Rodman and Malone: From the NBA to the WCW Ring
The rivalry between Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone, emblematic figures of the NBA, transcended basketball courts to delve into the world of professional wrestling. This story, which captured the attention of fans and generated controversy, is a tale of how sports and entertainment intertwined in an unexpected way. It all began in the 1998 NBA Finals, where Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls faced Malone’s Utah Jazz. In the sixth game, with the Bulls at a disadvantage, Rodman and Malone starred in an incident that anticipated their later confrontation in the ring. After a dispute over the ball, both players fell entangled on several occasions, generating tension and fueling the narrative that would take them to the WCW.The connection between Rodman and Malone with wrestling was consolidated thanks to Diamond Dallas Page, who, being a fan of the sport, established a relationship with Malone. Page, along with Eric Bischoff, saw the opportunity to take this rivalry to the WCW, proposing a team match that would involve Rodman and Hulk Hogan against Malone and Page himself. Rodman’s participation in Nitro, the WCW program, during the NBA Finals, generated a media frenzy. His appearance at the event, alongside Hogan and Bischoff, and his subsequent absence from the Bulls’ training, showed the priority Rodman gave to his foray into wrestling. This cost him a fine from the NBA and the team, but gave WCW invaluable publicity. Bischoff, taking advantage of the situation, sought to capitalize on the rivalry between Rodman and Malone in the NBA Finals to promote the match. Although the situation was delicate due to Turner’s relationship with the NBA, Bischoff gave Rodman and Malone freedom to express their animosity in the game, which increased public anticipation. The narrative of wrestling influenced the dynamics between Rodman and Malone on the court. According to Dwight Manley, Rodman’s agent, the WCW story “completely changed” the relationship between both players. The legendary sports commentator Bob Costas expressed his disapproval of the players’ participation in wrestling, but the phenomenon was already underway.We compromised the NBA Finals.
Mark Madden, wrestling journalist
