"What if" time mofos. The Kliq was such a vortex of politics, destruction, and talent that they completely changed the fortunes of two wrestling companies in the mid 90s. I have a tough time picking the most plausible scenario for this one, due to the unpredictability and political power of Nash, Hall, and HBK at the time. I'll be interested in what you guys have to say on it...
What if Nash and Hall never jump to WCW in 1996?
Things to consider:
- The power of the Kliq in the WWE, especially during 95-96. The Kliq essentially had free reign on the main event scene, a significant say on the pushs/burials of others, and an overall voice in the direction of business.
- Do Hall, Nash, and HBK lead the WWE into the Attitude Era instead of Austin? Does the Attitude Era ever happen without the NWO/WCW pushing the WWE into it out of necessity? Do guys like Austin, Mankind, and the Rock ever get put into prominent roles with the Kliq around doing Kliq things?
- Does business continue to stay down with The Kliq at the top of the card, or was that just a cyclical downturn in business?
- What happens to Bret Hart? Does he concede the WWE "civil war" to the Kliq, cut his losses and jump to WCW? Is he a main event "top guy" success in WCW without Nash and Hall there?
- The unintended consequence on Hulk Hogan. Hogans career was in the dumpster in WCW during 95-96. If the Outsiders/NWO never happens, what happens to Hogan? Does his career just fade away? Does he eventually turn heel out of necessity, and to what success?
- Does WCW ever reach a competitive level with the WWE without Nash and Hall? Did Uncle Eric have enough money, vision, and innovation to compete at the highest level without the NWO? Would he have found another money angle or was the NWO just a case of "a dead clock being correct twice a day" in regards to Bischoff?
There are numerous other things to consider. Just a jumpoff point. Go nuts.
What if Nash and Hall never jump to WCW in 1996?
Things to consider:
- The power of the Kliq in the WWE, especially during 95-96. The Kliq essentially had free reign on the main event scene, a significant say on the pushs/burials of others, and an overall voice in the direction of business.
- Do Hall, Nash, and HBK lead the WWE into the Attitude Era instead of Austin? Does the Attitude Era ever happen without the NWO/WCW pushing the WWE into it out of necessity? Do guys like Austin, Mankind, and the Rock ever get put into prominent roles with the Kliq around doing Kliq things?
- Does business continue to stay down with The Kliq at the top of the card, or was that just a cyclical downturn in business?
- What happens to Bret Hart? Does he concede the WWE "civil war" to the Kliq, cut his losses and jump to WCW? Is he a main event "top guy" success in WCW without Nash and Hall there?
- The unintended consequence on Hulk Hogan. Hogans career was in the dumpster in WCW during 95-96. If the Outsiders/NWO never happens, what happens to Hogan? Does his career just fade away? Does he eventually turn heel out of necessity, and to what success?
- Does WCW ever reach a competitive level with the WWE without Nash and Hall? Did Uncle Eric have enough money, vision, and innovation to compete at the highest level without the NWO? Would he have found another money angle or was the NWO just a case of "a dead clock being correct twice a day" in regards to Bischoff?
There are numerous other things to consider. Just a jumpoff point. Go nuts.