Rodman vs. Malone: The NBA Rivalry That Invaded WCW – Analysis

When Basketball Rivalry Hit the Ring: Rodman and Malone in WCW

In the world of sports, rivalries can transcend courts and stadiums. A notable example of this transition was the feud between NBA stars Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone, who took their intense basketball competition to the exciting world of professional wrestling with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). It all began in the sixth game of the 1998 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls faced the Utah Jazz. During the match, Rodman and Malone starred in an incident in which they tangled and fell to the ground on several occasions. This moment was the prelude to a story that would unfold in the WCW ring.

“We compromised the NBA Finals.”

Mark Madden, wrestling journalist

The connection between Malone and the world of wrestling became evident when he recognized Diamond Dallas Page at a Houston Rockets game. After the match, Malone and Page became friends and began talking regularly. Page, upon learning of Rodman’s return to WCW, proposed a tag team match involving both basketball players. Rodman’s return to WCW on June 8, 1998, during an episode of Nitro, generated great expectation. Rodman participated in a segment with Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart, and later appeared in a VIP suite with Hogan. This return coincided with the NBA Finals, which generated even more controversy. Rodman’s participation in Nitro and his absence from Bulls training generated controversy. Although he had permission to appear on the show, he did not have permission to miss the team’s practice. This cost him a fine from the NBA and the Bulls. For WCW, Rodman’s presence was a publicity stunt. Promoter Eric Bischoff took advantage of the situation to promote the match between Rodman and Hogan against Malone and Page at the “Bash at the Beach” event. Despite complications with the Turner television network, which broadcast the NBA, Bischoff encouraged Rodman and Malone to show their rivalry in the game, but without affecting the outcome. The rivalry between Rodman and Malone, which began on the basketball courts, moved to the world of wrestling, creating a memorable moment in sports history.

Basketball Hall of Famers Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone went from playing against each other in the NBA Finals to wrestling each other in the summer of 1998.