#7 WCW Thunder (1998-2001)
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As we know, the WWE library is not the only set of tapes that has a place on the WWE Network. WCW has every single episode of Nitro uploaded so you can follow the Monday Night Wars as they happened.
However, in 1998, WCW expanded their programming to include a second show known as WCW Thunder. It is reported that Eric Bischoff was not overly thrilled at this prospect as he felt it would damage the product and to some extent, he turned out to be correct.
A big problem was the fact it was taped. The ‘live’ advantage that Nitro had over Raw at the time was a little devalued as a taped show was now part of storylines and the WCW product. It took away the bragging rights somewhat.
As is the case with most expansion shows from any company, the first episodes featured high profile talent but it soon became a mid-card show that people had little interest in. While watching it back on a streaming service, I can see it getting a better reputation due to the fact you don’t have to wait weekly for it and it would be a nice compliment to the Nitro episodes on the Network.
Although some fans still believe that Thunder was instrumental to the death and demise of WCW as a company.
It is argued how many episodes there actually are to be added, but around 150 is a fair estimate. Some have it at 146 and others at 153. Nevertheless, these shows could be added to the Network fairly swiftly as it only ran for three years. It could potentially be done in one drop.
If this was added, it would complete the WCW saga and give the completionists and WCW fans something to be very happy about in the New Year.
