WCW 2000

[Boulder]

WCW Thunder Preview- October 11, 2000

This Wednesday, WCW presents Thunder Down Under- an extra-special two hours of non-stop entertainment, excitement, and action, both in the ring and outside!  The Sydney Entertainment Center will play host to the next leg of WCW’s historic Australian tour.

The first round of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament will draw to a close as Rey Mysterio, Jr. faces Juventud Guerrera.  Not only are these men best friends, but this match is also the fourth in an ongoing best-of-five series.  Guerrera currently leads Mysterio 2-1, but that could change as an even more important prize hangs in the balance.

Also in tournament action, Chuck Palumbo will take on Buff Bagwell.  Bagwell is still nursing several injuries suffered at the hands of David Flair.  However, he has promised to compete in the match.  Will his infirmities make him easy pickings for Palumbo?  Or will the Natural Born Thrillers suffer their third first-round loss?

Lance Storm and Shane Douglas have both made announcements for this Wednesday- Storm plans to present a proposal to WCW Commissioner The Cat, and Douglas has officially extended an open challenge to any member of the roster who wishes to meet him.  Both of these developments will only serve to enhance the unpredictable nature of World Championship Wrestling!

The action begins at 9:00 PM/8:00 PM CDT, only on the TBS Superstation!  Make sure to be there!

-www.wcw.com

Edited August 5, 2005 by Boulder

[Boulder]

WCW Thunder

October 11, 2000

Sydney Entertainment Center- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Tony Schiavone: Greetings, WCW fans, and welcome to Thunder Down Under! Our first week in Australia is coming to a close, but you better believe we’re going out with a bang! The first round of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament concludes tonight as Chuck Palumbo takes on Buff Bagwell and Rey Mysterio, Jr. takes on Juventud Guerrera!

Stevie Ray: That title is in their sights, Tony, you can believe that-

Mark Madden: Ahem!

Tony Schiavone: Ah, yes. And with me as always is “The Best Looking Big Man Down Under” Mark Madden, and the ten-time former WCW World Tag Team Champion, Stevie Ray!

Mark Madden: Over or under, I’m the best big man, period!

Stevie Ray: As I was saying, these guys are gonna be going all out tonight! Bagwell bruised and beaten all over, but he’s gonna take it to Palumbo, probably more than Palumbo expects! And as for Rey and Juvi, we’ll see how far their friendship goes in there!

Tony Schiavone: Undoubtedly, the biggest prize in our industry will make for some surprising developments.

Outrageous Demands

The music of Lance Storm enters the arena, and Storm himself isn’t far behind. Though he is dressed in his wrestling gear, his microphone indicates that competition is not the order of the day. With his usual serious demeanor, he enters the ring.

Tony Schiavone: Well, fans, Lance Storm made it known shortly after Nitro concluded that he wished to meet with The Cat on this broadcast.

Mark Madden: And The Cat’ll show up, if he knows what’s good for him!

Lance Storm: If I can be serious for a moment… after Nitro ended last week, I had a message delivered to The Cat’s office containing an ultimatum. Namely, meet me here in the ring at the start of this broadcast, or he was endangering the welfare of a member of his roster.

Tony Schiavone: What?

Stevie Ray: What’s he talking about?

Lance Storm: I’m not much for jokes, Cat! I’m dead serious about this entire thing! I want you out here right now, because we’ve got some very important business to discuss.

The James Brown-inspired music of The Cat hits, and the WCW Commissioner enters the arena. However, he is much removed from his usual jovial self. He strides down to the ring quickly, a microphone of his own in hand.

The Cat: What the hell do you want? Who the hell do you think you are, threatening me and my roster? There’re about fifty guys back there who’d love to whip your ass, and I might as well let ‘em!

Lance Storm: This isn’t about threats, Cat. This is about the truth. Next week on Monday Nitro, I’ve got Sting in a Quarterfinal tournament match. Now you know the old adage about the one-legged man in the asskicking contest. Unless you want to see it first hand, and unless you want to see one of your franchise players dismembered, I suggest you pull Sting out of the match and give me a bye to the Semifinals.

The Cat: What the hell are you talking about?

Lance Storm: A leg injury to the Stinger screwed this company once, Cat- don’t let it happen again! I was trained in the Dungeon. If Sting steps in that ring with me, I can’t guarantee when he’ll walk again!

Stevie Ray: He’s a big man with his words, but meanwhile, he’s trying to back out of the match!

The Cat: You listen to me, you jackass! If I pulled Sting from the tournament, not only would he whip my ass, but I’d let him! There’s only one way this match ain’t going down, and that’s if you back out!

Storm seems taken aback by this development.

Mark Madden: Has he no compassion for human welfare?

Tony Schiavone: Are you kidding? Even with a bum wheel, Sting’s a monster! He beat Jarrett last week, Storm’s just trying to avoid the same fate!

Lance Storm: I said cancel the damn match, Cat! I’ll tear Sting limb from limb if I need to!

The Cat: The answer’s no! You got five days, so stop whining and start training!

Lance Storm: Fine. Then I guess I’ll give you a little preview of Monday!

Storm sucker punches The Cat, laying him out on the canvas. Suddenly, the crowd begins to roar. Storm applies the Canadian Maple Leaf, but what he does not realize is that Sting has made his way out from backstage and is running down to the ring as fast as his damaged leg will carry him.

Tony Schiavone: Sting! The Stinger is here!

Sting slides into the ring, pulls himself up via the ropes, grabs Storm from behind, and pulls him off of The Cat. A shocked Storm throws a desperate punch, but Sting ducks it. He pops up behind Storm, grabs the back of his head, and takes him down with a Scorpion Death Drop. With Storm down and Sting standing triumphant, the crowd is wild. Sting picks up one of the microphones.

Sting: Lance Storm, if I was in your position, I’d be begging off, too! Whooo!

Mark Madden: Who does he think he is, getting involved in business like this? This wasn’t his problem!

Tony Schiavone: Whatever problem it was, the problem is solved now!

Stevie Ray: Storm will have his hands full on Monday!

As the crowd continues to cheer, Sting helps The Cat to his feet. Both men head backstage to a rousing ovation as Lance Storm lays flat on his back in the ring.

Overall: 76.8%

Stevie Ray: As much as I like Sting, Tony, he is at a disadvantage, going up against a world-class athlete against Storm with a bad leg.

Mark Madden: That’s why Storm was trying to help! Remember?

Tony Schiavone: Well, ignoring senseless comments, there’s another contestant in this tournament coming in at a huge disadvantage. Buff Bagwell, still nursing a myriad of injuries suffered at the hands of David Flair and a crowbar, will take on Chuck Palumbo in our first match.

Chuck Palumbo versus Buff Bagwell

As Chuck Palumbo grinned, Buff Bagwell came down to ringside on his crutches. With great difficulty, he cast them aside and rolled into the ring. Before he could get to his feet, though, “The Event” started stomping away on him. Palumbo then backed Bagwell against the bottom turnbuckle and choked him with the flat of his boot. As the injured Bagwell struggled to breathe, referee Charles Robinson grabbed Palumbo by the waist and attempted to separate him from his opponent. When that failed, Robinson threatened to disqualify Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo backed off, brashly insisting “Hey, it’s a match.” Robinson asked Bagwell if he was able to continue the match, to which Buff raspily replied in the affirmative. Until Bagwell was fully recovered and able to pull himself to a standing base, Robinson held Chuck Palumbo off. Finally, as Palumbo champed at the bit, Robinson signaled that combat could continue.

Palumbo grabbed Bagwell and attempted to seat him on the top turnbuckle. However, Bagwell fought back by nailing “The Event” in the forehead with an elbow. Another one of the same broke Palumbo’s grip. With his feet back on the canvas, Bagwell was able to drive a shoulder into Chuck’s chest. The Thriller was knocked flat on his back, and Bagwell immediately pounced on him in a cover. After the one count, Palumbo threw Buff Bagwell off, causing pain to the injured star and ending his rally only moments after it had begun. Palumbo pulled himself to his feet, then dropped a knee across the back of Buff Bagwell. Grinning at the effect that a simple kneedrop had on his opponent, Palumbo lifted Bagwell up to his feet and sent him back to the mat with a scoop slam. Palumbo made the cover, but before Robinson could slap the mat a third time, Buff Bagwell kicked out.

Bagwell’s kickout seemed to personally offend Chuck Palumbo. He dropped rapid knees and elbows in succession, then dragged Buff to the center of the ring by his left arm. “The Event” then lifted Buff to a sitting position, drove a knee into his back, and grabbed his arms, applying a well-executed surfboard hold. Bagwell shouted in pain, the pressure on his damaged arms and back almost too much for him to bear. Nevertheless, Palumbo cinched in the hold. Bagwell gritted his teeth as Charles Robinson continuously checked for a submission. Palumbo pulled back even further, with images of the WCW World Heavyweight Title on his mind. However, those same thoughts of greatness prevented Bagwell from registering a submission. He planted his feet flat on the mat and pushed up with all of his might. Bagwell got to a standing position and Palumbo, who still had Buff’s arms gripped, followed suit. As Bagwell tried to use all of his strength to pull his arms away from Palumbo, the Natural Born Thriller simply broke the hold of his own accord, grabbed Buff by the hair, and threw him back down to the mat. The audience jeered as Palumbo first flexed his muscles, then brushed his curly locks off of his shoulders.

Sensing that he was free to attempt an uncharacteristic high-risk move, Chuck Palumbo decided to climb to the top turnbuckle. He flexed his biceps once more, then leapt off with a diving elbow. However, Bagwell managed to roll out of the way at the last available instant, leading to a bad landing by Palumbo. The crowd began to clap rhythmically in an attempt to will Bagwell back to his feet. Sure enough, after struggling to his hands and feet, Buff Bagwell managed to get to a standing base. He began unloading on Palumbo with stomps of his own, which he soon stopped in order to pounce on “The Event” and nail him with a series of rights and lefts. Bagwell got back to his feet, and with much effort, pulled Palumbo up by the hair. With one massive, desperate yank, Buff was able to send his opponent flying over the ropes. His energy sapped and his body sore, Buff collapsed back to the canvas. The cheering continued as both men tried to regain their energy.

Palumbo got to his feet first, and after regain his bearings against the announcers’ table, he headed back into the ring. He laughed upon seeing that Bagwell was still down, then approached him and attempted to pull him up to his feet. However, in a lightning-quick motion, Bagwell grabbed Palumbo by the head and rolled him over into a cradle. Palumbo popped out at two, shocked and angry. Bagwell got to his knees, ducked a middle side kick by Palumbo, then tackled his other leg out from underneath him. With the crowd rabid, an adrenaline-fueled Bagwell limped over to the corner of the ring and hoisted himself onto the top turnbuckle in a sitting position. As Palumbo got to his feet, Bagwell made the famous “horn-honking” motion with his arm, then leapt off. With both luck and skill on his side, Bagwell flipped over, grabbed Palumbo’s head, and brought it to the mat. However, the execution of the Buff Blockbuster was nearly as damaging to the battered body of Bagwell as it was to Chuck Palumbo. Both men lay motionless for several seconds, until finally, Buff began to stir. He rolled onto Palumbo and covered, but the delay was too long- Chuck Palumbo kicked out.

Buff got to his knees and began pounding away on Chuck Palumbo. He then rose to his feet, grabbed Palumbo by the hair, and pulled him up. With a raised arm for the benefit of the crowd, Bagwell whipped Palumbo into the ropes. Chuck hit and bounded back, but managed to put the brakes on before returning to Buff, who had doubled over in hopes of a backdrop. Palumbo grabbed Buff’s head and flung it back, planting him directly on his back. Palumbo then took a step back, stalking Buff as he slowly got to his feet. No sooner had Buff managed to pull himself up than Palumbo caught him square in the chin with a Jungle Kick. Buff hit the mat, and Palumbo made the cover, scoring the three count and the first tournament victory for the Natural Born Thrillers. As Palumbo left the ring, David Flair slid inside. He surveyed the scene with a stoic look on his face, then produced a crowbar from his pants and began to lace into Bagwell once more. Thankfully, Charles Robinson was able to pull Flair off of his prey. Flair then ran to the backstage area, his calm demeanor replaced by nervous laughter.

Winner: Chuck Palumbo via pinfall

Time: 10:21

Crowd: 73.0%

Match: 51.4%

Overall: 44.0%

Tony Schiavone: David Flair attacks Buff Bagwell again! Chuck Palumbo decimates then man, then he needs to be beaten with a crowbar?

Stevie Ray: We need some real security out here!

Mark Madden: Well, Palumbo advances either way! This time, I’m calling out the brackets!

Tony Schiavone: In any event, after putting up an unbelievably courageous fight, Buff Bagwell is- wait a second, I’m being told that there are more problems backstage!

Backstage Assault

The camera pans to a backstage area where WCW road agents are gathered around a fallen man. Kaz Hayashi and Jamie-San rush into the scene and pull the agents away, revealing that the injured wrestler is none other than Yun-Yang. Not only has he been beaten into unconsciousness, but covering most of his bodies are three large, green circles- the trademarks of Three Count. Hayashi removes the circles and shouts to Jamie-San in Japanese. Jamie nods as the agents reenter the scene, this time with a stretcher.

Overall: 39.8%

Tony Schiavone: Three Count attack Yang backstage! Is nobody safe?

Mark Madden: How do you know that it was Three Count, Tony?

Stevie Ray: The green circles, Madden!

Mark Madden: It’s a frame-up, Stevie! Think outside the box!

Total Package, Totally Candid

Suddenly, the camera pans to the front row of the audience. As he has done previously, Lex Luger has come down to ringside and taken a seat with the crowd.

Stevie Ray: And what the hell is Luger doing here? We haven’t seen him since he turned on General Rection two weeks ago!

Tony Schiavone: He made some very cryptic comments, offered to team with Rection, then turned on him. This man owes WCW an explanation!

Sure enough, Mike Tenay has come out to ringside, a microphone in hand. He approaches Luger, who feigns surprise at being made a point of attention.

Mike Tenay: Lex Luger, on behalf of all of World Championship Wrestling, I was hoping to get a word with you.

Luger stands up, a smile plastered on his face.

Lex Luger: I’ll do what I can, Mike, but remember, I’m not even a member of the WCW roster.

Mike Tenay: Be that as it may, you were quick to get involved in a tag match two weeks, ago, only to turn on your partner, General Rection.

Lex Luger: You wanna know what that was, Mike? That was Lex Luger being Lex Luger. That was the reason why I’m not a member of this roster, and why I’m not allowed on TV unless I buy a ticket. I am the most dangerous man to ever set foot in a WCW ring, Tenay. The Horsemen knew it when I was U.S. Champion. Hulk Hogan knew it when I ended his year-long reign as WCW Champion. And the WCW Executive Committee knows it now, and that’s why they don’t want me anywhere near the show!

Mike Tenay: Are you trying to say that WCW is afraid of you?

Lex Luger: Hey, if the shoe fits, little man. When I’m here, I cause controversy and trouble, and I leave a wake of beaten bodies behind me. It’s a lot easier for WCW to just wash their hands of me, I guess. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I paid for a ticket and I’d like to see the show continue.

A bit puzzled, Mike Tenay looks as if he is going to continue the questioning. However, he thinks better of it and heads backstage, leaving Luger to himself.

Overall: 77.0

Tony Schiavone: Very strange. Just… strange.

Mark Madden: What, you don’t speak English, Tony? Luger’s too dangerous for this company! The last time he was around here, he and Ric Flair damn near ran the place!

Stevie Ray: Well, I’ve known Lex Luger for a long time, and I’ll bet he’s got something up his sleeve.

Mark Madden: Yeah, a bicep that’d put yours to shame!

Tony Schiavone: On a different note, fans, it was announced on WCW.com yesterday that Shane Douglas had made an open challenge to any member of the roster who wished to meet him in the ring on this broadcast. Well, this is his scheduled time, so let’s see how things progress for him.

Shane Douglas versus Sergeant A-WALL

A look of panic spread across Shane Douglas’s face as he realized that Sergeant A-WALL had accepted his open challenge. Nevertheless, Douglas tried to mount an early aggressive offense, attacking the big man with punches from the moment he stepped in the ring. A-WALL, however, quickly turned the tide, catching Douglas with a knee to the gut and hammering him with much larger fists. A-WALL grabbed Douglas and shot him into the ropes, then nailed him with a big boot as he came running back. “The Franchise” then rolled out of the ring and leaned on the guardrail, regaining his composure after a wild assault. Douglas was followed by A-WALL, whom he then led on a chase around the ring. Shane Douglas rolled back in under the ropes, popped up, and put the boots to A-WALL as he attempted to do the same. A kneedrop across the head of Sergeant A-WALL sapped some of his fight. Douglas followed up by applying a side headlock as A-WALL got to his feet.

Douglas squeezed in on the hold, but A-WALL was easily able to reverse it into a belly to back suplex. He followed up with a fist drop on Shane Douglas, but only got a two count. A-WALL lifted Douglas up and whipped him into the ropes, but “The Franchise” bounced back with a running punch that caught A-WALL in the jaw. The big man hit the canvas, allowing Douglas to quickly apply an Anaconda Vice submission hold. A-WALL managed to reach the ropes, but Douglas kept the hold locked in until referee Mark Johnson reached “four” on the five count. Breaking it, Douglas got to his feet and nailed A-WALL with a kick to the jaw. As Sergeant A-WALL struggled, Douglas kept the foot pressed against his face, holding the ropes for leverage. He then launched a kneedrop, landing it, once again, on A-WALL’s face. Douglas grabbed his opponent by the head and lifted him to a standing base, then grabbed him by the head, attempting to take him over with a snapmare. However, A-WALL pushed him off, sending Douglas to the ropes. As he bounced back, A-WALL caught Douglas with a huge powerslam, then covered, scoring two.

A-WALL lifted Shane Douglas up to his feet, then grabbed him around the throat. He signaled that he was ready to take Douglas up for the Chokeslam, but “The Franchise” countered with a low kick. A-WALL doubled over, allowing Douglas to catch him in the forehead with a knee. As A-WALL popped up, Douglas grabbed him around the chest, spun around, and planted him into the mat with his signature belly to belly suplex. After a cackle to the crowd, Douglas grabbed A-WALL and pulled him to his feet. “The Franchise” grabbed A-WALL’s head and attempted to lift him for a suplex. However, A-WALL blocked the suplex, lifted Douglas in the air, and dropped back with one of his own. He followed up with a legdrop across Douglas’s chest, then covered for two. He picked Douglas up and tossed him to the corner, then threw a hard chop across his chest. As Shane Douglas lay in the corner, A-WALL climbed to the second rope and began administering a ten-punch, to which the audience half-heartedly counted along. After nine, A-WALL slammed his knee into Douglas’s face, further incapacitating him. With a yell to the crowd, A-WALL jumped back down to the canvas, then hoisted Shane Douglas up onto the top turnbuckle. A-WALL climbed back up and hooked Douglas’s head under his arm. Shane Douglas tried to fight back with punches to A-WALL’s gut, but it was too little, too late. A-WALL pulled him up to a standing position, then executed a high-impact Superplex. With both men down on the canvas, the crowd started to stir. The cause of this disturbance was the Harris Brothers, Ron and Don, running in through the crowd to the ring.

As the announcers speculated as to their purpose, the Harrises jumped the guardrail and slid into the ring. They waited patiently as both men got to their feet, then made their move. Each man grabbed one of Sergeant A-WALL’s arms, then whipped him to the ropes with great force. As A-WALL came running back, the Harris Brothers grabbed him, lifted him up in the air, and slammed him to the mat with the H-Bomb. As Mark Johnson tried to plead for some semblance of order to return, Douglas crawled over and covered Sergeant A-WALL. With WCW’s relaxed rules regarding disqualification, Johnson had no choice but to make the three count. Pleased with the victory (and apparently, in league with Shane Douglas), the Harris Brothers lifted a beaten, yet triumphant, “Franchise” up on their shoulders.

Winner: Shane Douglas via pinfall

Time: 7:36

Crowd: 50.0%

Match: 50.4%

Overall: 49.3%

Stevie Ray: The Harris Brothers are backing up Shane Douglas!

Mark Madden: A genius with muscle to do his bidding… I like it!

Desperate Reasoning

The camera cuts to reveal David Flair backstage, walking quickly through the parking area with his crowbar gripped in his hands. Stacy Keibler is running to keep up with him, all the while trying to reason with him.

Stacy Keibler: Please, David! This has to stop! I told you, Buff’s not the father! Please, please, you’ve got to stop hurting him!

David Flair: Then who is the father, Stacy? Who is the father?

Stacy Keibler: I… I can’t say. I can’t relive the mistake I made! Please, don’t make me say!

David Flair: You know what, Stacy? I think you’re protecting Buff! I still think he is the father! And, hehe, I’ll be glad to show him exactly what that means to me!

Stacy Keibler: I said he’s not the father, David! I already made the biggest mistake of my life by deceiving you… I’m not doing it a second time!

Flair looks into Stacy’s eyes, absorbing her words. He seems to believe her.

David Flair: Well… guess what, Stacy- even if he’s not the father, he’ll be gunning for me. I need to finish this thing as quickly as possible!

Stacy Keibler: Listen to me, David! Just stop the fighting, it’ll make things easier! When Buff gets better, he’s coming for you! He told me!

David Flair: Then I’ll just have to make sure he never gets better!

Overall: 67.1%

Tony Schiavone: Talk about a situation that’s gonna get a lot worse before it gets better!

Mark Madden: Just like Buff, Tony!

Who’d Better Return Soon? - Part Two

The camera cuts to a video package containing a black and white clip from Slamboree 2000. Various members of the New Blood and the Millionaire’s Club are fighting atop the first tier of the triple cage when, without warning, Mike Awesome grabs Chris Kanyon and throws him off of the cage. Kanyon crashes back-first in the middle of the entrance ramp. The camera closes in on his body as the announcers wildly speculate as to his state. A different clip is shown- this time, a black and white sample from the Great American Bash. Diamond Dallas Page and Mike Awesome are brawling while Kanyon sits in a wheelchair on the stage. Eric Bischoff heads out to threaten Kanyon with a weapon, causing DDP to shift his focus to his friend. As DDP heads over to Bischoff, Kanyon gets out of the wheelchair, at which point the video footage turns to color. Kanyon grabs Page and nails him with the Kanyon Cutter through an adjacent stage setup. The screen goes back, and in blue lettering, the words “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN” appear. They disappear, and are replaced by the words “WHO’S BETTER THAN KANYON?” Simultaneously, a sound clip of the Kanyon speaking the words is played. Finally, they disappear as well, to be replaced with the words “RETURNING SOON.”

Overall: 48.4%

Mark Madden: I personally can’t wait until Kanyon comes back, guys!

Tony Schiavone: Like I said, let’s just hope he’s learned a thing or two!

Stevie Ray: Don’t bet on it, Tony!

WCW Hardcore Championship Match: Reno © versus Crowbar

Both men went for a lockup to begin, but Reno faked, went high, and grabbed Crowbar by the throat. After a few moments of choking, Crowbar kicked Reno in the groin, breaking his grip. Crowbar landed a few punches to Reno’s face, backing him into the corner. Reno turned the tide, though, by grabbing Crowbar’s hair, jumping out of the corner, and slamming his face against the top turnbuckle. Crowbar staggered back, so Reno grabbed his head and slammed him into the turnbuckle once more. Reno followed up by taking Crowbar’s arm, pulling him in, and leveling him with a short-arm clothesline. Reno hoisted himself up to the second turnbuckle and jumped off with a legdrop, but he proved to be overzealous, as Crowbar rolled out of the way before the larger man could land.

With Reno down on the mat, Crowbar rolled out of the ring and grabbed a chair from ringside. He brought it back in with him as Reno got to his hands and knees. Crowbar held the chair beside Reno’s face, then gave the chair a quick dropkick. Reno was knocked back to the mat, where Crowbar covered him. However, the Hardcore Champion kicked out at two. Crowbar lifted Reno up and whipped him to the ropes, then picked him up on his shoulders as he ran back. Crowbar spun around a few times, then dropped back in a Samoan Drop. He scurried over to the corner of the ring to get the chair, but as he came back, Reno took him down with a drop toe hold. Unfortunately for the challenger, he landed face-first on the steel chair. Reno added to the pain by landing a legdrop across the back of Crowbar’s head, slamming his face into the chair once more. Reno flipped Crowbar onto his back and made the cover, but the former World Tag Team Champion was able to kick out.

Reno got back to his feet and slid out of the ring. He lifted up the skirt around the apron and began digging around, apparently looking for some sort of weapon. However, he was unable to immediately locate anything, and this gave Crowbar the opportunity to get to his feet. While Reno searched, Crowbar grabbed the top rope and launched himself over with a pescado. Reno got to a vertical base just in time to take the full force of the maneuver. With Reno down, Crowbar popped back to his feet and began searching under the ring. He brought out a table seconds later, much to the delight of the fans. After punching Reno in the back and shoulders a few times, Crowbar slid the table into the ring, then rolled in after it. He got to his feet and set the table up as the Hardcore Champion pulled himself back into the ring.

As Reno got back to his feet, Crowbar opened up on him with a series of lefts and rights. He then shot the champion into the ropes and caught him with a dropkick as he bounded back. Sensing that the title was within his grasp, Crowbar picked Reno up and laid him across the wooden table. He then climbed to the top rope and shouted to the fans. However, before Crowbar could leap, Reno rolled off of the table and stumbled to the corner of the ring to regain his energy. A calm, cool, and collected Crowbar hopped down from the top turnbuckle and charged at Reno with an Avalanche. However, Reno sidestepped the charge and Crowbar barreled into the turnbuckle. As he staggered back, Reno grabbed him from behind. He stuck his head under Crowbar’s arm, then took him over with a belly to back suplex. Reno signaled that it was all over, then covered Crowbar. However, the challenger once again managed to kick out at two.

Reno put the boots to Crowbar, then lifted him up to his feet. He then kicked Crowbar in the stomach and hoisted him up for a Powerbomb. However, the former Cruiserweight Champion managed to reverse it into a Hurricanrana, which he held on the mat as he pounded on Reno’s face. It wasn’t long, though, before Reno shoved Crowbar off and had fought back up to his feet. Crowbar grabbed Reno by the arm and attempted a whip, but the Hardcore Champion reversed into a whip of his own. As Crowbar bounced back from the ropes, Reno caught him under the legs, spun him around, and planted him through the table with a spinebuster. The fans cheered at the carnage, but booed when Reno sprung back up to his feet. Reno bounced in place as Crowbar lay in the wooden wreckage, then finally grabbed him by his hair and dragged him out to the center of the ring. Reno pulled Crowbar up to his feet, then spun him around and grabbed him in position for a Reverse DDT. With a few flicks of his free hand, Reno signaled that it was time to Roll the Dice. He did so, then pinned Crowbar to retain the title.

Winner: Reno via pinfall

Time: 8:25

Crowd: 59.8%

Match: 55.1%

Overall: 32.5%

Tony Schiavone: Reno picks up the win, after some help from a table!

Mark Madden: Hey, it’s all legal in the Hardcore division, guys! Reno picked up a win as clean as a fresh winter snow!

Stevie Ray: Well, you can be sure Crowbar’ll be back! He wants that title!

Mark Madden: Hey, fine with me! Reno can dish it out as long as anybody wants it!

Divide and Conquer

The camera cuts to a backstage corridor, where WCW World Tag Team Champions Sean O’Haire and Mark Jindrak are standing silently. The camera pans around a curve in the hall to reveal Brian Adams on the other side, talking to a stagehand.

Brian Adams: Yeah, well, he’s all the way around the other side of the building somewhere. No big deal. Anyway, take care.

Brian Adams shakes the hand of the stagehand, who then leaves. Adams starts walking down the corridor. As soon as he gets around the turn, he is face to face with the champions. They immediately grab him and slam him into the wall, then stomp away at him as he falls face-first to the floor. The champions continue stomping until O’Haire pulls Adams up by the hair and catches him with a vicious crossface punch. He then throws Adams back to the floor, where he and Jindrak decimate him with kicks, stomps, and kneedrops.

Mark Jindrak: Who’s the bitch, now, huh? Tell your moron partner that we mean business!

Jindrak and O’Haire continue the assault as the camera cuts away.

Overall: 66.5%

Tony Schiavone: An assault on Brian Adams! Seriously, is it just Australia, or is it always like this in WCW?

Stevie Ray: You know as well as I do that it’s not just Australia, Tony!

Tony Schiavone: That’s what I was afraid of! Wait, I’m being told that Mike Tenay is backstage with Shane Douglas! Hopefully we can get some info regarding his actions with Ron and Don Harris earlier tonight!

Domination Explanation

Mike Tenay is standing in the backstage interview area with Shane Douglas. The Harris Brothers are nowhere to be found.

Mike Tenay: This is Mike Tenay once again, filling in for “Mean” Gene Okerlund. Shane Douglas, earlier tonight, your “open challenge” ruse revealed itself, as you had the Harris Brothers help you defeat Sergeant A-WALL. What is the extent of your relationship with the Harrises?

Shane Douglas: Mike Tenay, the word “ruse” is beneath “The Franchise.” I prefer “master plan.” And as for the Harrises, let me tell you something. Shane Douglas is a man of success, and one thing I’ve learned in the past is that part of success means surrounding yourself with people who can get the job done. On the shoulders of the Harris Brothers, “The Franchise” will be able to reach out, grab WCW by the throat, and hold it as his own! The time for fun and games is over, and the baddest bad-ass in the pack is taking charge! A word to the wise- no matter who you are, from the top of the card to the very bottom, check the booking sheets, look over your shoulder, and always be prepared- because sooner or later, the time will come to get your ass- ha, ha- Franchised!

Overall: 81.3

Mark Madden: See, Tony? You wanted an answer, and you got one. Douglas is hiring muscle to speed up his inevitable rise to the top!

Tony Schiavone: Well, it’s still the most sensible thing I’ve heard all night. Up next, fans, we’ve got a treat. Call it match four in a best-of-five series, call it the final first round tournament match, call it our main event, but any way you slice it, it’s Rey Mysterio, Jr. versus Juventud Guerrera!

Rey Mysterio, Jr. versus Juventud Guerrera

Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Juventud Guerrera circled each other to start, then locked up. After much jockeying for position, Juvi backed Rey into the corner. Referee Nick Patrick called for a clean break, and Juvi obliged. Back in the center of the ring, Rey extended his hand, and Juventud shook it. The two locked up a second time, and Rey took Juvi over with an armdrag. Juvi held onto the arm of Mysterio, but Rey managed to get back to his feet. Guerrera turned the hold into a wristlock, which Mysterio was able to reverse into one of his own by rolling on the canvas. Mysterio turned his wristlock into a hammerlock, which Juventud Guerrera reversed via a go-behind. “The Juice” kept the hammerlock cinched in for a few moments, then abandoned it in favor of a headlock. Rey grabbed Juvi around the waist and ran, attempting to shove him off and into the ropes. However, Guerrera retained his grasp on Rey-Rey’s head, sliding to the mat as he ran.

Juventud kept the headlock as he sat on the mat. Mysterio managed to get his knees underneath himself, then rolled over, putting Guerrera into a pinning position. However “The Juice” managed to roll back to his original position, retaining the headlock. Rey slapped his foot against the mat, drawing rhythmic applause from the very pro-Mysterio crowd. He got back to his feet and pushed Juvi once more, this time breaking the hold and sending Guerrera to the ropes. Juventud bounced back with his head down, but Rey thought quick and leapfrogged over his friend. Juvi hit the opposite set of ropes and came back once more, at which point Mysterio flipped him over with a hiptoss. Juvi got to his feet and lunged at Rey with a grapple attempt, but Mysterio dodged it and grabbed Juvi from behind in a waistlock. With Guerrera in a precarious position, Rey ran him into the ropes, bounced back, and rolled Juvi up, getting a two count. Both men popped back up to their feet and slapped hands, though Juventud wore a look of frustration on his face.

Rey Mysterio raised his left hand, offering up a test of strength to Juventud Guerrera. Juvi accepted, and the two interlocked their fingers. However, before they could get chest to chest, Juvi leapt up and quickly flipped Rey over with a Hurricanrana. Still holding Rey’s hands, Juvi held on for the pin. After the two count, though, Rey hooked his feet under Juvi’s arms and flipped him into a cover. Juvi kicked out after two as the two finally broke hands, then grabbed Rey’s legs and leaned forward, covering him. Rey kicked out as Patrick registered two, forcing Juventud onto his back and into another pinning predicament. Juvi kicked out at the two by clipping Rey in the head with his legs, then grabbed Rey’s ankles and rolled over him into a jackknife pin hold. Rey kicked out at two, then grabbed Juvi around the chest as the two bridged up. Rey spun around, setting Juvi up between his legs, then lifted him for a Powerbomb. However, Juvi reversed into another Hurricanrana, which he held for a two count. Both men popped to their feet and eyed each other as the fans cheered in amazement.

Mysterio went for another grapple, but Guerrera caught him in the gut with a boot as the audience voiced their displeasure. Juvi then lifted Rey up by the waist and slammed him down on his knee with a gutbuster. Juvi then flipped Rey onto his stomach and began pounding on his lower back with a series of forearms and wrist shots. “The Juice” then got back to his feet, ran to the ropes, and bounced back, finally jumping in the air and landing a flipping senton splash across the back of his fellow Filthy Animal. Juvi flipped Rey onto his back and covered him, but Rey kicked out before the three. Juvi responding by picking Mysterio up and slamming him back down to the canvas with a jumping side slam. He covered once more, but Mysterio was still able to kick out. Angered, Juvi turned Rey back onto his stomach, grabbed his arms, planted a boot in between his shoulderblades, and pulled back with all of his might. Even if Mysterio had never removed his mask, it wouldn’t have been difficult to notice the grimace of pain that spread across his face. Patrick got down to the canvas and checked to see if Rey wanted to give up, but Mysterio, arguably the top cruiserweight in American history, made it very clear that he did not.

Guerrera released the hold, letting Mysterio hit the mat face-first. After a few more stomps to Rey-Rey’s back, Juventud got an idea. He planted his right foot on Rey’s right hamstring muscle, then did the same with his opposite foot. Juvi then grabbed Rey’s arms another time and simply rolled back, trapping Mysterio in the Mexican Surfboard. This time, Mysterio’s screams of pain were far more pronounced. Guerrera pulled back with his arms while pushing up with his feet, hoping to put enough strain on Mysterio’s back that a submission would be forced. However, Rey still held on. Juventud Guerrera cursed as he realized that Rey would not give in, but he still kept the hold in the hopes of wearing his opponent down. For several seconds Rey remained suspended off of the canvas, until finally, Juvi could no longer support his weight. He released the hold and dropped Rey, then immediately grabbed him and rolled him back into a bridging cover. Mysterio kicked out at the two count, but Juventud Guerrera seemed prepared for this eventuality. He gently picked Rey up to his feet and whipped him to the ropes. As Rey came gingerly running back, Juvi caught him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. After dusting off his hands and smiling, Juvi climbed up to the top rope. With Rey motionless on the canvas, Juvi leapt off with a big splash. However, at the last possible moment, Rey rolled under the ropes and out of harm's way. Juvi collided with the canvas, knocking himself silly and making the match a bit more even.

Rey was the first to stir, as he dragged himself out from under the ropes and draped an arm across the chest of Juventud Guerrera. Nick Patrick hit the canvas and made the count, but “The Juice” kicked out an instant before the three. With both men down, Patrick got to his feet and began to administer a standing ten count. Patrick got higher and higher into the count, but neither man stirred. Finally, Rey got to his hands and knees as Patrick raised eight fingers in the air. By nine, both men had reached palpable (albeit precarious) footholds, and Nick Patrick signaled to the timekeeper that he was not to ring the bell. Rey and Juvi started trading shots, with Rey backing Juvi into the corner. As a wave of adrenaline surged through the Tijuana native, he pounced on Juvi and took him over with a monkey flip. Mysterio grimaced from the pressure on his back, but he was quick to hop to his feet, run to the side of the ring, spring up onto the second rope, and leap off with a legdrop across Guerrera’s face. Rey hooked both of Juventud’s legs to make the cover, but “The Juice” kicked out at two.

Rey got back up to his feet, then pulled Juvi up by the head. He grabbed Guerrera by the arm and attempted to whip him, but Juventud held on and reversed into a whip of his own. Rey hit the ropes and came back to find “The Juice” doubled over. Rey leapted over Juvi with a Sunset Flip, but the pain of slamming his back on the canvas prevented him from rolling his opponent over. Juventud sat down on Mysterio, spun around, and grabbed his legs, holding him for a cover. However, Rey Mysterio kicked out with a surprising amount of power, sending Guerrera flying between the first and second ropes and out of the ring. As Juvi lay on the arena floor, Rey slowly climbed up to the top turnbuckle. Juventud got up to his feet just in time to catch a crossbody from Mysterio. With both men down on the floor, Nick Patrick started up another ten count. This time, Rey got up at six. He pulled Juvi up by the arm, then rolled him into the ring. With the crowd abuzz, Rey climbed up to the apron, jumped onto the top rope, then landed a springboard legdrop across Guerrera’s chest. Rey made the cover, but Patrick stopped the count at two after noticing that Juvi had gotten his right foot under the bottom rope.

As the crowd began to cheer the amazing match they were witnessing, Rey got back to his feet. He grabbed Juventud Guerrera by the head and hoisted him up, then tossed him into the corner. After a few chops and punches to ensure that Juvi was out of it, Rey lifted him up to a sitting position on the top turnbuckle. Rey climbed up to the top rope and, after making the sign of the cross on himself, jumped up in the air with a Frankensteiner attempt. However, as soon as Rey closed his legs around Juventud, “The Juice” pushed his feet off of the second turnbuckle, springing out into the center of the ring. Juvi slammed Rey down with an amazing Powerbomb, knocking the life out of him and taking a great deal of energy out of the executor. Finally, Juvi managed to hook Rey’s leg and roll over for the cover. Patrick slapped the mat twice, but right before he could hit it a third time, Rey kicked out. Juvi sat up with a look of astonishment on his face, then started pounding the mat out of sheer frustration.

Incensed, yet doing his best to regain his composure, Guerrera signaled that it was time for the Juvi Driver. As he was showered with jeers from the crowd, “The Juice” lifted Rey to his feet, then grabbed him around the back and between the legs. He hoisted Rey up, but was taken down into a roll-up by Mysterio. Guerrera kicked out after the closest of two counts, very much surprised by Rey-Rey’s reversal. Both men popped to their feet, at which point Juvi charged at Rey and threw a high dropkick. He landed it right in Mysterio’s face, sending him bouncing into the ropes. Juvi threw a clothesline as Rey Mysterio bounced back, but Rey grabbed him by the arm, jumped up, hooked his legs around Juvi’s other arm, and took him to the mat with a crucifix pinning combination. Juvi kicked out at two and rolled to his feet, only to be taken down by a drop toe hold from Mysterio. Rey then grabbed Juvi in a full nelson and rolled him over, straight into a pinning combination. Juvi kicked out once again, and both men got to their feet.

With nearly twenty minutes having expired, Juventud Guerrera and Rey Mysterio, Jr. circled each other cautiously. Juvi attempted a tie-up, but Rey slid beneath his legs and popped up behind him. He then caught Guerrera between the shoulderblades with a front dropkick, sending him into the corner of the ring. With another high-risk maneuver on his mind, Rey lifted Juvi up and sat him on the top turnbuckle, his back facing the ring. Mysterio then climbed up to the second turnbuckle and hooked his head under Juvi’s arm. Hoping for the best, Rey hoisted Juventud up in the air and fell back. He connected with his super belly to back suplex, but Mysterio’s back took damage from the fall, as well. Both men lay on the mat, and for the second time in the match, Nick Patrick began to count them both down.

At the count of seven, Juventud Guerrera got to his feet. He stumbled into the corner, where he held himself up by using the ropes. Juvi gleefully counted the “eight” along with Patrick, but his optimism was replaced with ire as Rey got up at nine. Guerrera caught him in the stomach with a boot, then beat him over the back with forearm shots and closed-fist punches. Rey shoved Juvi back, then charged at him. As Rey approached Juvi ducked down to the mat. Rey hopped over him, then ran to the ropes. As Juventud got back to his feet, Rey sprung up onto the middle rope and leapt off with a quebrada, catching Juvi across the chest. Guerrera went down with Mysterio on top of him in pinning position. Nick Patrick dove to the mat and began the count, but Juvi kicked out after two.

Rey got back to his feet and pulled Juvi to a standing position by his head. However, Juvi fought Rey off with a series of punches, then took him down with a spinning back kick. As Rey hit the mat, Juvi launched a somersault legdrop. Rey rolled out of the way, though, causing Guerrera to slam to the canvas rear-first. Rey hopped back up to his feet and waited patiently until Juvi sat up, at which point he nailed him in the face with a seated dropkick. With the crowd behind him, Rey climbed up to the top turnbuckle and watched as Juvi rose to his feet. When he did, Mysterio leapt off, catching Juvi around the head with his feet. Before Rey could fall back and take “The Juice” over, though, Juvi grabbed him around the back, stopping his momentum. Juvi fought for a Powerbomb, but Rey nailed him with a few quick shots to the face, breaking Guerrera’s hold around his back. At that point, Juventud wisely grab the ropes to prevent being flipped over. However, Rey managed to spin around so that he was sitting on Juvi’s shoulders. At that point, he was able to punch “The Juice” in the right bicep, breaking his hold on the rope, and take him over with a Victory Roll. A surprised Juvi was rolled up for the three count as Mysterio evened the score of the series, advanced in the tournament, and ended a marathon encounter.

Rey Mysterio via pinfall

Time: 23:51

Crowd: 68.6%

Match: 85.2%

Overall: 76.9%

Tony Schiavone: Rey wins!

Stevie Ray: And what a match!

Mark Madden: Talk about a way to end the week!

Tony Schiavone: You said it, Madden! For all of us at WCW, thank you, Australia! We’ll catch you next week from Melbourne, as the tournament Quarterfinals begin!

Overall Rating: 60.0%

Edited August 5, 2005 by Boulder

[fineintent]

Wow, great Thunder there - seriously impressive.

Not only did you manage to make Lex Luger interesting, but the Rey/Juvi match was extremely well written and Lance Storm brilliantly conveyed. Here's hoping he does "injure" Sting, and this whole bad ass, dangerous weapon thing will go a long way to not only fleshing out his character, but elevating him.

The way I see it, the most logical options are Storm/Goldberg or Booker/Steiner in the finals, with the latter probably the more logical. From there you've got the post-tournament Booker/Steiner feud, but some build-up for a Booker/Storm feud. I can't wait to see what happens after the tournament, when you're allowed a bit more creativity in a way - who'll go after who etc.

Great play-by-play, spot of characterisation and an easy to digest layout make this one of the top diaries on the board, for what it's worth. Keep it up.

[Boulder]

WCW Worldwide

October 15, 2000

Mike Tenay: Hello, and welcome to WCW Worldwide! I’m “The Professor” Mike Tenay, and with me, as always, is Scott Hudson.

Scott Hudson: Thank you, Mike. This week, WCW broadcast Nitro and Thunder from across the world- Australia, to be exact- and to say that things were hectic would be the understatement of the year! Things were absolutely nuts!

Mike Tenay: They were wild nights, to be sure, Scott, and at the center of them both was the WCW World Heavyweight Championship tournament. Let’s take a look at some of the tournament matches we saw this week.

A video begins to play, showing the endings from three of the tournament matches that have taken place. Before each clip, a graphic showing the participants is displayed.

MIKE AWESOME versus SHAWN STASIAK

Mike Awesome lifted Shawn Stasiak to his feet and whipped him to the ropes.  As Stasiak bounced back, Awesome threw a clothesline.  Stasiak ducked, though, and put the brakes on directly behind Awesome.  He then grabbed Awesome’s head and took him down with a neckbreaker.  Both men struggled to reach their feet, then traded punches once they did.  Awesome gained the upper hand, sending Stasiak reeling with a hard shot to the jaw.  He then kicked Stasiak in the gut, set him up between his legs, and lifted him for an Awesomebomb.  Much to Awesome’s surprise, though, Stasiak managed to slide out.  As Mike Awesome turned around, Stasiak grabbed him and hoisted him up onto his shoulders, setting him up for the Perfect Plant.  However, Awesome grabbed the top rope, preventing Stasiak from delivering the move.  Awesome slid off of Stasiak’s shoulders, then immediately leveled him with a hard clothesline.  Sensing victory was in his grasp, Awesome lifted Stasiak up for the Awesomebomb once more.  This time, he was able to hit the move, brutally driving Shawn Stasiak into the canvas.  Awesome covered to score the pin and the spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

BILL GOLDBERG versus MIKE SANDERS

Goldberg headed over to the corner and squatted down, stalking Mike Sanders as he reached his feet.  Goldberg yelled again, but before he could charge in with the Spear, Palumbo and Stasiak grabbed him by the ankles.  With each man handling one leg, they had little trouble pulling him under the ropes and out of the ring.  Palumbo grabbed Goldberg from the rear, hooking his arms behind his back.  Stasiak, still ailing from his earlier match with Mike Awesome, slapped Goldberg’s face twice, then caught him under the chin with a hard European uppercut.  As Stasiak closed in for another attack, Goldberg caught him in the gut with a hard front kick.  He then broke free of Palumbo’s grip, grabbed him by the arm, and whipped him into Shawn Stasiak.  The Perfect Event collided, and both fell to the mat.  Goldberg climbed up onto the apron, but no sooner had he reached his feet than Mike Sanders clocked him over the head with a second chair.  Goldberg collapsed to the apron, allowing Sanders to grab him and pull him back into the ring.  He made the cover, but Goldberg managed to kick out at two.

Mike Sanders desperately hammered Goldberg with lefts and rights, then got up and began to stomp at him.  Without warning, though, Goldberg grabbed Sanders’s foot, then twisted sharply, flipping the leader of the Natural Born Thrillers to the mat.  Goldberg got to his feet, pulled Sanders up, and whipped him to the ropes.  As Sanders came running back, Goldberg caught him, pressed him above his head, dropped him onto his shoulder, and slammed him to the mat.  As soon as Goldberg got back up, though, he was met with a kick from Chuck Palumbo.  Palumbo and Stasiak both grabbed him around the head, then took him over with a double suplex.  Goldberg immediately shot back to his feet and charged at The Perfect Event.  They each threw a clothesline, but Goldberg ducked, ran off the opposite set of ropes, and came back with a Spear to both men.  Goldberg roared to the crowd, then turned his attention to Mike Sanders, who was getting back to his feet.  “Da Man” charged furiously, then caught Sanders with an earth-shattering Spear.  Goldberg pointed towards the sky and shouted once more, sending the Australian crowd into even more rabid a frenzy.  Goldberg pulled Sanders up by the head, set him up in suplex position, then hoisted him in the air.  After a few dramatic seconds, Goldberg twisted and slammed Sanders to the canvas.  The ensuing cover ensured that the Jackhammer scored yet another victory for Bill Goldberg.

CHUCK PALUMBO versus BUFF BAGWELL

Palumbo got to his feet first, and after regain his bearings against the announcers’ table, he headed back into the ring.  He laughed upon seeing that Bagwell was still down, then approached him and attempted to pull him up to his feet.  However, in a lightning-quick motion, Bagwell grabbed Palumbo by the head and rolled him over into a cradle.  Palumbo popped out at two, shocked and angry.  Bagwell got to his knees, ducked a middle side kick by Palumbo, then tackled his other leg out from underneath him.  With the crowd rabid, an adrenaline-fueled Bagwell limped over to the corner of the ring and hoisted himself onto the top turnbuckle in a sitting position.  As Palumbo got to his feet, Bagwell made the famous “horn-honking” motion with his arm, then leapt off.  With both luck and skill on his side, Bagwell flipped over, grabbed Palumbo’s head, and brought it to the mat.  However, the execution of the Buff Blockbuster was nearly as damaging to the battered body of Bagwell as it was to Chuck Palumbo.  Both men lay motionless for several seconds, until finally, Buff began to stir.  He rolled onto Palumbo and covered, but the delay was too long- Chuck Palumbo kicked out.

Buff got to his knees and began pounding away on Chuck Palumbo.  He then rose to his feet, grabbed Palumbo by the hair, and pulled him up.  With a raised arm for the benefit of the crowd, Bagwell whipped Palumbo into the ropes.  Chuck hit and bounded back, but managed to put the brakes on before returning to Buff, who had doubled over in hopes of a backdrop.  Palumbo grabbed Buff’s head and flung it back, planting him directly on his back.  Palumbo then took a step back, stalking Buff as he slowly got to his feet.  No sooner had Buff managed to pull himself up than Palumbo caught him square in the chin with a Jungle Kick.  Buff hit the mat, and Palumbo made the cover, scoring the three count and the first tournament victory for the Natural Born Thrillers.

Mike Tenay: Those three matches saw Mike Awesome, Bill Goldberg, and Chuck Palumbo advance into the Quarterfinals of the tournament. Now, there was one more opening round match this week- Rey Mysterio, Jr. versus Juventud Guerrera on Thunder- but we’ll be taking a special look at that epic encounter later in the broadcast.

Scott Hudson: That’s right, fans- if you missed Thunder, you’re in for a treat, and if you didn’t… well, you’re still in for a treat, the match was so good!

Mike Tenay: Well put, Scott. It’s time for WCW Trivia, brought to you this week by the one, the only, the Man Called Sting.

Sting Presents- WCW Trivia: The Question

The camera cuts to a pre-recorded segment featuring Sting. The Stinger is standing in front of a brick wall, ready to speak.

Sting: Whooo! Greetings, Stingers of all shapes and sizes! This week, yours truly is bringing you WCW Trivia! Here we go! At Slamboree in 1994, The Stinger won the vacant WCW International World Title. They wanted to award it to me, but that’s not how I do business; I wanted to wrestle for that bad boy! The question is, who did I beat to win the title? I’ll be back after the next match, so you’ve got some time to think!

----------

Mike Tenay: A good question from Sting, and hopefully, you’ve got the right answer. After this match, we’ll check back with him and find out whom he defeated at Slamboree ’94.

Bryan Clarke versus Alex Wright

Bryan Clarke charged Alex Wright as the bell rang, causing the much smaller Wright to jump out onto the apron. He tried to head out onto the floor, but before he could hop down from the apron, Clarke grabbed him by the hair. Bryan Clarke then hooked his other hand under Wright’s arm, and with amazing strength, bealed him over the ropes and back into the ring. Clarke followed up with an elbow drop on Wright, then pulled him to his feet. Alex Wright tried to fight back with a series of fists, but they had little to no effect on Clarke. Instead, Clarke rammed his knee into Wright’s gut, whipped him to the ropes, and caught him with a massive Powerslam as he rebounded. Rather than cover, though, Clarke dropped a big leg across Wright’s chest. He then lifted the smaller man up on his shoulder and hung him on the turnbuckle in a Tree of Woe position. While Wright lay upside down, Clarke threw several kicks to his midsection and chest. Finally, Alex Wright collapsed to the canvas, thoroughly beaten.

Bryan Clarke was not done, though. He climbed up to the second turnbuckle with his back facing the ring, then slammed down on Wright with a slingshot splash. He made the cover, but surprisingly, “Das Wunderkind” was able to kick out. Clarke got back up, pulled Alex Wright up to his feet, and whipped him to the ropes. As Wright came bouncing back, Clarke hit him with a dropkick that made up for what it lacked in finesse with pure intensity. Clarke took it to Wright with a couple of legdrops, then lifted him to his feet and applied a bearhug. He squeezed with all of his might, sapping the energy from the former Television Champion. He swung Alex Wright around, trying to exacerbate the force of the hold, but Wright managed to bite the nose of Bryan Clarke, forcing him to break his grip. With a momentary advantage, Wright threw a dropkick, catching Clarke in the gut and staggering him backwards. Wright ran back to the ropes, bounced, and jumped with a crossbody, but Clarke managed to catch him. At that point, he flipped Alex Wright up onto his shoulder and slammed him to the mat with the Meltdown. Clarke covered and scored the pin, ending a short, one-sided affair.

Winner: Bryan Clarke via pinfall

Time: 3:56

Crowd: 68.4%

Match: 56.7%

Overall: 48.7%

Mike Tenay: Wow, just utter domination from Bryan Clarke!

Scott Hudson: He’s got a lot of anger in him after what Jindrak and O’Haire did to Brian Adams on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the innocent Alex Wright was put in front of Clarke and his anger.

Mike Tenay: If Jindrak and O’Haire saw that, you can bet they’ll be taking Kronik a bit more seriously… that is, if they want to hold onto their titles! In any case, let’s go back to Sting, with the answer to WCW Trivia.

Sting Presents: WCW Trivia- The Answer

Once again, the camera focuses on Sting.

Sting: Welcome back, Stingers! Whooo! At Slamboree 1994, I beat one of the baddest men to ever set foot in a wrestling ring, Big Van Vader! It wasn’t easy, but I came out on top and won the International World Title! And I ain’t done winning titles yet!

----------

Mike Tenay: Sting beat Vader, and trust me, that match was a classic. Well, from one Sting classic to another, as this week, WCW’s Classic Match focuses on Sting versus Ric Flair.

Scott Hudson: Which one? Those two have had so many memorable battles!

Mike Tenay: Absolutely right, Scott. We’ll be checking out one of their most legendary encounters- Sting versus Ric Flair, from the very first episode of WCW Monday Nitro.

WCW’s Classic Match: WCW United States Championship Match: Sting © versus Ric Flair- WCW Monday Nitro, September 4, 1995

The scene opens as Lex Luger saunters out to ringside, making his WCW return. Ric Flair and Sting are distracted, but brush it off in order to begin the match. Sting tries to start out with a lockup, but Flair struts away from it. They both grapple, and Sting gets backed into the corner. Flair breaks, and Sting puts his hands to his mouth and howls. Flair grabs a headlock, but retains it very briefly, as Sting shoves him off into the ropes. Flair comes back with a running shoulder to knock Sting down, and the two criss-cross and leapfrog twice each until finally, Sting catches Flair with a Gorilla Press Slam. Sting then whips Flair to the ropes. As “The Nature Boy” bounces back, Sting hoists him up and drops him with another Gorilla Press Slam. Flair pulls himself up via the corner, but Sting grabs him under the arm and beals him across the ring. As soon as Ric Flair gets to his feet, Sting meets him with a dropkick. Flair rolls out of the ring and falls to the mat, then gets to his feet and attempts to regain his composure.

Ric Flair climbs back in, and raises his left hand to The Stinger. Sting grabs it with his right, intertwining the fingers. However, before a test of strength can commence, Flair pokes Sting in the eye with his free hand. “The Nature Boy” then goes to work, backing Sting into the corner and chopping away. He interrupts the chops in order to catch Sting in the face with a right hand, then throws one more chop. Sting, though, shrugs the chops off and stares at Flair. “The Dirtiest Player in the Game” peppers Sting about the face and body with punches, but they have no effect. Sting flexes, yells, and whips Flair into the ropes. As Flair bounces back, Sting catches him with another Gorilla Press Slam. Flair gets back to his feet against the ropes, then kicks Sting in the gut. Flair whips The Stinger, but Sting dodges a clothesline as he rebounds. Flair charges after Sting, though, and launches a crossbody. He collides with Sting, who grabbed the top rope in order to stop his momentum, and both men go over to the floor.

On the outside, Flair tries to damage Sting with more chops, but the United States Champion shows no pain. Flair manages to get some reaction out of Sting with an eye poke, then heads to the guardrail. He charges at Sting, but The Stinger manages to grab Flair, lift him over his head, and toss him back into the ring between the top and middle ropes. Sting follows Ric Flair back into the ring, only to be met with Flair on his knees, begging for mercy. Nevertheless, Sting whips Flair across the ring into the corner. Sting backs into the opposite corner, then charges Flair, launching a Stinger Splash. Flair jumps out of the way, sending Sting crashing into the turnbuckle. However, The Stinger shows no ill effects, immediately taking Flair down with a bulldog-like head slam. Flair gets to his feet an backs into a corner for support, only to have Sting whip him into an opposite corner. Sting charges in after him, but Flair counters with a back elbow, knocking Sting to the mat. Eric Bischoff notifies the fans that it is time to take a commercial break.

The commercial is cut, of course, as the footage skips to a high-angle view of Flair chopping Sting down. As the switch is made to the regular camera, Sting is down, with Flair standing over him. Flair goes out to the apron and climbs up to the top rope, but Sting gets to his feet, punches Flair, and tosses him off to the mat. Flair gets to his feet, only to have Sting whip him to the ropes and catch him with one more Gorilla Press Slam on the rebound. Sting covers and gets two. The camera then cuts to the aisleway, where Arn Anderson is making his way to ringside. Back in, Sting comes off of the top turnbuckle with a big splash, but Flair dodges. “The Nature Boy” lifts Sting to his feet, then hoists him in the air with a hanging vertical suplex. After a few moments’ delay, Flair falls back. Sting pops back up to his feet, but Flair is too busy getting up (and then strutting) to notice.

He turns around in time to take a clothesline from Sting. Flair gets to his feet, but Sting takes him down with a second clothesline. Flair gets up and begs off to the corner, but Sting grabs him and whips him to the opposite corner. Flair flips over the turnbuckle and out to the apron, but Sting catches him with another clothesline. Flair rolls in the ring and begs off in the corner once more, but Sting climbs to the second turnbuckle and begins pounding Flair with right hands. After the tenth punch, Sting jumps back to the canvas and hiptosses Flair to the other side of the ring. Sting sits Flair on the top turnbuckle, but Flair fights back with an eye rake. The two trade punches, with Flair eventually shoving The Stinger off and down to the canvas.

Flair follows Sting down, lifts him to his feet, and whips him to the ropes. As Sting runs back, Flair grabs him under the arm, attempting a hiptoss. However, Sting blocks it, then jumps to Flair’s other side and attempts a hiptoss of his own. Flair blocks this hiptoss, the grabs Sting with a headlock. Ric Flair takes Sting to the mat, but Sting counters by grabbing Flair’s head with his legs. “The Nature Boy” flips over onto Sting in a pinning position. Flair gets a two count, but Sting manages to grab Flair by the waist, bridge up, spin around, and take him down to the mat with a backslide, scoring a two count of his own. Both men get to their feet, and Sting lifts Flair. The Stinger sits Flair on the top turnbuckle, then superplexes him off.

Sting gets to his feet, but is distracted by the presence of Arn Anderson, who is right outside the ring. This gives Flair the opportunity to take Sting down with a chop block and apply the Figure Four Leglock. Sting flexes, roars, and pounds his chest again, then tries to turn the hold over. However, Flair grabs the ropes, preventing a reversal. Flair releases the ropes at referee Randy Anderson’s request, but after calling Arn into the ring, he immediately grabs them again. This time, he does not let go, and after physically trying to break Flair’s grasp, the referee calls for the disqualification. Arn Anderson enters the ring and breaks the hold manually. Flair gets to his feet and tries to talk to Arn, but “The Enforcer” pulls his shirt off. Flair punches Arn, but Anderson fights back as the two brawl out of the ring. Flair heads to the back, leaving Anderson behind. Arn goes back to the ring and fetches his shirt, where Sting stands hunched over- tired, but triumphant.

----------

Mike Tenay: What a match! It’s not difficult to see that big things were ahead for WCW Monday Nitro!

Scott Hudson: And things being nuts on Nitro isn’t a new thing- you saw how crazy that match was, with Luger and Arn Anderson both coming out to ringside at points!

Mike Tenay: Indeed, Scott. For over six years, Nitro has been wild and unpredictable! Speaking of wild, there’s one tournament match from this week that we have yet to discuss- the amazing encounter between Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Juventud Guerrera.

Scott Hudson: That’ll be WCW’s Classic Match in a few years!

Mike Tenay: Let’s see highlights from their meeting on Thunder Down Under.

A video begins to play, showing highlights from the match between Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Juventud Guerrera. Before the clip, a graphic showing the participants is displayed.

REY MYSTERIO, JR. versus JUVENTUD GUERRERA

Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Juventud Guerrera circled each other to start, then locked up.  After much jockeying for position, Juvi backed Rey into the corner.  Referee Nick Patrick called for a clean break, and Juvi obliged.  Back in the center of the ring, Rey extended his hand, and Juventud shook it.  The two locked up a second time, and Rey took Juvi over with an armdrag.  Juvi held onto the arm of Mysterio, but Rey managed to get back to his feet.  Guerrera turned the hold into a wristlock, which Mysterio was able to reverse into one of his own by rolling on the canvas.  Mysterio turned his wristlock into a hammerlock, which Juventud Guerrera reversed via a go-behind.  “The Juice” kept the hammerlock cinched in for a few moments, then abandoned it in favor of a headlock.  Rey grabbed Juvi around the waist and ran, attempting to shove him off and into the ropes.  However, Guerrera retained his grasp on Rey-Rey’s head, sliding to the mat as he ran.

Juventud kept the headlock as he sat on the mat.  Mysterio managed to get his knees underneath himself, then rolled over, putting Guerrera into a pinning position.  However “The Juice” managed to roll back to his original position, retaining the headlock.  Rey slapped his foot against the mat, drawing rhythmic applause from the very pro-Mysterio crowd.  He got back to his feet and pushed Juvi once more, this time breaking the hold and sending Guerrera to the ropes.  Juventud bounced back with his head down, but Rey thought quick and leapfrogged over his friend.  Juvi hit the opposite set of ropes and came back once more, at which point Mysterio flipped him over with a hiptoss.  Juvi got to his feet and lunged at Rey with a grapple attempt, but Mysterio dodged it and grabbed Juvi from behind in a waistlock.  With Guerrera in a precarious position, Rey ran him into the ropes, bounced back, and rolled Juvi up, getting a two count.  Both men popped back up to their feet and slapped hands, though Juventud wore a look of frustration on his face.

In order to fit time contraints, several minutes of the match were cut.  When the footage resumed, Juventud planted his right foot on Rey’s right hamstring muscle, then did the same with his opposite foot.  Juvi then grabbed Rey’s arms another time and simply rolled back, trapping Mysterio in the Mexican Surfboard.  This time, Mysterio’s screams of pain were far more pronounced.  Guerrera pulled back with his arms while pushing up with his feet, hoping to put enough strain on Mysterio’s back that a submission would be forced.  However, Rey still held on.  Juventud Guerrera cursed as he realized that Rey would not give in, but he still kept the hold in the hopes of wearing his opponent down.  For several seconds Rey remained suspended off of the canvas, until finally, Juvi could no longer support his weight.  He released the hold and dropped Rey, then immediately grabbed him and rolled him back into a bridging cover.  Mysterio kicked out at the two count, but Juventud Guerrera seemed prepared for this eventuality.  He gently picked Rey up to his feet and whipped him to the ropes.  As Rey came gingerly running back, Juvi caught him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.  After dusting off his hands and smiling, Juvi climbed up to the top rope.  With Rey motionless on the canvas, Juvi leapt off with a big splash.  However, at the last possible moment, Rey rolled under the ropes and out of harm's way.  Juvi collided with the canvas, knocking himself silly and making the match a bit more even.

Rey was the first to stir, as he dragged himself out from under the ropes and draped an arm across the chest of Juventud Guerrera.  Nick Patrick hit the canvas and made the count, but “The Juice” kicked out an instant before the three.  With both men down, Patrick got to his feet and began to administer a standing ten count.  Patrick got higher and higher into the count, but neither man stirred.  Finally, Rey got to his hands and knees as Patrick raised eight fingers in the air.  By nine, both men had reached palpable (albeit precarious) footholds, and Nick Patrick signaled to the timekeeper that he was not to ring the bell.  Rey and Juvi started trading shots, with Rey backing Juvi into the corner.  As a wave of adrenaline surged through the Tijuana native, he pounced on Juvi and took him over with a monkey flip.  Mysterio grimaced from the pressure on his back, but he was quick to hop to his feet, run to the side of the ring, spring up onto the second rope, and leap off with a legdrop across Guerrera’s face.  Rey hooked both of Juventud’s legs to make the cover, but “The Juice” kicked out at two.

The footage cut again, this time to Juventud Guerrera and Rey Mysterio, Jr. circling each other cautiously.  Juvi attempted a tie-up, but Rey slid beneath his legs and popped up behind him.  He then caught Guerrera between the shoulderblades with a front dropkick, sending him into the corner of the ring.  With another high-risk maneuver on his mind, Rey lifted Juvi up and sat him on the top turnbuckle, his back facing the ring.  Mysterio then climbed up to the second turnbuckle and hooked his head under Juvi’s arm.  Hoping for the best, Rey hoisted Juventud up in the air and fell back.  He connected with his super belly to back suplex, but Mysterio’s back took damage from the fall, as well.  Both men lay on the mat, and for the second time in the match, Nick Patrick began to count them both down.

At the count of seven, Juventud Guerrera got to his feet.  He stumbled into the corner, where he held himself up by using the ropes.  Juvi gleefully counted the “eight” along with Patrick, but his optimism was replaced with ire as Rey got up at nine.  Guerrera caught him in the stomach with a boot, then beat him over the back with forearm shots and closed-fist punches.  Rey shoved Juvi back, then charged at him.  As Rey approached Juvi ducked down to the mat.  Rey hopped over him, then ran to the ropes.  As Juventud got back to his feet, Rey sprung up onto the middle rope and leapt off with a quebrada, catching Juvi across the chest.  Guerrera went down with Mysterio on top of him in pinning position.  Nick Patrick dove to the mat and began the count, but Juvi kicked out after two.

Rey got back to his feet and pulled Juvi to a standing position by his head.  However, Juvi fought Rey off with a series of punches, then took him down with a spinning back kick.  As Rey hit the mat, Juvi launched a somersault legdrop.  Rey rolled out of the way, though, causing Guerrera to slam to the canvas rear-first.  Rey hopped back up to his feet and waited patiently until Juvi sat up, at which point he nailed him in the face with a seated dropkick.  With the crowd behind him, Rey climbed up to the top turnbuckle and watched as Juvi rose to his feet.  When he did, Mysterio leapt off, catching Juvi around the head with his feet.  Before Rey could fall back and take “The Juice” over, though, Juvi grabbed him around the back, stopping his momentum.  Juvi fought for a Powerbomb, but Rey nailed him with a few quick shots to the face, breaking Guerrera’s hold around his back.  At that point, Juventud wisely grab the ropes to prevent being flipped over.  However, Rey managed to spin around so that he was sitting on Juvi’s shoulders.  At that point, he was able to punch “The Juice” in the right bicep, breaking his hold on the rope, and take him over with a Victory Roll.  A surprised Juvi was rolled up for the three count as Mysterio evened the score of the series, advanced in the tournament, and ended a marathon encounter.

Scott Hudson: What a match that was, truly a classic!

Mike Tenay: It took almost twenty-four minutes, but Rey Mysterio was finally able to defeat his best friend, even the score of the series, and advance in the tournament. Let’s see those brackets, with the first round complete.

Scott Hudson: That was some amazing action, Mike. Truly characteristic of our great cruiserweight division!

Mike Tenay: And speaking of cruiserweights, our main event on this broadcast is for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship! Elix Skipper will defend the title against Jamie-San, and it’s coming up now!

WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match: Elix Skipper © versus Jamie-San

Elix Skipper rushed in with a lockup attempt to start, but Jamie-San ducked and popped up behind the Cruiserweight Champion. Skipper spun around and tried to grapple again, but once more, Jamie ducked the attempt and popped up behind him. He then launched a low dropkick, catching Skipper in the back of the leg. “Primetime” went down to one knee, allowing Jamie to catch him with a second dropkick in the back of the head. Skipper hit the canvas, and Jamie-San immediately grabbed him in a side headlock. Elix rolled over onto his back, putting Jamie in a pinning position for two. However, Jamie-San managed to roll back to a sitting position, retaining the headlock all the while. Skipper planted his hands under his body and pushed himself up, then rose to a standing position. He ran Jamie-San to the ropes, but Jamie planted his feet on the middle rope, sprung off, spun around, and landed in the middle of the ring, still holding Skipper in a headlock.

Once more, Skipper pushed himself to his feet. This time, though, he did not run with Jamie-San; instead, he lifted him up and dropped him with a belly to back suplex, finally breaking the headlock. Skipper got to his feet, pulled Jamie-San up by the mask, and grabbed his head. He hooked Jamie for a suplex, then took him over with relative ease. Skipper popped back up, looked to the crowd, and shouted, “Don’t forget, this is my house!” He then turned around to Jamie-San, who had gotten up to his hands and knees, and kicked him in the ribs. He pulled Jamie up and whipped him to the ropes, then tried to catch him for a side slam as he rebounded. However, Jamie-San flipped up, grabbed Elix Skipper’s head between his legs, and took him to the mat with a headscissor takedown. Skipper popped to his feet against the ropes, and Jamie-San charged him again. However, Skipper had the presence of mind to catch Jamie, lift him in the air, and drop him throat-first across the top rope. Skipper covered, but Jamie kicked out after two.

Elix Skipper lifted Jamie-San up to his feet, then whipped him into the corner. Jamie smacked against the turnbuckle in time for Elix to catch him with a high kick to the face. Jamie-San fell to the canvas, only to have Skipper spring off of the middle rope and land an elbow drop to his back. Skipper stood up once more and smiled, then lifted Jamie-San up on his shoulder. Very carefully, “Primetime” sat Jamie on the middle of the top rope. He then climbed up the turnbuckle, walked across the rope, and took Jamie-San down with a Frankensteiner. As the crowd gasped, Skipper hooked Jamie-San’s leg and made the cover. However, Jamie kicked out at two once more. Angered, Skipper got back up and pulled Jamie-San to his feet. He then started battering Jamie with forearm shots. He reared back to deliver a powerful punch, but Jamie-San ducked, grabbed Skipper around the waist, and flipped him over with a gutwrench suplex.

Taking the advantage, Jamie-San dropped an ultra-quick legdrop across Skipper’s face. He then lifted Skipper up to his feet, locked his arms around his chest, and nailed him with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Jamie-San followed up by making the cover, but Skipper kicked out at two. Both men got up to their feet, with Jamie immediately chopping Skipper across the chest. He followed up with a big roundhouse kick, but Elix Skipper avoided it by bending backwards into a bridge on the canvas. He popped back up with a smile on his face, but Jamie-San caught him between the shoulderblades with a back kick. Skipper hit the canvas face-first, and Jamie-San saw his opportunity. He climbed to the top turnbuckle, then pointed at Skipper as the fans cheered. Jamie-San leapt off the top with a Guillotine Legdrop, but Elix Skipper rolled out of the way at the last possible instant. Jamie crashed to the mat, then lay there, motionless. As referee Mickey Jay began the ten count, Elix Skipper got up to his feet. After regaining his bearings, he waited patiently for Jamie-San to get to his feet. Jamie got up to a doubled-over position at the count of six, and Skipper struck. He hooked his hand under Jamie-San’s arm, put his leg on Jamie’s head, then slammed him down with the Overdrive. Skipper made the cover and scored the pin, retaining his title.

Winner: Elix Skipper via pinfall

Time: 7:31

Crowd: 65.6%

Match: 75.6%

Overall: 78.7%

Mike Tenay: Both men gave it their all, but Elix Skipper retains the WCW Cruiserweight Title!

Scott Hudson: And what a match it was, Mike! WCW is all about competition!

Mike Tenay: And the competition continues on Nitro! Sting versus Lance Storm, Scott Steiner versus Mike Awesome, and much more! Make sure you join us, fans!

Overall Rating: 24.2%

Edited August 5, 2005 by Boulder

[Boulder]

“Dirty” Doug Dirtsheet’s Dirty Dirtsheet

October 15, 2000

Hello, readers!  This is “Dirty” Doug Dirtsheet, back at ya with the dirtiest news and the dirtiest views.  This is the ultimate inside scoop when it comes to WCW, and as I always say, the only way to find out is to ask!  Let’s hit the mailbag.

Doug,

I was wondering, where have all of WCW’s women gone?  The only one I’ve seen the past couple of weeks has been Stacy Keibler.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not itching for some Nitro Girls dancing, but it’s kind of odd seeing Scott Steiner and the Jung Dragons coming out all by their lonesome without any explanation.

Maury L.

Most of the women have actually been sent to the WCW Power Plant for further work with some of the new trainers (Zbysko, Arn, and Finlay, for those keeping score).  While nothing has officially been decided regarding plans for a women’s division, WCW is reportedly kicking around the idea, and as such, they want as many able workers as possible.  In fact, sources tell me that once Stacy Keibler’s “pregnancy” advances to the point where she needs to be taken off camera, she’ll spend a few months at the Plant.  Oh, and Midajah, Tygress, and Leia Meow were released.  Yeah, so, no women’s division for them.  They’re gone.  Big time.

Dear Doug,

What did Kevin Nash say to Chuck Palumbo on Nitro?  The censors cut it out.

Rob S.

Nash said, and I quote, “I want you on Bagwell like Tommy Rich on an all-wiener buffet!”  Genuine class, that Kevin Nash.  I’m surprised somebody at TNT knew enough to mute it, quite frankly.

If D’Lo does jump to WCW, will he be allowed to use the name “D’Lo Brown?”  Speaking of which, how are negotiations going?

Ronnie V.

Last I heard (which was around Thursday or so), no decision had been reached.  The offer is still up in the air, but sources close to D’Lo say he’s leaning towards remaining with the World Wrestling Federation.  Heck, with the way WCW’s going, he might have more job security than Goldberg.  As for the the name, he used D’Lo Brown before entering the WWF, and Vince never registered it like he did Undertaker or Diesel, so D’Lo would be able to use the name in WCW.  Or wherever else he’d go, as a matter of fact.

Ugh, WHY would they stick Shane Douglas with the absolute worst tag team in the company?  Shit, he should crawl to Stamford on his hands and knees and beg for a spot with Benoit and the guys.

Anonymous

Easy, tiger.  WCW isn’t expecting Douglas to elevate the Harrises, or really incorporate them into his storylines.  They’re out there to make him look badder, which is a good thing in my eyes.  Besides, from the way I heard the arrangement described, the Harrises will function as muscle, and as such, won’t really be wrestling actual matches too often.  Is that not something for which we can all be thankful?  For shame, Mr. Anonymous.  For shame!

Doug-

PLEASE don’t get me wrong, in no way am I trying to look a gift horse in the mouth- but I was SHOCKED that Rey and Juvi not only got 24 minutes, but were in the main event of Thunder.  Was there any special reason, or does WCW just have more faith in them than we realized?

Zack F.

Well, there was a special reason and there wasn’t.  As in, there was a special reason for the placement, but not for the length.  It had been decided as early as two weeks ago that the Rey-Juvi match would go over twenty minutes, simply because both guys can go that long and keep it good.  The main event placement is actually a pretty cool story.  It seems that when the WCW wrestlers got off the plane in Brisbane, a huge crowd of fans was waiting for them.  As the wrestlers filed out, it became apparent that Rey was MASSIVELY over.  As in, he got more chants than Goldberg, Sting, anybody.  Same deal with the fans outside (and inside) the Brisbane Entertainment Center.  So, WCW called an audible and put their match on last.  Paid off, in my eyes.  As least I got some justification for sitting through those first three piss-poor matches.

Well, for this week, I’ll have to say adieu.  Keep sending me your questions, and I’ll respond to some of the best in next week’s Dirtsheet.

-www.dougdirtsheet.com

Edited August 7, 2005 by Boulder

[Boulder]

WCW Monday Nitro Preview- October 16, 2000

WCW’s wild trip to Australia continues as the crew heads south to Melbourne for Monday Nitro!  If last week was any indication, WCW fans should be in for a groundbreaking edition, complete with wall to wall action!

The WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament enters its Quarterfinal round, and as such, Nitro will play host to two marquee-level matchups.  In a bout that will display both heavy hitting and vicious tempers, Scott Steiner will take on Mike Awesome!  It was less than two weeks ago that these two men almost came to blows on the Lava Lamp Lounge.  Place inside the boundaries of a sanctioned match, there is no doubt that things will get ugly between them!

Also, former multi-time World Heavyweight Champion Sting will wrestle Lance Storm.  Sting emerged victorious when the two battled three weeks ago, but things have changed a great deal.  For starters, Storm has promised to demolish The Stinger, and of course, the World Title is on the horizon.  Perhaps most importantly, though, Sting is nursing an injured leg, damaged continuously at the hands of Storm and Jeff Jarrett.  Will Sting be able to pull out a win like he has so many times before?  Or will Storm center in on his target and attack?

The tournament is only the tip of the iceberg!  WCW’s biggest stars, including Rey Mysterio, General Rection, The Natural Born Thrillers, and the one, the only, Goldberg, will all be in attendance at the Vodafone Arena!

The only way to catch this action, and much more, is on WCW Monday Nitro, 8:00 PM/7:00 PM CDT, only on TNT!

-www.wcw.com

Edited August 7, 2005 by Boulder

[Boulder]

WCW Monday Nitro

October 16, 2000

Vodafone Arena- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Tony Schiavone: Welcome to WCW Monday Nitro, fans, as we begin our second week in the great nation of Australia! I’m Tony Schiavone, alongside Scott Hudson and “The Best Looking Big Man on TV” Mark Madden. Guys, what a night we have in store- Sting versus Lance Storm, and Mike Awesome versus Scott Steiner.

Scott Hudson: This-

Mark Madden: You said it, Tony! Storm and Steiner, two guys with very different styles, backgrounds, and histories in this company, but two guy who take steps toward greatness tonight!

Scott Hudson: As I was trying to say, this will be a night to remember, as the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament continues!

Mark Madden: You gonna state the obvious all night long?

Tony Schiavone: We’ve got plenty of wrestling to bring you, so let’s go down to the ring for our opening contest!

Kaz Hayashi versus Evan Karagias

Kaz Hayashi and Evan Karagias, leaders of two feuding stables, circled each other as the starting bell rang. Kaz threw some kicks in the air, trying to show that he was all business. Karagias flexed for the crowd, then took off his bandana and threw it at Hayashi. Kaz grabbed the bandana, tossed it back, and immediately charged in a Karagias, tackling him to the canvas. He unloaded on Karagias’s face with rights and lefts, possibly seeking retribution for the attack on Yang perpetrated by Three Count on Thunder. With referee Mark Johnson warning him to stop using closed fists, Kaz popped back up to his feet and dropped a knee on Evan Karagias. Kaz then propped Karagias up to a sitting position and caught him in the upper back with a dropkick, all in one fluid motion. The leader of Three Count rolled out of the ring, where he attempted to regain his bearings. Kaz, however, was only getting started. He ran to the opposite set of ropes, bounced back, and dove at Karagias with a brilliance tope suicida. It found its target, knocking Karagias silly against the guardrail. Both men lay motionless as Johnson began the mandatory ten count.

Kaz was first to his feet, and he climbed up onto the apron, restarting Johnson’s count. He waited patiently as Karagias pulled himself to his feet, then jumped to the middle rope and sprung off with a twisting crossbody. However, Karagias had the presence of mind to grab Hayashi on the way down, and use his own momentum to pull him into a brutal Hotshot on the guardrail. Absolutely decimated by the move, Kaz crumbled to the floor. Karagias brushed himself off, showed a few dance moves, then picked Hayashi up and tossed him back inside. Karagias followed Hayashi in and covered, but Johnson would not make the count, as Kaz’s foot was under the bottom rope. Angered, Karagias began viciously stomping away on Hayashi. He then rolled him closer to the center of the ring and covered once more. This time, Johnson made the count, but Kaz managed to kick out after two.

Karagias got back to his feet, pulled Kaz Hayashi up by the arm, and threw him into the corner. Karagias then climbed up to the second turnbuckle, and began a ten punch. He hit nine, flexed for the crowd, then leapt off, catching Kaz with a back kick to the chest as he fell. Karagias landed on his feet as Hayashi slumped down in the corner. Without hesitation, Evan Karagias grabbed the ropes and drove his boot into the throat of Hayashi. As the Jung Dragon suffered, Karagias kept pushing, drawing on the ropes for more leverage. He then grabbed Kaz around the ankles, pulled him out of the corner, turned around, and launched him back into the buckle with a catapult. Kaz leapt up onto the second turnbuckle, though, then hopped up top. Before Karagias could react, Hayashi jumped off with a corkscrew, taking the former Cruiserweight Champion down. Both men lay on the mat, recovering from the damage they had taken.

Karagias got to his feet first, then lifted Kaz to a standing position. He kicked him in the gut, hooked Hayashi’s arms above his back, then took him over with a butterfly suplex. Karagias floated over into the cover, but Kaz kicked out at two. Karagias follwed up with another cover, but once again, Kaz Hayashi kicked out. Karagias pulled him up to a sitting position by the hair, backed up into the corner, charged out, and hit a flipping neck snap, a la Curt Hennig. Hayashi grabbed his neck, then rolled up to his hands and knees. He began to pull himself up using the ropes when Karagias grabbed him in a waistlock. However, Hayashi reversed with a standing switch, then rolled Karagias up with the command performance. Karagias kicked out at two, but he sat up right into a chest kick from Hayashi. Sensing that victory was his for the taking, Kaz Hayashi headed out to the apron and waited for Karagias to reach his feet.

Karagias got to his feet and headed over to the ropes. Seizing the opportunity, Kaz hopped over the top and grabbed his opponent’s head on the way down, trying to plant him with his signature Hayashi DDT. However, with his size and strength advantage, Karagias was able to catch Hayashi, halting his downward momentum. He then lifted Kaz up in the air and crotched him on the top rope. After spending a moment suspended on the rope, Hayashi tumbled down to the canvas. Karagias climbed up to the second turnbuckle, then jumped off with an elbow drop. He connected with the chest of Kaz Hayashi, then covered for two. Karagias sprung to his feet and raised his index finger to the crowd, signaling that he was going to attempt one more elbow drop. He hoisted himself to the second turnbuckle once more, and dove off again- only this time, Hayashi rolled out of the way. Karagias hit the mat, knocking himself silly.

Kaz Hayashi took the advantage, battering Evan Karagias with a series of strong kicks. He took a step back as Karagias got to his feet, then caught him in the chest with a superkick. Karagias hit the ropes, bounced back, and was caught with an overhead belly to belly by Kaz. With a triumphant yell, Kaz scampered up to the top rope. After waiting for Karagias to stand, Hayashi leapt off with a Missile Dropkick. Karagias dodged it, causing Kaz to crash to the canvas. The Three Count member grabbed the Jung Dragon by the head in order to lift him up, but Kaz rolled him up with a desperation cradle. Karagias kicked out at two, but was taken back down after a Hayashi dropkick. Kaz ran to the ropes and came back with a somersault legdrop, then lifted Evan Karagias up to his feet. Karagias fought back with a few punches, but Hayashi blocked the final blow, spun him around, and took him down with a backslide. Karagias kicked out, then got to his hands and knees. This afforded Kaz the opportunity to take him over into a pinning position with an Oklahoma Roll. With the element of surprise on his side, Hayashi was able to keep Karagias down for a three count. Hayashi got to his feet and raised his arm in victory, only to come face to face with Evan Karagias. As the two men stared each other down, Shane Helms and Shannon Moore stalked down to the ring. Helms attacked Kaz from behind, allowing all of Three Count to put the boots to him. This continued until Yun-Yang and Jamie-San ran to the ring with chairs, sending Three Count heading for the hills.

Winner: Kaz Hayashi

Time: 10:36

Crowd: 52.0%

Match: 67.4%

Overall: 38.4%

Scott Hudson: Now that’s some fast-paced action!

Tony Schiavone: Kaz Hayashi pulls a win out of- wait, what’s going on?

Count on a Classic

Evan Karagias has grabbed a microphone from the ringside area. Karagias joins Shannon Moore and Shane Helms, who are huddled together halfway down the ramp. The Jung Dragons, meanwhile, stare at Three Count angrily from the ring.

Evan Karagias: Hey… hey! Me, Shannon, and Shane, are sick and tired of you guys trying to bring us down! We’re superstars in the making, whether you like it or not! The world of music, the world of wrestling, it’s all ours, whether you like it or not! But we’re gonna put a stop to all this crap. At Halloween Havoc, it’s the three of us versus the three of you! We’re gonna whip yours asses and finally get you wannabes off our backs!

Yun-Yang and Jamie-San both look to Kaz Hayashi, who is still holding the back of his neck. With a pained expression on his face, Kaz extends a thumbs up, indicating that he is happy to accept the challenge.

Evan Karagias: Good. Good! We’ll see you losers at Halloween Havoc!

The members of Three Count laugh, then head backstage.

Overall: 56.1%

Tony Schiavone: The match is set for Halloween Havoc, and that one is sure to be unbelievable!

Mark Madden: It’s this simple: anyone who considers himself a wrestling fan in any way must be looking forward to another match between Three Count and the Jung Dragons. If you can’t enjoy the feud of the year, what can you enjoy?

Scott Hudson: Well put, Mark. Really!

Tony Schiavone: Before Madden says something to spoil the moment, let’s go to some very interesting footage that was taped backstage earlier today.

The Last Dance?

DISQO and Alex Wright are standing in a hall, next to a coffee table. Wright is leaning against the wall, holding a cup of coffee, while DISQO seems distracted, yet calm.

Alex Wright: DISQO, we have to talk.

DISQO turns to face Wright briefly, then looks away. He does not speak.

Alex Wright: What’s with you lately, man? I thought we were about having fun, you’ve been-

DISQO glares at Alex Wright, his expression powerful enough to interrupt Wright’s speech.

Alex Wright: I just… do you even want this dumme team to work again?

Out of nowhere, DISQO smacks Wright’s coffee cup, knocking the hot contents onto his face and chest. As Wright yells in pain, DISQO slaps him across the face.

DISQO: Yeah, I’m the one who doesn’t want this team to work. I’m the one who’s trying to sabotage everything! I’M the one who can’t stop second-guessing his partner!

DISQO grabs Wright by the back of the pants and the nape of the neck, then hurls him onto the table. Wright slides down the length of it, eventually falling off the other side.

DISQO: Don’t ask the wrong questions, friend!

DISQO walks off, leaving Alex Wright on the floor, messy and beaten.

Overall: 65.3%

Scott Hudson: Talk about volatile, DISQO just assaulted his own partner, his friend!

Tony Schiavone: He just brought the man back to WCW weeks ago, and he turns on him like this? Something is wrong with that man’s head!

Mark Madden: Go tell him that, Tony. I’ll buy you a cup of coffee, first.

Dealing with the Commissioner

The camera cuts to the office of The Cat. He’s busy at his desk, going through some paperwork. Suddenly, the door swings open. Johnny the Bull barges into the room.

The Cat: What the hell?

Johnny the Bull: Look here, Cat. You saw what Big Vito did to me last week, trappin’ me in my locker room. I wanna get my hands on that punk, that piece of crap!

The Cat: First of all, you ever barge into my office like that again, and I’ll throw you and the rest of your Natural Born Jackasses out on the street! Second of all, your punk-ass leader had plenty of help in the match against Goldberg, and he still got his ass whooped!

Johnny the Bull: That ain’t nothin’ to me! Vito can’t stop screwing around with me and my business, I ain’t gonna wait till Halloween Havoc! I want his ass tonight!

The Cat: Slow down, boy. You know damn well that I protect my investments, and I ain’t gonna spoil the Pay-Per-View by letting the Mamalukes lock up tonight! But you know something? I’ll make a deal with you. You and a partner can take on Vito and a partner- anyone you guys can get.

Johnny the Bull: Alright… alright. You ain’t so bad, you know that?

The Cat: Well, I can’t say the same about you! Now clear out and close the door behind you.

Johnny the Bull leaves The Cat’s office calmly. Once the door closes, The Cat starts chuckling.

The Cat: There ain’t no shortage of dummies around here, that’s for damn sure.

Overall: 64.6%

Mark Madden: He’s got something up his sleeve, damn it! I just know it!

Tony Schiavone: Well, we’ll find out later, if indeed there is something to find out. Next up, we’ve got Scott Steiner versus Mike Awesome in the first of two Quarterfinal tournament matches. Let’s take a look at those brackets as we go to the ring.

Scott Steiner versus Mike Awesome

As Scott Steiner and Mike Awesome approached the center of the ring to meet one another, Steiner slapped Awesome across the face and flipped him off. Awesome responded by shoving a surprised Steiner down to the canvas. As “Big Poppa Pump” got back to his feet, “That 70s Guy” shouted “You don’t scare me, Steiner!” Scott Steiner rushed in, and the two behemoths got into a grapple. Steiner backed Awesome near the corner, but Awesome spun around and pushed Steiner against the turnbuckle. Referee Charles Robinson called for a clean break, which Awesome delivered. However, Steiner caught his opponent in the jaw with a hard forearm, staggering “That 70s Guy.” Steiner grabbed Mike Awesome by the throat and tossed him into the corner, then followed up by choking Awesome against the top turnbuckle.

Steiner kept his grasp on Awesome’s throat until the former “Career Killer” caught him in the side of the head with a right hand. Having broken the hold, Awesome grabbed Steiner around the waist, lifted him up, and planted him on the mat with a belly to belly suplex. Steiner struggled up to his feet, only to take a kick to the gut. Awesome tried to set him up for an Awesomebomb, but Steiner reversed with a backdrop. He hit the canvas, and Steiner immediately landed an elbow drop. He covered with a lateral press, but Awesome had little trouble kicking out. Steiner cursed, grabbed Awesome by the hair, and lifted him to a standing base. “Big Poppa Pump” fired Awesome to the corner with a whip and charged in after him, but “That 70s Guy” stopped Steiner’s momentum with a back elbow. As Steiner stumbled back, Awesome hoisted himself up to the first turnbuckle and jumped off with a flying shoulderblock. The maneuver found its mark, and the former United States Champion hit the canvas. Awesome covered, but only scored a two count.

Awesome pulled Steiner to his feet, then pointed at the top turnbuckle. He lifted Steiner onto his shoulder and carefully placed him on the buckle. Awesome climbed up after Steiner and hooked his head, but Scott Steiner broke the hold with a series of gut punches. Steiner followed up with a headbutt, knocking Awesome off of the buckle and flat on his back. Steiner climbed down, kissed his bicep, dropped another elbow on Awesome, and did four push-ups before covering. Once again, Awesome kicked out. This time, however, Steiner raked Awesome's face before getting to his feet. He then kicked Awesome in the side of the head and brutishly pulled him back up. Steiner stuck his head under Awesome’s arm and threw him over with a release Northern Lights Suplex. Steiner then signaled that the match was over, and followed up by flipped Mike Awesome onto his stomach. “Big Poppa Pump” attempted to apply the Steiner Recliner, but Awesome still had enough strength to slide out from between Steiner’s legs. Awesome grabbed Steiner from behind and rolled him up with a schoolboy, but he managed to kick out. Both men popped to their feet, and Awesome leveled Steiner with a charging forearm.

With Steiner down, Mike Awesome decided to attempt some higher-risk offense. He headed out to the apron, grabbed the top rope, and launched himself back in with a slingshot splash. He hooked Steiner’s leg for the cover, but once again, Steiner kicked out. Awesome pushed himself up to his palms and began ramming his right knee into Steiner’s side continuously. After seven repetitions, he got up, ran to the ropes, bounced back, and landed with a running splash. He covered Steiner once more, but was still unable to put “Big Poppa Pump” away. Awesome got back to his feet, then waited patiently for Steiner to do the same. When he did, Awesome grabbed him around the head and arm. Any maneuver he was attempting was blocked, though, as Steiner slammed his elbow into Awesome’s temple. As Awesome staggered around, Steiner scooped him up and “curled” him a few times, merely to show off his strength. That accomplished, Steiner dropped Awesome down into a vicious gutbuster.

Steiner wasted no time in continuing the assault. He pulled Awesome up by the arms and whipped him to the ropes with all of his might. As Awesome came bounding back, “Big Poppa Pump” caught him across the chest with a vintage Steinerline. He immediately covered Mike Awesome, but the high-flying big man kicked out at two. Undaunted, Steiner pulled Awesome up once more, then shot him to the ropes yet again. Steiner tried to hit another Steinerline, but Awesome ducked, grabbed “Big Poppa Pump” in a waistlock, and took him over with a release German Suplex. Both powerhouses lay on the canvas, trying to reclaim their strength and their energy.

Awesome was first to his feet, but Steiner followed soon after. “That 70s Guy” began beating down on Steiner with lefts and rights, backing “Big Poppa Pump” into a corner. Steiner tried to throw a few punches of his own, but he was overwhelmed by the fired-up Awesome. However, with a low kick, Steiner was able to turn the tide. He grabbed Awesome around the chest, and, with the ease than comes with experience, slammed him to the mat with his patented spinning belly to belly suplex. Opting not to make a cover, Steiner flipped Awesome onto his stomach, drove a knee into the back of his neck, and pulled back on his head. Awesome grimaced in pain as “Big Poppa Pump” wore him down for the Steiner Recliner. Satisfied, Steiner released the hold and began kicking at the back of Mike Awesome’s neck. He then lifted Awesome up, wrapped his arms around his body and leg, and flipped him over with a brutal T-Bone Suplex. Steiner smiled as he got to his feet, then headed over to Mike Awesome. He grabbed Awesome by the hair, but as he did, “That 70s Guy” hit a desperation low kick of his own. Steiner collapsed to the mat, and once again, both men were down.

For the second time, Awesome was first to his feet. He grabbed onto the ropes, taking his time as Steiner began to stir. As Scott Steiner got to his hands and knees, Mike Awesome leapt over him, ran to the opposite set of ropes, and bounced back. With an agility that any cruiserweight would be proud to own, Awesome caught Steiner in the head with a low dropkick. The fans roared in delight, and Awesome sensed his chance for victory. Using all the energy he could muster, he headed out onto the apron and pulled himself up to the top rope. He jumped off, flying across the ring with his signature splash. He did not connect, though, as Steiner managed to roll out of the way, sending Awesome slamming to the center of the ring. As he ailed on the canvas, “Big Poppa Pump” pulled himself to his feet. He signaled for the end of the match once more, then took a standing position above Awesome. Steiner hooked both of his opponent’s arms, then followed up by grabbing the head. Awesome tried to fight the pain, but as the damage being done to his neck increased, his only choice was to tap out.

Winner: Scott Steiner via submission

Time: 12:07

Crowd: 82.8%

Match: 75.1%

Overall: 89.7%

Mark Madden: Yes! Yes! Good things do happen, Tony! Good things do happen!

Scott Hudson: Well, like it or not, Steiner beat a win out here.

Mark Madden: And I do like it! I like it a lot! Let’s see those brackets again!

Tony Schiavone: The fact remains, fans, after a particularly brutal encounter, Scott Steiner becomes the first man to advance to the Semifinals of the WCW World Heavyweight Title Tournament. He’s got a pass to Halloween Havoc. On another note, let’s go backstage, as our broadcast college “Mean” Gene Okerlund is backstage with General Rection.

A Fighting Chance

“Mean” Gene Okerlund is backstage, having returned from his assault at the hands of Jeff Jarrett. With him is General Rection, the number one contender for the United States Championship.

“Mean” Gene Okerlund: General Rection, lately, you’ve had quite a bit on your plate. Lance Storm owes you a rematch for the U.S. Title, but he may be busy at Halloween Havoc. Your Misfits in Action are embroiled in a war with Team Canada. Not to mention-

General Rection: Not to mention that Lex Luger punked me out Thunder three weeks ago! I’ve heard it all, Gene! I’ve heard that General Rection’s in over his head! I heard that the Misfits in Action- not my Misfits in Action, the Misfits in Action- are fighting an uphill battle! Well, the battle is uphill! And maybe I am in over my head! But I’ll be damned to hell if I don’t go down fighting! Lance Storm, win the World Title at Halloween Havoc! Win every title in this company all over again! I’ll be there to get my revenge, and take back what you stole! And as for Lex Luger, you can sit on your ass in the front row for as long as you want! If I were you, I wouldn’t try to get back into WCW! Because when you do, you’ll have to deal with me! I don’t care if I get Storm and Luger at the same damn time! I may go down, but I’ll take you bastards down with me!

Overall: 77.7%

Tony Schiavone: The truth is unavoidable; anybody who underestimates General Rection is only fooling himself!

Mark Madden: And if he doesn’t recognize what Lance Storm’s gonna do to him, he’s an absolute moron!

A Vote of Confidence

The camera cuts to the locker room of The Filthy Animalz. Juventud Guerrera is sitting down, watching the show on a monitor. The door swings open and Rey Mysterio, Jr. enters. Juvi looks over his shoulder, then stands up when he sees Rey. He walks over to his partner. They stare at each other, with Rey looking nervous, yet willing to defend himself if need be. Finally, Juvi extends a hand.

Juventud Guerrera: Buena suerte, mi amigo. Good luck.

Rey shakes Juvi’s hand, then hugs him.

Rey Mysterio, Jr.: Gracias, friend.

Rey breaks the hug and taps Juvi on the shoulder.

Rey Mysterio, Jr.: I’ll win that belt. And when I do… you’ll get first crack at it!

Juvi laughs, then sits back down in front of the monitor. Rey pulls up a chair and does thesame.

Overall: 71.0%

Scott Hudson: It’s so good to see a show of sportsmanship like that!

Mark Madden: You know you wanted Juvi to sucker punch him! Don’t deny it!

Tony Schiavone: Well, letting that drop, up next we’ve got Big Vito and Johnny the Bull, each with a partner, squaring off in a tag match. We were notified during a commercial break that Johnny the Bull has selected Chuck Palumbo as his partner- not really surprising. However, there has been absolutely no word as to whom Big Vito will have joining him.

Mark Madden: Stop talking and we’ll be able to find out!

Johnny the Bull and Chuck Palumbo versus Big Vito and Bill Goldberg

Johnny and Palumbo stood in shock as Big Vito made his way to the ring with his partner, Goldberg. As “Da Man” slid in the ring, Palumbo began stomping away on him. Vito, meanwhile, made a beeline for Johnny the Bull, backed him into the corner, and worked him over with body shots. Goldberg shrugged off Palumbo’s stomps, then stood up. Palumbo ran to his corner and got out on the apron, forcing referee Mickey Jay to ask Goldberg to do the same. After shooting an angry glare towards Palumbo, Goldberg headed out to his corner. As he left the ring, Big Vito climbed to the second turnbuckle and began to administer a ten punch to Johnny the Bull. He connected with all ten, though the crowd was too busy chanting for Goldberg to count along. Vito then jumped down to the mat, grabbed Johnny by the arm, and whipped him across the ring to the opposite corner. He followed up by charging in with a clothesline, squashing his former partner. As Vito headed out of the corner, though, he received a clothesline of his own- Palumbo had struck from the apron. As Goldberg angrily shouted, Palumbo grinned from ear to ear.

Johnny the Bull, having recovered sufficiently from his beating, dropped a leg across the throat of Big Vito. He then lifted Vito up to his feet, kicked him in the gut, and hit a back kick to his face. No sooner had Vito hit the canvas than Johnny was back in his corner, tagging Chuck Palumbo. The larger man stepped through the ropes, lifted Vito up, and tossed him in the corner. Taking a page out of the playbook of Coach Kevin Nash, Palumbo raised his right leg, drove it into Vito’s throat, and pushed, choking the former Hardcore Champion. He released the hold, letting Vito fall to the mat, then taunted an irate Goldberg. Palumbo then whipped Vito to the ropes, backdropping him as he ricocheted. Palumbo made the tag to Johnny the Bull, who rushed in, jumped to the second turnbuckle, and leapt off, spinning around and landing another legdrop on Big Vito. He covered, but only got a two count. Johnny picked Vito to his feet and set him up for a Piledriver- however, Vito reversed with a backdrop that sent him and his opponent down to the mat. Johnny scampered to his feet, gave Vito a hard kick, and tagged Palumbo once more.

Chuck Palumbo headed into the ring, spat in the direction of Goldberg, then approached Big Vito. He grabbed Vito’s head, pulled him to a standing base, then slapped him across the face. Palumbo followed up by whipping Big Vito into the ropes. As Vito rebounded, Chuck spun around and threw a back elbow. However, Vito managed to duck it. He hit the opposite set of ropes and came back with a high knee, resulting in both men going down. As the fans began to cheer rabidly, Vito crawled towards his corner. Palumbo, meanwhile, slowly got to his feet. He made a last-ditch dive for Big Vito, but Vito lunged at the same time, slapping the outstretched hand of Bill Goldberg. Goldberg rushed into the ring with a big kick, catching Chuck Palumbo in the chest and sending him straight to the canvas. Johnny the Bull ran in, only to be caught by Goldberg. “Da Man” hoisted Johnny over his head, then tossed him on top of Palumbo, who had risen to his feet. Both men hit the mat, and Johnny rolled out of the ring. Goldberg then backed into the corner, stalking “The Event” as he pulled himself back to a standing position. As soon as Palumbo reached a state of verticality, Goldberg charged in and nailed him with the Spear. As Big Vito took it to Johnny the Bull on the outside, Goldberg hoisted Palumbo up in the air and took him down with a Jackhammer. As usual, the three count followed.

Winners: Big Vito and Bill Goldberg via pinfall

Time: 6:22

Crowd: 70.6%

Match: 63.8%

Overall: 72.4%

Tony Schiavone: Bill Goldberg shocks everybody, especially the Natural Born Thrillers!

Scott Hudson: And if he pins Chuck Palumbo again on Wednesday, he’ll go straight to Halloween Havoc!

Mark Madden: Yeah, well, on Wednesday, Palumbo will know he’s facing Goldberg, and he’ll be ready!

A Measure of Revenge

The camera cuts to the parking area of the arena, where a very tense Elix Skipper is heading to his car.

Elix Skipper: I told The Cat, if he doesn’t want me here, he shouldn’t call me! There’s a thousand people who want to take a shot at me and my belt!

Elix stops beside a red sports car, then reaches for his keys. Suddenly, Lieutenant Loco runs out from behind the car and tackles Elix against the side of another automobile. He begins punching and kicking, using the element of surprise against the off-guard Cruiserweight Champion. Elix pushes Loco back, throws a wild punch, then swings open his car door. Loco manages to land a few more shots, but Elix gets in the car, slams the door, and speeds off.

Lieutenant Loco: Hey! Skipper! Guess what? I spoke to The Cat! And you and me? It’s on for Halloween Havoc! So enjoy that belt while you’ve still got it!

Overall: 68.7%

Mark Madden: How dare he? Elix should sue him in a Canadian court of law!

Tony Schiavone: Well, he’ll be able to get his hands on Lieutenant Loco at Halloween Havoc, apparently! And he’ll have to defend the Cruiserweight Title!

Mark Madden: It’s the 100 Kilos and Under Title! Why do people even bother to tell you things, Schiavone?

DISQO versus Alex Wright

Before the bell even rang, DISQO charged at Alex Wright and folded him in half with a running knee to the gut. Wright collapsed, only for DISQO to immediately lift him up to his feet. He then cradled Wright’s head with his left arm and struck with his right fist, colliding with the forehead of “Das Wunderkind.” DISQO then tossed Wright to the corner, grabbed the top rope for support, and unleashed a brutal series of kicks to his stomach. He then climbed to the second rope and drove his knee into the side of Wright’s head, causing him to fall to the canvas. As referee Mickey Jay stood in stunned silence, DISQO began stomping on the back, neck, and head of Alex Wright. He climbed up to the second rope once more, then jumped off with a kneedrop. DISQO landed his knee across the back of Wright’s neck, then flipped him onto his back and made the cover. Wright kicked out, and almost automatically, DISQO raked him across the eyes with his fingernails.

DISQO climbed up to the second turnbuckle, and, as the audience booed, shook his booty. He leapt off with the Village People’s Elbow, but Alex Wright managed to roll out of the way. Wright got to his feet, lifted DISQO up, and kicked him in gut. He then tossed DISQO chest-first onto the second rope, ran to the opposite side of the ring, bounced back, and returned with a leap, slamming his rear end on DISQO’s back. DISQO fell back to the mat, where Wright picked him up again. He attempted to whip DISQO, but the former Cruiserweight Champion reversed the maneuver. Wright hit the ropes, rebounded, and returned to DISQO, who grabbed him by the head and launched him over the top rope. Wright crashed to the arena floor, and DISQO headed out after him. He stomped away on Wright repeatedly, until finally grabbing him by the head and pulling him up to a standing base. He wrapped his hands around Wright’s arm and pulled with all his might, whipping him into the guardrail. Wright collided with a very audible thud, then fell to a sitting position. DISQO charged at him, springing off of the ring stairs, and driving his knee into Wright’s face. As the crowd sat shocked at the intensity of his violent behavior, DISQO mimicked Wright’s old “rotating hands” dance.

DISQO was far from finished, though. He pulled Wright to a standing base once more, grabbed him by the head, and ran him over to the ring steps. As DISQO approached them, he ran and jumped- clearing the steel himself, but slamming Wright’s head into the steps. DISQO got back to his feet, then rolled into and out of the ring in order to break any possible count. Meanwhile, Wright flopped off of the steps and onto his back, revealing that his forehead was torn open. DISQO grabbed Wright by the head and pulled him up, then walked him around to the side of the ring. After slamming Wright’s bloody head into the apron once for good measure, DISQO tossed him back into the ring. He then climbed onto the apron, ascended the turnbuckle, then hopped down to the second rope. After a bit of a shimmy, he dropped the Village People’s Elbow once more. This time, it found its target, and DISQO made the cover. He scored two, then with a sick smile on his face, lifted Wright’s shoulder up, stopping the count.

DISQO got to his feet and did the Hustle, ignoring Mickey Jay’s requests to pin Wright and be done with it. Finally, Alex Wright began to stir. He grabbed DISQO’s legs in order to pull himself up, with DISQO laughing all the while. When Wright got halfway up, DISQO kicked him down, ran to the ropes, and came back with a double knee drop. He then grabbed Wright’s head, lifted it several inches off of the mat, and slammed it back down, further incapacitating the man. DISQO got to his feet and waited patiently for Wright to make the first move. After a few moments, “Das Wunderkind” got up to his hands and knees. At that point, DISQO lifted him to his feet and set him up for a Piledriver. As the crowd booed, DISQO hoisted Wright up and executed the maneuver. He immediately spun up, pulled Wright up once more, and sent him to the mat with a second Piledriver. DISQO then got back to his feet, lifted Wright up yet again, and set him up for a third Piledriver. With Alex Wright in no condition to repel DISQO, there was nothing stopping this Piledriver from connecting. DISQO covered, then scored the three count.

Winner: DISQO via pinfall

Time: 7:50

Crowd: 51.1%

Match: 66.0%

Overall: 53.4%

Mark Madden: Well, I guess that tag team is through!

Tony Schiavone: What brutality! What carnage! That man was supposed to be his friend!

Scott Hudson: DISQO’s become the most unpredictable guy on the entire roster!

Mark Madden: He’s no Scott Steiner, but I’ll give him credit when it’s due.

Take it to the Bank?

The announcers are interrupted by the music of The Natural Born Thrillers, which begins to play over the loudspeakers. However, it is only Chuck Palumbo who enters the arena area, carrying a microphone.

Tony Schiavone: What’s this all about? We already saw Palumbo tonight- he lost to Goldberg!

Palumbo enters the ring, and begins to address the crowd.

Chuck Palumbo: Yeah, right about now, I know what you’re all thinking. You’re all saying to yourselves “Chuck Palumbo can’t beat Goldberg on Thunder. Chuck Palumbo can’t get to Halloween Havoc. Chuck Palumbo is in for the asskicking of a lifetime.” Well, you’re the ones who’ll be surprised! Sure, Goldberg pinned me not half an hour ago, but you know what? He caught me off guard. I’m not like everybody Goldberg’s already torn through. I’m not buying the hype. This isn’t about the Thrillers, this isn’t about Coach Nash, this is about me, Chuck Palumbo. Goldberg, if you’re watching this, listen up. There is no way- no way- you are going to beat me on Wednesday. I’ve never been so serious about anything in my entire life! Come hell or high water, I’ll be the one who gets to the Semifinals at Halloween Havoc!

Palumbo drops the microphone and heads back to the locker room.

Tony Schiavone: How… how can come out here and say that?

Scott Hudson: I don’t know what’s going through Palumbo’s head!

Tony and Scott turn to Mark Madden.

Mark Madden: Don’t look at me! I didn’t tell him to say that!

Overall: 39.9

Tony Schiavone: Well, we still have a Quarterfinal match on this broadcast to attend to, fans- namely, Sting versus Lance Storm. I’m being told that both competitors are making their way to the ring.

The Show Must Go On

The camera cuts to a backstage corridor, through which Sting is making his way to the ring. Rather than being his usual agile self, though, he is suffering from a pronounced limp. He winces as he takes each stride. Still, he maintains a determined, fierce demeanor with which he carries himself.

Overall: 82.3%

Flying Solo

The camera then cuts to a different corridor. Team Canada is headed down the hall, with Lance Storm at the helm. He stops, then turns to Elix Skipper and Jim Duggan.

Lance Storm: You guys stay here. I’ll handle this by myself.

Skipper and Duggan stop, then look at Storm.

Elix Skipper: Good luck.

Storm nods, then continues down the hall by himself.

Overall: 69.8%

Mark Madden: What sportsmanship! Storm’s going at it all by his lonesome! See, guys?

Scott Hudson: Yeah, too bad Sting is nowhere near 100%! What about that, huh, Mark?

Tony Schiavone: It’s time for our main event! One of these men will go to Halloween Havoc. Let’s go down to the ring and find out which one!

Lance Storm versus Sting

Lance Storm stretched in the corner as the bell rang, then stepped out to the center of the ring. He patiently waited for Sting to meet him there, and the two then grappled. Storm immediately grabbed a headlock, then flipped around behind Sting, grabbing a waistlock. At first, Storm acted as if his was going to lift Sting, but he simply hooked his left leg around Sting’s healthy left leg, then shoved him to the mat. He immediately pounced on Sting’s bad leg, kicking away at it, then lifting it up and slamming it to the ground. He flipped The Stinger over and attempted to apply a grapevine, but Sting kicked him off with his other leg. Sting scrambled back to his feet (or foot, more accurately), then stared at Storm defiantly. Storm charged in and threw a low dropkick at Sting’s right leg, but Sting lifted it just in time, sending Storm crashing to the canvas. Wasting no time, Sting immediately dropped an elbow on Storm, then grabbed a side headlock on the mat.

With the fans cheering his name, Sting tried to get as much out of the headlock as he could. Storm rolled him over, hoping for a pinning situation, but Sting rolled all the way through and retained his grasp on the United States Champion’s head. With the hold still locked in, Sting peppered the back of Storm’s head with punches and wrist shots. Storm groaned in pain, but managed to plant his feet firmly on the mat. He pushed with all his might, raising both himself and The Stinger to standing positions. However, the always-versatile Sting took the opportunity to bring Storm back to the mat with a bulldog. He immediately flipped Storm onto his back and made the cover, but Lance Storm kicked out after the one count. Undaunted, Sting turned Storm back onto his stomach and grabbed a hammerlock. Storm struggled briefly, but used his wrestling acumen to roll out of the move and reverse it into a wristlock. Holding Sting by the arm, Storm pulled him up to a standing position.

Storm did not waste the opportunity he was afforded. He dropped Sting’s hand, then scooped up his leg. After flashing the smallest hint of a smile, Storm swung The Stinger over to the mat with a Dragon Screw Legwhip. Storm then dragged Sting over to the side of the ring. He gently placed Sting’s leg on the second rope, headed out to the apron, grabbed the leg, and jumped down to the arena floor. With his leg viciously wrenched, Sting yelled out in pain. Storm climbed back up onto the apron, grabbed the top rope, and came down on The Stinger’s knee with a slingshot legdrop. Storm hooked Sting’s good leg and made the cover, but Sting managed to kick out after the two count.

Storm got back to his feet, then grabbed Sting by the hair. He pulled Sting up to a standing base, then grabbed him by the head. Storm then placed his other hand on Sting’s thigh for leverage and took him over with a crisp snap suplex. With the Stinger down on the canvas, Storm decided to go back to work on the leg. He lifted Sting’s right leg up, hooked his own leg around it, and wrenched, applying a standing grapevine. As Sting struggled on the mat, referee Nick Patrick continuously asked him if he wished to submit. After several seconds in the hold, Sting kicked his bad leg with all of his might, sending Storm flying out of the ring between the top and middle ropes. As Storm lay on the arena floor, Sting sat up. Much like in the tag match from the previous week, Sting grabbed his leg and tried to massage some form of feeling back into it.

Storm got back to his feet before Sting, however. He leapted back up onto the apron, reentered the ring, and approached The Stinger. He bent over to grab Sting, but he reversed with a quick roll-up. Storm kicked out after a very long two count, then popped to his feet. Sting rolled onto his stomach, and managed to push himself up to a vertical position. As Storm stared at Sting, The Stinger pounded his chest and let loose with a signature roar. He threw a hard chop to the chest of Lance Storm, then caught him in the face with a forearm. Sting continued with this combination, backing Storm into the corner. With great difficulty, Sting stepped up onto the second turnbuckle, and began hammering away at Storm with a ten-punch. After the tenth, he very gingerly lowered himself back to the canvas, grabbed Storm under the arm, and bealed him into the center of the ring. Sting collapsed to his knee from the force of the throw, but managed to stand back up. He cupped his hands to his mouth, howled to the crowd, and approached Storm once more. Using only his good leg for a boost, Sting hopped up in the air, then came down on Storm with one of his unique elbow drops. He made the cover, but Storm once again managed to kick out after two.

Sting pulled himself back up to his feet with great difficulty, then grabbed Storm’s legs. He stepped across Storm’s body with his good leg, attempting to apply the Scorpion Deathlock. However, Storm pulled his left leg out from Sting’s hand, then quickly shot a kick out at the leg of The Stinger, sending him down to the mat. Storm got back to his feet, grabbed Sting’s leg, and flipped over onto the canvas, tearing away at the muscles and ligaments. Storm was not done, though. He grabbed Sting’s right leg once more, then dragged him over to the corner of the ring. With Sting very much incapacitated, Storm released his grip and slid out of the ring. He then grabbed one of Sting’s ankles with each of his hands and pulled, crotching The Stinger against the ringpost. With Sting in the most precarious of positions, Storm folded his legs in the familiar “4” pattern, then draped his own leg over Sting’s knee. Storm then hopped up in the air, slammed his other leg on Sting’s foot, and fell backwards, perfect applying Bret Hart’s infamous Ringpost Figure Four Leglock. Sting howled in pain as Nick Patrick ordered Storm to break the illegal hold. As Storm refused to comply, Patrick was forced to begin a five count. Storm released the hold at four, causing the maximum amount of damage without getting himself disqualified from the match.

Storm remained completely focused, despite the roaring crowd around him, and slid back into the ring. With Sting on the mat in pain, Storm decided to strike once more. He grabbed Sting by the hair, pulled him up, and flung him into the corner. Storm then took hold of Sting’s right leg and hooked it around the middle rope. He crouched in on the leg, pulling it around the rope with all of his might. However, for all his pain, Sting saw his one last chance to attack. He grabbed Storm by the hair, then threw himself out of the corner, grabbing Storm’s head and spinning around as he fell. Sting landed with a crude, yet very effective Scorpion Death Drop. Both men lay flat on the canvas for a few moments, until finally, Sting was able to roll over and drape an arm across Lance Storm’s chest. Patrick made the count, but after two, Storm managed to lift his foot onto the bottom rope.

Both men slowly got up, with Sting using the ropes for support. Storm threw a punch, and Sting retaliated with one of the same. They traded punches back and forth until Storm took the upper hand. He grabbed Sting around the head once more, pulled him out into the center of the ring, and lifted him up for a suplex. However, instead of falling backwards, Storm slammed Sting down forwards, right on his knees. As Sting fell back to the mat, Storm saw his opportunity for victory. He grabbed Sting’s right leg, hooked it under his arm, and turned over, applying the Canadian Maple Leaf. Sting grimaced, then screamed in pain, absolutely brutalized by the submission hold. Patrick knelt down to the mat and asked Sting if he wished to give up, but The Stinger refused. Angered, Storm leaned back even further, bending Sting’s leg at a visually disturbing angle. In as intense a pain as he had ever experienced, Sting finally tapped out.

Winner: Lance Storm via submission

Time: 14:16

Crowd: 73.6%

Match: 77.6%

Overall: 82.5%

Mark Madden: Yes! Yes! Storm does it! Lance Storm is going to Halloween Havoc!

Tony Schiavone: Sting is completely out! He’s gone!

Scott Hudson: Can we get a doctor in the ring? Sting needs attention!

Mark Madden: It’s The Cat’s fault! It’s The Cat’s fault! Storm is going to Halloween Havoc, and Sting’s health is on The Cat’s head! I love it!

Overall Rating: 66.6%

Edited April 10, 2006 by Boulder

[Boulder]

WCW Thunder Preview- October 18, 2000

WCW concludes its historic Australian tour this Wednesday, but things will not be wrapping up quietly!  This week’s Thunder Down Under will prove to be as wild, exciting, and unbelievable as each and every moment of the tour has been so far.

The Quarterfinals of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament will conclude, setting up the final field of four for Halloween Havoc.  In what is sure to be a terrific bout, two-time former champion Booker T will take on Rey Mysterio, Jr.  Will Booker’s size, strength, and big-match experience give him the edge in the encounter?  Or will Rey capitalize on his momentum from his stellar match with Juventud Guerrera last week?

In the night’s other tournament match, Goldberg will face Chuck Palumbo of the Natural Born Thrillers.  At first glance, Goldberg appears to have a definite advantage.  However, Palumbo is young, powerful, angry, and he has vowed to defeat “Da Man” on Thunder.  Plus, the Thrillers are never far behind one of their own members.

With Halloween Havoc less than two weeks away, tensions are sure to be running high throughout the entire card.  Make sure to tune into the TBS Superstation on Wednesday, at 9:00 PM/8:00 PM CDT.  It’s the only way to be a part of the action!

-www.wcw.com

[Steve Corino]

A 66.6% rating for the show that gets Lance Storm into the semifinals and eventually into the World title? That may not be a good omen

[Draevyn]

A 66.6% rating for the show that gets Lance Storm into the semifinals and eventually into the World title? That may not be a good omen

←

High rankings are quite hard to get on TEW. As for the diary, it's been very good so far. I like the fact that while I like them, neither Jarrett or Sting are still in the tourney. Here's hoping Steiner or Goldberg don't get it either but if I had to choose one I'd go for Steiner. Love the attitude from DISQO as well and the NBT's are always gold IMO.

[Steve Corino]

I know it's tough....but that's just odd.

[Boulder]

WCW Thunder

October 18, 2000

Vodafone Arena- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Tony Schiavone: Hello, fans, and welcome to another edition of Thunder Down Under! We’re leaving Australia tonight, but you can bet that all of WCW and all of our fans will remember this trip for a long time! I’m Tony Schiavone, beside Stevie Ray, and “The Best Looking Big Man on TV” Mark Madden!

Stevie Ray: Tony, tonight we wrap up this round of the tournament, and set it up for Pay-Per-View! Goldberg versus Chuck Palumbo, and Rey Mysterio versus my baby brother, Booker!

Mark Madden: Big deal, the real news was on Monday, when both Lance Storm and Scott Steiner advanced to the Semifinals! Now that was something to behold! When I close my eyes, I can still see that face-painted goon tapping out, over and over again!

Tony Schiavone: Both of those men did, in fact, advance, as you can see on these brackets:

Mark Madden: I love it! The next WCW Champion, Steiner or Storm! It’s like steak or lobster! Rembrandt or Da Vinci! Ferrari or Mazaratti!

Tony Schiavone: Well, that certainly remains to be seen!

Stevie Ray: Yeah, Madden, so shut your mouth and let’s just see what happens tonight!

Tony Schiavone: And we don’t have to wait long! Our first tournament match of the evening, Booker T versus Rey Mysterio, is up right now!

Booker T versus Rey Mysterio

With the crowd abuzz at the presence of two fan-favorites, the opening bell rang. Booker and Rey locked up, with Booker easily exerting his strength. He backed Rey into a corner, then broke cleanly at referee Charles Robinson’s behest. Rey slid out between Booker’s legs, popped up behind him, and grabbed a waistlock. When it became apparent that he couldn’t lift Booker, Rey spun around his legs into a drop toe hold. Booker went down, smashing his face into the bottom turnbuckle. Rey immediately hopped up and landed a double foot stomp on Booker’s back, then dragged him by the leg into the center of the ring. Rey ran out to the apron, then waited for Booker to reach his feet. When he did, Rey hopped onto the top rope and sprung off with a flying clothesline. He connected with the move, sending Booker to his back. The former WCW World Champion rolled back up to a kneeling position with a surprised look on his face. Meanwhile, Mysterio waited anxiously with his hands on his knees.

Booker got back up to his feet, and the two men began circling each other. Booker charged in with a chop to Mysterio’s chest, then followed up with an overhand slap. He backed Mysterio against the ropes, then grabbed him by the arm and launched him with a whip. Booker threw a jumping side kick as Mysterio rebounded, but Rey-Rey ducked under the kick. He hit the opposite set of ropes as Booker turned around, and bounced off of those, as well. As he approached Booker, Rey jumped and twisted, wrapping his legs around Booker’s waist. He then flipped himself up, grabbed Booker by the head, and took him to the mat with a bulldog. Without hesitation, Rey turned Booker over onto his back, hooked his far leg, and made the cover. Booker kicked out after two, at which point Rey got up and ran to the ropes. He jumped onto the middle rope and sprung backwards with a quebrada, but Booker rolled out of the way. Rey collided with the mat, smashing his legs and chest.

Booker picked himself up, then grabbed Rey by the waistband. He pulled him up to a standing position, grabbed him under the knee, lifted him, and slammed him down on his own knee with a massive shinbreaker. As Rey hit the canvas, Booker hooked both legs and covered. Rey kicked out after two, but Booker was still very much in control. He pulled Rey back to his feet, grabbed him around the back and between the legs, and threw him to the mat with a scoop slam. Booker followed up with an elbow drop, then grabbed Rey with a side headlock. Booker’s size advantage allowed him to envelop Rey with his arms, smothering the former Cruiserweight Champion. Rey tried to roll Booker over onto his shoulders, but he could barely budge the larger man. Booker continued to devastate Rey with the hold until finally, Mysterio got the balls of his feet underneath his body and pushed up to a standing position. With a series of punches and elbows to the gut of Booker T, Rey finally managed to break the hold.

Rey charged at Booker, who caught him around the waist and lifted him to a horizontal position. However, Rey swung upwards, wrapped his legs around Booker T’s head, and flipped him over with a headscissor takedown. Booker landed on his back, then rolled up to his feet and stumbled over to the corner. Rey ran in, jumped, and caught Booker in the gut with a front dropkick. The most recent WCW Champion collapsed to the canvas, his head resting against the bottom turnbuckle. Seizing the opportunity, Rey headed to the opposite corner, then charged at Booker and leapt, connecting with his signature Rough Rider. He slammed down on Booker T repeatedly, giving the former champion a pounding. Rey then ran back to the middle of the ring and charged once more, catching Booker in the chest with a low dropkick. Mysterio grabbed Booker by the ankles, dragged him to the center of the ring, and flipped over on top of him, applying a Jackknife pinning combination. However, Booker kicked out at two.

Rey sprung to his feet as Booker got to his hands and knees, and began peppering his opponent with knees and kicks. Booker shoved Rey back into the ropes, though, then popped to his feet and caught him with a twisting spinebuster as Mysterio charged back. Booker leapt back up to his feet, then raised his arms to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He slowly pulled Rey back up, grabbed him around the waist, lifted him, and slammed him down with a side backbreaker. Booker covered, but Rey kicked out at two. Booker responded by applying a reverse chinlock, then bringing Rey down to the canvas. He cinched the hold in, trying to sap energy (and by proxy, speed) from Mysterio. As he held the hold tightly, Robinson checked Mysterio’s arm in order to determine if he could continue to compete. It fell the first time Robinson pulled it up, and a second lift yielded the same result. However, the third time the referee lifted Rey-Rey’s arm, he managed to keep it raised in the air. Rey slowly inched his legs towards the edge of the ring, then with a final kick, managed to slide them underneath the bottom rope. Booker relinquished the hold, then got to his feet.

It took Rey longer to achieve a vertical base, but he did it just the same. Booker immediately caught him with a kick to the gut, then grabbed him around the head. Booker hoisted Rey in the air for a suplex, then fell back, sending the smaller man on a long journey to the canvas. Booker floated over into a cover, but Mysterio managed to kick out at two. Booker got to his feet, then patiently stalked Rey. Mysterio stood up to a hunched-over position, and Booker charged in. He leapt off of the mat, kicked his right leg up in the air, and brought it down on Mysterio’s head with a mighty Axe Kick. As cameras flashed, Booker got back to his feet, courtesy of a Spin-A-Roonie. He pointed to the top turnbuckle, getting a more favorable reaction than he did with his previous gesture to the audience. Booker then headed out to the apron and ascended to the top rope. He remained crouched there until Rey Mysterio got to his feet, at which point he jumped off with a Missile Dropkick. Booker caught Rey right in the shoulder, sending him down to the mat. However, the force of the blow caused Mysterio to roll under the bottom rope and fall to the arena floor. When Booker got to his feet, he realized that his opponent was no longer in the ring. He slid out to the floor, grabbed Mysterio, hoisted him up, and tossed him back in under the bottom rope. Booker climbed back in and covered Mysterio, but the delay afforded the cruiserweight the ability to kick out at two.

Booker got back up to his feet, and once again, waited for Mysterio to do the same. As Rey got to his feet, Booker grabbed him around the chest- the precursor to the Bookend. He lifted Mysterio up, but Rey managed to grab onto the top rope. Using all of the strength he could muster, Rey pulled himself out of Booker’s grasp, over the rope, and onto the apron. Without hesitanting, Mysterio jumped up on the top rope and leapt off, catching Booker with a springboard hurricanrana. Rey grabbed Booker’s legs as he took him over, placing Booker in a pinning position. Rey managed to hold Booker down well past the two count, but the resourceful former champion kicked out right before three. Mysterio got back to his feet, and as Booker tried to do the same, Rey jumped up and caught him with an Axe Kick of his own. Booker collapsed back to the mat, and Rey covered him once more. Once again, Booker kicked out just before the three count.

Mysterio took Booker over with an armdrag, which he punctuated with a basement dropkick, striking his opponent in the head. Mysterio then vaulted up to the top rope, spinning around in mid-air so that he landed perched on the top, facing the inside of the ring. He jumped off with his legs extended and caught Booker T around the neck. He attempted to pull Booker over with a hurricanrana, but Booker fought to retain his standing position. He staggered around the ring with Rey trying to pull him over, and eventually, both men tumbled over the top rope and out to the floor. Charles Robinson began the ten count with both Booker and Rey motionless on the rubber mats. Finally, Rey started to stir, and Booker soon followed suit. Rey caught him with a forearm to the jaw, but Booker blocked a second and fired off a right hand. He connected, then grabbed Mysterio and tossed him back into the ring.

Booker followed Rey back in, then whipped him as he got to his feet. Rey hit the ropes and came back with a sunset flip on the bent-over Booker T. Booker kicked out, rolled back to his feet, charged, and was caught in the knee with another low dropkick. Booker T flipped over onto the mat, clutching his knee. Rey Mysterio seized the opportunity to climb to the top rope, then waited patiently as Booker had done earlier. When Booker got up to his feet, Rey jumped off, his legs extended for a hurricanrana. However, Booker took a step back, avoiding his opponent, and grabbed Rey around the chest and back as he descended. Booker used Rey’s own momentum to drive him to the canvas with a forceful Bookend. Exhausted, Booker grabbed Mysterio’s leg and made the cover, finally scoring the three count.

Winner: Booker T via pinfall

Time: 16:37

Crowd: 74.1%

Match: 81.6%

Overall: 78.2%

Tony Schiavone: Booker advances! He pulls out a brilliant victory!

Mark Madden: Wow, we get the greater of two evils!

Stevie Ray: Shut up, Madden! I’m supposed to be impartial, but my brother was robbed in the first place, and that belt should be his!

Mark Madden: Hey! There’s something called journalistic integrity!

Tony Schiavone: Booker T advances to the Semifinals of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship tournament, and that title may very well end up as his! Let’s see the brackets as they stand now.

Mark Madden: If you want something done right, send a Canadian hero to do it for you! Lance Storm will send Booker packing at Halloween Havoc!

Tony Schiavone: Those two will meet, and regardless of the outcome, that’s sure to be a must-see match! On another note, I’m being told that “Mean” Gene Okerlund is backstage with Three Count. They’ve got some words for the Jung Dragons.

Stars Don’t Sweat

“Mean” Gene Okerlund is standing in the backstage interview area with Three Count- Evan Karagias, Shannon Moore, and Shane Helms.

Gene Okerlund: Gentlemen, in eleven days, you three will meet your longtime nemeses, the Jung Dragons. You six have battled throughout the year, most memorably in the Gold Record Ladder Match at New Blood Rising. But the-

Evan Karagias: Whoa, whoa, whoa, Gene. Enough talk already. You’re just like WCW, you don’t know how to stand back and let the money speak for itself.

Shane Helms: And you’re also like the Jung Dragons, Gene-O- you don’t treat the big superstars with the respect we deserve! And also, you spend about five bucks on your wardrobe!

Helms flicks Okerlund’s sport jacket, then laughs.

Evan Karagias: But the fact of the matter is this, Gene- we are superstars. We’re that crossover, mainstream media factor WCW really needs. We’ve got it all! The Jung Dragons- not quite, heh heh. And yet, they just can’t let us take over the world in peace!

Gene Okerlund: With all due respect, the Dragons have proven themselves as capable in the ring on numerous occasions.

Shannon Moore: Of course they’re capable. A lot of people are capable. But we’re a lot more than capable, Gene.

Evan Karagias: We choose our spots, Okerlund! The Jung Dragons want to mess with us? We single ‘em out and we strike! And we’re very, very good at what we do.

Overall: 65.1%

Mark Madden: See? The Jung Dragons can stick their noses where they don’t belong, but they’ll learn a lesson!

Tony Schiavone: Well, if I recall correctly, it was Three Count who wouldn’t let things with the Jung Dragons rest!

Mark Madden: Nobody asked you! Drop the history lesson, Tenay!

Stevie Ray: Hey, Madden, you said it yourself- if it means we get to see these guys wrestle, who cares who’s at fault?

Mark Madden: I’m all about watching the match, but what’s right is right, and we need to establish who’s right!

The Golden Thriller

The camera cuts backstage to the locker room of the Natural Born Thrillers. An apprehensive Chuck Palumbo is sitting in a chair while Kevin Nash paces back and forth in front of him.

Kevin Nash: Anything else?

Chuck Palumbo: No. I’m ready. I’m totally ready.

Nash stops, then pivots towards Palumbo.

Kevin Nash: Then let me tell you something. Ever since I joined this crew, one of you boys has been head and shoulders above the rest. That one is you, Chuck. You’ve got the skill, the attitude, and the brain to reach the top of the wrestling world!

Chuck Palumbo: Thank you, Coach.

Kevin Nash: Don’t thank me! Shut your mouth! Take that gratitude! Take everything in your heart, your soul! Take the love, take the hate, take the anger, take the arrogance… take it all and use it towards Goldberg! You talked the talk on Monday, and you did a damn good job. Now you gotta back it up.

Palumbo nods at Nash.

Overall: 65.8

Tony Schiavone: Some frighteningly powerful advice from Kevin Nash!

Mark Madden: And it makes so much sense, too! The sky is the limit for Chuck Palumbo!

Stevie Ray: Let’s not forget that he’s wrestling Goldberg tonight!

Mark Madden: Make sure Goldberg doesn’t forget it!

Tony Schiavone: That match is later in the night, but up next, we’ve got Jeff Jarrett taking on Konnan in what is sure to be a blockbuster encounter.

Jeff Jarrett versus Konnan

Jeff Jarrett and Konnan, two very well-traveled veterans, eyed each other cautiously as the opening bell rang. Jarrett took a few steps in towards his opponent, but Konnan stopped him in his tracks by grabbing his crotch and emphatically shouting “Orale!” Jarrett took a step back and looked to the crowd, allowing Konnan the opportunity to take him down with a clothesline. Jarrett fell to the mat, and Konnan immediately grabbed him in a shoulder lock. Jarrett grimaced and grabbed his arm, then got to his feet. Konnan let go of Jarrett’s upper arm in order to apply a wristlock. He rotated the hold, causing a groan to escape from the mouth of “The Chosen One.” Konnan lifted Jarrett’s arm up, then yanked it down, wrenching the former WCW Champion’s shoulder. Konnan lifted Jarrett’s arm once more, but before he could pull down, Jarrett dove down to the mat. He wrapped his feet around Konnan’s leg, taking him down to the mat with a drop toe hold.

Jarrett grabbed Konnan’s right leg with his his hands and wrenched it back with a quick pull. He then got to his feet and dropped a knee across K-Dogg’s hamstring muscle. Jarrett got back up and stepped back to the corner, where he waited patiently for Konnan to get to his feet. When he did so, Jarrett charged at him and nailed him in the side of the knee with a running kick. Konnan collapsed to his knee, allowing Jarrett to dropkick him in the face. Jarrett made the cover, but Konnan kicked out after two. Jarrett went back to the leg, kicking it repeatedly before grabbing it and dropping an elbow on it. Jeff Jarrett then lifted Konnan to his feet, grabbed him under the leg, hoisted him up, and slammed him down with a shinbreaker. No sooner had Konnan fallen to the mat than Jarrett grabbed his foot and signaled with his finger for the Figure Four Leglock. He stepped over Konnan’s leg with his own, but Konnan used his other foot to push Double J off. Jarrett was shot forward into the ropes, and bounced back into a schoolboy rollup. He kicked out at two, but was disoriented by the experience. Konnan got to his feet with some difficulty, then whipped Jarrett into the corner.

Konnan slowly ascended to the second turnbuckle, then steadied Jarrett’s head with his left hand. He began to fire off the standard ten punch, with the audience counting along. At nine, however, Jarrett grabbed Konnan’s legs and lifted him out of the corner. He gingerly turned around, then dumped Konnan over the top rope. However, he held onto Konnan’s right leg as K-Dogg tumbled over, wrenching his knee over the top rope. A surprised and hurt Konnan shouted as Jarrett tried to keep the hold on the leg for as long as possible. Before long, though, Konnan slipped out, landing on the apron with a thud. Jarrett reached under the bottom rope, grabbed Konnan by the leg, and pulled him back into the ring. He hooked Konnan’s good leg and made the cover, but the leader of the Filthy Animalz managed to kick out.

Jarrett got back up to his feet and waited for Konnan to stir. After a few moments, K-Dogg rolled over onto his stomach and began to rise up to his hands and knees, only to catch a kick in the ribs from “The Chosen One.” Jarrett laughed heartily, then pulled Konnan up to a standing position. He grabbed Konnan by the arm and dragged him over to the corner, then climbed up to the second turnbuckle. Jarrett held Konnan’s arm to his chest, jumped off of the turnbuckle, and spun around, bringing Konnan to the mat with a hard single arm DDT. Jarrett made the cover, but Konnan kicked out once more. Frustrated, Jarrett grabbed Konnan’s right leg, pulled it to the side, and wrapped his own legs around it, forming a grapevine hold. He wrenched away, tearing at the tendons and ligaments in the knee of the Mexican legend. Konnan yelled in pain, then reached out with his hands, vainly trying to grab Jarrett and pry himself loose. After it became clear that he could not reach, he switched his focus to the ropes. After a few seconds of pulling himself with his hands and his free leg, Konnan managed to drag himself within range of the bottom rope. He grabbed it, and referee Mickey Jay ordered Jeff Jarrett to break the hold. Jarrett complied, but only after retaining the lock until the “four” of Jay’s five count.

Jarrett got back to his feet, grabbed Konnan by the leg, and dragged him to the center of the ring once more. He lifted Konnan’s right leg and signaled for the Figure Four Leglock yet again. This time, Konnan was in no condition to counter the move, and as such, Jarrett had little trouble applying it. However, it soon became clear that Jarrett was not using the move to end the match; rather, he was simply trying to disable his opponent. He held on to the middle rope for leverage, in full view of Mickey Jay, as Konnan shouted in pain. He released the rope at four, only to immediately grab it again. This continued until a frustrated Mickey Jay threatened to disqualify Jarrett outright. “The Chosen One” finally broke the hold, then lifted Konnan up to a standing base. Jarrett threw a dropkick, but Konnan surprising managed to duck the move. Jarrett crashed to the mat, and as he came back up, Konnan grabbed his arm and whipped him to the ropes. As Jarrett hit the opposite set and bounced back, Konnan somersaulted on the mat for his signature rolling clothesline. However, when he tried to pop back up, he was unable. Konnan’s leg gave out, and he collapsed to the canvas. Jarrett put the brakes on, then snickered at Konnan’s predicament. With ease, he hoisted Konnan up to his feet, then sent him back down to the mat with the Stroke. Jarrett followed up with the cover, scoring the three count.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett via pinfall

Time: 10:11

Crowd: 75.5%

Match: 66.1%

Overall: 76.9%

Tony Schiavone: A big win by Jeff Jarrett, asserting his dominance as one of the strongest forces in WCW.

Mark Madden: Finally, things around here are starting to make sense!

An Empty Challenge

Despite having just finished his match, Jeff Jarrett does not leave the ring. He calls for a production worker to bring him a microphone, and the worker complies. Jarrett begins to address the crowd.

Jeff Jarrett: Y’all better listen up, I got some business that needs takin’ care of!

Tony Schiavone: Jarrett just picked up a win over Konnan, what could he want now?

Mark Madden: How about shuttin’ up and findin’ out?

Jeff Jarrett: I told everybody on Nitro last week that Sting opened up a can of worms when he messed with me! I ain’t forgot about what happened!

Stevie Ray: Messed with him? Sting beat him fair and square!

Mark Madden: Win a few World Titles, Stevie, then your opinion will matter!

Jeff Jarrett: You see something, there’s a lot of things that people don’t know about Jeff Jarrett. Now, you know I’m the best damn wrestler in this company… hell, the best damn wrestler in the world. Y’all know I spent the year carrying WCW on my back. But what you’re only fixin’ to find out is that I’m one of the sickest sons of bitches this industry has ever seen! You saw what I did to Konnan! Each and every one of the thirty-three years of my life has been spent in the wrestling business, and I’ve had my eyes open the whole time! I’ve seen men get crushed and ruined- I’ve seen destruction. I know what it takes to obliterate the competition! And you’re all about to see it firsthand!

Mark Madden: Don’t you doubt him for a second! The man has seen tens of thousands of matches in his career, and he’s learned from them all!

Tony Schiavone: Well, there’s no denying that he’s as much a student of the sport as anyone!

Jeff Jarrett: I’m ready to tear you apart, Sting! I’m gonna make you wish you’d never left that lounge chair down in Venice Beach! The only question left is- are we gonna do this the easy way or the hard way?

Tony Schiavone: What does he mean?

Jeff Jarrett: Sting, I’m givin’ you a chance to get on my good side. You can get your ass out of the locker room and head down to this ring right now, and we can do this!

Tony Schiavone: Sting’s not here! His leg was almost ripped out of its socket on Monday! Everyone knows he’s not here! Jarrett knows he’s not here!

Jeff Jarrett: Don’t make me wait, Sting! I ain’t in a good mood to being with, and you’re just making things worse!

Stevie Ray: This is nonsense!

Mark Madden: Hey, Jarrett gave Sting a choice, Sting made the wrong one!

Jeff Jarrett: Let’s go, Sting! This is your last chance! You’ve got ten seconds! Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one… big mistake, Sting! You just made a big mistake!

Jarrett drops the microphone and leaves the ring.

Overall: 80.4%

Tony Schiavone: It’s just cheap cowardice, plain and simple! Jarrett knows Sting isn’t here, and yet he tries to make himself look big at his expense!

Stevie Ray: And you’re surprised?

Mark Madden: Sting has a lot of tricks, guys! For all you, me, or “The Chosen One” knew, Sting was going to appear in the middle of the ring out of nowhere!

Tony Schiavone: Give me a break!

Bryan Clark versus Mark Jindrak

Jindrak charged at Clark to begin, pouncing on his and unloaded with a series of left and right hands. He pushed Clarke into the corner, then continued his assault, throwing in a few knees for good measure. However, when Jindrak was finished, Clark stepped out of the corner and simply glared at him. Clark advanced on Jindrak, sending the WCW World Tag Team Champion scrambling to the ropes for refuge. Referee Mickey Jay tried to dissuade Clark from attacking the “safe” Jindrak, but it was no use- Clark had revenge on his mind after what the champions had done to his partner the previous week. He pulled Jindrak out of the corner and began pounding down on his back with forceful forearms. Clark then shot Jindrak to the ropes, and caught him with a big boot as he bounced back. Jindrak hit the mat, then rolled out of the ring. Clark quickly hopped over the top rope and onto the apron, then jumped down to the arena floor, ready to continue the assault.

Bryan Clark grabbed Mark Jindrak by the head, but Jindrak surprised him with an eye poke. He kicked Clark in the gut, then grabbed his head and slammed it into the apron. While the more agile member of Kronik put his hands to his face, Jindrak took several steps back. He charged at Bryan Clark and leapt, but Clark managed to catch him in mid-air. Holding Jindrak around the waist, Clark ran forward and slammed his back into the steel ringpost. He kept his grip on Jindrak, then rolled him back under the ropes and into the ring. Clark followed Jindrak back in, then jumped up in the air and came down with a legdrop. He connected, then rolled over onto Jindrak and made the cover. The champion kicked out after two, and an undaunted Bryan Clark responded by cradling Jindrak’s head with his left hand and throwing punches with his right. Satisfied, Clark got to his feet and waited for Jindrak to do the same.

Jindrak stumbled up to a standing base, only for Clark to grab him by the arm and whip him once more. However, this time, Mark Jindrak came back with a dropkick, catching Clark in the sternum and knocking him to the mat. Jindrak followed up with a jumping elbow drop, then made the cover. This proved to be a mistake, as Clark easily powered out after the one count. Jindrak tried to stomp and kick at Bryan Clark, but it didn’t stop the big man from rising to his feet. Jindrak threw a kick at Clark, who simply caught his opponent’s boot. In a precarious position, Jindrak attempted to throw a punch. However, Clark dropped Jindrak’s boot, grabbed his hand, and shoved it in between Jindrak’s legs. Clark then hooked his other arm around Jindrak’s shoulder, flipped him up onto his own shoulder, and smashed him to the canvas with the Meltdown. Clark made the cover and scored an easy three count. As the bell rang, Sean O’Haire ran out from the backstage area and slid into the ring. He popped up in time to trade punches with Clark. When the victor of the match began to gain the advantage, O’Haire nailed him with a low kick. No sooner did he fall to his knees than Brian Adams ran out to even the score. He clotheslined O’Haire down, then lifted Jindrak up and tossed him out of the ring. As Clark got to his feet, Adams pulled O’Haire back up. Kronik then hit Sean O’Haire with the High Times, completing a decimation of the World Tag Team Champions.

Winner: Bryan Clark via pinfall

Time: 5:01

Crowd: 64.6%

Match: 60.6%

Overall: 44.7%

Tony Schiavone: Jindrak and O’Haire are utterly dominated by Kronik! Things do not look good for the World Tag Team Champions!

Mark Madden: They’re just luring Kronik into a false sense of security! I’m sure of it!

A Semifinal Preview

Lance Storm’s music hits the public address system, and the crowd begins to boo as the United States Champion makes his way to the ring. Despite his success only days before, his expression remains as harsh as ever.

Mark Madden: Hail to the champ, folks! Tony, Stevie, stand with me!

Stevie Ray: No way, Madden! Sit down, you’re embarrassing us!

Lance Storm takes a microphone out of his tights and begins to address to crowd.

Lance Storm: If I can be serious for a moment… last week, I told The Cat that Sting’s health was forfeit if he didn’t cancel our match. He refused, and you saw how that turned out. I have a ticket to Halloween Havoc, and I am one step closer to taking the WCW World Heavyweight Championship! To bolstering the legacy of the belt, and erasing the damage done by sham titleholders such as Booker T, Goldberg, and Sting himself! To bringing some Canadian dignity to this company!

Mark Madden: Preach it! Preach it, champ!

Lance Storm: Which brings me to my next opponent. Booker T, you complain that you’re entitled to the WCW Title because of the manner in which you lost it. The truth is, Booker, you were doing nothing but keeping the belt warm for me! You can’t stand in the way of destiny, and you can’t stand in the way of a hero from Calgary… Alb-

Lance Storm is cut off by the opening of Booker T’s theme music. He spins his head around, staring at the entranceway in angry disbelief.

Mark Madden: What the… what is this? Security! We’ve got the future World Champion trying to cut a promo, here!

Sure enough, Booker T makes his way out onto the stage. He is dressed in street clothes, but is still feeling the effects of his match with Rey Mysterio, Junior. He has a microphone of his own in hand.

Booker T: Let’s get one thing straight, sucka. Before this goes any further- yeah, that was my title. And yeah, I’m pissed about how I lost it. But that’s where it ends. I ain’t complaining. I’ve been through too damn much with this company not to know that complaining don’t get you anywhere. And I ain’t entitled to the belt. Nobody in WCW is. But if you’re looking past me…

Booker takes off his sunglasses.

Booker T: If you’re looking past me, you gonna be pretty damn surprised.

Lance Storm: I don’t get surprised, Booker. I’m Lance Storm. In this ring, things happen the way I want them to happen!

Booker T: Well, let’s see if it works that way!

Booker charges the ring and slides under the bottom rope. Lance Storm starts stomping away at him, then pulls him up and tosses him into the corner. He throws a right hand at Booker T, but Booker blocks it and throws a hard chop. He backs Storm into the opposite corner with a series of chops, then rears back for a big punch. Before he can strike, though, Storm shoves him back a few feet. Storm then throws a superkick out of the corner, nailing Booker T in the face. Booker goes down, and Storm immediately puts him in the Canadian Maple Leaf. This doesn’t last long, though, as Doug Dellinger and several road agents head down to the ring. They pull Storm off of Booker and send him backstage.

Stevie Ray: Lance Storm just made some mistake!

Mark Madden: Booker made the mistake, Stevie! Booker made the mistake, and you’ll see it again at Halloween Havoc!

Overall: 78.8%

Tony Schiavone: Well, regardless of who made what, we are ready to see two of WCW’s most volatile personalities collide as DISQO takes on Crowbar.

Mark Madden: Who can stop crazy DISQO?

DISQO versus Crowbar

DISQO waited patiently in the corner as the bell rang, allowing Crowbar to make the first move. The former World Tag Team Champion charged in, and DISQO ran out with a high kick. Crowbar slid underneath the kick, but DISQO immediately brought his foot down with a stomp on his opponent’s head. DISQO grabbed Crowbar by the hair and dragged him to the corner of the ring, then, holding the ropes for leverage, drove his heel between Crowbar’s shoulderblades. DISQO then jumped, and brought his knee down on Crowbar’s back. DISQO continued to overwhelm Crowbar, pushing the upper half of his body out onto the apron, then grabbing his head and pulling it back against the bottom rope. As referee Mark Johnson began to warn DISQO, he broke the hold, then dragged Crowbar back to the center of the ring. With a precision that seemed difficult to reconcile with his apparent fury, DISQO crushed Crowbar with a barrage of stomps.

DISQO grabbed Crowbar’s wild hair with both of his hands, then yanked him up to a standing position. He grabbed Crowbar’s throat with his right hand, then ran him all the way to the corner, throwing him into the turnbuckle. DISQO grabbed the middle rope for leverage, then fired off several kicks at the gut of Crowbar. He then headed out onto the apron, grabbed Crowbar’s head, and jumped down to the floor, wrenching his neck with a reverse guillotine. Crowbar crumbled to mat, allowing DISQO to grab him by the ankles and yank him out of the ring. He tossed Crowbar against the apron, and began to pound him repeatedly in the gut with closed fists. He reared back and threw a punch at Crowbar’s face, but Crowbar managed to block it with his left hand. He followed up with a series of right hands, then lunged forward and bit the forehead of DISQO. Both hurting and surprised, DISQO charged forward, but Crowbar reacted quickly. He took DISQO down with a drop toe hold, slamming him face first into the apron. Crowbar did not hesitate, grabbing DISQO by the seat of the tights and flinging him back into the ring. Crowbar climbed onto the apron, launched himself back into the ring with a somersault slingshot legdrop, and crashed down on DISQO. He followed up with the cover, but DISQO kicked out at two.

Crowbar got back to his feet and dragged DISQO over to the corner. He laid DISQO’s head against the bottom turnbuckle, then ran to the opposite set of ropes and charged back. He raised a knee as he returned, but DISQO quickly rolled out of Crowbar’s path. Crowbar’s knee collided with the buckle. He staggered back, and DISQO nailed him with a neckbreaker. DISQO got up, lifted Crowbar to his feet, and hoisted him up in position for a side slam. He then slammed Crowbar down on his knee neck-first, and let him fall to the mat. DISQO hopped to the corner, climbed up to the second turnbuckle, did a little wiggle for the crowd, and jumped off, catching Crowbar in the chest with the Village People’s Elbow. DISQO hooked Crowbar’s leg and made the cover, but Crowbar kicked out after the two count.

DISQO got to his feet and did his best John Travolta “Saturday Night Fever” impression as Crowbar stumbled up to a standing base. A desperate Crowbar put all of his weight behind a wild haymaker, which DISQO easily ducked. He grabbed Crowbar in a waistlock, hoisted him up in the air, then merely threw him down to the mat face first. DISQO dropped an elbow down on the neck of Crowbar, then swiveled back up to his feet. He grabbed Crowbar by the hair and pulled him up, then set him up between his legs. DISQO hoisted Crowbar in the air, then dropped down with a Piledriver. As Crowbar clutched his neck, DISQO pulled him up once more. DISQO stuck Crowbar’s head between his legs, lifted him, and took him down with a second Piledriver. This time, Crowbar was motionless when he hit the mat. Still, DISQO wasted no time. He grabbed Crowbar’s face and yanked him up, set him up a third time, and connected with one more Piledriver. He covered Crowbar with a lateral press, scoring a three count. Before the bell even rang, though, the crowd began to murmur. Alex Wright had run out from the backstage area with a chair. He slid into the ring, came up behind DISQO, and whacked his former partner across the back with it. DISQO, reeling from the hit, fell out of the ring and landed on the arena floor. Wright held up the chair as the audience applauded moderately.

Winner: DISQO via pinfall

Time: 7:12

Crowd: 59.9%

Match: 72.4%

Overall: 66.8%

Tony Schiavone: Finally, someone stands up to the bully that DISQO has become!

Mark Madden: Anyone who gets in DISQO’s path is crazier than he is, Tony! Have you seen what he’s been doing to his opponents lately?

Storm Multitasks

The camera cuts backstage, where General Rection and Lieutenant Loco are walking down a corridor.

General Rection: Loco! I have the utmost faith in you and your ability! But you must not underestimate Elix Skipper at Halloween Havoc! Take away the Team Canada running buddies and the Grey Cup ring, and you still have one hell of a wrestler! So you must train, fight, and be at your best for your shot at the Cruiserweight Title!

Lieutenant Loco: Sir, yes sir!

General Rection: I like your attitude, Lieutenant! But when the time comes-

Rection is cut off as Lance Storm attacks him from behind with a running forearm. A surprised Lieutenant Loco turns around, only to catch a shot from Elix Skipper’s Cruiserweight Title belt. Storm, Skipper, and Jim Duggan stomp away at their downed enemies. Storm lifts Rection up by the hair, and gets face to face with him.

Lance Storm: You think I forgot about you, fat boy? You think that things between us are anywhere near over? You-

A woozy Rection manages to cut Storm off with a wild slap across the face. This infuriates Storm, who fires back with a much harder slap, then grinds the center plate of his United States Title belt against Rection’s face. Skipper, meanwhile, lifts Loco up from behind and pins his arms back. He points Loco towards Duggan, who gets down in a three point stance. Duggan charges, and Skipper releases Loco in time for Duggan to tackle him to the ground.

Elix Skipper: Hope you U.S.A.-holes enjoyed the beatdown!

Overall: 73.3%

Stevie Ray: How much trouble is Lance Storm going to cause in one night? How many enemies does he have in this company?

Mark Madden: Lots, if jealousy is any indication!

Stevie Ray: What does General Rection have to be jealous about? The way Storm cheats?

Mark Madden: You name it, Storm has it and Rection could use it!

Who’d Better Return Soon?- Part Three

The camera cuts to a black and white clip of Chris Kanyon unmasking at Slamboree 1998, revealing his face to the world. It then cuts to footage of Kanyon beating down Perry Saturn during the handicap match at Bash at the Beach 1999. This clip ends, and is replaced with Kanyon’s face in the camera, shouting “BANG” after delivering a Kanyon Cutter to a ring crew worker on the July 12th, 2000 episode of Thunder. The screen then goes black, and the words “WHO’S BETTER THAN KANYON?” appear in white as simultaneously, the sound bite of Kanyon shouting them is played. They disappear, and are replaced by two more words: “HALLOWEEN HAVOC.”

Overall: 50.6%

Mark Madden: The date is set! Halloween Havoc, we finally get Chris Kanyon back! What a night that will be!

Tony Schiavone: Indeed it will be, and at the center of the action, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship tournament. It’s time for our main event, which will determine the last man to enter the Semifinals.

Bill Goldberg versus Chuck Palumbo

The bell rang with Chuck Palumbo anxiously eyeing Goldberg from his corner, and “Da Man” stretching out by grabbing the top rope and pulling. Both men stepped to the center of the ring and locked up. The slightly larger Palumbo tried to force Bill Goldberg backwards, but Goldberg used his incredible strength to shove Palumbo down to the mat. “The Event” looked up in shock, then got back to his feet. They locked up yet again, and this time, Goldberg backed Palumbo into the corner of the right. Nick Patrick called for a clean break, and Goldberg complied. However, as he backed out, Palumbo nailed him in the jaw with one of his signature right hands. Goldberg was staggered for a moment, then regained his composure and glared at Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo reared back to throw another punch, but Goldberg grabbed him by the throat and hurled him out of the corner. He landed in the center of the ring, then pulled himself back to his feet.

Goldberg caught Palumbo in the side of the head with a forearm, then grabbed him by the wrist and whipped him to the ropes. He threw a side kick in an attempt to catch Palumbo as he rebounded, but “The Event” grabbed the top rope to stop his momentum. A frustrated Goldberg shouted at Chuck Palumbo, then charged at him with a clothesline. The move found its mark, knocking Palumbo over the rope and onto the arena floor. However, he managed to land on his feet on the arena floor. Palumbo smacked the apron in frustration, then turned around to face the crowd. He was surprised back into the match, though, as Goldberg reached over the top rope and grabbed a handful of curly hair. He pulled Palumbo back up onto the apron, but via quick thinking, Palumbo grabbed Goldberg’s head and jumped back to the floor, guillotining him over the top rope. As Goldberg reeled, Palumbo immediately leapt back onto the apron. Grabbing the rope, he launched himself over Goldberg and back into the ring, showing surprising agility as he took “Da Man” over with a Sunset Flip. Goldberg kicked out, but Paulmbo’s two count showed that he had unnerved the former World Champion.

Palumbo sprang to his feet as Goldberg rolled to his, then dove with a clothesline. He knocked Goldberg back down, but “Da Man” got back to his feet even before Palumbo did. Palumbo charged once more, but Goldberg stopped him with a knee to the gut. The then grabbed Palumbo under the arm, turned him around so that both men faced the center of the ring, and sent him flying with a hiptoss. Palumbo crawled over to the corner as Goldberg got down in a crouching position. No sooner had “The Event” grabbed the ropes and pulled himself to his feet than Goldberg charged in with a Spear. However, Palumbo had the presence of mind to vault over the top rope and down to the floor. Goldberg stopped in his tracks, then stared at Palumbo as he regained his bearings. Goldberg yelled once more, then slid out of the ring and gave chase to Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo ran around the ring and dove back in, then popped to his feet as Goldberg entered. Chuck Palumbo began to stomp away on Goldberg, who struggled to get to a standing position.

Palumbo continued to stomp on Goldberg, until finally, “Da Man” grabbed him by the foot. Goldberg sprang up to his feet, then released Palumbo’s foot and mowed him over with a clothesline. He immediately pulled Palumbo back up by the head, then, placing a hand on Palumbo’s stomach, Goldberg hoisted him up over his head. After a roar, Goldberg flipped Palumbo onto his shoulder, then drove him down into the canvas. Goldberg hooked Palumbo’s leg and made the cover, but Chuck managed to kick out after two. Goldberg hopped to his feet and grabbed Chuck by the head, but “The Event” stuck out his fingers and raked Goldberg across the eyes. Palumbo then scampered up to his feet. As Goldberg regained his bearings and turned to face his opponent, Palumbo fired off a massive Jungle Kick. He caught Goldberg right in the chin, sending “Da Man” to the canvas with a force very seldom seen. Palumbo fell to his knees, then hooked Goldberg’s leg and made the cover. Patrick slapped the mat twice, but Goldberg kicked out before three. An exasperated Chuck Palumbo put his hands to his head, then covered Goldberg once more. This time, he kicked out on the two count, and rolled up to his hands and knees.

Palumbo took a few steps back before dropping down to a crouching position. Goldberg slowly got to his feet, then turned to face “The Event.” Palumbo immediately fired off another Jungle Kick, but Goldberg managed to duck this time. He threw a clothesline as Palumbo spun around, knocking the Natural Born Thriller to the mat. Goldberg then ran to the far corner of the ring, and it was his turn to wait for Palumbo to reach his feet. When Chuck did get to a standing base, Goldberg charged in with the Spear. He connected, knocking Palumbo to the mat and nearly out of the match. As the crowd went nuts, Goldberg grabbed Chuck Palumbo and lifted him to his feet, then hooked his head under his arm. Goldberg pointed to the ceiling and roared, drawing even more of a reaction from the audience. He then lifted Palumbo up in the air and twisted him down to the canvas with a Jackhammer. Goldberg made the cover, pinned Palumbo, and cemented his spot at Halloween Havoc.

Winner: Bill Goldberg via pinfall

Time: 9:26

Crowd: 79.5%

Match: 65.2%

Overall: 79.1%

Tony Schiavone: Goldberg does it! Goldberg beats Palumbo! Goldberg versus Steiner, and Storm versus Booker at Halloween Havoc! One of those men will be our new World Champion!

Mark Madden: Fine! Fine! Steiner wiped the floor with Goldberg last month, and he’ll do it again!

Stevie Ray: Let’s just wait and see about that! Any of these guys could take the belt!

Tony Schiavone: Palumbo gives it his all, but in the end, there was no denying “Da Man!” I’m Tony Schiavone for Stevie Ray and Mark Madden, saying goodnight, and thank you, Australia! We’ll catch you next week, back in the states!

Overall Rating: 69.1%

Edited September 8, 2005 by Boulder

[Boulder]

WCW Worldwide

October 22, 2000

Mike Tenay: Hello, and welcome to WCW Worldwide! I’m Mike Tenay, alongside Scott Hudson, and on tonight’s broadcast, we’ll be looking back at WCW’s final week in Australia- a week which was very eventful, to say the least.

Scott Hudson: Absolutely right, Mike! We saw it all- attacks, challenges, some very surprising developments- but of course, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament remained at the center of the action.

Mike Tenay: We saw the televised portion of the tournament conclude this week, and as such, both Semifinal Round matches were set up for Halloween Havoc on October 29th. Let’s go back to Nitro and Thunder, where the four Quarterfinal Round matches took place.

A video begins to play, showing the endings from the four Quarterfinal tournament matches that have taken place this past week. Before each clip, a graphic showing the participants is displayed.

SCOTT STEINER versus MIKE AWESOME

For the second time, Awesome was first to his feet. He grabbed onto the ropes, taking his time as Steiner began to stir. As Scott Steiner got to his hands and knees, Mike Awesome leapt over him, ran to the opposite set of ropes, and bounced back. With an agility that any cruiserweight would be proud to own, Awesome caught Steiner in the head with a low dropkick. The fans roared in delight, and Awesome sensed his chance for victory. Using all the energy he could muster, he headed out onto the apron and pulled himself up to the top rope. He jumped off, flying across the ring with his signature splash. He did not connect, though, as Steiner managed to roll out of the way, sending Awesome slamming to the center of the ring. As he ailed on the canvas, “Big Poppa Pump” pulled himself to his feet. He signaled for the end of the match once more, then took a standing position above Awesome. Steiner hooked both of his opponent’s arms, then followed up by grabbing the head. Awesome tried to fight the pain, but as the damage being done to his neck increased, his only choice was to tap out.

LANCE STORM versus STING

Storm remained completely focused, despite the roaring crowd around him, and slid back into the ring. With Sting on the mat in pain, Storm decided to strike once more. He grabbed Sting by the hair, pulled him up, and flung him into the corner. Storm then took hold of Sting’s right leg and hooked it around the middle rope. He crouched in on the leg, pulling it around the rope with all of his might. However, for all his pain, Sting saw his one last chance to attack. He grabbed Storm by the hair, then threw himself out of the corner, grabbing Storm’s head and spinning around as he fell. Sting landed with a crude, yet very effective Scorpion Death Drop. Both men lay flat on the canvas for a few moments, until finally, Sting was able to roll over and drape an arm across Lance Storm’s chest. Patrick made the count, but after two, Storm managed to lift his foot onto the bottom rope.

Both men slowly got up, with Sting using the ropes for support. Storm threw a punch, and Sting retaliated with one of the same. They traded punches back and forth until Storm took the upper hand. He grabbed Sting around the head once more, pulled him out into the center of the ring, and lifted him up for a suplex. However, instead of falling backwards, Storm slammed Sting down forwards, right on his knees. As Sting fell back to the mat, Storm saw his opportunity for victory. He grabbed Sting’s right leg, hooked it under his arm, and turned over, applied the Canadian Maple Leaf. Sting grimaced, then screamed in pain, absolutely brutalized by the submission hold. Patrick knelt down to the mat and asked Sting if he wished to give up, but The Stinger refused. Angered, Storm leaned back even further, bending Sting’s leg at a visually disturbing angle. In as intense a pain as he had ever experienced, Sting finally tapped out.

BOOKER T versus REY MYSTERIO, JR.

Mysterio took Booker over with an armdrag, which he punctuated with a basement dropkick, striking his opponent in the head. Mysterio then vaulted up to the top rope, spinning around in mid-air so that he landed perched on the top, facing the inside of the ring. He jumped off with his legs extended and caught Booker T around the neck. He attempted to pull Booker over with a hurricanrana, but Booker fought to retain his standing position. He staggered around the ring with Rey trying to pull him over, and eventually, both men tumbled over the top rope and out to the floor. Charles Robinson began the ten count with both Booker and Rey motionless on the rubber mats. Finally, Rey started to stir, and Booker soon followed suit. Rey caught him with a forearm to the jaw, but Booker blocked a second and fired off a right hand. He connected, then grabbed Mysterio and tossed him back into the ring.

Booker followed Rey back in, then whipped him as he got to his feet. Rey hit the ropes and came back with a sunset flip on the bent-over Booker T. Booker kicked out, rolled back to his feet, charged, and was caught in the knee with another low dropkick. Booker T flipped over onto the mat, clutching his knee. Rey Mysterio seized the opportunity to climb to the top rope, then waited patiently as Booker had done earlier. When Booker got up to his feet, Rey jumped off, his legs extended for a hurricanrana. However, Booker took a step back, avoiding his opponent, and grabbed Rey around the chest and back as he descended. Booker used Rey’s own momentum to drive him to the canvas with a forceful Bookend. Exhausted, Booker grabbed Mysterio’s leg and made the cover, finally scoring the three count.

BILL GOLDBERG versus CHUCK PALUMBO

Palumbo took a few steps back before dropping down to a crouching position. Goldberg slowly got to his feet, then turned to face “The Event.” Palumbo immediately fired off another Jungle Kick, but Goldberg managed to duck this time. He threw a clothesline as Palumbo spun around, knocking the Natural Born Thriller to the mat. Goldberg then ran to the far corner of the ring, and it was his turn to wait for Palumbo to reach his feet. When Chuck did get to a standing base, Goldberg charged in with the Spear. He connected, knocking Palumbo to the mat and nearly out of the match. As the crowd went nuts, Goldberg grabbed Chuck Palumbo and lifted him to his feet, then hooked his head under his arm. Goldberg pointed to the ceiling and roared, drawing even more of a reaction from the audience. He then lifted Palumbo up in the air and twisted him down to the canvas with a Jackhammer. Goldberg made the cover, pinned Palumbo, and cemented his spot at Halloween Havoc.

Mike Tenay: So the final four are divided up into two marquee matches: Booker T versus Lance Storm, and Scott Steiner versus Goldberg.

Scott Hudson: Steiner beat Goldberg at Fall Brawl, Goldberg beat Steiner on Nitro- at Halloween Havoc, we’ve got the rubber match!

Mike Tenay: And that should be such a brutal battle between two heavy hitters. On a separate note, fans, I had the privilege of sitting down with M.I.A. leader General Rection just days ago for an exclusive interview. Let’s see the first part of that interview.

The Mike Tenay Interview- General Rection (Part One)

Mike Tenay: Hello, fans, and welcome to The Mike Tenay Interview, a bi-weekly segment on WCW Worldwide. I’m Mike Tenay, and joining me this week is one of the most popular men in World Championship Wrestling, the leader of the Misfits in Action, General Rection.

General Rection: It’s an honor to be here, Civilian Tenay.

Mike Tenay: General, I’m going to start off with a question that may seem to have an obvious answer, but hopefully, you can provide us with some insight to which we haven’t yet been exposed. What are your opinions regarding WCW United States Champion Lance Storm?

General Rection: Since this is a family show, Mike, and we’re only on for an hour, I’ll probably only be able to give you… one percent of my opinions about Lance Storm (laughs). Lance Storm is such a good wrestler, Mike, that he’s almost as good as he thinks he is. But good or not, he expects everyone in this company to lay down for him- you saw it with The Cat a couple of weeks ago. There’s no shortage of guys in this company who’ll stand up to him. But whether there’s one or one hundred, I’ll be at the front of the line. He’s made this thing between us beyond personal.

Mike Tenay: Speaking of the problems between you, it seems that you’ve essentially evolved into WCW’s resident “American Hero.” You and your men have defended our country from verbal attacks- as well as our flag from physical attacks- on several occasions. How does it feel to have been thrust into such a position?

General Rection: It’s definitely not something I expected, that’s for sure. I mean, I think it’s the kind of thing where every guy in the back wants to take it to Storm, but I just ended up as the guy who did it. But I think it’s kind of fitting, just because me and my boys are Misfits- we’re the guys nobody wanted all those months ago. But this is a country where you don’t need to be the best looking or any of that, you just need to want to work hard and defend what’s right. So in that sense, I think the M.I.A. are perfect for the job.

Mike Tenay: Thank you very much, General. We’ll be back later in the broadcast with more of The Mike Tenay Interview.

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Scott Hudson: I’ll tell you, Mike: I’m glad to have a guy like the General defending the honor of America from Team Canada.

Mike Tenay: You and me both, Scott. As Rection said, he may not be perfect, but he’s the perfect man for the job.

Arn Anderson Presents: WCW Trivia- The Question

The camera cuts to a pre-recorded segment featuring Arn Anderson. Anderson is standing in front of a brick wall, ready to speak.

Arn Anderson: Hello, wrestling fans. This is “Double A” Arn Anderson, bringing you WCW trivia this week. Now even though yours truly and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair have been best friends for years and years, we haven’t always seen eye to eye. In fact, there’ve been times when we’ve been at each other’s throats. We even locked up on Pay-Per-View once time. So the question is, what was the Pay-Per-View at which we wrestled? I’ll be back with the answer after this match.

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Mike Tenay: A very good question, and I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that the match was quite good, as well!

Scott Hudson: So you know the answer, “Professor?”

Mike Tenay: Let’s just head to the ring.

Alex Wright versus Kwee-Wee

Alex Wright, showing visible frustration over his situation with DISQO, locked up with Kwee-Wee to begin the match. Kwee-Wee responded by shoving Wright off, gesturing to his own physique, then coyly placing a finger to his lips. This was not a wise decision, though, as an angry Wright locked up with Kwee-Wee once more, then grabbed him in a wristlock. Before Kwee-Wee could attempt a reversal, Alex Wright drove the point of his spare elbow into his opponent’s shoulder. Kwee-Wee hit the mat, where Alex Wright landed a kneedrop on his back. Wright flipped him over and covered him, but Kwee-Wee kicked out after the two count.

Wright lifted Kwee-Wee to his feet, then caught him with a huge chop across the chest. Kwee-Wee staggered back to the ropes, where Wright followed up with two more chops, giving the crowd the opportunity to “Whooo” loudly. Wright then whipped Kwee-Wee to the opposite set of ropes and followed up with a clothesline as the wild-haired wrestler rebounded. Wright leaned over to pick Kwee-Wee up, but Kwee-Wee caught him with an eye poke as he came to his feet. Seizing the opportunity, Kwee-Wee followed up with a right hand. He continued to fire off punches, soon backing Wright into the corner. Grabbing the middle rope to keep himself steady, Kwee-Wee then landed a number of kicks to the midsection of Alex Wright. He took a step back, allowing Wright to stumble out of the corner, then threw a high roundhouse kick. Wright ducked it, causing Kwee-Wee to spin around. Wright then hit him in the back with a dropkick, sending his opponent back to the mat.

Kwee-Wee pushed himself up to his feet, but was again met by Alex Wright, who hooked Kwee-Wee’s head under his arm, hooked him by the pants, and took him over with a vertical suplex. Wright covered Kwee-Wee, but only scored two. He got up to his feet, and began stomping on Kwee-Wee repeatedly, finally punctuating the attack with an elbow drop. Wright popped up again, then pulled Kwee-Wee up by the hair. Wright took him over with a snapmare, then gave him a standing kick in the back of the head. After raising his arm to the crowd and receiving a modest reaction, Wright crossed over to face Kwee-Wee and kicked him in the chest. As Kwee-Wee fell back to the mat, Wright headed over to the corner of the ring. He hoisted himself up to the second turnbuckle and dove off, catching Kwee-Wee in the chest with a driving elbow. Rather than making the cover, Wright got to his feet and pulled Kwee-Wee up once more. He grabbed Kwee-Wee by the back of his pants and the nape of his neck, and with all the force he could muster, launched him into the steel ringpost. Without delay, Wright grabbed Kwee-Wee, pulled him out of the corner, applied a waistlock, and took him over with a picture perfect German Suplex. Wright held on with a bridge, and was able to score the three count on Kwee-Wee.

Winner: Alex Wright via pinfall

Match Time: 5:06

Crowd: 54.6%

Match: 62.8%

Overall: 56.1%

Mike Tenay: We have learned that Alex Wright will face DISQO in a rematch on Monday Nitro, and with a showing like that, DISQO might just find his path of destruction put to a halt!

Scott Hudson: Wright knows DISQO as well as anybody in the company, and this time, he’ll be able to prepare for him as an opponent. That’ll be a match to see!

Mike Tenay: I couldn’t have said it better myself, Scott. Let’s go to Arn Anderson with the answer to WCW Trivia.

Arn Anderson Presents: WCW Trivia- The Answer

Once again, the camera focuses on Arn Anderson.

Arn Anderson: I’m back, and hopefully, you all had enough time to think about the question. It was September 17, 1995, and you know what that means- Fall Brawl. That’s right, Fall Brawl 1995, Arn and Flair locked horns. And by the way, it was Double A who picked up the win.

----------

Mike Tenay: Fall Brawl 1995 it was, where “The Enforcer” picked up a win over the then-eleven time World Champion Ric Flair.

Scott Hudson: And if you recall, those two best friends did not stay mad at each other for very long at all!

Mike Tenay: No, they didn’t. Now, fans, it’s time for part two of The Mike Tenay Interview. Once again, General Rection had some very enlightening comments for all of us.

The Mike Tenay Interview- General Rection (Part Two)

Mike Tenay: Welcome to part two of The Mike Tenay Interview. My guest tonight is Misfits in Action leader General Rection. General, we’ve seen the numbers of the Misfits in Action reduced over the course of the past few months, especially recently. Major Stash left the company several months ago, and both Major Gunns and Sergeant A-WALL have been absent as of late. How has this affected the M.I.A.?

General Rection: It’s been damaging, especially with what’s basically a war between us and Team Canada. A-WALL and Gunns have been sent on- well, what we’ll call “other missions-” at the worst possible time. But me, Corporal Cajun, and Lieutanent Loco can handle what we need to handle. And don’t forget, Mike- we may be Misfits, but we have some powerful friends.

Mike Tenay: And some powerful enemies, too. Lex Luger attacked you last month, and the self-proclaimed “most dangerous man to ever set foot in a WCW ring” was very cavalier about the attack when I questioned him last week. Luger is not an active member of the roster, but, to put it bluntly, that hasn’t stopped him from getting involved in proceedings. Do you consider your problems with him ongoing?

General Rection: Let me just put it this way: I haven’t forgotten what Luger did to me, even though it doesn’t seem to be a big deal to him. But my news flash is that a lot of people have overlooked me and the Misfits before, and if Luger’s gonna add his name to the list, he’ll also have to add his name to the list of the people we’ve surprised.

Mike Tenay: Let me ask you one final question, General. You’ve really been hitting your stride in terms of popularity and the spotlight in WCW, after years in the company and even more in the sport. What do you see as your legacy in this business?

General Rection: Wow, that’s a tough one. I guess- I guess just as a guy who did the most with what he had, and stood up for his country whenever he could.

Mike Tenay: Well, rest assured, that’s certainly how you’ll be seen. Thank you very much for your time, General Rection. This is Mike Tenay, taking you back to the studio.

----------

Scott Hudson: General Rection is truly a brave man; he’s not afraid to take on Lance Storm, and he’s not afraid to take on Lex Luger!

Mike Tenay: Certainly not! And speaking of Storm, he’s made more than his share of enemies as of late. Let’s go back to Thunder, where Storm made the decision to insult two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Booker T.

Lance Storm’s music hits the public address system, and the crowd begins to boo as the United States Champion makes his way to the ring. Despite his success only days before, his expression remains as harsh as ever.

Mark Madden: Hail to the champ, folks! Tony, Stevie, stand with me!

Stevie Ray: No way, Madden! Sit down, you’re embarrassing us!

Lance Storm takes a microphone out of his tights and begins to address to crowd.

Lance Storm: If I can be serious for a moment… last week, I told The Cat that Sting’s health was forfeit if he didn’t cancel our match. He refused, and you saw how that turned out. I have a ticket to Halloween Havoc, and I am one step closer to taking the WCW World Heavyweight Championship! To bolstering the legacy of the belt, and erasing the damage done by sham titleholders such as Booker T, Goldberg, and Sting himself! To bringing some Canadian dignity to this company!

Mark Madden: Preach it! Preach it, champ!

Lance Storm: Which brings me to my next opponent. Booker T, you complain that you’re entitled to the WCW Title because of the manner in which you lost it. The truth is, Booker, you were doing nothing but keeping the belt warm for me! You can’t stand in the way of destiny, and you can’t stand in the way of a hero from Calgary… Alb-

Lance Storm is cut off by the opening of Booker T’s theme music. He spins his head around, staring at the entranceway in angry disbelief.

Mark Madden: What the… what is this? Security! We’ve got the future World Champion trying to cut a promo, here!

Sure enough, Booker T makes his way out onto the stage. He is dressed in street clothes, but is still feeling the effects of his match with Rey Mysterio, Junior. He has a microphone of his own in hand.

Booker T: Let’s get one thing straight, sucka. Before this goes any further- yeah, that was my title. And yeah, I’m pissed about how I lost it. But that’s where it ends. I ain’t complaining. I’ve been through too damn much with this company not to know that complaining don’t get you anywhere. And I ain’t entitled to the belt. Nobody in WCW is. But if you’re looking past me…

Booker takes off his sunglasses.

Booker T: If you’re looking past me, you gonna be pretty damn surprised.

Lance Storm: I don’t get surprised, Booker. I’m Lance Storm. In this ring, things happen the way I want them to happen!

Booker T: Well, let’s see if it works that way!

Booker charges the ring and slides under the bottom rope. Lance Storm starts stomping away at him, then pulls him up and tosses him into the corner. He throws a right hand at Booker T, but Booker blocks it and throws a hard chop. He backs Storm into the opposite corner with a series of chops, then rears back for a big punch. Before he can strike, though, Storm shoves him back a few feet. Storm then throws a superkick out of the corner, nailing Booker T in the face. Booker goes down, and Storm immediately puts him in the Canadian Maple Leaf. This doesn’t last long, though, as Doug Dellinger and several road agents head down to the ring. They pull Storm off of Booker and send him backstage.

Stevie Ray: Lance Storm just made some mistake!

Mark Madden: Booker made the mistake, Stevie! Booker made the mistake, and you’ll see it again at Halloween Havoc!

Scott Hudson: Lance Storm took advantage of Booker T, who had wrestled a grueling encounter with Rey Mysterio earlier in the night. That could easily come back to haunt him!

Mike Tenay: And with Halloween Havoc right around the corner, tensions are guaranteed to escalate this week.

Scott Hudson: It’s now time for the show’s main event, as two of WCW’s promising young stars lock up. WCW World Tag Team Champion Sean O’Haire will take on Crowbar. What a match!

Sean O’Haire versus Crowbar

Crowbar ran into the ring, then exhibited his trademark erratic behavior by jumping up in the air and landing on his back repeatedly. O’Haire, unthreatened by the spectacle, merely smirked at the audience. He turned around, though, to be met by Crowbar’s fist. Crowbar backed the World Tag Team Champion into the corner with a series of punches, surprising and overwhelming the larger man. Crowbar pounded away with everything he had, intersparsing elbows and forearms into his punching routine. Crowbar then grabbed O’Haire by the arm and launched him across the ring. O’Haire landed in the opposite corner, striking the turnbuckle with incapacitating force. Crowbar charged in after him, nailing Sean O’Haire with a clothesline. With the Natural Born Thriller suitably damaged, Crowbar grabbed him by the head and ran out into the center of the ring. His attempt at a bulldog was thwarted, though, as O’Haire shoved him off in mid-air, sending the hardcore competitor to the mat. O’Haire quickly followed up with an elbow drop, but Crowbar rolled out of the way, sprang to his feet, and caught the downed O’Haire with a legdrop. O’Haire rolled out of the ring, attempting to take a breather in order to get back into the match.

Crowbar, however, had no intention of letting O’Haire regain any energy. He grabbed the top rope and launched himself over with a plancha. O’Haire, though, managed to dodge the maneuver, causing Crowbar to smack the arena floor with a very audible thud. O’Haire was immediately put in the driver’s seat, and he seized the opportunity by stomping away on his deranged opponent. O’Haire then lifted Crowbar up and tossed him under the bottom rope into the ring. Sean O’Haire followed him back in and made the cover, but was surprised as Crowbar managed to kick out. O’Haire pulled Crowbar up to his feet, whipped him to the ropes, and caught him with a powerslam as he bounced back. Sean O’Haire climbed up to his feet, lifted Crowbar up, and sat him on the top turnbuckle. After a bit of posturing to the crowd, O’Haire climbed up after Crowbar and hooked him for a superplex. However, he had wasted too much time; Crowbar broke O’Haire’s grip with punches to his gut, then knocked him back down to the mat with a couple of headbutts. O’Haire got to his feet in time to take a flying crossbody from Crowbar. Both men tumbled to the mat, and Crowbar landed on top in a pinning position. Referee Mickey Jay made the count, but O’Haire kicked out at two.

Crowbar continued to gain an advantage, lifting O’Haire up and depositing him back on the mat with a scoop slam. Crowbar headed out onto the ring apron, grabbed the top rope, and launched himself back in, this time with a somersault legdrop. However, he came up short on another high-risk move as O’Haire rolled out of the way. The World Tag Team Champion sprung to his feet, dropping an elbow which found its mark. O’Haire covered, but Crowbar kicked out after the two count. O’Haire got up once more, pulled Crowbar to his feet, and stuck his hand under Crowbar’s arm. He fired off a beal, sending Crowbar from the center of the ring all the way to the ropes. Sean O’Haire then climbed to the top rope and signaled for his Seanton Bomb. His plans were changed, though, as Crowbar got to his hands and knees and dove into the ropes, crotching O’Haire on the top turnbuckle.

Crowbar climbed up top, attempting to take O’Haire over with a superplex of his own. However, this time it was O’Haire’s turn to block the maneuver, catching Crowbar in the face with a punch. Crowbar jumped down to the canvas, and O’Haire followed him. He kicked Crowbar in the stomach, hooked his head between his legs, and hoisted him up in the air. The Thriller then slammed Crowbar to the mat with a sit-out powerbomb. Rather than make the cover, though, O’Haire got to his feet. He headed out onto the apron, and leapt up to the top turnbuckle. After raising his hands (and being booed for it), O’Haire jumped off of the top, crushing Crowbar with a brutal Seanton Bomb. O’Haire rolled back up to his feet, then dove on Crowbar, hooking his leg for the cover. Mickey Jay hit the mat, and this time, the three count was made.

Winner: Sean O’Haire via pinfall

Match Time: 7:19

Crowd: 61.6%

Match: 68.4%

Overall: 66.4%

Mike Tenay: A win by Sean O’Haire, but one has to wonder- will he be able to show that kind of demolition against Kronik next Sunday?

Scott Hudson: One thing is for certain- that situation, along with many others, is sure to heat up this week! We’ll catch you stateside for WCW Monday Nitro!

Overall Rating: 51.4%

Edited September 21, 2005 by Boulder

[GA!]

I have been reading this diary and thus far it's my favourite WCW one. I'll give more of an in-depth review when I've read it all.

[Boulder]

“Dirty” Doug Dirtsheet’s Dirty Dirtsheet

October 22, 2000

Hello, sports (entertainment) fans, and welcome back to the dirtsheet. Things just get hotter and hotter in WCW- well, not so much hotter. More like “more and more mildly interesting.” But hey, at least something is spurring some interest. And the letters are as numerous as ever, so let’s jump into the mailbag.

Dear Doug,

I’ve personally been enjoying the “new” WCW ever since the new booker took over. I mean, yeah, the biggest part of that is that he’s not Vince Russo, but still, it’s welcome. We’ve already got a classic match to show for it (Rey versus Juvi). I wanted to ask, am I the only one? How have ratings been since Fried took over?

Kevin N. (no jokes, damn it!)

Would I make a joke about something like that? Seriously, I’m hurt. Not fifty-seven-knee-surgeries hurt, but still hurt. ZING! To answer your question, let’s take a look at the numbers. In September, Nitro pulled a 3.6 (unopposed on the 4th), a 3.15 (on the 11th), a 2.75 (on the 18th), and a 2.88 (on the 25th). Thunder drew a 2.4 (on the 6th), a 2.6 (on the 13th), a 2.5 (on the 20th), and a dismal 1.97 (on the 27th). This month, Nitro drew a 3.00 (on the 2nd), a 2.95 (on the 9th), and a 3.11 (on the 16th). Thunder scored a 2.85 (on the 4th), a 2.75 (on the 11th), and a 2.91 (on the 18th). Obviously, the big change is in Thunder, which has benefitted greatly from being treated as Nitro’s “equal” in terms of the broadcast of the tournament. As for whether these gains will continue, your guess is as good as mine.

Doug-

Any plans on bringing Scott Hall back? I mean, can’t Goldberg yak up his contract or something? Seriously, he’s way more valuable than Nash, and a whole lot more willing to job. Plus, the fans- gasp- want to see him. Any chance we’ll get our wish?

Peter N.

Being more willing to job makes him way more valuable than Nash in and of itself. You know, if P, then Q. That sort of thing. If I had to guess, I’d wager we’ll see Hall somewhere else before we see him back in WCW. Both sides had been trying to come to some sort of agreement (sources tell me WCW wanted Hall to work a short program around Starrcade), but negotiations fell through this week.

Dear Doug-

I was watching WCW Worldwide this weekend, and during Mike Tenay’s interview with General Rection, Rection mentioned that Major Gunns and Sergeant A-WALL were on “other missions.” He seemed kind of pissed when he said it, too. What’s the story with that?

Anonymous

It’s odd that Rection would use the same word to apply to both of their situations, because both are very much different. WCW released Major Gunns, as they felt she didn’t have as much potential as the women they assigned to the Power Plant. A-WALL, on the other hand has been sent to the Power Plant. The feeling around WCW is that he needs a lot of work, but he can contribute a great deal in the long run.

Doug,

What’s the deal with DISQO’s new gimmick? How far does WCW plan to take it?

Robert H.

He’s basically doing a psycho gimmick, it seems. So far, it’s been nothing groundbreaking, but Glen Gilberti is talented (or charismatic) enough to make it work. His matches have been very interesting, in that he’s completely dominated a lower level of opponent. I find myself wondering exactly what will happen if he starts to face guys higher up the card. As for how far their plan to take it, I’m not sure if you’re talking content or push. In either case, I’m not sure, but I’ve heard they want to let the gimmick exercise itself for a while.

Dear Doug,

What’s the latest on the story with D’Lo Brown? Has he signed a contract yet? I think that he could really have a hell of an impact in WCW. Sure, it’s a risky venture, but they aren’t doing anything with him up north.

Barry C.

If pressured, I might agree with you, Barry. But D’Lo didn’t, and that’s what’s important. He signed a new contract with the World Wrestling Federation this week, one which is rumored to carry him into the end of 2002. As I said before, a lower card guy in the WWF has more job security than an upper card guy in WCW… but each person chooses his own path, and you can’t really blame a guy for going with the smart decision.

Well, I’m out for this week, fans. I’ll catch y’all next time around with a pre-Halloween Havoc edition of the Dirty Dirtsheet. Take care, and enjoy the matches!

-www.dougdirtsheet.com

[Boulder]

WCW Monday Nitro Preview- October 23, 2000

World Championship Wrestling returns to American soil with only six days until Halloween Havoc, and things are guaranteed to be hot!

Scott Steiner. Booker T. Lance Storm. Bill Goldberg. On October 29, one of these men will become the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Tonight, however, they will all be in attendance at Monday Nitro. Will these great competitors resort to desperate tactics in order to gain an advantage for the Pay-Per-View? Or will cooler heads prevail as Storm, Booker, Steiner, and Goldberg bide their time?

A huge main event has been signed, one which will see weeks of hatred infused into a single match. Team Canada- Lance Storm, Jim Duggan, and Elix Skipper- will take on the Misfits in Action- General Rection, Lieutenant Loco, and Corporal Cajun- in a six-man tag team match. These two factions have engaged in nothing short of a war as of late, and with all of their members together in the confines of the squared circle, things will be sure to take a turn for the outrageous.

Over the weekend, a rematch from last week’s edition of WCW Monday Nitro was inked for this show: DISQO will once again take on his former partner, Alex Wright. Will the mean streak DISQO has shown as of late be the key to yet another victory? Or is Alex Wright the one man with enough familiarity with DISQO to diffuse the explosive competitor?

Will Little Rock’s ALLTEL Arena be able to hold the mayhem? Find out live on WCW Monday Nitro, 8:00 PM/7:00 PM CDT, only on TNT!

-www.wcw.com

[Boulder]

WCW Monday Nitro

October 23, 2000

ALLTEL Arena- Little Rock, Arkansas

Tony Schiavone: Hello, fans, and welcome to WCW Monday Nitro, back in the U.S. of A.! Australia was great, but we are back home, and what better way to celebrate than with two hours of hard-hitting action? I’m Tony Schiavone, and beside me are Scott Hudson and “The Best Looking Big Man on TV” Mark Madden.

Scott Hudson: The home stretch, the final leg, call it what you will, but we are wrapping things up heading into Halloween Havoc, and things are bound to become wild tonight!

Mark Madden: Somebody in Arkansas say something about gettin’ FIRED UP? We’ve got the top four in the tournament- Scott Steiner, Lance Storm, and two other guys- all here tonight, and things are can’t-miss!

Tony Schiavone: Those “two other guys” are, for the record, Booker T and Goldberg, two of WCW’s top stars. All four of the men still in the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament are in the building tonight- plus, we’ve got Team Canada versus the Misfits in Action- but right now, we’ve got to go to the ring for an anticipated rematch between DISQO and Alex Wright.

DISQO versus Alex Wright

DISQO charged at Wright to start, backing him into the corner with a series of right hands. However, “Das Wunderkind” was prepared for his opponent. He blocked a right hand by DISQO, grabbed him by the head, and spun him around, sending the former Filthy Animal into the corner. It was then Alex Wright’s turn to work DISQO over with hard fists. Wright nailed DISQO with several blows, then reared back to deliver a stronger hit. However, DISQO took advantage of the momentary delay to lunge forward and catch Wright in the face with a powerful headbutt. Wright tumbled back to the canvas, where DISQO kicked him in the face before landing a kneedrop to the same area. DISQO then pulled Wright up to his feet, whipped him to the ropes, and caught him with a knee in the stomach as he rebounded. Wright fell to the mat once more, and DISQO pounced on him. Rather than make the cover, though, DISQO simply cradled Wright’s head and slapped him in the face twice.

DISQO got to his feet and crouched, waiting for Alex Wright to stand back up. When he finally did, DISQO charged in with a running forearm. Wright ducked it, though, and quickly threw a dropkick that hit DISQO between the shoulderblades and knocked him out of the ring. Wright wasted no time in heading out to the arena floor and grabbing DISQO by the head. He ran DISQO over to the ring steps and attempted to slam his face into the steel, but DISQO managed to block by planting his hands on the steps. DISQO then raked his fingers across Wright’s face, grabbed his head, and successfully slammed him into the steps face-first. Wright staggered back against the apron, where DISQO grabbed him by the arm. DISQO pulled Wright up to a vertical base, grabbed him around the back and between the legs, and hoisted him up in the air. As the announcers speculated about his intentions, DISQO slammed Wright onto the steps. His back severely hurt by the steel edges, Wright let out a sickening groan. DISQO, for his part, immediately followed up by dropping an elbow on his elevated opening. Wright rolled off of the steps and onto the floor, utterly debilitated.

DISQO rolled back into the ring, climbed up to the second turnbuckle, and took a deep gaze towards the crowd. He then put his index finger in the air and began to do the Hustle, drawing boos from the audience. He then hopped down, slid out of the ring, and hoisted Alex Wright back to his feet. DISQO rolled his opponent back into the ring, then followed by climbing to the apron and entering between the second and third ropes. DISQO covered Alex Wright with a cocky lateral press, but, much to the shock of the fans and announcers, Wright managed to kick out. DISQO seemed somewhat surprised, but ultimately undeterred. He climbed back up to the second turnbuckle, danced once again, and leapt off with the Village People’s Elbow. It connected, catching Wright directly in the sternum. DISQO covered again (hooking Wright’s leg this time), but once again, the kickout occurred moments before the three count. DISQO then slammed his elbow into the bridge of Wright’s nose and covered again, hooking both of his legs. However, “Das Wunderkind” still managed to kick out just before the three.

DISQO got up, a look of annoyance interrupting his generally furious expression. He pulled Wright up to his feet, whipped him to the ropes, and caught him around the legs as he came back. DISQO lifted Wright in the air for a Spinebuster, but Wright blocked the maneuver by striking his opponent in the face with a forearm. DISQO dropped Wright, who immediately kicked him in the gut and drove him to the mat with a DDT. With great effort, Wright rolled DISQO onto his back and made the cover. Charles Robinson dove to the mat and began to make the count, but DISQO kicked out on the two count. Wright pulled himself back to his feet, then stumbled back into the corner, where he waited for DISQO to rise. When he finally did, Wright charged out to the center of the ring with a clothesline. However, DISQO caught him as he ran and sent him to the canvas with a powerslam. He then planted a foot on Wright’s face, applied pressure, and scraped it across his nose. Wright grabbed his face and writhed in pain as Robinson scolded DISQO.

DISQO ignored Robinson, diving to the canvas and beating on Wright’s chest and stomach with both fists. He pulled Wright up once more, grabbed his wrist, and attempted a short arm clothesline. However, Wright managed to duck the blow, pop up behind DISQO, and grab a waistlock. Alex Wright attempted to lift DISQO for the German Suplex, but before his feet could leave the mat, he caught Wright in the temple with an elbow. Wright’s suplex was blocked, but he kept his waistlock. DISQO used a standing switch, though, to reverse into a waistlock of his own. He threw Wright over his head with a Release German Suplex, then spun up to his feet. After casting a contemptuous glare towards the crowd, DISQO pulled Wright up and set him up between his legs. DISQO hoisted Wright in the air, then drove him down with a Piledriver. DISQO pulled Wright back up once more, then sent him to the mat with a second Piledriver. DISQO got back to his feet, but rather than complete the series, he slid out of the ring. He lifted up the skirt, reached under the ring, and pulled something out. As he got back to his feet, he revealed his find to the world- the Disco Duck. DISQO slid back in the ring and set the duck on the mat, then lifted Wright up yet again. As the crowd sat astonished, DISQO connected with the third Piledriver- this time, driving Wright’s head into the Disco Duck, which broke on impact. DISQO covered Wright with a lateral press, scoring a very fundamental three count.

Winner: DISQO via pinfall

Time: 10:12

Crowd: 57.0%

Match: 65.6%

Overall: 57.3%

Mark Madden: We’ve just seen the end of a career! I don’t believe it!

Scott Hudson: You really think that the man’s career is over, Madden?

Mark Madden: I meant the duck!

Tony Schiavone: Nice one, lamehead. This could be serious for Alex Wright!

Scott Hudson: With DISQO still on the warpath, this could be serious for all of WCW!

Lying in Wait

The camera cuts backstage, where Corporal Cajun is walking down a hallway. He turns the corner, then approaches a locker room door bearing the “M.I.A.” logo. He opens the door and heads in, but finds Lance Storm, Jim Duggan, and Elix Skipper waiting for him. None of the four men makes a move.

Corporal Cajun: You boys think you won, but this ain’t nothin’. You hear me? Nothin’! Do whatever you want to me!

Lance Storm: That sounds like a fine idea!

Jim Duggan and Elix Skipper advance on Cajun. However, Cajun pounces on Duggan, taking him to the floor and beating on him with lefts and rights. This doesn’t last long, though, as Skipper charges Cajun and catches him in the temple with a knee. Cajun rolls off of Duggan and onto the floor, where Skipper catches him with a kneedrop. Duggan gets to his feet, and the two start stomping away on Corporal Cajun. Skipper pauses, then steps back.

Elix Skipper: Get down! Come on, get in the stance!

Jim Duggan takes a few steps back, then gets down in a three-point stance. Skipper grabs Cajun under the arms, then hoists him up to his feet. Duggan charges forward with all of his might as Skipper releases Cajun and hops to the side. Duggan catches Cajun at full force, sending the M.I.A. member flying into a row of lockers. He then collapses to the floor.

Lance Storm: Get him up again! Pin him against the locker!

Duggan and Skipper comply, grabbing Cajun by the arms once more and holding him against the lockers. Storm takes a step back, then nails Cajun in the chin with a devestating superkick. Duggan and Skipper release Corporal Cajun, letting him fall to the floor one final time. Lance Storm takes one final hate-filled glance towards Cajun as the camera cuts back to the arena.

Overall: 73.6%

Scott Hudson: Goodnight! Talk about a beating!

Mark Madden: Lance Storm, helping Team Canada budget their time more effectively!

Tony Schiavone: Corporal Cajun is supposed to be in action tonight! How can that happen now?

Mark Madden: Maybe it can’t, Tony, and maybe that was THE PLAN ALL ALONG! Man, oh man!

Big Vito versus Mike Sanders

“Above Average” Mike Sanders stepped into the ring with a cocky glare on his face, then shouted “What the hell are you gonna do to a Thriller?” to Big Vito. Vito responded by charging Sanders, squashing him against the turnbuckle with a clothesline. As Sanders tumbled out of the corner, Vito scooped him up, swung him around, and slammed him to the mat with authority. He then ran off to the ropes, rebounded, leapt into the air, and came down on Mike Sanders with a legdrop. Vito got up, ran to the ropes once more, and came back with another legdrop. Vito hooked Sanders’s leg and made the cover, but the leader of the Natural Born Thrillers kicked out.

Vito got to his feet, grabbed Mike Sanders by the hair, and pulled him up as referee Mickey Jay warned him in vain. Vito whipped Sanders to the ropes, then threw a Mafia Kick as he came back. However, Sanders ducked the kick, then popped up and caught Vito with a right hand. He followed up with another, then a third. Sanders then twirled his hands in the air, but before he could deliver the final blow, Vito scooped him up by his legs, lifted him in the air, spun around, and planted him on the canvas with a spinebuster. Vito pulled Sanders up once more, scooped him up again, and hung him in the corner in a Tree of Woe position. Vito took a step back, then threw a big kick, catching Sanders in the gut. He tumbled down to the canvas, then rolled out of the ring and landed on his back.

As Vito stood in the ring, Sanders pulled himself up by the ring skirt. Vito ran to the opposite side of the ring, then came back with a baseball slide. Sanders dodged the kick, letting Vito slide out of the ring, then grabbed his head and slammed it into the apron. Noticing an opportunity, Sanders reared back and kicked Big Vito low. The former Hardcore Champion crumbled to the floor, allowing Sanders the time to regain his composure. When he felt suitably recovered, Sanders pulled Vito up, grabbed him by the arm, yanked him close, and took him down with a drop toe hold. Sanders got to his feet and blew kisses to the audience, then turned to Vito and yelled, “I’ll show you what hardcore is all about!” Sanders headed to the timekeeper, grabbed him around the shoulder, and threw him to the floor. He then grabbed his chair, folded it up, and headed back to Vito. He raised the chair above his head, then swung down. Vito rolled out of the way, causing Sanders to smash the floor with the chair. Vito scampered to his feet and Sanders took another swing. Vito dodged again, and this time, Mike Sanders connected with the ring apron. Vito grabbed the chair from Sanders, took a long look at him, then threw the chair to the floor.

Sanders turned panicky, throwing a wild punch at Vito. Big Vito blocked the haymaker, then grabbed Sanders by the neck and hurled him back into the ring. The former Mamaluke followed, taking a few kicks from the rising Sanders. Nevertheless, Vito got to his feet, grabbed Mike Sanders by the throat, and threw him into the corner. As the crowd’s excitement picked up, Vito landed punch after punch on the leader of the Thrillers. He then grabbed Sanders’s arm and launched him across the ring, whipping him into the opposite turnbuckle hard enough to cause him to fall to the mat. Vito yelled to the crowd, then waited patiently for Mike Sanders to get up. When he did, Big Vito charged in and hit the Mafia Kick he had missed earlier. Vito shouted to the crowd, flicked his fingers under his chin at Sanders, and then pointed to the top rope. He ascended to the top, then jumped off, landing a big elbow drop on the chest of Mike Sanders. Ready to finish the match, Vito pulled Sanders up to his feet. He grabbed the Thriller’s head under his arm, lifted him up by the waistband, and plowed him straight into the mat with the Big Vito Special. Vito covered Sanders, and Mickey Jay made the three count.

Winner: Big Vito via pinfall

Time: 7:08

Crowd: 66.8%

Match: 63.2%

Overall: 70.9%

Tony Schiavone: Let’s hope Johnny the Bull took notice of that one!

Mark Madden: Took notice of what, a fluke? The Thrillers have everything under control!

Scott Hudson: Give it up already, Madden! Johnny the Bull will have his hands full with former Hardcore Champion Big Vito, whether he- or you- likes it or not!

A Strange Course of Action

“Mean” Gene Okerlund is standing backstage with David Flair. Flair is clutching a crowbar and wearing a manic expression on his face.

Gene Okerlund: David Flair, point blank, some people believe that you have seriously bitten off more than you can chew with your recent attacks on Buff Bagwell.

Flair switches his gaze to Gene, then goes back to staring off camera.

Gene Okerlund: David, if Stacy Keibler says that Buff Bagwell is not the father of the baby, what other choice do you have but to believe her?

David Flair: I do believe her, Gene! But this is the only way! I’ll kill Bagwell before he can kill me! And when the real father sees it, he’ll realize that his days are numbered! Hee, hee, hee!

Gene Okerlund: So you’re still looking for the father of Stacy’s baby?

David Flair: I’ll never stop looking! I’ll find him and I’ll destroy him! And when I do, that baby will be mine, and the three of us will live happily ever after! Hee, heehee, hee hee hee!

Overall: 68.7%

Scott Hudson: Nobody’s safe from that nutcase! After he’s through with Bagwell, he’ll just find somebody else!

Mark Madden: Sometimes, it pays to just be one of the three paunchy guys at ringside, am I right?

Challenge Answered

The music of former four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett hits the public address system, and sure enough, “The Chosen One” makes his way out to the stage.

Mark Madden: All hail “The Chosen One!” He may not be in the tournament, but he’s always a champ to me!

Scott Hudson: And check this out- Jarrett is coming out with a microphone again, as if he didn’t embarrass himself badly enough last week!

Mark Madden: The only one he embarrassed was Mister Face-Paint!

Jarrett heads into the ring with his microphone, and begins to address the crowd.

Jeff Jarrett: Good evening, Slapnuts! The faces in the crowd are different, but the smells are all the same! Last week on Thunder, I gave Sting the chance to prove that he was a real man. He could come out here, face me, and shut up the big, bad, Chosen One one, two, three! But what he did do? Sting took the coward’s way out! So when it was all said and done, I had my hand raised in victory like I have so many times!

Tony Schiavone: Sting wasn’t even in the building last week!

Jeff Jarrett: But I’m a fighter, not a talker! So I’m gonna give Sting a chance to redeem himself! Me and Sting… tonight, we’re gonna have a rematch!

Scott Hudson: What? Sting’s not here tonight, either! He’s still got a knee injury!

Mark Madden: Jarrett has his own schedule to handle, he can’t worry about Sting’s! He’s trying to do the man a favor!

Jeff Jarrett: So once again, Stinger, I’m gonna give you a ten count to haul your ass out here and face me one on one! Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two…

Before Jarrett can finish, the Turnertron flicks on. The fans in the arena roar as a close-up of Sting is visible on the screen.

Tony Schiavone: That’s Sting!

Sting: Hey, Jeffy! Up here, Jeff!

A dumbfounded Jarrett stares blankly at the big screen.

Sting: You impressed me last week by proving you can count backwards, you don’t need to show me again! Now listen to me, you can call me every show when I’m not there, but you, me, and all the people know that it doesn’t mean jack! You can do it tonight, and you can do it Wednesday on Thunder! But listen to me, Double J- this weekend, at Halloween Havoc, I’ll be there! And it’ll be SHOWTIME for you and me!

Jarrett seems uncomfortable, but then smirks.

Jeff Jarrett: So? I ain’t afraid of any one-legged crows!

Sting: Don’t be afraid, Jeff… just be there!

The screen flicks off, leaving an irate Jeff Jarrett along in the ring.

Overall: 80.4%

Mark Madden: Sting’ll pay for that disrespect, you can bank on it!

Scott Hudson: Jarrett took liberties with Sting, and if he does it at Halloween Havoc, things’ll get even worse!

Mark Madden: One leg, Hudson! Jarrett has two! Two is more than one!

Scott Hudson: Oh, you’re taking math lessons from Double J?

WCW World Tag Team Championship Match: Mark Jindrak and Sean O’Haire © versus Kaz Hayashi and Yun Yang

Mark Jindrak started things off for his team, with Yun-Yang opening up for the Jung Dragons. Jindrak and Yang came chin to chest, at which point Jindrak smiled and mockingly raised his right arm for a test of strength. Without a moment’s hesitation, Yang leapt up in the air, grabbed Jindrak’s arm with both of his hands, and flipped the World Tag Team Champion over with a modified armdrag. As the fans clapped, Jindrak rolled to his knees. He glared at Yang, all manner of humor wiped from his face. Mark Jindrak lunged at his shorter opponent, but Yang slid between his legs, popped up behind him, and caught him in the small of the back with a quick kick. Jindrak spun around and charged at Yang once more, this time with the flat of his boot extended. Yang ducked the kick and threw his body at Jindrak’s support leg, causing the champion to flip over to the mat. As O’Haire shouted angrily, Yang dove off of the bottom rope with a quebrada and landed on Jindrak. He sprang to his feet, then tagged Kaz Hayashi.

Hayashi climbed to the top rope as Jindrak lay prone on the canvas, then jumped off, catching him in the gut with a rolling kneedrop. Kaz spun around and covered Mark Jindrak, but the Natural Born Thriller reminded the world of his size advantage with a powerful kickout. Nevertheless, Hayashi stayed in control by catching Jindrak in the face with a low dropkick. Mark Jindrak got to his feet as Kaz ran to the ropes and bounced back. The Jung Dragon launched himself with a crossbody, but Jindrak managed to catch him. With ease, he repositioned Kaz Hayashi on his shoulder, then threw him to the turnbuckle with a Snake Eyes. Kaz hit the buckle, then fell back to the floor where Jindrak dropped a knee on his face. Mark Jindrak lifted Kaz up, then whipped him to the heel corner. He followed Hayashi in, then punched him about the chest and stomach as O’Haire choked him from behind. When referee Billy Silverman protested, O’Haire backed off. Jindrak then tagged his partner, who entered the ring for a bit of a double team. The Thrillers took several steps back, locked arms, and charged at Kaz Hayashi with a double shoulderblock. They connected, driving their shoulders into his chest with crushing force. As Jindrak headed out onto the apron, O’Haire covered the fallen Hayashi. Silverman began the count, but it was interrupted after two by a dropkick from Yang.

Sean O’Haire got to his feet, then pulled Kaz Hayashi up to a standing position. He grabbed him by the legs, and placing his other hand on his chest, easily hoisted Kaz up over his head. After pressing his opponent a few times, O’Haire slammed Hayashi down onto his knee. Satisfied with the damage he had done, O’Haire tagged back out to Jindrak, who came off the top rope with a springboard legdrop. The move found its target, and Jindrak followed up with a cover. Surprisingly, though, Kaz Hayashi managed to kick out before the three count. Jindrak decided to take a more methodical approach by wrapping his arm under Kaz’s head and squeezing him with a chinlock. He sapped the energy from the smaller man with the debilitating hold until it appeared as though Hayashi could no longer continue. Billy Silverman checked Kaz Hayashi’s hand, which went down. He lifted it a second time, and again, it went down. The third time, however, Kaz managed to keep his hand in the air. He powered himself onto his hands and knees (with Jindrak still holding his head from the side), then began to drive rapid-fire elbows into Mark Jindrak. Sure enough, Kaz Hayashi broke the hold, jumped to his feet, and caught Jindrak in the face with a hard kick before he could get up. Kaz then dove to his own corner and made the tag to Yun-Yang.

Yang jumped in with a springboard Missile Dropkick, catching Jindrak in the chest and sending him down to the mat, near his corner. Sean O’Haire made the blind tag and ran into the ring, only to receive an armdrag for his troubles. As Kaz got to his feet, Yang signaled that it was time for a double team. The Jung Dragons lifted Jindrak up, then sent him to the turnbuckle with an Irish Whip. They did the same to O’Haire, depositing him in the opposite corner. Yang then charged Jindrak and hit him in the chest with a breathtaking Somersault Kick. The crowd was impressed, but Yang wasn’t through. He charged at Sean O’Haire, attempting to hit the kick yet again. However, O’Haire had the presence of mind to dive out of the corner with a clothesline that flipped Yang onto his chest. Kaz Hayashi charged at O’Haire, but he received a spinning side kick to the gut. As Jindrak headed over, O’Haire ascended the turnbuckle. Mark Jindrak flipped Yang over onto his back, then held him down by the arms as O’Haire came off the top with a Seanton Bomb. He drove his body into Yang’s, then covered him for the pin. Jindrak and O’Haire picked up their title belts and headed to the back, but the action was not over. Shannon Moore and Shane Helms ran out from the locker room and climbed to two opposite turnbuckles. They jumped off, with Moore getting a corkscrew splash on Kaz Hayashi and Helms hitting a Frog Splash on Yun-Yang. Helms and Moore posed for the booing crowd before heading backstage.

Winners: Mark Jindrak and Sean O’Haire via pinfall

Match Time: 8:36

Crowd: 60.5%

Match: 70.6%

Overall: 65.5%

Mark Madden: The champs retain, and Kronik better take notice!

Tony Schiavone: I’m sure Kronik did notice, Mark, but I’d still be willing to bet that they will not be intimidated by the champions under any circumstances!

Mark Madden: Then that’s their own stupidity!

Tony Schiavone: Well, speaking of tag teams, fans, we were informed during that last match that Corporal Cajun will be unable to compete in tonight’s main event- however, The Cat has announced that the Misfits in Action will be allowed to make a substitution if they can find a willing participant!

Mark Madden: Someone willing to take on Team Canada? Is that lunatic David Flair still in the building?

Scott Hudson: Oh, yeah, right, Madden! Like there’s nobody in the back who wants to get his hands on those loudmouths!

Tony Schiavone: Wait… I’m receiving word that “Mean” Gene Okerlund is in the back right now with the World Tag Team Champions, who have demanded interview time.

Mark Madden: And I demand we all listen!

Verbalizing the Message

The camera cuts backstage, where “Mean” Gene Okerlund is standing with Mark Jindrak and Sean O’Haire. The WCW World Tag Team Champions are visibly tired, but clearly proud of themselves.

Gene Okerlund: You boys requested this time, so let’s hear it.

Sean O’Haire: First of all, take that tone outta your voice, old man, before we make what happened out there look like a picnic! For the past couple of weeks, we’ve had to listen to everybody in the back and everywhere else talk about how Jindrak and O’Haire are afraid of Kronik. We’re a little sick of this crap! We’re the most dominant team in WCW and we’re not afraid of those stooges or anybody else!

Mark Jindrak: I hope Kronik and all the other tag teams in WCW took notice of that. We beat the hell out of the Jung Dragons, and we’ll beat the hell out of anybody else who gets in our way! Nobody messes with a Thriller, and if Kronik needs to learn that the hard way, me and Sean will be more than glad to beat it into them at Halloween Havoc!

Overall: 49.4%

Mark Madden: You see, Tony? You see? Now, can we finally put this matter to rest?

Scott Hudson: At Halloween Havoc, Madden, one way or the other!

Mark Madden: I wasn’t asking you, Captain Highway Patrol!

Chuck Palumbo versus Vampiro

Chuck Palumbo, eager to redeem himself after his tournament loss to Goldberg the previous week, locked up with Vampiro as soon as the bell rang. Palumbo backed his opponent into the corner, then threw a punch when referee Mark Johnson called for a break. Vampiro blocked the punch, then caught Palumbo in the gut with a knee. He then grabbed Palumbo in a headlock and went down to a knee. Palumbo pulled Vampiro up, then shot him into the ropes. Vampiro bounced back and leapfrogged over Chuck Palumbo, then grabbed the ropes to avoid an early Jungle Kick. Vampiro clipped Palumbo in the back with a running dropkick, sending the Natural Born Thriller to the mat. Vampiro followed up with a senton splash, then hooked Palumbo’s leg and made the cover. Johnson counted two, but Palumbo kicked out with force.

Vampiro grabbed Palumbo’s hair with his left hand and nailed him with overhand punches with his right. Nevertheless, Palumbo got to his feet and broke Vampiro’s grip by catching him in the face with a right of his own. Palumbo continued to throw punches until he had once again backed Vampiro into the turnbuckle. He then grabbed the top rope for support, lifted his leg, and drove his boot into Vampiro’s throat, choking him in a manner reminiscent of that of his mentor, Kevin Nash. He removed his foot as Johnson reached a four count, then grabbed Vampiro by the arm and shot him across the ring to the opposite corner. “The Event” charged in after his opponent, but Vampiro grabbed the top rope, launched himself up in the air, and came down behind Palumbo. Chuck Palumbo ran into the buckle chest-first and rebounded out, affording Vampiro the opportunity to take him to the mat with a belly to back suplex. Vampiro immediately made the cover, but once more, Palumbo kicked out.

Vampiro got to his feet, and after brushing his hair out of his eyes, began stomping away on Chuck Palumbo. He continued the assault until the Thriller rolled to the ropes, at which point Vampiro caught Palumbo with a low dropkick that sent him under the bottom rope and out to the arena floor. Vampiro followed Palumbo out, stood back as the larger man got to his feet, then grabbed him by the arm and attempted a whip. However, Palumbo reversed, sending Vampiro flying back-first into the guardrail. As if that wasn’t enough, Palumbo charged in with a running kick, catching Vampiro in the chest and knocking him over the rail and into the crowd. Palumbo hopped the guardrail, then began hammering away on Vampiro as security kept fans at bay. Vampiro got to his feet and, using what strength he could muster, grabbed Palumbo around the waist and drove the small of his back into the rail. Palumbo grimaced in pain, but still managed to backdrop Vampiro back into the ring area when he charged at him. “The Event” headed over the rail himself, then lifted Vampiro up and rolled him into the ring.

Palumbo headed up onto the apron, and proceeded to enter the ring between the second and third ropes. As he came through, however, Vampiro hopped up to his feet, ran to the ropes, and hit a desperation flying knee to Palumbo’s head. Both men collapsed to the mat, where they laid as Mark Johnson began his standing ten count. Vampiro moved first, getting to his hands and knees at six and lunging over to Palumbo. He draped a hand across the Thriller’s chest, forming a legal cover that lasted for a two count. Vampiro got to his feet, headed out onto the apron, then slowly made his way up to the top turnbuckle as Palumbo got to a standing base. Vampiro jumped off the top rope and threw a beautiful spinning heel kick, but Palumbo darted out of the way, causing Vampiro to land flat on his back.

Palumbo pulled Vampiro up to his feet, then whipped him into the ropes. Vampiro bounced back, only for Palumbo to catch him, lift him up onto his shoulders, and drive him back down with a Samoan Drop. “The Event” attempted to lift Vampiro to his feet once more, but the wily veteran grabbed Palumbo by his hair and pulled him down into a small package press. Palumbo kicked out at two, and both men rolled up to their feet. Vampiro threw a slow kick at Chuck Palumbo, which the Thriller easily caught. This afforded Vampiro the opportunity to launch an enziguri, which Palumbo managed to duck. Vampiro fell to the canvas as Palumbo took a few steps back. When Vampiro rose to his feet, Palumbo caught him square in the jaw with a Jungle Kick. Chuck Palumbo followed up with a cover, which led to a three count.

Winner: Chuck Palumbo via pinfall

Time: 8:01

Crowd: 56.2%

Match: 67.4%

Overall: 59.3%

Tony Schiavone: Chuck Palumbo scores a big win over Vampiro! Some might consider that an upset, especially taking each man’s level of experience in the sport into account!

Mark Madden: Some might, but not me, Tony! Palumbo and the Thrillers are studying directly under Coach Kevin Nash! They don’t pull off upsets, they just dominate!

A Staged Confrontation

The announcers are interrupted by the familiar sirens of Scott Steiner’s entrance music. Steiner heads out onto the entrance ramp in full regalia, his chain mail swinging on his neck and a microphone in his hand.

Scott Steiner: In just six days, the wrestling world changes, because that’s the day that the Big Bad Booty Daddy finally reaches the top of mountain! That’s the day I choke out Bill Goldberg, and that’s the day I choke out Booker T or Lance Storm and win the WCW World Title!

Mark Madden: Oh, ain’t it truth!

Scott Steiner: You see, I beat everybody this company wants to stick in front of me! I don’t play games, I just beat ass! And they gave me Tag Title shots, they gave me TV Title shots, they gave me U.S. Title shots, and I won ‘em all! But they never wanted to give me a World Title shot! Whether it was Bischoff, Russo, they were all afraid to let “Big Poppa Pump” come near the belt! But they don’t have a choice anymore, you hear me?

Steiner takes off his sunglasses and takes on an even more serious, angry demeanor.

Scott Steiner: And Bill Goldberg, everybody says you’re tough… you weren’t so tough last month when I whipped your ass! You call yourself “Da Man?” You weren’t even a man, crying like a bitch when I had you in Steiner Recliner! You see, the largest arms in the world put you down, just like they put down Mike Awesome and General Rection, and just like they’re gonna do again at Halloween Havoc!

Bill Goldberg’s music begins to play, angering Steiner, who pulls off his chainmail. He spins around to face the entranceway as Goldberg heads out onto the stage. The rabid booing of the fans turns to loud cheers. Goldberg gets face to face with Steiner, then takes the microphone out of his hand.

Bill Goldberg: You know something, Steiner- I remember Fall Brawl. I remember when you made me pass out to the Steiner Recliner. But I also remember when you had your little punk ass buddy Vince Russo run interference for you! You put him in the hospital, so I guess if you’re gonna beat me at Halloween Havoc, you need to make some friends pretty damn quick!

Steiner mutters something at Goldberg, then catches him in the side of the head with a fist- with his chainmail wrapped around his hand. Goldberg falls down to a knee, and Steiner cradles his head before punching it several more times.

Scott Hudson: No!

Tony Schiavone: He just sucker punched the man! Scott Steiner is using that chainmail to punch Goldberg!

Steiner continues to pound away on Goldberg, soon sending him down to the floor. He then lifts Goldberg up and holds him in a standing position. After a few tense seconds, Steiner begins to run with Goldberg. He takes him over to the edge of the stage, then throws him off. Goldberg crashes through a table set up next to the crowd.

Tony Schiavone: OH MY GOD!

Scott Hudson: No! I don’t believe this!

Steiner smiles, flexes his arms, then heads back to the locker room. A host of road agents and referees run out from the backstage area to check on Goldberg.

Scott Hudson: This is… Scott Steiner is a monster!

Medical trainers head out from beyond the stage with a stretcher. A bloody Goldberg manages to roll onto his hands and knees, and ignoring the trainers, begins to crawl back around the stage. The agents attempt to offer him help, but he continuously fights off their assistance. Eventually, he drags himself out of view of the crowd.

Tony Schiavone: And the man still isn’t down! I can’t believe what Scott Steiner did… but I also can’t believe that Goldberg is still moving!

Mark Madden: He’s… he’s unreal!

Overall: 90.6%

Tony Schiavone: And we’ve still got a main event to cover!

Mark Madden: That’s right! I get to see my other favorite wrestler, Lance Storm?

Scott Hudson: But who will Storm be facing? Who’s going to replace Corporal Cajun?

Lance Storm, Elix Skipper, and Jim Duggan versus General Rection, Lieutenant Loco, and Booker T

A look of shock spread across the face of the United States Champion as he realized that his opponent at Halloween Havoc was substituting for the injured Corporal Cajun. Nevertheless, Team Canada advanced to meet Rection, Loco, and Booker as they entered the ring, with each man picking a target. The faces took an early lead, though, with General Rection getting a mounted ten-punch on Lance Storm, Lieutenant Loco suplexing Elix Skipper, and Booker T chopping away on Jim Duggan in the corner. The crowd cheered Booker and the Misfits on until Senior Referee Nick Patrick was able to restore order. He got Booker, Rection, Storm, and Duggan out onto their corners, and so Loco and Skipper remained in the ring.

Lieutenant Loco pulled Elix Skipper up to his feet, then grabbed him in a wristlock. He wrenched the hold as a pained Skipper tried to pull himself to the side of the ring. “Primetime” was successful, and managed to grab the top rope and backflip out of the hold. Still, Loco had him by the arm. He pulled Elix Skipper in, hooked his head under Skipper’s arm, and took him over with a Northern Lights Suplex. Loco, still holding the wrist, floated over onto Skipper and applied an armbar. He wrenched at it as Skipper struggled, until finally, Duggan entered the ring and broke the hold with an elbow drop. An angry General Rection charged the ring, but as Duggan had already left, Patrick turned his attention to keeping Rection at bay. With the opportunity afforded by this inadvertant distraction, Lance Storm entered the ring and caught a rising Lieutenant Loco in the temple with a dropkick. Storm headed back out as Elix Skipper hooked Loco’s leg and made the cover. He kicked out at two, but Storm’s attack ensured that Skipper retained the advantage.

The preview of Halloween Havoc’s Cruiserweight Title match continued as Skipper pulled Loco up to his feet and whipped him to the ropes. Lieutenant Loco bounced back, at which point Skipper caught him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. After sitting on his knees briefly and soaking in the hatred of the crowd, the Cruiserweight Champion got to his feet, headed to his corner, and made the tag to “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Duggan entered the ring and dropped a knee on Loco, then pulled him to a sitting position and put on a rear chinlock. Lieutenant Loco managed to fight to his feet, but Duggan threw him back down to the mat by the head. He followed up with an elbow drop, then covered Loco, scoring two. “Hacksaw” Jim then lifted the Misfit in Action up to his feet, whipped him to the heel corner, and followed him in with a running clothesline. Duggan then made the tag to Lance Storm, who joined his teammate in the ring. Each man grabbed one of Loco’s feet, then lifted up and pulled back, yanking him out of the corner and slamming him in the ring. Jim Duggan headed out onto the apron as Lance Storm approached the prone Loco.

Storm immediately dropped a leg across the throat of Lieutenant Loco, then covered for two. He got up, ran to the ropes, then came back, catching Loco in the side with a sliding dropkick. Storm got to his feet, grabbed Loco’s leg, and, while staring directly at Booker T, begin to apply a Spinning Toe Hold. Storm stepped over once, drawing pained groans from Loco. However, when he tried to do so again, Loco kicked him off, sending the leader of Team Canada into the turnbuckle. Loco dove to his own corner and slapped the hand of Booker T. Booker charged into the ring, intercepting a running Lance Storm with a backdrop. Storm scurried up to his feet, only to be met by Booker’s signature chops and strikes. Booker backed Storm into a corner, then kicked him in the gut and whipped him across the ring. Storm landed against the opposite turnbuckle, where Booker T crushed him with a charging forearm. Lance Storm staggered out, only to have Booker grab him around the chest. Before he could deliver his signature move, though, Storm caught him in the temple with an elbow. A second one broke Booker’s grasp, and gave Storm the opportunity to take the former World Champion down with a jumping leg lariat.

Lance Storm got back to his feet, wiped his face to check for blood, then headed back to his corner and tagged Jim Duggan. Duggan kicked Booker T in the chest as he sat up, then crashed down on him with a standing splash for two. Booker got back to his feet, then pulled himself up in the corner. “Hacksaw” Jim charged at him with a clothesline, but Booker dove out of the way. Duggan crashed into the turnbuckle and bounced back into a schoolboy roll-up from Booker. The crowd leapt to their feet, but Booker was only able to keep Duggan down for two. Both men got to their feet, and Booker took Duggan down with a jumping side kick. He then turned to face General Rection, who was leaning over the top rope and pleading for a tag. Booker complied, slapping the hand of the leader of the Misfits in Action. Rection entered the ring and pounded his fists together before pulled Duggan up by the hair. He whipped “Hacksaw” to the ropes, then flipped him over with a backdrop as he rebounded.

Rection raised his fist to the audience and yelled, then crouched down and waited for Duggan to get to his feet. When he did, Rection leapt up and caught Duggan in the chest with a dropkick. Duggan was knocked back into his own corner, where Elix Skipper made a blind tag. Elix came in with a springboard crossbody, but Rection had the presence of mind to catch him and turn the move into a devastating powerslam. Rection hooked Skipper’s leg, but Lance Storm ran in and broke the cover with a kick. This drew in Booker T, who clotheslined Storm out over the top rope. However, Jim Duggan, who had regained his composure, dove out of the corner and caught Booker with the Three Point Stance Charge. Booker hit the canvas as Elix Skipper caught a distracted General Rection with a low blow. Skipper took Rection over with a schoolboy roll-up, but Lieutenant Loco made the save at two. Loco then pulled Skipper up, hooked his head, lifted him up into the air, and drove him down with a Brainbuster. Rection dragged himself over to Skipper and made the cover, but Lance Storm slid into the ring, grabbed Rection by the foot, and pulled him off of Elix Skipper at two.

Furious, referee Nick Patrick ordered all of the competitors besides Rection and Skipper back out onto the apron. They complied, and the two legal men were left in the ring, flat on the canvas. Rection stirred first, getting to his feet and noticing that Skipper was still down. He quickly climbed to the top turnbuckle, facing the crowd in preparation for his Raging Climax moonsault. However, Lance Storm ran over and pulled his ankle, crotching Rection on the top turnbuckle. Elix Skipper got back to his feet, charged at Rection, leapt up in the air, and caught him in the small of the back with a dropkick. Rection fell backwards, tying himself up in a Tree of Woe. This afforded Skipper the chance to run to the opposite side of the ring and fire off a baseball slide. He attempted the move, but Rection pulled himself up and Skipper slid out of the ring. While “Primetime” hit the floor with a thud, Rection unhooked himself from the turnbuckle and hit the canvas. He began to crawl to his own corner as Elix Skipper started to stir. As Skipper got back in the ring, Rection made the tag to Booker T.

Booker charged in, pulled Skipper up, and whipped him to the ropes. Booker ran to the opposite set of ropes, but Lance Storm caught him by the head and yanked him to the canvas. This gave Skipper the opportunity to make the tag to “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. As Duggan got into the ring, Elix picked Booker up and hooked his arms behind his back. Duggan got down in the Three Point Stance, then ran. However, Booker managed to break out of Elix Skipper’s grasp and pull Skipper himself in front of the charging Duggan. As such, “Hacksaw” collided with his own partner, knocking “Primetime” for a loop. As a confused Duggan turned around, Booker grabbed him around the chest and caught him with the Bookend. He hooked Duggan’s leg and made the cover. Lance Storm tried to interfere, but was cut off by General Rection. As such, the leader of Team Canada could only watch as Booker T scored the three count.

Winners: General Rection, Lieutenant Loco, and Booker T via pinfall

Match Time: 14:45

Crowd: 75.8%

Match: 73.4%

Overall: 75.2%

Tony Schiavone: Booker T did it! Team Canada tried to mess with the Misfits, and they got trouble for it!

Mark Madden: It’s nothing, you hear me? Lance Storm will get his revenge on Booker, believe me!

Tony Schiavone: Halloween Havoc is six days away, but on Nitro, Booker T and the Misfits in Action are riding high! We’ll see you on Thunder, fans!

Overall Rating: 69.1%

Edited October 18, 2005 by Boulder

[ChuBalso]

Nice work Boulder.

Let me find my pushpins.

[Sam_Van_619]

Fantastic diary so far, I'm a big fan of your writing style (although the matches could probably be smaller.) Still, you've built up Haloween Havoc really nicely, and I'm liking the Storm push! Keep up the excellent work!

Edited October 19, 2005 by Sam_Van_619

[GA!]

This diary deserves more readers and more replies. So much so, here's a review of your latest Nitro for you as us WCW fans need to stick together... Or something. (Y)

Reading as I go along...

* That Scott Hudson 'call it what you will' line shows you've analysed Scott Hudson to death as you seem to know his style of communication. In fact all of the commentary is great - definitely better than the WWE diaries that immediately go for the "BAH GAWD! STUNNER! STUNNER! STUNNER!" route.

* The length of these matches is mad. The opening contest itself is six normal matches in a typical diary. The DISQO duck is legendary, I don't care what anybody says. The ending itself is great with the piledriver on the duck. Then the Mark Madden comment afterwards is hilarious. Great opening contest.

* Team Canada assault Cajun! I liked this segment as my MSN name clearly states I have now defected to Canada. I've always been a fan of MIA vs. Team Canada and this diary has represented it well.

* Another good match. I'm surprised Vito vs. Sanders finished cleanly - with the NBT and Johnny The Bull being obvious factors that could have been brought into the match.

* Ahhhh... The baby angle. Are you going to go through with having Vince Russo be the eventual father? I'm surprised Russo never signed Trish Stratus when he was in WCW so he could write material implying having sex with her too.

* Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting should be a good match at Havoc. End statement.

* I liked the tag team match. Anything that has Shannon Moore coming in at the end has GOT to be good! And then the revelation - the MIA can have a substitute in their match! I'm guessing Tank Abbott, because it's swerve-a-riffic. Then the promo afterwards - I think it got such a low rating because of Mark Jindrak... Not even Sean O Haire can help Jindrak there.

* I'm surprised Chuck Palumbo went over clean against Vampiro (random fact: WCW closed as it couldn't survive without a great man like Vampiro )... This seems to be a trademark, having actual wrestling instead of attacks and run-ins during the match. Although it kills some developments of angles, it's really refreshing.

* Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg just got interesting. Goldberg fell off the stage, through a table! Surprised he sold it though, he usually just shakes it off. ... This angle has had quite a good build-up and is yet another match that will rock at Halloween Havoc.

* Booker T is the replacement.

* And then Booker goes over Duggan in the main event in the six man tag team match. Woo!!! It was a decent match and slightly weird to choose as the actual main event considering the wrestlers beside Booker and Storm involved.

This diary has been awesome so far and I do believe that booking like this would have helped turned WCW around. Clean wins, great character development and actual longer wrestling matches. Your trademark has been to write huge huge HUGE matches even for your Worldwide matches and, let's face it, it's people's own fault if they're too lazy to read. The only unfortunate thing about the length though is how it could be two months until Halloween Havoc airs.