As wrestling dominated the pop culture airwaves in the late 90s, wrestlers like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin became international cultural icons. But, by the turn of the millennium, wrestling began its downward descent. In early 2001, both WCW and ECW closed its doors and were bought out by WWE, whose fortunes hit the skids shortly after, despite their virtual monopoly. In 2002, a new group rose from the ashes of WCW and ECW Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.