Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro | wrestling stories from the voice of the nWo | Bischoff | Schiavone | Flair | Austin

In this episode of Secrets of Nitro, Neal reflects on his close working relationship with Hulk Hogan at WCW, Hogan's famous heel turn at Bash at the Beach '96, and more. Part 2 coming soon!  ENDING SOON ON KICKSTARTER: THE HULK HOGAN STORY!  On the morning of July 24, 2025, the most famous professional wrestler in history – Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea – passed away in Clearwater, Florida. Within days, I started to receive correspondence from readers who asked if I would consider writing a biography on the 'Immortal One' himself. This was somewhat serendipitous because without much fanfare, I had already initiated such a project! In the wake of Bollea's death, however, it became clear to me that my untitled book – tentatively known as The Hulk Hogan Story – couldn't be adequately confined to a single volume. It is thus now my intention to develop a biographical trilogy on this most important subject – the first of its kind in the genre. That's right...three full-length books on the life, career and unparalleled cultural impact of Hulk Hogan! This groundbreaking series of books will be informed by over 100 exclusive interviews – not to mention the comprehensive research for which my books are already known. The final work will be available in paperback, audiobook and e-book formats, with a special hardcover edition – never again to be reprinted (!) – offered as a 'Kickstarter Exclusive' reward. Your pledges will support the substantial research, printing, shipping and other direct costs that are required in launching a project of this scope. Pledges of $30 or more allow backers to pre-order the books at a discounted rate (and unlock exclusive extras)!  The Hulk Hogan Story will be an impossibly comprehensive, detailed and fair examination of the highs - and lows - related to Hogan's four-plus decades in the spotlight. So what are you gonna do...when The Hulk Hogan Story runs wild on you?

JUST LAUNCHED ON KICKSTARTER: THE HULK HOGAN STORY!  On the morning of July 24, 2025, the most famous professional wrestler in history – Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea – passed away in Clearwater, Florida. Within days, I started to receive correspondence from readers who asked if I would consider writing a biography on the 'Immortal One' himself. This was somewhat serendipitous because without much fanfare, I had already initiated such a project! In the wake of Bollea's death, however, it became clear to me that my untitled book – tentatively known as The Hulk Hogan Story – couldn't be adequately confined to a single volume. It is thus now my intention to develop a biographical trilogy on this most important subject – the first of its kind in the genre. That's right...three full-length books on the life, career and unparalleled cultural impact of Hulk Hogan! This groundbreaking series of books will be informed by over 100 exclusive interviews – not to mention the comprehensive research for which my books are already known. The final work will be available in paperback, audiobook and e-book formats, with a special hardcover edition – never again to be reprinted (!) – offered as a 'Kickstarter Exclusive' reward. Your pledges will support the substantial research, printing, shipping and other direct costs that are required in launching a project of this scope. Pledges of $30 or more allow backers to pre-order the books at a discounted rate (and unlock exclusive extras)!  So what are you gonna do...when The Hulk Hogan Story runs wild on you?

BEYOND NITRO: Untold Stories from the WCW era...is now available in AUDIO format! Order NOW -> https://guyevansbooks.com/products/beyond-nitro-untold-stories-from-the-wcw-era-audiobook Synopsis Bestselling author Guy Evans ('NITRO') returns with a monumental 680-page volume on World Championship Wrestling, bringing to light scores of revelatory insights in the process. Informed by over 100 new interviews, hundreds of internal company documents, confidential corporate materials, and never-before-seen financial records, BEYOND NITRO goes to places that no pro wrestling book has! BEYOND NITRO is divided into three parts, as outlined below: Part 1: Untold Stories – a series of engrossing personal profiles of people with a unique connection to WCW; Part 2: Where The Big Boys Played – an examination of various aspects of the WCW story which often escape introspection, such as the byzantine nature of its corporate accounting system, the company's historical Southern lineage, and the impact of its pioneering production team; Part 3: A Wrestling Odyssey – a look at some of the changes which occurred in the wrestling business post-WCW, including a noticeable change to the mainstream wrestling style, the proliferation of what is sometimes called 'the wrestling bubble', and the phenomenon of WCW experiencing a 'second life' through the waves of '90s nostalgia. To supplement this rather weighty structure – and to break up the presentation more generally – six 'interlude' chapters are included of various lengths, ranging from incredibly detailed (e.g., 'Spiked!') to relatively direct in scope (e.g., 'Don't Touch That Dial'). In all cases, these 'interludes' relate to a theme (or set of themes) explored in the preceding chapter. In the process, the book is able to delve into some thrilling uncharted waters, relative to the world of late '90s WWF - and even TNA during the 2010s. BEYOND NITRO features exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. WCW President; Stuart Snyder, fmr. WWF President & COO; Keith Mitchell, legendary fmr. WCCW, WCW, TNA and AEW producer; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW head booker and wrestler; Jerry Jarrett, legendary wrestling promoter and booker; Kevin Kay, fmr. President of Spike Television; David Schwarz, fmr. Senior Vice President of Communications at Spike TV; Scott Fishman, Executive in Charge of Production at Spike TV; Eric Fleischer, fmr. Sr. Director of Consumer Insights, WWE; Christine Lawrence, fmr. Senior Director of Media Insights and Analytics, WWE; Michael Capretta, fmr. VP of Global Research and Insights, Warner Bros. Discovery; David Sahadi, fmr. Creative Director, WWE; Sami Callihan, fmr. Impact World Champion; Lash LeRoux, fmr. WCW wrestler; Scott Hudson, fmr. WCW announcer; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW feature producer and 'voice of the nWo'; Dick Cheatham, fmr. group controller for TBS; Jenni Sloan, designer of the nWo logo... And many, many, many more! Informed by the same attention to facts, research, analysis, drama and detail which made NITRO a bestseller, Beyond NITRO is finally here. It's a simply sensational sequel!

Recorded: 5/22/25 Neal and Guy return with Part 2 of their discussion about the new book 'BEYOND NITRO' - available now at Amazon and GuyEvansBooks.com! In this episode, Neal and Guy also discuss some of the changes that occurred in the wrestling business since the days of WCW, including the notable shift in the presentation of mainstream wrestling and, similarly, some of the changes in the underlying psychology of today's wrestling. So sit back, relax, and enjoy another great episode of Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro!  BOOK INFO BEYOND NITRO: Untold Stories from the WCW era is now available!  Order NOW -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF SynopsisBestselling author Guy Evans ('NITRO') returns with a monumental 680-page volume on World Championship Wrestling, bringing to light scores of revelatory insights in the process. Informed by over 100 new interviews, hundreds of internal company documents, confidential corporate materials, and never-before-seen financial records, BEYOND NITRO goes to places that no pro wrestling book has! For more -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF      

Recorded: 5/22/25 Neal and Guy return with an awesome discussion about the new book 'BEYOND NITRO' - available now at Amazon and GuyEvansBooks.com! This is Part 1...enjoy! BOOK INFO BEYOND NITRO: Untold Stories from the WCW era is now available!  Order NOW -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF SynopsisBestselling author Guy Evans ('NITRO') returns with a monumental 680-page volume on World Championship Wrestling, bringing to light scores of revelatory insights in the process. Informed by over 100 new interviews, hundreds of internal company documents, confidential corporate materials, and never-before-seen financial records, BEYOND NITRO goes to places that no pro wrestling book has! For more -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF    

*Recorded in late 2024* Originally recorded last year - and now released for the first time - Neal and Guy are joined by Scott Lansing, the visionary who captured the iconic footage from the last Monday Nitro!  As part of this fascinating conversation, Neal and Scott also share their thoughts on the conclusion of the Who Killed WCW? series. Enjoy!  BOOK INFO BEYOND NITRO: Untold Stories from the WCW era is now available!  Order NOW -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF SynopsisBestselling author Guy Evans ('NITRO') returns with a monumental 680-page volume on World Championship Wrestling, bringing to light scores of revelatory insights in the process. Informed by over 100 new interviews, hundreds of internal company documents, confidential corporate materials, and never-before-seen financial records, BEYOND NITRO goes to places that no pro wrestling book has! For more -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF

BEYOND NITRO: Untold Stories from the WCW era is now available!  Order NOW -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF SynopsisBestselling author Guy Evans ('NITRO') returns with a monumental 680-page volume on World Championship Wrestling, bringing to light scores of revelatory insights in the process. Informed by over 100 new interviews, hundreds of internal company documents, confidential corporate materials, and never-before-seen financial records, BEYOND NITRO goes to places that no pro wrestling book has! For more -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6S2PJNF

Neal and Guy talk Episode 2 of VICE's Who Killed WCW? series! BOOK INFO SITTING RINGSIDE, VOLUME 1: WCW DavidPenzerBook.com SYNOPSIS From 1995 to 2001, Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) famously battled Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for Monday night ratings supremacy. While on the WCW side, numerous autobiographical accounts have been written of the time period, relatively few participants witnessed the 'War' in its entirety. As the unmistakable 'voice of WCW' and its long-time ring announcer, David Penzer was featured on every episode of Monday Nitro and Thunder - the only on-screen personality in WCW to do so. Moreover, he witnessed the proceedings from the best seat in the house - ringside! In this candid, revealing and highly entertaining memoir, Penzer recounts his unlikely journey to the big-time - from his humble beginnings in South Florida to the lofty heights of WCW and the 'Monday Night Wars'. With an affable, engaging and self-effacing style, Penzer takes readers behind the curtain like never before, revealing both the personal and professional struggles he encountered in rising the ranks of a famously tough business. In Sitting Ringside Volume 1, Penzer also 'opens the vault' on a veritable 'treasure trove' of bonus materials - from production notes, to show formats, to internal documents which he has kept for over 20 years. Fans may be surprised to discover what's included! As Kevin Sullivan states in the book's foreword, Penzer was the "least likely to succeed in the wrestling business" - but over the course of a ten-year (1991-2001) association with WCW, Penzer became a utility player like no other. In addition to fulfilling the role of WCW's lead ring announcer, Penzer provided assistance on the production end of the business, as well as talent relations, and even the creative department during the company's dying days. As such, he provides an intriguing insiders' account of WCW's 'rise and fall' - delivered with unprecedented insight and perspective. In particular, Penzer demonstrates an astute, compelling, and highly nuanced view of several of his most well-known contemporaries, including: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper; Chris Jericho; Eric Bischoff; Kevin Sullivan; Vince Russo; Dusty Rhodes; Jody Hamilton; Tony Schiavone; 'Mean' Gene Okerlund; and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan. Co-written by NITRO author Guy Evans, Sitting Ringside Volume 1 is a unique look at an historic era in pro wrestling - and one man's dream to be a part of it. Foreword by Kevin Sullivan Contains rare documents, show formats and notes from behind the scenes at World Championship Wrestling! Print Length: 500 pages

Neal and Guy are back to discuss Episode 1 of VICE's Who Killed WCW? series! BOOK INFO SITTING RINGSIDE, VOLUME 1: WCW DavidPenzerBook.com SYNOPSIS From 1995 to 2001, Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) famously battled Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for Monday night ratings supremacy. While on the WCW side, numerous autobiographical accounts have been written of the time period, relatively few participants witnessed the 'War' in its entirety. As the unmistakable 'voice of WCW' and its long-time ring announcer, David Penzer was featured on every episode of Monday Nitro and Thunder - the only on-screen personality in WCW to do so. Moreover, he witnessed the proceedings from the best seat in the house - ringside! In this candid, revealing and highly entertaining memoir, Penzer recounts his unlikely journey to the big-time - from his humble beginnings in South Florida to the lofty heights of WCW and the 'Monday Night Wars'. With an affable, engaging and self-effacing style, Penzer takes readers behind the curtain like never before, revealing both the personal and professional struggles he encountered in rising the ranks of a famously tough business. In Sitting Ringside Volume 1, Penzer also 'opens the vault' on a veritable 'treasure trove' of bonus materials - from production notes, to show formats, to internal documents which he has kept for over 20 years. Fans may be surprised to discover what's included! As Kevin Sullivan states in the book's foreword, Penzer was the "least likely to succeed in the wrestling business" - but over the course of a ten-year (1991-2001) association with WCW, Penzer became a utility player like no other. In addition to fulfilling the role of WCW's lead ring announcer, Penzer provided assistance on the production end of the business, as well as talent relations, and even the creative department during the company's dying days. As such, he provides an intriguing insiders' account of WCW's 'rise and fall' - delivered with unprecedented insight and perspective. In particular, Penzer demonstrates an astute, compelling, and highly nuanced view of several of his most well-known contemporaries, including: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper; Chris Jericho; Eric Bischoff; Kevin Sullivan; Vince Russo; Dusty Rhodes; Jody Hamilton; Tony Schiavone; 'Mean' Gene Okerlund; and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan. Co-written by NITRO author Guy Evans, Sitting Ringside Volume 1 is a unique look at an historic era in pro wrestling - and one man's dream to be a part of it. Foreword by Kevin Sullivan Contains rare documents, show formats and notes from behind the scenes at World Championship Wrestling! Print Length: 500 pages

Episode 43: Secrets of Nitro returns! After a four-and-a-half year hiatus (!), Neal and Guy return to the airwaves for Episode 43, discussing some old stories, the upcoming WCW series on VICE, and Guy's new book with David Penzer. Enjoy! BOOK INFO SITTING RINGSIDE, VOLUME 1: WCW DavidPenzerBook.com SYNOPSIS From 1995 to 2001, Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) famously battled Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for Monday night ratings supremacy. While on the WCW side, numerous autobiographical accounts have been written of the time period, relatively few participants witnessed the 'War' in its entirety. As the unmistakable 'voice of WCW' and its long-time ring announcer, David Penzer was featured on every episode of Monday Nitro and Thunder - the only on-screen personality in WCW to do so. Moreover, he witnessed the proceedings from the best seat in the house - ringside! In this candid, revealing and highly entertaining memoir, Penzer recounts his unlikely journey to the big-time - from his humble beginnings in South Florida to the lofty heights of WCW and the 'Monday Night Wars'. With an affable, engaging and self-effacing style, Penzer takes readers behind the curtain like never before, revealing both the personal and professional struggles he encountered in rising the ranks of a famously tough business. In Sitting Ringside Volume 1, Penzer also 'opens the vault' on a veritable 'treasure trove' of bonus materials - from production notes, to show formats, to internal documents which he has kept for over 20 years. Fans may be surprised to discover what's included! As Kevin Sullivan states in the book's foreword, Penzer was the "least likely to succeed in the wrestling business" - but over the course of a ten-year (1991-2001) association with WCW, Penzer became a utility player like no other. In addition to fulfilling the role of WCW's lead ring announcer, Penzer provided assistance on the production end of the business, as well as talent relations, and even the creative department during the company's dying days. As such, he provides an intriguing insiders' account of WCW's 'rise and fall' - delivered with unprecedented insight and perspective. In particular, Penzer demonstrates an astute, compelling, and highly nuanced view of several of his most well-known contemporaries, including: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper; Chris Jericho; Eric Bischoff; Kevin Sullivan; Vince Russo; Dusty Rhodes; Jody Hamilton; Tony Schiavone; 'Mean' Gene Okerlund; and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan. Co-written by NITRO author Guy Evans, Sitting Ringside Volume 1 is a unique look at an historic era in pro wrestling - and one man's dream to be a part of it. Foreword by Kevin Sullivan Contains rare documents, show formats and notes from behind the scenes at World Championship Wrestling! Print Length: 500 pages

A Secrets of Nitro update, including information on a new book from Guy Evans! BOOK INFO SITTING RINGSIDE, VOLUME 1: WCW DavidPenzerBook.com SYNOPSIS From 1995 to 2001, Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) famously battled Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for Monday night ratings supremacy. While on the WCW side, numerous autobiographical accounts have been written of the time period, relatively few participants witnessed the 'War' in its entirety. As the unmistakable 'voice of WCW' and its long-time ring announcer, David Penzer was featured on every episode of Monday Nitro and Thunder - the only on-screen personality in WCW to do so. Moreover, he witnessed the proceedings from the best seat in the house - ringside! In this candid, revealing and highly entertaining memoir, Penzer recounts his unlikely journey to the big-time - from his humble beginnings in South Florida to the lofty heights of WCW and the 'Monday Night Wars'. With an affable, engaging and self-effacing style, Penzer takes readers behind the curtain like never before, revealing both the personal and professional struggles he encountered in rising the ranks of a famously tough business. In Sitting Ringside Volume 1, Penzer also 'opens the vault' on a veritable 'treasure trove' of bonus materials - from production notes, to show formats, to internal documents which he has kept for over 20 years. Fans may be surprised to discover what's included! As Kevin Sullivan states in the book's foreword, Penzer was the "least likely to succeed in the wrestling business" - but over the course of a ten-year (1991-2001) association with WCW, Penzer became a utility player like no other. In addition to fulfilling the role of WCW's lead ring announcer, Penzer provided assistance on the production end of the business, as well as talent relations, and even the creative department during the company's dying days. As such, he provides an intriguing insiders' account of WCW's 'rise and fall' - delivered with unprecedented insight and perspective. In particular, Penzer demonstrates an astute, compelling, and highly nuanced view of several of his most well-known contemporaries, including: 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper; Chris Jericho; Eric Bischoff; Kevin Sullivan; Vince Russo; Dusty Rhodes; Jody Hamilton; Tony Schiavone; 'Mean' Gene Okerlund; and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan. Co-written by NITRO author Guy Evans, Sitting Ringside Volume 1 is a unique look at an historic era in pro wrestling - and one man's dream to be a part of it. Foreword by Kevin Sullivan Contains rare documents, show formats and notes from behind the scenes at World Championship Wrestling! Print Length: 500 pages

Produced in partnership with NITRO author Guy Evans, Grateful covers Eric Bischoff's post 2006-career, including his WWE return, AEW involvement, TNA experience and much more. Explore the unlikely journey that culminated in Bischoff's surprise induction into the WWE Hall of Fame! "If you had asked me in 2006 what the next 15 years of my life would look like, it would be nothing like what ultimately transpired." – Eric Bischoff Amazon USA: Amazon.com: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Books Amazon UK: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Amazon Canada: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store Amazon Australia: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW...is now available in AUDIO format! Order NOW -> https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-audio-book REVIEWS: "The most definitive, well written and thoroughly researched book on the rise and fall of WCW." --Eric Bischoff, former WCW President "This is - without question - the very best book ever written on professional wrestling." --Conrad Thompson "Well written and captivating...a fresh take on [the] time period." --Chris Harrington, AEW Vice-President of Business Strategy "I consider this book a must-read." --Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com

As promised, Secrets of Nitro returns with Episode 42: Directing Ted Turner!!! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

In Episode 41 of Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal discusses his impressions of both a recent WWE show, and AEW's 'Double or Nothing' event. Enjoy!  -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Special bonus for Secrets of Nitro listeners...here is Neal's interview with Sean Waltman, recorded during 'Starrcast 1' in Chicago. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

We are back with answers to more of your questions! Neal talks about the wrestling media, rushing segments to air, why WCW was such a "mess" in terms of music, and much more...enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com

After eight long months, Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro returns! In this long-awaited comeback episode, Neal answers YOUR questions...and also discusses meeting Guy in Chicago, the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas, attending Ric Flair's 70th Birthday party, and much, much more. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com

Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro will be at the Starrcast convention this weekend! Listen for more details and get in touch if you'd like to meet up: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

In a very special episode of Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal and Guy discuss the making of NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW! ORDER THE BOOK NOW AT www.wcwnitrobook.com and Amazon.com! 175,000+ words, 56 chapters, and more new info than you'll believe! Paperback: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-paperback E-book: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-e-book Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NITRO-Incredible-Inevitable-Collapse-Turners/dp/0692139176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Synopsis In April 1999, Entertainment Weekly asked its readers what many Americans were surely wondering to themselves: how did wrestling get so big? As a consequence of the heated ratings competition between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the spectacle had taken over Monday nights on prime-time cable television. But in a departure from the family-friendly programming produced by the last industry boom - the 1980s wave, which made household names of Hulk Hogan, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant - the new era of wrestling combined stunning athleticism with a raunchy sex appeal, engrossing story lines and novel production techniques that reflected a changing society and its shifting values. Once again, wrestling was a ubiquitous phenomenon - only this time, it seemed as though the fad would never end. With both WCW and WWF expanding into other forms of entertainment - movies, video games, music and the like - the potential for growth appeared to be limitless. But with uncertainty surrounding its corporate future, and increasingly uninspired programming eroding its audience, WCW stood on the verge of collapse. Three years into a five-year plan devised by its charismatic leader - a former Blue Ribbon Foods salesman named Eric Bischoff - the company whose unexpected ascension initiated the entire boom was operating on borrowed time. For by the end of the five-year plan, WCW ceased to exist. But NITRO is a story about much more than WCW and the Monday Night Wars. It is a story of an era, a time in which the media and cultural landscape precipitated - and later supported - pro wrestling's mainstream popularity. It is a story of how a company made in the image of an intuitively brilliant risk-taker betrayed its original promise. It is a story of how a handful of men, each struggling with their own limitations, facilitated a public obsession that changed television forever. And so, with the inside knowledge of a journalist, the perspective of a historian, and the passion of a fan, author Guy Evans provides a fresh look at an unfortunate inevitability - the downfall of World Championship Wrestling. Bolstered by exclusive interviews with over 120 former TBS and WCW employees, NITRO is the definitive picture of the last wrestling boom. Featuring exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. President of World Championship Wrestling; Harvey Schiller, fmr. President of Turner Sports; Jamie Kellner, fmr. CEO of Turner Broadcasting System; Bill Burke, fmr. President of TBS network; Joe Uva, fmr. President of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing; Scot Safon, fmr. SVP of Marketing for TNT network; Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer and 5-time WCW world champion; Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer and 3-time WCW world champion; Vince Russo, fmr. WCW writer; Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell, fmr. WCW superstar and 5-time world tag team champion; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW superstar and head booker; Hugh Morrus, fmr. WCW superstar; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW Feature Producer and voice of the nWo; David Crockett, fmr. WCW Vice President of Production; Dick Cheatham, fmr. Group Controller for TBS; Alan Sharp, fmr. WCW Director of Public Relations; Mike Weber, fmr. WCW Director of Marketing; Rob Garner, fmr. WCW Vice President of TV Programming and Sales Jerry Jarrett, legendary wrestling promoter and booker... And many, many, many more!