15 Days That Changed Wrestling Forever (9)

9. WWF Buys WCW, March 23rd 2001

Such was the popularity of the WWF led by The Rock and Steve Austin, WCW died a few years later. A lot of this was down to McMahon’s action in seizing upon the new wave of wrestling popularity. Vince was cutting merchandise and franchise deals across the world. WCW instead stagnated, old time wrestlers obsessed with protecting their spot ensuring that the company had little potential development for new stars. The WWF in contrast was bringing on numerous new talent, including The Hardy Boyz, Trish Stratus, Kurt Angle and various others. The entire WWF roster was packed with new athletic performers. The show became unmissable.
WCW couldn’t compete and ratings were non-existent towards the end, the vast majority of people choosing to watch Monday Night Raw. Eventually Vince acquired the WCW franchise for a few million dollars. It was a sad reflection of how little value the once national giant had at its end.
McMahon was back as the main man in pro wrestling. He owned the industry again. Just like the 80′s however, a peak had been hit. After enjoying such pop culture dominance from 98 to 2001, business was about to go downward once again. The difference was that the company had got so big in the late 90′s it would never be vulnerable again. McMahon had sealed his status and fortune as an entertainment mogul. He owned the wrestling industry.