Episode 89: Bret Debuts (WCW Monday Nitro 12-15-97)

On this episode of 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson, the subject is the December 15th 1997 WCW debut of Bret "The Hitman" Hart! After a few false starts throughout the years, and red hot off the Montreal Screwjob, Bret arrives on Nitro amidst a long time run of Nitro ratings victories over RAW, and just ahead of the biggest event in their history, Starrcade '97! Bret comes out as a surprise appearance in the middle of a segment between Eric and JJ Dillon, to decide the special guest referee in the match between Eric and Larry Zbyszko for control of Nitro. Why was it done this way, were there any other options, and how did Eric feel the debut went? Also, on the card that night, a Ric Flair-Curt Hennig main event, Buff Bagwell-Lex Luger, Randy Savage-Booker T, Chris Benoit feuds with Raven and The Flock, The Steiner Bros., Scott Hall vs. Chris Jericho, Dean Malenko, Disco Inferno, and so much more!\ ALSO...some of Eric's recent thoughts on AEW and AEW Dynamite! Support us on Patreon for even more content from Eric & Conrad for just $9! Patreon.com/83Weeks  See Bruce & Eric in a Monday Night War Debate and Eric take on the author of the Death of WCW Book, plus 20 other live events starting at just $4.99 at fite.tv/starrcast   Buy a shirt and get a call from Eric: www.EricBischoff.com  Find tons of new merch at BoxOfGimmicks.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices