WCW '98: One More Hart Beat

[Xero Gravity]

Okay, let's see:

What I liked:

- Anything involving Raven, even when he's forced to go against crap like Goldberg. The promo was nice, and the match sounds like it could be a fun PPV brawl.

- Chono and Muta continue to kick all kinds of ass. If they lose at Slamboree, I shall be muchos pissed.

- Booker/Benoit. Both men are bound to bring the goods in the ring and on the mic, the Iron Challenge Match could be the sleeper match of the night.

- Surprisingly, the Steiner/Buff/Adams promo was pretty good to read...

What I didn't like:

- ...however I still don't care about the feud in the slightest.

- Goldberg's streak. I never liked it in real life, so I only hope you end it quicker bewcause guys like Finlay don't deserve getting mauled just to make his talentless ass look good.

I'll echo what TGC said, you'd be well served to bring in Togo and Christian at some point, and it's unlikely but I'd love to see Teioh and Gangrel hired too.

[Draevyn]

-Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas City

1- Extenuating Circumstances Blind The Blind

Even before the opening video, the cameras come on outside the arena to find ”The Macho Man” Randy Savage face down in the parking lot. Elizabeth is trying to wake him up, but he’s not moving as several paramedics rush to the scene.

Paramedic: Quick, we’ve got to get him turned over and secure his neck. He could be badly hurt.

They carefully turn him over, and one of the paramedics pull a neck brace out of their bag. Carefully, they fit it around his head and secures his neck in place. Elizabeth stands over them, sobbing uncontrollably.

Elizabeth: Is....is he going....going to be okay?

Paramedic: I’m sorry miss, but you’ll have to step back.

She does as they ask and there is a sharp crunching beneath her feet. She looks down to see what she’s stepped on, and finds a pair of pink sunglasses on the ground. She picks them up and stares at them absently for a few seconds before wiping her eyes, and a look of anger comes across her face. She looks back at Savage, then the glasses, and then makes her way back into the arena. The camera stays with the paramedics while they hoist Savage onto a gurney and load him into the back of the ambulance.

Randy Savage Stretchered Out-A+

2- Opening Video Package

Following the opening Nitro Video, the show slips right into a video package focusing on the past events of the previous Nitro, as well as the important things that happened on Thunder. Most of the video focuses on the two main feuds, including Hollywood Hogan, Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, Sting, Scott Hall and The Giant. The endings of Nitro’s main event, and Thunder’s main event are shown. Scott Hall’s return, and everything that has gone down involving Nash and Konnan. Finally it ends with a split screen of Hogan beating down Savage and Hart, while the second split focuses on Thunder’s main event with Sting trying to get at Hall, and The Giant getting involved with Konnan and Kevin Nash.

Opening Video Package Highlighting Previous Nitro and Thunder-A+

3- Hennig Back On Television....No Seriously

After being off television for a week to rehab his ailing knee, Curt Hennig returns to television to wrestle Glacier. Hennig is his usual arrogant, gum chewing self, making sure to spit the gum at Glacier following his entrance. Glacier attempts to attack following that but Rude holds his briefcase up, ready to use it at a moments notice and Glacier backs off, waiting for the referee to force Rude out of the ring. The two men circle each other as the bell rings, until Glacier shoots forwards with an array of martial arts kicks which back Hennig into the ropes. He quickly ducks his head outside, calling for the referee, Mickey Jay, to get Glacier back. Mickie Jay pushes Glacier back which gets Hennig out of the ropes and ready to battle once more.

Once more the two circle each other, and this time when they move in for a lock up, Hennig puts a thumb to the eye of Glacier before locking on a side headlock. Glacier tosses him off into the ropes and then knocks Hennig down with a shoulderblock. Hennig bounds back to his feet as Glacier hits the ropes, charges in. Hennig leaps over the charging man, and then goes for a hip toss. Glacier lands on his feet but Hennig catches on to what he’s trying to do and dropkicks him as soon as he lands. Hennig doesn’t let off him from there, picking him up and connecting with a snap suplex, floating over and then driving a knee right into the forehead of Glacier. Quick cover gets a two count, but Glacier isn’t put away yet.

Schiavone mentions something happening on the ramp, which the camera’s quickly catch. There is a young man standing on the ramp, dressed in slacks and a white dress shirt. His hair is in numerous dreadlocks, and he’s scribbling something down on a notepad during the match. Hennig sees him, and it seems like he knows who he is, but he goes back to the match. At that moment Glacier fires back with a quick kick to the midsection, and then a palm thrust straight to the chest. Glacier once again fires off several kicks to the chest, but Hennig blocks a chop to the throat, quickly hooks his arms and takes him over into a Hennig-Plex. Glacier tries to get out of it but Hennig’s fingers are locked and there’s nothing Glacier can do as the ref counts the three. After the match Hennig quickly slides out of the ring and heads up the ramp but the kid is already one. Glacier pounds the mat in frustration inside the ring as the show goes to commercial.

Curt Hennig def. Glacier-B

4- Everyone Likes Titles; Jericho Wants Two

Back from the commercial and Gene Okerlund is standing by with the Cruiserweight Champion, Chris Jericho. Jericho is chewing gum ratther noisily, and when Gene looks irritated, Jericho makes sure he gets closer to Gene’s ear and snaps a big bubble.

Gene Okerlund: Chris Jericho, in just a few short minutes, you’re going to have a chance to claim yet another title to your name, but first you must go up against a man who has been on quite a roll recently in Booker T. What do you have to say about that?

Jericho looks perturbed, and then his eyes roll upwards, as if he’s trying to remember something.

Chris Jericho: Booker T....Booker.....T........is he that midget that tried to give me a sponge bath earlier?

Okerlund looks shocked at the clear disrespect by Jericho being shown to the Television Champion.

Gene Okerlund: I beg your pardon Chris, but that’s the WCW Television Champion that you’re talking about. He’s- -

Chris Jericho: Now I remember. Snooker T, that’s right. I beat him back at the ‘89 World Championships when he missed that screw shot and I just hammered them home!

Gene Okerlund: Hammered them home?

Chris Jericho: Are you not listening, Eugene? Try and keep up! You see, Booker T claims to be from the mean streets of Harlem, but you can be sure he’s never stepped into the mean streets of Winnipeg.

Gene Okerlund: What are you talking about?

Chris Jericho: You heard me! The mean streets of Winnipeg. We had an 82 year old woman with one eye, seven teeth and three fingers. I’m telling you, she could knock out most grown men. So until Booker T goes up against “One Eyed Alice” then he can’t claim to be from the mean streets of anywhere. He doesn’t even know what mean streets are, and after tonight, he’s going to wish he could walk in the shoes of Chris Jericho, double champion, and “King Of Your World.”

Gene does not look impressed, but he continues on with his next question.

Gene Okerlund: Well we’ll see about that later tonight, but the next question involves the Cruiserweight Battle Royal at Slamboree, and who you would like to face in your match?

Chris Jericho: Does it really matter? I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it another ten, maybe fifteen times as long as you keep asking me the stupid question. I’ve beaten them all, and if I haven’t then they weren’t good enough to be here in the first place. Hell, after that match, I might as well just retire the belt, or give it away or something. Then again, that’s just might scare “The Macho King” Randy Sausage. I’m not even getting into that man. The point is Gene-O, I’m the Ayatollah of Rock -N-Rolla, and tonight is Booker T’s, last dance.

Jericho once again dramatically snaps a gum bubble in Okerlund’s ear before chuckling and walking off screen.

Chris Jericho Interview (Booker T/Battle Royal)-B+

5- Stalked! Locked! Wait; Where’s My Shot?

The camera quickly switches from Jericho’s interview to another part of the building where Curt Hennig and Rick Rude are walking backstage, discussing the events of earlier in the evening.

Voice: Curt! Curt! Please, wait!

Niether Hennig or Rude turn around, instead they keep on their path towards the exit.

Voice: Mr. Hennig! Mr. Rude!

Finally the kid who had been in the aisle way during Hennig’s match comes into the view of the camera. He still has the clipboard but now it’s tucked away under his arm. Out of breath he catches up to Hennig and taps him on the shoulder causing Hennig to turn around. He doesn’t look happy to see the kid.

Curt Hennig: What do you want? Wait, better yet, who are you?

The kid seems hurt for a few seconds that Hennig doesn’t remember him, but that’s quickly erased as he attempts to refresh Hennig’s memory.

Kid: I can’t believe you don’t remember me. Evan! Evan Karagais! I talked to you at the autograph signing. You told me if I wanted to be a wrestler, just to look you up.

Hennig gives an odd look to Rude, and then looks back at Karagais.

Curt Hennig: That doesn’t sound like something I’d say.

Karagais takes the clipboard from under his arm, flips a couple of pages and then displays a signed picture of Curt Hennig while avidly pointing out the words underneath it which clearly say “Look me up sometime.”

Curt Hennig: Look Kid, I put that on every autograph that I write. I don’t actually expect every single person to “look me up sometime.”

Evan Karagais: But, I want to be a wrestler!

Hennig’s patience is wearing thin and his face shows his annoyance.

Curt Hennig: I don’t think you’re listening to me. You wouldn’t last ten minutes in a ring. You don’t have what it takes.

Evan Karagais: Wanna bet?

From annoyance to shock, and then back to annoyance for Hennig.

Curt Hennig: You want to bet with me? What do you have to offer?

Evan Karagias: If I win, you train me. If I lose, I go away...

Curt Hennig: Or you could just go away now.

Evan Karagais: Come on, it could be fun.............unless you’re scared!

Appealing to Hennig’s manhood seemed to work as Hennig shook his head, looked at Rude, then cracked a smirk.

Curt Hennig: Fine kid. You want to prove you belong in the ring? I’ll have a match for you on Thunder. If you win, I’ll train you. If you lose, you’re out. Got it?

Karagias nods his head in the affirmative, but Hennig isn’t even looking at him. He’s already halfway down the hall with Rude following behind, shaking his head as well. Karagais turns back to the camera with a smile on his face.

Evan Karagais: I got this one.

He walks out the door marked “Exit” and jumps into his car. Hennig knocks on a door down the hall, and then enters.

Hennig Agrees With A Bet-B

6- Two Superpowers Collide

The Great Muta accompanied Masahiro Chono to the ring, while Schiavone mentioned that they were now going under the name of The Rising Sons, and have been quite the dangerous tandem over the last few weeks. Despite the fact that Chono brought reinforcements, Davey Boy comes to the ring alone, but he has the fans behind him. Davey rolls into the ring and the huge slugfest begins with both men trying to show their power. They go the route of trying to knock each other down with big running shoulderblocks but each time the other person just bounces off. Davey Boy takes the thinking man’s approach and catches Chono on one of his charges and drills him into the mat with a powerslam. Quick cover only gets a one count before Chono kicks out. Smith pulls Chono to his feet and into the corner where he drives several shoulders deep into the stomach. Bulldog pulls him out of the corner and hoists him up for a suplex, holding him for a few seconds to let the blood rush to his head before dropping him down.

Another cover only gets a one count but Bulldog keeps on him, stomping away at the chest and ribs of Chono. Muta gets on the apron but Bulldog quickly knocks him off with a right hand. However, this little distraction is enough to take Bulldog out of the game as Chono comes back with a kick to the stomach and some heavy shots to the back of the head. Chono pulls Bulldog up and whips him into the ropes before delivering a stiff lariat. Chono is quick to once again pull Bulldog up and delivers a butterfly suplex, holding the lock for another attempted pinfall. This one gets a two count before Bulldog finds a way to slip out of it. Chono doesn’t worry about it as he climbs to the top rope and waits before connecting with a diving shoulder. Bulldog is down which gives Chono the chance to set up in the corner. He waits for Bulldog to get up before charging across for a Yakuza Kick.

Bulldog ducks at the last second and Chono completely misses him. He turns right around into a european uppercut from Bulldog. Unfortunately for Bulldog his clothesline misses and Chono locks him in a full nelson. Muta is up on the apron and as Chono steers Bulldog closer Muta spits a mouthful of green mist at Bulldog. He ducks out of the way and Chono takes the mist to the eyes. He stumbles around in pain but Bulldog scoops him up and drills him into the mat with a Running Powerslam. He hooks the leg and scores the pinfall. The minute the three count has been registered, Muta hits the ring and begins stomping Bulldog down until....

Davey Boy Smith def. Masahiro Chono-B+

7- Two Men To A Tag Team

.....Jim Neidhart charges to the ring and immediately engages in a fist fight in the center of the ring. Muta throws a couple of punches which are blocked by Neidhart who hits the Japanese sensation with his own share of right hands. With Chono still blinded by the mist, Neidhart and Bulldog quickly grab Muta, tossing him into the ropes and hitting a double back-body drop. Muta stumbles back to his feet but it’s just in time for Davey Boy and Neidhart to clothesline him over the ropes. They don’t stop there as they pick Chono up and unceremoniously toss him over the top rope to the outside. From there it’s just Neidhart and Smith in the ring, and they take separate turnbuckles to celebrate their victory.

Jim Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith Beat Down The Rising Sons-B+

8- Getting Ready For An Iron Challenge

After a quick commercial break, Chris Jericho is on his way to the ring, showing that cocky air that has drawn the disdain of the fans. He holds his hand out to a fan and then pulls it back as the kid tries to slap him high five. He then points and laughs as the kid nearly topples over the barricade to the floor. As one of the security members help the kid back into his seat, Jericho continues his way to the ring where he unstraps his Cruiserweight belt, which is not on the line, and hands it to the referee. Jericho is still cocky, even when his opponents music hits. Booker T makes his way out to the cheers from the fans, making sure to raise the roof as the fire explodes behind him. He makes his way to the ring, focused as Jericho hurls insults at him all the way. Once in the ring, Booker strips the title from his waist and hands it to the ref, but before the referee can hand it out of the ring, Jericho grabs it and looks into the name plate, and then hands it back to the ref, who then dispatches it out of the ring into the safe hands of the timekeeper.

Both men bring a quickness to their games with this match as they go for a lock up and Jericho quickly drops to his knees and uses his hands to scoop Bookers legs out from under him. Quick pin gets a one count but Booker quickly gets to his feet, ducking the clothesline attempt and hooking a backslide for another one count. Jericho slides back to his feet and pulls out a hurricanrana, reaching back and hooking the leg for yet another one count. Booker shifts his weight and puts Jericho’s shoulders to the mat but before the ref can get into position, Jericho boxes Booker’s ears with his feet. Jericho gets back to his feet and sweeps Bookers legs out from under him as he gets up, attempting to lock in his Lion Tamer but Booker leg strength keeps him from doing this. Knowing that he can’t get the hold, Jericho points at something at ringside to draw the refs attention before stomping Booker right in the groin. Booker rolls to his hands and knees in obvious pain but Jericho looks for a field goal, kicking him right in the ribs. Booker rolls to the outside, coughing and choking

Despite being hurt, Booker is still able to move out of the way of the baseball slide from Jericho. Jericho lands on his feet but Booker nearly knocks his teeth down his throat with a back heel kick. Still holding his ribs, Booker pulls Jericho to his feet and leans him against the apron. He backs up and then lays in a huge chop across Jericho’s chest. Booker goes for a second one but this time Jericho ducks and unleashes one of his own, making sure to scream “Yeah Bay-be” into the fans. Not paying attention to the match at hand earns him a right hand from Booker who then drags the cocky cruiserweight to the steel steps and bounces his head off them before rolling him back into the ring. The television champion continues to stomp away at Jericho before pulling him up and delivering a suplex into the center of the ring. A cover gets a two count before Jericho realizes what’s going on and kicks out.

Booker pulls him up and backs him into the corner where he delivers several more stomps before whipping him into the opposite buckles. Jericho hits hard and Booker comes charging right afterwards, but somehow Jericho has the presence of mind to move out of the way. Booker hits the buckles hard and staggers backwards. Jericho quickly drops down and rolls him up, putting his feet on the ropes, but Booker still manages to kick out at two. Jericho is still hurting from the punishment he’s taken but he ducks a clothesline from Booker and connects with a stand alone enzuigiri kick to the back of the head. Booker goes down and Jericho rolls him over, looking for the pin but again only getting a two count. Jericho is frustrated, slamming his hands on the mat to show this, but he gets back to his feet and hooks Booker for a suplex. Once again his showboating gets the best of him as he waits to long and gives Booker enough time to plant a knee into his midsection and then turn the suplex into one of his own. Booker then goes up top, signalling for the Missile Dropkick but Jericho manages to move out of the way. Booker stumbles to his feet and Jericho plants him with a ddt.

Jericho seems quite exhausted but he gets back to his feet and goes to the back, driving his knees into Bookers spine and then pulling him back into a bow and arrow stretch. He holds it on while Schiavone makes the obvious remark that the longer he holds this on, the more damage it’s going to do to the man’s spine. Jericho finally releases the hold, but then he gets cocky, yelling to the crowd that “It’s Over!” Jericho does manage to strap on his Liontamer but it’s short lived as Booker struggles and finally reaches the ropes. As Booker grabs the ropes, the bell rings and Jericho releases the hold, raising his arms in victory. However, after a couple seconds, referee Nick Patrick informs him that he did not win, and that the time limit had expired. Jericho was quite furious, arguing with the referee to no avail. Finally he just gets annoyed and grabs Booker T pulling him up but Booker sees what’s coming and swats him away before connecting with a big Harlem Side Kick. With Jericho down, Booker takes his title and exits the ring. The camera goes backstage where Chris Benoit has been watching on a monitor, and he shakes his head as he walks away. Tenay wonders why he was shaking his head. Heenan mentioned that it was probably at Booker T seeing as Chris Jericho was only second away from winning the Television Title, but Tony reminds him that Booker had grabbed the ropes, so the ending to the match after that are anyone’s guess. Heenan says it’s because Schiavone has no sense of “What might have happened” in his body.

Television Title Match: Chris Jericho Wrestles Booker T© to a Time Limit Draw, Booker T Retains His Title-A+

9- Two More Weeks........WOOOOOOO

The sounds of “Also Sprach Zathrusta” hits the speakers as the huge videotron lights up with images of “The Nature Boy” appearing in numerous situations. Then his voice burst out with a line from an old LL Cool J song. ”Don’t Call It A Comeback.....WOOOOO”. Some more shots of Flair follows, this time going from back in the early 80's until present time, and then Flair’s voice once more booms out with the finishing touches to the line. I’ve been here for years!. This finally cuts into images of Flair with the different incarnations of The Horsemen, finally ending with Flair flashing the Horsemen sign in a close-up shot of him. The words Returning In Two Weeks appear on the screen before it finally goes black and the show goes to commercials.

Ric Flair Return Video-A+

10- Who Do You Trust?

As the show comes back from commercial, the rap version of the nWo theme is playing, which brings Kevin Nash through the curtain to a mixture of a reaction. He has something in his hands as he marches towards the ring, cliimbing over the top rope and stepping up next to Gene Okerlund who is already in the ring.

Gene Okerlund: Kevin Nash, earlier tonight we witnessed the tragic circumstances surround the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Savage, and his attack at the hands of an unknown assailant....

Kevin Nash: Unknown, right!

Nash’s words drip with sarcasm as he looks at his closed hand, and there’s a glint of pink shining through his fingers. Okerlund gives him a questioning look, but continues with what he was saying.

Gene Okerlund: .....We’d like to get your comments on that.

Nash holds up his hand, and then slowly opens it to reveal the crushed Bret Hart Sunglasses which draws another mixed reaction from the Kansas City crowd.

Kevin Nash: You know Gene, when a man stands in this ring, looks me in the eye and lies to me...that’s not something that I can take lightly. Last week, Bret Hart stood in this ring and told me that if he had a problem with me, that he’d look me in the eye and prove it. Now I know it’s a little hard for him to look “Big Sexy” in the eye but apparently he doesn’t have a problem with me. Instead, he’s running around taking out people who are a threat to him. People who have what he wants. You see, I can respect a goal oriented wrestler like Bret Hart, but what I can’t respect is the sneak attack that took place here tonight.

Gene Okerlund: Wait, how can you be sure that...

Nash gives Okerlund a glare that shuts him up, and Nash continues to speak.

Kevin Nash: So tonight you’ve started your mission, Bret, but there’s still one threat, and he’s standing right here. You want to attack friends of mine, then you’re spitting in my face. Bret Hart, why don’t you come down here tonight, and ol’ Big Sexy will treat you to another A+ classic, cause that’s just the way I do it.

Gene Okerlund: So you’re challenging Bret Hart in the main event, but on Thunder we saw you take on Sting, and your best friend Scott Hall got involved. Looks like out weeks of speculation on whether Hall will be at Slamboree or not.

Kevin Nash: Hall was there? Where? I didn’t even see him. He didn’t stop to say hi or anything. Damn him. I was wondering why there was a bulletin going around that he wasn’t allowed in the building.

Nash looks quite serious, but then he breaks into a smirk.

Kevin Nash: Just another one of Hogan’s ploys to pretend that he doesn’t fear us. Scotty and I were the originals. We were the Outsiders, and then Hogan came along, hopped on the bandwagon and attempted to call himself an Outsider, a leader in a new revolution. Now Hogan’s afraid that the Original Outsiders are going to lead a revolution and overthrow his power. Hey Hulk, there’s nothing left to overthrow. This is where the power’s at.

Nash raises his hands in the air, and smirk at the crowd before making his way backstage, slapping hands with a few fans before he disappears.

Gene Okerlund: Well there you have it, tonight in our main event, it’s going to be Bret “The Hitman” Hart against Kevin Nash.

Kevin Nash Challenges Bret Hart In The Main Event-B+

11- There Were Diamonds On The Rings Of Saturn!

SELF HIGH FIVE

The broken down version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” hits the speakers which brings “Diamond” Dallas Page through the curtain. He throws up the diamond symbol before yelling “BANG” and breaking it in half. He walks to the ring, passing The Flock who are back in the front row. Lodi has a sign that says “There Are No Diamonds On Saturn” which Page grabs and rips up on his way by. Saturn looks unimpressed in his seat beside Raven, but as soon as Page gets in the ring, he stands up and hops over the barricade, and slides into the ring, ready for the match. Saturn tests the ropes for a few seconds before turning back to Page, who is taking off his vest and handing it outside. Saturn doesn’t give him a chance to get ready, attacking before the opening bell with shots to the back, driving him into the corner. Saturn attempts to slam Page’s head into the top buckle but Page blocks it with his boot, counters with an elbow to the midsection and then drives Saturn’s skull into the buckles.

Saturn turns around and Page fires off several shots to the body before whipping him across the ring. Saturn hits the buckles and walks right out into a clothesline from Page. Saturn gets up and Page drops him with another one before picking him up into a fireman’s carry. Page goes for something but Saturn manages to maneuver himself down the back of Page and connect with a german suplex. Saturn quickly attempts to lock in his Rings Of Saturn but Page quickly gets to the ropes and forces the break. Saturn goes to the shoulder though, working it with a triangle hold. Page struggles, trying to break it but Saturn keeps the hold tight, and keeps Page’s movement to a minimum. Saturn finally breaks it, but only to put Page’s arm on the mat, hold it there, and then he leaps up and drives his knee right into Page’s tricep.

Saturn locks on a keylock submission, but Page shows that he’s been working on his mat game by turning his way out of it and working back to his feet with Saturn locked in his own move. Being more prone to the mat game, Saturn quickly flips his way out of it and takes Page down with a fireman’s carry slam, right into a cross-arm breaker. Page quickly gets to the ropes before anymore damage can be done. He gets up, still holding his arm and catches Saturn with a surprising right hand. Saturn fires off a right hand of his own. The two engage in a right hand punching contest but Page comes out of nowhere with a spinning clothesline. Page bangs his feet on the mat in obvious pain but he’s able to pull himself up and throw his hands in the air, signalling for the Diamond Cutter. He waits patient as Saturn slowly gets to his feet before going in for the move, but Saturn shoves him off, right into a DDT from Raven. The bell rings as Raven stares out at the booing crowd before inching his way back into a seated position in the corner while Saturn pulls Page to his feet and delivers a ring shaking T-Bone suplex. Saturn quickly locks in his Rings Of Saturn on Page, and the fans let loose with catcalls of hatred towards the man, but those quickly change to cheers as Goldberg makes a beeline for the ring. He hits the ring just as Saturn lets go of the hold and gets back to his feet. Spear! Saturn goes down and Goldberg poses, sticking his tongue out while hanging over the ropes, but he turns around and comes face to face with Raven who has risen out of his seat. The two go nose to nose and Goldberg spouts some obscenities while Raven merely stares, a look of empathy on his face. After about thirty seconds of a staredown, Raven simply raises his arms in a cross fashion and then backs up, allowing himself to fall through the ropes. He lands on his feet outside, picks up Saturn, and the two men slowly back up the ramp way.

”Diamond” Dallas Page def. Perry Saturn-A+

12- WHO’S NEXT?!

While Saturn and Raven back up the aisle, Goldberg checks on Page and then heads to the corner where he retrieves the microphone. Goldberg turns around, breathing hard, and snarling.

Goldberg: RAVEN! You boys wanna play? You guys wanna fight? Haha! There’s only one thing left to say.

Dramatic pause.

Goldberg:Your asses........ARE NEXT!

Goldberg stalks around the ring, snarling, before he goes back to checking on Page and the scene fades backstage.

Goldberg Declare Saturn And Raven Are Next-A

13- Hennigs Plans Coming Together

Backstage, Hennig has remained in the building and the camera finds him and Rude talking to Jimmy Hart

Curt Hennig: So we’ve got a deal then?

Hart is his ever enthusiastic self

Jimmy Hart: Oh yeah, Daddy-O, we got a deal. So you want this kid hurt then?

Hennig shrugs his shoulders.

Curt Hennig: I don’t care how you do it, just make this kid never want to enter another ring. I don’t do charity work, and I damn sure don’t get goaded into things like this.

Jimmy Hart: Consider it done, bay-be, consider it done!

Hennig nods and Rude snaps open the briefcase and pulls out a stack of money, handing it to Hart who fans through it, and then laughs in his usual manner. Hennig and Rude leave the room as Schiavone claims this to be a dispicable and deplorable act. Hennan says it’s just good business as the scene fades to commercial.

Curt Hennig Searches For Karagais’s Opponent-A

14- Will The Frustration Help Or Hinder The Crippler?

Back from the commercial break sees the nWo music playing as Vincent leads Scott “Flash” Norton towards the ring. As Norton ducks between the ropes, his music is replaced by some new music, and the fans cheer the entrance of Norton’s opponent, Chris Benoit. The commentating team mentions Benoit watching Booker’s match earlier in the night and put over the Iron Challenge match in just under two weeks at Slamboree. Benoit is stoic in his stance, simply staring across the ring at his much larger opponent. He slaps his arms as he prepares for the match.

They start off with a lock up but that proves to be nothing going when Norton shoves Benoit backwards causing him to do a complete backflip. He lands on his feet though and charges in looking for a shoulderblock but Norton stands his ground and it’s Benoit who goes down hard. Norton pulls him up and throws him into the ropes before connecting with a knife edge chop that reddens the chest of Benoit and sends him down to the mat once more. Norton brings his power game, pulling Benoit to his feet and pressing him high above his head before simply stepping forward and letting Benoit crash face and chest first into the mat. The punishment that Benoit has taken in the early going leads the announcers to mention that Benoit’s focus on this match could be waning due to his match at Slamboree, but Tenay assures the fans that Benoit is a consummate professional and would not look past Norton.

Despite Tenay’s confidence in Benoit, he continues to take punishment as Norton picks him up and drives him into his knee with a backbreaker before pushing down on the chin of Benoit, stretching him out. After about twenty seconds, he pushes Benoit off his knee and covers him for a two count. Benoit rolls his shoulders off the mat, but he may have wished he hadn’t as Norton gets to his feet and drives an elbow deep into Benoit’s sternum. Norton seems to be getting confident as he peels Benoit up off the mat, but that proved to be his undoing at this point when Benoit fired off some stiff looking (and sounding) chops to the chest of the big man. Norton fought back with a right hand but Benoit weathered the shot and kept firing off those chops. Benoit hit the ropes and nailed a shoulderblock that only staggered Norton. A second one staggers him even further. Benoit goes for a third but he’s forced to duck the clothesline, and this time he bounces off the other side before coming back with a big flying shoulder tackle. Norton goes down but Benoit doesn’t go for the cover, choosing instead to go up top.

Benoit is looking for the Diving Headbutt but Vincent leaps onto the apron and grabs his foot crotching him on the top rope. Norton takes this advantage by superplexing Benoit off the top, but his cover is lax and only gets another two count. Norton pulls Benoit back to his feet and tosses him into the rope, but he goes for a flapjack in the center of the ring, only to have Benoit spin around in mid-air and come down into a modified Crippler Crossfrace. Benoit pulls back but Norton is too close to the ropes and he’s able to flop an arm over the bottom rope. Benoit is forced to break the hold and he gets to his feet, only to find Booker T in the aisle watching. Benoit curses at him, but Booker simply watches on. Heenan takes this time to mention that Benoit stayed in the back while watching Booker’s match, and why couldn’t Booker have done the same as he seems to be a distraction to Benoit.

Benoit keeps his eye on Booker, but he goes back to Norton, stomping on the arm and the shoulder of the big man. Benoit works the shoulder with different variations of armbars and keylocks. As he attempts to lock in an armbar, Norton pulls him in for a short arm clothesline but Benoit ducks, hooks the waistlock and connects with a german suplex. Benoit keeps his fingers locked as he maneuvers back to his feet and takes Norton over with a second German suplex. The third one follows and Benoit gets to his feet, running his thumb across his throat. Benoit goes for the top rope again, but once again he’s distracted. The only difference is, this time it’s to hurl insults in Booker T’s direction. Booker simply shakes his head but the distraction is enough for Norton to get back to his feet. Benoit goes for a double axehandle but Norton simply barrels into him like a freight train, knocking him to the mat. He scoops him up and drives him into his knee with a Shoulder Breaker. Norton hooks the win, and much to the surprise of everyone, picks up the win.

Outside the ring, Booker smirks a bit as he shakes his head and backs up the apron. Another surprise comes as Benoit, still holding his shoulder rolls from the ring and grabs a steel chair. He enters the ring as Norton has his hand raised in victory, spins the big man around and nails him right in the skull with the steel chair. Norton goes down, but Benoit keeps pounding away on him with the chair. Booker sees this and runs back down, sliding into the ring and grabbing the chair from Benoit. The two men go nose to nose until Benoit cracks a smirk and then backs away, leaving the ring and Booker T as the show goes backstage.

Scott “Flash” Norton def. Chris Benoit-A+

15- Chances Come And Go!

Backstage, Eddie and Chavo are shown in a locker room watching the previous match. When it’s over, Eddie looks at Chavo and shakes his head, pointing at the screen.

Eddie Guerrero: Ya see that, Esse? That’s what I’ve been tryin’ ta teach ya. You need that fire, homes.

Eddie makes a swinging motion like he’s smacking someone with a steel chair, and smiles, but Chavo shakes his head in disgust.

Chavo Guerrero: That’s not me, man. That’s you. I don’t need chairs or cheap shots.

Eddie looks taken aback, and then smirks.

Eddie Guerrero: You sayin’ I do, homes? Best watch whatcha’ say, cause I might just take offense, Esse. But I’ll tell ya what. We’ll try things your way, Esse. Battle Royal at Slamboree. We’ll do it your way. Your way works, and I’ll let you continue doing things your way. But if it don’t work, esse....

His mouth curls into an evil grin.

Eddie Guerrero: ....then we try things my way.

Eddie pats Chavo on the shoulder before walking away. Chavo stares after him, still shaking his head in disbelief at the way his uncle is.

Eddie Warns Chavo That It’s All Or Nothing-B-

16- Deny! Deny! Deny

Back from commercial and the familiar face of “Mean” Gene Okerlund is standing backstage (not just his face) with his microphone.

Gene Okerlund: At this time, I’d like to welcome the one, the only Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

Okerlund looks off screen as Bret Hart comes from that direction, and Okerlund is forced to step sideways a couple steps.

Gene Okerlund: Now, Bret Hart, earlier tonight Kevin Nash challenged you to a match in our main event following the attack to Randy Savage earlier in the night. Nash is convinced that it was you who took Savage out earlier this evening.

Hart reaches up and pulls his sunglasses off, folding them up and putting them on the neck of his shirt. He then makes sure that Okerlund is holding the microphone right before beginning to speak.

Bret Hart: Maybe I was talking to myself last week when I stood in the middle of this ring, right in front of you, and told Kevin Nash that if I had a problem with him, I’d look him right in the eye and tell him. I’m a Hart, and as a Hart, I don’t need to hide behind lies. I’m man enough to stand by my decisions and suffer the consequences for my actions.

Gene Okerlund: Well, you have to admit that there is a pretty strong case against you. They found your sunglasses at the scene of the crime.

Hart chuckles, while reaching down and pulling his glasses from his shirt and holding them up.

Bret Hart: You mean these sunglasses? Do you know how many pairs of these things I have? I give them away before my matches. For someone who has made a career out of these kinds of things, Nash seems content to believe the facts presented to him without question. Think about it Gene. Who in this company has something to gain by having Savage and I against each other? Who gains an advantage by having both Savage and myself out?

Gene Okerlund: Well, Hogan.

Bret Hart: Exactly. It took you all of two minutes to come up with that answer, and Kevin Nash, a man who has been around Hogan for the past 2 years hasn’t picked up on this.

Gene Okerlund: Well, I- -

Bret Hart: That’s fine, though. Kevin Nash doesn’t want to look past what’s in front of him, and I can live for that, but tonight, whether he believes me or not, I’m going to show him why they call me “The Excellence Of Execution”

There seems to be a lot of shaking of the head on this show, and Hart is no exception as he walks off shaking his head.

Gene Okerlund: Well, there you have it, Bret Hart says that he didn’t attack Savage, and I for one, believe him. Tony, Mike, Bobby, back to you.

Bret Hart Interview (Attack/Main Event)-A

17- Now You See Them; Now You...Wait, They’re Still There

Back into the arena and Kevin Nash is already on his way to the ring. With Savage out, and Hall banned from the building, the commentary team spends the entire entrance underlining the fact that Nash is alone tonight. What they don’t seem to realize is that Bret Hart also has no real alignment, therefore he’s alone. Hart comes out to a mixed reaction from the fans as nobody seems to know what side he’s on, but he makes no mistake of letting all his cards out on the table. Hart gets in the ring and takes off his leather jacket. Both men seem a bit hesitant, but they’re ready to go nonetheless.

Everything becomes clear rather quickly because as soon as the bell rings, they turn to face the entrance way where Hollywood Hogan appears with Eric Bischoff and The Disciple. Hogan and Bischoff actually looked shocked as Hart and Kevin Nash are ready to fight, but then two more nWo members come out of the crowd in the form of Scott Norton and Konnan. They slide into the ring and it’s not long before the numbers game gets the best of Nash and Hart. Hogan rips off Hart’s shirt and begins whipping him with the belt.

Bret Hart and Kevin Nash fight to a No Contest-A

18- Same Old, Same Old

Norton and Konnan hammer Nash in the corner while Bischoff and The Disciple stretch Hart out and allow Hogan to whip him with that big weightlifting belt. The nWo seem to be completely in control until a roar from the crowd signals the arrival of Sting and The Giant who are once again on their way to the aide of Kevin Nash, and this time Bret Hart as well. Hogan wraps the belt around his hand as The Giant steps over the ropes and Sting ducks between them. Hogan unleashes a right hand at The Giant, but the big man blocks it and fires off his own. As all eight men brawl in the ring, Schiavone informs us that we’re out of time, and tells us to make sure to tune into Thunder.

Brawl To End The Show-A+

Show Rating: A

[Steve Corino]

Savage is being stretchered. Okay. The pink sunglasses give it away that it's a big set-up. But I like the nod. (Though Bret had dropped the pink shades and gone to black sunglasses by the time.) Anyway, it could have been any number of people, but given last Thunder, my bet is on.....Fit Finlay.

I love seeing Hennig get any kind of push in any diary. That said, I hope this one carries him very far, perhaps even into the World title contention, because it looks like any other titles are off-limits to everyone at the moment. I mean Goldberg has the US belt and therefore no one is winning that, and the TV title is Booker and Benoit's baby right now, so the only options for anyone are the Tag or World titles. Though someone snaring the TV belt right out of their feud would be interesting, but that's something WCW had already done in 98.

Gene being so out of it that Jericho runs circles around him is gold.

Evan Karagias is someone I didn't really expect seeing there. Hopefully this is just something to get some younger wrestlers in the scene and not using Hennig's rub for anything more than what it should be: Curt going the distance and getting a major push.

Certainly a better name going with The Rising Sons, that'll certainly show that racist lawsuit who's boss! Common ground being what it is, Bulldog picking up the win by botched interference works. And now that they've gotten a bit of revenge for all the attacks, now we can get back to Muta and Chono beating the piss out of Davey and Neidhart.

The 15 minute time limit strikes again! I didn't know if that had continued into Booker's title run or not, at least it wasn't usually brought up unless it was a heel holding the belt. A good match though, and it gives Jericho a good way to get into the picture after whenever it is he may drop the Cruiser belt. And it also gives Benoit plenty of meat to work on in the Iron Challenge. Good set-ups abound.

Two more weeks until Flair. Awesome. Definately interested to see if he's going to be reforming the Horsemen right away, or if that's going to wait, because Benoit hasn't been talking about it like RL showed us.

Well Gene tried to tell him it's a set-up, but Nash never was the brightest star in the galaxy. Still, Nash/Hart should be a good main event, even with the convoluted finish that we're promised by Nitro Standard.

I'm still left wondering as to if it's going to be a tag match or two singles at Slamboree, but who cares, it'll be a good match(es) anyways.

So Hennig is employing either Meng, Barbarian, or maybe Morrus to destroy Karagias. Sounds good enough.

Benoit LOSES to Norton? Wow. I didn't see that one coming at all. I mean, yeah, Booker interfered, but still, we're on Scott Norton here. Hm.

So both Guerreros are in the battle royal? That should make it more interesting. Now we've got the feuds between Chavo/Eddie and Jericho/Malenko all rolled into the one match. Combining and intertwining storylines for the win.

Glad to see that Hart is intelligent enough. I especially liked him asking "Do you know how many pairs of these I have?" Just simple yet stupid logic, but it works to a T in the situation.

Pretty much saw that ending coming, but hey, it's classic Nitro Standard to promise a huge match and then not deliver except on enough occasion that people aren't going to notice it.

When exactly is Slamboree? I'm guessing this coming week, but nobody has really said for certain and if they did then I missed it. The main event really isn't even completely set off yet (Hogan is likely to get into the title match) but it's almost bound to be a shorter card due to the Iron Challenge, so that makes me think there's at least one more Nitro to come yet. Everyone of course has no real alleigances to anyone except the black and white boys and Nash/Savage. Maybe you should work on that. Everybody is either out for their nWo or for themself, and no one seems to be picking up the slack for WCW itself. Unless Luger and Steiner are going to be considered heroes for fighting Scott, Buff, and Adams. Really, this was another "Just Another Nitro" that didn't figure out anything other than that people are here to try and do whatever they want.

[Xero Gravity]

Everyone of course has no real alleigances to anyone except the black and white boys and Nash/Savage. Maybe you should work on that. Everybody is either out for their nWo or for themself, and no one seems to be picking up the slack for WCW itself.

[Steve Corino]

Everyone of course has no real alleigances to anyone except the black and white boys and Nash/Savage. Maybe you should work on that. Everybody is either out for their nWo or for themself, and no one seems to be picking up the slack for WCW itself.

But wasn't that the way things were back then? I was by no means an avid WCW fan, but they either had their stable or themselves to look out for.

[Draevyn]

1-Let’s Start At The Hart Of Things

Before the opening of Thunder plays, there is a brief recap of the events of Nitro, as usual, with everything that happened between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Kevin Nash. The video package took the crowd through the attack at the beginning of Nitro with Savage laid out, then Elizabeth finding the Hart sunglasses. Quick transition to the Kevin Nash interview where he reveals the sunglasses, and challenges Bret Hart to a match. Logic fails the big man, despite Hart trying to get through to him later on in the night, or so it would appear. However, the main event proved different when the nWo attempted to get involved, only to have both Hart and Nash realize this, and fight together. The numbers game gets the better of them, but once again The Giant and Sting make the save. Once again things are complicated as the two men who will be battling Kevin Nash and his partner Scott Hall at Slamboree come to the rescue of the big man.

Opening Video Package-A+

2-What A Main Event We Have For You Folks!

Same old opening for Thunder, which quickly turns to the commentary booth where Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko are sitting. As usual, Schiavone hypes up Nitro calling it one of the greatest nights in WCW history, adding that he’s not sure how it can be topped, but assures the fans that they are going to try with tonight’s main event. Zbyszko chimes in that following the actions of last week, WCW commissioner, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has booked a huge tag team match tonight between Kevin Nash & Bret Hart who will take on Scott Norton & Konnan. Schiavone finishes this little hype segment by informing everyone that Roddy Piper will be here tonight for an announcement about Nitro.

Announcers Hype Main Event-B+

3-Isn’t There Supposed To Be A Match Here That’s...You Know....Good?

Someone forgot to inform the bookers that you’re supposed to start off a show with an interesting match. The only thing interesting about this match was the reappearance of Wrath who hadn’t been seen in quite awhile. He’s no longer being lead to the ring with James Vandenburg, which prompts the announcers to wonder where the two, along with Mortis have been, and where the latter two still are. Wrath’s opponent of the evening is another man who hasn’t been seen much since breaking away from the clutches of Jimmy Hart and the rest of the left over Dungeon of Doom, Meng. Meng rallies the fans with his maniacal samoan violence personality, stomping to the ring. There is a huge slugfest to start the match, with neither man gaining the advantage. Wrath attempts to get the advantage by hitting the ropes, adding more impact to his punches but they do no more than stagger the wildman.

Wrath fires off punch after punch to the big man, staggering him backwards and keeping him off guard long enough to climb to the top rope. Unfortunately his launch is a bit off and Meng drives him out of the air with a lariat. Meng grabs Wrath by his hair and throws him into the buckles before bludgeoning him with the big ham-hock rights and lefts. Meng attempts a whip out of the corner but Wrath reverses it and then follows up with a crushing clothesline in the corner. Meng staggers out and walks right into a running powerslam from Wrath. He hooks the leg and gets a two count before Meng kicks out. Wrath keeps his offense going, scooping up the Samoan monster and planting him in a tree of woe from the corner. Wrath plants a couple of shoulders into the stomach of Meng before following it up with some stomps to the head. Meng falls from the corner in a heap, but Wrath continues to stomp away at the monster.

Commentary continues to put over Wrath’s immense strength, as he pulls the Meng to his feet and backs him into the ropes. He unleashes several stinging chops but it seems to do nothing more than fire Meng up, and the monster growls before returning those chops with incredible fury. Wrath attempts another right hand but Meng blocks it and answers back with a huge headbutt. Wrath goes down holding his head, but Meng quickly hauls him back up and drags him to the corner where he hammers Wrath’s head into the buckles. Meng is fired up and he continues to slam him into the buckles until the ref gets between the two and admonishes Meng, but he doesn’t get through to the big man and Meng goes back on the attack, but Wrath fires back with a kick to the stomach of the big man and then a ddt. Wrath gets back to his feet and raises his fist in the air, going over to the ropes and sticking his tongue out at the fans. He’s fishing for a reaction, but barely gets a couple of boos from the front row. It’s enough of a distraction though, and he doesn’t see Meng getting back to his feet behind him.

Meng regains his stance behind Wrath, and waits for the man to turn around, striking a few martial arts poses while waiting. Wrath finally turns around and walks right into a Tongan Death Grip. Meng tightens his grip but Wrath manages to fight out of it with a kick to the stomach. Wrath sets the big man up with for a Meltdown. Wrath picks Meng up and gets him in position but the Samoan monster slides down his back, spins him around and once more locks on the Tongan Death Grip. This time Meng keeps it on until Wrath passes out and is flat on the canvas. Patrick checks his vitals and calls for the bell.

Meng def. Wrath-B

4-What’s The Matter? Choke On That Thought?

After a short commercial break, there’s a recap video showing the events of Nitro, and the match between Chris Benoit and Scott Norton. It shows the late stages of the match with Booker T watching and Benoit distracted by his presence. Shoot forward to the end of the match with Norton drilling Benoit into his knee with the Shoulderbreaker before picking up the victory. It doesn’t stop there as the highlighted portion of the video is that of the aftermath attack of Benoit beating down on Norton and Booker T being forced to slide in the ring. The video ends with Benoit backing out of the ring, a smirk on his face.

Video Recapping Benoit vs Norton From Nitro-B+

5- Jus’ Tell Me Was’sup Sucka!

The video smirk is soon replaced by the real thing as a backstage camera finds Chris Benoit watching the footage from the week before. He turns around and the smirk is soon replaced by a scowl when he turns around and comes face to face with his Slamboree opponent, Booker T. Benoit attempts to side step the man, but Booker is having none of it, and puts his hand on Benoit’s chest, keeping him in place. Benoit looks down at the hand, and Booker gets the point, removing his hand, but he doesn’t allow Benoit to get around him.

Booker T: So was’sup? You gotta problem wit’ me?

Booker looks completely serious, but Benoit cracks a smile, shaking his head.

Chris Benoit: You’re the one who came into my locker room, so maybe you should answer that question, Book.

Booker isn’t smirking, looking completely serious

Booker T: I ain’t the one beatin’ people with chairs. You don’t need that Chris. You’re better than that!

Once again Benoit attempts to step past Booker, and once again he’s kept from getting by.

Chris Benoit: I’ve got a match. You mind?

Booker T: As a matter’a’fac’ I do. Jus’ tell me sumthin’ Chris. Is this what I can expect? At least tell me that to ma face.

Benoit chuckles and this time he manages to actually get around Booker as he heads for the door. He touches the door knob before Booker says something else.

Booker T: Ya didn’t give me an answer.

Benoit turns back to face Booker, opening the door as he does this.

Chris Benoit: Then I guess you don’t get one.

Benoit walks out, leaving Booker T with his own thoughts, disturbed by his lack of answers. The commentary team wonders what has gotten into Benoit, saying he’s changed in recent weeks and they don’t know what to make of it.

Booker T and Chris Benoit Come Face To Face-B+

6-Unleashing The Rabid Wolverine

Despite it being only the second match of the evening, it’s another match in which there is a return to WCW after a brief absence, this time in the form of Japan’s Yuji Nagata who is accompanied to the ring by Sonny Ono. Nagata looks in better shape than the last time he was in WCW, but his opponent is also pretty much in the best shape of his life as well. Chris Benoit comes to the ring completely focused, and his anger is quickly put to good use. Nagata wanders in and gets lit up with some chops early on before Benoit shoots him into the ropes and delivers a hooking clothesline. Nagata struggles to his feet where Benoit hooks him and delivers a crisp snap suplex, floating over and landing on top of the Japanese sensation in a mounted position. He fires off punches, most of which Nagata manages to deflect, and he turns Benoit over, hooking on a cross armbreaker. Benoit is surprised by this but he manages to hold his composure and work himself up to his feet. He strains his body completely pulling Nagata up with both arms and then driving him into the mat, powerbomb style.

Benoit is completely on fire, pulling Nagata to his feet and shooting him into the ropes before delivering a dropkick that sends him outside the ring. Ono rushes to the side of his protégé, but he quickly moves out of the way as Benoit barrels out of the ring and picks Nagata up before tossing him into the steel steps. Nagata’s body makes a loud thud against the hard steel but Benoit isn’t done. He pulls Nagata to his feet and rolls him back into the ring, heading up top. Benoit goes for his Diving Headbutt but Nagata manages to roll out of the way, making Benoit taste the canvas. Nagata gets to his feet, holding his shoulder but he manages to pull Benoit up and hit a butterfly suplex, landing on top for a two count. Nagata is in control here as he pulls Benoit to his feet and tosses him into the corner. He lines up and goes for a huge kick in the corner but Benoit gets out of the way, hooks him up and delivers a huge german suplex. Benoit quickly transitions it into a Crossface for the submission win.

A quick split screen shows Booker T watching from the back as Benoit rolls out of the ring and starts to head backstage. Sonny Ono gets in the ring to check on his client, and he doesn’t see Benoit heading back towards the ring. Benoit grabs a steel chair from one of the fans, and rolls into the ring. Ono turns around at the wrong time and takes a chair shot right to the skull. Nagata struggles to his feet but he takes a chair to the back as well. With both men down, Benoit tosses the chair onto the two bodies and rolls out of the ring. Once again the camera shows the split screen and Booker T is cursing at the screen as it fades to a commercial.

Chris Benoit def. Yuji Nagata-A

7- Let The Bag Pipes Fly

Back from commercial and the fans are cheering loud, almost drowning out the snare drum and bagpipes ringing out through the speakers. ”Rowdy” Roddy Piper steps through the curtain with a huge grin on his face, decked out in a leather jacket and the red and black pleated kilt. He slaps hands with the fans on his way to the ring while commentary puts over the announcement Piper has got tonight, which usually means it’s not going to live up to the hype. Piper walks up the steps, all business-like, and steps through the ropes with the fans still cheering him on. He grabs the microphone and prepares his big announcement.

Roddy Piper: Ya know, last time I was in Canada, six guys tried to look up my kilt. It was crazy. Crazy times in Canada. But that’s not even the craziest part. The craziest part is, I get back to WCW and what do I find? I find the nWo split into factions. I find Hogan fighting Savage. I find Bret Hart getting involved in everyones business. We’ve got Scott Hall showing up drunk in a place he wasn’t supposed to be in the first place. It’s insane.

Zbyszko makes a quip while wondering how Piper can call anything insane, but Schiavone makes a case that Piper is the leading example of insane.

Roddy Piper: With so much Hogan being paraded around, his orange skin is beginning to give me color blindness. But, unfortunately, Hogan is one man who is involved in my announcement. You see, as much as I don’t like the man, I just got off the phone with Randy Savage, who assures me that he’ll be at Nitro, and he wants one man in the ring, and is willing to put the WCW World Heavyweight Title on the line, against Hollywood Hogan. Now, seeing as it’s less than a week before Savage will defend the title against both Hollywood Hogan and Bret Hart, I decided to do the crazy thing. That’s right. Me. Crazy. Who woulda thunk it?

That gets a laugh from the crowd and another loud cheer.

Roddy Piper: So next week, on Monday Nitro, “Macho Man” Randy Savage will defend his World Heavyweight Title against “Hollywood” Hogan.

The fans boo this, not wanting Hogan to get a title match, but their boos turn to cheers with the next announcement.

Roddy Piper: Not only that, but there will be a special referee, in the form of...

Dramatic pause.

Roddy Piper: Bret “The Hitman” Hart!

With that being the end of the announcement, he simply hands the mic back to the ring announcer and raises his hand, waving to the fans as he makes his exit. Commentary hypes the Nitro main event, giving Piper time to get through the curtain before the next match begins.

Roddy Piper Announces Nitro Main Event-A+

8-You Might Get This If You Win The Battle Royal

As soon as Piper heads backstage, Chavo Guerrero heads towards the ring with Eddie Guerrero at his side, berating him the entire way to the ring. His opponent for the evening is the Cruiserweight Champion, and resident cocky heel of the cruiserweight division, Chris Jericho. Schiavone makes sure to let the crowd know that this is not a title match, and that Chavo would have to earn his shot just like the rest of the cruiserweights in the battle royal at Slamboree. They start the match off with a quick collar and elbow until Jericho shoves Chavo away causing him to roll backwards. Jericho poses with a cocky grin, flexing his muscles Hogan style and yelling “YEAH BABY” at Chavo. On the outside, Eddie continues to yell at Chavo, telling him to get in there and take Jericho down. Chavo isn’t listening, choosing to lock up with Jericho once more, but this time he does get the edge with a quick arm drag. Jericho is surprised at this but his smirk remains.

They lock up for a third time, and this time it’s Jericho who takes the advantage with a quick rake to the eyes. Chavo reels from this attack and heads towards the corner, where Jericho helps him out by shoving him into them. He opens up with a couple of right hands and then an irish whip that sends Chavo into the corner. Jericho charges in but Chavo quickly slides underneath Jericho’s legs and gets back to his feet, grabbing the champion for a bulldog, using the buckles to springboard off, spins Jericho around and drives him into the mat to complete the move. Chavo covers but only gets a two count, which leads Eddie to yell that he should have put his feet on the ropes. Chavo argues with Eddie, telling him he won’t win that way. Chavo continues his offence with a couple of suplexes and a second rope legdrop that gets him a two count, but his argument with Eddie gets him into trouble as Jericho sneaks up from behind and low blows Guerrero.

Jericho begins to pick apart the younger Guerrero, shooting him into the ropes and delivering a dropkick, followed by a Lionsault which gets him a two count. Jericho continues to pick away at Chavo, delivering a tiger suplex that gets him another two count before going for the Lion Tamer. Chavo struggles, trying to keep himself from being turned over, and manages to grab the bottom rope. Nick Patrick forces Jericho to break the hold and while he’s cautioning Jericho, Chavo rolls out of the ring and takes an earful from his uncle. The two men argue, and Jericho takes his chance for a baseball slide but Chavo avoids it and Jericho hits Eddie instead. The champion doesn’t seem to care who it was he hit, but he does care when Chavo begins hitting him with knife edge chops and open handed slaps to the chest. Chavo grabs Jericho and bounces his head off the apron but Jericho fired back with a right hand. The two men brawled around the ring until they got to the ramp where Guerrero hooked Jericho and prepared him for a suplex. Jericho fought out of it with knees to the stomach before switching positions and suplexing Chavo on the ramp.

Jericho mocks the fans in the front row, grabbing a sign that features Dean Malenko prominently and tears it in half, throws it on the ground and spits on it for good measure. He grabs Chavo and drags him up from the floor, pulling him towards the ring where he rolls him under the bottom rope. Jericho gets on the apron and slingshots himself over the top, looking for a legdrop but Chavo moves out of the way. Chavo gathers his second wind together and drives Jericho into the corner, setting him up on the top rope for something but Jericho shoves him off. Unfortunately for Jericho, Chavo dropkicks him as he leaps off the buckles and knocks him out of the ring. Chavo is fired up, but Jericho seems like he’s had enough as he backs up the ramp on his butt before getting up and backtracking the rest of the way. Chavo stands in the ring, trying to draw Jericho back to the ring but seeing as he has nothing to lose, Jericho is intent to simply walk away and allow Chavo the count out victory. Chavo is upset, and he kicks the ropes, while Schiavone mentions that he doesn’t understand why Chavo was upset, he won the match and it wasn’t for the title anyway, but Eddie seems amused with the fired up attitude of Chavo, figuring that he’s finally gotten to his nephew.

Non-Title Match: Chavo Guerrero Jr. def. Chris Jericho©-A

9- This Is Your Chance! Grab It!

After a commercial break, the show comes back in a different fashion then we’re used to with another match following the previous encounter. Evan Karagais is already in the ring decked out in a pair of loose fitting neon green pants and no shirt. Curt Hennig and Rick Rude join the commentary team for this match. Hennig assures Schiavone that he was fair and picked an opponent of Karagais’s caliber for this match, which Schiavone wasn’t buying, with good reason as Jimmy Hart lead The Barbarian to the ring for the match-up. Karagais looks like he’s just pissed himself as the huge monster of a man stalks his way to the ring. Schiavone calls Hennig crooked while Hennig reminds him that the kid asked for this, and calls for the time clock to begin. A huge 10:00 minute clock appears on the big screen, and as the bell rings, it begins counting down.

Barbarian lunges for Karagais, but despite the kids lack of experience he does know to get the hell out of the way and he ducks under the big man, hitting him with a dropkick that actually manages to stagger the big man. Evan continues, firing off punches to the midsection and head of the big Barbarian which seem to do little damage except piss the big man off who nearly knocks the youngsters head off with a big clothesline. Barbarian tosses Karagais into the corner and hammers away on him while Hennig declares that Karagais doesn’t deserve to be in the ring. (“Look at him, Tony. He should be out there dancing with the Backstreet Boys or something.”) Barbarian shoots Karagais into the corner but Karagais uses the buckles as a ladder, climbs up them and delivers a twisting senton to his standing opponent, knocking him down. He hooks the leg but the angry Barbarian kicks out at one.

Both men get back to their feet and Karagais keeps the big man off guard with a dropkick that sends him sprawling backwards into the corner. Evan is quickly on the buckles driving down punches into the open face of the big man, but Barbarian grabs him by the chest and shoves him off. Evan lands on his feet and quickly bounds back up the ropes throwing punches once more. Evan turns his head to look at the clock which reads 9: 32 and Hennig makes a point to say it’s just about over for Evan. Taking time to look at the clock leaves Evan open to be thrown off once more, and this time when he charges back in Barbarian gets a foot into the young man’s face. Evan staggers around until he turns, right into a Kick Of Fear right to the face. Barbarian hooks the leg and scores the win with the clock stopping at 9: 59. Hennig declares that he told everyone, and there was nothing left here. Karagais was defeated, and when he wakes up, he can’t believe it. He looks quite depressed as he rolls from the ring and the show goes to commercial.

The Barbarian def. Evan Karagais-B

10-Looks Like You Couldn’t Cut It, Kid!

Backstage following the commercial break and Evan Karagais is in the infirmary getting his head checked after the big kick from Barbarian before the commercial. The doctor is using the light to check his pupils and make sure they’re not dilated more than usual. He finishes up his exam and allows Karagais to get off the table just as Curt Hennig and Rick Rude walk into the picture.

Curt Hennig: Sorry to see what happened out there kid, looks like you just weren’t cut out for this business.

Even through the pain, the glint of anger was in Karagais’s eyes but he doesn’t say anything, simply staring at Hennig.

Curt Hennig: It’s okay though. Tell you what, I’ll sign your autograph, give ya a couple bucks and send you home where you belong. Get a real job kid, and for the love of god, give yourself time to grow up.

While it seems like good advice, Hennig’s mocking tone makes it anything but, and Karagais can see through the facade.

Evan Karagais: Do you think I buy this crap?

Hennig appears offended, and Rude is about to step forward and knock Karagais’s head off, but Hennig stops him.

Curt Hennig: Look, I know you’re just a kid, but throwing a tantrum isn’t going to work. Now we made a deal, and you lost. Now hurry on, like a good little boy.

Hennig and Rude laugh to themselves as they walk off, leaving Evan to stew in his own juices, staring after them.

Curt Hennig Bids Evan Karagais Farewell-B+

11- Heating Up Tag Team Scene

Using more hype for Slamboree, the minds of WCW have paired up two teams in who will be competing at the pay-per-view. Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart have had their problems in recent week with another veteran team in The Great Muta and Masahiro Chono, while Raven and Saturn have been goading both “Diamond” Dallas Page and Goldberg into a fight, which will come at Slamboree when the two men team up to battle Saturn and Raven inside a Bowery Death Match. Both teams have a lot to lose in this contest, and their unwillingness to do so shows through as the two immediately exchange punches early on, but Saturn nearly throws Neidhart out of his boots with a T-Bone Suplex. Raven attempts a DDT early in the match but Davey Boy manages to shove him off and then clotheslines him out of the ring. He turns around and Saturn attempts another T-Bone, but this time Davey Boy drives him into the mat with a forearm to the back of the head. Saturn and Smith become the legal men by process of elimination, and they go to work.

Smith pulls Saturn up and delivers a pendulum backbreaker before pushing him off and covering for a quick one count. Both men get back to their feet and Davey Boy slugs Saturn back into the ropes before shooting him into the other side and connecting with a weak looking clothesline. Bulldog continues the pressure in the corner with punches and stomps until Saturn counters with a thumb to the eye and a stun gun like maneuver on the top turnbuckle, following it up with a twisting back suplex, driving Davey Boy hard into the canvas. Saturn goes up top and delivers a nice looking flying elbow before tagging out to Raven. Raven’s work inside the ring is slow and methodical, but it does the trick as he picks Smith up and delivers a running knee strike to the side of the head. Davey Boy goes down to one knee before Raven follows up with a spinning neckbreaker for another two count.

Raven and Saturn continue to dominate, making quick tags in and out while keeping Davey Boy in their corner. Raven brings a chair into the ring which is quickly grabbed by the referee, but Raven takes this chance to low-blow Davey Boy and connects with a russian legsweep for another two count. Raven seems a bit upset with not being able to get the pinfall, so much so that he almost forgets about Davey Boy who is halfway to his corner. Raven tags in Saturn who cuts off the strong man with an elbow to the back of the head just as he’s about to make the tag. Saturn pulls Davey Boy up and delivers an exploder suplex for a two count, and then an irish whip to the corner where he follows up with a clothesline. Saturn doesn’t stop there, picking Davey Boy up and setting him on the top rope. He climbs up as well and prepares for a hurricanrana, but Smith shoves him off. Saturn crashes into the mat and Smith gets off the buckles, using the ropes to hold himself up, he manages to make the lukewarm tag to Neidhart.

Clothesline for Saturn. One for Raven. Backdrop for Saturn. Scoop slam for Raven. Neidhart tries to get the crowd into it, but they’re not really paying much attention to him as they see The Rising Sons heading towards the ring. Neidhart was setting Saturn up for something, but Muta got on the apron and distracted referee Mark Johnson long enough for Chono to slide into the ring and deliver a Yakuza Kick on Neidhart. The Anvil goes down and Saturn quickly locks on the Rings Of Saturn just as the referee turns around. He checks on Neidhart who’s unconscious before ringing the bell. The Rising Sons back pedal, leaving Raven and Saturn to celebrate their win.

Raven & Saturn def. Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart-A

12-Wait; They’ve Forgotten About Us?

With the way the shows have been going in recent weeks, it seemed that people were beginning to forget about the team of The Giant and Sting who would be challenging for the tag team titles at Slamboree. In order to re-instill the memories of this feud, Thunder was used for a little interview/hype video to remind fans of their mission. The video package opens up with a video of Kevin Nash getting involved in the title match between Sting and The Macho Man, which leads to Nash powerbombing Sting.

Sting: If you wanted a shot Nash, all you had to do is ask, but now you’ve gone and done the dumbest thing you possibly could have done. Now you’ve made “The Stinger” mad.

Another clips shows The Giant running through competition like a hot knife through butter, chokeslamming opponent after opponent, with a couple of shots focusing on Kevin Nash.

Sting: So I went out and found me the biggest, meanest, most fearsome man in this company, and I asked him to stand by my side in handing out justice.

Still shots of The Giant and Sting standing face to face, and then they turn towards the camera with grins on their faces.

Sting: People have gotten a misconception, simply because I’ve been watching the back of Kevin Nash, but rest assured, The Stinger hasn’t changed his colors, but he doesn’t want someone else doing his job for him. Kevin, you get yourself into trouble, but I want you to focus. I need your attention. I want you to....

Quick rapid fire video shots until it finally goes to a live shot of Sting and The Giant standing in a studio. The Giant is standing behind Sting, looking over his shoulder but both men are staring into camera. Sting chuckles with his final words.

Sting: Wait for it!

Sting chuckles, but The Giant breaks out into a gutteral laugh, throwing his head back and bellowing with laughter. It ends with them laughing, before a bright golden announcement appears against a black screen reminding everyone that Sting & The Giant vs The Outsiders live on pay-per-view in a little over one week.

Sting & Giant Hype Video-A+

13- Payback’s Always A Bitch!

Everything was done, and it was time for the heavily hyped(yeah, right) main event of the evening, which had been brought upon by the actions at the end of Nitro from the previous week. Scott Norton and Konnan made their way to the ring using the original nWo music. Konnan, as always grabbed his balls the entire way to the ring, while Norton simply stared, intense as always. Both men rolled into the ring as the rap remix of The Wolfpac hits, bringing Kevin Nash into the aisle. Most people figured Bret Hart would appear too but he waited for the rap nWo theme to fade out before finally arriving to his own heavy rock theme. Despite not coming out together, the two men do walk side by side down the aisle and to the ring. Konnan starts off quickly with a baseball slide that drives Hart into the mat. Nash gets on the apron and gets one foot over the top before Norton begins rocking him with heavy haymaker punches. Nash only slightly sells, getting fully into the ring where he takes a whip from Norton and gets run over with Norton acting as a massive freight train.

Norton continues his flurry, picking Nash up and throwing him into the corner before unloading with more heavy rights and lefts. He goes for another whip but Nash reverses it and sends Norton into the corner. He waits for Scott to stagger out of the corner before scooping him up onto his shoulders and dropping him across the buckles with the Snake Eyes. Konnan low blows Hart on the outside and rolls into the ring, but he takes a big boot to the face from Nash. Big Sexy grabs Konnan and sets him up for the Jacknife, but Norton comes from behind with a chopblock to the back of the knee. Konnan, despite not being the legal man, remains in the ring to work over Nash’s knee as the referee finally regains composure, getting Norton to the apron as Hart also takes his place on the apron.

What follows is a five minute display of what Konnan could do, which really could have been compacted to about a minute and a half, but instead Konnan works over the knee for a good long time, allowing Nash to get up just long enough for the fans to see that he can barely stand, before pie-facing Konnan back into his corner. This allows Norton to come in, and just before Nash makes the tag Norton suplexes him backwards, driving him into the canvas. Norton, being the big power wrestler, stomps away at Nash before picking him up into bodyslam position and walking around with him. Schiavone puts over Nortons incredible strength before the big man drives Nash down hard, hooks the legs and scores a two count. Norton tags back out to Konnan who seems quite enthusiastic over being able to pound away at Nash. Konnan goes back to working the knee, which is hyped up again as a set up to the Tequila Sunrise.

Konnan stops in the middle of working the knee to irritate Hart, which serves the purpose of bringing him into the ring and forcing the referee to get him back out, which in turn gives Konnan a chance to spread Nash’s leg and plant a foot into the balls of the big man. Konnan pulls Nash up and shoves him into his corner before turning and once again instigating something with Hart. Hart attempts to come into the ring as Norton stretches Nash out and smashes a forearm across the big man’s throat, but Nash no-sells it, turns around and punches Norton off the apron. Konnan notices this and turns around, charging in but Nash picks him up and plants him with a side slam. Nash rolls to his corner and makes the tag, finally bringing Hart in legally. Konnan gets back to his feet and walks right into an inverted atomic drop, followed by a dropkick that sends him out of the ring. Norton rushes in and Bret takes him down with a double leg, and then prepares the Sharpshooter with Norton attempting to beg it off. Konnan arrives back in the ring, breaking up the submission attempt with a Rolling Clothesline.

There is complete carnage as the match breaks down and all four men are in the ring. He’s completely lost control of who’s legal and who isn’t, which doesn’t seem to matter to him as Hart traps Konnan in the Sharpshooter, just as Nash kicks Norton in the gut and drives him into the mat with a Jacknife Powerbomb. Nash hooks the leg, and the ref makes the three count, awarding the main event to Nash and Hart, who finish the show celebrating with the crowd while the announce team hypes Nitro, and the big main event scheduled.

Kevin Nash & Bret Hart def. Konnan & Scott Norton-A

Show Rating: A

-While there hasn’t been a lot of backstage news over recent weeks in WCW, it’s not to say they haven’t been busy. WCW has been in talks with the recently released Jay Reso and his fellow Canadian Andrew Martin. There has been talk of bringing in Reso and Martin as a tandem, with Reso playing a rich movie star, using Martin as the bodyguard. Another idea has been using Reso in the tentative WWF position, as a gothic cruiserweight. Plans are still tentative as neither men have been signed as of this writing.

-There are quite a few people upset backstage at not being used as much as they were previous. Guys like Glacier and Ernest Miller who were set to receive a huge push are now getting quite irritated over their misuse, however, creative has stated that they have no plan for them at this time. Miller is more than likely ready to ask for his release and go back to teaching Karate class, while Glacier seems content to stick around, hoping that somewhere down the line plans arise that he may fit into.

-Randy Savage has been quite upset over the booking of his recent angle, feeling that even as champion, he has come out on the short end of things. There have been several meetings with Savage in the last couple weeks, but Savage is still a bit upset.

-Also on the WCW news circuit, they have been working on keeping their grip on the Japanese market, hiring veterans Jado and Gedo to contracts.

[Xero Gravity]

Typically, with my disappearance I didn't even know you'd finished this yet. Still, I'm caught up now so all is well. ^_^

It's been said a lot so far, but it's good to see you're keeping up with WCW's penchant for giving away big matches on free TV. While Nash/Hart Vs. Norton/Konnan isn't huge, it is a pretty hefty match for Thunder. Hogan/Savage for the title however is exactly the kind of thing that would kill the buzz of a ppv match shortly afterwards. I'm hoping Hogan Vs. Savage is an indicator of Hart walking out of Slamboree with the belt.

I'm really liking this little angle with Eddie trying to corrupt Chavo into becoming just like him. Either way you decide to go with it could result in something interesting. I'm kinda leaning towards him sucumbing to the pressure, as a Guerrero heel team could be a nice addition to the tag scene.

You know how I feel about Karagias (odd as it may be), so I was kinda disappointed to see him lose out on his chance. Still, it was only by one second so it's not like he was completely destroyed. The segment following it shows hope that he's not done yet, and will keep at it like an unkillable cockroach until Hennig gives in.

The Sting/Giant segment added a little more prior to the tag team match, and I'm actually looking forwards to it more than I was. I like all four guys, and seeing as it's '98 it could result in a fairly good match if all four bring their A game.

Much goodness in the news this week, as signing Christian and Test seems like a formality. I do like the idea of them coming in as a tandem, as both play the roles you mentioned very well. However I really enjoyed Christian's Brood stuff, so him reprising that role (maybe even with Test involved) would be my favourite choice. You get extra points for signing Gedo and Jado too, because they rock (Y)

[Steve Corino]

Nash and Bret now teaming on Thunder? Alright, they get to kill Norton and Konnan. That's good.

Meng beats Wrath? Is this a push for Meng or something? Can't say I'm fond of that notion. I'd have much rather seen Wrath go over here and start on a Goldbergian spree like he would have gotten IRL.

Ha. Benoit acting heelish is so cool. I can totally feel a Willis vibe coming off that last part. "I guess you don't get one." Badass.

Ohhhh, Yuji is so screwed here. The match sounds like a mostly shoot-style affair, but Benoit ends up with the victory. Sweet.

LOL goes out to Piper. The part about guys looking up his kilt just came so far out of nowhere at the beginning that it was just perfect for Roddy. The best thing about Bret being the referee for the title match is that it harks back to Starrcade, where he wasn't going to screw anyone over because he knew how it was. Nice touches abound.

Chavo beating Jericho is a bit of a surprise, but he didn't get the belt, so that's alright. I still say Slamboree should be pretty much a word-for-word of what the real show gave us on the battle royal, but that's because it was one of the sole winning points of that show. You have more winning points with Benoit/Booker, but damned if Jericho can't still be the highlight of the show.

The Hennig comment of how Karagias should be with the Backstreet Boys is a nice touch. I'd rather see Hennig getting a solid push of his own, without someone hanging around him (other than Rude, of course), but him being a total dick to Evan is cool, so that's alright. But I see this probably leading to a match at Slamboree, which doesn't hurt so long as the right man goes over.

So I can totally see the screwy ending coming to the tag match right at the beginning. This is going to be a clusterfuck in due time. Hm, no Goldberg or Page to make the save? Strange. Raven and Saturn going over is good though, because they have the higher profile match at Slamboree.

I really liked that video for Sting and Giant. Good job with seeming to catch onto what I was trying to say earlier about people not claiming alleigance to WCW itself, because this shows that Sting and Giant are a unit trying to take something from the nWo, no matter what color the members are wearing.

And then Bret and Nash kill Konnan and Norton. As it should be.

A good show, I thought. Benoit being a total badass and Hennig being a total dick just makes it.

Now that it's mentioned, Savage has been kind of getting the short end of the feud stick. Attention is being paid closer to who is getting the title match rather than who has the title. Seeing Christian as a movie star with Test as his bodyguard would kick ass, but given how you've just named that off as a possibility means that we're likely not to see it. Miller and Glacier are casualties that can easily be taken care of. Job them to Bobby Eaton and send them on their way. No harm, no foul.

[TGC]

Nitro. I'm late but I'm here. Shall we?

-So Liz decides that it's more important to go yell at someone than to ride to the hospital with Randy huh? Okay.

-I love Curt Hennig, even if he is totally wasted in WCW. I was/am/always will be a true blue Perfect mark. As for Glacier, well, yeah, not so much.

-You write a great WCW cocky as all hell Jericho. Just absolutely brilliant. Your Gene is also quite well done. As for the Cruiser Title, if it is ANYONE BUT Malenko I will be sorely disappointed. Just saying.

-Evan Karagias? He is going to beat Hennig on Thunder? Oh no. Please god no.

-Yay The Rising Sons name. TGC has power and influence. The Former Hart Foundation vs. TRS should be a truly great PPV match, and a great spectacle to behold. I fully expect this to show the future of the Tag Team Division, which really needs some serious help in WCW at this time. In fact, pretty much from the moment The Outsiders won the belts this division was horrid until about mid 99. Fix it now and quickly. Finally, a great singles match. I would suspect that a few years prior Davey and Chono would have truly put on a great match, but even at this time it still would have been great to see.

-Excellent TV Title Match. Just bloody awesome. I actually like the time limit draw, as it protects both champions, and gives us a rematch someday to look forward to. Jericho is above the Cruiser Title, as is Malenko though but he needs to return and get his comeuppance on Jericho, and eventually moving both men to the TV Title Division and then eventually all four to the US Title Division would be a perfect way to elevate them and shatter that damned glass ceiling WCW had.

-I am so looking forward to Flair's return in two weeks. Oh hell yes I am.

-I almost spat my coffee out when Nash mentioned giving Bret another A+ Classic. A+ Classic Big Sexy Kevin Nash has a good ring to it, huh?

-Weren't all matches featuring Raven and his Flock under Raven's Rules, or ECW Rules? Or was it just Raven's matches? I seem to think it was all Flock members too. Maybe I'm wrong. Still, a good match, and it nicely sets up the Tag Match these four are going to have.

-I'd love for Raven to be the one to end Goldberg's streak, but it simply can't happen. He was selling merchandise, selling tickets, and his eventual meeting with Hogan was the biggest draw WCW had at this point. As much as I'd LOVE to see you alter history, unless you want to kill him dead in the water, Goldberg simply can't lose until he at least faces Hogan one on one once. And preferably not on free TV, but at a major PPV like Starrcade or something.

-Rude needs to talk! As for paying Jimmy Hart to hurt Evan, sadly this will fail.

-I always liked Scott "Flash" Norton, and as I may have said elsewhere, he was a true talent that could have been something big for WCW. He could have been a major player. They never did it, and I think they failed in this respect, but oh well. Here it's too late to salvage him, but at least he had a good match with Benoit. Yeah, he might have won, but he did so because of Booker. It did nothing to elevate him, and I'd say the ending where he got laid out and had to be saved by Booker might have actually hurt him. Now I know he's not the focus here, and in fact was merely playing a role to advance the feud, but this is what WCW always did wrong. They never properly elevated anyone. Why not take a chanve on someone?

-I love Bret Hart. Please keep him face. He only ever worked as a heel in the early days of The Hart Foundation Tag Team and then again in WWF as the leader of the anti USA Hart Foundation stable. He never worked as a heel in WCW. Just keep that in mind.

-Yes, another brawl. Weeeee.

All in all a good show. Some great undercard and midcard stuff, some decent ME stuff, and some really really good promos from some of the best. I approve.

Overall Grade A-

[TGC]

ZOMG Thunder too? Wow I really am far behind. Again, shall we?

-I feel the need to weigh in on this WCW vs. nWo's thing. I hated the multiple nWo's when they started until the day they finished. It was a weak and sad attempt to keep a storyline fresh that should have come to an end already by this point. It's no different here. nWo B&W is so weak it's not even funny. Hogan and a bunch of nobody midcarders? Yawn. I really do hope that one of your goals with this diary is to either do away with the nWo altogether or at least streamline it into a cohesive unit and strong stable once more. Long before this point the nWo had failed in their plans to take over WCW, and it really made them just another stable. The failure of the nWo gimmick was set in stone from day one because unless they won and changed the name of the company to the nWo, they had to come to a final end at some point. Sadly, WCW never did this. They drug it out for years and then just allowed it to fizzle away. Once and for all and finally you need to put an end to the nWo in one way or another.

-Okay enough of that.

-Nash and Hart vs. Norton and Konnan? Gee, I WONDER who wins this one?

-I actually liked Wrath, just not the Blood Runs Cold gimmick. That said, I don't much care for Meng, and this match wasn't good at all. Okay, I lied, I skimmed it because I had no interest. There. Are you happy now?

-Good match between Nagata and Benoit. But wasn't Sonny suing WCW at this point?

-So we get Hogan vs. Savage at Nitro huh? With Hart as the Special Ref? Well, that won't end with shenanagins will it?

-Chavo Jr. and Jericho was brilliant. I loved it so much i actually read it twice. Makes up for skimming the opener.

-Unlike XG I hate Evan. So i was happy he lost. Sadly, he lost at 9:59, meaning this isn't over. That said, going ten minutes with The Barbarian on the B-Show should almost guarantee the kid a future in WCW without Hennig's help, shouldn't it? Ooops, I broke kayfabe.

-Another really good match on Thunder in the Tag Match. I liked it all, liked how the faces lost, and likes how it advanced their feud. I really am looking forward to both of these Tag Matches in just over a week at the PPV.

-The ME was what it was. Not atrocious, but not good. Too long and drawn out for who was involved though. This was obvious by it only being an A match and not A+. Heh.

Overall Grade B

[Guest Reaperstang]

This is an idea I have been thinking about doing myself except I want to bring Owen into WCW with Bret, Jim, and Bulldog.

For your diary I think you should lead up to nWo vs nWo with losers being put back into WCW. Hogan could turn on his faction leaving all the black and white guys alone. Hogan could then join up with the red and black. They could then be the only nWo wearing black and white. I hate the red and black nWo.

Bret Hart should continue as a face and be the one to end Goldbergs streak. Lance Storm should come in and join up with Hart and form the new Hart Foundation with Bulldog and Neidhart. Those 4 together would be good. Y2J could join them as well. Maybe instead of Neidhart and Bulldog they could have Benoit, and Jericho.

Is Ric Flair going to bring back the 4 Horseman? That would be cool. Also I love the Hennig and Rude segments. I hate Evan so get rid of him.

[Draevyn]

~Convocations Center, Athens, Ohio~

There is huge hype for the opening of the show with Schiavone, of course, calling this a night which could be the greatest night in Nitro history. They take their time to discuss the fact that Slamboree is less than a week away, and the card is definitely packed full of action. Schiavone makes sure to remind fans that not only is Slamboree chalked full, but so is tongiht’s Nitro. Of course you wouldn’t know it from their opening match.

Bobby Eaton vs Billy Kidman

If Kidman were a bit older, and this match had happened about five years ago, it may have been an incredlble match, but this was a few years too late. Before either man even fully got to the ring, the fans realized exactly what type of match this was, and it didn’t set well with them. Kidman opened up from the early go, but it seemed to be a bit too much for Eaton and he was forced to slow his game down. With the change of pace, Eaton was able to get some offence in by dropping Kidman throat first across the top rope with a “Hot Shot.” Kidman seems uncomfortable in the ring with Eaton, but the veteran runs with it, keeping Kidman grounded, right up until he goes for a clothesline and gets dropped with a “Rydeen Bomb.” That’s how quickly the momentum can change, which only leaves Kidman to head up top and finish Eaton off with his ”Seven Year Itch” The fans were completely silent through this match. ©

Lion’s Heart With A Kings Ego!

After hyping the fact that in time Kidman could be a big star, Schiavone throws the show backstage where Gene Okerlund is standing by with the Cruiserweight Champion, Chris Jericho. Jericho has removed the title from around his waist and is holding it up, right in front of Okerlund’s face. He is carefully shining it with a small white cloth.

Chris Jericho: Go ahead, Porch Monkey!

Okerlund attempts to side-step Jericho and get his face into the shot but no matter where he moves, Jericho makes sure the belt is blocking the way. After a few seconds of this, Okerlund gives up and simply asks his question.

Gene Okerlund: Chris Jericho, we are less than a week away from Slamboree and your big title defense against one of the winners of the Battle Royal. What are your thoughts?

Jericho stops shining in mid pass and slowly lowers the belt just below Okerlund’s eyes so that the announcer can see Jericho raise his eyebrow and looks at him incredulously before slowly raising the belt back to it’s original position. Okerlund keeps trying to raise to his toes and look over the belt but Jericho simply moves it higher and lower. He turns to the camera and points at Gene while mouthing the words “This guy’s an idiot”, clears his throat and goes back to the interview.

Chris Jericho: You’ve had a whole week to come up with some good, brain scratching questions, and this is all you can come up with? Asking me the same question you’ve been asking since this Battle Royal was put into place? I’m going to feel the same way I do now. Ten pounds heavier thanks to this gold belt that I’m carrying around. It doesn’t matter who’s in the battle royal, or who wins it, because nobody can beat “The Sexay Beast” Chris Jericho!

Gene Okerlund: What about Chavo Guerrero Jr.?

Jericho’s demeanor changes for a split second for joy to anger, but he quickly wipes that off and smirks at Okerlund.

Chris Jericho: What about him Gene-O?

Jericho finally takes the belt down and tosses it over his shoulder, tapping the nameplate to make sure everyone realizes that he’s the champion, not anyone else.

Gene Okerlund: Well, he did beat you last we–

The anger is back on Jericho’s face, and he quickly snatches the microphone away from Gene.

Chris Jericho: Let’s get it straight right off the bat, Chiquita Guerrero couldn’t beat me on his best day. Not even if I had six broken toes and a missing ear. As a matter of fact, I was talking to his cousin Jalapeno Guerrero and he told me that Junior there used to wet the bed until he was 16, and wore a diaper till he was 18. Trust me, do you think I’m scared of a man who may wear a diaper? He kind of reminds me of Stinko Malenko both in the wearing of the diaper, and the fact that neither, in their wildest dreams could they ever come close to these skills.

Jericho flexes one arm and points to his bicep while smirking at the camera.

Gene Okerlund: Well, what about the rest of the men in that match? Guys like Billy Kidman and Juventud Guerrera?

Chris Jericho: Who?

Gene Okerlund: Juven–

Chris Jericho: Look Gene, it doesn’t matter. I’ve beaten them all, I’ll beat them all, and then I’ll party like I’ve never partied before! The Ayatollah Of Rock N Rolla rides again!

Jericho rubs his abs, taps the nameplate on the belt once more and then walks off, smiling. Okerlund shakes his head.

Gene Okerlund: Chris Jericho has a lot of confidence, warranted or not. Tony, Mike, Bobby, back to you.

The camera goes back to the announce table where they hype Jericho’s title defense tonight against Hector Garza. (B)

Commercial Break

The Build To Slamboree: Iron Challenge

One Hour Of Gruelling Competition

Several video shots of Chris Benoit and Booker T, both exhausted, are shown on the video screen, with them both breathing hard, and barely able to stand. Benoit wipes the sweat from his brow before staring firmly into the camera.

Glory And Honor On The Line

Transitioning from the exhaustion videos to those of both men raising their hands in celebration, with Booker T holding the Televison Title Most of Chris Benoit’s celebration shots show him flashing four fingers, and that well known snarl.

One Man Holds It

Quick flashes of the Television Title from different angles, and then the close up of Booker T holding it for the camera.

Another Man Craves It

From there we’ve got several small clips of the different matches in which Benoit has challenged Booker for the title, and come up short on each one.

What Will It Take.....How Far Will They Go?

The final shots are those of Chris Benoit using the steel chair on his opponents over the last couple of weeks. The video fades out on the stare-down between Booker and Benoit backstage.

Slamboree (A)

WCW Television Title Match: Booker T© vs Scott Steiner (w/Vincent)

When the video finishes, Booker T’s music has already began playing, and the champion makes his way out to quite a bit of fanfare. Commentary hypes this as Booker’s biggest challenge yet, before quickly back-tracking and adding in “Before Slamboree” to keep themselves looking good. Scott Steiner flexes all the way to the ring with Vincent ahead of him, picking at the fans and drawing massive heel heat. The two men go face to face from the very beginning, which leads to Steiner pie-facing Booker as a way to punk him out. At first Booker takes it in stride, coming back and getting into Steiner’s face once more. However, the second one has a different tune as Booker comes back firing off right hands and stiff forearms to back Steiner into the ropes.

Booker’s anger gets the best of him through and Steiner immediately reverses the whip and catches Booker with a stiff clothesline on the rebound. Scotty plays the power game, hammering Booker into the mat with several hard shots to the back of the head and neck, before picking him and up simply running him spine first into the buckles. Steiner is all over the champion, and Booker doesn’t seem to have a chance, but Steiner attempts to bend the rules one too many times and is pulled off by referee Charles Robinson, but Robinson is sent running when Scotty feigns a backhand. Fortunately for Booker T this was a quick opening and he was able to catch Steiner with a Spinebuster. This time it’s Bookers chance to go on the offense, picking Steiner up and laying in a couple chops before sending Steiner into the ropes. His leaping side kick misses, but the savate kick to the chest doesn’t, but it only earns Booker a two count before Steiner shows his power by pressing out of the pin attempt.

Booker looks surprised by the power of Steiner, but he remains in control, stomping away at the challenger before picking him up and connecting with a kick to the stomach before attempting an

Axe Kick which misses when Scott stands up, hooks Booker and connects with a nice looking belly to back suplex. Just like that Steiner is back in control, and he’s playing that power game again. As Steiner hammers away at Booker, the crowd seems to be getting more and more into it, but a quick look around with the camera reveals that it’s not the match, but Rick Steiner is making his way towards the ring. He slaps a few hands with the fans before arriving at ringside and drawing the attention of his brother. The two argue back and forth, with Rick even going so far as to get on the apron and argue with his brother. Scott throws a right hand which is blocked by Rick, and the look of surprise on the younger Steiner’s face is pure surprise when Booker rolls him up and holds him for the three count. Once again, this is put over as a huge win for Booker T on his way to Slamboree. All this is going on while Scott Steiner chases his brother backstage, and Booker T raises his arms in celebration, clutching the Television Title. (A)

Just Like That!

While Booker is celebrating, and the commentary team are putting him over as a huge superstar, Chris Benoit is making his way towards the ring with a smug look on his face. He reaches ringside area, and while Booker has his back turned, Benoit grabs a chair and slides into the ring, standing right behind the Champion. The fans are very vocal, trying to get Booker’s attention and have him turn around, which he finally does and notices Benoit standing behind him. At first he’s surprised, but then he goes nose to nose with Benoit. The two don’t say anything, but they don’t have to as each one seems to know what the others intentions are. After about thirty seconds of staring each other down, Benoit cracks a smile and backs up a couple of paces, tossing the chair down at Booker’s feet and bringing his hand into view with four fingers raised. Another couple of seconds and he quickly snaps his fingers, indicating to Booker that he could have taken him out, just like that. Benoit backs away as the show goes to a video. Heenan is trying to calm Schiavone down before he has a heart attack. (A)

Commercial Break

Red Moon Rising?

This video is a bit more basic than the previous one for the Iron Challenge match, simply showing a rising sun coming over a mountain top, followed by several shots of Masahiro Chono and The Great Muta looking as menacing as they can. Muta spits the green mist into the air while Chono nearly takes the head off a unnamed jobber with his Yakuza Kick. These images soon change to the surprise attack on Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart, followed by the several back and forth attacks between the two man. This quickly fades to a side by side shot of the Union Jack and the Japanese Rising Sun flags, waving in the background. (B+)

Curt Hennig (w/Rick Rude) vs The Great Muta

There is evidence to point out these two having incredible chemistry in the ring from the very beginning, with them locking up and creating an intriguing sequence of take-downs and reversals. Hennig gets the early advantage, snapmaring Muta over and then connecting with a stiff kick to the spine. Just when Muta thought the attack was over, Hennig quickly grabbed the back of the Japanese sensation’s head and snaps himself over with a neckwhip. With neither of them being well liked by the crowd, the reaction is less than appealing, with Hennig getting a few more cheers simply for his flashiness inside the ring. Muta manages a comeback, using eye rakes, and then firing off a flurry of kicks and strikes to the chest and legs. He finally gets Hennig to his knees before following up with a quick “Shining Wizard” straight to the jaw for a two count. Muta continue to wear down Hennig with a quick twisting snap suplex followed by a “Crazy Elbow Drop” for another two count. Rude comes to the rescue of Hennig, leaping onto the apron and sacrificing himself, taking a face-full of mist to the eyes, which also serves to give Hennig a chance to dropkick Muta out of the ring.

Hennig doesn’t follow Muta out, but waits back and allows the ref to begin his count. Muta slides back in at the count of eight but leaves himself open to Hennig’s attack, which becomes some stomping to the back of the head. Hennig picked Muta up and went for a “Hennig-Plex” but he was unable to lock his hands and Muta quickly made the escape. Muta began showing signs of finishing the match as he whipped Hennig into the buckles and followed up with a “Handspring Back Elbow” followed by a bulldog out of the corner. He hooked the leg but once again Hennig managed to get a shoulder up. Despite being “blinded” Rude somehow managed to get the briefcase into the ring, and then through the pain in his eyes, he made sure to distract the referee. Hennig quickly grabbed the case and cracked Muta over the head with it, before sliding it into the other corner. Unfortunately for Hennig, he doesn’t see Evan Karagais who is running to the ring. Karagais slides in the ring, grabs the briefcase, and cracks Hennig in the back of the head. He angrily tosses the case into the corner and glares at Hennig for a few seconds before getting out of the ring. Muta pulls him up and delivers a “Brainbuster” before hooking the leg and scoring the three count. (A+)

One Karagais Young Man!

As soon as the bell is rung, Rude reaches in and grabs Hennig, pulling him out of the ring, but things aren’t over as Evan Karagais slides into the ring and calls for a microphone. He’s handed one, and he climbs to the middle buckle and looks down at the two men. Hennig is holding the back of his head, but he’s staring up at Karagais with murder in his eyes.

Evan Karagais: Hennig! You screwed me!

This gets a pop out of the fans, but mainly due to the way he’s worded it, and Karagais looks around, obviously very uncomfortable with being on the mic.

Evan Karagais: Last week, I took your match. You wanted me to last ten minutes, and that’s exactly what I did. Now, I lost, and I may have about six teeth missing, but one thing that you cannot dispute, is that I lasted ten minutes.

Hennig yells from the floor that the kid couldn’t get the job done, and Schiavone puts that over on commentary, informing the viewers that Karagais lost at the last possible second. Hennig continues to yell “You lost it, kid” but Karagais shakes his head.

Evan Karagais: You’re wrong. I didn’t lose anything.

He points to the video screen, which lights up with a split screen. One half of the screen shows the match between Karagais and The Barbarian, while the other half shows the time clock counting down. As the match goes on and enters the final few seconds, the clock stops at 9:59 several seconds before the end of the match. It doesn’t move through the Kick Of Fear, or the pin. The minute Schiavone sees this, he completely goes apeshit, hyping it up that Hennig had cheated. Hennig shakes his head, and Rude assures him that it’s all under control.

Evan Karagais: Which means, since I didn’t lose, you have got to live up to your end of the bargain.

Karagais spikes the mic and looks at Hennig who shakes his head, and walks away leaving him in the ring. Karagais shrugs his shoulders, trying to get Hennig’s attention but Rude simply smirks at the kid and follows Hennig towards the back. (C+)

Commercial Break

The King Of The Jungle, Bay-Be

The previous segment transitions into the huge video screen, and this time it begins by showing several of WCW’s top cruiserweights, including but not limited to Juventud Guerrera, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Prince Iaukea, and El Dandy. They are performing several high spots on each other, followed by some quick shots of them clotheslining each other over the top rope. These begin going faster and faster until they’re nothing but a blur. Finally a single image begins to appear in the whirling, and when it finally comes into focus, it’s the Cruiserweight Champion, Chris Jericho. His mouth is curled up into a cocky smile, and then audio comes in on his laugh. Finally the video ends with a graphic showing Chris Jericho standing next to a silhouette, and the words “Cruiserweight Title Match” in big white letters underneath. (A)

Cruiserweight Title Match: Chris Jericho© vs Hector Garza

With less than a week left before the pay-per-view, Chris Jericho is looking to make quick work of the challenger, but in this case, he’s quite surprised when Garza takes quick advantage. Jericho isn’t even fully into the ring before Garza dropkicks him back to the apron. Unfortunately for Garza, he’s a bit to overzealous, and completely splatters himself on the floor outside when Jericho avoids the dive. This gives Jericho a chance to strip off his vest and the cruiserweight title from around his waist. Jericho attempts to use it on Garza, but the challenger ducks and runs Jericho face first into the steel post. Garza continues to work of Jericho while Tenay hypes the fact that Garza is a standout in his homeland of Mexico.

As the match moved back into the ring, it was very clear that Garza could perform some very spectacular moves, but a lot of them seemed forced seeing as his selling was quite weak. He shrugged off the chop from Jericho and bounced off the ropes, hitting a spinning back elbow to take the champ down. He quickly went up top and went for a twisting plancha, but Jericho managed to roll out of the way. Jericho finally took control of the match, pacing himself and Garza. He quickly took Garza off his feet with a snapmare and then a dropkick to the back of the head. Jericho’s cocky demeanor is back and he feigns kicking dirt on the challenger. Heenan seems to be in love with the champion, talking about how much skill the man has, while Schiavone says that despite all the skill, the arrogance is going to get him in trouble. Schiavone turns out to be right as Jericho goes to the top rope and leaps off, only to take a boot to the face from Garza.

This is hyped as a match changing mistake, which could lead to the champion’s undoing, and Garza attempts to make that true as he waits for Jericho to get up before driving his knee right into the chin of the champion. Running knee lift sends Jericho into the ropes but the champion comes back out with a forearm to the forehead, which sends Garza down. Jericho attempts to pull him up but Garza kicks him away and kips back to his feet. Quick kick to the midsection and a running neckbreaker gains Garza a two count, and some more praise from the commentary team. Garza once more goes back to the top rope, and this time he goes for a corkscrew splash, but finds nobody home. Jericho quickly gets to his feet before Garza has even landed, grabbing him as soon as he hits and quickly twisting him into a “Lion Tamer.” Garza struggles but he has nowhere to go, tapping out in the end. (B+)

A Flair For The Entertainment

Another video, but this time it’s not focused on one of the matches for Slamboree, but instead, a return for the Nitro following the pay-per-view. Once again “Also Sprach Zathrusta” backs the several nostalgic videos focusing on “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s career. Most of these clips focus on the many feuds that Flair has had with men like Hogan, Savage, Vader and Sting. These are followed by several still shots of the different incarnations of The Four Horsemen, inluding part time members like Luger, Pillman, Vicious and Windham. Flair’s trademarked “Wooooo” interupts the music and there is a shot of the previous Horsemen, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Steve “Mongo” McMichaels and Chris Benoit standing together, holding out the four fingers. This all fades to a black screen with “IV” appearing in golden letters, and right underneath that, the words “Legacies Never Fade” appear, and then fade to black. (A+)

Will They Ride Again

When the video does fade, the camera’s are backstage where they catch Arn Anderson, The Enforcer of The Horsemen watching a video monitor in the back. As the camera watches, Anderson seems focused, untilt he video ends, then he rubs his chin and smirks, nodding to nobody in particular. He takes one last look at the video screen and then walks away, leaving Schiavone, Tenay and Heenan to speculate on this.

Commercial Break

Public Enemy vs High Voltage

The only thing that seems to get the fans going in this match is the entrance of Public Enemy to have their hands raised in the air, waving them back and forth, which seems to get the fans into it. Unfortunately the fans sit on their hands once the entrance is over. Despite the lack of fan support, High Voltage and Public Enemy put on an average brawl. Commentary plays off the experience of both teams together, claiming there is a combined 15 years of tag team experience in the ring at the time. Rage and Kaos make quick tags, keeping Rocco Rock in their corner through most of the opening of the match, stomping and punching him down to the mat. Kaos seems quite confident, picking Rocco up and driving him down in the center of the ring with a spinebuster before locking on a rear chinlock and smirking towards the corner of Public Enemy.

Grunge attempts to come in but “lil’ Naitch” is there to stop him, which leads to Kaos switching places with Rage, despite not making the tag. Rage worked over the back with some well placed knees, followed by pulling Rocco up and using some straight right hands to the spine. While it was actually pretty good from a match stand point, the fans seemed to find it bland and the ones who didn’t take a bathroom break began to chant “Boring” real loud. Deciding it was time to step it up a bit, Rocco managed to fight to his feet and break out of the chinlock with a belly to back suplex. Rocco crawls towards his corner, but Kaos quickly comes in and grabs his foot, only to take an impressive enzuigiri kick to the back of the head. From there he’s able to make the hot tag, or at least it would have been if anyone actually cared about it.

Grunge had clothesline for everyone, and nobody was sure where he was keeping them all, but he kept throwing them. Every time one of the High Voltage members got to their feet, they were immediately dispatched back to the mat. Rocco, still hurting from the attack earlier on, now slides out of the ring and reaches under it, pulling out a table. He sets it up on the outside. Back inside the ring and the referee still hasn’t regained control, but High Voltage have and their double teaming Grunge in the corner. As Rocco rolls in, Kaos goes for an irish whip but it’s reversed. Kaos is sent across the ring, right into a Samoan drop from Rocco Rock. Rocco rolls Kaos out of the ring and tosses him onto the table. Inside the ring Grunge tosses Rage out of the ring on the other side, and then joins his partner above the table. Schiavone hypes this huge as they prepare for a “Drive By” which misses when Kaos rolls off the table and Rocco crashes to his demise. Grunge looks shocked, but he can’t do anything as Rage slides back into the ring and dropkicks Grunge off the apron and into the barricade. Kaos grabs him and tosses him back into the ring where they quickly finish the match with a double team neckbreaker which Schiavone calls “The Electro Shock” (B+)

Once The Cage Is Locked; There Is No Escape

“Invasion” leads the video focused on the huge tag team Bowery Death Match. Once more it’s mainly focused on the different matches between Saturn and Goldberg, along with the Page and Raven run ins. These clips are interspersed with black and white pictures of Ravens, and mass destruction shots. Once more the video ends by announcing that this match will happen at Slamboree, along with the other matches that have been advertised so far. This is what they call a hard sell. (A+)

Guess Who’s NEXT to FEEL THE BANG?!

The video ends, but instead of going to commercial the video transitions backstage where Gene Okerlund is standing by with one half of the Bowery Death Match tag team contest, Bill Goldberg and ”Diamond” Dallas Page.

Gene Okerlund: Ladies and Gentleman, I am very pleased to introduce you to two men who have definitely set WCW on fire, and these two men will go into the Bowery Death match Sunday night against Raven and Perry Saturn. Bill Goldberg, Dallas Page, what are your thoughts heading into this match?

Goldberg seemed to snort in anger, but Page fielded the question, directing the mic his way and smiling that cheeky smile.

Dallas Page: You know, I’ve been in this business a long time, and there isn’t one man who has gotten under my skin as much as Raven has. Raven, you’ve done everything you could to take me out of the game, but here I stand, before you today, still ready to take everything you’ve got and come back for more. You see, I’m not a man who goes away easily, and whether you like it or not, you can’t keep me down. Come this Sunday, the two of us walk into your yard, but you don’t see an ounce of fear on either of our faces, because Raven, Saturn, we’re not afraid of you. We’re going to walk into your match, and we’re going to walk out of your matches. Sorry we can’t say the same for you.

Gene Okerlund: Bill Goldberg, do you have anything to add.

Goldberg chuckles at the thoughts of the match, and then stares into the camera with stone eyes.

Bill Goldberg: YOU’RE NEXT!!

Goldberg stalks off, and Page quickly pulls the microphone over to his side, makes the diamond sign...

Dallas Page: TO FEEL....THE BANG!!

.....and breaks it in half with those words, before following Goldberg.

Gene Okerlund: These two are definitely ready. Raven, Saturn, for your sakes, I hope you are too.

Fade to commercial.

Commercial Break

The Giant vs Fit Finlay

Fit Finlay was already in the ring as the show came back from commercial, while The Giant was lumbering towards the ring, with no music at all. His intensity was enough introduction but Schiavone still felt the need to hype up the big tag team match this Sunday Night. Actually, that’s all he talks about through most of the match. Finlay starts quickly, attacking The Giant before he even fully steps into the ring. Heavy shots don’t seem to do a lot of damage and the big man simply shoves him away. Finlay goes down, but he quickly gets up and charges right back in, this time taking a boot to the face for his trouble. The Giant shows impressive strength, picking the big brawler up and actually pressing him high overhead. The Giant walks around but Finlay reaches down and rakes the big mans eyes, forcing himself to be dropped. He lands on his feet and manages to start throwing off huge forearms and a couple of hard european uppercuts.

The Irishman continues to work away at The Giant with big punches, but they do nothing more than to stagger the big man into the corner. Several more shots connect with The Giant’s big chin before he shoves Finlay away and goes for a big clothesline, which Finlay ducks and throws more punches at the big man. Finlay seems to be keeping control of the match, but that all ends when The Giant simply headbutts the fighting Irishman. Finlay is on dream street from that single move and it doesn’t seem to be changing as The Giant scoops him up and then drops him face first into the buckles. Another scoop and this time The Giant slams him down in the center of the ring. He bounces off the ropes and drops and elbow, but doesn’t make the cover. Instead, he sees someone outside the ring that draws his attention, and the fans as they roar with approval. Scott Hall has once more made an appearance at ringside, and he takes a seat with his beer in hand. He’s yelling different things at the ring and The Giant leans over the ropes, attempting to provoke him into getting into the ring, but several security guards have stepped in front of Hall, keeping him from getting over the barricade. Schiavone informs the fans at home that until Slamboree, Scott Hall isn’t even supposed to be in the arena.

Hall sits back, putting his feet up on the barricade and slowly sipping at his cup, with a wide smile on his face, he waves to The Giant, who swears, spits and then goes back to the match. By this time Finlay has had a chance to recover and he goes for a weak clip to The Giants knee, attempting to take him out but it’s not quite strong enough and The Giant grabs Finlay by the back of his singlet and pulls him to his feet before tossing him out of the ring, right in front of security. The Giant follows him out, lines him against the barricade and unloads with a massive chop right to the chest of the big brawler. It rings out and draws an “OHHHH” from the fans, but Hall simply laughs and points from where he’s sitting. The Giant argues with him, and tries to reach him, but he can’t. The Giant seems to give up, but before he turns around Hall gets out of his seat and once again throws a cup of beer at The Giant. This completely enrages the big man and he roars loud, charging straight through the guards and begins brawling with Scott Hall. While all this is going on, Fit Finlay has rolled into the ring and the referee is counting. After he reaches ten, the bell rings, but The Giant doesn’t seem to care as he continues his attempts to get his hands on Scott Hall. The ref raises Finlay’s hand, and the big Irishman simply walks away with his victory. (B+)

Somethings Never Change

Despite “The Wolfpac” being faces, Kevin Nash makes his way down the aisle and attacks The Giant from behind. With all the brawling, the security is unable to stop anything and Hall comes over the barricade, launching into an attack on The Giant as well. The two men hammer away at the big Giant, as the fans chant “STING! STING” STING!” but Nash just smiles and shakes his head before driving another right hand into the side of The Giants head. The Outsiders shove The Giant into the ring and then grab chairs from the crowd. This seems like a scene right out of their original take-over in WCW as The Outsiders raise their chairs and bring them crashing down across the back and head of the big man. The entire crowd is chanting for Sting, and Schiavone is calling for him, but Sting does not appear, and the fans are very vocal. Hall and Nash simply pose with the chairs, and then make their way backstage as paramedics come to the aid of The Giant. (A+)

Hype The High Tides Of WCW

Instead of the well done video packages that have been shown over the course of the night to hype Slamboree, there is a simple replay focusing on the attack only moments ago by The Outsiders, but dubbed over this is the words of Sting from his Thunder interview. There is also some commentary dubbed in, informing fans that The Giant and Sting stand for everything WCW is, and will always be. They focus on the fact that the nWo is split, and weak, and this is the time of their destruction. The Franchise of WCW stands again against the corruption. Unwavering. Sting and The Giant! Don’t believe the hype! (A+)

Commercial Break

Buff Bagwell & Brian Adams (W/Vincent) vs Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart

This match is built as a warm up match for both teams as Bagwell and Adams will team with nWo stablemate Scott Steiner to take on Lex Luger and Rick Steiner, while Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart will take on the Japanese duo of The Rising Sons. Another one of those expected brawls that turn out to be surprisingly good. Smith has always been a very skilled ring general, and that’s no difference here as he works away with Buff Bagwell. Credit has to be given to Bagwell as he’s able to keep up with Davey Boy, gaining the advantage with a thumb to the eye and works a side headlock. Bulldog throws him into the ropes and then powers him down with a shoulderblock. Bagwell’s eyes widen as he backs away and Smith poses, but this is shortlived as Adams comes in and drives a forearm into the back of Smith’s neck. This draws Neidhart into the ring, but referee Mark Johnson is there to keep him from coming in, leaving the ring open for the two on one against Smith in the corner.

Bagwell makes sure to be back on the apron before Johnson turns around, but Schiavone makes sure to remind the viewers at home that there had been no tag. Adams works over Smith in the corner before once more drawing the attention of Neidhart and distracting the ref, which allows Bagwell to return to the ring without a tag. Bagwell whips Smith into the buckles, but Davey Boy comes out and nearly takes Bagwells head off with a clothesline.. Davey Boy hits his knees and crawls for his corner, but this draws Adams into the ring. This time Johnson cuts him off, and Davey Boy makes the tag, but as Neidhart rushes into the ring, Johnson cuts him off, informing the livid Neidhart that he had not seen the tag. With the tag being null, Bagwell has the chance to isolate Smith once more, dragging him into his corner and standing him up. Bagwell uses another ref distraction which allows Adams to use the tag rope as a weapon, choking Smith.

He’s sure to break the choke before the ref realizes what’s going on, but his suspicious look gets him admonished by the referee. Bagwell continues his attack, suplexing Davey Boy into the center of the ring and then driving his knee into the side of the Bulldog’s head. Bagwell keeps the pace slow working the head with a rear chinlock, but Bulldog has the fans on his side and they cheer him as he fights back to his feet. Bulldog breaks the chinlock with a back suplex and then crawls towards his corner. Bagwell attempts to stop him but Davey Boy is able to reach out and make the tag. The fans are cheering as Neidhart comes into the ring and immediately begins the house of fire routine taking down Bagwell with a clothesline and then backdropping the charging Adams.

Neidhart hammers away at Adams in the corner, but he can’t keep up the attack and soon falls as Bagwell comes back and attacks as well. They are working away at Neidhart until Bulldog recovers and joins the fray. It’s a complete melee inside the ring with both teams brawling until the Smith clotheslines Bagwell over the ropes. Adams dumps Neidhart out there with him and immediately the two begin brawling outside the ring. Adams turns around and boots Smith in the head, knocking him through the ropes before joining the three men outside the ring. Referee Mark Johnson has lost control and he calls for the bell, but the four men don’t stop brawling, all the way to the back and through the curtain while Schiavone, in his best Dusty Rhodes voice, declares this to be BONZO GONZO~! (A)

]This Hart Still Beats....

Backstage, against the huge WCW interview wall, “Mean” Gene Okerlund stands with his micrphone in hand and that weird little smirk on his face.

Gene Okerlund: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to once again stand here, and this time, I would like to introduce a man who will, along with “Hollywood” Hogan, be challenging for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. Bret Hart, come on in here for just a minute.

Hart walks on screen dressed in a pair of jeans, a shirt featuring the ‘Calgary Hitmen’ and his patented sunglasses. He looks quite confident as he removes the glasses and hangs them from his shirt collar.

Gene Okerlund: Bret Hart, three weeks ago you showed your colors, coming to the aide of Randy Savage when he nearly lost the title to Hogan. Now you, along with Hogan will challenge for that title at Slamboree. Does that put a strain on your friendship?

Hart chuckles....

Bret Hart: Friends? Who said anything about friendship? I’ve said it from the minute I came to WCW. I’m sick of seeing people get screwed over, and come to think about it, I’m really sick of saying that. The Hart name has always stood for truth, glory and honor, but Hogan has sought to destroy that, even going so far as attempting to set me up after his cowardly attack on Savage. I’ve told Randy Savage from the very beginning, if I wanted to attack him, I’d look him in the eye and punch him right in the mouth. It’s the way I’ve always been.

Gene Okerlund: That seems fair. But with Hogan representing his side of the nWo, and Savage representing the Wolfpac, which side are you on?

Bret Hart: Well, if you take a look at my contract, it says WCW, which means that by default I’m working for WCW. However, when you step inside that ring, it’s not about who you represent, it’s about how. When it comes to the World Heavyweight Title, there are no friends, there are simply men who are out for the same things you are. I stand for myself, for my morals, and for the things that I represent. The nWo has made a name by trying to destroy the legacy of World Championship Wrestling. They broken champions, beaten challengers, and put a massive hole in WCW, but the structure still stands. World Championship Wrestling does not need men claiming to stand for WCW, they need someone to actually go out there and do it. They need a champion, and after Slamboree, that’s exactly what I’ll be.

Gene Okerlund: One more question before you go, tonight you’re the special guest referee in the World Title match between your opponents. Will you be impartial?

Bret Hart: After everything I have said, how can you ask me that kind of question? My intentions lie in one place, and that the World Championship, so whoever holds the title after tonight is inconsequential because after Sunday night, it’ll be right where it belongs, around the waist of “The Excellence Of Execution.”

Hart chuckles while taking the glasses from his collar and putting them back on. He adjusts his jacket collar and walks off.

Gene Okerlund: Well, I’ll reserve my judgement for Monday night after Slamboree, but those were some intense words from Bret “The Hitman” Hart, who will be the guest referee in our main event. Back to you guys at ringside.

This Is Where All The Glory Lay

It’s not hard to tell which feuds are the highlight of Slamboree, as this one goes back to the fancy video and deep voice over.

”Three Legendary Figures.....”

So many different shots of Hollywood Hogan, Bret Hart and Randy Savage fade in and out of the screen, forming a video collage. A lot of these shots are each man celebrating, or the aftermath of a grueling match.

”Three Amazing Athletes.....”

These single shots of each wrestler soon turns to them performing different moves. The big legdrop from Hogan, the flying axehandle from Savage, and the second rope driving elbow to the heart from Hart. These soon change to their big moves, with Hogan hitting the “Legdrop”, Savage leaping off the top for the “Elbow Drop”, and Bret Hart strapping on his “Sharpshooter” and wrenching back on it.

”Three Enormous Egos....”

Once more it’s back to the single shots, but this time it’s clips from different interviews all three have been involved in, and then them celebrating, with their arms raised in victory either by themselves, or with the referee raising their arms.

”All Clash This Sunday Night......”

Finally some heavy rock music hits as the videos become images of all three men hitting high impact clotheslines, backbody drops and backbreakers. They heavy metal beat kicks up with the drums pounding away until they finally hit a crescendo, and then slow shots of all three men and then the World Heavyweight Title.

”Slamboree Is All For The Glory....”

Fade out. (A+)

Commercial Break

WCW World Heavyweight Title Match: Hollywood Hogan vs “Macho Man” Randy Savage© (Special Guest Referee: Bret “The Hitman” Hart)

One of the surprising parts of this match was the fact that the guest referee received the largest pop of the three, with Hogan garnering a lot of heel heat, but still playing the air guitar. Savage doesn’t even take the belt off before attacking Hogan with some clenched fists. Hogan fires back but Savage is all over him and it forces Hart to break the two apart, only for Savage to shove him to the side and go right back at Hogan. Savage finally strips off the belt and attempts to hit Hogan with it, but Bret Hart grabs it away from him, and the two men go face to face. They bicker back and forth until Hogan comes out of the corner and drives his knee into Savage’s spine. Hart moves out of the way and tosses the title into the corner, leaving Savage to go crashing into the corner. Hogan follows up with his usual attack, raking the back of the champion. Hogan spins him around and unleashes some huge haymakers. Savage shows that he’s just as adept at breaking the rules by coming out with an eye rake of his own.

Savage throws Hogan through the ropes and then goes out to the apron, leaping off and driving a double axehandle into the top of Hogan’s bald head. Hogan crashes into the barricade and Savage continues to attack him. Hart is content to let this kind of brawl go, following the two out and simply telling them to get back into the ring. Of course they don’t listen, and Savage grabs a chair from the crowd, looking to hit Hogan. Once more Hart is there, grabbing the chair and tossing it down. Savage reels back to hit Bret but “The Hitman” points out his referee’s shirt and Savage restrains himself. Unfortunately Hogan’s taken another page from the rulebreakers handbook, sticking a thumb right into Savage’s eye. He doesn’t stop there, grabbing the back of the champion’s head and then slamming him face first into the ring apron. Rolling Savage back in, Hogan and Hart follow. Hogan begins choking Savage on the bottom rope and Schiavone informs everyone that they’ve got to go to their last commercial break.

Commercial Break

After some listerine commercials, and a “Call A-T-T” marathon, the show comes back to Hogan still in control, but now he’s throwing haymakers that stagger Savage around the ring on the outside. Savage limps a few steps and then takes a back rake, limps a few times and takes another back rake before Hogan tosses him back into the ring. It continues this way for quite awhile, but then Savage begins fighting back, throwing his own punches before scooping Hogan up and slamming him in the center of the ring. He points to the sky and then heads up top but Hogan is back to his feet before he even has a chance to decide. Hogan knocks the champion off the ropes, crotching him on the top before setting him up for a superplex. Savage shoves him off and then regains a standing position on the top rope, waits for Hogan to get to his feet and then drives another axehandle deep into Hogan’s skull.

Hogan goes down but he completely no-sells it, rising to his feet and “Hulking Up” despite the fans not being behind him at all. Savage throws right after right but Hogan weathers the shots and soon blocks the punches before pointing the huge finger in Savage’s face. Huge haymakers once again back the champion into the ropes. He whips Savage in, waits and then sticks his foot up, connecting with Savage’s chin. Savage goes down and Hogan covers. Hart counts, but Savage kicks out before the three. Hogan gets up and signals for the big legdrop, but instead, he sees the World Title laying in the corner and grabs that instead. He lines up Savage but before he can use the belt, Bret Hart grabs it away from him. Hogan turns around to argue but Hart charges with the belt. Hogan ducks the shot and Hart nails the champion with the title. He swears under his breath as Hogan smirks, and then covers, hooking the leg. One- Two- Thr-Savage kicks out.! Hogan can’t believe it.

Hogan gets back to his feet, hits the ropes and drops the leg. Unfortunately for him, there is nobody home and he hits the canvas hard. He slowly rises but Savage greets him with a clothesline. Hogan is back to his feet and takes a second clothesline, followed by a scoop and a slam. Savage goes up top and prepares for the elbow just as Eric Bischoff hits ringside, and leaps onto the apron. Hart turns around and knocks him off with a right hand. The Disciple gets on the apron while this is all going on and shoves Savage off. Savage lands on his feet, turns around and drives his shoulder into Disciples midsection, tossing him off the apron. Hogan is getting back to his feet but seeing as Bret is still tied up with Bischoff, Savage grabs the World Title and drives it right into the skull of Hogan. Hart turns around just as Savage is coming off the ropes with the “Flying Elbow Drop.” Savage hooks the leg, and this time he scores the victory. Both Savage and Hart bail out of the ring as the rest of the black and white nWo contingent hit the ring. They help Hogan up and the show fades with a final shot of them starinng each other down. Schiavone reminds the fans to tune into Thunder, the last show before Slamboree.(A)

Final Show Rating: A

TNT Viewers (Live, Monday): 2, 146, 028

TSN Viewers (Taped, Tuesday): 525, 136

Bit of a style change with this one as I'm trying to work out something that will allow me to get shows up quicker, while still maintaining enough detail. You fine folks can tell me how this has worked out. Hey, maybe even Idolized with feedback this time. Anyway, feedback as always is great. Attention Whore, Away!

[Steve Corino]

Ah, thank you for mentioning when Slamboree is.

Hey, airtime for Eaton is great by me, even if the match was only average.

Haha, Jericho mic time. Really nothing to say here except note once again at how awesome your Jericho writing is.

Hype video. Good call. On another note, upon doing some research, WCW actually did call their 30-minute Iron Man matches from 92-93 just that, so you could have easily used that name, and we could possibly even have gotten some words from Rick Rude regarding how grueling the match can be. But changing the name to Iron Challenge doesn't hurt anything because it makes it sound like it's different.

Booker against Steiner should rule here, and it is very nice seeing the TV title defended on all shows as it's meant to be. Unfortunately for Scotty, Russo isn't booking, which means we're not going to see a new TV champion here. And there's Rick to make sure of it, which furthers everything that needed to be furthered. Good call.

And HERE is Benoit. Awesome. And hey, there's the four fingers! With the way Benoit is acting, could we be seeing a heel Horsemen on the way? I hope so. Mongo is AWOL, which is great, but in a way I almost hope you don't bring Malenko into the group, for no real reason other than because it was how real life gave us. Not that Benoit and Malenko as the Horsemen team would be bad at all, guess I'm just saying that change is good.

Another hype video, this time for the tag match. Good enough, though really we can all tell Muta and Chono are going over here, right? Right?!

Whoa, Hennig vs Muta? This show kicks ass! AH! Damn Karagias! Get the hell out of here boy! He's getting in the way of Hennig's rise to the top! Seriously, you better be thinking about a major Bret vs Hennig feud for the WCW World title somewhere down the line. Aw dammit. Though I love Hennig cheating to win the bet, this means we're gonna be stuck with Evan for awhile longer. Sorry, but Evan just doesn't do anything for me here.

Another hype video, now the Cruiserweight match. Great way to not only waste time but also to hype Slamboree.

Hectooooor! He really had no chance, but it was good to have the title defense there.

Ooooh boy, now I'm really gonna get excited. But see my comments about regarding the Horsemen.

Wow, a victory for High Voltage? Either PE are leaving or else you're trying to push them a bit. Perhaps some residual effects of the Enhancement Movement from the last Thunder?

Now we get into the important stuff again as we find out more of the Slamboree card through video. And then an interview right after. Yep, this is definitely the hard sell.

Finlay really should have no chance here against Giant, but Hall coming down to ringside makes this match worth the time. Hey! Fit wins?! WHOA, that's fucking huge. Even if it was a countout. And then The Outsiders take out Giant. This is all so crazy that it's gotta be said: Good call.

I like this hype video as well, because it brings some semblance of sense back into perspective: Sting and Giant are WCW and they're trying to take something from the now weakened nWo. Good one.

Protecting Adams and Buff, I presume? Well I guess both teams do have big matches at Slamboree, but really, would a winner have hurt this match?

Ah, more Bret. A side note, I was just watching Survivor Series 95, and more specifically the Bret/Diesel match. So right now, I am in the midst of really loving Bret Hart again. So this better not disappoint. And it doesn't, as Bret says everything that needs to be said. Awesome call.

So I guess it's a triple threat at Slamboree? That's good, because then Hogan or Savage can win it without Bret being involved in the fall. Honestly, I think Hart shouldn't grab the title until something huge, like Starrcade, and Hogan would be the perfect candidate for him to defeat for it. Hogan may drop the match at Slamboree to keep Savage with the belt a bit longer, but the best scenario would be what I just described. In my mind anyways.

And for the main event. I like how you write Savage matches here because it shows him as a wild individual who is out to win no matter what he has to do. And he retains somewhat cleanly. I mean, no interference-wise. Surprising there.

All in all, it was some really good stuff. The hard sells for Slamboree, the huge matches, the win for Fit Finlay.... nothing was major enough to drag this down. Hell, this show might be better than Slamboree itself!

As far as format changing, really I didn't notice any big difference. Some matches might have been a bit shorter (like Eaton/Kidman) but for the most part, everything hit where it had to hit and the major events were done in proper detail.

[Xero Gravity]

It took a while to find this, but I'm here now (Y)

The opening match was a little odd to say the least. Your write up got it spot on, a few years earlier and I might have been interested to see Kidman/Eaton on a Nitro. But it gave Kidman a little boost going into the cruiserweight battle royal, so I guess that's mission accomplished.

I loved (as usual) your Jericho promos, they're definitely one of the highlights of the diary over all. I enjoyed it that little bit more, having recently watched Clerks 2 and see you have Jericho call Okerlund a porch monkey. I really hope he retains comes Slamboree, as I think a little more needs to be done with regards to a strong challenger.

Both your video segments did a great job to heap on that last bit of hype before the ppv happens. Can't really say much else about them than that really.

I should have said I was a little surprised to see Steiner Vs. Booker, but this is WCW after all and giving away matches like that on TV was commonplace. Good to see a fair bit of development happening here, with Rick getting involved to further their problems. Booker winning was expected naturally, but a win over Steiner is good to keep his momentum up if he should lose to Benoit at Slamboree.

...a running theme here, but I've been enjoying how you're handling the Horsemen stuff. Little bits here and there, to complement the Flair return videos. Once it finally comes to a head, it should really take off and become a huge part of the diary.

You know how sad I'll be if Chono and Muta lose, so hopefully this Rising Sons heavy video isn't an indication that Bulldog and Anvil will sneak the win.

I really hate that I'm the only one who likes this Evan/Hennig storyline. I mean you're trying to establish Karagias as something other than that faggy 3 Count member, which is nice as it's not one of the usual pushes you see. I liked how you managed to keep things going a bit by having him cost Hennig a match with Muta, and then show that he got screwed by the clock. I know what should be coming with Curt, so I'm not too worried about this feud doing any damage to him.

A little more hype for the CW title match, and Jericho running through Garza. No doubt it would have been a great match in '98 unlike the Kidman/Eaton match from earlier. I'm really not too fussed over who eventually wins the battle royal, however I'm kinda hoping it's someone unexpected...like El Dandy

As much as I hate Goldberg, I did like the little interview he and DDP did. Sure Page did all the talking, but the whole complementing catchphrases is the kind of thing babyfaces do to pander to the crowd. It's just a shame Raven is getting caught in this, as I still can't see you going with the upset at the moment. The only other thing about this little feud, is I completely forgot about the mystery man that is supposed to reveal himself to Raven at Slamboree.

Any time Finlay wins is a good one. Sure it was by count out, and simply to further the tag title match...but a win is a win dammit, even if it doesn't amount to anything afterwards. The tag match is one of the few I'm still lacking much interest in, but unlike the Handicap match I'm just not sure why.

Is there any logical choice for the Slamboree main event, other than Bret Hart? I'd be really surprised of he actually doesn't walk out with the belt. Especially after his promo this week, which was almost as good as his promo from the first Nitro. The main event was WCW paint by numbers as you'd expect, and with only Thunder left to go it was enough for that one last big push before the ppv.

[Draevyn]

Thunder opens with it’s usual video, but this time the hardsell for Slamboree continues as different video shots of the previous nitro, as well as the feud video’s from that show as well. Schiavone and Tenay hype Slamboree, as well as the night that they have in store for the fans. They immediately cut right to the ring as the hip hop version of ‘The Wolfpac’ theme hits....

Wolfpac In Da House....

Kevin Nash walks through the curtain to a very mixed reaction. Some fans remember the last few weeks of battling the forces of evil in Hogan’s side of the nWo, while many others remember the attack from a mere two days ago, when Kevin Nash and his partner, Scott Hall destroyed one half of their opponents for Slamboree in The Giant. Despite the mixed reaction, there are still quite a few fans in the front row who hold out their hands to touch Nash. He’s just as jovial as ever, mocking a few fans but shaking their hands right after to show his good nature. Nash climbs the steps, steps over the top rope and takes the microphone that was being handed to him.

Kevin Nash: Phoenix, Arizona! WOLFPAC IN DA HOUSE!

Cheap pop, but whatever works at this time. Nash paces around the ring for a few seconds, bathing in the spotlight.

Kevin Nash: Well, at least one of us is. You see, ever since Big Sexay took the proverbial axe and began chopping, things haven’t been quite the same. See, everyone seems to have forgotten exactly why we came here. Almost two years ago, the big man (He raises his hand up to show his height), and the medium sized man who’s too controversial for t.v, walked into WCW, stared at it’s biggest stars and with three simple words, we became the most hated entity in the entire wrestling world.

The fans scream “We’re Taking Over”, but Schiavone is not quite as happy, discussing how that moment may have been one of the single most disgusting acts ever in WCW, but Nash is about to remind him of something even worse.

Kevin Nash: We were the “Original Outsiders” standing up against the big boys of WCW, and there wasn’t a single person in this company who could have stopped us. Every single one of them stepped up, and sooner or later they all fell under the credo of “If you can’t beat them; then join them.”

Now the fans are slowly beginning to boo the speech, and at this point they begin loading up on “Sting” chants.

Kevin Nash: Hulk Hogan saw the kind of buzz we were going to make, and he needed it to boost his popularity once more. Nobody believed in Hogan, and so he made sure that nobody ever forgot him. The Giant fell to our power, and soon he became one of those men. Every single member of WCW knew they couldn’t beat us, so they came to the otherside. Every single one of them. Except.........Sting!

Sting’s name gets another huge pop, and Nash smiles, nodding his head.

Kevin Nash: Sting may not have joined us, but he didn’t exactly stick around and fight, did he? No, when he saw the big nWo train coming, he headed for the hills. Needed time to reflect. Time to get his priorities in order. He picked his moment, and then he struck, taking us down one by one until there was almost nothing left. Sting, you may have taken down the nWo, but you didn’t destroy it. You couldn’t rip the heart out of that train, and it simply kept pounding down on you, until there was nothing left. Now here we stand, face to face again, yet, we’re not exactly the enemy anymore. We’re not on the same side, but we’re not enemies either.

Just then, without any hype at all, the video screen lights up and the arena goes dark. An eerie white light goes back and forth in the ring and the video screen lights up with the Nitro attack on The Giant. The entire beat down rolls through, with Schiavone and Zbysko commentating over it, calling it very unprofessional, but then again nobody has ever accused The Outsiders of being completely professional. As the video ends, the lights come back on and Nash is visibly chuckling. His feeling is that Sting was behind that, and so he begins speaking as if talking straight to Sting.

Kevin Nash: What? Don’t tell me you’re going to take that personally. I mean, come on, it was all business.

He tries to keep a straight face, but he quickly breaks and begins laughing, almost hysterically. He stops, brushes his fingers through his hair, and then covers his mouth to conceal the clearing of his throat.

Kevin Nash: Okay, forget it. I admit it. It was kind of fun to smash that big goofs head in with a chair, but still. You don’t think he’d do the same to me if he had the chance? Where were you Sting? Where were you when your partner needed help.

The lights quickly go out again, and the sounds of a thunderstorm come through the speakers. The lights come on and Sting is standing behind Nash with a microphone.

Sting: Here

Nash turns around, but as soon as he lays eyes on Sting, the lights shut out again and the thunderstorm is back. The lights come back on and once again Sting is standing behind Nash.

Sting: and here

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. The lights go out again, and the thunderstorm comes back, but this time Sting’s voice is heard over the rolling of the thunder.

Sting: Face your fears. They’re all around you. Everywhere you go. Everything you do. The Stinger will be watching. Slamboree, the lights go out.......for you....

The lights come back on, and the cause of Kevin Nash’s darkness becomes evident, as Sting’s trenchcoat has been thrown over his head, and he’s furiously shaking around to get it off, as if it’s a wild animal that has attacked him. He tosses it onto the mat, and stares down at it, no longer laughing, as the scene fades to commercial. (A+)

Commercial Break

Konnan (w/Vincent) vs Davey Boy Smith

Konnan has gone from a mini-feud with Kevin Nash to opening Thunder with Davey Boy Smith, a man who has been part of the hot feud with The Rising Sons, along with his partner Jim Neidhart. Smith came to the ring alone, which seemed like a bad decision, especially since Konnan brought his manservant, sorry, his friend, Vincent with him. Vincent proved his worth first thing, distracting Smith and allowing Konnan to get the early advantage with an ambush. The nWo member hammered away at Smith in the corner, but his attempted irish-whip was blocked and Smith took him down with a short-arm clothesline.

Konnan stumbled back to his feet and into the corner, where Smith’s offence becomes worse than a button masher playing a wrestling video game. Punch! Punch! Punch! Kick! Smith finally whips Konnan into the corner and catches him with a scoop slam on the rebound. He goes to the middle rope and drops an elbow for a two count. Bulldog pulls him up and goes for an exchange, whipping Konnan into the ropes and knocking him down with a shoulderblock. He leaps over him and hits the ropes, coming back and leaping over again. This time Konnan gets to his feet and leapfrogs over the running Bulldog, but then he lays down and attempts to monkey flip the charging European, only to have Bulldog stop and immediately drop a leg across the throat. Smith hooks the leg but can only secure another two count.

Once more Smith pulls him up, and this time the whip ends in a bad way as both men go for a cross body, which has them colliding in the center of the ring. They crash to the mat, both holding their stomachs and rolling around, obviously hurt. Vincent hopped to the apron and began waving his hands wildly, drawing the attention of Billy Silverman. As Bulldog regained his feet, still holding his midsection from the collision, Konnan came up behind him and drove his forearm deep into the groin of Davey Boy. Quick whip to the ropes and Konnan dusts off the “Rolling Clothesline” which sends Smith to the mat. Getting the advantage obviously means that Konnan has time to grab at his crotch, which he does and yells at the fans, which Schiavone remarks is Konnan wasting time. Most would hate to say it, but Schiavone was right in this instance as Konnan’s posing distracts him from Smith getting up.

As soon as Konnan turns around, Davey Boy, despite being hurt, scoops him up, turns around and drills him right into the mat with the “Running Powerslam.” Smith hooks the leg, and even with Vincent climbing onto the apron, holds the leg for the three count and the victory. (A)

Blotting Out The Rising Sons!

Konnan looks thoroughly upset in the ring, but there is nothing he can do as Davey Boy rolls out of the ring, raising his arms in victory, while getting a nice little rise from the fans. Gene Okerlund goes old school on this segment, meeting Davey Boy in the aisle instead of the usual backstage interview segment. Smith is still breathing quite irregularly, but Okerlund still manages to get a word with him.

Gene Okerlund: Davey Boy Smith, if I could just get a word with you. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen you, and your partner Jim Neidhart have been attacked randomly by this Japanese threat known as “The Rising Sons.” What do you have to say about this?

Davey Boy has that thick British accent, which doesn’t translate very well on camera, but the fans seemed to be able to understand him.

Davey Boy Smith: Ya know sumthin’ Gene, these guys think they can come in here and beat us down, but that’s not going to happen. They’ve gotten the edge a couple of times, but Jim and myself, we’ve got receipts all written out, and they’re ready to be delivered. Muta and Chono may be the big men back in their country, but here in WCW, we’re the dogs with the bite, and when we bite, we bite hard!

Gene Okerlund: Well, we’ve all seen you– wait just a second. (B)

What Do They Need An Anvil For?

As Okerlund breaks up on screen, the huge video screen for Nitro lights up showing the locker room area, and Jim Neidhart is layed out on the ground, but the beating is in progress as the feet of The Rising Sons and then a wide shot shows the entire scene. Neidhart is past trying to defend himself, now trying more to keep himself from being completely destroyed. Muta makes facial expressions at the camera while stomping away, but Chono disappears off screen for a few seconds. Davey Boy has already left his place with Okerlund and has headed backstage, but the crowd collectively groans as Chono appears back on camera, slamming a large anvil right into the skull of Neidhart. Chono and Muta stand over their prey for a few seconds, but then Muta sprays his mist into the air and they quickly make their exit as Davey Boy Smith finally appears on camera, checking on his partner who is completely motionless on the cement floor. Smith yells for paramedics as the scene fades. (B)

Commercial Break

Billy Kidman vs La Parka vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Chavo Guerrero was lead to the ring by his uncle, Eddy Guerrero, who seems uncharacteristically calm, and doesn’t seem to be yelling at Chavo as usual. He simply talks to him all the way to the ring, which Schiavone calls coaching. Kidman, and the rest of the flock are already sitting in the audience, which allows him to simply leap over the barricade and then slide into the ring. La Parka plays air guitar on his steel chair all the way to the ring. Before he even gets there, Kidman and Chavo have locked horns in the center of the ring. La Parka doesn’t like the fact that the match has started without him, but instead of getting involved, he simply slides into the ring, and breaks the two apart, separating them into their own corners. Both men are puzzled, but La Parka holds a finger up to both, telling them to wait a second as he sets up a chair in the center of the ring, steps up on it and does a little dance. Neither Kidman or Chavo want to see this, and they show their disapproval by hitting La Parka with a double dropkick. The skeleton suited luchadore falls through the ropes to the outside as the chair flips over. Chavo kicks the chair out of the ring but leaves himself open to an opening attack from Kidman.

Kidman dominates the early going, whipping Chavo into the ropes and connecting with another dropkick. Despite the fans not really caring much for Kidman, he continues to take the fight to Kidman with some well placed punches in the corner, followed by a “Rydeen Bomb” out of the corner. He hooks the leg but Eddy puts Chavo’s foot on the ropes and acts innocent when questioned about it. Kidman goes up top for something, but La Parka decides it’s time to get back into the match by shoving Kidman off the ropes, and then catching Chavo with a kick to the stomach. He dances in front of Chavo before flooring the young man with a thrust to the throat. Kidman gets back to his feet but La Parka adds a comedy aspect by attempting a doe-ci-doe dance, only to have Chavo drill him headfirst into the mat with a bulldog.

This leaves Chavo and Parka throwing fists, and Chavo attempts a tornado bulldog, kicking off the buckles and spinning La Parka around, but the bigger luchadore falls backwards with a belly to back suplex. Feeling that Chavo is out, La Parka should have gone for the cover, but instead he grabs the steel chair once more and sets it up in the center of the ring, and dancing atop it again. Through his dancing, he forgets that there is actually a match going, but Kidman reminds him with a sensational springboard into a hurricanrana right off the chair. Kidman hooks the leg but Chavo dropkicks him right in the back of the head, driving him face first into the mat. With the referee’s head turned, watching Kidman and Chavo, Eddy leaps to the top rope and comes off, crushing La Parka with a “Frog Splash.” He quickly slides out of the ring as Chavo dumps Kidman outside, turns and covers La Parka, getting the one, the two and the three. (A)

Things Aren’t All Good!

Chavo and Eddy leave the ring, with Chavo questioning Eddy all the way to the backstage with Eddy sticking to his guns, denying any claims to having been involved with the match. La Parka is content to simply take his chair, and while holding his head, he still plays air guitar and touches hands of several fans. Kidman gets to his feet, and slowly crawls over the barricade, attempting to make his way back to his seat, but Perry Saturn blocks him from sitting down. The two men argue, with Saturn doing most of the talking, which turns into yelling. Kidman tries to get past him to sit down but Saturn shoves him. Kidman shoves back but the rest of The Flock get between them before the two men come to blows. Kidman simply turns around, crawls back over the railing and makes his way up the ramp, not paying attention to anything as he passes through the curtain. Schiavone discusses dissension in the ranks of The Flock, and Tenay points out that through it all, Raven simply sat there and payed no attention to what was going on between the two members of his stable. (B+)

Commercial Break

FINISH HIM!

When the show comes back, it’s unclear whether it’s actually back as there seems to be a video played. Anyone who remembers the old “Glacier” hype videos before the mans debut will remember these as it shows an ancient symbol with a dragon engraved on it, spinning around slowly. There are guttural sounds of agony coming from the background. If you could imagine the screams of a victim of hell, this would be the exact same screams. The phrase “Blood Runs Cold” appears in icy letters at the bottom of the screen, but they suddenly burst into the flames, and a deep voice explodes with a scream of “FINISH HIM!” blares against the scene, then some evil laughter ends the video. Backstage Glacier is shown watching this on a monitor and he looks puzzled by the video, but he walks away shaking his head. (C-)

WCW Television Title Match: Booker T© vs Curt Hennig

Hennig was accompanied to the ring by Rick Rude, and the two had knowing smirks, like they had everything completely at hand, even before the match official began. Booker’s recent feud with Chris Benoit has succeeded in getting both men more over with the crowd, and they give Booker quite a few cheers Hennig isn’t impressed with the cheers of the crowd, nor is he impressed when Booker extends his hand to him for a handshake. Instead, the ever cocky Hennig spits his gum right into the face of the champion and snickers. Booker doesn’t snicker, or laugh at all, but he does answer back with a flurry of opening rights and lefts. Hennig gets hit about five times before he even realizes that Booker’s throwing punches, but it’s too late to do anything about it, so he weathers the shots, and slowly attempts to cover up in the corner. When the punches lose their effect, Booker turns to chops and begins blistering Hennig’s chest with them. Rude’s attempt to get involved is instantaneously thwarted by a Booker right, and then the champ goes right back to the challenger.

Booker continues to open up on Hennig before whipping him across into the other buckles. The impact brings Hennig barreling back out of the corner where Booker is quick to toss him up and over with a back drop. Hennig stumbles to his feet and Booker gets off a dropkick which sends Hennig through the ropes but not to the floor. The challenger gets to his feet. Booker charges but Hennig ducks down and puts a shoulder into the stomach of the champ. He straightens up and slingshots himself up and over, taking Booker down into a sunset flip. Booker rolls through, gets to his feet and grabs Hennig’s feet, flipping over into a bridging pin, but he’s caught up in the ropes and can’t secure a pin attempt. Both men get to their feet and Hennig throws a wild right but it’s blocked with a spinebuster from Booker.

Hennig can’t seem to get out of the gates, which leaves Booker to dominate most of the match, but he makes one mistake of trying to finish the match too early, going to the top rope and getting distracted by Rude. Rick has been earning his money as of late, and this time is no different. He gets on the apron and argues with Booker which keeps him from hitting the dropkick and gives Hennig the time he needs to get to his feet. Rude drops back to the floor as Hennig joins Booker on the ropes, getting his attention and then bringing Booker down hard with a superplex. Hennig goes to work now, despite being tired, picking Booker apart like only Hennig can. He worked the spine of Booker, setting up for his patented “Hennig-Plex” and Rude made the appropriate distractions when needed.

As Hennig continued his attack, the crowd began to react to something off camera. Hennig didn’t seem to notice, but on the floor Rude realized what was going on and turned to see Evan Karagais making his way towards the ring. Rude moves around the ring to the entranceway, making sure to warn Karagais away from the ring. Heenan makes a comment that Karagais might want to watch his approach because Rude is no slouch. Karagais seems to ignore Rude, walking right past him, but he does see as Rick attempts to hit him with a briefcase. Karagais ducks the shot and connects with a savate kick right to the jaw. Rude goes down and this brings the attention of Curt Hennig who has just finished snapping Booker over and is preparing for his somersault neckwhip. However, with Karagais’s distraction, Hennig turns his back and begins jawing with the young man on the outside. This gives Booker a chance to recover, and he quickly swoops in, school boying Hennig. Fortunately, Hennig is able to kick out and avoid the loss. This doesn’t last long because Booker quickly heads to the top and hits him with a “Missile Dropkick” that keeps Hennig down for the three count. Karagais smirks, and says something to Hennig before heading backstage. (A)

Commercial Break

Not Taking Things Lightly

Right after the commercial break, Gene Okerlund has caught up with Booker T who is sweating profusely from the previous match, and breathing quite hard.

Gene Okerlund: Booker T, could I get a word with you? You just came off a hard fought battle with Curt Hennig, and you’ve been defending your title week in and week out. Some might say you’re overlooking Chris Benoit?

Booker’s breathing is quickly controlled, but his temper seems to be on the edge of escaping his calm exterior, but he keeps calm.

Booker T: Overlooking? I’m defendin’ this title ‘cause it’s the Television title, which means every single week, every single show, you will see me defendin’ this here belt. I ain’t overlookin’ anyone. Chris Benoit is a contender. He’s made that very clear. Even if I were overlookin’ him, he’d make sure to remind me each and every day. Ya see, I’m not one to lay back and wait for the challenger to come to me, but Benoit never gave me that chance. Standin’ behind me wit’ a chair, tryin’ ta get my attention. Well, ya got it Chris. Would you have hit me wit’ the chair if I hadn’t turned around? We may neva know, but I don’ t care, cause if I were you, I’d have cracked ya skull in quicker than you coulda blinked.

This actually gets a few boos from the crowd, but Okerlund quickly throws another question at Booker to clear up his comments.

Gene Okerlund: Woah, are you saying that Benoit should have hit you with that chair? Is that what you’re saying?

Booker T: I’m sayin’ Benoit should have shown some guts. He came out there to hit me, and he shoulda finished what he came to do. Instead, he tucked tail and ran like a little chicken.

Gene Okerlund: Well, he is known as “The Crippler” so maybe it’s a good thing he didn’t take your advice. We may not be speaking with you tonight if he had.

Booker T: Look, I’m not takin’ anything away from Chris Benoit. He’s a solid athlete, but when ya step in the ring with Booker T, things get a little more intense. Benoit may be the Crippler but he ain’t showed it yet, and I think deep down he knows, he can’t beat me. Tha’s jus’ the way it is, and it’s the way it’ll always be. Slamboree, one more time, Chris Benoit finds out what it’s like to be jus’ anotha sucka. Now can you dig that?

Booker raises his arms and gets his cheers back, flicks his finger against his nose, adjusts the strap on his shoulder and stalks off, leaving Okerlund to send it back to the ring.

Gene Okerlund: I can dig it, but Chris Benoit may not be so inclined. Tony, Mike, Bobby, back to you at ringside. (A)

”Diamond” Dallas Page vs Chris Benoit

Speaking of Chris Benoit, he’s on his way to the ring for his scheduled match-up of the night, which happens to be against a man who will be going into the “Bowery Death Match” along with Goldberg, “Diamond” Dallas Page. Page looks confident, throwing up the diamondcutter sign and banging it to massive cheers from the crowd. Benoit gets the mixed reaction he’s been getting for the last few weeks, with most fans not knowing exactly how far Benoit will go to win a match. Page doesn’t know either, but he doesn’t seem to be worrying about it as he strips off his vest and prepares for the match at hand. The two men circle each other before locking up, and Benoit quickly takes control, ducking under and grabbing a waistlock. Benoit powers Page to the mat and changes position a few times before locking on a front chancery.

Page fights back to his feet and the two exchange holds, with Page actually showing his own technical wrestling, which isn’t as good as Benoit’s, but gets the job done as he manages to regain control. Page’s brawling keeps Benoit on the ropes, trying to find a counter for something, but Page simply tosses him into the corner and throws some shoulders into the man’s midsection. Benoit falls to the mat and Page uncharacteristically stomps on the man’s fingers. Benoit launches back to his feet like someone kicked him, but he can’t fight back as he walks around holding his fingers. Page continues throwing punches into the jaw of Benoit. The Crippler manages to duck one of the punches and catch Page with a roll up, but the kick out is made before the two count can even be registered. Benoit bounds back to his feet but walks right into a clothesline from Page. Page throws up the diamond once more, but Benoit throws him off on the attempt and then connects with a dropkick out of nowhere.

This is a turn around point for Benoit, who’s quite beaten up, but he still gets back to his feet and pulls Page up, hitting a back suplex which plants Page in the center of the ring. The Crippler gets to his feet and runs his thumb across his throat before heading to the top rope. Page comes to life before Benoit can hit the headbutt, but he only manages to stagger to his feet, so Benoit changes plans and connects with a crossbody. Benoit attempts to hook the leg but momentum works against him and he ends up being the one having to kick out at a two count. Both men get back to their feet but Benoit runs over Page, sending him back to the mat. Once more Page regains his feet but this time Benoit is behind him, waistlock and a quick “German Suplex.” The Crippler keeps his hands clasped, forcing Page back up before taking him over for a second, and then a third German suplex. He keeps the bridge on the third one, but once more Page kicks out.

Frustration seems to be the name of the game for Benoit as of late, and this was no exception as he argued with referee Randy Anderson, but to no avail. Benoit even resorts to shoving Anderson, who shoves him back. The Crippler raises his hand to strike the referee but Page clotheslines Benoit from behind and sends him straight into the referee, who goes down from the impact. Benoit staggers, turns around and is driven into the mat with a “Diamondcutter” from Page. Dallas hooks the leg but there is no referee. He swears at nothing in particular, and gets back to his feet, trying to wake Anderson up. While doing this, he doesn’t see Saturn coming over the barricade and sliding in the ring, which means he doesn’t know what’s happening when he turns around, straight into a T-Bone suplex. Page goes down and Saturn quickly slides out of the ring and retakes his seat in the crowd. Benoit, holding his head and everything, climbs the buckles and delivers a huge “Diving Headbutt” off the top. Lateral press, and Anderson makes the slow count, awarding the match to Benoit. (A+)

Ditch The Zero; Get With A Hero

After the match, the cameras go backstage where Elizabeth is at the concession stand, pouring a cup of coffee. She spills a bit on her hand, and bites her tongue, because let’s face it, cursing out loud is very unlady-like. Before she gets a chance to grab a napkin, one is handed to her.

Elizabeth: Thank you

Her words come out before she looks up, but as soon as she does raise her eyes, he face reveals the fact that she’d take the words back if she could. Standing in front of her with a cocky smirk on his face is none other than “Buff” Bagwell. Elizabeth says something under her breath and attempts to leave but Buff stops in front of her.

Buff Bagwell: Hey sweet cheeks, where ya goin’?

Elizabeth brushes it off and tries to get through the doorway, but Buff puts his arm up and leans against the door, blocking her exit. She doesn’t seem happy, but she doesn’t have a choice.

Elizabeth: Look, I’ve got to get back to–

Buff chuckles, and shakes his head in amazement.

Buff Bagwell: To what? That washed up hasbeen? Face it Liz, Randy can’t hang anymore. He shouldn’t even be in the ring, and after Sunday Night, he’s going to be sent to the retirement home when Hogan takes back what should have always been his. So after Slamboree, you’re going to be nursing a broken, bitter old man, and me, I’m going to be celebrating like only the nWo can do. Now tell me, what could be more fun then hanging out with “The Stuff!”?

Elizabeth: Swallowing rusty nails.

Buff Bagwell: What was that?

Elizabeth: Listen.....Buff, I’m sure it would be....fun, but I can’t. Maybe these kind of lines work on the starry eyed girls waiting outside the arena, but me, I like my men to have a little class.

Bagwell looks taken back by her bluntness which allows her the time she needs to slip past and make her way down the hallway. Buff looks after her, then seemingly regaining his voice hollers after her.

Buff Bagwell: So why Savage?!!

He shakes his head and turns back to the camera, heading to where ever he came from.(B)

Commercial Break

Lex Luger & Rick Steiner vs The Texas Longhorns

Bobby Duncum Jr. And Kendall Windham are introduced to the world as The Texas Longhorns, but it doesn’t seem to garner them anymore heat from the crowd, as they continue to be quite apathetic to the two men. That all changes when Luger and Steiner hits the ring, because despite neither man being incredibly ring savvy, they are definitely over with the fans. Luger poses in the center of the ring while Steiner forces the Longhorns to roll out while he runs around the ring barking. The faces decide to talk strategy which gives Windham and Duncum the chance to hit the ring and begin beating down their opponents. Duncum tosses Steiner into the ropes and connects with a big boot while Luger fights back on Windham and tosses him through the ropes. Duncum sees this and quickly drives some elbows into the back of Luger’s head, turning him around and delivering a ddt close to the ropes. He covers and throws his feet on the second rope but referee Mickie Jay sees this and admonishes him. This doesn’t earn Jay any friends and Duncum argues with him until Luger recovers and spins him around, driving him back into the ropes with several punches. Quick whip into the ropes leads to a powerslam from Luger and a quick two count.

Luger continues to use his momentum, hammering away at Duncum before bringing in “The Dog Faced Gremlin” for some offence of his own. Duncum quickly shows that he has a bit of intelligence, catching the overzealous Steiner with a rake to the eyes and quickly drags him back into his own corner. Duncum turns and argues with Mickie Jay once more, which gives Windham a chance to take a few cheap shots in the corner. The fans boo as Windham takes his shots, but he stops as the ref turns around and finally comes in legally off the tag. Windham throws some heavy shots that rock Steiner into the corner before tossing him into the other one and delivering a huge avalanching clothesline. Steiner falls to a sitting position which gives Windham a chance to put his boot on the man’s throat and simply push, choking the life out of him. Luger comes in to try and attack, but the ref is quick to horde him back to the corner, and it doesn’t help Steiner because it gives Duncum a chance to come into the ring without the tag.

Schiavone comments on the fact that The Longhorns are showing more fire than they have since coming to WCW, but also mentions that he’s not sure how long that could last. As if prophetic, Duncum attempts to whip Steiner in but Rick reverses the move and sends Bobby Duncum into the ropes before delivering a stiff “Steinerline.” Rick drops to his knees, and then to his stomach, but the fans are behind him as he crawls towards his corner. Windham comes in to cut him off, but as he grabs Rick’s leg, the DFG throws himself forward and makes the tag. Windham begs off but Luger is having none of it as he throws dangerous right hands at the head of the Texan, rocking him to the ropes before shooting him off and delivering a big “Flying Forearm” to the forehead. Duncum convulses as he rolls to the outside, and Luger calls for “The Rack” as Windham rolls into the ring. Nobody seems to care who the legal man is because Luger racks Windham, Steiner keeps Duncum out of the ring, and Windham submits, giving Luger and Steiner the victory heading into Slamboree. (B+)

Alright! You’ve Got My Attention!

For the last time of the evening, the show goes backstage where this time Scott Hudson is looking around the backstage area for his next victim, erm, interview. He finds the door to Curt Hennig’s locker room open, and inside Hennig is talking animatedly with Rick Rude.

Curt Hennig: I’m getting sick of this damn kid, Rick. He can’t seem to take no for an answer. He doesn’t have it. He’s too young, too small. He’s just not.....perfect.

Rick is listening, not saying a word, but he sees Hudson at the door of the locker room, and rolls his eyes.

Rick Rude: What do you want?

Hudson takes this as an invitation, sidling through the doorway and right up to Hennig.

Scott Hudson: Curt, earlier tonight we saw you attempt to take the Television Title from Booker T, but once again you were interupted by Evan Karagais.

He thrusts the microphone at Hening, who shakes his head and rolls his eyes much the same way that Rude had done just a few minutes ago.

Curt Hennig: Was that a question?!! Look, I don’t have time for this crap.

This is Rude’s cue to grab the mic, turning it back to himself and looking straight into the camera.

Rick Rude: I want you rednecks to understand, something that you couldn’t possibly understand. Curt Hennig is a world class athlete. He should be the World Heavyweight Champion, but instead he’s wasting his time with worthless kids like Evan Karagais. Evan, this man has been around the block and back again, all before you were even a gleam in your fat, obnoxious daddies eye. He’s seen and done things in his career that you could only hope to have done.. This man is the archetype from which all other wrestlers are molded from. You, you’re nothing. You’re just another one of those wannabe’s looking for a quick ride to the top, but you’re not going to get it. What you don’t seem to understand is that stepping into the ring with a man like Curt Hennig is agreeing to show everyone exactly what kind of pitiful human being you are. That’s it, Evan. There is nothing else to be gained from this match.

Rude laughs and Hennig finally comes back to the microphone, this time taking it for himself.

Curt Hennig: But, there’s no turning back now. You wanted this match, and I’m going to give it to you. I’ve got nothing to gain, but I’m going to beat you so bad that you’ll never want to step foot back in the ring, let alone get in my business. Next week, on Nitro, everyone seems to be hyped about some big return, but I’m going to give them another reason to tune in. Curt Hennig putting another kid right back where he belongs, at the bottom, with the rest of the no talents.

Hennig finishes the interview by spitting his gum into the air and then batting it at the cameraman who tries to avoid it, trips and falls against the door. Hennig walks away laughing, while Rude helps the cameraman up long enough to open the door and shove him through it. (B)

Commercial Break

Sting vs Scott Steiner

Those who watched Nitro would probably have expected Sting to run through Scott Steiner, seeing as Steiner was defeated by Booker T, the Television Champion, and Sting is a bonafide main eventer. Those who went into this match with that attitude were surprised in the early going as Steiner dominated the first six or seven minutes of the match with superior throws, including a belly to belly that nearly broke Sting in half against the ropes. Sting managed to get some shots in during this time, but Steiner’s offence was overbearing, and he continued to treat Sting like a rag doll. Most of Sting’s chances came when Steiner decided to stop his attack and pose, flexing his muscles and actually kissing his bicep. Sting managed to catch him with an inverted atomic drop on during one of these times, and when Steiner stumbled back into the corner, Sting crushed him with a “Stinger Splash” in the corner. Steiner staggered out and Sting went to work lighting him up with chops, stopping to “WOOOOO” the crowd before hitting the knock down shot. Sting, uncharacteristic in the later stages of his career, then went up top and attempted a flying move only to take a boot to the face from Steiner.

Steiner went right back to work, this time attempting to wear Sting down more than simply throwing him around. Sting found himself gasping for air as Steiner’s large arms wrapped around his body and began constricting his rib cage. The Sting struggled, trying to break the hold but Steiner’s strength was just too much and the painted warrior began to fade, slowly, until it got to the point where Billy Silverman felt that Sting was gone, and immediately went to the arm, raising it once, and watching as it fell. The fans were beginning to buzz and Steiner tightened his grip, wrenching just that extra bit more. Silverman raises the hand a second time, and the crowd are now cheering loud as it falls to his side once more. The fans are now going apeshit, cheering for Sting, begging for a comeback and when Silverman raises the hand for a third time, the evidence becomes clear, Sting still has some life left in him as he holds his hand up and begins struggling even more.

With the fans firmly behind him, Sting slams his hands into the side of Steiner’s head. The first one doesn’t break the hold, neither does the second, but after a succession of five or ten, Steiner finally releases the hold and staggers into the corner. Sting lines him up, charges and slams into the big man with a Stinger Splash. Steiner wanders out of the corner, and right into a “Scorpion Death Drop.” A hook of the leg and the fans head into Slamboree happy, because their chosen champion is going in on a win streak. (A+)

Final Rating:: A

TBS Rating: 2, 037, 076

[JStarr]

So, yeah, Enforcer...good to see you got yer name back. Figured I'd drop in and try to return some of the favor that you've given me with the frequent feedback for The Fixer.

I got caught up a couple of days ago, and now as I come in to post, you've slapped up a new show. Rather than encapsulate the whole thing, I'll chime in on the latest Nitro and Thunder.

--Glad to see XG has good taste in movies, and I'll assume you do too, after the gratuitous use of the term "Porch Monkey." Your Jericho makes me laugh like few other characters in any Diary in the Dome. I'm sure Chiquita and Jalapeno Guerrero agree.

--I'll be honest, I haven't done an Iron Man match because I'm scared shitless of having to come up with an hour's worth of action to create a reasonable match. Booker and Benoit can do one better than most, but man, that's gonna be a lot of writing. Good luck with that, and it should be a classic.

--Was fumbling around TitleHistories.com earlier today, and I came across a team that was actually named the Rising Suns. Toru Tanaka and Mitsu Arakawa used that name when they were awarded the WWF International Tag Team titles in June of 1969. Just a bit of trivia, no real point to it. Maybe TGC was there for a title defense, and remembered the name...hmmm... Oh, and these Rising Sons are a killer team, I must say. Waiting for them to retire Neidhart and...I don't know, give Davey something else to do aside from propping up his brother-in-law.

--I wasn't watching WCW in '98, so tell me: Was there a lot of heel v. heel booking like what you did with Hennig v. Muta? Honestly, I think it adds a little variety to booking ideas when the fans get to cheer for someone they normally don't. Me, I cheered for Hennig, but I always do anyway. And an A+ match, as it should have been.

--Me, I'm just not feeling Karagias. Hennig's a great guy for him to try to emulate, but I don't know. Maybe if this was Shane Helms instead of Karagias, I'd feel differently. Can Curt pound his dick in the dirt and we can all move on? Probably not, huh?

--The Bowery Death Match looks like class. Maybe a sideways way to have someone actually get over on Goldberg for once? Raven and Saturn win? Yeah? Please? Even if they don't win, I'm sure lots of blood is to be spilled by all.

--Honestly, there are so many other things that I'm more interested in than the World title match with Hogan, Savage, and Bret. Don't feel bad, though, I usually have the same feelings about my own diary.

On to Thunder:

--Loved the Nash/Sting segment. Just like Taker was one of the franchises for WWF, Sting held the same mantle for WCW, and this seemed like vintage mindgames like few other than Taker could have played. Nice.

--Back to Neidhart...you're telling me he literally got hit with a FUCKING ANVIL?!?!? What is this, the Looney Tunes? Neidhart Coyote? Damn, if he's in fighting form next show, then you have your Triple-H-no-selling-a-fall-from-a-forklift-that-would-have-killed-anyone moment.

--Kidman and Chavo could make an interesting team, should they both go through with these breakups that you seem to be teasing. Another tidbit to look forward to.

--Without "Rap is Crap," it doesn't seem like there's anything to get Duncum and Windham over. They can do decent jobs to teams that are getting half a push, but do they have any other purpose? Never mind, most of WCW's roster didn't serve much purpose, did they?

--Sort of interesting to see Sting beat Steiner clean, but the match seemed to be designed to make sure Scott stayed strong. Did its job.

Slamboree's shaping up to be a good PPV, even if the main event is like the fourth or fifth most interesting match in my books. Can't wait to see it, man. Keep it coming...and hopefully, you're quicker about it than I am. Cheers.

[Xero Gravity]

Well, I finally managed to find a way around the board being a pain and get in here. So with that being said, I can finally get round to Thunder.

Great opening segment with Sting and Nash. Like Jstarr mentioned, Sting was very much like WCW's version of The Undertaker. I love a little mind games throw into feuds, and I don't think you could have done that one any better than you did.

I wasn't surprised to see Bulldog go over, seeing as Konnan doesn't have a PPV match to look good for. The following interview wasn't too bad, maybe a little too coherent for someone like him. However, I had to laugh at the Neidhart attack. I couldn't help picturing an acme sign printed on the side of the anvil as it was driven into his head

I still think you're just teasing the Guerrero break up, despite the weeks of showing Chavo not to be happy with what Eddy's doing. Kidman however, seems more likely to break away from the Flock although it may not happen for a while yet.

Bringing back the whole Blood Runs Cold angle is an odd decision. I think you could do a good job of making it more than the joke it was first time around. No matter what, it should be funny to watch unfold thanks to the whole MK aspect of it.

Both Booker and Benoit get wins three days before their showdown, which still doesn't give us with a favourite candidate to walk away with the title...bastard I liked Booker's promo in between the two matches, especially not having it as such a clean cut face promo.

Bagwell is a dork, and I loved that entire segment...nothing more to say other than Elizabeth's "Swallowing rusty nails" reply was the line of the night.

It's a shame I'm still the only one who seems to like the whole Karagias/Hennig feud. All I can keep saying is at least you're trying to do something different and get someone over that isn't usually pushed in diaries.

Another big ppv style main event to cap of the show, and another not so surprising win. Sting's match has more hype behind it than the handicap match, so Steiner can take the fall without people's expectations being shot too much.

Over all, you successfully managed to squeeze out that last bit of hype needed for Slamboree. Roll on the PPV (Y)

[Steve Corino]

Alright with the crowd chanting "We're Taking Over" this has suddenly become a Blue World Order reference. I approve. Now Sting is Undertaker, which really I guess is what WCW was doing but that makes it weird. But I like it. I really like it.

Smith picking up the victory over Konnan is only good, because Konnan is next to nothing here. Hey, I like this attack happening. More putting over the Sons as vicious men who'll stop at nothing. Though the imagery was still hilarious. Give these men the Tag belts soon.

Some good cruiserweight action to keep the people happy. I approve. Some dissention in the Flock I'm sure will lead to good things, unlike how the dissention in the nWo did. So now I'm thinking Kidman's going to cost Raven and Saturn the match at Slamboree, but then on the other hand, it could all be a ploy and he's going to cost Page and Berg the match. That's why Raven is fun.

So now Scorpion is going to come to eliminate Glacier? Let's see, Sub-Zero to Glacier, what can you call Scorpion? Sting's already taken. Maybe Spear? If Scorpion is coming to WCW, he'd better be able to use his spear move and have a mic built in under his mask to yell "GET OVER HERE!". Just sayin'.

Sadly I know this isn't going to be Hennig's match. Not just because Booker is going to make it to Slamboree with the belt, but because Karagias is probably going to interfere. And dammit there he is. Oh well, hopefully this'll be over at Slamboree. I have little against Evan, but I just think Curt should be into bigger and more important things. Book's interview was solid, showing how he cares about the title he holds to the point that he would have smashed Benoit with the chair if given the chance just to get a bit of an edge.

Lot of interference tonight, isn't there? Course I guess that's WCW for you. Interference to cost matches I guess is the best way to continue feuds that are about people getting frustrated or violent with one another. Note the lack of Benoit and Booker interference in their respective matches; this feud is about respect and a title, not about people beating one another to a bloody mass of broken bones and muscles.

LOL! Buff just got owned by Liz! That just made this show right there. You can almost see a turn coming with Bagwell pointing out how if she likes guys with class why is she hanging out with Savage, but I'm hoping it was just Buff being a smart-ass.

Good to see a new team coming in. The problem lies in how most teams are superteams or teams who are so over that it takes a superteam to get the belts from them (Sting and Giant, Outsiders, etc) or teams who aren't over enough (Longhorns, Davey and Neidhart, etc). But having a lot of teams around is always a good thing, especially since there are a lot of guys on your payroll who don't have much to do. I've done the same thing in WCW 98 games before; just start up with random teamings for people who there isn't much to do with. I'm sure this match was quite the fun brawl though. But please, just don't make Curt Hennig the leader for the Texas Longhorns.

Speak of the devil! Mic time for Hennig and Rude is good stuff, nice touch with Rude talking about Evan's "fat, obnoxious daddy". Ravishing Rick still lives, people! Wait, so I guess Karagias isn't going to be facing Curt at Slamboree? I think you could have fit the three minute squash match onto the card, really.

Sting against Steiner should be damn good. Kinda short. Run out of time for it or something? Still a good one.

And now, to pay-per-view! Yaaay!

[Draevyn]

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match: “Macho Man” Randy Savage© vs “Hollywood” Hogan vs Bret “The Hitman” Hart

At Starrcade 97, Bret “The Hitman” Hart arrived on the scene during the Hollywood Hogan and Sting feud, as special guest referee. Hart showed that he was an unbiased referee, swearing later that he was sick and tired of seeing people getting screwed, and that he was here in WCW to make sure it didn’t happen to anyone else like it had him. Many people in WCW, fans included, were skeptical, believing that this was just Hart’s way of trying to gain attention, and while it may have been, he lived by his word, getting involved during a match between Savage and Hogan, to even up the odds, and make sure nobody got screwed over. Hogan, however, did not see it this way, feeling that he had been screwed, and demanded a rematch. He got it, but not like he had hoped as Bret “The Hitman” Hart was also placed in this match as well. Savage has shown that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep the title, and everyone knows Hogan’s track record. Hart becomes the wildcard, and his intentions are anyone’s ball game. How far will Hart go? Is he willing to do everything? Savage and Hogan are.

WCW Tag Team Championship Match: The Outsiders© vs The Giant & Sting

Despite the nWo faction splitting into two, they have still kept the same game plan, capture every title in WCW. The only difference between The Wolfpac and the other nWo stable is that the fans actually cheer for “The Red And Black”, deeming them more hip than their white and black counterparts. Two men who have not forgotten exactly what the “nWo” name stands for, and their names are Sting and The Giant. Sting found out first hand that while Nash and Savage were getting cheered, they still weren’t above taking the low road, which ended up with Savage defeating Sting for the World Title after a powerbomb from Kevin Nash. This lead to Sting challenging Kevin Nash. The Giant had Sting’s back, which turned into a disadvantage for Kevin Nash, specially when the WCW Execs felt that The Outsiders hadn’t defended their titles enough, and told Nash he had until Slamboree to find a partner, where he would defend those titles. Many believed Nash would go in without a partner, but in the last couple weeks, Scott Hall has showed up on live television, causing a ruckus and infuriating Sting and The Giant even more. This feud will come to a head at Slamboree.

Bowery Death Match: “Diamond” Dallas Page & Goldberg vs Raven & Saturn

Originally this match was scheduled to simply be a singles match with Page and Raven but the two feuds have bled into one another, both figuratively and literally. With the four men battling back and forth, interfering in each other’s matches, the only thing left is to put them inside of a steel cage, hand them weapons and watch as these four modern day gladiators reign havoc on each other. Goldberg has been undefeated, as well as being the United States Champion. Page is a verteran in his own right, while Raven has been master of mind games since arriving in WCW. Perry Saturn, Raven’s right hand man has been at his side, destroying everything in his path, and now he has his sights set on Goldberg, and the man’s United States Title.

The Rising Sons vs Davey Boy Smith & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart have been on quite a roll since entering World Championship Wrestling, but that all seemed to come to a stop when The Rising Sons decided to make an impact, attacking the two men, and completely destroying the team. They have been going back and forth for the last couple of weeks, attacking each other and throwing out challenges during interviews. Smith and Neidhart have said that they will end this battle while sending The Rising Songs back across the seas with their tails tucked between their legs, The Rising Sons have said, well nothing, but their actions have made their intentions very clear.

Iron Challenge; WCW Television Title Match: Booker T© vs Chris Benoit

These two men have had countless battles, all stemming from their incredible competitiveness, and their desire to be a champion. Booker has declared that he would defend the title on every single television show, and pay per view, against anyone who feels they’re good enough to take the title. Benoit, on the other hand, has been trying to take the title from Booker, yet has been unsuccessful so far. He’s beaten other opponents, but Booker T seems to have his number. This match comes down to conditioning, not to mention, who wants it more? Benoit has showed the mean streak, while Booker has shown the incredible ability to overcome all odds. Will sixty minutes finally be able to decide the better man, or will we be left wondering still?

Scott Steiner & Buff Bagwell & Brian Adams vs Rick Steiner & Lex Luger

For two years the war between World Championship Wrestling and the New World Order has raged, with guys like Hogan, Sting, The Giant, The Outsiders, Lex Luger and The Steiners at the forefront. However, with Scott Steiner recently joining the nWo, his brother Rick Steiner has been on a quest to find out why. Buff Bagwell has been downright obnoxious and Adam’s ability to get under the skin of Lex Luger has brought them both into this match.

WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match: Chris Jericho© vs The Winner Of The Cruiserweight Battle Royal

After Cnris Jericho defeated everyone during his title reign, and the number one contender at the time, Dean Malenko, went down with injury, Jericho ended up without an opponent for the pay-per-view. This lead to WCW executives to come up with a Battle Royal, with the winner taking on Jericho for the title. Jericho’s cocky attitude has shown through over the last few weeks as he continued to defeat everyone put in front of him, while trash talking everyone along the way. Jericho is ready for this challenge, but who will his opponent be?

Cruiserweight Battle Royal

Many of WCW’s top cruiserweights will take part in this cruiserweight battle royal, with the winner taking on the current Cruiserweight Champion on the same night. Participants will be men such as Juventud Guerrera, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Billy Kidman, Tokyo Magnum, El Dandy, and many others.

Usually I'm not big on previews, which is why you don't see them for my weekly shows, but when it comes to pay-per-views, I do them to give the pay-per-views that extra feel. Not to mention people can post their predictions if they like, and I may offer them a prize in the end. Also, to answer SC's question, I'll throw this in here as well. The Curt Hennig/Karagais match was actually going to be scheduled for the ppv, but when booking it, I realized that with the Battle Royal and the Iron Challenge match, I just didn't have the time for this match while getting the right mix of angles and matches, which is the reason it's going to be on that Nitro. I'm hoping I've built that Nitro up as a big thing, and it will give people a reason to wait.

[Steve Corino]

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match: “Macho Man” Randy Savage© vs “Hollywood” Hogan vs Bret “The Hitman” Hart

As I mentioned before, I don't think Slamboree is going to be Hart's big title win. But I also don't think that Savage is going to drop the belt to Hogan here, either. Later on, maybe, probably, but not right now. So Savage defeats Hogan here so that Bret continues looking strong.

WCW Tag Team Championship Match: The Outsiders© vs The Giant & Sting

Giant and Sting don't need to win here by any means. But also, I hope we're not going to see a break-up of the Outsiders. Honestly, the black and white hasn't had nearly enough people dropping out of it to elicit this being taken as a really "major" feud, as IRL there had already been defections by Nash, Savage, Konnan, Hennig, and Rude. Here we've only seen Nash and Savage drop, and Hall hasn't claimed any allegiances anywhere except for showing that he's teaming with Nash. So keep the belts where they are, keep the Outsiders together, and when they drop the belts to the Rising Sons, then I guess you can turn Hall if you want to.

Bowery Death Match: “Diamond” Dallas Page & Goldberg vs Raven & Saturn

Unless I don't quite understand the rules, I assume it's one fall rather than elimination, Page will take the fall in order to put Raven or Saturn in line for a US title shot at some point. I expect Kidman to be involved, but the role is uncertain.

The Rising Sons vs Davey Boy Smith & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

The Rising Sons will be our next Tag Team champions. Smith and Anvil are going to be properly fed to the Japanese Machine Team on their rise.

Iron Challenge; WCW Television Title Match: Booker T© vs Chris Benoit

If the signs being pointed are being pointed to a Horsemen return, then Benoit's going to have enough on his plate without the TV title being added to his list of activities. Let Booker keep the belt and move on to feud with Jericho.

Scott Steiner & Buff Bagwell & Brian Adams vs Rick Steiner & Lex Luger

This way, next month we can go ahead and see Rick vs Scott. Right? I hope so. We really don't need to see this dragged out to Halloween Havoc.

WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match: Chris Jericho© vs Dean Malenko

Cruiserweight Battle Royal

As I said before, this is one time where history really should repeat itself. Change the aftermath, because Jericho can easily be Booker's next contender, but keep everything else the same.