‘This right here is the new world order of professional wrestling'. That was a decree made by the man that would become Hollywood Hulk Hogan. When Hogan joined together with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, known as The Outsiders, the wrestling world was turned on its ear.
They were the start of a faction that is still talked about to this day for its impact, and the legacy left it left on wrestling. Their use of the term ‘too sweet' and the accompanying hand gesture that was their signature, are things that have stuck around to this day.
The group grew in size exponentially, bringing in characters both big and small. During their time, they faced the biggest and the best that World Championship Wrestling would contend against. Time after time, those that were believed to be part of WCW would turn their backs on the company and align with the nWo.
Whether they were liked or hated, the faction was always able to generate a buzz that exceeded anything the group did in the ring. Here is a look at five former nWo members and what they are up to now after their careers came to an end.
#5 Ted DiBiase
After the days of his wrestling as ‘The Million Dollar Man,' claiming that everyone had a price and everyone was going to pay, Ted DiBiase's role was that of a manager and advisor. When he joined WCW, it became clear that once again he was going to be a manager in support of the likes of Hogan, Nash, and Hall.
DiBiase's contract with WCW expired in 1999, ending his time with the new World order and WCW. After that, he returned to WWE and has in recent years played a role behind the scenes with the company.
He has also founded a ministry known as the Heart of David, which his son Ted Jr has also been a part of. DiBiase's faith plays an important role in his life today, personally and professionally. He can still be seen sporadically making appearances on-screen for WWE, and fans might hear his unforgettable cackle and claim that everyone has a price.
Recently, he has also been touring all over, starting in Canada, doing one-man shows. DiBiase has also been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
#4 Buff Bagwell
He was buff and he was the stuff! When Marcus Alexander Bagwell came on board the new World Order train, it was clear that he was in line for a whole new character direction. Gone was the white meat babyface that shook hands and high-fived fans.
His addition to the nWo contributed to the strength in numbers that led to the group's dominance. Bagwell's last match under the WCW umbrella was the main event match up on Monday Night Raw, after WWE's acquisition of the company, between him and Booker T. It didn't go all that well, according to critics.
He later competed on a number of occasions for TNA when the company was first building up its talent roster after getting fired from the WWE in 2001.
However, in the spring of 2012, Bagwell suffered a severe neck injury in a car accident, effectively ending his career. Bagwell has remained friends with a number of the former WCW stars that he worked alongside, including current WWE Hall of Famers Diamond Dallas Page and Sting.
Bagwell returned to wrestling in 2014 and can still be seen appearing at independent shows and as various wrestling conventions today. He recently announced his retirement at age 47.
#3 Eric Bischoff
He was at the helm of World Championship Wrestling both on-screen and off. Eric Bischoff's on-screen persona was that of a power hungry President that supported only certain talent, namely those in the new World order.
As a spokesperson for the nWo, Bischoff was disliked for what he said and how he portrayed himself on camera. It became apparent that he was the WCW equivalent of Mr McMahon in WWE.
After the nWo fizzled out, a number of off-screen antics became issues on-screen, and it was becoming evident that Bischoff's character was caught between very different places.
After WCW closed its doors, the unthinkable became reality as Vince McMahon brought in Bischoff to become the co-general manager of Raw. During his time with WWE, Bischoff had his ups and downs, but in the end, he came out the other side respected for trying to be different and battling the biggest sports entertainment promotion in the world.
He can currently be heard on his own podcast and continues to make appearances at wrestling conventions all around the world.
#2 Masahiro Chono
At one time Chono was considered one of the greatest wrestlers to ever come out of Japan, and his role as part of the nWo's Japanese contingent was very prominent. For those that may not be aware, Chono was trained by the likes of the late Stu Hart and Lou Thesz.
He competed as part of WCW for a few years, and would often travel to and from Japan since he was also competing as part of the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. Chono's role was to lead the nWo Japan faction and dominate there as much as they were dominating the North American market.
He captured multiple championships in Japan and was a big favourite.
Once WCW closed its doors, Chono returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling, and later wrestled with their rival AJPW. Chono still can be still seen competing today in Japan. He is a remarkable character and personality that is often not given his rightful place in the North American market.
#1 Bret Hart
Without question he was the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. When Bret left WWE after the infamous Montreal Screwjob in 1997, he joined WCW amid a great deal of pomp and circumstance over his arrival.
At first, fans weren't sure if his arrival meant he was going to be part of WCW or as the nWo. Though he started out as a WCW loyalist, as it ultimately turned out he became part of the nWo when the faction split.
It was at that time that he engaged in some of his best matches in WCW against fellow WWE Hall of Famer Sting. Hart's career came to an end after suffering a concussion when Goldberg accidentally kicked him in the head.
Since his retirement, Hart has faced several personal health issues. Whether it was his stroke years ago, or his more recent cancer diagnosis and subsequent recovery, Hart hasn't always had the best of luck. However, he also eventually made amends with WWE and has worked with them on a few occasions, including an onscreen feud against Vince McMahon.
More recently he has been in the corner of his niece Natalya during her feud with Charlotte Flair, counteracting the presence of Charlotte's father Ric.
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