Dean Malenko winning over Hogan in 97 was way worse. If its a kayfabe ranking list that is inexcusable.
I would have to fact check what the pwi ranking was then.
Plus the tone of the mag as far as the era for them as well.
Yet, for what I remember.
dean malenko was literally on fire before hogan in 97.
Regardless of how the clique and Hogan in wcw.
really just lowered him on the card via clique rules and politics.
So, if he was rated number one that would have to be true.
As malenko had freetv classics and content driven programs every week with a host of guys in a high quality wcw setting.
That was also elevating the guys in the program regardless of wins or losses.
Plus the bonus of giving guys in each program color and depth as in-ring competitors.
That far exceeded the quality of what the clique had to offer.
After the initial shock of Hogan actually turning on a consistent basis.
If an exact mid level workrate driven shift had been made to incorporate more workrate from the clique.
Or simply, found a balance between to with more from the lower high quality mid range guys.
Wcw would have had a mix at that point that would have possibly given them more wiggle room and a more natural descent of draw.
Instead clique rulez ran the place to the ground and here we are.
I really wish they would have kept malenko there and put on malenko Hogan for real for the title.
Not an after thought, who just got treated the fukk out of his spot by clique rules.
It would have made for compelling tv and would have mad Hogan do some mid level sequences that could have bolstered his longevity and relevency a bit more as well.
So if it is true,,....
The 97 pwi did give the nod to malenko.
that may have a been a good thing, for that era.
As a footnote to what was actually better in quality in reality.
Not a pr bit with false tale narratives, to rank some bullshyt other guy or thee guy, or however in the fukk.
The clique rules fukks up every sure thing draw to exit a curtain.
Art Barr