Scott Hall's WWE Departure In 1996, Explained

Highlights

• Scott Hall, aka Razor Ramon, had a successful wrestling career in both WWE and WCW, earning numerous championships and accolades.
• Despite his talent and popularity, Hall left WWE for WCW in 1996 due to various factors, including a lighter schedule and better financial opportunities.
• Hall's return to WCW as part of the n.W.o faction, alongside Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan, was a pivotal moment in the Monday Night Wars and wrestling history. Unfortunately, personal issues eventually led to his release from WCW.

Scott Hall is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time. Despite his personal life battles with drugs and alcoholism, until he was finally able to kick his bad habits to the curb, throughout the 1990s, Hall was at the epicenter of the wrestling industry. In WWE, as "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon, he was one of the top uppercard guys on the roster that easily could have carried the torch as WWE Champion, but never got that opportunity. In WCW, Hall, along with Kevin Nash and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, formed the New World Order (n.W.o) in 1996 and changed the wrestling business forever.

Looking back at Hall's illustrious career, one begs the question as to why Scott Hall left WWE in the first place despite being a top guy for the organization? Was it for financial gain or something more than what meets the eye?

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Scott Hall Wrestled In The Early 90s WCW

Scott Hall Was Called The Diamond Studd In WCW

After his run in AWA, Scott Hall began his career for the NWA (WCW). After failed experimental gimmicks as "Big" Scott Hall and "Gator" Scott Hall, he was repackaged into the Diamond Studd, forming an alliance with Diamond Dallas Page (DDP).

He had moderate success on the mid-card scene for WCW, wrestling the likes of Tommy Rich, Z-Man, and Ron Simmons. His biggest match during this time came as a participant in the "Chamber of Horrors" match at Halloween Havoc 1991, fighting alongside Cactus Jack, Abdullah the Butcher, and Big Van Vader in a losing effort against Sting, The Steiner Bros. and El Gigante.

By early 1992, Hall returned to WCW after recovering from a knee injury. He formed the "Diamond Mine" tag team alongside Vinnie Vegas (aka, Kevin Nash) and Scotty Flamingo (aka, Raven). Hall later departed WCW for WWE in May 1992.

Scott Hall Became Razor Ramon In WWE

Razor Ramon Was One Of WWE's Most Popular Superstars

Scott Hall made his debut for WWE in August 1992 as "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon. The character was heavily inspired by the character, Tony Montana, from the hit 1983 film Scarface. His first major angle involved "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Mr. Perfect, and Ric Flair. Razor aligned himself with Flair and challenge Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect to a match at Survivor Series 1992 in a losing effort. His next big match came at the 1993 Royal Rumble, where he lost a WWE Championship match to defending champion, Bret "Hitman" Hart.

Fast-forward to May 1993, when Razor Ramon lost a key match to the 1-2-3 Kid that triggered his babyface turn. His loss to the 1-2-3 Kid allowed for "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase to disrespect him. Ramon helped the 1-2-3 Kid defeat DiBiase in a match on Monday Night Raw. Ramon would defeat DiBiase at SummerSlam 1993, solidifying his face turn.

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Throughout the rest of his WWE tenure, Razor Ramon remained a babyface, becoming a four-time WWE Intercontinental Champion whilst establishing high-profile rivalries and feuds with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Goldust, Jeff Jarrett, Rick Martel, Diesel, and Irwin R. Schyster.

Hall became part of "The Kliq", a group of real-life friends alongside Kevin Nash (Diesel), Paul Levesque (Triple H), Sean Waltman (1-2-3 Kid), and Shawn Michaels. By mid 1996, trouble began to brew for Razor Ramon behind the scenes. He was suspended for six weeks due to a drug violation prior to WrestleMania 12, as he was supposed to challenge Goldust in a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Hall sat out the remainder of his contract with WWE and returned for his last televised match against Vader at In Your House 7.

Scott Hall left WWE and returned to WCW in May 1996. Hall left WWE for several reasons. He liked the lighter schedule WCW offered him and the guaranteed money deal. He was also unhappy with his booking and for taking a paycut in 1994-1995.

Scott Hall's Infamous WCW Return Began The Monday Night Wars

Scott Hall And Kevin Nash Were Called The Outsiders In WCW

Scott Hall made his return to WCW in May 1996 and implied that he was coming in as "Razor Ramon" and that WWE was initiating a hostile takeover. He would be later joined by Kevin Nash (Diesel) and the surprise heel turn by Hulk Hogan to form the New World Order (n.W.o). Hall remained a huge part of WCW's rise as the n.W.o. continued to grow in popularity. Hall gained great notoriety in WCW, but his personal problems began to rear their ugly head by 2000, allowing for Hall to be released from his WCW contract.

Why Scott Hall's Debut In WCW Was So Important, Explained

After years of suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse, Scott Hall recovered from his previous lifestyle thanks to the help of longtime friend, Diamond Dallas Page and his DDP Yoga program. Hall was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2020, respectively, for his work as a singles star and as part of the n.W.o.

Sadly, Scott Hall passed away in March 2022 after suffering several heart attacks caused from hip surgery. He was 63 years old.