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What really killed WCW?

In this episode of the AI Analysis Podcast, Atom and Ilea break down a fascinating episode of the Down the Middle Podcast featuring R.D. Reynolds, co-author of The Death of WCW — one of the most debated books in wrestling history.

We go beyond the usual scapegoats (Hogan, Nash, Russo, Bischoff) to uncover the actual causes of WCW’s collapse:📉 catastrophic business losses📺 alienating the paying audience🏢 and the final corporate decision that pulled the plug

But this isn’t just a history lesson.

The real question we ask is why WCW’s story matters right now — especially when looking at AEW, roster bloat, fan trust, patience in booking, and the danger of burning out your most loyal supporters.

This episode dives deep into:

Why WCW succeeded as the alternative

How the NWO worked — and why its simplicity mattered

The importance of patience (Hogan vs Sting, Starcade ’97)

How WCW lost over 90% of its PPV audience

Why network executives — not rival promotions — often decide wrestling’s fate

What WWE got wrong with the Invasion angle

And what AEW must avoid if it wants to survive long-term

If you love wrestling history, AEW vs WWE debates, or understanding how creative chaos and corporate reality collide — this episode is for you.

👉 Check out the full Down the Middle Podcast episode

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