2001, WWF (now WWE) Raw almost always had at least half of its  program shown opposite WCW Nitro every Monday. WWF and WCW competed  for ratings so severely, especially during 1996, the competition was  called the "Monday Night Wars". WCW was owned by Ted Turner and run  by Eric Bischoff. This turned into a legitimate rating feud between  Bischoff and WWF owner Vince McMahon. WCW fell into financial peril  and was up for sale 2000