I like this thread. I was thinking about starting one about the same subject, since I recently watched the same DVD.
I believe the "Greatest Stars of the 90's" DVD was a very good glimpse into (arguably) the greatest decade in the history of professional wrestling. The 90's produced incredible stables like the nWo and DX, incredible superstars like the ones showcased in the DVD, and a battle between three national wrestling companies. But, I know the question asked by Chill has to do with who I believe is the greatest wrestler of the 1990's... man, that's a tough one.
I've been criticized for this by many, but my favorite all-time wrestler is Owen Hart. I had never seen a superstar that I could relate to as much as him. He was very athletic and skilled in the ring. He always found a way to make me laugh hysterically, either when he would raise his fists in the air and let off one of his infamous WOOO's or when he would make funny faces in the ring during his matches. I had just begun training for my (short-lived) pro-wrestling career and I wanted to mimic my antics and in-ring moveset to be just like his.
Back in the early 90's, his feud with Bret Hart was the most compelling storyline that I had ever seen in pro-wrestling history (once again, since I could relate to it so much at the time). I don't think a sibling rivalry storyline could have been pulled off any better. The promos cut by both Bret and Owen were very emotional, the build-up was predictable but still shocking and incredible, and their matches speak for themselves... classics. The storyline made you laugh at Owen, hate Owen, but most of all, it made you RESPECT Owen.
Granted, as the 90's went on, his storylines and character began to plateau and fizzle. But everyone knew in their hearts that it was only a matter of time before he would resurge as a main-event heel and a contender for the WWE title. Unfortunately, his life was cut short and we never got to see him take on that opportunity.
But the one thing that sticks out in my mind about the DVD was a comment that Triple H made about him... "He never even scratched the surface of how good he really was." I know there are TONS of Triple H haters out there, but I think that even those haters can respect what HHH has done for this business and how great of a superstar he is on all levels. The man knows the business inside, outside, and backwards, and is never one to just dish out compliments like that about another wrestler. If he publicly makes a statement like that, I believe it speaks VOLUMES about Owen Hart, and I couldn't agree more.
But, as much as I love Owen, I have to be true to this thread and answer the question correctly. Chill asked who I believe was the GREATEST star of the 90's... not my favorite. In my opinion, (even though he's not even near the top of my list as one of my favorite wrestlers) that person is none other than "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Austin revolutionized the industry. No one in the history of professional wrestling had greater drawing power, sold more merchandise, or brought the sport of professional wrestling into the mainstream as much as he did. (Many people are going to disagree with me and claim that Hulk Hogan brought pro-wrestling into the mainstream, and I couldnt agree more. But, in terms of numbers in the 1990's ALONE, no one can touch the bar that SCSA raised.) More fans related to his character and he is one of (if not THE) biggest reason why the WWE triumphed at the end of the Monday Night Wars. His feuds with the Rock, Bret Hart and Vince McMahon will go down in history as some of the greatest storylines to ever be used in the sport. Hell, his catch phrases are still used by people that don't even WATCH wrestling anymore!
Prior to SCSA, wrestlers gained respect from the viewing audience as babyfaces for being model-citizens. The man wasn't a baby-kisser... he was a hell-raiser. He was fearless. EVERY working stiff in this world could relate to him. He realized all of their dreams by looking his boss in the eyes, sticking up his middle fingers, and basically saying "Fuck you, pal. I do what I want, where I want, whenever I want." Who wouldn't want to do that to their boss?!?!? Screw 90210... Stone Cold vs. McMahon was some of the most compelling television that people had ever seen.
Chill, I can definitely see why your choice is Sting. But, in my opinion, Sting's legacy needs to be stretched over the span of three decades in order to truly view him as an icon. Stone Cold only needs the 1990's. That's why even though he may not necessarily be the greatest superstar of all-time, he was definitely the greatest superstar of the 1990's.
