Former WCW President Eric Bischoff revealed his favourite shocking moment from WCW Nitro’s history.
On the latest episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff named Lex Luger’s surprise appearance on the premiere episode of Nitro on September 4th, 1995, as the standout moment. Luger, who had been working for WWE since 1993 and was positioned as the next Hulk Hogan, made a strategic move to return to WCW.
Bischoff highlighted the impeccable execution of Luger’s appearance, as nobody in WWE was aware that he had already signed a deal with WCW. The surprise factor was crucial to the success of the moment. WCW’s announcers played up Luger’s appearance as if WWE was invading WCW, creating a buzz among the audience.
You know, I think it was tough to beat the Lex Luger moment. Not only because it was so well executed, nobody found out everybody in WWE thought he was still under contract. And I just knew that was going to be effective. So that to me is the highlight of the kind of stunts that I pulled.
According to Bischoff, Luger’s return to WCW was a game-changer that set the tone for future episodes of Nitro. It sent a message to the audience that they couldn’t afford to miss an episode because anything could happen. The element of unpredictability became a key selling point for Nitro, compelling fans to tune in live and be part of the experience.
Did Eric Bischoff Talk About Other Surprise Nitro Appearances?
Although Eric Bischoff said there were other noteworthy moments on WCW Nitro, such as Rick Rude’s surprise appearance, which Eric Bischoff has previously talked about, including the time Rick Rude called him after the Montreal screwjob looking to jump ship. Bischoff considered Luger’s return to be the highlight of the stunts he pulled off. The episode’s success relied on the flawless execution and the element of surprise, which kept the wrestling audience hooked.
But there’s the Rick Rude showing up on our show was definitely right up there but just not the biggest moment. And the thing with Luger is to set the tone subconsciously and probably consciously among some of the audience just sending the message to everybody that you cannot afford to miss an episode of Nitro because you don’t know what’s going to happen.
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