Collision in Korea: When Pro wrestling Met the Hermit Kingdom – A Look Back at Wrestling’s Most Surreal Event
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to spectacle, but few events rival the sheer audacity and unsettling reality of Collision in Korea. Held in Pyongyang, North Korea, in April and May of 1995, this two-night extravaganza wasn’t just a wrestling show; it was a geopolitical tightrope walk, a propaganda play, and a testament to the ambition – and perhaps, the naiveté – of 1990s wrestling promoters. This article delves into the story behind Collision in Korea, exploring its origins, the challenges faced by the performers, its surprising legacy, and why it remains a uniquely interesting chapter in wrestling history.
The Genesis of a Bizarre partnership
The early to mid-1990s were a period of intense competition in professional wrestling, often referred to as the “Monday Night Wars” between WWE (then WWF) and WCW.Both companies were constantly seeking ways to gain an edge, and WCW, under the leadership of Eric Bischoff, took a gamble of unprecedented proportions. Antonio inoki, a Japanese wrestling legend and politician with established connections in North Korea, proposed a collaboration: a wrestling event in Pyongyang, broadcast internationally.
The motivation for North Korea was clear. The country was grappling with economic hardship and international isolation following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Hosting a major international event, even one as seemingly frivolous as professional wrestling, offered a rare possibility for positive publicity and a potential boost to national pride. For WCW, the appeal was the sheer novelty and potential for massive exposure. Bischoff believed a show of this magnitude could catapult WCW to new heights, even if the logistical and political hurdles were immense.
Navigating a Political Minefield: The Wrestlers’ Experience
The journey to Pyongyang was fraught with tension from the start.The wrestlers - a mix of WCW stars like Ric Flair, Sting, The Steiner Brothers, and Kevin Sullivan, alongside Japanese legends like The Great Muta and Hiroshi Hase – were promptly immersed in a world unlike anything they’d ever experienced. Every movement was monitored,every interaction scrutinized.
The presence of Muhammad Hassan, a rising star at the time, added another layer of complexity. Hassan, whose character was based on an Arab-American persona, was particularly vulnerable in the highly controlled habitat. His physical frailty was apparent, but his mental acuity remained sharp, and he quickly grasped the gravity of the situation.
A chilling anecdote, recounted by Ric Flair, illustrates the precariousness of their position. During a formal dinner with North Korean officials, a high-ranking member began boasting about the country’s military might, threatening the US and Japan. Hassan,despite visibly trembling hands,delivered a blunt,unfiltered response: “No wonder we hate thes motherfers.” The ensuing silence was deafening.While the translator skillfully (and likely self-preservingly) softened the comment or remained silent, the moment underscored the very real danger they faced.
Ric Flair himself faced an impractical dilemma. North Korean officials demanded he deliver a prepared speech denouncing the United States and praising the regime. As a staunch conservative and American patriot, Flair refused to directly comply. Rather, he masterfully navigated the situation, praising North Korea’s “beautiful country” and expressing his honor at performing there, while carefully avoiding any endorsement of the government’s ideology. This display of ”survival promo skills” – a hallmark of Flair’s legendary career – likely averted a diplomatic incident.
The Event Itself: A Spectacle of Controlled Enthusiasm
The wrestling matches themselves, featuring Inoki facing Flair in the main event, were secondary to the surrounding spectacle. The Pyongyang Indoor Stadium was packed with an officially reported 150,000 fans on the first night and 190,000 on the second – numbers that remain unchallenged as the largest verified crowds in professional wrestling history, even dwarfing attendance figures for major WWE events like *WrestleMania.
Though, the atmosphere was… unusual. The audience wasn’t there to organically cheer and boo. They were instructed when to applaud, when to chant, and even what to say. The event was meticulously choreographed, not just in the ring, but in the stands.The wrestlers performed their matches, aware that they were performing not just for the audience, but for the watchful eyes of the North Korean leadership.
A Mixed Legacy: Success for the Regime, Failure for WCW**
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