The NWO was the single most important angle in the history of wrestling. The 3 or 4 years before 1996 are the worst that wrestling has to offer. Sure, there were a few memorable matches/angles and some really good workers, but 90% of the gimmicks were embarrassing.
I hate when those douche bags bow when Vince makes an on screen appearance, as if he's the reason wrestling exists. Most of the embarrassing shit from the mid 90's was put out by that dumb ass. Eric Bischoff, or who ever was the master mind behind the NWO angle, is the true saviour of professional wrestling. That angle brought back the interest of the casual viewer, who eventually tuned into RAW for the Austin/Vince angle. If the NWO never happens, the late 90's boom never happens.