WCW Transitional Champ

By Scott Keith on 5 June 2024

Good morning Mr. Keith, hope all is well. With recent discussions on the blog of transitional champs, I started thinking even deeper and another one that really sticks out, in WCW of all places, was The Giant in 1996, going from Ric Flair to the freshly turned Hulk Hogan.

Now maybe you or the Blog can pinpoint where its stated exactly when Bishoff decided to turn Hogan Heel, and they did disclose that Sting was the backup up until the last second. With Hall & Nash forming in early june, that gives them about 2 months to know how successful or unsuccessful the heel turn would have been received at BATB96. Why was The Giant decided of all people to become champ and lose to Hollywood Hogan, or if it had to happen, Heel Sting? How could they not see the natural and historical heat that would have been better suited for either situation had it been Flair, Savage or Luger to carry the strap into Hog Wild? How could Hogan of all people not realize those 3 better feuds to launch from than The Giant? .
As a Buffalonian, I'm actually rooting for McDavid to get a cup already.

The Oilers can screw off. I’m cheering for the Panthers because IM BITTER DAMMIT.

Anyway Sting was always the plan if Hulk wouldn’t play ball. I don’t know why the Giant became the transition guy, though. Flair should have been the guy because it would be that much more of a twist of the knife to WCW tradition.