DX’s Bold Gamble: When WWE Was Willing to Risk Arrest to Win the Monday Night War
Published: 2026/01/12 14:14:17
The late 1990s were a turbulent time for professional wrestling, defined by the fierce competition between the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This period, known as the “Monday Night Wars,” saw both companies pushing boundaries in an attempt to capture television ratings and fan loyalty. One of the most audacious and memorable moments of this era was DX’s invasion of a WCW Monday Nitro taping in Norfolk, Virginia, in April 1998 – a move WWE was remarkably prepared to face legal consequences for.
the story behind this brazen act, recently revisited by longtime WWE executive Bruce Prichard on the “Something to Wrestle With” podcast ,reveals a willingness to escalate the rivalry to unprecedented levels,even if it meant facing arrest.
The Genesis of an Invasion
The idea for the invasion stemmed from a simple thought experiment within WWE. According to Prichard, a meeting was held to discuss how the company would respond if a rival promotion attempted to encroach on its territory . The response, rooted in the “outlaw” mentality of the time, was to send “shooters” – tough guys – to confront the invaders.
“We called them outlaw promotions and [if thay invaded], the outlaw guys would send their shooters, their tough guys, to go sit in the front row of the opposing promotion, and challenge their guys,” Prichard explained. While a literal invasion of WWE territory wasn’t occurring, the competition for market share felt just as aggressive.
Serendipity played a crucial role in turning this hypothetical scenario into reality. WWE and WCW happened to be running events in close proximity – WWE in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and WCW just 15 miles away in Norfolk. This geographical convenience presented an prospect too good to pass up. “We were in close proximity,” Prichard saeid,“and that was the genesis of the idea was yeah,go knock on their door and pick a fight and that’s what we did.”
A Commitment to Chaos: Ready to Face the Music
The plan was bold, but its success hinged on the willingness of those involved to accept the potential repercussions. Prichard emphasized that everyone involved – including Triple H, X-Pac, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and Chyna – was fully committed to the stunt, even if it meant facing legal trouble.
“There wasn’t a single person there,” Prichard stated, “that wasn’t ready to fight, and that wasn’t ready for whatever consequences. We were ready to be arrested. We were ready to get our asses kicked.”
This level of dedication speaks volumes about the atmosphere within WWE at the time. The company was willing to take meaningful risks to gain an edge in the Monday Night War, and the performers were equally willing to go along for the ride. While WWE’s legal team advised Prichard against physically entering the WCW building, the core group was prepared to push the boundaries.
The situation quickly escalated when a WCW security guard, perceiving the DX invasion as a threat, called 911, reporting an attack with “military weapons.” Prichard recounted the dramatic arrival of numerous police cars with sirens blaring and guns drawn.
A Strategic Bluff and WCW’s Dilemma
Despite the heightened tension, WWE was prepared to double down. When confronted by WCW executive Mike Weber, who initially demanded arrests, Prichard boldly responded, “Arrest us, please.” This unexpected response put WCW in a tough position.
Weber quickly realized that arresting WWE personnel could backfire spectacularly.if arrested, WWE would have obtained access to the 911 call, possibly exposing WCW’s overreaction and making them look foolish. As Prichard described, Weber’s face changed as he understood the trap, realizing, “We can’t do that. We can’t give them what they wont.”
The Lasting Impact of a Calculated Risk
The DX invasion of WCW Monday Nitro remains a legendary moment in wrestling history. It was a calculated risk that paid off,generating significant publicity for WWE and further fueling the intensity of the Monday night War. The willingness of WWE and its performers to potentially face legal consequences underscored the company’s determination to win at all costs.
The incident also highlights the power of kayfabe – the presentation of staged events within the wrestling world as real – and the ability of performers to blur the lines between reality and fiction. The DX invasion wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a statement, a presentation of WWE’s confidence and willingness to challenge the status quo.
The event continues to be discussed and analyzed by wrestling fans today, a testament to its enduring impact on the industry. It serves as a reminder of a time when professional wrestling was at its most unpredictable and exciting, and when the battle for television ratings was fought with a level of audacity rarely seen before or since.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit ”Something to Wrestle With” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
