WWE is breathing new life into wrestling history with the revival of classic WCW moments and matches. They’ve initiated this revival through the launch of the WWE Vault YouTube channel, which showcases a treasure trove of formerly overlooked gems and exclusive content. The channel’s soaring popularity has led to the establishment of an official WCW YouTube channel, further enhancing access to wrestling nostalgia.
This new WCW channel functions similarly to the WWE Vault, essentially acting as a free version of the WWE Network by providing on-demand access to significant historical wrestling content. It presents a unique opportunity for longtime fans to relish moments that may have faded from collective memory, while newer audiences can explore the highlights from eras they weren’t able to witness live. Below are selections from the WCW YouTube channel that exemplify its exciting offerings.
10 Dustin Rhodes vs. The Blacktop Bully in a King of the Road Match
WCW Uncensored 1995
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCaMZ2ZPDRM
This match is an infamous piece of WCW lore, often debated for its quality yet revered for its historical significance. The unique stipulation of the King of the Road match involves a caged trailer driven along a road, where competitors battle to conquer the top of the cage. Dustin Rhodes and the Blacktop Bully navigated the bizarre challenge with enthusiasm, though the match’s absurdity and their controversial bloodshed led to serious consequences, including immediate termination from WCW for both wrestlers. Ironically, this setback paved the way for Rhodes to debut his iconic Goldust persona in WWE.
9 The Belfast Bruiser vs. Lord Steven Regal
WCW Uncensored 1996
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnTkBOQJ9Co
Regarded as one of WCW’s less successful pay-per-view events, WCW Uncensored 1996 produced a memorable encounter between Fit Finlay and William Regal that broke through an otherwise forgettable card. Their match, characterized by a relentless and hard-hitting intensity, lasted 17 minutes—each competitor delivering brutal strikes and showcasing their wrestling prowess. Although it concluded with controversial disqualification, the sheer ferocity kept viewers captivated, reminiscent of an MMA bout.
8 Sting’s Squadron vs. The Dangerous Alliance in WarGames
WCW WrestleWar ’92
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUBpRjHZ7ew
Highlighting the pinnacle of WarGames matches, Paul Heyman’s Dangerous Alliance faced off against Sting’s Squadron in a battle that adhered closely to the classic formula. As the dramatic storytelling unfolded, fans witnessed skillful tactics from both sides, enhanced by Paul E. Dangerously’s strategic planning outside the cage. This attention to detail and mastery of the WarGames format solidified this match as one of the crowning achievements of WCW.
7 Akira Hokuto vs. Madusa for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
WCW Spring Stampede 1997
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSEaEwgjitA
Though often overshadowed, Akira Hokuto’s contributions to women’s wrestling deserve recognition alongside Hall of Famer Madusa. Their matchup for the Cruiserweight Championship, compacted into just over five minutes, displayed remarkable intensity. Hokuto’s aggressive strategy kept Madusa on her toes, while Madusa’s eventual comeback captivated the audience, showcasing their excellence despite insufficient time to craft a lengthy narrative.
6 DDP vs. Randy Savage in a No DQ Match
Spring Stampede 1997
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_N7rKgtE7M
Spring Stampede 1997 holds a notorious place in the annals of wrestling for the now-infamous Booker T incident, but it also delivered thrilling matchups, including the culmination of the blood feud between Randy Savage and Diamond Dallas Page. The No DQ stipulation allowed for chaotic moments and clever storytelling, particularly when Miss Elizabeth intervened to prevent Savage from crossing a line, leading to pivotal turns that defined the match.
5 Ric Flair vs. Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship – Title vs. Career
WCW Starrcade 1993
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4OTpHZLqvc
While Sting is often credited as Vader’s best opponent, Ric Flair deserves similar recognition for his masterful performances against the imposing figure. As Flair risked his career in this championship bout, the emotional stakes were palpable. The rabid crowd, initially hostile towards Flair, found themselves invested in his journey as he fought valiantly against Vader’s power. This bout remains a shining example of storytelling within wrestling’s rich history, especially given its place in Starrcade’s legacy.
4 Jung Dragons vs. 3 Count vs. Evan Karagias and Jamie Knoble in a Triangle Tag Team Ladder Match
WCW Starrcade 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuRNGR5gZHA
This Triangle Tag Team Ladder Match showcases young, ambitious talent striving for a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. Although overshadowed by the legendary ladder matches featured in WWE, this bout managed to carve its niche by promoting collaboration while introducing a captivating narrative of rivalry. The competitive spirit exhibited by these rising stars—some of whom would later become WWE notable figures—perfectly captured the essence of what made WCW exciting.
3 Rey Mysterio vs. Juventud Guerrera for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
WCW Thunder, January 15th, 1998
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEP6BwuGbF0
In the second episode of Thunder, WCW endeavored to showcase the strength of its newest programming with big name appearances and captivating matchups. However, the standout moment came from the Cruiserweight division when Rey Mysterio faced off against Juventud Guerrera. This match epitomized the brilliance of the Cruiserweight era, expertly combining athleticism with masterful storytelling, ultimately outshining other anticipated segments of the night.
2 Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat II for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship – Two Out of Three Falls
WCW Clash of the Champions VI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXWdgG79r3A
Clash of the Champions represented WCW’s commitment to delivering high-quality matchups outside the pay-per-view model. The rematch between Flair and Steamboat captivated audiences with its dramatic storytelling and technical excellence. While the match’s conclusion spurred some criticism, it remains unforgettable—the high stakes and theatrical prowess of both wrestlers transport fans back to wrestling’s golden years.
1 Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat I for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Chi-Town Rumble 1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px9WIvLiPzQ
The trilogy of matches between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat remains a hallmark of wrestling excellence, with their initial bout often regarded as the pinnacle. Flair, at his most despised as a heel champion, faced off against the beloved underdog Steamboat. Their masterful in-ring psychology, combined with Jim Ross’s iconic commentary, created an unforgettable moment when Steamboat unexpectedly secured the victory. This clash represents the very best of wrestling storytelling and performance, aptly demonstrating why it has been made widely accessible on WWE’s platform.