Hayden V. Coombs, Braden H. Bagley, Bill Kershisnik, Skyler B. Coombs

This article utilizes Social Identity Theory (SIT) to analyze the internal rivalry between nWo Hollywood and nWo Wolfpac within World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Initially presented as a cohesive unit aimed at disrupting the status quo, the New World Order (nWo)—led by Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash—fractured into two factions: nWo Hollywood, maintaining the original black-and-white identity under Hogan, and nWo Wolfpac, adopting a distinct red-and-black brand led by Nash. By applying SIT, this study explores how social categorization, group identification, and intergroup comparisons shaped the behaviors of both wrestlers and fans, leading to a pronounced in-group versus out-group dynamic. Drawing on televised matches, promotional content, and fan interactions, this analysis highlights the strategic use of identity markers and rivalry to drive engagement and loyalty. The findings illustrate how principles of SIT can be applied to sport organizations to enhance fan engagement strategies and manage internal team dynamics, suggesting new avenues for research and offering practical insights for sport managers and educators.

Keywords: Social identity theory, Professional wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, Group dynamics, Identity formation

Citation: Coombs, H. V., Bagley, B. H., Kershisnik, B., & Coombs, S. B. (2025). Don’t turn your back: Revisiting the nWo Hollywood vs. Wolfpac rivalry through the lens of social identity theory. International Journal of Sport Management, 26(2), 222-230.

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