In the annals of professional wrestling history, few eras shine as brightly as the "WCW Nitro" era, marked by legendary moments and a roster that boasted some of the biggest names in the industry. Among the stars who made the leap from WWE (then WWF) to WCW during this period was the enigmatic "Mr.
Perfect" Curt Hennig. Hennig's arrival in mid-1997 was greeted with great anticipation, and Tony Schiavone, the voice of WCW during that time, recently shared insights into the excitement that surrounded this significant defection.
During a recent episode of "What Happened When," Schiavone delved into the atmosphere at WCW when Curt Hennig made the switch. Hennig was not just any talent; he was a former Intercontinental Champion and a well-known figure in the wrestling world.
Schiavone revealed, "There was a lot of chatter of how big a star he was and how he would be so good for this company." It wasn't just the fans who were buzzing with excitement; those in the front office at WCW were equally enthusiastic.
They believed that Hennig's arrival would have a profound impact on the promotion. Schiavone recounted, "We all thought that it'd be a big win for us." The anticipation was palpable, as WCW looked to bolster its already star-studded roster with yet another marquee name.
Curt Hennig's WCW Highlights
Curt Hennig's tenure in WCW turned out to be a mixed bag, as he occupied a similar upper midcard position that he had in WWE. However, he did achieve some notable milestones during his WCW career.
In 1997, Hennig clinched the United States Championship, showcasing his in-ring prowess. Additionally, he formed a successful tag team with Barry Windham, with the duo capturing the WCW World Tag Team Championship in 1999. This achievement came during their time as members of the country music-themed stable, The West Texas Rednecks.
Hennig's legacy in WCW is a testament to the unpredictability of professional wrestling, where the potential for greatness doesn't always translate into the expected outcomes. Nevertheless, his presence in WCW during that pivotal era left an indelible mark on the promotion's history, reminding us that in the world of sports entertainment, surprises and twists are always around the corner.