decisions in WWE history: the inclusion of Owen Hart as the lone white member of the Nation of Domination. On his Poddin’ Ain’t Easy podcast, The Godfather shared insights into the faction’s origin, evolution, and the puzzling reasoning behind Owen Hart joining a predominantly Black and ethnically diverse stable.
The Original Vision for The Nation of Domination
The Nation of Domination (NOD) was originally conceived as a racially charged, socially conscious faction highlighting issues of racial inequality, with an emphasis on Black empowerment. Early lineups featured wrestlers from diverse backgrounds, such as Faarooq, The Rock, and D’Lo Brown, crafting a politically charged persona that was somewhat restrained to keep it from being overtly controversial.
The Godfather, a key member, says that the group’s mission was never explicitly explained to the wrestlers themselves. They understood the faction’s core message but were mostly focused on in-ring competition and character work, without knowing all the backstage motivations.
Owen Hart’s Controversial Addition
Owen Hart’s entry into The Nation in early 1998 remains one of WWE’s more perplexing booking choices. Known for his excellence as a technical wrestler and former babyface, Owen’s character took a sharp turn when he turned heel and joined The Nation under The Rock’s leadership.
The Godfather theorizes that Vince McMahon’s goal behind placing Owen in the faction was deliberately provocative: to “piss off white people.” The move was seen as a way to unsettle traditional fans and disrupt the racial narratives associated with the group.
“Nobody in The Nation really knew why Owen was brought in. It was like this wild card to the mix. But looking back, I think Vince just wanted to stir the pot put a white guy in the middle of this predominantly Black faction and shake things up,” The Godfather revealed on his podcast.
A WWE insider familiar with the booking decisions confirmed this perspective, explaining that after the infamous “Montreal Screwjob,” WWE was recalibrating Owen’s character and needed a way to reinvent him outside the Hart Foundation’s shadow. Having Owen join The Nation was interpreted as a way to both freshen his on-screen persona and push a narrative that challenged racial expectations.
The Rock and Owen: Shifting The Nation’s Identity
When The Rock assumed leadership, The Nation’s focus shifted from overt racial themes to a broader, more mainstream “attitude” and swagger. The stable was even sometimes referred to simply as “The Nation,” reflecting this change.
Owen’s inclusion coincided with this transition. His technical wrestling credibility brought a different dynamic, and his heel turn against Ken Shamrock further established his new persona as a villain aligned with The Nation’s evolving identity.
Jim Ross, WWE’s legendary commentator, once noted that WWE felt Owen needed a change of direction, much like The Rock himself did when joining the group. After Owen’s initial babyface run stalled largely due to losing too much to rival Triple H the heel turn and Nation membership were seen as necessary to reinvigorate his character.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Owen’s tenure in The Nation was short-lived, but it sparked confusion and debate among fans and insiders alike. Many questioned how a white wrestler fit into a faction that had been so intentionally crafted around themes of Black pride and racial tension.
D-Generation X capitalized on this by parodying the Nation’s racial themes during their feud, mocking Owen with catchphrases such as “I am not a nugget,” which became a derisive meme reflecting the mixed reception to Owen’s role in the faction.
Behind the scenes, sources close to the production noted that WWE was keen to keep Owen under contract and visible after most of the Hart Foundation left the company following the Montreal Screwjob. Owen was one of the few remaining Harts around, and the company wanted to maximize his talent to offset losses.
Legacy of Owen Hart in the Nation of Domination
While Owen’s alliance with The Nation never reached the popularity levels of The Rock or Faarooq’s stints, it remains a fascinating snapshot of WWE’s willingness to experiment with social and racial themes—sometimes clumsily.
The Godfather’s candid assessment helps shed light on the complexity of WWE creative at the time: a mixture of deliberate provocation, talent management, and evolving narratives designed to engage and sometimes antagonize the audience.
As The Godfather put it, “Owen being in the Nation wasn’t about race in the way people think. It was about making people uncomfortable, making people talk, and keeping the product unpredictable.”