Five Reasons WWE COULD Bring Back WCW

With rumors swirling due to a few WCW-related trademarks filed by WWE, Steve looks at WHY WWE could bring back the old WCW brand... and why that probably ain't gonna happen.
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[@ColeJohnson-pn7en]

Love wrestling! With that being said, I cant take much more

[@charlieramondt]

Yea we already got wwe tna aew new japan cmll aaa ring of honor en nwa its to much. I forget dpw

[@navtektv]

This is true. I can't even find the time to get into NXT despite only watching WWE main roster and nothing else. Oh Heatwave was amazing? better than MITB? yeah, I only have so much free time in my day mate.

[@MahkyVmedia1]

​@@charlieramondtdon't forget the subway wrestling fed lol

[@siriswarrior]

Same. I already don't watch everything.

[@Aryonwilica218]

I’m only able to watch the 3 nights of wwe now cause I been out of work for a few months once I go back I have to give up two nights I agree I can’t take anymore specially with the ppvs

[@Mr_Oggie]

When looking at the changes with Impact/TNA this year: changing name back to TNA, Scott D'Amore leaving, changing their upper management, all this crossover stuff suddenly out of nowhere... it seems in the realm of possibility that WWE/TKO might have bought TNA back in January

[@JETSFAN2017]

I was thinking if they used WCW as the rebranded TNA or use it as a forbidden door brand. Basically AEW but probably booked and produced way better.

[@javyirizarry]

I am convinced they purchased TNA at some point. Not sure about the timing though. WCW is still a more valuable brand name/IP than TNA. They could bring back WCW Nitro (and maybe Thunder later on) with a Cruiserweight division (X-Division) also leveraging TNA and/or ECW IP. For example, PPVs could be Starrcade, Halloween Havoc, Bash at the Beach, SuperBrawl, Bound for Glory, ECW One Night Stand, etc.

[@Daskamania]

I wouldn't mind if they brought WCW back, but they have to properly, and make it feel different from RAW or Smackdown.

[@marcalspratley1212]

I totally agree

[@javyirizarry]

THIS!!!

[@bingbangboomxx]

WCW could possible be used as an "International" brand to do wrestling shows around the world and have their talent show up. Would be a way to do the whole NXT Europe without keeping it just in Europe.

[@timothybolt565]

If they did this the draft would actually make more sense

[@javyirizarry]

I wouldn’t make WCW part of the draft. Make it more special by having meaningful separate jumps when it makes a lot of sense storyline wise, like how they got Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. Limit those jumps to be very few and far in between so we feel they are two separate companies/promotions.

[@donaldclay3872]

I just thought about it….. wwe doesn’t have enough wrestlers

[@redtube8667]

Remember when WCW took over Raw in WWE 12? That'd be a cool storyline irl tbh

[@nipuncdg]

WcW used to be a big thing in India in the late nineties and early 2000...I still remember Cartoon Network converting to TNT at 8pm those days....those days were gold

[@timowens1989]

I've said for years that it's crazy to own such a popular IP and just let it collect dust.

[@Filmation77]

Its interesting that the big wrestling companies now have Multi-brands WWE has Raw ,Smackdown,NXT and maybe WWE Speed .AEW has Rampage Collision and "ROH" under the Signature Dynamite series. But youre right that WCW would need those still living WCW talents to be the Transitional players to grandfather the brand new WCW talent. Like what they tried to do with WWE's "ECW"

[@andrewmettler2228]

Why is it that every time WWE files these trademarks to use for NXT shows people always jump to the conclusion that they're bringing back WCW and not just, you know, using them for NXT shows?

[@Keepinspirin]

Facts ☝️ ☝️ ☝️ ☝️

[@javyirizarry]

Because many of us have been wanting WCW back since 2001. That’s how powerful that brand is. Is like if Marvel had purchased DC and stop making stories about Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc. A whole universe destroyed.

[@TheRichardMorse]

I’m calling it now next year 2025 WWE are gonna have a Monday Nitro 30th Anniversary Tribute Show

[@AlexanderKahrs]

Love the idea of an NXT New Blood Rising PLE, even if the storyline you suggested makes me think of the ECW Originals vs New Breed angle 😬😂

[@bingbangboomxx]

Should do a Countout for top 10 WCW talent used well by WWE. Excluding wrestlers such as Hogan, Nash and Hall who were already established in WWF previously. Could be an interesting list.

[@J.austinbrown]

As long as they don’t bring it back with any of the new logos/branding of WCW

[@Ra_773]

Would 100% love that! With the size of the roster they have it could work

[@humble_8574]

For nostalgic purposes, this would be a great financial move for WWE. Especially with TBS/TNT, who do not want to come off any money for AEW.

[@Keepinspirin]

What ???

[@JeffHardyfan316]

NXT UK was such a special show. Their Takeover ppv's were so ground breaking & fun & exciting to watch. 😀

[@TheKevinNewsom]

Bring back WCW! So many "competitors" are trying to be like World Championship Wrestling. It's time to bring back the real thing.

[@WhoCaresAnymoreTho]

If they did bring it bk id start watchin wrestling again

[@Keepinspirin]

No you want because you can watch wrestling now???

[@DoWorkSon86]

Hey Steve great video, I like this idea of bringing back WCW as another brand. WWE does have a lot of wrestlers with only so much tv time. I think this would help with getting more wrestlers involved in storylines who have nothing going on like Corbin & Crews. I could totally see WWE reviving WCW in some shape or form one day.

[@850bigboy]

i could definitely see nxt using the name "new blood rising" as a ple or for a big tv event because it's self explanatory

[@daxmoney5011]

If WCW comes back as a Netflix show that would be crazy

[@MrUnderstoodxx]

Please bring a WCW show back

[@Orochimaul]

love when the stream has doggo cam

[@doylemurphy152]

He did not mention the biggest reason, Vince is gone.

[@nipuncdg]

I got a WcW Monday Nitro T Shirt, I bought it from the WWE merchandise India website ...I kept it as souvenir

[@JOEYFMISFIT]

I really dug this video friendo. As well as the ideas. I’d dig the hell out of a WCW revival especially on Netflix. And I don’t think there’s a wrestler who make a better WCW champion than LA KNIGHT. YEEEEEAAAH.

[@bobby_the_ps2]

NXT likes using a lot of WCW and ECW PPV for the nostalgia. Last year's Heatwave got me to watch the og Heatwaves and i wore an ECW Heatwave shirt to Heatwave this year. Honestly wouldn't mind seeing more old WCW style PLEs on NXT

[@Weaponx8]

Oh man I would love that but it’ll be wrestling overload lol already tough to watch Raw and Smackdown based on my work and just starting to get into NXT. Maybe do a one night stand ECW style would work

[@JackpotToys]

Seems like we all have plenty of not too much wrestling. I already only watch the event shows, and get caught up on segments here and there, and watching the friendos. More title changes more often (not to cheapen titles) but to have more unexpected things like LA Knight having a belt for a little run, getting beat, maybe winning back etc would be fine

[@Lature2000]

I like what you're cooking Steve...The NXT call up factor makes it a really good idea to expand to a WCW standalone brand...Fox can have their Friday Night Nitro!!!

[@Keepinspirin]

😂😂😂😂 bruh fox doesn't even want wwe programming 🤦🤦🤦🤦

[@javyirizarry]

@@KeepinspirinWrong! They just didn’t want to pay as much for RAW or SmackDown. FOX would be more than happy to pay $100-$200M per year for Nitro.

[@TurnbuckleTalksProductions]

Steve do u have any tips on what microphones to use for starting KZbin? Thanks 💯

[@ezekielcaselton5842]

@4:40 "Make a new brand so everyone can get TV time." I'll never get why ppl think everyone has to be on TV regularly. We don't even have "jobbers" anymore. Everything is 50/50 and everyone is presented as a future champ.

[@craiggerhardstein7305]

AEW will bring in local talent as jobber when they need too and WWE used to do this in the 80's and early 90s

[@rodi3332]

Is it me or is there a buzz on the audio?

[@jacobrubin3580]

There is

[@hamishjarvis]

Ooooooh man I’m so excited Says it all in the title

[@freddycougar7156]

I thought NXT should've been branded as WCW when it first launched. Especially with how NXT started, being more of a reality/contest show, getting away from the 'NXT' name would've been good (although I've been proven wrong on that point). It still would've been cool if they kept the WCW history going. They use a lot of the old WCW ppv's in NXT so I guess that's a way to keep it alive.

[@Rodderz1992]

I do wonder if this is more likely with them not combining the World Heavyweight lineages together.

[@Psycho-Crusher693]

Would they have all the kids of the old wcw wrestlers as the roster Bron Breakker should be the first wcw champ

[@mariorickman321]

When wwe goes back doing ppv on sunday they should bring back Saturday night main event on TV

[@JonathanH71]

My hunch new blood rising has something to do with the Bloodline. Also with The Match Beyond originally the final stage of WarGames and no January PLE as Royal Rumble is in February do you think it’s possible that January could have a one off WarGames PLE called New Blood Rising headlined with the Bloodline WarGames match?

[@JulesEAbril]

it would instantly make AEW the #3 promotion in America lol

[@GlamorousJarl30]

I'm getting burnt out with just AEW and the two main roster shows of WWE, I don't want any more!

[@javyirizarry]

You don’t have to watch! Let others have fun.

[@Gaara11990]

Buff is out there too hanging with DDP so don’t forget him.

[@WhoCaresAnymoreTho]

😂😂

[@THEREALTJP]

I think it'll be cool if WWE brought back WCW by, buying out TNA Wrestling & combining it with NXT. #HotTake

[@ryanconnor9846]

Probably not gonna happen, but a easy way for them to make WCW a new brand is to have it on Netflix on Wednesdays, all wwe content will be on Netflix internationally so you'd only have to find a broadcaster for the USA if you wanted it off Netflix. what id like to see happen is have Raw dropped down to 2 hours, WCW at 2 hours and smackdown at 2 hours which will even out the roster spread and stop audience burn out.

[@Centrifuze]

I get that NXT is the one to use some of the old WCW PPV names, but you don't think that New Blood Rising is for the New Bloodline? They just pinned the Universal Champion, so they're literally on the rise.

[@PLAYSTATIONSQWAD]

I would love WWE to bring back WCW! My favorite episodes was all of them with the NWO black and white

[@kelseykjarsgaard5774]

I doubt it

[@anxofernandez3344]

I really doubt it'll be done with WCW but some of those ideas are interesting. I don't think it's clear what's gonna happen with Level Up and Main Event after January, maybe they could go on KZbin and/or the CW app. I believe the deal with MSNBC for SmackDown included a few NBC specials; maybe they'll be named after WCW PPVs, NXT does it a lot. Having a KZbin exclusive show, one on X, one on the CW app, on TikTok and even on Facebook again like the Mixed Match Challenge may not be a bad idea and I wouldn't be surprised to see it. I also think the solution to the large roster will be sending some talent on excursions to TNA, All Japan, Noah, Marigold and whatever other companies they do business with. And also they'll keep firing wrestlers and letting contracts run out.

[@javyirizarry]

The deal with Netflix is only for RAW in the U.S. WWE PLEs will be on Netflix on international markets only. The deal with Peacock still has a couple of more years to go (2027) and that includes NXT Lvl Up and Main Event.

[@CrimsonIdol92]

Those will probably become nxt events, just like the others.

[@bobbythommo]

As soon as you said those trademarks I just thought of the bloodline

[@jamesphillips7885]

One of the 2 big shows should be a wcw show. Have the flagship show wwe, and the b show wcw.

[@goatbrook9065]

Buy tna and make it wcw ok boom, Andrade first wcw champion or aj styles or sum, that would be kinda cool💀

[@javyirizarry]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!

[@toonboy2k]

Why not do WCW like NWA Power, like what WCW World wide was, would be a lot of fun.

[@javyirizarry]

That could be a 1 hour show like WWE Main Event is. For WCW Nitro to be a real main roster brand they’d need to tour and fill similar arenas.

[@TurtleDustin]

If WCW came back as a women's brand than sure. There's a lot of ladies who have no time. I always prefer Thunder & Saturday Night names over Nitro. The red orange color theme didn't help

[@Pittsburghkid6]

What about a legends wrestling show? Like the PGA does with the senior circuit?

[@KyleFromSouthPark1995]

They should just buy TNA

[@JayRasheed718]

They COULD bring back WCW but it wouldn’t get the respect the name deserves just because theres already a lot of wrestling on tv. We’re over 20 years removed from the last nitro and invasion angle and the younger audience look to the 2010s as their throwback era, some people look back at the ruthless aggression era like how I look at the attitude era but they don’t remember WCW. To bring it back it would need the respect and care given to Raw and smackdown. Also it wouldn’t be right airing it on Tuesday or Wednesday..I doubt they would bring back thunder as the flagship show so Thursdays out and Fridays go to smackdown..there’s no room on the calendar year for it.

[@javyirizarry]

RAW on Mondays, Nitro on Tuesdays, NXT on Wednesdays, Thunder on Thursdays and SmackDown on Fridays. I don’t see anything wrong with this.

[@JayRasheed718]

@@javyirizarry don’t get me wrong I started watching wrestling with WCW so I would love to see it come back successfully but you’re probably a fan that doesn’t get enough of wrestling and can keep up and while nothings wrong with that, I personally would find it tiring to keep up with all that AND what’s going on elsewhere week after week. Technically it would work as far as scheduling in the week but I don’t think the ratings will be high enough to sustain it for that long and I just don’t wanna see it fail.

[@javyirizarry]

@@JayRasheed718 AEW Dynamite’s initial rating was 1.4M viewers (October 2, 2019). I think there are enough eyeballs that want to watch more high-quality wrestling as long as it keeps them engaged with compelling stories and characters. The only reason AEW viewership has plummeted down to ~700K is because they lack both in a consistent way. Many people said the same thing when NXT started to have a weekly show, and while NXT will never reach these high numbers by design (their roster is developmental talent not main stars), their audience has been growing. In addition, I’m not sure how much viewership matters if the show is on a streaming platform (we will find out soon enough next year with RAW on Netflix). At least that competitive factor with other wrestling shows will not take place.

[@JayRasheed718]

@@javyirizarry while your right that’s still a number that fell off in the following weeks bro, it’s the casual viewers bringing in the big numbers, core wrestling fans are the numbers we see today on any given weekday not following a debut show…debut shows almost always do big numbers if properly promoted and made interesting, casual viewers don’t stick around week after week.

[@user-zs3hd3bg3w]

I’d like if they brought back nitro as the brand that’s more kinda like AEW based with great matches, more blood etc just with better stories lol.

[@TacomaStreetcarDisaster]

I only have so much free time, man. I can't handle another weekly show.

[@DoihaDX]

IF they do bring back WCW as a new show, don't film it at the Performance Center. They could rent/buy or even build a new place down south. Give it its own vibe.

[@MrSynister167]

If they do revive WCW and they put it on Netflix on Wednesday's and have Eric Bischoff as the GM. Then have him for 83 weeks straight (to start off) say they beat AEW in the ratings. LoL

[@djmistiso]

This is actually far more brilliant than you think it may be…☺️

[@javyirizarry]

This is actually an amazing idea.

[@allencollins5666]

WCW Would Beat WWE In The Ratings Too. They Would Kill The WWE As Long As Someone Who Don’tCater To The Smarks Run WCW. Eric Bischoff Should Have Full Control & WCW Should Be Owned By Someone Who Doesn’t Cater To The Smarks. While WCW Owning AEW In The Ratings, Everyone Will Say Look Out WWE. You’re Dead. WCW Ratings Would Be Higher Than The WWE Before 83 Weeks.

[@dashohebein]

Let's hope they don't bring it back. It's for almost 25 years, it wouldn't be the same.

[@javyirizarry]

It doesn’t have to be the same, but different than RAW or SmackDown. There is a lot of connective tissue between the original WCW and now. Cody Rhodes, Bron Breakker (Steiner), Charlotte Flair, just to name a few.

[@SantaFeSuperChief1]

Yeah can't wait for Sega to release the Dreamcast 2 it's happening trust me man

[@LoganProductions54]

Wasn't NXT (Black and Gold) originally going to be a rebooted WCW?

[@javyirizarry]

No. That was never the plan.

[@AussieDragoon]

If you're going to bring it back under a WCW star, why Nash instead of Booker T. Wouldn't the guy who's around week to week make more sense?

[@TheBasedDonHoly]

Cuz Nash is the cool guy not Booker

[@AkrimTabbouli]

There is definitely a way to do it that could be a huge hit, but you have to really commit to it. Live show against AEW dyanamite on Fox. John Cena turns heel and creates the NWO night one! The only place to watch Cena would be on WCW television as Hollywood John. Build a cruiserweight division built around Rey and Dom. Get some good technical wrestlers chad gable/roderick strong/josh alexander. CM Punk....

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

Aew should bring back dark and dark elevation

[@PaulBrailsford]

But did you watch? And would you watch?

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

@@PaulBrailsford yes I will watch it if Aew brings it back

[@murray1978]

Does WWE have enough wrestlers to have a RAW, SMACKDOWN, NXT and WCW brand? It would put a strain on the creative team but it would help more wrestlers and creative members get jobs.

[@javyirizarry]

You can hire more writers and producers.

[@ad206]

🎶 Leave the memories alone 🎶

[@BigmanDogs]

I do think that WCW even has name value among younger fans like me who didnt actually grow up with it. Because we think the 'idea' and aesthetic of WCW is cool.

[@ItsZX619]

Not gonna wait for the next Hot Takes just gonna drop this which has been on my mind since mitb... The feud between Drew Vs Punk Already hit a hype limit the mitb wasn’t that much necessary but it looks to me They sacrificed the briefcase just to connect Seth and Punk for the next feud well ok that Didn't break the limiter for Drew Vs Punk few but you know what could 😂 Giving Drew the "Broken Dream" back and maybe maybe for night give punk "Fire Burns" back as well 💀 aight im out

[@A85ramos]

I get that the product is HOT, but wwe doesn't want to find out the hard way that there is only so much people want to watch consistently and or be able to sustain financially another show. Even if their is a WCW style that differentiates it from everything else (wce style is not a thing, especially in 2024)

[@AStupidID]

I'd love to see it. Think itd be a great idea. But dont think they would be smart enough to do it.

[@Ozzie_1986]

LWO is on raw steve

[@WrestleJuice]

🤷‍♂️

[@_.El._]

Sounds good on paper but it would never work, it’ll feel way too WWE (even if WWE is good at the moment). To bring back WCW they would need to be their own brand so to speak.

[@dc-og3zz]

I don't think WWE is bringing back WCW. Before AEW did Beach Break, their first special was "Bash at the Beach" because WWE failed to renew the trademark. I think this is just WWE protecting their IP. We'll probably see some WCW themed specials in the future, maybe some DLC for WWE 2K, and merch for WWEShop

[@ludwigvanbubthoven5692]

I do not want to see WCW, ECW, WCCW, or any other deceased brand return. My worst fear is that WWE is going to over saturate the market and end up like Disney's Marvel and Star Wars brands. Please, WWE, quality over quantity.

[@C12omega]

nxt and tna merge and becomes WCW it could work

[@javyirizarry]

I think they can leverage TNA talent and some IP to make this new WCW, but NXT needs to stay as it has been doing a formidable job to create new stars.

[@KAPTAINmORGANnWo4eva]

Nah they're using WCW's IP better now than ever before and between Raw, Smackdown, and NXT they're doing a good job with revolving booking where people go in and out of spots on the card organically. The only thing I might see value in is if they make all the NXT major shows have the names of WCW and ECW PPVs (except probably not "Barely Legal") and theme them appropriately. As an example, NXT could have an annual "StarrCade" as WWE's version of Forbidden Door where they do the whole international tournament thing from (I think) StarCade 1994 (?) as an excuse to have Japanese and Mexican stars come in like for the CWC and MYC. And there aren't really any WCW alumni worth bringing in other than maybe Jeff Jarrett since mostly everyone else is either retired or out of stuff to do in WWE like Goldberg.

[@RoyalKong54]

WCW has a special place in my heart, but it was more of a train wreck than a giant success. I wouldn't be surprised to see WCW show names being used as NXT special episodes. CW would eat that up.

[@aWhitebrownie]

WCW Wednesday Night Hog Wild

[@ryanallan3742]

Oo i would love it if they already had a tv with turner and thats why aew hasn’t been renewed yet haha

[@trevorbower4716]

They could go to ted turner

[@craighaley1658]

In terms of evidence, the whole "New Blood Rising" thing is an enormous stretch. A one off ppv during WCW's last gasps? I had no idea it existed. I'm willing to bet a strong 98% of fans out there didn't either. You could chalk it up to WWE renewing old trademarks they'd forgotten they'd owned. I mean, it's not like there isn't precedent for TK swooping up ppv names that WWE had let lapse. I'm looking at you Bash at the Beach!

[@BigmanDogs]

I think one time to have brought back the WCW branding would have been when they cancelled NXT Black and Gold.

[@f7or1n]

Ive been wanting a main roster 3rd brand for a long time, guys like AJ styles, Nakamura, Randy, etc could benefit to be champion there and not be puppets of smackdown anymore

[@Smart-Towel-RG-400]

4th brand u mean .. nxt

[@f7or1n]

@@Smart-Towel-RG-400 NXT is not a main roster, thats the rookie roster

[@Ryan-vg4wn]

Bring back the ridiculous wcw ring

[@Smart-Towel-RG-400]

instead of a weekly show they could do a monthly show with with quarterly or semi annual PLE's

[@dannyfonseca7856]

WCW will work without Wwe need to sell to another wrestling promoter to make it great!

[@karstennouwens4358]

Bring WCW back to business

[@seanqualey8024]

It can also be changed to women's championship wrestling where all the women can get together and have their own program.

[@bremy1948]

NOPEEEEE

[@PaulBrailsford]

Never gonna happen. If they didn’t do it when they had the Network pre-Peacock, they’re never doing it

[@_.El._]

I mean I hate to blame Vince some more but…Vince 😂

[@strifenineteen]

Also they have more talent on staff now then they did then

[@javyirizarry]

And Endeavor is known for growing businesses exponentially and using resources (IP) well.

[@VarangianVigilante]

CM Punk vs Kevin Nash will main event "Bash at the Rehab Centre"

[@stranger21077]

I feel like my plate is full right now. There is wrestling on tv 6 days out of the week.

[@terencecaron2922]

problem is wwe already has programming on monday, tuesday, friday, saturday for main roster PLE, sunday for NXT PLE. Basically that means counter programming Dynamite, and we saw how that went for nxt

[@lemonlover4205]

What about Thursday?

[@javyirizarry]

They countered Dynamite (AEW’s flagship show with major stars like Jericho and Ambrose) with their developmental brand, resident in a 300 max people place in Orlando. It’s not the same as going head to head with a main roster touring brand. Plus if it’s on Netflix or Prime viewership does not even matter.

[@bobbybrandon584]

WCW in the PC with a Saturday Night inspired set?

[@bremy1948]

And shut down aew and put mjf will ospreay Kenny omega cm punk jey uso and associate WCW with wwe

[@mrcaptain9333]

WCW nitro replaces raw on USA network