5 Worst Wrestling Matches Of 1997

1. Hollywood Hogan vs. Sting - Starrcade 1997

Never has a referee's botch been so noticeable...or so devastating

This match makes this list solely because of its botched ending. That’s because this botch was so bad that it had long-term ramifications that caused WCW to go out of business.

Hollywood/NWO Hogan vs. Sting was the biggest dream match WCW had going. There was so much anticipation to it, with so many lengthy storylines leading to one final, epic confrontation. Fans were salivating at this prospect of seeing a babyface Sting defeat Hogan and beat the New World Order once and for all.

But things took a drastic turn when Hulk Hogan politicked his way into changing the finish to a fast-count. Unfortunately, the referee assigned to the match, Nick Patrick, counted a standard three-count instead of the fast one. That botch completely screwed up the story being told in the match, which made Bret Hart’s appearance to restart the match confusing.

Suddenly, nothing made sense, and the Bret helping Sting came across as them screwing Hogan instead of the intended goal of Bret helping Sting after a screwy three-count that shouldn’t have been booked in the first place.

With this screwy finish going down, WCW’s fate had been sealed. Casual fans didn’t understand the story and began tuning in less and less. Meanwhile, hardcore fans saw the writing on the wall and turned away, disgusted at yet another example of Hogan’s politics ruining a story.

While WCW still held strong for the next year or so, it was the beginning of the biggest downward spiral for any promotion in wrestling history.