In a recent episode of The Ross Report podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross shared an intriguing story about how basketball legend Dennis Rodman nearly became a part of the WWE universe in 1997. The news has left wrestling fans wondering what could have been, had Rodman made the switch from WCW to WWE.
A Star-Crossed Meeting
According to sources close to the negotiations, Rodman was initially approached by WWE officials in the lead-up to WrestleMania 13. The plan was for Rodman to make his WWE debut as part of a high-profile storyline involving Goldust, who was set to face off against Bret Hart for the WWF Championship. The idea was to pair Rodman with Goldust, leveraging the latter’s flamboyant and androgynous persona to create a compelling narrative.
However, sources indicate that Rodman’s reputation and public image at the time proved to be a significant sticking point for WWE. The former NBA star’s erratic behavior and tumultuous personal life made him a high-risk signing, and WWE management ultimately decided against pursuing the deal.
A WCW Connection
Rodman’s eventual arrival in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996 marked a significant turning point in his career. Partnering with Kevin Sullivan’s Dungeon of Doom, Rodman quickly became a major player in the WCW storyline. His unorthodox style and unpredictable behavior made him a natural fit for the promotion’s edgy, hard-hitting approach.
In an interview with The Ross Report, Jim Ross reflected on the decision to pass on Rodman: “We thought he was a wild card, and we weren’t sure how he’d fit in with our product. WCW, on the other hand, was looking for someone to shake things up, and Dennis was the perfect candidate. He brought a level of unpredictability to the ring that was hard to find elsewhere.”
A What-If Scenario
The idea of Rodman competing in WWE during the mid-to-late 1990s is an intriguing one. Imagine a storyline pitting Rodman against the likes of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, or even The Undertaker – the possibilities are endless. Given Rodman’s charisma and showmanship, it’s easy to see why WWE was initially interested in signing him.
Sources close to the negotiations have revealed that WWE officials were particularly drawn to Rodman’s ability to connect with a younger demographic. With the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, WWE was looking for ways to tap into the growing popularity of extreme sports and celebrity culture. Rodman’s association with the NBA and his larger-than-life personality made him an attractive option.
An Alternate Reality
In the world of what-ifs, it’s fascinating to consider how Rodman’s WWE career might have played out. Would he have formed an alliance with Goldust, using his charisma to elevate the former Mr. Perfect to new heights? Or would he have clashed with other top stars, sparking a series of intense and memorable feuds?
One thing is certain – Rodman’s presence in WWE would have added a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to the promotion’s product. His departure for WCW marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the two major promotions, and it’s impossible not to wonder how things might have turned out had Rodman made the move to WWE.
Conclusion
The story of Dennis Rodman’s near-miss with WWE serves as a reminder of the what-ifs and maybes that litter the history of professional wrestling. While we’ll never know for certain how things would have played out, one thing is clear – Rodman’s arrival in WWE would have been a game-changer, bringing a level of energy and unpredictability to the promotion that would have been hard to match.
As Jim Ross so astutely put it, “Dennis Rodman was a wild card, and we weren’t sure how he’d fit in with our product. But in hindsight, it’s clear that he would have been a great addition to our roster.”