For sports historians and wrestling fanatics alike, 1998 holds an iconic seat in professional wrestling history, especially for World Championship Wrestling (WCW). It was a year that saw the promotion reach unprecedented highs, both in storyline creativity and viewership, with moments that fans still revisit over two decades later.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. While the promotion basked in the glory of its booming popularity, behind the scenes, cracks began to form—setting the stage for an eventual decline. This blog will dissect the significance of WCW in 1998, its meteoric rise, the creative decisions that made headlines, and ultimately the factors that led to its downfall.
Dive in with us as we unravel the story of 1998 WCW INC 9805, a year that shaped professional wrestling in ways still felt today.
The Rise of NWO and Its Impact on WCW
What comes to mind when you hear “WCW in 1998”? For many, it’s the infamous New World Order (NWO) storyline. The NWO faction, introduced in 1996, continued to dominate throughout 1998, redefining how factions were portrayed in professional wrestling and pulling in record-breaking viewership numbers.
Led by Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Hulk Hogan, the NWO grew into one of the most compelling factions in wrestling history. By 1998, the storyline had evolved, splitting the group into factions such as NWO Hollywood (Hogan’s faction) and NWO Wolfpac (Nash’s faction). This internal rivalry not only heightened intrigue but also allowed WCW to stretch out the NWO’s relevance for another year, turning it into must-watch television.
The NWO feud changed WCW’s audience dynamics. It brought in fans who were captivated by its mix of realism and chaos. The faction’s “invasion” angle felt unpredictable, blurring the lines between scripted television and genuine hostility. Ratings soared to new heights, with the promotion experiencing peak viewership during Nitro episodes in the Monday Night Wars.
However, critics argue this storyline became overextended, with too many wrestlers shoehorned into the group and a lack of coherent resolutions. Either way, there’s no denying that NWO was a massive part of the WCW machine in 1998.
Key Events and Matches of 1998
Few years in professional wrestling boast such a collection of iconic matches and events as WCW 1998. Here are some of the standout highlights:
1. Sting vs. Hollywood Hogan – SuperBrawl VIII
While their original storyline peaked in late 1997, the SuperBrawl VIII rematch saw Sting regain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. This event marked one of the final moments fans saw Sting as the leader of WCW’s resistance before creative decisions shuffled him into less prominent roles.
2. Goldberg’s Undefeated Streak
This was the year Bill Goldberg became a phenomenon. His meteoric rise to superstardom culminated on July 6, 1998, when he defeated Hulk Hogan on Nitro to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. The atmosphere that night, set in Atlanta, cemented Goldberg’s match as one of WCW’s most memorable moments, with his undefeated streak becoming a hallmark of dominance.
3. Halloween Havoc 1998 – DDP vs. Goldberg
Halloween Havoc 1998 saw Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) face Goldberg for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in what many consider Goldberg’s best match. Despite interruptions in the pay-per-view’s broadcast airing, critical reception highlighted the storytelling and athleticism between these two stars.
4. Bash at the Beach 1998
The main event saw Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman face Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone, blending sports entertainment with celebrity culture. While this match drew mixed reactions, it further showcased WCW’s ability to grab mainstream attention.
These matches and events represent just a fraction of WCW’s historic offerings during 1998.
Behind the Scenes at WCW in 1998
While WCW was busy delivering groundbreaking storylines on-screen, the situation behind the curtain was far more convoluted. The management and creative team, led by Eric Bischoff, walked a fine line between innovation and chaotic decision-making.
Bischoff’s strategy to beat WWE often relied heavily on expensive contracts for established stars. Wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall were given significant creative control, which often led to disjointed storytelling. Additionally, homegrown talents like Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero struggled to get the spotlight, sparking frustrations that would later contribute to their departures.
Another issue brewing in 1998 was the oversaturation of programming. WCW expanded its shows, adding Thunder alongside Nitro, creating an unsustainable schedule for both talent and creative teams. While initially ambitious, the cracks in allocating compelling content across multiple weekly shows began to surface.
Despite these behind-the-scenes challenges, WCW remained a powerhouse in 1998. But the seeds of its future downfall were quietly being sown.
The Beginning of the End
Although WCW experienced an incredible peak in 1998, this year also marked the start of the company’s decline. Ratings, while still high, began to falter toward the end of the year due to repetitive storytelling, overbooked matches, and a bloated roster.
Some key challenges included:
- Creative Stagnation: Prolonged storylines, particularly with the NWO, began losing their spark, alienating viewers who craved fresh narratives.
- Mismanagement of Talent: Promising stars like Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio received minimal creative focus, while older stars dominated the main event scene.
- Financial Overspending: Lavish contracts and unsustainable spending on production left WCW with dwindling profits despite strong viewership.
By the end of 1998, WWE began gaining ground. Programs like Raw Is War showcased a younger roster, edgier storytelling, and rising stars such as The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, marking a shift in momentum during the Monday Night Wars.
The Legacy of WCW 1998 on Wrestling
Despite its challenges, WCW in 1998 had an undeniable impact on professional wrestling’s evolution. The promotion revolutionized storytelling through faction wars, brand-building, and mainstream attention that paved the way for wrestling’s future.
Stars like Goldberg, Sting, and Chris Jericho solidified their legacies, while the NWO remains one of the most iconic storylines in wrestling to this day. Additionally, WCW’s influence forced WWE to innovate, leading to the Attitude Era—a period still regarded as a golden age in wrestling.
For fans and historians, WCW’s 1998 encapsulates the highs and lows of professional wrestling. Its audacity and ambition reshaped the industry, leaving memories that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Share Your Memories of WCW 1998
Were you one of the fans keeping up with Nitro and Thunder during WCW’s reign? Do Goldberg’s meteoric rise or the chaos of the NWO bring back nostalgia? Share your favorite memories and thoughts on WCW’s historic 1998 in the comments below.
