I started watching WWF (f**k you Wildlife Fund)
in the early 90's, renting the old VHS tapes from the local video store. Got hooked and from there I just never stopped. Never had Sky growing up so had to make do with watching WCW on Central TV, seeing the likes of 2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Alexander Bagwell, Johnny B.Badd, Big Van Vader etc. WWF stuff I had to rent or buy the VHS's. Gotta say from 95' to 99' this WAS the Golden Age for me. Great stuff every week, on both shows guaranteed. I was also one of those that although WWF was admittedly my fave, I loved watching Nitro and Thunder because the roster was so deep, the matches felt different and I (still do) dig the camera work panning around throughout the entrances. Almost cried during Vince McMahons simulcast during the last night of WCW. Even on that last show they still all performed with dignity and class, it truly was a Night of Champions. Stopped watching WWF about late 2001 once the Rocks 'SmackDown' catchphase became a show name and they got rid of the Attitude sets in favor of a more lame bright nightclub effect. Also screwed up the Invasion angle, pissed around with talent, pushed Cena instantly, made separate brands with general managers etc... didn't appeal to me at all. Watched TNA from the start and it felt brilliant but then that went downhill after Jarrett left the show and Hogan/Carter started messing around. Started watching TNA and WWE again for about 2 yrs now and that's that. Got plenty of 'homemade' WCW and those legit WWE Tagged Classic dvds to keep me going too.
Here in the UK I get to watch TNA on Challenge TV. Damn man, you know since they moved network they've really picked it up. Not quite WCW standard but it's so much more enjoyable than WWE and retains a cool indie-feel.
Yeah the whole Monday Night Wars era was the best period in pro wrestling. It's bad that wrestling has actually regressed into such soap opera's now with extended time for more bull on the mic.
That South Park episode parodies modern wrestling and WWE in-particular, quite accurately. I don't hate WWE, don't wanna appear that way, but sometimes it does appear quite condescending in terms of presentation, ringwork and direction.
Yes Paige is decent. Her and Natalya are the only believable & realistic title holders. The rest are dreadful. Could not lace the boots of the likes of Madusa/Alundra Blayze, Luna Vachon, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto etc.