In the 1990s when Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, better known as The Outsiders, ran from the WWF to WCW. The event not only shook the foundation of professional wrestling but also laid the foundation for the creation of the legendary nWo alongside Hulk Hogan, the team that would rule WCW for years WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase recently built this transitional moment highlighted on his “Everybody’s Got” so A Pod” podcast aired, which focused on Hall and Nash’s thoughts during the early days of WCW
DiBiase reflected on the arrival of The Outsiders, describing them as having a strong determination to perfect themselves. “I get it, they’re full of piss and vinegar and they’re new and they want to show everyone who they are,” DiBiase said. “That’s good. But timing is everything.” This unstoppable enthusiasm and confidence was key to their identity, taking them to the top of the WCW hierarchy.
Creative Freedom and Locker Room Dynamics
WCW is often criticized for giving too much creative freedom to its top stars, and DiBiase’s comments suggest that the arrival of Hall and Nash increased this ability and that their fierce confidence and desire to make an impact left a mark which cannot be erased in the development. “They’re new and they want to show everyone who they are,” DiBiase commented, emphasizing the ambitious and slightly rebellious mindset that Hall and Nash bring to the table.
The Impact of Leadership Styles
DiBiase also offered an intriguing perspective on how different leadership might have altered The Outsiders’ trajectory in WCW. He pointed to “Cowboy” Bill Watts, a former WCW executive, as a figure who would have taken a much stricter approach with Hall and Nash. “Bill Watts would’ve stymied that crap. He’d have nipped it in the bud,” DiBiase asserted. “It’s kind of like ‘If you’re gonna work for me, you’re gonna work for me and you’re gonna do exactly what I tell you to do, and if you can’t do that? There’s the door.'”
This hypothetical scenario paints a picture of a WCW under Watts’ control where The Outsiders’ creative freedom might have been curtailed, potentially altering the course of wrestling history. DiBiase’s comments suggest that the success of The Outsiders and the nWo was in part due to the relatively lenient environment that allowed them to push boundaries and establish their dominance.
A Different Perspective Over Time
Interestingly, DiBiase noted that his relationship with Nash has evolved since those days. “I’ve gotten to know Nash a lot better,” he shared, indicating a shift from the initial friction that might have existed during their WCW tenure. DiBiase’s own role in WCW was not that of a full-time locker room member, which perhaps gave him a different vantage point on the dynamics within the company.
The interplay between Hall and Nash’s rebellious spirit and the overall environment in WCW created a perfect storm that enabled the nWo to thrive. DiBiase’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the backstage environment during one of wrestling’s most revolutionary periods.
Ted DiBiase’s reflections on The Outsiders’ early days in WCW provide a rich, nuanced understanding of the factors that contributed to their success. Their determination, coupled with the creative freedom they enjoyed, set the stage for one of wrestling’s most iconic eras. DiBiase’s commentary not only highlights the impact of Hall and Nash’s arrival but also invites contemplation on how different leadership styles might have changed the landscape of professional wrestling.
