A previously unrevealed WWE plan to reboot the nWo in 2020 has surfaced, with former WWE writer Chris Dunn revealing on the Public Enemies Podcast that the company had a four-wrestler reboot pitch that fell apart when the WWE legend tapped to introduce the group failed a COVID test upon arrival in Orlando.
Dunn worked as a WWE writer from 2016 to 2021. His reveal puts the pandemic-era WWE creative process under direct public light, with the COVID-test-failed legend story being one of the more remarkable behind-the-scenes near-miss moments of the era.
“Do you guys remember that ThunderDome? Really tough to do TV in there, so a lot of ideas were thrown against the wall. So, it was discussed at one point, bringing back the nWo 2020.”
“The pitch was Sheamus, Cesaro, Nakamura, and Lars Sullivan. It was really close to happening. I forget which legendary nWo member was supposed to fly to Orlando to introduce this new nWo. But essentially they landed and they didn’t pass the COVID test.”
Per Dunn, WWE had concrete plans for the faction’s debut but no defined ongoing storyline. “WWE was going to figure it out as they went.”
If you use quotes from this article, please credit Public Enemies Podcast and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
