In a candid and revealing conversation, WWE legend Scott Steiner shared his thoughts on the demise of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and its lasting impact on the professional wrestling industry. Steiner, a key figure in WCW’s heyday, admitted that he never wanted the promotion to fold, and his sentiments echo the sentiments of many in the industry who miss the competition.
The End of an Era
WCW’s closure in 2001 marked the end of an era in professional wrestling. The promotion had been a thorn in the side of the WWE for years, offering a unique alternative to the established powerhouse. Steiner, a seven-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, was a cornerstone of the promotion, and his departure to the WWE in 2004 was seen as a significant coup for Vince McMahon’s company.
However, in a recent interview, Steiner revealed that he never wanted WCW to go under. “I always thought that WCW and the WWE would coexist, you know? I thought that was the way it was supposed to be,” Steiner said. “We were the alternative, and the WWE was the mainstream. I thought that was a healthy thing, you know? But I guess that’s not how it worked out.”
The Impact of Monopoly
Steiner’s comments highlight the significant impact that WCW’s demise had on the professional wrestling industry. With the promotion out of the picture, the WWE was left as the sole major player in the market. This led to a period of stagnation and homogenization, as the WWE was able to dictate the terms of the industry.
According to a WWE insider, the lack of competition forced the WWE to become complacent. “When WCW folded, the WWE became the de facto standard for the industry,” the source revealed. “They were able to dictate the terms of talent contracts, storyline development, and even the physical layout of their shows. It was like they had a monopoly on the industry, and it showed.”
The Rise of the Indies
However, the WWE’s dominance also led to a rise in independent wrestling promotions. These smaller companies, often run by passionate wrestlers and promoters, were able to offer a unique alternative to the WWE’s product. Steiner, who has been involved in various independent promotions over the years, believes that this shift has been beneficial for the industry.
“I think the indies have been a great thing for professional wrestling,” Steiner said. “They’ve allowed guys to be creative, to take risks, and to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable. And you know what? It’s been great for the business. I mean, look at guys like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and CM Punk – they all started out on the indies, and they went on to do great things in the WWE.”
The Legacy of WCW
While the WWE may have benefited from WCW’s demise, the legacy of the promotion lives on through its alumni. Steiner, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, is proud of his time in WCW. “I’m proud of what we accomplished in WCW,” Steiner said. “We were a team, a family, and we worked together to create something special. And you know what? I think that’s something that the WWE could learn from.”
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, who made his WWE debut in 2016 after a stint in the indies, the lack of competition has led to a sense of complacency in the WWE. “Cody’s always said that he wishes the WWE had more competition,” a source revealed. “He thinks that would push the company to be more innovative, to take more risks, and to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable. And you know what? I think he’s right.”
The Future of Professional Wrestling
As the professional wrestling industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the legacy of WCW will endure. While the WWE may have benefited from the promotion’s demise, the independent scene has provided a much-needed alternative. Steiner, who remains a beloved figure in the industry, is proud of what he accomplished in WCW, and his sentiments echo the sentiments of many in the industry who miss the competition.
“I think the industry is in a better place now than it was when WCW was around,” Steiner said. “There’s more diversity, more creativity, and more opportunities for guys to make a name for themselves. And you know what? I think that’s something to be proud of.”