As noted, WWE Hall of Famers Scott Hall and Kevin Nash were the guests on the most recent edition of “Legends With JBL” on the WWE Network. The trio discussed in detail what life was like in the wrestling business back in the ’90s, jumping ship to WCW, their motives behind leaving WWF, and of course, the formation of the New World Order.
This story has been told before by Eric Bischoff, but now it’s been confirmed by Kevin Nash and Scott Hall that Sting was originally penciled in as the back-up plan for the original nWo. To add context, back in 1996 Hulk Hogan had complete creative control over his character, and Nash specifically recalls that when he and Hall went down to the ring at the now-infamous Bash at the Beach pay-per-view, they still didn’t know if he would go through with the angle. The Outsiders were told by Bischoff that if the Hogan bailed on the idea at the last minute, Sting – who would of course go on to become one of the biggest rivals of the nWo and the icon of WCW – was ready to fill in, in what became arguably the most shocking moment in professional wrestling history.
It’s worth noting that Sting has been asked about this multiple times, and claims that he doesn’t remember it happening, although after years of Bischoff insisting that it did, he admits that much of wrestling during that point in his life has become a blur and he’s not necessarily the authority to talk to about backstage stories from 20 years ago.
Later on in the show, Hall also gave some insight into his personal demons and battle with sobriety. He admitted that working with the talent in NXT would be a “dream job” for him at this stage in his life, but he acknowledges what may be holding that back from becoming a reality right now.
“My dream job would be to be back in here. But I also realize, hey just getting clean – it needs to be a long series. I think the best thing I can do for me, is to show up places and be clear-headed. Because when I’m clear-headed my phone rings. I get opportunities. And now I can show up and not embarrass myself, or my friends that have been advocating for me. I’m not where I want to be, but I thank God that I’m not where I used to be. I’m okay, and I’m on my way.”
Definitely check out the “Legends With JBL” segment on the WWE Network, as it contains some excellent discussion on one of the more fascinating times in pro wrestling, and insight from two guys that fundamentally changed the business in so many different ways.
