Schiavone worked in WCW’s commentary box then and was present throughout the tumultuous time the promotion went through in the early 2000s, with its ratings dwindling and fan interest fading.
In a chat with Kevin Sullivan of Sportskeeda Wrestling, Schiavone revealed that while many employees cried after the final show on 26th March, he instead drove off, feeling relieved that WCW had folded for good. However, Schiavone added that he was uncertain yet excited about what was next in store for him.
Schiavone further elaborated, claiming that he wasn’t angry or upset over WCW going out of business. He also disclosed that he had a feeling WWE wasn’t going to keep him and others from WCW around, which turned true a couple of days later when the promotion showed them the door.
Tony Schiavone details the backstage atmosphere in WCW during its final days
Tony Schiavone also opened up about how low the backstage morale was in the weeks leading up to the final episode of WCW Nitro. The AEW broadcaster revealed that everyone was talking about the company being either purchased by Vince McMahon or TBS dropping the show from its programming.
Schiavone blamed the declining ratings and toxic backstage situation on a lack of leadership role during a time in the company when it needed someone to hold the fort.
However, in hindsight, the fall of WCW allowed the emergence of AEW recently as an alternative and a genuine competition to WWE in nearly two decades.
Do you think WCW going out of business affected WWE’s creative direction in subsequent years? Do you want AEW to go head-to-head with WWE RAW as Nitro did? Sound off in the comments section below.
If any quotes are used from this article, please add a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling and embed the video.
0 votes
