WWE’s Abandoned nWo 2020 Revival: How a COVID Test Scuttled a Wrestling Legend’s Return

Lisbon, Portugal — In the chaotic early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when WWE was forced to innovate or perish, a radical idea took shape behind the scenes: a reboot of the nWo, the infamous anti-hero faction that once dominated professional wrestling in the late 1990s. According to former WWE writer Chris Dunn, who worked for the company from 2016 to 2021, the promotion seriously considered reviving the nWo under a new name—nWo 2020—featuring a lineup of current stars and a legendary figure who would have served as its public face. The plan nearly came to fruition, but a single failed COVID test by that wrestling icon derailed the entire project.

Dunn revealed these details during an appearance on the Public Enemies Podcast, offering a rare glimpse into WWE’s creative process during one of its most unconventional eras. The proposed nWo 2020 would have included four wrestlers: Sheamus, Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Lars Sullivan. The faction was poised for a high-profile debut, with WWE even arranging for a past nWo legend to travel to Orlando to introduce the group. However, the legend failed a COVID test upon arrival, forcing WWE to abandon the idea almost entirely.

This story is more than just a footnote in wrestling history—it’s a snapshot of how the pandemic forced WWE to adapt, experiment, and sometimes abandon even its most ambitious plans. It also raises questions about why the nWo, one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history, has never been successfully revived in the modern era.

The Birth of a Pandemic-Era Idea

By early 2020, WWE was in uncharted territory. The global COVID-19 pandemic had forced the company to halt live events, and its future was uncertain. With no fans in attendance and production moving to the Performance Center in Orlando, WWE’s creative team was under pressure to deliver compelling television. It was in this environment that the idea of reviving the nWo first surfaced.

Dunn explained that the concept was pitched as a way to capitalize on nostalgia while also introducing a fresh, anti-hero dynamic. The proposed lineup—Sheamus, Cesaro, Nakamura, and Sullivan—was carefully selected to balance star power and marketability. Sheamus, a veteran with a history of heel (villain) roles, would have served as the faction’s leader. Cesaro, known for his technical prowess and charisma, would have brought a different flavor to the group. Nakamura, a fan favorite with a rebellious streak, would have added unpredictability, while Sullivan, then a rising star, would have provided youthful energy.

What made the idea particularly intriguing was WWE’s plan to bring in a past nWo legend to introduce the faction. While Dunn did not specify which wrestler was intended, the classic nWo—comprising Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman—had been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, making the timing particularly symbolic. The legend in question was reportedly set to fly to Orlando to officially launch nWo 2020, but their arrival coincided with a surge in COVID cases, and they failed their mandatory test upon landing.

“Do you guys remember that ThunderDome? Really tough to do TV in there, so a lot of ideas were thrown against the wall [laughs]. So, it was discussed at one point, bringing back the nWo 2020.”
— Chris Dunn, former WWE writer (2016–2021)

The failed test was a devastating blow. WWE had already invested significant resources into the idea, including securing the proposed members’ availability and even drafting a promotional campaign. With the legend unable to participate, the entire project was shelved without further discussion.

Who Were the Proposed Members?

The four wrestlers slated to form nWo 2020 each brought unique strengths to the table:

• Sheamus: A six-time World Heavyweight Champion with a history of iconic heel turns, Sheamus would have served as the faction’s leader. His imposing presence and in-ring authority made him a natural choice for the role.
• Cesaro: Known for his technical skill and charismatic personality, Cesaro would have added a different dynamic to the group. His departure for AEW in 2022 cut short his potential involvement, but at the time, he was a top-tier performer.
• Shinsuke Nakamura: A fan favorite with a rebellious edge, Nakamura’s inclusion would have brought unpredictability to the faction. His ability to play both hero and villain made him a perfect fit for an anti-hero group.
• Lars Sullivan: Then a rising star, Sullivan would have provided youthful energy and a fresh perspective. His departure from WWE in 2021 meant he never got the chance to participate in the proposed storyline.

While the lineup was strong, the absence of a unifying figure—such as the legendary wrestler who was supposed to introduce the faction—left the group without a clear narrative anchor. Without that element, the creative team struggled to move forward with concrete plans.

The ThunderDome Era: A Time of Experimentation

The nWo 2020 revival was not WWE’s only bold experiment during the pandemic. The company’s shift to the ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida, in July 2020 marked a turning point in its approach to storytelling. With no live audience and limited production resources, WWE embraced creativity, leading to unconventional storylines like:

• Retribution: A faction of wrestlers who operated outside the normal rules of WWE programming, often interfering in matches and creating chaos.
• Raw Underground: A behind-the-scenes segment that gave fans a glimpse into the lives of WWE’s stars, adding a documentary-style element to the shows.
• Reginald’s WrestleMania 37 Role: Vince McMahon famously considered adding the character Reginald to the main event match between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 37, though the idea was ultimately scrapped.

These experiments reflected WWE’s willingness to take risks during a time when traditional storytelling was no longer viable. The nWo 2020 revival, though ultimately abandoned, fit squarely within this creative phase. It was a bold attempt to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, but one that was ultimately undone by the realities of the pandemic.

Why Has the nWo Never Been Successfully Revived?

The original nWo remains one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history, but its legacy has proven difficult to replicate. Several factors contribute to this challenge:

• Cultural Context: The original nWo thrived in the late 1990s, a time when anti-heroes were dominating mainstream entertainment. Today’s wrestling landscape is different, with a greater emphasis on fan favorites and long-term storytelling.
• Star Power: The original nWo featured Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall—three of the biggest names in wrestling at the time. Modern revivals struggle to match that level of star power, as today’s top wrestlers are often booked as singles competitors rather than faction members.
• Nostalgia vs. Innovation: While nostalgia sells, wrestling audiences also crave fresh stories. A revival that feels too much like a copy of the original risks being seen as gimmicky rather than groundbreaking.
• Creative Risks: WWE’s creative team is often hesitant to take risks with established factions, fearing backlash from fans who may not embrace a revival.

The nWo 2020 revival would have been WWE’s first serious attempt to modernize the faction since its original run. Its failure highlights the challenges of balancing nostalgia with innovation in professional wrestling.

The Aftermath: Where Are the Proposed Members Now?

While the nWo 2020 revival never materialized, the careers of the proposed members have continued to evolve:

• Sheamus: Still active in WWE, Sheamus remains one of the company’s most experienced wrestlers. He has continued to take on heel roles but has not formed a new faction.
• Cesaro: After departing WWE for AEW in 2022, Cesaro has become one of the promotion’s top stars. He has not shown interest in reviving the nWo concept in his current run.
• Shinsuke Nakamura: Nakamura remains a fan favorite in WWE, though he has largely focused on singles competition. His rebellious persona has not translated into a new faction.
• Lars Sullivan: Sullivan left WWE in 2021 and has since competed in independent promotions. His career has not aligned with a potential nWo revival.

None of these wrestlers have since formed a faction that resembles the proposed nWo 2020. While WWE has occasionally referenced the original nWo—such as during the 2020 Hall of Fame induction—the company has not revisited the idea of a modern revival.

Could WWE Still Bring Back the nWo?

Given WWE’s history of reviving iconic factions—such as the New Day and the Shield—it’s not impossible that the nWo could make a comeback in the future. However, several obstacles remain:

• Star Availability: WWE would need to secure the availability of its top talent to form a cohesive faction. With many wrestlers booked in long-term storylines, this would require significant creative planning.
• Fan Reception: The original nWo remains polarizing among wrestling fans. A revival would need to offer something fresh to avoid being seen as a mere rehash of the past.
• Creative Buy-In: WWE’s creative team would need to fully commit to the idea, ensuring that the faction’s storylines are given the time and resources they deserve.

While the nWo 2020 revival may have been abandoned, the idea is not entirely dead. If WWE ever decides to revisit the concept, it would likely require a significant shift in how the company approaches faction storytelling—one that balances nostalgia with innovation.