In a recent interview with Wrestling Inc, WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW President Eric Bischoff revealed a fascinating piece of history surrounding the infamous New World Order (NWO) faction. The NWO, which Bischoff co-founded in 1996, was a groundbreaking and influential stable that shook the foundations of professional wrestling. At its core, the NWO was a group of anti-authority, hard-hitting wrestlers who embodied the spirit of rebellion and chaos.
Bischoff, a veteran of the wrestling industry with over four decades of experience, has been open about the creative decisions that shaped the NWO. In this latest interview, he shed light on an intriguing question that has puzzled fans for years: who was the WWE legend considered to be the third member of the NWO before Hulk Hogan joined the faction?
According to Bischoff, the honor of being the NWO’s third man was initially offered to none other than Diamond Dallas Page (DDP). Bischoff explained that DDP’s charismatic personality, wrestling prowess, and ability to connect with the audience made him an ideal candidate to join the NWO.
“Diamond Dallas Page was a great wrestler, and he had a great personality,” Bischoff stated. “He was someone we thought could really fit into the NWO dynamic. We were considering him as the third member before we ultimately decided to go with Hulk Hogan.”
For those who may not be familiar with Diamond Dallas Page’s background, the wrestler was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956. Page began his professional wrestling career in the late 1980s, working for various independent promotions and eventually landing a spot in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) roster. During his time in WCW, DDP gained a massive following for his high-energy performances, charismatic personality, and unapologetic honesty.
The NWO storyline, which began in 1996, was a masterstroke of creative genius. By pitting the established WCW wrestlers against a new, edgy faction, the promotion tapped into a deep well of fan frustration and disillusionment. The NWO’s anti-authority stance, coupled with their willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in professional wrestling, resonated with audiences worldwide.
Bischoff’s decision to consider DDP as the NWO’s third man highlights the wrestler’s enduring appeal and versatility. While DDP never officially joined the NWO, his character’s rebellious spirit and commitment to speaking his mind made him a natural fit for the faction’s ethos.
Fan reaction to Bischoff’s revelation has been mixed, with some expressing surprise that DDP was considered for the role and others arguing that the decision was a wise one. On social media, fans have been discussing the implications of this choice, with some suggesting that DDP’s involvement in the NWO would have altered the course of his career.
“Diamond Dallas Page was always a unique talent, and I can see why Bischoff would have considered him for the NWO,” tweeted @WrestlingFan123. “It’s fascinating to think about how his career might have turned out if he had joined the faction.”
Others have questioned whether DDP’s involvement in the NWO would have been a good fit for the faction’s dynamic.
“While DDP was an excellent wrestler, I’m not sure he would have worked well within the NWO’s structure,” wrote @WCWForever. “The NWO was all about chaos and rebellion, and DDP’s character was more focused on being a hero and a good guy.”
In conclusion, Eric Bischoff’s revelation about Diamond Dallas Page being considered for the NWO’s third man offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative decision-making process behind one of professional wrestling’s most iconic factions. While we’ll never know for certain how DDP’s involvement in the NWO would have played out, it’s clear that the wrestler’s charisma, wrestling ability, and rebellious spirit made him an attractive candidate for the role.
As we look to the future of professional wrestling, it’s worth considering how the NWO’s legacy continues to shape the industry. The faction’s influence can be seen in modern-day stables like The Shield and The Authority, both of which drew inspiration from the NWO’s anti-authority ethos.
In the end, the NWO remains an enduring symbol of professional wrestling’s power to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. As we continue to explore the rich history of this iconic faction, we’re reminded of the enduring appeal of its members, including Diamond Dallas Page, who remains a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling.
FAQ
Q: Who was considered to be the third member of the NWO before Hulk Hogan?
A: According to Eric Bischoff, Diamond Dallas Page was the WWE legend considered for the role.
Q: Why was Diamond Dallas Page considered for the NWO?
A: Bischoff praised DDP’s charisma, wrestling prowess, and ability to connect with the audience, making him an ideal candidate to join the NWO.
Q: What was the NWO’s significance in professional wrestling?
A: The NWO was a groundbreaking faction that embodied the spirit of rebellion and chaos, resonating with audiences worldwide and influencing modern-day stables like The Shield and The Authority.
Q: How did fan reaction to Bischoff’s revelation play out?
A: Fans have been discussing the implications of DDP’s consideration for the NWO, with some expressing surprise and others arguing that the decision was a wise one.
Q: What are the future implications of the NWO’s legacy?
A: The NWO’s influence can be seen in modern-day stables and creative decisions, highlighting the faction’s enduring appeal and significance in professional wrestling.