On this date in WCW history: Sting vs the New World Order

The New World Order (nWo) ruled the land in pro wrestling in 1997, dominating World Championship Wrestling (WCW) all throughout the year, establishing itself as one of the greatest heel stables in history.

But they were constantly foiled by one man -- Sting.

That's what happened on this date in history (Sept. 29, 1997) on an episode of Monday Nitro from Worcester, Massachusetts, no different than so many others. Still, it was somehow special each and every time.

Looking back, that's likely because the nWo was such a deep group of effective heels that it felt good to have an ace in the hole like Sting. They may have had a supergroup consisting of Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Randy Savage, Curt Hennig and more, but we had Sting and he was better than them all.

Combined.

When Sting showed up, that meant your ass, especially if you were wearing an nWo shirt. On this particular night, the nWo had assaulted The Giant just as he was about to win the United States title from Hennig. He fought valiantly but was overwhelmed and faced with a severe beating.

Until the Stinger arrived with his trusty baseball bat.

The nWo cleared the ring, waiting for Sting to drop his bat on the outside like a total fucking badass. They charged when he seemed vulnerable but he handled each and every one of them as Nitro went off the air.

Amazing, even all these years later.

By the way, Tony Schiavone may have had his faults but his line when Sting shows up and Eric Bischoff flees the commentary desk is awesome.

"There is a wet spot where Eric Bischoff used to be," he shouted over the roar of the crowd.