Dark Side Of The Ring Bash At The Beach 2000

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

03-01-2025

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The year is 2000. WCW, once a powerhouse rival to the WWE, is teetering on the brink of collapse. Its flagship pay-per-view, Bash at the Beach, was meant to be a triumphant showcase, but instead, it became infamous for a reason entirely unrelated to the in-ring action: the infamous Hulk Hogan heel turn. But the story is far more complex than just one shocking swerve. The “Dark Side of the Ring” episode delves deep into the behind-the-scenes machinations, revealing a night of chaos, betrayal, and the final nail in WCW's coffin.

The Pre-Show Atmosphere: A Company in Crisis

Even before the event's start, a sense of unease permeated the air. WCW was in a state of turmoil. Creative was a mess, morale was low, and the company's future looked incredibly bleak. The Hogan vs. Goldberg match, initially planned as the main event, was already steeped in controversy. The match was a highly anticipated clash of titans, but behind the scenes, the creative team were wrestling with a complex issue: the declining popularity of both stars and their apparent inability to carry the promotion to renewed success.

The Infamous Match: A Planned Screwjob?

The match itself was less about the wrestling and more about the planned outcome: a monumental heel turn by Hulk Hogan. The execution, however, was clumsy and left many confused and frustrated. Hogan, in his supposed heroic role, inexplicably aligned with the New World Order (nWo), leaving the crowd stunned and the wrestling world reeling. The episode explores the conflicting accounts about the actual execution of the turn, with some suggesting that it was a carefully orchestrated plan, while others claim it was a spontaneous decision made on the fly due to escalating tension backstage. Was it a brilliant, albeit brutal, business decision, or a desperate attempt to salvage ratings?

The Fallout: A House Divided

The reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Fans felt betrayed, wrestlers were disgruntled, and the already shaky foundation of WCW crumbled further. The episode explores the immediate aftermath, showcasing the impact the turn had on the morale of the locker room and the perception of WCW among its fanbase. The event, intended to be a turning point, ended up marking the beginning of the end.

Beyond the Hogan Turn: A Deeper Look at WCW's Downfall

While the Hogan turn was the most shocking event, the "Dark Side of the Ring" episode wisely expands to encapsulate the broader picture of WCW's demise. It examines the contributing factors that led to this chaotic night, providing a broader context that goes beyond a single wrestling match. Poor leadership, internal conflict, and the inability to adapt to the changing landscape of the professional wrestling industry are all explored as significant factors in the company's eventual sale to Vince McMahon and the WWE.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Controversy

Bash at the Beach 2000 remains a watershed moment in professional wrestling history. It wasn't just a wrestling event; it was a microcosm of a failing company desperately clinging to relevance. The “Dark Side of the Ring” episode successfully paints a picture of a company in crisis, highlighting the human drama behind the spectacle and leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of one of the most controversial nights in wrestling history. It serves as a cautionary tale for the industry and a fascinating case study in the complexities of managing a major entertainment brand.