In the chaotic world of professional wrestling, few moments stand out as seismic shifts that capture the industry’s imagination. One such moment was WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett’s return to WCW in 1999, an event that former WCW star Marcus “Buff” Bagwell recently reminisced about during his guest hosting stint on “The Snake Pit” with Jake Roberts. Bagwell’s insights provide a rare glimpse into the backstage dynamics and the excitement that Jarrett’s arrival generated.
A Big Moment for WCW
Reflecting on Jarrett’s return, Bagwell likened it to other significant acquisitions that WCW made during its peak years. “I’d put him right there with Macho [Randy Savage] coming, with Hulk Hogan coming, with The Nasty Boys coming. Same thing with Jeff Jarrett,” Bagwell said. “Him coming to WCW from the WWF was big and exciting, and we were excited.”
Jarrett’s return to WCW was indeed monumental. Having previously left WWF in 1996 for a one-year stint with WCW, Jarrett’s reappearance in 1999 came after a controversial exit from WWF. His departure was marked by a highly publicized incident at the WWF No Mercy pay-per-view in October 1999, where Jarrett, with his contract already expired, allegedly demanded a $200,000 payment from Vince McMahon to perform in his final match against Chyna. This move, perceived as holding McMahon “hostage,” added to Jarrett’s notoriety and made his return to WCW even more dramatic.
Jeff Jarrett’s Impact on WCW
Bagwell emphasized the positive reception Jarrett received from the WCW locker room. “Jeff is great, inside and out. Jeff was one of my good friends. Jeff was an absolute superstar,” Bagwell praised. He noted that Jarrett was seen as a significant addition to the roster, a former WWF star coming in to elevate WCW’s status. This sentiment underscores the competitive spirit between the two promotions during the Monday Night Wars, where acquiring talent from the rival company was both a strategic move and a morale booster.
The Competitive Landscape
During this period, WCW and WWF were engaged in an intense ratings battle, each trying to outdo the other with surprise signings and shocking storylines. Jarrett’s return to WCW was a part of this larger strategy. His arrival was not just a talent acquisition; it was a statement of intent from WCW to continue competing at the highest level. Bagwell’s comments highlight how Jarrett’s presence was meant to bolster WCW’s lineup, much like previous high-profile signings such as Hogan and Savage.
Legacy of Jeff Jarrett’s Move
Jarrett’s WCW tenure, however, was short-lived compared to his overall wrestling career. Despite the initial excitement, the turmoil within WCW and the eventual collapse of the company meant that Jarrett’s impact was somewhat overshadowed by the chaotic final years of the promotion. Nonetheless, Bagwell’s admiration for Jarrett’s character and his contributions remains clear. “He was one of those WWF guys that came to WCW to make us better,” Bagwell concluded, summarizing the mutual respect and camaraderie that defined Jarrett’s relationships in the locker room.
