Dark Side of the Ring: Bash at the Beach 2000
In the annals of professional wrestling, Bash at the Beach 2000 stands as a night of seismic proportions. On July 9th, in Panama City Beach, Florida, WCW staged a star-studded event that would forever alter the landscape of the industry and expose its darkest corners.
The main event, a championship showdown between Jeff Jarrett and Hulk Hogan, was a culmination of months of simmering animosity. Jarrett, the reigning WCW Champion, was a smug and arrogant heel who had managed to infiltrate the nWo, a once-powerful alliance that had dominated WCW for years. Hogan, the iconic Hulkster, was brought in to represent the forces of good and challenge Jarrett’s reign.
The Controversial Finish
As the match reached its climax, Hogan executed his signature leg drop on Jarrett. However, instead of pinning him, Hogan turned his back on Jarrett and prepared to celebrate prematurely. This gave Jarrett the opportunity to recover and deliver a low blow, followed by a quick pin. Hogan was declared the winner, but the fans were furious.
The aftermath of the match was chaos. Hogan celebrated his victory, while Jarrett seethed in anger. The nWo members, once united behind Hogan, turned on him and began attacking him. Meanwhile, the fans chanted “bullsh*t,” expressing their disgust with the result.
The Dark Side of Wrestling
Bash at the Beach 2000 became a symbol of the dark side of wrestling. The backstage politics, backstabbing, and business dealings that had long been kept hidden from the public eye were laid bare for all to see. The event highlighted the greed, corruption, and ego that can consume the industry.
The aftermath of Bash at the Beach 2000 was felt throughout the wrestling world. Hogan left WCW shortly after, and the nWo disbanded. Jarrett’s reign as champion was short-lived, as he lost the title to Booker T a few weeks later. The event also contributed to WCW’s downfall, as the company struggled to recover from the negative publicity and fan backlash.
The Legacy of Bash at the Beach 2000
Today, Bash at the Beach 2000 is remembered as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of putting business above the fans. It remains a reminder that even in the world of entertainment, there is a line that should not be crossed.
The event’s legacy extends beyond the wrestling industry. It has become a symbol of the ways in which greed and corruption can undermine even the most iconic and beloved institutions.
Tips and Expert Advice
For those who are interested in learning more about Bash at the Beach 2000 and its impact on the wrestling industry, there are a few resources that I recommend:
- The Dark Side of the Ring documentary series on Vice TV
- The book “Bash at the Beach: The Night the Wrestling World Changed Forever” by Scott Teal
- The WCW Monday Nitro episode that aired the following night
These resources provide a comprehensive overview of the event and its aftermath, and they offer valuable insights from those who were involved.
FAQ
- Q: Why was the finish of the main event so controversial?
- A: The finish was controversial because Hogan turned his back on Jarrett after executing his leg drop, allowing Jarrett to recover and deliver a low blow and a quick pin.
- Q: What was the fallout from Bash at the Beach 2000?
- A: The fallout from Bash at the Beach 2000 included Hogan leaving WCW, the nWo disbanding, and Jarrett losing the WCW Championship to Booker T.
- Q: What is the legacy of Bash at the Beach 2000?
- A: Bash at the Beach 2000 is remembered as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption in the wrestling industry.
Conclusion
Bash at the Beach 2000 was a pivotal event in the history of professional wrestling. It exposed the dark side of the industry and left an enduring legacy that is still being debated today.
I encourage you to learn more about this fascinating event and its impact on the wrestling world. Whether you are a fan of wrestling or simply interested in the darker side of the human experience, Bash at the Beach 2000 is a story that you will not soon forget.
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