Dennis Rodman missed practice during 1998 NBA Finals to wrestle with Hulk Hogan

NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman has been one of the key highlights in Michael Jordan's documentary as The Last Dance perfectly provided a sound mix of Dennis Rodman's on-court brilliance and his several off-court antics. The final episode of The Last Dance provided another insight into Rodman's notorious nature after it was revealed the Bulls star missed practice during the 1998 NBA Finals in order to make an appearance on WCW.

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Dennis Rodman nWo: Rodman misses practice

During the 1998 NBA Finals between Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz, Dennis Rodman missed practice the day after Game 3 in order to fly to Michigan for a taping of WCW Nitro with Hulk Hogan. At the time, Rodman was involved in a kayfabe rivalry with NBA legend Karl Malone who was also made regular appearances in WCW during the segment. The Mailman and Rodman clashed in the 1998 Finals and a month later faced each other in a tag-team match at WCW's Bash at the Beach pay-per-view in July 1998. 

Revolving around Rodman's antics as he juggled his NBA duties alongside his commitments to WCW, Rodman explained his actions in the final episode of the series. "I wasn't trying to do anything," Rodman explained his WCW appearance during the 1998 Finals. "I was just trying to play basketball, party, da, da, da, da. F*** all the girls. Just be me. Dennis s**t, you know."

Rodman's ex-girlfriend also appeared in the last episode where she explained, the Bulls star "took a detour" to cut a promo on Karl Malone. Rodman even beat up Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) with a steel chair. Rodman snuck out from a practice session before Game 4 through the back door to avoid his media duties. "I think Phil (Jackson) realised that I needed to always do me, just go do what I do. They’re gonna get 100% when I’m on the court," Rodman added.

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Dennis Rodman WCW business: Rodman misses practice

The Dennis Rodman WCW stint did not end up costing the Bulls as they won the 1998 Finals beating the Jazz 4-2. Despite his off-court controversies, Dennis Rodman established himself as one the best defensive players in the league. During the Finals series against the Jazz, Rodman registered a team-high 50 rebounds across six games. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was influential alongside Michael Jordan and co as the Bulls won their second three-peat in 1998.

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Dennis Rodman WCW: Dennis Rodman nWo member, teaming up with Hulk Hogan

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