In a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, AAA booker Konnan provided his perspective on the decline of WCW, assigning culpability to factors such as a discernible loss of motivation from Scott Hall and Kevin Nash following Sean “Syxx” Waltman’s exit from the company.
Below are some key excerpts from the podcast:
Discussing the responsibility for WCW’s downfall, Konnan said, “I never quite agreed with the notion that Hogan drove WCW into the ground. My belief has always been that [Scott] Hall and [Kevin] Nash were the primary catalysts. Interestingly, I opined that Eric [Bischoff] should have aligned himself more with Hogan rather than the others. In my view, they were the masterminds behind the innovative ideas. Their cool factor was undeniable. As for Hogan, I recall him expressing concern about being booed and struggling to rejuvenate his career. It was Kevin Sullivan and Eric who persuaded him to embrace this new villainous persona. They had to isolate him for fear he might change his mind or be influenced by others.”
On the subject of WCW’s decision to part ways with X-Pac/Sean Waltman, he shared, “When Waltman was let go, it made quite an impact because I was there and they were my friends. I remember seeing them in the arena, visibly upset. They were wearing button-down shirts and when they opened them, it revealed WWE shirts.”
Konnan further commented on the actions of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash after Waltman’s dismissal: “They were prepared to expose their WWE shirts in the wrestling ring as a show of support for X-Pac. But once Eric made the decision to fire X-Pac, they withdrew — they stopped contributing ideas, started showing up late, generally stopped participating. The rampant jealousy and backstabbing certainly contributed to the decline. As for Hogan, he was always more focused on his own interests.”
The New World Order (nWo), including Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Sean Waltman, were collectively recognized as members of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020.