The wrestling world is abuzz with the upcoming release of the second part of “Who Killed WCW?” on VICE TV, scheduled to air on June 11. This docuseries seeks to uncover the reasons behind the dramatic downfall of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a company that once dominated the wrestling industry. While the first episode featured candid comments from wrestling legends like Bret “The Hitman” Hart, it’s the insights from “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair that have garnered significant attention. Flair recently took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his unfiltered thoughts on the true culprits behind WCW’s demise.
“I’ve tried to lay low on this, but let’s face it—who killed WCW? It’s a three-headed monster! Jim Herd, Eric Bischoff, and Vince Russo!!!” Flair declared emphatically. He continued, “There’s no individual wrestler or faction that caused anything to kill WCW. It was the people in charge that created dysfunction, animosity, and tried to divide and conquer by lying to everyone and involving themselves in the promotion, which was the ultimate failure! God, I could give you a thousand more examples. I am one to live through all three nightmares and to be saved by the [WWE]! Thank you to the WWE for bringing someone who was dead in the water as a result of these three people back to life!”
Flair’s Experience with Jim Herd
Flair’s animosity towards Jim Herd is well-documented. Herd’s tenure as WCW Executive Vice President was marked by controversial decisions and conflicts with top talent. One of the most infamous incidents was Herd’s decision to fire Flair in 1991 after Flair refused to take a pay cut and be repackaged as “Spartacus,” a drastic and ill-conceived gimmick change. This fallout led to Flair’s first stint with WWE, where he found a much more stable and respectful environment.
Clashes with Eric Bischoff
I’ve Tried To Lay Low On This But Let’s Face It- Who Killed WCW? It’s A Three-Headed Monster! Jim Herd, @EBischoff, And @THEVinceRusso!!! There’s No Individual Wrestler Or Faction That Caused Anything To Kill WCW. It Was The People In Charge That Created Dysfunction, Animosity,… pic.twitter.com/c949abS4A1
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 10, 2024
Eric Bischoff, who served as WCW President during its peak years, also found himself on Flair’s list of those responsible for WCW’s downfall. Despite Bischoff’s role in WCW’s initial success, including the introduction of the nWo (New World Order) storyline which revolutionized wrestling, his later decisions and personal conflicts with key talent, including Flair, contributed to an increasingly toxic backstage atmosphere. Flair’s real-life heat with Bischoff is legendary, stemming from power struggles and differing visions for the company.
The Russo Era
The final name in Flair’s “three-headed monster” is Vince Russo, whose tenure as head writer for WCW was marked by erratic booking and controversial storylines. Russo’s approach to storytelling was often criticized for being chaotic and nonsensical, leading to a further decline in the company’s product quality and viewership. Flair’s disdain for Russo’s booking style was so profound that he expressed relief when WCW ultimately shut down in 2001.
The Ultimate Failure
Flair’s scathing critique highlights a recurring theme: the leadership failures at the top levels of WCW. According to Flair, it wasn’t the wrestlers or on-screen factions that led to WCW’s downfall, but rather the decisions and behaviors of those in charge. The dysfunction, animosity, and divisive tactics employed by Herd, Bischoff, and Russo created an untenable working environment that eroded the company’s foundation.
Gratitude to WWE
Flair’s post wasn’t just about casting blame; he also expressed gratitude towards WWE for reviving his career. “Thank you to the WWE for bringing someone who was dead in the water as a result of these three people back to life!” Flair’s sentiment underscores the stark contrast between his experiences in WCW and WWE, the latter of which provided him with stability and respect, allowing him to cement his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.