#3 WWF Livewire (1996-2001)
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This was an extremely fresh concept when it first debuted in 1996. It allowed fans to call in and pitch questions to talent and others, such as the owner Vince McMahon. It was a cross between kayfabe and reality at times and really did blur the lines at certain stages of the programme.
Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the most famous guests on this show. There is no doubt it was exciting to watch and forums and the like rate it highly when looking back at WWF programming.
Meet John Cena's dad HERE
The other most talked-about segment from this show was when Paul Heyman phoned in under a fake name to basically have a go at Vince McMahon and his product that was ‘stale’ at the time, making the shift from a gimmick-heavy era to more of what we know and love today.
The owner was visibly shaken by the incident but handled it pretty well. You can access these little nuggets of history on YouTube from personal VHS tapes but it’s not the same as having a nice clear version to enjoy.
Shows like this are important if you’re watching the WWE from a certain period of time and you want the full story and experience as it was when it was originally aired. A lot of people also revere this show as it was like a bridge between the failing gimmicks and the attitude boost that followed it.
Unfortunately, it did become a recap show in the end like a lot of good ideas and only lasted a few years before being discontinued.
Despite being underrated in its importance I don’t think we will see this on the WWE Network any time in the near future, as much as I would love to. There is too much other content that would push this small phone-in show down the pecking order.
