WWE is getting ready to tap into two of the biggest money-making moments in wrestling history.
During WrestleVotes Radio, Joey Votes revealed that WWE is planning to celebrate the 30th anniversaries of Steve Austin’s King of the Ring victory and the birth of Austin 3:16, along with Hulk Hogan’s heel turn at Bash at the Beach and the formation of the nWo.
The timing is huge, because both moments helped reshape the entire wrestling business in 1996. Austin’s King of the Ring promo helped launch one of WWE’s biggest stars ever, while Hogan joining Scott Hall and Kevin Nash changed WCW and kicked the Monday Night War into another gear. WrestleVotes laid out WWE’s plans for both anniversaries during the merchandise note.
“Coming up next, in a bit of merchandising news, we’re told WWE is planning to recognize and celebrate the 30th anniversaries of two of the most significant moments in modern wrestling history over the coming weeks. This month marks 30 years since Steve Austin’s King of the ring victory and the birth of the now iconic Austin316 phrase. Additionally, July will mark 30 years since Hulk Hogan’s heel turn at bash at the beach and the formation of the nwo. Sources indicate WWE has plans to commemorate both milestones through a variety of initiatives, including new T shirts, art prints, and coordinated social media campaigns. We’re told that the company views the anniversaries as an opportunity to honor two moments that helped reshape the wrestling industry and whose influence continues to be felt three decades later.”
Joey Votes then put the moment into perspective, noting that WWE will be honoring Austin, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and the nWo while also cashing in on the nostalgia attached to two historic wrestling shifts.
“So, TC, we’re coming up on 30 years of Austin 316 and 30 years of the formation of the NWO. Two of the bigger moments in wrestling history just so happen to be right around the same time frame. WWE is going to honor them as best they can with merchandising. You know, let’s not. Let’s not circle around the horse. Just a way to make money. But it’s a fun opportunity to pay homage to Steve Austin, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, the NWO in general. You like this? Anything specifically you want to see? What are your thoughts on the honoring of these anniversaries?”
TC agreed that WWE has plenty to work with here, especially because Austin, Hogan, Hall, Nash, and the nWo were all major draws when it came to merchandise and fan interest.
“Well, a lot of big names in there. When you talk about Stone Cold Steve Austin, the nwo, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, some of the biggest money makers in the entire history of pro wrestling. Right?”
Joey then pointed out just how valuable those brands have been for WWE over the years.
“Two of the biggest. Two of the top five T shirts in wrestling history.”
TC agreed and noted how wild it is that 1996 is now hitting the 30-year mark.
“Absolutely. And hard to believe. 1996. 30 Years.”
The conversation then drifted into how important 1996 was overall, not just for WWE and WCW, but for wrestling fans who lived through that era. TC called it a shift between the early 1990s and what came next.
“The shift of eras I felt like happened in 1996. And especially in the world of professional wrestling, you can start to See things in the WWF start to change a little bit.”
WWE has always leaned into nostalgia when the moment is right, and this is about as obvious as it gets. Austin 3:16 and the nWo are not just old catchphrases or logos. They are two of the biggest turning points in modern wrestling, and WWE clearly sees the 30th anniversary as a chance to celebrate them while giving fans something new to buy.
What kind of Austin 3:16 or nWo merchandise would you want WWE to release for the 30th anniversary? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
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