WCW '98: One More Hart Beat

[Xero Gravity]

Okay, I'm still half asleep so I'll try and do this an easy way...

What I Liked

Raven Evenflowing Saturn and Kidman. I've never really been a fan of either man, so it was nice to see him lay them out. Whether or not a great deal comes of this, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

The Kanyon/Golberg match also, as Corino mentioned was great booking as it kept Raven's problems with both men going in one match.

Jericho and Malenko's promo. While I agree with JStarr and felt something was a little off, there's no denying it was a solid promo leading into the match.

The match between Finlay and Meng...stiffness galore, and just an awesome pairing to throw into the ring.

Cage's debut should be fun to see.

I'm still the only person who likes the Hennig/Karagias storyline.

The Rising Sons winning the main event. Right now they're the best tag team in the diary, and should go over The Wolfpac to take the straps.

What I Didn't Like

The Duggan/Scorpion match didn't grab any interest at all, luckily it only lasted a few minutes.

In fact, this whole Blood Runs Cold angle is still a little hard to accept as anything but an OTT mess.

I didn't much care for Bagwell/Steiner, or Bagwell being the champ for that matter.

So over all, it's definitely a thumbs up from me.

[Draevyn]

~Continental Airlines Arena, Rutherford, New Jersey~

Nitro kicks off with a bang, pyro, dance music and The Nitro Girls all welcoming their loyal viewers to another three hours of non stop action. Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan all welcome the fans watching at home before getting right down to hype duty on the main event which is Bret “The Hitman” Hart and ”Macho Man” Randy Savage teaming up to take on Hollywood Hogan and a partner of his choosing for the evening. They seem to have more to talk about, but the sound of horses hooves beating on the ground breaks up anything they may have had to say...

1: When The Armies Fall; The Horsemen Stand Tall

Arn Anderson leads his troops through the curtain and towards the ring, with the fans giving them a hearty amount of jeers. Jericho is the only one to interact with the fans, grabbing a sign that says “Chris Jericho; Cruiserweight Chump”, which he promptly rips up and throws back in the face of the fan. Malenko calms him down and they continue into the ring where Arn Anderson has a microphone in his hand.

Arn Anderson: Once again, World Championship Wrestling brings four men who will not only be a force here, but they will revolutionize the industry for years to come. There was a time when I was a member of that elite group, but there comes a time in every man’s life when he has to know that it’s time to step away and usher in the new era of wrestling. These four right here are the new era of wrestling. This is what the Horsemen were built on.

Anderson gazes across the four men, adjusts his glasses, and then continues.

Arn Anderson: There was a man, that I once considered my friend, who understood that sentiment. Ric, you and me lead the most powerful group in the history of wrestling. We took men with potential and we made them stars. We gave them what they needed. We didn’t hold them back. We didn’t beat them down. But see, these four men right here have been held back since coming to World Championship Wrestling, and once again, I’m here to give them a chance. Shane Douglas, I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, so I’m going to hand this time over to you.

Douglas, decked out in jeans, a black shirt stating that he is “The Franchise”, as well as a pair of dark sunglasses, which he takes off and tucks into the collar of his shirt before taking the microphone.

Shane Douglas: Thank you, Mr. Anderson. See that Ric? Right there is a man who’s comfortable enough in his position to not only pass the microphone, but also pass the torch onto a much younger generation. That’s how it’s done, Ric! You’ve had your fun up here in WCW talking about how you’re the big man around these parts, and then you walked away. That’s the difference between you and me, Ric. When things get tough for me, I lace up my boots and I kick some ass. I don’t walk home and use my son as an excuse.

This gains Douglas more heat than he got when he attacked Ric Flair last week on Nitro, but he just laughs it off in that trademark Douglas way.

Shane Douglas: You can boo all you want, but the fact remains the same. Ric Flair is a selfish son of a bit *BLEEP* nd you know it. The only reason the so called “Nature Boy” is as big a star as he is happens to be because he uses men like the three right here with me. See Ric, you’ve made a career out of holding people like us down, but I’ve had just about as much as I can take. You had your fun up here in WCW sitting in your skybox while I was down there busting my ass just to get this chance. That’s all I needed Ric. The only thing that kept me from beating you and becoming bigger than you was an opportunity. Now that has all changed. Thanks to Arn Anderson, and these three right here, I’m going to tear down the legacy of Ric Flair and burn it. Then Ric, when we’re standing in the ashes of your legacy, I’ll put you where you belong. Out of this business forever.

Douglas’s eyes tell the story, filled with hatred and conflict, but he hands the microphone off to Chris Benoit, who normally doesn’t do a lot of talking, but feels he needs to get something off his chest at this time.

Chris Benoit: What Shane just said is completely true. In Flair country, you either live by the rules, or he pulls the plug. Ric and I have never seen eye to eye since he nearly destroyed The Horsemen over a piece of crap like Jeff Jarrett. You remember that Ric? Do you remember the man who was against that?

Benoit points to himself and the camera catches Dean Malenko’s semi-embarrassed reaction as he was the man who stuck up for Jarrett and even teamed with him on a couple of occasions against Chris Benoit and the former Horsemen, Steve McMichael.

Chris Benoit: Ric, don’t get us wrong. You’re not the only but you’re the biggest one. You’ve been stylin’ and profilin’ at the top of the pack as you like to put it, while the rest of us have been down here drinking at the waterhole. “Diamond” Dallas Page was another one of those men who came in here, pulled a few strings, and worked his way to the top of the card. Page, you think your history with Raven is the big deal here? You’re looking at the big deal. You want to know why Page? Because you’re in my spot. That spot at the top of the card. That spot that gets the title shots. It’s mine, and you’re in it. It’s simply a small part of a much bigger plan, and you’re nothing more than a victim, or at least you will be. Just remember one thing Dallas, there is a reason they call me “The Crippler.”

Much like the old school Horsemen promo’s, the microphone continues to get passed around, this time to the ever arrogant Chris Jericho, who has the smirk on his face, but the eyes mention he’s bored of what’s going on. This all changes as he starts speaking.

Chris Jericho: I’m sure everyone expects me to talk about how I’ve been held down by the big guns here in WCW, and how I’m out for revenge, but that ain’t gonna happen. Let’s face it, with skills like these, there is nobody who could hold me back. Sooner or later, Chris Jericho, the King Of Your World, and the sexxxiest beast this side of the solar system would have risen past all these old dinosaurs, strapped on his designer shades and traveled off into the sunset, still your eternal hero. I’m just taking the fast track to success. So, no, I’m not going to rant and rave about what could have been. Instead, I’m going to bring to your attention what is. Chris Jericho, your hero, is a part of the elite stable known as The Four Horsemen with three other men almost as great as he is. Chris Jericho, your superior, is the Cruiserweight Champion of the world. Did I mention the sexy part? Cause I am, you know? That’s not going to change. Nobody can change it. Not Eddie Guerrero, not Chavo Guerrero, not Juventud Guerrera. Did WCW miss the boat with you? They thought they were getting another Guerrero and ended up with Quasimodo. Tell them Deano!

Jericho hands the microphone to Malenko, but as he opens his mouth to say something, the Horsemen’s music hits once more, to the surprise of everyone, and they look around hastily before bailing out of the ring and heading backstage.

The Four Horsemen Hype Themselves Greatly-(A)

2: Learning From The Master

Backstage Curt Hennig is sitting on a bench in the locker room area, lacing up his boots with Rick Rude sitting right across from him. The two are conversing quietly until Evan Karagais walks onto the scene, and the two men stop talking, with Hennig looking up at Evan.

Curt Hennig: Hey, kid! Look, about last week, I know that you were hoping the match last week would have ended a bit different, but sometimes things just happen.

Karagais doesn’t look convinced.

Evan Karagais: Yeah, it’s funny how things like that “just happen.”

Hennig carries on, not sensing the sarcasm in the kids voice.

Curt Hennig: But that’s okay, because tonight you’ve got a chance to stand at ringside and see exactly how a match is won. You’ll never be quite this perfect, but then again, who can? You ready?

Hennig doesn’t even glance up, grabbing the towel from the bench and putting it around his head, popping a piece of gum into his mouth and slapping Karagais on the back before heading for the door.

Curt Hennig Tells Evan Karagais To Watch How It’s Done-(B)

3: Booker T vs Curt Hennig (w/Rick Rude & Evan Karagais)

With this match having nothing to do with the current feud between Booker, Rick Steiner and the nWo team, Booker comes out alone, which makes Hennig’s entourage look like a circus. Hennig remains cocky, making sure Karagais knows that all he has to do is watch and he’ll learn the tricks of the trade from the master. Hennig spits his gum into the air, and in quite a funny move, Karagais steps in front of him and swats it into the crowd, much like Hennig would have, had he had the chance to. Heenan makes fun of Karagais for touching Hennig’s spit covered gum.

When Hennig got into the ring and the match finally began, it was quite evident that Hennig was looking to show his young protégé the true extent of his skills. Hennig took Booker down and locked him in several different holds, before whipping him into the ropes and attempting a dropkick. Booker, being no slouch himself, counters by holding onto the ropes and allowing Hennig to crash and burn. Booker grabs Hennig’s feet and flips over into a pinning predicament which gains him a one count. Hennig kicks out, scrambles to his feet and charges, only for Booker to step out of the way and watch Curt crash through the ropes to the outside. Rude yells at Karagais to help Hennig up but Evan informs Rude that he was told to watch, and nothing else.

Hennig gets back to his feet, holding his side, and turns to Karagais, informing him that it’s all part of his plan. While it’s evident that it wasn’t part of the plan, the next move lends it value as he avoids the baseball slide from Booker T and then kicks him in the gut, suplexing him hard on the outside of the ring. Hennig stomps away at Booker before tossing him back into the ring and following him in. Hennig seems more intent on keeping Evan’s eyes on the match, chastising him every time he took his eyes away from the match. This lead to Booker scoring a roll up and nearly getting the three count. Schiavone wonders if maybe this whole “mentor” thing may not have been the best course of action for Hennig. Hennig scrambles to his feet and immediately goes down with a back elbow

The man from 110th Street Harlem goes to work in his old school brawling ways, putting most people to mind of his days with Harlem Heat, a place some people thought he should have stayed. There is a funny spot that takes place as Booker locks on a wrist lock but Hennig nips up to his feet only to take a right hand to the jaw and get knocked down. This happens two more times with the outcome always being the same, Booker T knocking him down with a right hand. Hennig finally thinks better of the kip up and simply kicks his feet up, knocking Booker back into the ropes, but when Hennig gets back to his feet he’s knocked through the ropes with a shoulderblock.

With the two men out there for Hennig, Booker T thinks better of traveling outside, allowing the referee to begin the count. At the count of eight, Karagais pulls Hennig up and rolls him into the ring, once again getting admonished by Rude, but Karagais simply points at Booker and declares “He was going to win” before going back to watching the match. Hennig rolls over and looks at Karagais which proves to be a mistake as Booker stomps him in the back of the head. Booker continues his offence, tossing Hennig in and nearly taking his head off with a flying back heel kick right to the jaw before raising the roof with the crowd’s approval. Rude stirs outside and gets on the apron to distract the referee while dropping the briefcase on the apron.

Hennig crawls for the briefcase and gets it in his hands, but Karagais grabs it. The two have a pulling contest with Hennig yelling at him to give it up, which Karagais does. Hennig wasn’t exactly thinking about the effects of Karagais letting go and takes the briefcase right in the forehead. He goes back, stumbling to his feet but Booker T is already up top and he comes off with the Missile Dropkick slamming the case into Hennig’s head once more. He slides the case out of the ring, hooks the leg and the ref finally turns around to make the count. Booker T wins another hard fought contest.

Booker T def. Curt Hennig-(B+, 8:56)

4: Rule #1; Don’t Stick Your Nose Where It Doesn’t Belong

Rude helps Hennig out of the ring while glaring at Karagais, who is trying to apologize for what happened. He joins Rude in trying to help Hennig backstage but Hennig shoves him away. While this is going on Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell hit the ring. Booker is celebrating on the buckles, oblivious as to what’s going on, until Bagwell grabs him by the trunks and pulls him off. Booker turns around right into a huge haymaker from Scott Steiner, and commentary hype the fact that Scott’s brother Rick is not in the building tonight. Booker rebounds to his feet after each punch from the duo but that all ends when Bagwell heads up top and delivers his Blockbuster. Steiner rolls him over and locks on the camel clutch (now dubbed The Steiner Recliner) in the center of the ring. Bagwell hops around, yelling things at Booker.

On the ramp, Hennig, Rude and Karagais are watching the beatdown, with Karagais trying to talk Hennig into going down to help Booker T. Hennig shakes his head and starts to walk backstage, beckoning Evan to follow, but Evan shakes his head and charges the ring. As soon as he slides in and gets to his feet Buff Bagwell takes him out with the televison title, slamming him right between the eyes with it. Karagais is laid out, Booker is struggling in the Steiner Recliner, and Hennig is on the ramp shaking his head with a smile on his face, when the show goes to...

Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell Lay Out Booker T and Evan Karagais-(A)

Commercial Break

5: This Feels Too Much Like Home

Back from commercial with Raven sitting in a hallway, in apparently a hallway inside the arena. He has his head down with his hair over his face, but he looks up at the camera, with his eyes barely visible through the hair.

Raven: Every hero needs a arch-enemy. Every protagonist needs an antagonist. Such is the way of the world. Goldberg, you’ve held that title in your iron grip for too long, but come The Great American Bash the Raven flies again. Don’t you see Goldberg? You’re not on a football field anymore. Pure strength won’t get you very far inside that ring. You need knowledge, which is something you seem to lack.

Raven chuckles for a second, but then his demeanor turns somber once again.

Raven: But don’t worry Bill. There was a time when my intelligence was called into question. Whether it be a parent who tells you that you’ll never be anything. Or a friend who drains you emotionally. All these people Bill, are parasites. They leech of your success until you have nothing left to give. That’s where the apathy comes from. You’ll feel it too Bill. When the pressure becomes too much for you to handle. You’ll grow tired of the constant strain, and then you’ll become just like me Bill. You won’t care any longer. Apathy is the greatest gift the human race has ever received. Ignorance has become it’s worst sin. Quote the Raven.....

Before he can finish that sentiment, Kanyon storms the area and attacks Raven, driving repeated knees into the face of Raven and sandwiching him between the wall and his knee. Kanyon turns to face the camera after he’s done.

Kanyon: Hey Goldberg! I’ma make you care about KANYON!

He snubs the camera before heading out of the picture leaving Raven trying to get his bearings about what just happened. Back on the commentary table they hype up what just happened and announced that a Triple Threat Match for the United States Title has been signed. It will be Bill Goldberg defeending his title against both Raven and Kanyon.

Raven Interview, Kanyon Attacks-(B-)

6: Billy Kidman vs Sickboy

Commentary continues to hype the big Triple Threat U.S Title match for Great American Bash, which leads them into the discussion about the Civil War within The Flock. They question exactly who the members of The Flock are rooting for in the war between Kidman and Saturn. Kidman continues to look cleaner and cleaner the more he appears, this time coming out in a pair of new jeans, and what looks like a brand new Pearl Jam shirt. He still doesn’t slap the hands of the fans, rolling into the ring and looking towards the position of The Flock. In the crowd, Saturn grabs Sickboy and shoves him towards the barricade. Sickboy looks reluctant but without Raven there for guidance, Saturn seems to be the second in charge and he ushers Sickboy towards the ring.

Sickboy rolls in and his reluctance isn’t shared by his opponent who quickly attacks Sickboy, dropping to his knees and raining down forearms to the back of the Sickboy’s head. Kidman is on fire, whipping Sickboy into the ropes and nearly taking his head off with a dropkick. Kidman quickly hits the ropes and Sickboy turns to his stomach, allowing Kidman to leap over him before getting up and catching Kidman with a hurricanrana. Sickboy is no slouch when it comes to the flying, but his inability to string offence together proves to be a problem. Sickboy whips Kidman into the ropes and waits for him to rebound before leaping up and allowing Kidman to duck under. He quickly drops to his back as Kidman hits the ropes and comes back. Sickboy attempts to elevate Kidman through the air but Kidman just stops short and drops a leg across Sickboy’s throat. Hook, cover, and a two count.

Kidman gets back to his feet, looks out at Saturn, and flips him off, causing Saturn to attempt to get to ringside and once again he’s held back by the rest of The Flock who all seem split as to who’s side to be on. From there Kidman begins to systematically pick apart Sickboy with backbreakers, headscissors and a nice swinging bulldog out of the corner. Kidman goes up top but this backfires as Sickboy is able to springboard off the ropes and connect with a dropkick, effectively crotching Kidman and sending him somersaulting back into the ring. Saturn starts throwing encouragement to Sickboy which proves to be his downfall when he thinks Saturn’s giving him strategy and he stops to listen, allowing Kidman to get to his feet and position himself just right for a Rydeen Bomb as Sickboy turns around. One Seven Year Itch later and Kidman has pissed Saturn off once more by scoring the win.

Billy Kidman def. Sickboy-(B, 6:30)

7: A Lesson Hard Taught!

Following his victory, Kidman steps up onto the second turnbuckle and rubs his victory into the face of the angry Saturn. The two men exchange verbal shots at one another from the distance, but none of them can be picked up by the camera. Kidman hops down from his perch and turns to leave, which proves to be a mistake as Saturn’s cat-like quickness has him in the ring before the rest of The Flock can even blink. He stands behind Kidman, quickly grasps the man around the waist and tosses him backwards in a brutal looking german suplex. He quickly drops down and locks in the Rings Of Saturn before the rest of The Flock hit the ring and attempt to pry him off. Saturn can be heard screaming ”You don’t taunt me!” at Kidman. Their attempts seem to be futile as Schiavone declares that we have to take a......

Perry Saturn Attk. Billy Kidman-(B+)

Commercial Break

8: Mind Games Aren’t Going To Work!

The Giant is on his way to the ring when the show comes back from commercial, and he’s looking around the entire way. The fans are chanting for Sting, which seems to draw The Giants attention, but he just continues to look agitated by everything around him. He takes the microphone from a very intimidated Tony Chimel before walking up the steps, and over the top rope to get into the ring, once again showing his intimidating size. His voice, as he speaks though, is far from intimidating, wavering, nearly in fear.

The Giant: You win.....

The fans can’t believe what they’re hearing, but they cheer rather loudly while Schiavone wonders if The Giant is saying what he thinks he’s saying. The Giant waits for a few seconds, using the dramatic pause as an effective weapon for what he’s about to say.

The Giant: Did you hear me Sting? You win....You get what you wanted.

What was it that Sting wanted? What could Sting have done that was horrible enough to do this to The Giant? These were all questions Heenan, Schiavone and Tenay were asking each other, and the viewers at home as they waited for the Giant to continue.

The Giant: You’ve actually managed.........TO PISS ME OFF!! Is that what you wanted Sting? Did you really want to bring out the beast inside this Giant?! Well you got it Sting! That’s all your little trip in the dark has really done. Do you think you scare me Sting? Do you think I’m scared of the dark? I’m 7 foot tall. I’m over 500 pounds. Trust me Sting. I’m bigger than most of those things that go bump in the night. You want me Sting? COME AND GET ME!

The Giant Calls Out Sting-(A+)

9: BOO!

The Giant looks around as he waits, while the fans chant “STING” as loud as they can, and they only get louder when the lights go out. Schiavone wonders what’s going on, but his answer comes when the lights come up and Sting is standing behind The Giant with his black baseball pointed straight out at the big man and a microphone in his hand.

Sting: Hey Giant! Boo!

The Giant spins around with a twisted smirk on his face, but it’s quickly wiped away just before the lights go out again. Once again commentary debates on what’s going on here until the lights come back up and Sting is gone from the ring. He then appears on the video screen with a smile adorning his ghostly white face. The Giant looks around for a few seconds confused before seeing the smiling Sting on the screen.

Sting: Fe Fi Fo Fum! Welcome back Giant to the real world. You see, you’ve always had that bug in your ear telling you that just because you were bigger, that you were better. Well I got news for ya Giant. Bigger isn’t always better! You may be bigger, but I’ve got my axe....

He holds up his black baseball bat so that the fans in attendance and those watching at home can see it.

Sting: .....and I’ll chop ya down in seconds. See Giant, when you attacked me at Slamboree, you simply reminded me of how easy you went down back when you were part of the nWo. Back when you were the errand boy for Hollywood Hogan. You remember that Giant? I do? All these fans do! So you want to attack me from behind? Let me ask you Giant? What will you do, when the lights go out?

The video screen turns black at the same time that the lights go out. Stings ominous music plays as flashes can be seen throughout the crowd. When they come back on The Giant is laid out in the center of the ring, face down. Spray painted on his back in silver paint is three letters. ”GAB”. Schiavone states that Sting has made his intentions clear and this becomes the second match signed for The Great American Bash

Sting Interview; Sting vs The Giant Signed For GAB-(A+)

Commercial Break

10: WCW Cruiserweight Title Match: Chris Jericho© (w/Dean Malenko) vs Juventud Guerrera

Coming back from commercial has Juventud Guerrera’s music playing and he’s already in the ring bouncing from side to side. Over the last couple of weeks he’d been wearing his mask, which Jericho had taken from him during their last encounter, but Schiavone informs the audience that WCW officials gave Juventud a choice between his mask and the title shot tonight. Guerrera obviously chose the title shot because the mask was nowhere to be found. Commentary hypes the fact that Juventud beat Chavo Guerrero Jr for this opportunity, and then discusses the problems that Jericho has had with The Guerrero’s. This leads to Jericho’s entrance who has Dean Malenko at his side, the Cruiserweight Title around his waist, and arrogance exuding from every pore. Jericho gets in the ring and takes off the title, reaching through the ropes to hand it to the timekeeper and taking the minute or so to look into the camera and mock Juventud, declaring that he finds it hard to even look at him let alone wrestle him.

Wrestle him though is exactly what Jericho does and in the opening minutes of this contest the two men go through a beautiful array of regular armdrags, european armdrags, hip tosses, fireman carry takeovers, and several other different takedowns. This all ends when they both decide to finish off their sequence with dropkicks and end up kicking nothing but air. Both men rush to their feet and charge in. Juventud attempts a hurricanrana but Jericho launches him up and over. The challenger lands on his feet and takes the charging Jericho down with a drop toe hold. Juventud shows that he’s no stranger to cockiness as he paintbrushes Jericho in the back of the head until the champion gets back to his feet, livid. Heenan scrutinizes Juventud’s choice of attack, mentioning that the only purpose something like that is going to serve is to completely infuriate the champion, and an angry Jericho is not a Jericho that you want to be facing in a match.

Jericho slows the pace down when he catches Juventud with a knee to the stomach on an attempted charge. Jericho works the back and mid-section which Schiavone candidly points out is a set up for his Liontamer submission move that he likes to use. Jericho hits a backbreaker in the center of the ring and then attempts a “Lionsault” but Juvi rolls out of the way. Jericho lands on his feet, charges in but Juvy kips up and boots him right in the ass, sending him through the ropes to the outside. Juventud staggers into the ropes and takes a breather while the referee works on the count.

Tenay hypes the fact that Jericho cannot lose his title by countout, which he’s taken advantage of on at least one occasion, but Juventud is well aware of this fact too. He waits for Malenko to move to Jericho’s aid before lining the two up, charging across the ring and diving over the top rope with a somersault butt splash right on the two men. He gets up and waves his hair around to a nice pop from the crowd. Guerrera rolls back into the ring to break the count but then rolls back out just as Jericho gets to his feet and reddens the champs chest with a slap. Jericho slaps back but Juventud connects with a kick to the gut and rolls him back into the ring. The ref checks on Jericho which gives Malenko a chance to hammer Juvi from behind with a double axehandle. He rolls the challenger in for Jericho who is just getting up. The champion levels in a couple of stomps on the challenger before picking him up and backing him into the ropes. Jericho spreads the challengers arms open wide on the ropes and then slaps him hard across the chest.

Jericho went for a whip which was reversed but when Juventud went for the dropkick, Jericho grabbed the ropes and simply laughed as Guerrera crashes to the mat. Jericho steps out and then spins an elbow down. Jericho hooks the leg in an arrogant cover but Guerrera kicks out at two. Jericho argues the point with the referee, but he stands strong and tells Jericho to focus on the match. Jericho continues with his cockiness from here, kicking Juventud in the head and overall just not taking him seriously. Jericho picked him up and went for a back suplex only for Juventud to roll out of it and land on his feet. He grabbed Jericho by the waist and shoved him into the ropes, attempting roll him backwards, but Jericho held onto the ropes and let Juventud backflip himself. Jericho quickly turned around and charged but Guerrera ducked under the clothesline, leapt up onto Jericho’s shoulders and then rolled forward with a victory roll. He scored a two count and infuriated a Jericho.

Jericho used his legs to spring Juventud forward who hit the ropes and he couldn’t seem to stop himself as Jericho quickly got up and threw him into the air, pancaking him face first into the mat. The force has Juventud on his knees holding his stomach which Jericho backs up and kicks as hard as he can, sending Juventud rolling to the outside of the ring. Jericho distracts the referee while Malenko pulls Juventud to his feet, lines him up, and nails him with a hard right hand, shaking his fist from the impact. Schiavone nearly has a heart attack calling this overkill and that it’s not needed, which Heenan says is right, it’s not needed, but it’s fun, and that’s what Jericho and Malenko are looking at. They know they don’t need to play two on one, but why take that chance? Malenko rolls Guerrera just as the ref turns around and sees it, which has him arguing with Malenko who states he was just helping Juventud back into the ring. Jericho continued to work the back, placing both his knees in the spine of the man and then pulling him back in a modified crossbow/surfboard stretch.

It takes a few moments but the ref finally realizes that Juventud is grabbing the ropes, and forces the break. Once again Jericho is in his face, questioning the break decision. He turns around to kick Juvy again and gets leg swept and covered for a quick two count. Once again he’s in the face of referee Charles Robinson which gives Juventud the chance he needs to get to his feet and when Jericho charges in, Juventud shows strength nobody thought he had to twist Jericho around and drop him in a modifed Juvi Driver. Jericho is out, and Juventud signals that he’s going up top, which gets the fans on their feet. He goes up top, waits, and then leaps off....and hits nothing but canvas as Malenko pulls Jericho out of harms way. Jericho limps around ringside for a few seconds while Robinson slides out and argues with Malenko, who argues his innocence in the whole mess.

Jericho slides in as the crashed out Juvi is getting to his feet, to nail the kid with a ddt, hit the ropes with a Lionsault and hook the leg. Referee is still arguing with Malenko and so Jericho rolls out of the ring and spins him around angrily, getting his attention. The two go face to face, nose to nose, despite Robinson having to stand on his tip toes. Even through the animated discussion, Jericho sees Juvi attempting a baseball slide and moves out of the way. He grabs the already moving Juvi and helps him slam into the barricade a little harder. As Schiavone points out, Juventud Guerrera is out, and he’s dead weight as Jericho rolls him back under the bottom rope and rolls in, locking in the Walls Of Jericho. There was no struggling because Juventud was out, and the referee had no choice but to call for the bell. Schiavone calls this a travesty for the way that Jericho won, while Heenan talks about the fact that Juventud never had a chance from the very beginning. There is a reason why Jericho was chosen to be a part of the new generation of Horsemen.

Chris Jericho def. Juventud Guerrera to RETAIN the WCW Cruiserweight Championship-(A, 11:07)

11: Ugly Faces Don’t Win Movie Awards!

When the match is over, The Horsemen team leaves the ringside area but things aren’t done yet because some new music hits, and the man who’s been causing problems with Juvi over the last couple weeks steps through the curtain. Christopher Cage III makes his way toward the ring with the referee checking on Juvi. He rolls into the ring just as Juvi is helped to his feet, and he serves to send Juventud back to the mat with an inverted ddt. He then proceeds to kick Juventud out of the ring like he’s cleaning garbage out of the ring, before grabbing the microphone.

Christopher Cage III Attk. Juventud Guerrera-(C+)

12: Christopher Wins Movie Awards

With the microphone in hand, Cage reaches behind his back and lifts up his dress shirt, and pulls a mask out of his back pocket. He straightens it out and then puts it on his own head, revealing it to be Juventud’s mask that he lost to Jericho recently.

Christopher Cage: Everyone like the mask? It’s strange how easily you can buy something like this backstage. Jericho’s got so many trophy’s that he’s running out of space to put them. Do you want the mask back Juvi? I know these fans wish you would simply put this mask back on. Look at your ugly face. Come on Juvi, nobody wants to look at it.

This draws some rabid heat from the crowd, especially the women who seem to be into Juventud’s looks. Cage turns to them with a chuckle.

Christopher Cage: Don’t boo me. It’s not my fault that he was born ugly. Blame his parents. I’m trying to do you all a favor. Not everyone can have movie star good looks like me, but nobody should have to look at someone so grizzly ugly as that man. I’m trying to help you out with that.

He goes to the other side of the ropes, where Juvi is coming too on the outside of the ring. He cups his hand over his mouth.

Christopher Cage: Hey Juvi, can you hear me? Good, listen, I’m going to give you the chance to make yourself famous. It only takes one match.

Schiavone calls Cage on his arrogance while stating that he’s pretty sure that Juventud needs no reason to want this match after what has happened over the recent weeks.

Christopher Cage: It’ll be a box office smash! Just like every other movie I starred in. Remember Blood From A Rose? How about Six Desgrees Of Me? They all tore the box office to the ground. They forced several theatre outlets to install new seating, just so they could watch this third generation movie star.

Heenan mentions the fact that he’s seen every movie that this man has starred in, and several of them even made him cry. Schiavone asks “That good?” and Heenan says “No, that bad.” Someone forgot to remind Bobby that he was the heel of the commentating team.

Christopher Cage: At the Great American Bash, I promise you all an academy award winning performance. I’d promise an Oscar Award winning performance but let’s face it, with a co-star like Quasi-Juice here, that’s nearly impossible. I’m a movie star, not a miracle worker.

Juventud is on his feet once more, but Cage tosses the microphone over the top rope and watches it hit Juventud in the back of the head, knocking him back down to his hands and knees. This draws some heat and Cage laughs as he walks away, backstage once again.

Christopher Cage III Interview (Challenges Juventud At GAB)-(B-)

Commercial Break

13: Fit Finlay vs Wrath

Finlay surprised everyone with a victory over The Giant before Slamboree, but then he disappeared for a week. Last week he returned with a vengeance, proving that he could take punishment of the most brutal kind, and unleash the same amount of his own. He withstood the barrage of the Samoan Island Warrior, but this time he was coming up against a man who’d had his share of losses over the recent weeks, and was determined to get on the other side of the chart with this match. Finlay attacked Wrath before the big man even stepped into the ring, assaulting him with heavy forearm shots to the back of the head before pulling him completely into the ring. The native Irishman tosses Wrath into the corner and then delivers several knees into the mid-section of the big man and then pulling him out to deliver a powerslam right in the center of the ring. He covers, but somehow Wrath kicks out at the count of two.

Finlay pulls Wrath up and shoots him into the ropes, looking for a clothesline, but getting a missile-like shoulderblock that takes him down. Wrath shakes off the punishment he’s received before administering some of his own, taking Finlay off his feet with a top rope clothesline. Tenay comments on the fact that despite it being tainted, Wrath did defeat Evan Karagais last week, and it on his way to doing the same to Finlay on this occasion. Wrath showed his strength by pressing Finlay over his head before dropping him face first into the mat. Finlay holds his face, but Wrath rolls him over and hooks the leg. Finlay kicks out at two and a half. Wrath is frustrated and argues with the referee, even going so far as to grab the ref by his shirt. That doesn’t change the referee’s mind though.

Wrath pulls him up and tosses him through the ropes, but that wasn’t the best decision because this is exactly what Finlay was waiting for and he caught Wrath in a bearhug on an axehandle attempt. He doesn’t go for the submission though, choosing to drive him spine first into the steel post instead. He drops Wrath who quickly clutches his back but doesn’t have time to recover as Finlay immediately drives his head into the ring apron. Finlay tosses Wrath back into the ring and then spears him into the corner Finlay continued to hammer away on Wrath before shooting him into the other corner and charging, which ends up with him getting a foot straight to the jaw.

Wrath runs through him with a clothesline, not once, not twice, but three times. Wrath is on a roll as he picks the big Irishman up and positions him for The Meltdown but it serves no purpose as Finlay slides down his back, holds on and flips Wrath up into a Tombstone of his own. Tenay hypes the strength of this man as the referee makes the count and awards him the match. Once again Finlay gets his face into the camera declaring ”You wanna talk unstoppable? Ah’m unstoppable!” before rolling out of the ring and heading backstage.

Fit Finlay def. Wrath-(B+, 7:39)

14: Keep Us Informed!

Backstage Ric Flair is stalking back and forth in his dressing room when ”Diamond” Dallas Page and Lex Luger enter the room. Flair immediately throws up his fists, thinking everyone is out to get him, but Page and Luger throw their hands up in surrender.

Dallas and Lex: Hold it, hold it.

Dallas Page: Ric, you gotta simmer down, man. That kind of hostility is gonna get ya hurt. Know what I’m sayin’? You can’t be doin’ these types of things. You ain’t superman, brah!

Lex Luger: Listen to the man, Ric. Four on one. Five on one. You can’t handle those odds.

Flair stops his pacing for a few seconds, turns and looks at the two men, and then goes back to his high paced...pacing.

Lex Luger: Look Ric, we saw what happened on Thunder. If it weren’t for Eddie and Chavo being there, you wouldn’t have had a chance. Ric, all we’re saying is.....

Flair stops and spins around, his face red with fury.

Ric Flair: WHAT?! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING LEX?! Are you gonna help me? Is that what you’re saying? You want me to trust you, Lex? What about you Page? You want me to trust you? There is one man! One man in this entire company that I would have trusted with my life! One man! You know what he did?!

Page and Luger don’t say a word despite knowing exactly what Flair is talking about.

Ric Flair: He stabbed me right in my back! He took that knife and he drove it so deep into my back that I can still feel it in my chest! So NO! No, Lex, I won’t trust you. Page, I won’t trust you either. You two wanna earn the trust of The Natcha’ Boy? Then you do something to earn it! WOOO!

Page and Luger look at each other with that knowing smile on their face, and then Page turns back and looks at Flair.

Dallas Page: Actually Ric, tha’s exactly what we did. Next week on Nitro, it’s gonna be the three of us, taking on Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and that piece of hardcore scum, Shane Douglas.

Ric Flair: Next week?

Lex Luger: Yeah, next week.

Ric Flair: WELL THEN BAY-BE! We’re gonna style and profile down that aisle once again. The Nature Boy with The Total Package and The Diamond Man side by side. Horsemen! You’re going to find out why they call me the greatest World Heavyweight Champion of all time! It’s time to stand up and be counted boys! WOOOOO!

Ric Flair, Lex Luger And “Diamond” Dallas Page Talk Backstage-(A+)

Commercial Break

15: The Rotten Fruits Of Your Deceit

Right after the commercial break, there is a match going on in the ring, but Schiavone declares that the match actually started backstage during the break, and then goes on to show what happened during this scene. The video starts up with Konnan stumbling around a corner, obviously being chased and battered, with Brian Adams in hot pursuit, yelling something about being set up. Konnan turns, attempting to fight off the big man, but Adams continues to hammer away at him, picking up a coffee canister and smashing it into the side of Konnan’s bald head. Konnan staggers back from the impact and Adams grabs him by the head and drives him into the wall before dragging him through the curtain and towards the ring.....

Brian Adams Attk. Konnan Backstage-(B)

16: Brian Adams vs Konnan

Despite Adams being unceremoniously dumped out of the nWo last week, the fans still aren’t ready to cheer the man, which means that they remain quiet through most of this match, intent to simply watch the beat down that is occurring. Many times during the match, Schiavone ponders the whereabouts of the rest of the nWo, but Heenan reminds them that they’re only “All for One” when it benefits them, and in this case it benefits them not to get involved, so that’s where they are.

Adams is out of control through this entire thing, dragging Konnan through the curtain and immediately picking him up and slamming him on the concrete. Konnan is hurt but that doesn’t stop the big man from once again picking him up, and this time he rips the white and black nWo shirt off him before punching him all the way to the ring. Once at ringside, Konnan does manage to get in a little offence when he avoids a charge and tosses Adams right into the steel ring post. Adams turned around right into Konnan’s rolling clothesline. Despite being hurt, Konnan still finds the energy to yell into the crowd with one of his catchphrases while pulling at his groin. Konnan pulled Adams up and rolls him in the ring, where the bell sounds for this impromptu match. Konnan works over Adams here with some pounding shots before shooting him into the ropes and connecting with a hooking clothesline. He covers, and gets a one count before Adams powers out.

Konnan keeps on the big man, attempting to wear him out with the attacks, but Adams keeps on coming, catching a charging Konnan with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker right in the center of the ring. He covers, and looks shocked as Konnan kicks out. Adams pulls Konnan up and tosses him into the ropes, looking for a big boot but Konnan ducks under and hooks his boots in the armpits of Adams, rolling him backwards into another pin attempt, which again garners him a two count. That’s all Konnan gets though as a furious Adams nearly takes his head off with a lariat before spiking him chest first into the buckles and finishing him off with a powerful Full Nelson Driver. The pinfall is academic, and Adams punctuates that statement by only using one hand to get the win.

Brian Adams def. Konnan-(B+, 5:41)

Commercial Break

17: The Wolfpac United!

When the show comes back, the Wolf howls, which brings out one of the most over groups in wrestling history, The Wolfpac, in it’s entirety. Tenay talks about how The Wolfpac has always talked about being a tight knit group but how they hadn’t really been seen together for weeks, until now. Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and ”The Macho Man” Randy Savage make their way to the ring, all with smiles on their faces, except Savage, who looks just as crazy as ever. Nash enters the ring first, over the top rope, and takes the microphone, before handing it off to Hall for that early cheap pop. Hall smirks, takes a toothpick from his ear and pops it into his mouth, chewing on it slowly. He looks out at the fans, and then down at the microphone.

Scott Hall: Hey Yo!

That was all it took for the entire building to explode in cheers. Two simple words, one of which wasn’t even really a word, that they’d heard many times over the last few years, and still, Scott Hall was able to have them eating out of the palm of his hand.

Scott Hall: Now I don’t know if ya’ll are familiar with us, but we always do a little survey when we come out here.

This draws another pop from the crowd....

Scott Hall: But not tonight.

....which quickly turns to scattered boos, although a few still cheer.

Scott Hall: Come on mang, we all know who you came to see. It wasn’t that bald headed Hogan and his nWo, was it?

Manipulation at it’s best, as the fans get exactly what they want, and they boo loudly at the mention of Hogan’s side of the nWo.

Scott Hall: See, I didn’t think so. How about......dubya-see-dubya?

This gets more of a mixed reaction with some people cheering for the sake of The Outsider, while the others cheer for WCW, knowing that it’s the company that brings them the best action each and every night.

Scott Hall: Okay, okay, I’ll give them that. Seems some of ya came to see Dubya-see-Dubya, but the real question, isn’t even a question really, because we all know that ya’ll came here to see, The Wolfpac

While there may have been a question when it came to WCW, there was definitely no question for The Wolfpac as the ovation nearly brought the entire house down, and Hall stumbled back in fake amazement, listening to the crowd. Savage took the microphone from Hall.

Randy Savage: OOOOHHH YEAH! You people came to see the Wolfpac, but you see, the Wolfpac came here for a reason too, yeah! Bret Hart, The Macho man doesn’t like people sticking their noses into his business, no he doesn’t, but that’s exactly what you did last week, yeah! You cost me my last shot against Hogan, and the chance to take back the World Heavyweight Title, and brother, The Macho Man ain’t too happy about that, yeah! Ya see, you wanna talk about people being screwed. You been talking about that since the day you stepped into WCW. Well what you did last week goes against everything you been talking about, so I gotta ask Hitman. You don’t like seeing people screwed unless you’re tha’one doin’ the screwin’. That’s right, ain’t it Hitman? Now tonight, Roddy Piper wants to put us in a tag match against Hogan and whoever he can get. Yeah! That’s fine wit’ me, but don’t think I’m gonna forget what you did Hitman. Yeah! I’ll team wit’cha tonight, but when it’s all over, you an’ me are gonna have a talk. Dig It?!

Schiavone wonders how Hart and Savage are going to be able to co-exist during that match and Heenan hits the nail on the head when he says that they’re not. Savage is an uncontrollable animal, and points out the pacing that Savage is doing in the ring after handing the microphone to Kevin Nash.

Kevin Nash: Hey Hogan! I know you’re listening back there. I know you got your hearing aide turned way up. I know what you’re doing. You’ve got my boy Macho, and Bret Hart fighting amongst themselves, which means there’s nobody left to challenge you for that title. That’s pretty smart maneuvering on your part. But you forgot one man.

Dramatic pause, which gets the crowd stirring, because they know exactly who he’s referring to.

Kevin Nash: And that’s me! I’ve slain dragons and Giants alike, and you’re just one more orange skinned goblin on the path. So what do ya say Hogan? After I get finished beating the hell out of those Japanese (finger quotes) monsters (/finger quotes) then what say you and I hook it up in the ring for that belt. Come on Hogan, prove you still got some balls. No matter how shriveled....

Hall quickly grabs the microphone from Nash, who looks at him and then smiles.

Scott Hall: You can’t be saying that kind’a thing on live t.v, big mang. What were you thinking? It’s okay though, I got this one. Rising Sons, maybe you’re not up to date on your history, but me and Big Kev’, we were you. We were you, two years before you were you. Know what I’m sayin’? We came in, lookin’ ta make an impact, and we went after the biggest dawgs in the yard. Now, we’re them dogs. We’re the guys you gotta beat to get these.

Hall raises his half of the World Tag Team Titles while pointing at the one around Nash’s waist.

Scott Hall: You may have taken out every team to get here, but you’re gonna find out that The Outsida’s ain’t that easy to steam roll.

Hall flicks his toothpick at the camera and raises his arms as the music hits once more. The three men take a few minutes to high five and then give the fans the Wolfpac symbol before leaving ringside.

The Wolfpac Interview-(A+)

18: The Immortal One Remains!

For the first time this evening, there’s an actual announcer doing an announcers job as Gene Okerlund knocks on the door of ”Hollywood” Hogan’s locker room. For a few seconds it appears like nobody is going to answer the door, but finally Vincent opens it and ushers Okerlund into the room. In true Okerlund fashion, he starts blabbering as soon as he walks in.

Gene Okerlund: Hollywood Hogan, just a few minutes ago, Kevin Nash issued some statements concerning you and that WCW World Heavyweight Title. Do you have anything to say?

Hogan turns away from the table filled with champagne and other foods and drinks to look at Okerlund.

Hollywood Hogan: What did he say Mean Gene? Should I be worried? Should I be scared? I’m Hollywood Hogan, brother!

Not getting the obvious sarcasm in Hogan’s voice, Okerlund explains to Hogan exactly what Nash said during his interview just a few seconds ago.

Hollywood Hogan: Well you know something Mean Gene, Kevin Nash is all happy to issue his little challenges when he knows that I’ve got other things on my plate, brother! He knows the kind of superstar that Hollywood is, man, and he issues challenges that he doesn’t think I’ll accept. Well, Hollywood accepts, brother. And you can tell Nash that too. If he wants to get beat around the ring twice in one night, that’s fine with me, but I don’t want to hear any crying when I pin him in the center of the ring, brother! But tonight, everyone wants to know who it’s gonna be? Who’s gonna be in the corner of Hollywood Hogan when he takes on Bret “Chump-man” Hart and that no good sissy “Macho Girl” Randy Savage. Well, it’s like this, brother, Hollywood looked up and down his ranks of nWo Hollywoodites, and there’s one man who shares the vision of Hollywood, brah, and that man is none other than Scott Steiner.

Okerlund, as always, gets quite excited over this news.

Gene Okerlund: Woah! That is definitely some huge news. Scott Steiner and Hollywood Hogan will team up tonight to face Randy Savage and Bret Hart in our main event. Tony, Mike, Bobby, back to you guys at ringside.

Okerlund sends it back to the announce team as Hogan poses for the cameras. With this announcement, Schiavone declares that this could be the greatest Nitro in history, while Heenan rolls his eyes and sends it to ringside for the next match.

Hollywood Hogan Interview-(A+)

19: Dean Malenko vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.

As the two men make their entrances, Schiavone and Tenay discuss the events that happened during the cruiserweight title match earlier in the evening, stating that both Eddie Guerrero and Chris Jericho have been banned from ringside. Heenan, of course, says this is a miscarriage of justice and that Chris Jericho should be allowed at ringside as moral support, not cheating, but moral support. Schiavone mentions that the two teams will go head to head at The Great American Bash, which means that this match is too get the two teams acquainted, which Heenan cites as another reason Jericho should be out here, but Tenay counters by announcing that Eddie Guerrero will face Chris Jericho on Thunder.

This match started off quickly with Malenko attempting to get a head start with a clothesline only to have Chavo duck it. Guerrero catches Dean with a kick to the stomach and attempts a vertical suplex, only to have Malenko come down behind the younger Guerrero and attempt a roll up. Chavo rolls through and gets back to his feet, ducking another attempted clothesline before taking Malenko over with a deep armdrag. Malenko is quickly back on his feet and avoids a dropkick, only to catch Guerrero with a European armdrag. Both men are back to their feet just as quickly as the other and Chavo attempts to run and catch Malenko with a spinning ddt, but Malenko shoves him off into the ropes and connects with a stiff forearm right to the jaw. Chavo stumbles back into the ropes and Malenko delivers a hard knee to the stomach to keep him there. Malenko shoots Chavo into the ropes and then ducks, looking for a backdrop that’s countered into a sunset flip, but Malenko drops to his knees, pinning Chavo to the mat, and reaching back to hook the legs for a quick two count.

Both men scramble back to their feet and Chavo moves quick enough to avoid the dropkick attempt of Malenko’s, and then float over, holding the legs for a two count of his own. Malenko kicks out but he’s slower to get up on this attempt and Chavo takes the advantage, driving him back with a couple of right hands, which are admonished by referee Nick Patrick. Chavo isn’t listening though, remembering the attacks from the past, and he continues to beat Malenko down before shooting him into the ropes and connecting with a leaping double calf kick right to the face that sends Malenko down. He scurries into another cover, but instead of pinning Malenko, he shows his frustration by raining down shots to the face once more. Nick Patrick pulls Chavo off and admonishes him while Malenko pulls himself into the corner, still seated. Chavo attempts to come back at him but Dean ducks under the ropes and makes the ref pull the heated up Guerrero back to his corner. As soon as Malenko is back under the ropes though, Chavo charges in but the time has given Malenko a chance to think strategy and he elevates the younger Guerrero over his head and drops him face first on the buckles. Chavo staggers back into a back suplex from Malenko and a pinfall attempt. Both mens shoulders are on the mat and Malenko realizes this at the last second, breaking the pin and saving himself as well as Chavo.

Malenko gets to his feet and catches Chavo with a back elbow to the jaw that sends him down, and a side roll gets him another two count. Malenko’s frustration sets in, but he keeps his cool as he goes for the legs of Chavo, taking him down with a chopblock and then working the knee joint with elbows and leglock submissions. Chavo manages a comeback during one of these leglocks as Malenko leaves his face exposed and Chavo rakes the eyes. Chavo limps on the leg but he manages to set Malenko up in the corner where he connects with a tornado ddt. His knee is too injured to follow up for the cover, but he does manage to get back to his feet. He limps over to Malenko and pulls him to his feet, scooping him up and planting him with a powerslam. Not thinking about his injured leg, Chavo takes the slow road to the top, and the very quick ride down as Malenko gets to his feet and takes Chavos out from under him. Malenko joins Chavo on the top rope and attempts a superplex but Chavo shoves him off. Malenko gets back to his feet as does Chavo, who attempts a missile dropkick, only for Malenko to step back a couple of paces and watch Chavo crash into the mat. The Texas Cloverleaf is academic after this and Guerrero only struggles for a couple of a seconds before tapping out. Schiavone hypes the fact that Malenko has scored the first victory in this war between the two teams.

Dean Malenko def. Chavo Guerrero Jr-(A+, 10:54)

Commercial Break

20: An Interview From The Hart

Backstage, Bret “The Hitman” Hart is standing by with Scott Hudson in the generic interview area. Hart is dressed ready to compete, with his trademark sunglasses and all.

Scott Hudson: Bret Hart, in our scheduled main event this evening, you’re set to team up with “Macho Man” Randy Savage to take on Scott Steiner and “Hollywood” Hogan. We saw last week when you interfered in Randy Savage’s last chance to win the Heavyweight Title. Can you two co-exist in this tag team match?

Bret Hart: Lets settle things right now. Randy Savage and I have one common goal, and that’s to eradicate the likes of Hollywood Hogan from wrestling. Hogan has always said that he stands for what is good with wrestling, but the only thing Hogan cares about is himself. That’s the one thing that we have in common, and it’s the one thing that’s going to keep us together in this tag team match tonight.

Scott Hudson: But we–

Bret Hart: Hold on, I’m not finished. That’s the one thing that we have in common, but make no mistake about it, Randy Savage is nWo. Whether he’s black and white, black and red, blue and purple, it doesn’t matter. Just like Hogan, he stands for everything wrong with World Championship Wrestling, and that’s the one problem that I have with him. He talks about how I screwed him last week, but he seems to forget how many times he’s screwed WCW out of ridding this company of Hogan on several other occasions. For a stable that claims they are “4 Life”, they seem to find a lot of men with no loyalty whatsoever.

Scott Hudson: That may be true, Hitman, but over the last little while, The Woflpac have fought on the side of World Championship Wrestling.

Bret Hart: Have they? Am I the only man in this company who remembers Kevin Nash coming out about a month ago and powerbombing Sting so that Randy Savage could become the World Heavyweight Champion? Maybe I’m the only one who remembers this. The nWo, no matter which faction they may be, is out for themselves, and only themselves. So WCW, you can consider yourself lucky that you have a Hitman on your side. A man with intense loyalty to what he believes in. Whenever the rest of you get a big enough set to step up and fight with me, let me know. Until then I will continue to be your hero. I will continue to do the right thing. “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, prepare to be excellently executed tonight!

Hart adjusts his sunglasses, then the straps on his wrestling tights before walking off stage, leaving Hudson shocked by those words.

Scott Hudson: Some very strong words from The Hitman here, and he’s looking to back them up in our main event. Back to ringside.

Bret Hart Interview-(B)

21: Chris Kanyon vs Glacier

Commentary hypes the problems that Kanyon, or as they call him, the man formerly known as Mortis, has had with not only Raven but also the United States Heavyweight Champion, Goldberg. They then turn the conversation to Glacier, who has also had his problems with a mystery man known only as Scorpion. Heenan wonders if Glacier and Scorpion just walked off the set of Mortal Kombat, which was the first of many plugs for the movie during the match. Both men seem a bit off their game on this night with distractions coming from every angle, and every thought.

Kanyon showed a bit more expansion in his arsenal since taking off the mask, catching Glacier with a Pancake Faceplant in the early goings. Glacier attempted to battle back with some martial arts kicks to the chest and head, but Kanyon manages to block most of them and he counters with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Glacier does manage to make a comeback after being shot off the ropes and countering a backdrop attempt with a kick to the face. He then follows up with a Northern Lights Suplex that gains him a two count of his own. Glacier follows up with some stiff punches in the corner but he makes the mistake of going for an irish whip into the corner only to have Kanyon “Do-Ci-Do” him right into a Flatliner for the three count.

Chris Kanyon def. Glacier-(B+, 5:04)

22: The Night The Lights Went Out In New Jersey

With the two men still in the ring, the lights go out, and a red silhouette of a man appears on the video screen. The only thing that can be seen about the man is that he holds a cane in his hand, with some sort of serpent head on the top of it. His voice is once again that mechanical voice distorted by some sort of audio device.

Voice: Temptation leads us all down the path of deceit, and later to the path of damnation. Our souls are the only things that keep us chained to this existence. What happens when that soul becomes lost. When you’re no longer bound by what is right, or what is wrong. You’ve discovered that path once before, and you liked it. I’m simply asking you to walk that line once again. Come with me. Reach for the hand. We will lead you down that path. Enter The Scorpion!

With that the silhouette disappears and the camera shows Glacier looking up at the stage where Scorpion is now standing. Scorpion holds out his hand and Glacier extends his, as if reaching for that hand. Kanyon just looks freaked as he rolls out of the ring and heads to the back, actually walking right past Scorpion who never takes his eyes off the ring.

An Eerie Message For Glacier-(B+)

23: Let The Horses Run Free!

While Scorpion and Glacier stare at each other in the ring, the show takes time to hype up the upcoming Nitro match between the three members of The Horsemen taking on Ric Flair, Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger. The video replays the events that have taken place from the Ric Flair emotional speech, to him being attacked by the New Four Horsemen, and being saved by Page and Luger. From there it goes into shots of Flair running down on Thunder during the huge four team match on Thunder. It then fades by promising this match for next week on Nitro.

Four Horsemen vs Page/Luger and Flair Hype Video-(A+)

24: Hollywood Hogan & Scott Steiner (w/Eric Bischoff) vs Bret “The Hitman” Hart & “Macho Man” Randy Savage

Once more Hogan uses his creative control to gain the final entrance of the night, strumming his air guitar in all his glory. Savage wants at Hogan immediately but Hart holds him back, which gets him shoved into the corner as Savage quickly goes outside and attacks Hogan. Bischoff quickly gets out of the way of the stampeding Savage as Hogan and the “Man Of Madness” brawl outside the ring. Inside the ring Steiner and Hart square off, trading punches back and forth with Hart getting low and backing Steiner into the corner. The referee gets between the two men to force the break but it’s not a clean one as Steiner reaches over and punches Hart right in the face. Hart charges in again and once again rocks Steiner with several shots to the ribs before snap-maring him out of the corner. Hart waits as Steiner gets back to his feet before attacking the leg with kicks. Steiner pie-faces him away and then connects with an elevated Samoan Drop that completely drives the wind out of Hart.

Outside the ring, Hogan gains the advantage over Savage with a rake to the eyes before bouncing the enraged Savage’s head off the barricade. He sets Savage up for a vertical suplex but Savage reverses it and lifts Hogan up before dropping him crotch first on the barricade. The Macho Man backs up and then drives a double axehandle into the side of the Champions head, sending him into the crowd. Savage over the barricade, kicking several chairs out of the way to create a spot to pick Hogan up and slam him on the concrete. Savage perches himself up on the barricade and waits for Hogan to get up before delivering another double axehandle to the top of the head, knocking him back down.

Back inside the ring and Steiner has attempted a couple of unsuccessful pins, but still remains in control as he hammers Hart in the buckles. Steiner uses his immense strength to drive Hart across the ring and sternum first into the buckles. He staggers backwards and Steiner drills him with a lariat to the back of the head, sending Hart face first into the mat. Outside Savage tosses Hogan back into the ringside area before joining him, only to rake the back of the champion. He tosses Hogan under the bottom rope before grabbing a chair and sliding it in with the champion. Savage gets in himself but it took him too long to grab the chair and Hogan caught Savage with some stomps against the ropes. Steiner tosses Hart out of the ring and the referee finally gets the match going proper when he talks Hogan into his corner, leaving Steiner and Savage in the ring.

Steiner picks Savage up and delivers a Fall-Away slam for a two count, and then a scoop, a slam and then an elbow drop across the chest, which once again gets him a two count. Steiner picks Savage up and tosses him into the corner before tagging in Hogan. The Immortal one comes in and stomps away on Savage in the corner, raking his eyes and then biting his forehead until the ref administers the count and forces Hogan to break at 4. Hogan shoots Savage into the corner and charges in for a clothesline but gets caught with a foot to the face instead. Hogan spins out of the corner and Savage tags in Hart who hits the ropes and delivers a leaping hook clothesline reminiscent of the old Hart Attack move that he and Neidhart used to use in the late 80's.

Bret pulls Hogan up by what hair he has left and drags him to the corner where he delivers a couple of stomps and then another couple of shoulder thrusts right to the gut. He pulls Hogan out of the corner and delivers a pendulum backbreaker which garners him a nearfall. Hart goes up to the second buckle, looking for his elbow from the middle buckle, but finds himself in the wrong corner when Steiner reaches in and clobbers him in the back of the head, sending him off the buckles. Hogan rolls to his corner and tags in Steiner.

Steiner comes in and runs over Hart like a freight train. Clothesline after clothesline, followed by a scoop, and then a slam in the center of the ring. Steiner picks Hart up for a powerbomb but Bret manages to land on his feet and get a quick small package, but only gets a two count. Steiner gets up and charges again, which leads to another small package and another two count. Steiner once again charges in and this time Hart catches him with a Manhatten Drop and then a clothesline. Hart tags in Savage who goes up top, but Steiner grabs Hart’s trunks and shoves him into the ropes, crotching Savage. Steiner, hurt but still in the game, climbs to the top rope and delivers a belly to belly that nearly snaps Savage in half. Hart picks him up and we’ve got another brawl on our hands as Savage shoves Hart right into a clothesline from Steiner and then Savage turns into one from Hogan. Hogan attempts to lift Savage back to his feet but the maniacal Savage hits a low uppercut, dropping Hogan to his knees.

Savage grabs the steel chair that he’d tossed in the ring much earlier and hauls off, looking to hit Hogan but the referee grabs the chair. Savage grabs it back, shoves the referee and waffles Hogan upside his bald head with the steel. The referee, Randy Anderson, calls for the bell and Savage turns around and clocks him as well before going back to slamming the chair into Hogan’s body. Steiner clotheslines Hart down and turns into a chair shot of his own from Savage. Schiavone calls for help, siting that Savage is a dangerous man with a chair in his hand, but Savage continues to hammer away at both Hogan and Steiner. Bret Hart gets back to his feet and attempts to reason with Savage, trying to take the chair but Savage pushes him away. Hart advances again and the crowd is stunned as Savage wipes Hart out with the chair as well. Savage stands over the three men, looking down, almost in shock of what happened, but he hits Steiner and Hogan one more time each before dropping the chair and letting security escort him out of the ring. The final scene of the show is Savage being drug off, still staring at the carnage inside the ring. Hart, Hogan and Steiner are all left out in the ring.

Scott Steiner & Hollywood Hogan def. Bret Hart & Randy Savage-(A+, 14:33)

Final Show Rating: A+

-Recently long time friends, Bret Hart and Jimmy Hart, no relation, have had some issues backstage. Jimmy Hart is a long time friend of Terry “Hulk” Hogan and has recently taken offence to some of the remarks from Hart directed at the “Wrestling Icon.” Reports are that Jimmy Hart confronted Bret backstage at a recent Nitro and the two had a heated discussion with Bret telling Jimmy that some people couldn’t handle the truth, but he wasn’t going to back down from it just because Hogan wanted him to. Many feel that Jimmy Hart picked a bad time to confront Bret, only a week or so after his father passed away. Tensions are high, but we’ll try to keep up to date on the situation should anything else transpire.

-The NWA has risen to Cult Status within the professional wrestling world. The once great organization has had it’s share of troubles over the last few years starting with Ted Turner pulling out and forming World Championship Wrestling, not to mention the disaster with Eastern Championship Wrestling, later becoming Extreme Championship Wrestling. Not one to lay down and die, the NWA have been fighting back for awhile now and it looks like they may finally be working their way up the ladder.

-A few insiders have been commenting on the fact that World Championship Wrestling have been using the character likeness, including name of popular video game character Scorpion in the much acclaimed Mortal Kombat series. For anyone following the previous story, Glacier, who is a current WCW superstar was actually supposed to come in under the name of “Sub-Zero” but a deal could not be worked out in time and WCW ended up going with Glacier instead. Now with TBS showing Mortal Kombat the movie in numerous time slots, as well as the sequel, Annihilation being shown in several as well. WCW and Acclaim were able to work out a deal to use the Scorpion name and character like-ness, working a storyline around the fact that Scorpion believes Glacier to be his long time rival, Sub-Zero.

-There is still talk about keeping Nitro at three hours, despite the earlier request to put it into a two hour time slot. Many felt that the market was being over saturated with wrestling, but a previous poll had the problem dead even with half wanting Nitro scaled back to a two hour slow, while others feel that three hours will give them the chance to use talent they otherwise wouldn’t be using. WCW.com has put up a poll, asking viewers to vote on what they thing should happen. Should Nitro go to a two hour program, or stick with three? (OOC: This is where you vote in your replies and tell me what you think)

Edited February 28, 2007 by The Enforker

[EndOfAnEra]

Two hours...oh the three hour Nitro. It killed me. It could burn you out for writing too.

[Xero Gravity]

I'll start by saying yes, you should really drop Nitro down to two hours. It helps reduce what you're having to write, and makes the ppvs seem a little more special when they're not next to regular tv shows of equal time length.

...now onto the show...

What I Liked

The Hosemen promo was a great way to kick things off. Other than Bret's quest for the title, the whole Horsemen Vs. Flair storyline is the best thing you're running right now. Everyone pretty much sounded like you'd expect them to, and really got across their reasonings behind their actions. Plus, you explained why Benoit seemingly jumped DDP randomly ast Slamboree. I'm also interested in what happened at the end, and if there's anything major stemming from the promo being cut short.

Raven's promo was also good for what it was, as I'm really getting into this feud with Goldberg. I just hope it all doesn't come to nothing and Raven gets jobbed out for the sake of Bill's streak. Although saying that, I think the triple threat is a great idea as you can get the belt of Goldberg without sacrificing a loss on his record.

I must continue to profess my liking of Hennig/Karagias. You keep throwing in these little bits and pieces to keep building it up. I'm still looking forward to the ending, as I know that at least Hennig would move onto better things, and hopefully Evan would become a fixture in the cruiserweight division.

The cruiserweight title match, after a few weeks of waiting, didn't disappoint at all. I'm no big fan of Juvi's as you probably know, but I thought you did a great job of getting both guys over in the match. Jericho's run continues, but I've got to wonder how long it'll last before you try and push him up to a better title.

The Cage promo got over his personality straight away, although this whole deal with Juvi makes him look like he's trying to be Jericho mark 2. Especially when he called Guerrera Quasi-Juice. Still, with a few months under his belt he could turn into a great character in the midcard title hunts.

Bret Hart continues to be the best character (and rightfully so) in the diary, and another promo proves just why. I loved how after Saveage bitched about being screwed, Hart pointed out that he still bore the letters nWo on his shirt. It's great to see him blurring the face/heel lines with his 'you may be a good guy to the fans, but to me you're as bad as Hogan' stance.

Despite being 3/4 of bad wrestler, I did enjoy the main event. The star power, and ending, more than made up for the lack of talent. Savage laying the other three out with a chair got his craziness over, and the repercussions will be something to see.

What I Didn't Like

Not a lot here this show, just the few filler matches/feuds that seemed to only be there because you had to fill three hours. Things like Kidman/Saturn, Adams/Konnan, and the MK stuff could all be better served on the 'B' show. The only thing was the Sting/Giant segments. For some reason, I still can't seem to get myself interested in what's going on between them. It's just 'there' during shows, while other angles find ways of grabbing attention easier.

Over all, another thumbs way up from me (Y)

[Steve Corino]

Bret and Savage against Hogan and a partner should be good enough for a Nitro main event.

The only thing I'm seeing here is how it's potentially going to put you into a corner somewhere, and lead to this Horsemen having to turn face or split. I mean, once the feud with Flair is done, where do they go? To face the nWo? I can't really see the group that's trying to take over WCW turning face to feud with a group synonamous with WCW. Not saying that such a feud would be impossible (after all, by the time the Horsemen/Flair feud is done, the nWo could be gone) but I'm just pointing this out. The good thing is that you've basically just opened the floodgates for Benoit to feud with any upper card guy no matter who it may be. Jericho's talk pushed further the small feud with Juvi, which is nice. Good call on Dean not getting the mic though.

Okay, I'm never opposed to more Hennig, but that segment just kind of ended abruptly. Hey, now he's not supposed to say "perfect". The lawsuit will be on your door later.

Well I guess I don't mind the loss because it furthers the purpose and puts Booker over a bit. Sounded more like a comedy match than anything with the Karagais stuff though.

And the post match sees Evan get what Hennig is trying to teach him; do what you have to rather than what you want to. Lesson learned thanks to the TV title.

That should be a solid match at Bash. Raven and Kanyon can bring the work, Goldberg can bring the crowd into it.

Short and inoffensive, a good squash for Kidman to push the Flock's feuding more. And the post match was just as well.

I laughed at the line of "I'm bigger than most of those things that go bump in the night". I approve of this interview sheerly for that reason.

Sting should be able to pull a really good match out of Giant, I'm thinking the B+ to A* range. Nice. Though nothing has really said where Giant's alleigance lies.

Okay that's a really weird thing to note regarding the "mask or title shot" bit. A clean win though, which is great. I like that.

And the big debut of Christopher Cage III, as he drops Juvi like a bad habit. I'm sensing Bash match here.

Bobby's line made this worth it, because outside of that it was kind of cut and paste stuff. I mean, we've never heard that Juvi is ugly before. And he's a big star, okay.

Nice little brawl it sounds like.

Yes, Wooo. Wooo indeed.

I almost forgot that Konnan is still in the black and white here. In that case, I like this much. He can be the nWo jobber all you want.

Since when is "Yo" not a word? I thought you were going to say that it wasn't really a word because Hall was slurring his speech. I'm impressed with the Savage you did here, liked it much better than the previous one. I really like how they actually are mentioning the Sons, not just ignoring them to focus on Hogan. Hall's analogy of "we were you two years before you were you" is quite nice and makes me kinda hope that you go with him taking the belt from Hogan rather than Nash, if it comes down to either of those guys. This is a good Wolfpac.

Steiner teaming with Hogan should make this a solid match, as well as a good enough match for Nitro main event.

Now, I'm kinda hoping you would have done this a bit differently so that there was time to build the Horsemen feud until Bash rather than further it there, so that the tradition of WarGames being at the Great American Bash would continue. But I guess by 98 it was a Fall Brawl thing, so that means you're doing right. There is no way that the Horsemen feud won't go to WarGames. And Deaner picks up the win - another clean win for the Horsemen tonight, I might add.

I have nothing to add. That was beauty. Having just (finally) gotten to watch the Bret DVD set, I'm getting all into marking out mode over anything that has to do with him, so very good job for nailing him spot-on to my eye. Now all we need is for someone to point out that "If the nWo is all about the black and white or black and red, Bret Hart is only out for the black and pink". Or not.

No mention of how this is Glacier vs Mortis again huh? I mean they mentioned Mortis but not really to that extent.

The post match made me think that playing the role of Shang Tsung should be Kevin Sullivan.

Nice, a short video to hype up the other major feud before getting back into the nWo stuff.

Macho going crazy works as good as anything for the ending of the match.

My rating is a very strong thumbs up. Nothing was really filler, even Finlay getting his push was worth watching.

To the news bits.

So does this mean no Hart Foundation reunion? Good for the NWA to be rising back up. If you play at this long enough I wouldn't mind seeing a four-way promotion war with the WWF, WCW, ECW, and NWA all vying for the top spot. I still say Sting should have something to say about somebody else using the name of "Scorpion". On the two or three hours deal, I say again that while yes, having three hours lets guys like Finlay get some screen time, if it would make it easier on you writing for a two hour show rather than three, then I'd be all for it. Because really, if you move something like Finlay's push down to Thunder, that takes away time that could be getting used on that show for furthering the Flock. So really it's kind of a situation where something bad cancels out something good. Right now I'd say Thunder is pretty much the A- show; it's not Nitro but it's not a Saturday Night either. Now, I guess you could get a Saturday Night or something that would be written with short results, given via internet report as "____ defeated _____ in _:__ with the ______". That way everyone's still getting the same amount of screen time, but you're not writing as much.

[JStarr]

--Honestly, I'm not real sure I see the Horsemen being that big of a factor as far as direct involvement with the nWo for now. I can see some situations where the Horsemen get themselves into positions to sneak a lot of gold out of the nWo's hands while Hollywood and Wolfpac drive each other down in flames. Malenko with the TV title maybe, Benoit snagging the US title, maybe even Douglas getting a chance to capture the World title. Who knows? It'd take some booking gymnastics, for sure, though.

--All right, Hennig/Karagias being played for comedy works. That said, it needs to not go too long, lest Hennig get completely devalued.

--Booker going on to feud with Steiner closer to the main event=good. Booker getting dragged back down to bitch-slap Buff=bad. This may be the story I'm most anticipating.

--A Triple Threat works quite well with Goldberg. As XG said, the title can come off of Bill without his actually losing the match. Not sure how I'd feel about Kanyon winning it, but Raven actually getting a real run would be sweet. Raven takes the gold, Bill pounds Kanyon into jelly and moves up the card, and everyone's happy.

--It'd be excellent if Raven finally decided to intervene in the whole Flock feud and left the whole bunch high and dry to side with Kidman. Not sure I see it happening, though. As it is, maybe Saturn gets a chance to be a leader himself, which would be quite nice.

--One of these days, the Giant is going to stop going to the ring to call Sting out. Weird shit keeps happening to him, and it's actually getting a bit...I don't know, samey? This angle, for me, needs to step even further toward the back burner.

--XG may have called it by saying that Cage seems a little TOO much like Jericho. It's not too far of a stretch between the "movie star" and Jericho's latter-day "rock star" posturing. Try to make sure Cage keeps his own identity.

--Adams killing Konnan works for me...Adams v. Buff for the TV title? Hmm...

--I'm seeing more and more that the Sons are ready to take down the Outsiders for the belts, especially with Nash seeming a bit distracted. I'm wondering if the Wolfpac might start to crack soon after?

--Dean v. Chavo this week...do we get Eddie and Jericho next week? SWEET.

--I've gotta say, the main was booked very well. Hart and Savage seemed okay for the entire match, but Savage simply snapping and demolishing everyone in sight was excellent. Provided we get a Hart/Savage match out of all this, some No-DQ rules would make for a whole different dynamic and show off a side of Bret that didn't get shown too often.

All in all, another good show, Forky. More Raven, Flock, and Booker with less chicanery from Sting would suit me fine, but it's not really a big complaint.

EDIT: Oh, yeah, and the two-hour Nitro may be easier to write, but man, you'd have one hell of a time accomodating a lot of what's already going on, and the depth of that roster means that a few deserving guys would be seeing little to no time. I'd say stick with three.

Edited February 28, 2007 by JStarr

[CDuffy26]

Take it down to two hours, as a three hour show would burn out your writing way too fast, and with Thunder, that's 5 hours of Primetime TV a week, which is way to much for a promotion to have.

[Magus978]

Take it down to 2 hours to save the amount of writing you have to do. I really liked this show, especially Scott Hall's promo. You captured him 100%

[KingofKings24]

Yeah the Scott Hall promo was magnificent, that whole promo in general was really well done.

Scott Steiner & Hollywood Hogan def. Bret Hart & Randy Savage-(A+, 14:33)

Great match, but it is shocking how it got an A+.

Chris Kanyon def. Glacier-(B+, 5:04)

I hate glacier, so any time he loses, GREAT MATCH! lol.

20: An Interview From The Hart

I liked seeing Hart play up the Wolfpac, whose side are they on? Who knows? Good work there.

Overall a great show and a nice lengthy show, this diary is really going strong.

[TGC]

I love this diary, I really really do. Despite the fact that I haven't really checked it out in months, well since November when I last responded to be more accurate, I do love this diary. Today I plan on doing some updating, but I also planned on doing some catching up on a certain diary. That would be this one. So Starting with Slamboree, I'm reading and commenting. This is gonna take awhile...

Slamboree Thoughts

-So Chavo wins the Cruiser BR, and I just lost two matches on my predictions thingee. Wow and damn, that kinda sucks. While I always loved Chavo, this was a time period when I wasn't super keen on either him nor Eddie, even though as a bit of a mark still, a bit, I was rooting for Chavo to do the right and smart thing. Oh well, he and Jericho should put forth a killer match. But I miss Deano Machino!

-And now for the Iron Man Match. I still think that there is no way in hell anyone in power at WCW would have ever allowed these to two midcarders to go 60 minutes on a PPV, especially when it has the potential to steal the entire show and make people talk about something other than Hogan, Nash, Savage, etc., but that's a non issue in this diary, so enough about that. And here's an issue I have always had with IM matches. If Benoit or Bokker can beat the other in a nothing 8 minute match on Nitro, why do they go 47 minutes on PPV in an IM match before either can get a pinfall? Just something that has always made me wonder. It's why an IM match where we get many many pinfalls or submissions has always made more sense to me, ala HHH vs. Rock. But I digress. Bokker wins by a single, and the only, pinfall, and Benoit goes nuts. I love it. The Rabid Wolverine is back! Absolutely great ending to an okay but long match. Surprised as hell that you put Booker over, but mayhaps with The Horsemen returning you felt Booker needed the win more? All in all, I'd say it was a slightly above average match that in the end didn't end anything. This should have blown off the feud, and yet it feels like Benoit and Bokker needs to continue now based on the fucking killer beatdown Benoit provided post match.

-Again, as I said last year, your Jericho is spot on perfect.

-I skipped to the last paragraph and a half of the crap match, and was sad to see the wrong team win. Wow and damn, but I sucked at these predictions, huh? Luger needs to turn and join the nWo or seomthing. And fuck TEW. An A+??? BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

-On the other hand, the Cruiser Match was a thing of beauty. Absolutely goddamned perfect. I loved seeing Eddie sent to the back, and I actually thought maybe Chavo was going to pull it out here, despite my wishes to the contrary. And then Malenko returns, and it was further perfection. While I love what happened in reality, I loved this just as much. Jericho and Malenko as a team? Whoda thunk it! And Eddie's return to save Chavo was great too. I smell a tag match. That deserved an A+ by the way.

-CORNY! Okay that was the MOTN thus far. I just LOVE The Rising Sons, and aligning them with Cornette is brilliance. I expect a great Cornette interview for his men to come soon, and if it doesn't I'll be pissed. TRS, along with James E. Cornetter the Manager Of Champions, for future Tag Team Champs, please.

-Savage to a tee. Good job.

-The Bowery Death Match was the OTT violent fucking mess I hoped it would be, and I adored it. Wow and damn, I got two in a row right! Mortis is Kanyon. Mark my words. And Hell YEAH for another appearance by Benoit. That I wasn't expecting at all. As for this former Horsemen thing where they have issues? Sounds like perfect Horsemen mind games to me. But I do have to ask why start a DDP/Benoit feud when the Booker/Benoit feud is so clearly NOT over yet.

-Okay I didn't see The Giant heel turn coming. I didn't see it, and it simply makes no sense, so good WCW booking there. Otherwise until that mess of an ending, which as I said is perfect ME Level WCW booking, it was a solid match.

-Another solidly done interview, this time for Hogan. Could hear his voice in my head. Now about merging the 3576 nWo's into one cohesive unit again...

-ME time. Not a bad match. Bout what I expected to be honest. Savage and Hart can go, still, and Hogan is Hogan. At least heel Hollywood Hogan is interesting and fun to watch. The nWo hits the ring, Savage and Hart go down, and that's about that. Hogan wins, and I was wrong again. I wonder though, could a Wargames Match between Hogan and his nWo vs. Hart, Savage, And The Outsiders be on the horizon? Would make sense, huh? Maybe. Kinda. Good to see that history remains intact, and once again Savage drops a World Title to Hogan, as he almost always did.

-All in all a great PPV. Halfassedness? BS. That was good. You are too hard on yourself. Slamboree PPV Overall Grade B+. So there.

-Oh and to Steve Corino who said that there was no basis for Benoit attacking DDP? Benoit beat DDP on I think the Nitro preceding the PPV. Sure it wasn't a clean win, but he did beat him.

And now

Nitro, Return Of The Horsemen

-I can quit pretending that we didn't discuss now to do the return last fall now right? I can admit that I knew that Malenko wasn't going to return in the Cruiser BR? I can? Good. Ahem, moving on....

-Dissention in the nWo Black And White to open the show? Yeah losers, Hogan DOES shit like that. You're all just baggage and dead weight, always were, and always will be. Morons.

-Good to see TRS squash the fuck outta PE. Goddamn I hate that team. And there's my Corney interview, with classic oldschool references to boot. You have a knack for nailing voices. Kudos.

-Now that was a great Savage promo. SNAP INTO IT, BROTHER! OHHHH YEAH!

-How the hell is Juvi in the Number One Contender's Match when it shoulda been Kidman? Why Chavo when he already lost? This makes no sense, but it was still a good match. Oh, and I know what Malenko meant by those words, oh hell yes I do.

-Uhhh, wow and damn on the removal of Brian Adams from the nWo. Came completely out of nowhere. Wow and damn.

-Oh look, a useless Tag Team Match interrupted by the arrival of The Giant. Typical WCW. Coulda been a good match too. Oh well, the more things change...

-Nice promos by Stinger and The Giant. Giant didn't join the nWo, silly Dome readers, he just turned heel. Makes sense to me, since I too was thinking he rejoined for the 127409375237502730568th time. Oh well, I take full blame for The Giant heel turn.

-Bagwell? BAGWELL? JESUS H. CHRIST, BAGWELL?!?!?!?!?!? I hate you. "Nuff said.

-Or not. Fuck that is a terrible move. Booker stands toe to toe with Benoit for, what, months? He defeats him again and again and again, showing he's the clear better, he gets his ass kicked last night, but he still wins, and his feud with Benoit is not anywhere close to over, but he drops the belt to fucking Bagwell? Why couldn't there have been an attack by Benoit similar to this. Afterwards Benoit challenges Booker to a rematch, and being the strong face and good champ he is, he accepts and FINALLY Benoit wins? Uggghhhhh, this is fucking horrid booking. No offense, none at all, but this just sucks. I can say typical WCW, and I will, but man oh man oh man I hate this. HATE!

-Fuck, it even coulda been Scotty and I MIGHT have liked it, but ugghhh. And now Booker gets saved by Rick? Jesus, you do hate Booker T huh? HATE! ME! THIS!

-Curt beat Evan, which is good, but he shoulda and coulda done it cleanly if you ask me. Meh match.

-Christian in WCW huh? As an "A-List" Hollywood star? Intriguing, although kinda silly since we all know he isn't one. Not a bad gimmick, but you just totally threw all of Tenay's credibility out the window. Might have worked better if Heenan suddenly announced that he now realized who this man was, as Heenan has no credibility at this period of time anyways. Oh well.

-Fuck the Prince. Glacier rocks. Still, if he HAD to lose, at least it was because of a new storyline. I love Glacier.

-I'm still mad about Bagwell, and this is so making me dislike everything else. Hurry up with The Horsemen, so I can mark and be happy again.

-Poor Texas Longhorns. Push them dammit! Oh and The Outsiders promo was great. I love it.

-Nice Main Event wrestling match, with a good WCWish ending. But where were The Black And White to attack Bret and save Hogan? Odd. Still, I suspect Savage vs. Bret for a title shot at the next PPV. So I guess no Wargames Match like I predicted above, huh? Oh well.

-And now the REAL MAIN EVENT...The Horsemen!

-BAM! Welcome to history in the making, welcome to Shane Douglas, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Chris Jericho, and The Enforcer Arn Anderson as The Four Horsemen. It was the hardest thing I could do when I replied to this diary and NOT mention knowing this was coming. And it worked better than I could ever imagine. The DDP thing makes sense with Benoit, kinda, but that's not the story here. The story is a Horsemen without Flair. This makes WCW must see for now, if only for this storyline. You wrote it up perfectly, and your AA was great. Mongo sucks dick, so good to see him gone, unless of course he joins Flair, DDP, and Luger in fighting back? Coule happen and work and leave Flair's team someone who can take the pinfalls and losses with ease. I love it. I absolutely love it.

-The rest of the show was a mess and one fucking mistake in booking after another, though. The Horsemen angle was A+, the rest of the show was D+, so I'm going Overall Grade C. Sorry, but as you said the rest of the show was pretty pitiful and painful.

Thunder Thoughts

-This would be the perfect place for a legit loose cannon on the mic like Douglas to come out and talk and rant on Flair and explain things, since he can be bleeped and edited when he goes on and on and on and on and curses like a sailor. Hope it happens.

-Wow and damn, those four segments were all over the place to start the show. Kidman and I guess Saturn out of The Flock was intriguing, Kanyon attacking Raven was good, Goldberg and Kanyon was good, but not so good was Goldberg winning by DQ and made to look like Raven's bitch YET AGAIN. Is the push for Goldy, or for Raven? Avtually, if Raven was able to end the streak I'd mark. It's very anticlimactic, but it's a nice change from reality. So basically, disregard what I said yesterday on MSN, okay?

-TRS better become Number One Contenders dammit.

-Scorpion? Gonna confuse the marks. Glad Duggan jobbed. Shouldn't his cancer show up soon? I hope so.

-And now Scorpion, much like Sting, has the power to make the lights go out and have people disappear and teleport. Cool. Two Mini Taker's in WCW.

-Jericho and Malenko rock and roll as a unit. I love it. However I wish AA was with them, like JJ Dillon used to be for The Horsemen in the olden days. Speaking of JJ, I hope we see his reaction to this new Horsemen team, especially considering Jericho's in it and the problems he's had with Jericho.

-Finlay wins. Meng loses. Yay Finlay. Meh match. Next?

-More crap with Evan. Okay, well, at least he gets his ass kicked for a bit. But the match was odd. Is Curt turning face? Is he not? Who knows. This whole storyline confounds and annoys me.

-Bagwell! Fucking HATE IT! Gah don't get me started again damn you.

-ME time. Good way to get Eddie and Chavo and The Horsemen out of the match, and advance The Flair storyline. Great brawling, and YAY TRS win. The match on Nitro should be good, but for some reason I can't see TRS winning the belts off of The Outsiders on Nitro. I suspect many matches here for some reason.

-All in all, Thunder was far better than Nitro. Which is good. Overall Rating B-.

-RIP Stu, RIP.

Nitro...and goddamn this IS taking awhile...two hours and counting

-So maybe it's Wolfpac vs. TRS at PPV and not Nitro like I thought? Everyone else who comments seems to think so. Speaking of which, I'm gonna only comment on big things, because I'm getting tired to be honest.

-Awesome promo by The NEW Horsemen. Absolutely killer. Now next time, REALLY let Douglas loose, okay?

-Now Evan is screwing Curt out of wins? Egads, this storyline is bizarre!

-Okay....Sting is freaking Taker now. This was odder than odd. And not in a good way at all.

-Christian? Acadamy Awards and Oscars are the same thing. Now ya know.

-Finlay is a monster! A machine! He's unstoppable dammit!

-Next Nitro's Horsemen vs. Flair and Company match should be goodness personified. Can't wait.

-I can dig a slight Brian Adams push. Let him move his way through nWo losers, then maybe fall to Norton? I'd mark.

-And the Main Event was good for what it was, which was pure storyline progression. Worked fine.

-Finally, if it's not too late, Nitro should be 2 hours. These 3 hour shows are just too fucking long.

-Overall Grade B. Nitro was fine, if not great.

And that's a wrap. Now you better update this fucker like you said you were gonna, or else I'm gonna be pissed.

[Draevyn]

~Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA~

1-We Always Told You He Was Unstable!

Before Thunder even officially began, there was a video package which focused on the main event of Nitro, and Savage’s brutal attack on every single person in the match, including his own partner Bret “The Hitman” Hart. There are several audio cut ins of the announce team claiming that Savage has gone completely insane. There is even a clip of Heenan declaring that he told everyone a long time ago that Randy Savage is completely insane. The video package finishes on the intensity filled eyes of Savage as he’s being dragged away by security.

Video Recapping Monday’s Main Event-A

2-Glacier vs Yuji Nagata

When the opening for Nitro finally finished, the hype was set, but the first match wasn’t exactly set to live up to the hype of what happened on Nitro. Instead, through Glacier’s entire entrance, he kept looking behind him, obviously wondering where Scorpion was going to come from. There was no sign of his masked nemesis though and Glacier entered the ring without a problem. Nagata gets a few smatterings of boos, but seems almost lost without his manager and mentor, Sonny Ono, who is back in his native Japan for reasons not elaborated on by commentary. Despite all this, Tenay hypes Nagata as a masterful technician, and a superb athlete from Japan, which Zbyszko says fans may see more of now that he doesn’t have the treacherous Onoo in his corner.

Glacier started off quick, much like he always did with his attempted martial arts kicks, but Nagata showed his own skill, blocking each one and shoving them away with palm thrusts. Nagata surprises the Glacier after one of the kicks by nearly tearing the man’s leg off with a dragon screw legwhip. Nagata shows his technical prowess by going to work on that leg, mainly working the knee with kicks and leglocks, setting up for his reverse figure four. Glacier finds his offence limited with the leg taken out, but he still manages to fight back, sweeping Nagata off his feet during an attempted spinning toe hold. Despite one weak knee, Glacier still mounts a comeback, nearly taking Nagata’s head off with a spinning back kick. Nagata is able to shake this off midway through the match and come back, catching Glacier with a butterfly suplex, but Glacier kicks out of the pin attempt. Nagata once again made the mistake of going for his reverse figure four, getting rolled up for a two count by Glacier.

Having his finisher reversed like that flusters Nagata and he can’t seem to get back into the match. He misses a clothesline and is taken down in a backslide. He’s able to slide out of it and attempts another butterfly suplex but Glacier manages to land on his feet. A charge has him flying through the air courtesy of a back body drop, and when he gets up he finds two feet in his face from a dropkick. To say that Nagata’s momentum took a turn for the worse would be a direct understatement. The Japanese sensation rolls to the outside to collect his thoughts, but Glacier follows him out. This leads to a chase around the ring for the two men until Nagata rolls back into the ring. Once again Glacier follows him and this time we’ve got a martial arts match going on as both men try to incapacitate the other with kicks to the body. Glacier ducks one of these kicks from Nagata and falls victim to the Cryonic Kick.

The minute the kick hits, flames shoot from the buckles and Glacier’s attention is drawn to them, and unfortunately so are the referee’s. From the crowd, Scorpion slides into the ring, connects with a thrust straight to the throat on Glacier and disappears just as quick as he came. The ref turns around, shocked to find Glacier on the mat but due to the fact he hadn’t seen it, he couldn’t call anything. Nagata is able to shake off the effects of the Cryonic Kick after being left alone for those few seconds, and he stumbles to his feet and applies the Nagata Lock. Glacier is in no shape to tap out, and the referee calls for the bell to make sure that more damage than necessary isn’t done. Nagata celebrates in the ring while the ref attempts to find out what happened to Glacier. Heenan comments that Scorpion has upheld the Ninja code, appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye. Schiavone wants to know how Heenan knows about the Ninja Code, and Tenay goes into a rant, explaining exactly what the code means.....

Yuji Nagata def. Glacier via Outside Interference from Scorpion-(B-, 7:40)

3- Send Them Or I’ll Get Them! Either Way, Someone’s Gettin’ Hurt!

Schiavone says that they need to take a commercial break, but then he gets word in his headset that something is going on backstage. He sends it back there as cameras are rushing to the scene of an attack by Fit Finlay who is furiously kicking away boxes, in his quest to grab ”The Gentlemen” Chris Adams who is laying hurt in the middle of a bunch of them. Finlay pulls him to hsi feet, only to toss him into the cement wall next to them, catch him coming off and propel him into the opposite wall behind him. Adams is dazed, and Finlay finishes the assault by scooping him up and delivering a massive Tombstone Piledriver right on the concrete. Adams body convulses a couple of times and then goes still as Finlay looks up at the camera and smirks. The cameraman, scared, runs away as Schiavone puts over how dangerous Finlay is and then sends the show to commercial.

Fit Finlay Destroys Chris Adams Backstage-(B)

Commercial Break

4-Ayatollah’s Don’t Belong On “B” Shows

Back from commercial break and the announce team spends a couple of minutes talking about what happened behind the scene, but then Schiavone informs those watching at home that Chris Jericho and Dean Malenko are standing by backstage with something on their minds. As the cameras go back there, it appears that Jericho and Malenko weren’t informed that they were being taped because there is a heated discussion going on. Well, Jericho is doing all the discussing because Malenko realizes the cameras are there and he keeps hinting to Jericho by nodding his head towards the camera.

Chris Jericho: Why are we here? Flair isn’t here! Hogan isn’t here! Savage isn’t here! Sting! The list goes on and on, so why do we have to be here? We’re stars! We’re superstars! We’re.....

Jericho finally sees that it isn’t tourettes that is making Malenko’s head twitch to the side, and he’s quite surprised to find the cameras pointed at him. At first he seems quite embarrassed but then Gene Okerlund shows up with a microphone and Jericho quickly reverts back to his usual cocky self.

Chris Jericho: Well it’s about time there Sparky. Finally showing up to do your job and interview the greatest Cruiserweight champion that ever lived. Quite frankly, the greatest athlete to ever step foot inside a wrestling ring. You know what, probably the greatest person to ever walk the face of this earth!

Gene Okerlund: Well I-

Chris Jericho: Well you nothing Gene! You just stand there and hold the microphone like you’re supposed to and I’ll do exactly what I’m supposed to, and make this show look good. Eddie Guerrero’s been running around the back saying this, saying that, talking about how he’s going to beat me here tonight, all because we picked on his nephew Chiquita Guerrero! Maybe he’s forgetting but he was the one smackin’ ol’ Banana head around long before we ever came around to do it. So see, what’s the problem. Either way, Banana head is getting smacked.

The fans are booing loudly as Jericho smiles and waits for the flustered Okerlund to actually start doing his job.

Gene Okerlund: Actually I think it has more to do with family loyalty than anything else. The Guerrero’s have a strong family bond and it falls under the fact that they can do anything they want to family, but when outside influences like yourselves or these new Horsemen get involved, they stand united.

While Okerlund was speaking, the camera was focused on him, but when the camera goes back to Jericho, he’s nonchalantly sipping on a juice box. His eyes move from side to side in a shifty like fashion and the camera moves across to Malenko who just shrugs. With a loud slurping sound Jericho draws the attention back to himself and tosses the now empty juice box off the top of Okerlund’s bald head.

Chris Jericho: United? That just means they all fall at the same time. See, I don’t need The Horsemen to beat two Mexicans. It’s just something that I’ve been doing from the very beginning. I’m the number one cruiserweight in this company, and so far nobody has been able to prove me wrong. Have they?

Gene Okerlund: Well they....

Chris Jericho: That’s right, not a single person! So if they can’t beat me, then what makes them think they’re gonna beat me and Deano Machino back here? I mean, we’re a sexy tag team. Okay, so Deano drags us down a little, but come on, look at that rugged face!

The camera seems to focus on Malenko for a few seconds, and then surprisingly Malenko speaks.

Dean Malenko: Let’s get something straight right now. I’m not here to be the punch line in someone’s joke! Arn Anderson came to me because he knew my wrestling ability. To say that nobody could beat you Jericho may be a bit arrogant, but that’s fine. I’m not here to fight you, but I am going to make you aware of the Horsemen Credo....you either put up...or you get put out!

There is an intense stare down between Jericho and Malenko, proving that despite them both being part of The Horsemen, they still aren’t particularly fond of each other. Jericho stares after him for a few seconds before turning to Okerlund with a bemused look on his face.

Chris Jericho: We’re switching him to decaf......soon!

Jericho walks off shaking his head, and Okerlund seems lost for several seconds.

Gene Okerlund: Apparently the tension we thought was gone between Malenko and Jericho still remains, but they’ve still made it very clear that they will dominate Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero at The Great American Bash. What do you think of that, Mike, Larry?

Chris Jericho And Dean Malenko Speak On The Guerrero’s-(B+)

Commercial Break

6-Non-Title Match: Cruiserweight Champion, Chris Jericho (w/Dean Malenko) vs Eddie Guerrero (w/Chavo Guerrero Jr.)

Many probably wondered why this match was taking place on Thunder, and there really wasn’t a great reason for it, except for the fact that Thunder was beginning to look a bit less like an “A” show, which is exactly what WCW was trying to avoid. Many of the big stars such as Hogan and Flair liked to stay away from the show, but this was management’s way of working around such problems. Great quality action like these two cruiserweights. Both men came accompanied by their partners, and inside the ring looked like it was about to explode with these two teams, but Charles Robinson kept his cool and ushered both Chavo and Dean out of the ring, as they were not technically a part of this match.

Jericho wasn’t really taking this match very seriously right from the early going. During the first lock up, the two struggle until Jericho shoves Eddie away and brushes some invisible dust off of his torso, flexing for all the females in the first row to go ga-ga over. When it should have annoyed Guerrero, he simply backed off and gave Jericho a mocking slow clap, that did more to annoy the Cruiserweight Champion than the initial lock up did for Guerrero. The second lock up goes much better for Guerrero who sticks to his game plan of wrestling, unleashing the dreaded series of armdrags, finishing with an armbar! Jericho screams that the armbar is HIS move, but Guerrero seems to know it well enough. Jericho manages to fight to his feet and shove Guerrero off and into the ropes. Jericho attempts to connect with a hurricanrana but Eddie holds his stance and nearly converts Jericho into his own finisher, the Liontamer, but Jericho quickly scurries to the ropes, and out of the ring as soon as the break is forced. He stands outside the ring and stares at Guerrero with that “What the fuck” look.

Jericho paces outside the ring for a few seconds while Guerrero taunts him to get back into the ring. Robinson makes the count, which is interrupted a couple of times by Guerrero who attempts to reach over the ropes and grab Jericho, but the champion avoids each attempt and continues to work the count. Once again the match takes a comedy route as Guerrero simply stands back and flaps his arms, making clucking sounds like a chicken to mock Jericho. Flustered, the champion slides back in the ring, takes a couple of stomps and quickly heads back out. This time Malenko makes his way around the ring and the two confer with each other, but Jericho doesn’t seem to like the advice and walks away leaving Dean staring after him. Jericho then makes his way to the steps and walks up them this time, entering the ring by ducking between the ropes, making sure to have Robinson keep Guerrero away while he gets in. Jericho finally steps through the ropes and lays back in the corner, making sure the referee keeps Eddie back until he’s ready to proceed.

Once more they’re back to circling the ring and this time when Eddie attempts to come straight in, his groin area meets Jericho’s feet, and the ref’s eyes take a hike because he doesn’t see a thing. He’s conveniently there to ask what happened after the fact, but by that time Jericho is already backing Guerrero against the ropes with punches. Jericho shoots him off the ropes but Eddie holds on to avoid the Jericho dropkick, grabs the legs and floats over into a pin attempt that only garners him a one count. Eddie is still holding his groin as he gets to his feet, and Jericho takes the chance to go for another kick, which is blocked, but the following enzuigiri is not blocked. Eddie goes down but he doesn’t get much of a rest as Jericho stomps him all the way to the edge of the ring, and then another kick sends him off the edge. Chavo is right there to help him up, but it didn’t matter because Jericho had no intentions of taking this outside where it could become a brawl.

He waited inside, pressuring the ref to make the count, but every time he’d bother the ref, Robinson would use his right to restart the count. Finally, Jericho just gets fed up and goes out after him, but this is what Eddie had been waiting for and he catches him with a shot to the gut on an attempted axehandle from the apron. Jericho clutches his midsection, but Eddie doesn’t give him time to nurse it as he quickly bounces his head off the barricade and then rolls him back into the ring to break the count. He gave a yell in Spanish as he entered the ring which had the fans, who only weeks ago were booing him, roar in approval. Jericho attempts to retreat to the corner but the fired up Guerrero comes in with guns blazing, right hands that rock the jaw of the champion and have him attempting to beg off in the corner. Eddie isn’t buying it but with Jericho in the ropes the ref is forced to pull them apart and opens Eddie up for a thumb right to the eye from Jericho.

Chavo argues with the ref, but that only draws his attention away even more for Jericho to get another low blow in and then a ddt. Now it’s Jerichos turn to argue with the referee, assuring him that everything was completely legal. He nonchalantly lays across Eddie and gets a one count, even pulling off a surprised look over not getting the pin, and going as far as questioning the ref’s count. Schiavone mentions that Jericho should probably keep his focus on the match as he’s not in their with a rookie, no matter what he may think. Jericho turns around and finds out exactly the type of opponent he’s up against when he takes a dropkick right to the chin that sends him into the ropes, and then a fired up clothesline that sends him over the ropes. Eddie is fired up and actually tosses the ref aside to follow Jericho out of the ring. Heenan says that Eddie should watch his temper, while Tenay mentions that The Guerrero’s are known for that fiery temper.

Eddie stomps Jericho against the barricade, turns him around and then grinds his face across the top of it. With the fans all cheering and trying to get a pice of him, Eddie sets up for an irish whip into the ring apron but turns it around and sends Jericho flying into the barricade instead. Eddie charges and Jericho is able to move, which has Guerrero slamming stomach first into the barricade. Chavo starts to move closer to the action and Malenko sees his chance, pointing Chavo’s indiscretion out to the ref and allowing himself the chance to come over and clothesline Eddie down. Malenko gets in his own stomps until the ref turns around and sees him, rushing over and ushering him back on the other side of the ring. Not to let things go unanswered, Chavo takes this chance to run over, grab Jericho and plant him with a suplex on the concrete. He quickly backs off before he’s caught and as soon as Robinson gets Malenko in his place, he slides back into the ring and administers the count on the two men.

They’re both stirring by four, Eddie is to a seated position by six while Jericho is slowly pulling himself into one, by eight Eddie is to his feet, and before the ten count can be administered, he rolls in and quickly rolls out, not wanting to win by count out. He pulls the hurting Cruiserweight Champion to his feet and rolls him into the ring, joining him as well. Eddie begins to work the match methodically with suplexes, and backbreakers, attempting to wear down the champion. He connects with a knee drop from the second rope which gets him a two count, and then a snap suplex gets him another one, but Jericho keeps kicking out. Eddie feels like there is only one way to finish off the champion and he scoops him up and plants him next to the buckles. He climbs the buckles, making sure to acknowledge the fans, and leaps off for his Frogsplash but Malenko reaches into the ring and grabs Jericho’s feet, pulling him out of the ring. Eddie crashes and burns on the mat, rolling in agony, while Malenko attempts to get Jericho back on the right track.

Chavo shows the Guerrero temper next as he sees what happened and rushes to the other side, attacking both men. This was one of those times where the temper of the individual would be his downfall as Jericho finally regained his bearings and the two Horsemen beat down the younger Guerrero. Eddie recovers in the ring and seeing what’s happening decides to dive over the ropes, which again is a bad decision, as both Malenko and Jericho move out of the way and leaves Chavo to take the brunt of the dive. With both Guerrero’s down, Jericho grabs the one who’s actually in the match and tosses him into the ring while Malenko grabs Chavo and systematically picks him apart on the outside. With Robinson’s eyes drawn in both directions, he finally just lets Malenko and Chavo fight on the outside and goes back to the match he’s actually supposed to be officiating.

Jericho sends Eddie into the buckles, shaking the ring with the impact, and then he crushes him with a running body splash. Eddie comes out of the corner and walks right into a spinning heel kick. Jericho has got the momentum and he runs across, springing off the ropes and connects with his Lionsault. He covers......and gets a two count! Jericho slaps the mat in frustration and gets back to his feet, signalling that he’s going to finish him off by flexing his biceps and screaming “It’s Over Bay-Bay!” before grabbing the legs of the challenger. Despite the punishment that he’d taken, the minute Jericho gets the legs hooked, Eddie knows what’s coming and he quickly struggles to keep it from being applied. Jericho finally changes his game plan for a second, but only long enough to slingshot Eddie up and over, right into the buckles. He staggers back and finally Jericho grabs the legs and is able to apply the Lion Tamer. Eddie struggles, looking for the ropes. He reaches out, and can’t find them. He screams in agony, hollering for his nephew but outside the ring Chavo has got Dean in his own Texas Cloverleaf, and he’s unable to hear Eddie screaming in pan. Eddie uses his arms, pushing up to escape, and taking the punishment that comes from trying to reverse a move, but to his and everyone elses amazement, Jericho slips and falls. Eddie hooks the legs. One! Two! Three! Eddie Guerrero has just pinned the Cruiserweight Champion!

Eddie is completely exhausted from reversing the Lion Tamer that he remains in a face down position in the ring. Jericho is shocked, and completely pissed as he scrambles to his feet and argues with Charles Robinson, declaring that Eddie had the tights. Robinson informs him that he didn’t see a thing, which heightens the fury inside Jericho and he turns back to Eddie, attacking him with stomps. Jericho picks Eddie up and shoots him into the ropes, taking him out with a spinning heel kick. Still angry, Jericho pulls Eddie to his feet and delivers a devastating brainbuster in the center of the ring. He gets to his feet and puts one foot on Eddie’s chest, and raises his hands, just before Chavo comes rushing into the ring for the save. Jericho high tails it out of the ring, collecting Dean on the way and backing up the aisle with a smirk on his face while Chavo checks on Eddie. Commentary talks about how this match could stand on a pay-per-view, but WCW believes in giving the fans what they want.

Eddie Guerrero def. Chris Jericho via Pinfall-(A+, 10:46)

Commercial Break

7-4 Life Actually Means, 4 Right Now!

When the commercial break is over, the commentary team of Mike and Larry mention the fact that starting this Monday on TNT, Nitro changes to two hours, but still starts at the same great time. They then declare that it’ll still be the same great action, without any filler, which puts across that some of their talent is simply filler. Good job guys! From there they move into the video package highlighting Brian Adams being kicked out of the nWo. They highlight the fact that the entire plan to question Hogan had been Scott Norton’s idea until the point where they got there, and then the blame all went to Brian Adams, who was then beaten down and whipped by Hogan. Following that, they moved onto last Nitro where Brian Adams attacked, and then beat down a member of the black and white contingent of the nWo in Konnan. Zbyszko comments that as big as Adams is, he may have been the wrong man to piss off at this point in time.

Video Highlighting Brian Adams Ejection From The nWo-(A)

8-Brian Adams vs Vincent

For those wondering whether or not the previous video package had been going anywhere, they were given the generic nWo music, which brought out Vincent. Many of the fans in the audience gave a collective groan, which had to be cut in order to be aired on television, replaced with te silence that usually accompanies Vincent, everywhere he goes. The fans don’t exactly become overjoyed when some heavy rock music hits and Brian Adams comes through the curtains in jeans and no shirt. Adams has that pissed off look on his face, and he verbally bashes Vincent all the way to the ring. He steps over the ropes and into the ring, intimidating the referee.

Vincent, on the other hand, is not intimidated, though he probably should be. He walks right up to Adams and pokes him in the chest, yelling some insults about Adams being the weak link of the nWo. (Pot, Kettle, African Ameri-er-black!). Adams smirks during this entire episode, but his smile fades the minute Vincent slaps him. Vincent actually hauls off and smacks the taste right out of Adam’s mouth. The smile disappears and the glare returns, with Vincent finally realizing he’d made a mistake and backing up accordingly. Adams advances as Vincent drops to his knees and begs off. Of course this is a convenient ploy for a quick low blow, which doesn’t work as Adams blocks it with his knee. He grabs Vincent by the shirt and pulls him to his feet, then around the throat and lifts him high off the mat with a chokehold. Nick Patrick does his job and administers the four count, which Vincent probably wished he wouldn’t as Adams slams him into the mat at the four count.

Adams stalks his prey, looking towards the back every once in awhile and wondering out loud “Where they at?” before kicking Vincent right in the head. Adams pulls the nWo lackey to his feet and then presses him high over his head, actually doing a couple reps, which finally get the fans to react, albeit briefly. He finishes his reps by tossing Vincent up and simply walking out from under him, allowing him to hit the mat face first. He staggered to his feet and Adams ran right through him with a boot straight to the face. Adams raises his hand in the air to a semi-pop before pulling Vincent to his feet and shooting him into the ropes. One quick Tilt-a-whirl Backbreaker and Adams picks up the victory. He makes sure to inform the cameras that “Nothing Is For Life” before celebrating his victory,.while the show goes to a video.

Brian Adams def. Vincent via Pinfall-(C+, 5:35)

9- Tag Team Dominance

The video that begins after the match focuses on the tag team match that will be happening at the pay-per-view between The Outsiders and The Rising Sons!

Two Men Have Waged War Over An Entire Company

They show images of The Outsiders arriving in World Championship Wrestling, with Hall’s first appearance and the subsequent appearance of Kevin Nash a couple weeks later. They conveniently leave out any appearance the two made with Hollywood Hogan, focusing more on the destruction caused by The Outsiders, including the infamous Misterio lawn dart.

Now Two Men Threaten That Image Of Dominance

From the dominance of The Outsiders, the video turns to that of The Rising Sons from their initial attack on Bulldog and Neidhart, all the attacks including the brutal anvil shot to Jim Neidhart, the table destruction with Public Enemy, and then their victory which gave them the shot.

One Team Will Stand Victorious

This statement leads to images of The Outsiders raising the tag titles high in the air, and slowly fade to Cornette raising the hands of The Rising Sons following their last Thunder main event.

While The Other Falls By The Wayside

More images, but this time they aren’t of the celebrations, but more of the punishment taken by each team. They show the four team members in different states of pain, fatigue, and just general weariness. Hall and Nash are shown in worse condition, but mostly because The Rising Sons haven’t been around very long as a team, and haven’t been in as many weary battles.

Four Men......Four Bodies......

There are slow shots shown of each man separately, and then the two teams standing together.

One Goal!

The final images are of that of both teams, and then the Outsiders raising their titles. The camera slowly zooms in on the front plate of the title belt. From there the video ends and the announce team hypes that this match will take place at the pay-per-view.

The Outsiders vs The Rising Sons Hype Video-(A+)

Commercial Break

10- Change In Plans!

When the show comes back from commercial, it is mentioned that there has been a change in the card for Monday, and it will now be a tag team match between Chris Benoit and Shane Douglas of The Four Horsemen taking on Lex Luger and “Diamond” Dallas Page. There is then a hype video that shows how this match came about with the bloodied and battered Ric Flair being saved from an even worse beating by Page and Luger, the run in attack by Flair on the previous Thunder, as well as the stuff that happened on Nitro, which lead to this match, as well as the main event tonight.

Monday Night Hype Video-B+

11-The Texas Longhorns vs Davey Boy Smith & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

While Juventud leaves the ring, the camera go to the announce table where Tenay and Zbyszko hype up the next match which pits the cowboys Kendall Windham and Bobby Duncum Jr. against Smith and Neidhart. Tenay runs over the feud between Smith and Neidhart against The Rising Sons, which seems to have ended, but not without Smith and Neidhart suffering their share of damage. They replay the anvil shot to Jim Neidhart before segueing into the entrance of The Texas Longhorns. Zbyszko wonders if Neidhart is a hundred percent, even now. The Longhorns don’t really care, and they get little to no reaction as they make their way to the ring.

Smith and Neidhart get a bit more of a reaction upon their entrance, and they slap hands with the fans on the way down. Neidhart still looks to be a bit unhinged, and Davey has to get him and keeps pointing towards the ring for some reason. After a couple seconds the two men get to the ring and Smith makes sure Neidhart stays on the outside and for once there is a match that doesn’t start with a big brawl in the beginning. Instead, Duncum and Bulldog lock up in the center of the ring and it becomes a shoving contest between the two, with each man trying to overpower the other. It’s Duncum who actually surprises people by scooping Smith up and dropping him with a slam. He backs up with a smirk on his face, and Smith gets back to his feet with a wary look on his face. Once more the two lock up in the center of the ring, and once again Duncum surprises everyone by grabbing an arm wrench on Smith. Davey maneuvers himself until he’s back first against the ropes, and then uses them to execute a front flip, twist Duncum’s arm and then finally take him over and drop a leg across the arm. Bulldog attempts to get the arm into some sort of lock but Duncum fights out and gets back to his feet.

Being that Duncum is able to get to his feet first, he gets the edge and begins hammering away on Smith, driving him into the buckles. He shoots Smith off the ropes and attempts a big boot to the face but Davey Boy ducks under, hits the other ropes and comes off with a flying clothesline. Both men are quick to their feet but Smith is just a half second quicker and he catches Duncum with a scoop slam. Davey Boy leaps into the air but his elbow drop misses, and Duncum is able to roll and make the quick tag. Neidhart calls for a tag of his own but Bulldog ignores him and circles the ring. Tenay comments on the fact that Bulldog doesn’t think Neidhart should even be in this match in his condition. Windham and Smith lock up and it’s basically the same thing that was just seen between Smith and Duncum with each trying to overpower the other, but Smith quickly takes the fight to the ground with a leg trip. The two start exchanging some hard hitting shoulderblocks and clotheslines, but both showing their strength by not going down.

Showing a cocky edge like his partner, Windham dares Smith to hit him again and this time Smith bounces off the ropes and appears to be going for a shoulderblock, only to stop short and then lay in the right hands. Windham is lit up and he didn’t expect it, with Davey Boy shooting him in and connecting with a clothesline. Once again Neidhart calls for the tag and Smith ignores him. Neidhart’s yelling distracts Smith though and gives the chance for Windham to dig down with his shoulder and drive Davey Boy into the buckles. Neidhart reaches in and tags himself in, which is also a blind tag that allows him to hammer away at Windham while he’s still tied up with Smith. The Anvil turns him around and hammers him head on, while Smith questons the validity of the tag, and the referee assures him that it was a legal tag. Smith isn’t happy about it but he goes to the apron anyway.

Neidhart doesn’t keep the advantage long as he’s backed into the opponents corner and the Longhorns take advantage, drawing Bulldog into the ring and hammering away on Neidhart while the referee’s attention is turned in the other direction. They switch places, coming in and out with no tags being made, but the referee never seems to question it, mainly because he’s continually distracted by Smith who’s attempting to save his partner. Finally the fight comes away from the corner with Duncum picking Neidhart up on his shoulder and looking for a snake eyes maneuver, which never comes because Neidhart slides down his back and shoves him into the buckles. The Anvil charges in but Duncum moves out of the way and lets Neidhart slam into the buckles. Bulldog once again reaches in and tags himself in, allowing The Anvil to crumple on the mat while he runs in and clotheslines Duncum, knocks Windham off the apron, scoops Duncum up and drives him into the mat with a powerslam for the victory.

Neidhart is still in the corner, hurt, when Bulldog gets to his feet. He looks at Neidhart, shakes his head and walks away, leaving Neidhart in the ring. Tenay reminds those watching that Neidhart is still not feeling well after being attacked by The Rising Sons a few weeks ago, and Zbyszko reminds everyone that Cornette made Bulldog an offer around that same time which Smith has yet to answer. They bicker back and forth about this whole series of events until the show fades to commercial.

Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart def. The Texas Longhorns via Pinfall-(B, 6:37)

Commercial Break

12- The Award Goes To.....

There is some soulful music playing when the show comes back from break, and the arrogant Christopher Cage III comes through the curtain, wearing the mask of Juventud Guerrera, which he’d purchased on Nitro from his “good friend” Chris Jericho. In his hands, he’s carrying something, which he unravels to reveal a red carpet. He lays it down and lets it go all the way down the aisle before making his own way, being careful not to allow any of the fans to touch him. He walks up the steps and enters the ring, making sure to take the mask off. He takes the microphone which is offered to him, and steps to the center of the ring, with a smirk on his face.

Christoper Cage: Jealousy seems to be the key word in this place as of late. A couple of weeks ago, I came here to World Championship Wrestling as nothing more than a spectator. I came here because the advertisements assured me that this was where the big boys played. Well, in case you didn’t know, Christopher Cage III is one of the biggest players in the entire world. Just ask all those hollywood starlets who have been left crying because they couldn’t get within an inch of me. (Looking at a woman in the front row). Trust me honey, if they didn’t have a chance, you shouldn’t even be able to see me right now. Someone cover her eyes, because it’s cruel for her to see something she can never have.

Zbyszko says that it’s no wonder this man is friends with someone like Chris Jericho, as their egos are about the same size. The fans seem to agree, or at least the ones in the front row who heckle Cage the entire time.

Christopher Cage: Back to this company, and (finger quotes) Where The Big Boys Play! Takes a real big boy to attack a fan, doesn’t it Juventud? You jumped me out of nowhere, and then you expect me to just sit back and take it? You hit a face like this, and you expect me to do nothing?! Do you know how much damage you could have done? How many careers you could have ruined? Not just mine, but the thousands of directors who have been contacting me to star in their movies. This face makes millions, while your face, quite frankly, scares little children away. Now I’ve gone against the advisement of my agents. That’s right, they told me I shouldn’t be doing this. They told me that I could end my movie career. Then I reminded them who I was facing, and when they finished laughing, they told me to go for it, so Juventud–

Cage is cut off as Juventud comes flying down the ramp and slides into the ring. Cage sees him but it’s too late as the luchadore leaps to his feet and connects with a dropkick on Cage, sending him through the ropes. Cage gets to his feet, shocked and backs away, and up the ramp with that shocked expression on his face. Juventud attempts to draw him back into the ring but Cage is having none of it, and disappears through the curtain.

Christopher Cage III Interview Interrupted By Juventud Guerrera-(C+)

13-”The Total Package” Lex Luger vs “The Crippler” Chris Benoit

Both men surprisingly come to the ring alone, and they both look just as determined as the other. Benoit is wearing a new Four Horsemen t-shirt that had been specially made for the newest incarnation, which he takes off holds up. He can be seen asking Lex if Luger remembers when he used to be part of this group, before hurling the shirt in Luger’s direction. Luger picks it up off the mat and promptly rips it in half before tossing it on the floor and stomping on it. This draws the ire of Benoit who charges across the ring and takes the fight right to Luger. Luger fights back with some weak shots but Benoit is like a rabid animal, scratching and taking his shots where he can, keeping Luger backed against the ropes. Luger does have the power advantage though and he’s able to keep shoving Benoit off each time “The Crippler” gets too zealous. Benoit keeps coming back though but all that is stopped when Luger drops him with a clothesline.

Benoit scurries back to his feet and attempts another charge which leads to him being hurtled through the ropes to the outside. Luger turns to the crowd and flexes his pecs, which draws more of a pop than half the other matches that take place on this show. Benoit gets back into the ring and attempts to get Luger while he’s posing but The Total Package turns and blocks the shot, backing Benoit into the corner with some weak looking punches. He attempts to whip Benoit into the corner, but it’s reversed and Luger is sent in. He crashes into the ropes but comes right back out with a clothesline to the charging Benoit. Once again Luger poses until Benoit gets back to his feet before grabbing him and tossing him into the ropes. Luger goes for a powerslam but Benoit lands on his feet behind him and drives him into the mat with a german suplex. He doesn’t bridge the hold, choosing to let go instead and get back to his feet. Benoit hits a dropkick and quickly goes for the cover, but doesn’t hook the leg and only gets a two count.

Benoit continues his attack, keeping Luger grounded with stomps and clotheslines, hitting a couple dropkicks when necessary. Luger bails to the corner but Benoit follows him in by driving his knee right into the face of Luger. Zbyszko comments on the fact that this appears to be a more fired up Benoit than he’s used to seeing, and claiming that Shane Douglas may have brought an edge out in this man not seen in a long while. Benoit punctuates that statement by pulling Luger out of the corner and delivering a very crisp snap suplex. Luger seems to be allowing Benoit to lead him through a match, but he blocks another german suplex by grabbing onto the ropes. Benoit continues with his animistic tendencies, using forearms to the back of the head to break Luger’s grip on the ropes, but instead of going for the german, he simply rolls the man backwards and sits on his legs, getting a two count for his effort.

Luger powers out, using his leg strength to force Benoit into the ropes but as The Total Package attempts to get back to his feet, Benoit is right back on the attack with well placed kicks to the body. The fans are rallying behind Luger as he starts to absorb the blows and still come back, getting to his feet and finally he flexes his arms and glares at Benoit, sending the Crippler retreating a bit. Luger opens up on him with punches that send him back into the ropes before shooting him across to the ropes. Benoit ducks the first clothesline but he can’t duck the back body drop, and he nearly flies over the top rope, but his feet hit the ropes and he bounces back in a very awkward spot. Luger attempts to show somewhat of a ground game with a boston crab, but he doesn’t execute it well and Benoit gets to the ropes and forces the break.

Benoit suckers Luger in by crawling back towards the corner but the minute Luger comes in, he gets a kick to the midsection and a rake of his eyes. Benoit gabs Luger’s legs out from under him and rolls him up, putting his feet on the ropes, which only gets him a two count when referee Nick Patrick sees this and admonishes Benoit. The Crippler answers back by backing Patrick into a corner for intimidation but Luger sneaks up behind and lifts him for the Torture Rack. Benoit sneaks out the back door and traps Luger for a Tiger Suplex but Luger runs forward and ducks between the ropes, leaving Benoit to crash throat first into them. Luger slides back into the ring and with Benoit staggering around, he lifts him up and this time applies the Torture Rack. Benoit is in pain, which is evident, but when the referee asks him, the cameras pick up his very audible “NOOOO!.” There is no way out, but the reason for Benoit’s cries of “Noooo” become very clear when Shane Douglas dressed in street clothes leaps over the barricade and slides into the ring. He has his trademark steel chain wrapped around his fist and the minute Luger turns around.....BAM! He takes a steel chain wrapped fist right to the jaw.

Because this all happens in front of the referee, the bell quickly rings but Douglas doesn’t care. He kneels over the fallen Luger and begins to hammer away at the mans forehead, splitting him open and drawing blood. Benoit climbs the ropes while Douglas hammers away on Luger and sails off just as Douglas moves, connecting with a diving headbutt. Commentary makes a note of the fact that neither Flair or Page is in the building tonight, and Douglas and Benoit have free reign of the assault. After a couple of more stomps from the two, they decide that enough damage has been done and leave the ring as the referee checks on Luger. Douglas laughs and asks Flair in the camera “How do you like that?! Where’s your fu-BEEP-ero now?” as the two members of The Horsemen raise their hands in victory. Tenay and Zbyszko declare that there will be hell to pay come Monday night. Fade to black!

Lex Luger def. Chris Benoit via Disqualification when Shane Douglas Interferes-(A+, 12:25)

Show Rating: B+

-With the recent rumors of a cut back to WCW Nitro, their has been an official statement issued on WCW’s website stating that this Monday Nights show and every Monday after that will be two hours. All information can be found at their website, www.wcwwrestling.com

[Steve Corino]

Hooray State College!

1. A nice rewatching of at Savage going nutso. Always pleasant.

2. Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay know the Ninja Code? This I have to hear. I mean it's likely just Bobby saying "I know all about it!" like he always did, but Tenay is actually going to explain? I know he's "The Professor", but aren't we reaching a bit here?

3. Damn, I was hoping this was going to be Tenay explaining about his long years spent studying the Shirai Ryu so that he knew what the Ninja Code was. Either way, Finlay is getting a very slow push, which works. He could be a good one to put over Buff for the TV title. Then again, an inanimate object would be a good oen to put over Buff for the TV title.

4. Haha, Jericho talking about how no other big stars are there is great. Nice to show that all continuity is not lost between Jericho and Malenko, but is being put aside for the common goal.

5?

6. Ah, a match that lives up to the rating TEW gives it. Though it was written as though it could have been 20 minutes rather than 11, it's Jericho and Eddy so all is forgiven.

7. Well alright.

8. Well really, it's Brian Adams. Glad he's getting to squash the nWo B-Team, but eventually he's going to run into Norton and probably go down.

9. This video rules if for no other reason than because it included the lawn dart. New champs had better abound. Something tells me they won't though because Nash'll block it.

10. Should be a good match anyways. The question goes, however, as to why Flair and Jericho are out of the match.

11. And WCW would wonder why Thunder is being thought of as a B-show?

12. Be honest with ya, it's written like Christian as a movie star should be, but I'm just not feeling it. It's Jericho Lite, and while our Jerichohol with a Lite version is still tasty, it just doesn't hit the spot like it should be. I did laugh at the line of how "I reminded them who I was facing, and once they finished laughing, they told me to go for it".

13. This match was everything and delivered everything it had to. Luger showed he can still go, Benoit didn't submit, Douglas ran in, they beat up Flair, and Douglas swore. Only thing that could have been asked for was a clean finish, but then would Douglas have been able to come and swear?

I'll say that well, it was a B-show Thunder alright, but it tried really hard not to be. It's something that should have been taped and watched the next day in order to fast forward straight to Jericho/Guerrero and Benoit/Luger.

Two hour Nitro will be fine, as it lets you not have to write so much for Nitro. I just hope that means Thunder won't be regulated to the mere B-show for guys like Adams and Finlay because there'll be less time for them to appear on Nitro.

[Draevyn]

~Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky~

Nitro begins with it’s usual opening video, before going straight to the commentators at ringside, Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and ”The Professor” Mike Tenay. They hype the fact that even though they’re only on the air for two hours, it doesn’t mean we’re going to see any less action, as a matter of fact, it means you’re going to see more, and quicker. Tony starts to declare that this could be the greatest night in the history of WCW, but Heenan cuts him off, declaring that they’d heard that before. Tenay says that it’s definitely going to be a good night, especially with the main event they have in store featuring Kevin Nash taking on Bret “The Hitman” Hart, as well as two fourths of The Horsemen taking on Lex Luger and “Diamond” Dallas Page. They’re cut off by some familiar music, and a hush falls over the commentators, but the crowd goes completely crazy.

1- Time For Talking Is Over

The reason for the amazing opening response is for the “Also Sprach Zathrusta” theme hitting the speakers, bringing “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair through the curtain, dressed in the usual suit and tie that has become a custom. He twirls around with his hands outstretched, much like he usually does, but his face reveals the fact that he’s not in the mood to strut, stomping to the ring with a sneer on his face instead. He rolls into the ring and takes the microphone that is handed to him. He turns to the entrance ramp, knowing exactly what he’s about to do.

Ric Flair: DOUGLAS! I’m going to give you THIRTY SECONDS to bring your [ass] down to this ring, before I come back there and drag your sorry carcass out here. If you think I’m joking, then just try and test me, because The Nature Boy does exactly what he says he’s going to do You want to walk into MY COMPANY and take MY FRIENDS and turn them again me?! That’s fine, Douglas. I can play that game too, but I want to remember one thing. They call me the dirtiest player in the game and if you give me half the chance, I’ll show you why PAL!

Flair looks at his arm, where there is no watch, but he just goes back to speaking, not really timing anything.

Ric Flair: But you don’t want that, do you? No! Of course not. Like every other piece of crap who ever came through this company, you want to hit and run. You come out here and you attack me with a chain. You split my head open. And you don’t expect payback?! That’s not the way things work around here, but you’re going to learn that real quickly. I don’t know how you did it, but it looks like you’ve got some friends in high places. You were able to get me out of that match. Let’s face facts Dean, I’m sorry, I mean Shane! You don’t want to step into the ring with The Nature Boy! You can’t keep up. You never could. Ric Flair never held you back. I never held you back. I simply proved that when it comes to world class athletes, you’re many rungs below the limousine ridin’, jet flyin, kiss stealin’, wheelin’, dealin’ son, of, a, gun! WOOO!

He takes another look at his watch-less wrist, and finally has had enough..

Ric Flair: TIMES UP DOUG:LAS! TIMES UP! I’M COMING BACK! I’M COMING FOR YOU! WOOO!

Flair starts to leave the ring but the sound of galloping horses cut him off and he backs into the center of the ring with a smirk on his face, watching the entrance.

Ric Flair Calls Out Shane Douglas-B+

2- Bad Things Come To Those Who Wait!

Flair’s smirk slowly fades because Shane Douglas doesn’t step through the curtain alone. Instead, he’s flanked by Chris Benoit and Arn Anderson on either side of them, and he has a microphone in his hand, proving that he has no intention of getting into the ring with Flair at this point. Flair’s smile might be gone but Douglas has a wide one, running from ear to ear, and he’s chuckling in his own trademark way as he begins to speak.

Shane Douglas: Hey [Dick]! [Dick] Flair! That’s right, I’m up here you stupid [bastard!] Did you call me out here just to talk? Because as far as I’m concerned, your time for talking is over! I’ve listened to your bull[shit] for over five years, and trust me, I was getting sick to my stomach before a year was even up. You want to run the name of Shane Douglas down backstage? You want to trash me in your stupid interviews, and your bull[shit] colums? The fact of the matter Flair is that you wouldn’t be where you were if you weren’t good at one thing, and it’s not wrestling, if you know what I mean.

Douglas chuckles, and the fans completely let loose with their boos. Benoit is nodding his head in agreement, while Anderson simply stands there, watching on.

Shane Douglas: But enough of the sexual innuendo’s. I’ll leave those for the boys up north! I’m going to stand here, look you in the eye and tell you something that I’ve waited years to say to you. I hate your stinkin’ guts! I hate everything you stand for. Everything you are. Ric Flair, you are a piece of [shit] and everyone knows it, but they’ve been too scared to say it to your face. “The Franchise” Shane Douglas is not a man to hide behind the fake smiles, and the hearty handshakes. “The Franchise” Shane Douglas is the kind of man to look you in the eye, and then blacken it, but you already know all about that, don’t you?

The camera goes to the ring where Flair is instinctively rubbing the eye, which is still slightly swollen from the attack by Douglas upon his return. Douglas just chuckles.

Shane Douglas: Yeah, you feel that don’t you! Every night when you go to bed, and your head hits the pillow the wrong way, you feel it. It reminds you of what happened to you. It reminds you of me. See Ric, all those years ago you said that Shane Douglas was “forgettable!” Try to forget me now you sorry son of a [bitch]. Now you want to talk about me not wanting to face you. You say I’m running scared. I call it strategy. See Ric, I’ve waited all this time to get in the ring with you. You once told me that if I wanted to get in the ring with “The Man” that I was going to have to prove myself. Prove myself to who Ric? The boys backstage? I’m here, so I’ve done that. Prove it to you? Once again, I think I’ve done that.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the steel chain, but before he can do anything else, Lex Luger and ”Diamond” Dallas Page come from behind and club Douglas and Benoit across the back with forearms, sending them down the aisle.

Shane Douglas Answers Ric Flair-B+

3-A Little Payback?

Page gets into the face of Anderson who puts his hands up and backs off, leaving Page to go back after Benoit. The four men brawl their way towards the ring where Luger tosses Douglas under the bottom rope. He gets to his feet and turns around into a right hand from Flair, knocking him to the mat. He attempts to roll out of the ring but Luger stops him, shoving him back in. Benoit reverses an irish whip on the outside, sending Page into the barricade. He gets into the ring and Flair nails him with a right hand too, knocking him to the mat. He is able to roll out of the ring but it’s right into the fists of Lex Luger. Schiavone and Heenan wonder where the other two members of The Horsemen are. The chain that Douglas had falls out of his pocket and Flair grabs it. He wraps it around his fist and draws Douglas to his feet before unloading with a stiff right hand, right above the eye. Douglas hits the mat and this time Flair’s on him.

Flair rains down chain wrapped right hands on the prone Douglas, much like what happened to him when he returned to WCW. Luger and Page assault Benoit outside the ring, until Dean Malenko comes running down the ramp, and gets involved. It’s now three on three, but officials are quickly on the scene, pulling Flair off Douglas, and getting the other four members of the brawl away from each other as well. Flair is livid, and he’s able to break free and charge Douglas, taking him down with a double leg, but Douglas quickly rolls out of the ring as security swarms Flair again, dragging him out of the ring and towards the back. Schiavone says they need to go to a commercial break as everything is sorted out.

The Horsemen Brawl With Flair And His Boys-B+

Commercial Break

4- United States Title Match: Bill Goldberg© vs Kidman (w/The Entire Flock In The Crowd)

Despite the fact that Kidman doesn’t sit with The Flock anymore, it seems that Raven still sees him as a member because he sends the entire Flock out to ringside, and they circle the ring as Kidman slides in. The only members who don’t go to ringside are Saturn and Raven, which leads to the speculation that the only reason The Flock are at ringside is because in a little less than three weeks, Raven will get his shot at the U.S title once again at The Great American Bash. Not to mention Saturn and Kidman have been having their problems, which seem even more evident when “Invasion” hits the speakers and the crowd begins their loud “GOLDBERG!” chant, over and over. He comes through the curtain and stands right in the middle of the sparklers causing his United States Title to be the only thing visible through all the fire.

Goldberg stomps his way to the ring, looking warily at the men circling the arena. Horace attempts to ambush him before the match starts but Goldberg runs over him with a clothesline. Reese comes storming around the ring and takes a spinning kick right to the chin, knocking him into the barricade, where he falls to his ass, visibly shaken. All this outside action gives Kidman the chance to grab the ropes and slingshot himself over them, but Goldberg catches him out of the air and carries him around while Schiavone hypes up the strength of the champion. Lodi comes running at Goldberg, and with Kidman still in his arms, he lifts his foot and kicks Lodi right in the chest, knocking him down. Goldberg continues to carry Kidman until he’s standing right in front of Raven and Saturn. He chuckles at them with a smile on his face before turning around and pressing Kidman over his head and through the ropes, back into the ring.

Goldberg slides into the ring and the minute that Kidman staggers back to his feet; SPEAR! Kidman is nearly taken out of his boots with that spear, and it should have been the end but Sickboy jumped onto the apron and drew Goldbergs attention. Goldberg got to his feet and grabbed the jumping Flock member by the hair of the head and pulls him into the ring. He stands back and waits before nailing another massive SPEAR! Goldberg is fired up and he signals that this match is all but over. Outside the ring, Raven looks at Saturn and points towards the ring, but Saturn shakes his head, and remains sitting in his seat. In the ring, Goldberg grabs Kidman and pulls him into the front chancery. Goldberg puts a thumbs up, and then puts Kidman up before driving him straight down with the Jackhammer. Goldberg hooks the leg and stares right at Raven and Saturn as the referee makes the three count.

When the bell rings, Goldberg gets to his feet and leans over the match, looking right at Raven when he yells “YOU’RE NEXT!” at the enigma. Saturn gets to his feet which has Goldberg looking at him, but Saturn surprises everyone when he looks at Raven, points to Kidman laying in the ring, and asks in a very sarcastic voice, “So that’s you boy?” before shaking his head and walking away, back through the crowd. Raven sits alone, looking down at the floor, and Goldberg just laughs as Schiavone says that they want to show the fans some footage of what happened during the commercial break before this match.

Bill Goldberg def. Billy Kidman to RETAIN the WCW United States Championship-7 Minutes 40 Seconds-C

5-Believe Me, It’s For Your Own Good!

The fans get to see the screen light up which shows Ric Flair being led out of the building by several security officers. Outside there’s a police car with lights flashing and a couple officers standing outside it. Flair sees this and just rolls his eyes, shaking his head at the amount of steps being taken to keep him out of the building. Even more than that, former authority, and Horsemen James J Dillon is standing with the officers.

Ric Flair: What is it JJ?! Come to tell me how much of a disappointment I’ve been in the last couple years? Coming to tell me that I sucked the life out of the Horsemen? I’ve heard it! I’ve heard it all!

Dillon does not look like he’s about to throw salt into the wound, choosing instead to step up and put his hand on Ric’s shoulder.

James J. Dillon: That’s not why I’m out here, Ric. Look, I don’t like to see something that I was a part of take the turn that it has. I also don’t like to see friendships like yours and Arn get flushed down the toilet because of a loudmouth like Douglas. As a former Horsemen, and as a friend of both of you men, I can’t sit back and watch this happen, so I’m not going to. Next week, I’m going to bring both you and Arn to the ring, and we’re going to discuss this like men. That’s always been the Horsemen code. If we have a problem, we discuss it, and we work through it. But right now Ric, you’re going to be escorted by these gentlemen away from the ring. It’s for your own good. I know you want Douglas, and you’ll get him, but not tonight. Please Ric, just go with these men.

Flair shakes his head, and is being led away by the officers, when he turns around, looks Dillon in the eye, and to get his final say in the entire situation, WOOO’s in the face of Dillon before allowing himself to be lead out of the arena and into the squad car. Schiavone mentions the fact that this is probably the best course of action with Flair being escorted out of the arena, but Heenan, the ever insulting man that he is, states that this is just another case of Ric Flair walking out on this company, and his partners who have a huge match coming up later tonight. The three commentators bicker back and forth about this as they fade to commercial.

JJ Dillon Attempts To Appease Ric Flair-B-

Commercial Break

6- Why Doesn’t He Love Me Anymore?

After the commercial break, the scene cuts backstage to Scott Hudson who is standing in front of the WCW interview backdrop, with a microphone in his hand.

Scott Hudson: Ladies and Gentlemen, I am seconds away from speaking to the current Cruiserweight Champion and one fourth of the most prestigious group in World Championship Wrestling history, so please, let me introduce to you, Chris Jericho!

Jericho walks into the view of the camera with his Cruiserweight Title hung over his shoulder. He looks around the room, first at Hudson and then at the camera, and then behind Hudson, as if something may be hiding behind the man. He has a perturbed look on his face, and then he shrugs, turning around and starting to walk off camera before Hudson stops him.

Scott Hudson: Jericho! Chris Jericho, where are you going?

Jericho stops, turns back, and continues to look confused. He steps back completely into the camera view and looks Hudson up and down.

Chris Jericho: I think I’m in the wrong room.

He turns to leave again but Scott grabs him by the arm. Jericho looks down at the arm, and Hudson quickly removes it. Jericho steps back up to the microphone.

Scott Hudson: You’re not in the wrong room. What makes you think you’re in the wrong room?

Jericho looks at Hudson like he’s about to grow wings and fly around the room. He gets real close, but the camera still picks up their conversation.

Chris Jericho: Where’s Gene-O?

Scott Hudson: He-ah-He had other duties...

Chris Jericho: Is he mad at me?

The crowd laughs in the arena because of Jericho’s rather serious look. Hudson doesn’t know what to say, and he nearly smiles as he continues to go along with Jericho.

Scott Hudson: I don’t think so. I honestly don’t know. We need to talk about your upcoming match though.

Chris Jericho: But...Gene always talks to me. Where’s Gene? He’s not mad at me is he? I didn’t mean those things I said. He’s not old, he’s just geriatrically challenged. Know what I mean? Can you tell him that for me?

Scott Hudson: I can, but we should talk about your match against Eddie Guerrero in just a few minutes.

Jericho looks angry at the change in conversation, but he finally relents.

Chris Jericho: FINE! You want to talk about my match tonight with Eddie Guerrero? Then we’ll talk about my match with Eddie Guerrero. It shouldn’t be happening. It shouldn’t even be taking place. The only reason he beat me last week was because I was distracted by that blonde in the front row. You remember that girl? (Hudson nods his head with a smile on his face.) I said do you remember her? (Hudson continues to nod his head and the smile grows, Jericho steps back a couple of steps) Don’t have the fantasy here! You’re in public. God! But like I was saying. Eddie Guerrero got lucky and now he thinks he deserves a shot at my title. Do you think he deserves a shot at my title?

Jericho looks at Hudson who plays dumb, but the cheers from the fans prove that they believe Eddie should have the shot. Jericho ignores the crowd though.

Scott Hudson: That’s not a question for me to answer.

Chris Jericho: (whiny voice) That’s not a question for me to answer. Why not? Don’t you have an opinion? Aren’t you allowed to have one? Don’t answer that because honestly, I don’t care. If Dubya-See-Dubya officials want me to fight Eddie Guerrero, then that’s what I’ll do. If they want me to fight Chiquita Guerrero, then that’s what I’ll do. Hell, I’ll fight the whole banana family if that’s what it takes. You could trot out the entire Guerrero family, including Big Momma Guerrero and I’d leave her flat on her back. That’s just the way it is, and that’s the way it’ll always be.

Scott Hudson: What about the fact that Dean Malenko and Chavo Guerrero have been banned from ringside?

Chris Jericho: Just another time when management is trying to protect The Guerrero’s. If Chavo came out, Dean would rip his head off, spit down his throat, and then he’d get mad at him, cause that’s what ol’ Deano does. He may not show much emotion, but trust me, Deano Machino is one hombre caliente, Scotty boy. Ya know what I’m saying? Of course you don’t. So tonight, it’s Chris Jericho, the king of your world, the Ayatollah of Rock-N-Rolla and the sexiest beast in the entire universe taking on Eddie Guerrero, the....well, just Eddie Guerrero. Can you guess who’s going to come out on top?

Jericho dusts himself off, looks at Hudson and smirks, shaking his head before pointing at the man’s tie. Hudson looks down and Jericho flicks him in the nose before walking off, chuckling to himself. Hudson just shakes his head as the scene fades back to the ring.

Chris Jericho Comments On His Cruiserweight Title Match-C

7-WCW Cruiserweight Title Match: Chris Jericho© vs Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero is already on his way to the ring as the scene goes back to the announce team at ringside. He plays to the crowd, despite the fact that people still aren’t sure how to take him considering he was playing slave master to his nephew only a few weeks ago. He gets a decent reaction though as Schiavone hypes him as being a family man who even at his worst, does what’s needed to stick up for family. Heenan wonders how hard you have to be hit to make you dumb enough to stick up for someone like Chavo anyway. Guerrero slides into the ring and waits for his opponent. Jericho comes to the ring with the Cruiserweight Title still over his shoulder, which is a good tactic as he’s able to throw it to the floor and quickly slide in the ring, engaging in a brawl with Guerrero right in the center of the ring.

Both men are throwing punches, but it’s Jericho who manages to brawl the challenger into the corner with his shots. He’s able to straighten up and block enough punches to answer back with a knife edge chop, which rings out in the arena and gets a few “Wooo” calls from the fans. Jericho attempts a whip into the corner but Eddie reverses it and sends Jericho in instead. Eddie charges but Jericho moves out of the way and connects with a neckbreaker. Jericho covers but only gets a one count. Eddie gets back to his feet but Jericho is on him with more punches. This time Jericho succeeds in shooting Eddie into the ropes, but the clothesline he attempts misses and Eddie takes him down with a crisp hurricanrana. Jericho quickly retreats to the outside of the ring for a breather.

Jericho paces around the ring for a few seconds, but Eddie isn’t allowing himself to lose the momentum he’d gained, going out to meet Jericho. This seemed like Jericho’s plan all along as he turns and meets Eddie with some stiff right hands followed by an irish whip into the steel ring post. Eddie bounces off the post and right into a scoop from Jericho who drops the challenger chin first across the barricade. Guerrero is in pain, crawling around the ringside area while Jericho mocks him, while following him around. He gets in the face of a couple fans who are giving him a hard time, threatening to punch them, but laughs in their face instead. He turns around into a right hand from Guerrero who had unexpectantly regained his composure. Jericho wanders around holding his jaw but Eddie quickly grabs him and rolls him under the bottom rope after realizing that the referee was about to count both men out.

Eddie joined Jericho in the ring and pulled him to his feet. From there he kicks him in the gut and prepares to hit the ropes, but chooses a snap suplex instead, floating over and getting to his feet, lifting Jericho’s head up at the same time before snapping him back with a front dropkick right to the face. Eddie hooks the legs and gets a two count. He’s not happy with this so he gets to his feet, pulls Jericho up and connects with a brainbuster before going to the outside apron, hooking the rope and flipping himself over, connecting with a somersault senton across the chest of the champion. He makes the cover, but Jericho somehow kicks out of that onslaught.

Jericho, usually the one to play the cocky heel, is now on the backstep as Eddie continues to make his move for the title, picking the champion up and backing him into the ropes. He picks him up and sets him on the top buckle, climbing up and setting him up for a suplex, or some variation of it, which never comes as Jericho shoves him off. Eddie hits the mat, but he gets up as Jericho attempts a dropkick from the second buckle, only for Eddie to catch both legs as Jericho falls. Eddie works the move and finally turns Jericho over into his own “Lion Tamer” finish, but Jericho is too close to the ropes and he grabs them, clutching for dear life. Eddie is forced to break the hold but he thinks he’s won and he raises his hands in celebration, only for the ref to pull them down and inform him that Jericho had made it to the ropes.

With Eddie arguing with the referee, Jericho is able to sneak behind and roll the challenger up for a surprise two count. Both men get back to their feet with Jericho feeling the effects of Guerrero’s attack, but he manages to duck the clothesline that’s thrown at him, and attempts a backslide, but doesn’t get the leverage. The two battle it out until Jericho connects with a mule kick, hitting Guerrero low and out of the sight of the referee. He slides out of the ring and grabs his title belt, sliding back into the ring. This time the ref’s eyes are on the match and they see Jericho drive the belt into the face of Guerrero. Immediately the bell rings, but that doesn’t stop Jericho who lines Eddie up once more and waits for him to get up before driving the belt right into his face for a second time. Jericho holds the title up and spits on his opponent before leaving the ring and allowing the referee to check on Eddie. Schiavone says this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened if Chavo was there, but Heenan reminds him that nobody has beaten Jericho when it matters, and at this rate, nobody will.

Eddie Guerrero def. Chris Jericho by Disqualification. Chris Jericho Retains The WCW Cruiserweight Championship-11 Minutes 56 Seconds-B+

Commercial Break

8- All For One And One For All!

When the show comes back from commercial, the wolves are howling, which means that The nWo Wolfpac are on their way to the ring, or at least two thirds of them are. The Outsiders step through their curtain with Hall doing his usual shuffle pose, hands out, while Nash stands behind him, raising the Wolf hand signal into the air. The two men make their way to cheers from the crowd, as no matter what they do, people seem to love them. They are the true anti-authority establishment. Hall ducks between the ropes as Nash steps over them, once again raising the wolf symbol into the air while Hall retrieves the microphone.

Scott Hall: Hey Yo! (huge pop) In case you ain’t heard, da boys are back in town.

This gets a decent pop from the fans but that’s all Hall says as he passes the microphone over to the big man, Kevin Nash. Nash leans over the top rope, looking out at the crowd in his usual good natured

Kevin Nash: Ya got that right, and it’s about time the boys show you exactly how they run things around here. We got guys running around claimin’ ta be the next dubya-see-dubya tag team champions. We got guys running around here claimn’ they been screwed and now they’re gonna make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else. The official spokesman of dubya-see dubya. Then we got The Outsiders, the true tag team champions, and the men who will look you in the eye, tell ya what we’re gonna do, then we’re gonna do it. Got that? Good!

There is a mixed reaction for this new, seemingly serious, Kevin Nash, but he doesn’t seem to even bother acknowledging this as he continues on with his speech.

Kevin Nash: I’ve heard Bret Hart out here talking about how nWo is nWo, and how he will stand up for WCW when nobody else will, which is fine with me. You want to go down with a sinkin’ ship, that’s your choice. You want to act like you’ve never stabbed anyone in the back, then again, that’s your choice. We know the truth though, don’t we Hitman? But I don’t have time for your bullsh-

Hall quickly grabs the microphone, which gets a few laughs from the crowd as Nash gives him a look of “What the fuck” but Hall just shakes his head in bemusement.

Scott Hall: What the big mang is trying to say is that we don’t have time to worry about petty problems. We’ll let Savage take care of you Hitman, cause ya see, we got problems of our own. Namely two Japanese punks runnin’ around claimin’ ta be the real force in this company. See, you boys got a mouth piece now, so ya don’t shut up, but when ya step into the ring with us, we gonna shut ya up. There’s a reason we hold the titles, and it’s because nobody has been able ta beat us. Great American Bash, it’s gonna be like we always said, We’re........Taking........Ova!

Nash takes the microphone back now that he’s calmed down a bit, but he waits to see what kind of reaction he’s going to get. With a somewhat favorable one, he continues.

Kevin Nash: Which brings us to Hollywood.....Hulk....Hogan! That’s right Hogan, you’ll always be Hulk to me. The gravy train has ended for you, and while you’ve still got some guys hanging from the back of the bus, it all ends at The Great American Bash. See, I’ve figured out what your doing. Reminds me a lot of centuries past. Keep the little guys fighting below so that the king can sit on his throne and watch the peasants scrape their nails to get to the top. Well it ain’t happenin’ no more. You were the little guy when we walked into town, and at The Great American Bash, you’re going right back down the ladder ‘cause the new King is about to ascend his throne. Now you wanna talk about nWo being nWo for life? We are the nWo, and you’re just another cheap imitation. Something you’ve built your career on. And Bret Hart, tonight, there ain’t gonna be no screwing going on, just me beating you in the center of the ring. It’s really just that simple.

Nash casually flips the mic over his shoulder and it makes a loud thumping sound on the mat. Nash raises the Wolfpac symbol with his fingers high above his head while Hall crossed in front of him, his arms outstretched in the usual pose for him. The music hits and they pose as the show goes backstage.

The Outsiders Lay Their Claims-A

9-The Warning....

Backstage Rick Steiner is in the locker room of Booker T who commentary hype as getting his rematch tonight against Buff Bagwell for the World Televison Championship. Booker is tightening his gloves and taking a couple of warm up jabs to the air. Steiner doesn’t seem as happy.

Rick Steiner: You gotta listen to me, man! I know ma brother and he ain’t gonna just sit back and watch this match. He’s gonna be right there to take your head off at the first chance he gets. You gotta let me be there. Ya gotta let me help ya out.

Booker holds his hand up to cut Steiner off mid-conversation, and he looks at his hand, turning it back to look at the palm, mesmerized for a couple seconds before he drops his hand and looks at Rick.

Booker T: I know whatcha sayin’ dawg, but I gots to do this thing on ma own. Know what I’m sayin’. These nWo suckas been gettin’ in my business since ma brother left the company. Ain’t gonna let no suckas get the best of Booker T!

Steiner looks exasperated...

Rick Steiner: You don’t understand, I-

Booker T: Naw dawg, I understand perfectly. Them suckas been runnin’ round here like they own da place. We gotta start standin’ up to these suckas, so tell ya what, you an me, we’ll take these suckas at the Great American Bash but tanight, ya gotta let me do this on ma own. Me and that suck Bagwell gonna knuckle up and throw down like we useta do in da hood. Now can ya dig that?

Booker is confident as he pushes past Steiner and leaves the older Steiner brother staring after him, muttering to himself.

Rick Steiner: Oh, I can dig it. I can definitely dig it.

Rick Steiner Warns Booker T-B

Commercial Break

10- Television Title Match: Buff Bagwell© vs Booker T

Despite Rick Steiner’s warnings, the champion Buff Bagwell actually comes to the ring alone. That doesn’t stop him from being his usual arrogant self, posing and dancing on the ramp, as well as holding his bicep up to a female fan and daring her to touch it before pulling it away just as she reaches out. He laughs at her and continues his strut to the ring. Booker T gets a much better reaction as he makes his way to the ring, alone as well, and determined not to lose his focus in this match. He gets in the ring and immediately Buff tries to get into his head by forcing the referee to check him for anything he might have brought into the ring. When the referee finds nothing, Buff insists that he even checks Booker’s hair. This gets Booker fired up and he tackles Bagwell, striking him with right hands that send him back into the ropes.

Bagwell holds his hands up in surrender which forces the ref to get between them and break them apart. Buff takes this chance to reach over and tag the challenger right in the jaw with a right hand. Fueled with rage, Booker quickly gets passed the referee and moves in to attack again. Schiavone warns Booker from his booth that if he keeps that up he’s going to end up getting disqualified, but this time the referee lets them go at it until Bagwell retreats to the outside of the ring. Once again the referee is in there to keep Booker from going outside. Bagwell argued with some fans outside, threatening to smack a couple of them. He was distracted when Booker slid out of the ring behind the referee and made his way around the ring. Bagwell did catch Booker’s movement out of the corner of his eye and took off running around the ring with Booker T in hot pursuit.

Bagwell rolls into the ring not even half a second before Booker and choosing to run instead of fight, he rolls out the other side. The referee stops Booker from following though and while Booker argues with the referee, Bagwell slides back in the ring and attacks Booker from behind, hammering him down with forearms. Bagwell uses his illegal tactics to keep Booker on the back foot, going to the ropes every time Booker started to get an advantage, causing the referee to pull him back. Bagwell mocks Booker from the safety of behind the referee, but Booker finally gets annoyed enough to dodge the referee and take Buff down with a double leg. He mounts but Bagwell quickly grabs the ropes. Referee Charles Robinson attempts to pull Booker off but Booker shoves him away without even thinking. Robinson attempts it one more time, only to get the same treatment. Finally he’s had enough and he calls for the bell.

When the bell rings Booker looks around and realizes what he’s done. He gets up to argue with the referee and Bagwell quickly rolls out of the ring. The fans stir as Scott Steiner hits the ring through. Scotty spins Booker around and drops him on his head with an overhead belly to belly. He quickly pulls Booker up and shoots him off the ropes, delivering a stiff “Steiner-Line” across the chest. Booker goes down and Steiner quickly mounts his back and slaps on his “Steiner Recliner.” Bagwell slides in the ring and gets in Booker’s face. The Recliner is not on long before the crowd stirs again and Rick Steiner rushes the ring, sending both men running for he hills as he checks on Booker T. Tenay comments that the damage may already be done. Heenan says the putz better look for a new partner cause Booker may not even make it to the ppv.

Buff Bagwell© def. Booker T By Disqualification to RETAIN the WCW United States Title-8:59-B-

11- Five Minutes With The Hitman

Schiavone and the rest of the commentary team put over the tag match which will happen at the pay-per-view before they move on to the comments made by Bret “The Hitman” Hart earlier in the night, and they roll the video part way through the interview.

Bret “The Hitman” Hart: You know, I’ve been hearing a lot about the kind of man I was before I came to World Championship Wrestling, and I’ve got to say, you’re right. But you see Kevin Nash, the difference between you and I is that I’m willing to admit when I was wrong. I’m willing to change. Can you say the same thing? You’re still running around here talking about how the king is going to ascend his throne. So we get rid of one king and then we gain another one? The thing about kings are, they start to get comfortable at the top, and forget about the little people beneath them. Sooner or later those little people start to cry for a change and that’s when you see a revolution. That’s when the king comes crashing down. Are you sure you want to be King?

Hart clears his throat and adjusts his glasses, pushing them back onto his face a bit more.

Bret “The Hitman” Hart: Which brings me to tonight. Cause there’s nothing that I’d love better then to bring you down peg or two. You’re no different than Hogan, running around backstage and throwing your weight around. See, you’re just like another man I know, who liked to use his pull to put himself over. He’s the reason I’m here tonight, so after I kick your butt.in that ring tonight, you can call him up and thank him for that. The Hitman is here, and he’s here to stay. And tonight you’re going to find out exactly why I am the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

Hart walks out of camera range as the show goes back to Schiavone, Tenay and Heenan at ringside, where they put over the strong words being uttered by both men who will wrestle in the main event tonight. Heenan claims Hart is just bitter because it’s Kevin Nas who’s getting the title shot at The Great American Bash

Bret “The Hitman” Hart Tells It Like He Sees It-B+

Commercial Break

12-“Diamond” Dallas Page & “The Total Package” Lex Luger vs The Horsemen (Chris Benoit & Shane Douglas w/Arn Anderson)

Tensions were high for this match, which had been shown at the beginning of the show, and eluded to through the rest. The men who’d been helping Flair over the last couple of weeks arrived first. The crowd cheered loud for Page and Luger who seemed ready to be here, and ready for the fight they were about to receive. The Horsemen looked to add to the fuel when the horses began their gallop, and Shane Douglas came through the curtain dressed in one of Ric Flair’s signature long flowing robes, except the sleeves are cut off. Benoit stands to his right, and Arn Anderson is on his left. Douglas does the Flair twirl and laughs his own signature laugh before heading to the ring with his partner and manager.

Neither Page or Luger give The Horsemen a chance to get to the ring as they quickly roll out of the ring and start the match right there in the aisle. Luger and Douglas square off while Benoit and Page take the fight to the other side of the ring. Schiavone wonders how the referee is going to keep order in the ring, which Heenan declares is simple, he won’t. This is even more evident as Benoit chokes Page with the camera cable. Luger is having more luck on the other side as he overpowers Douglas and tosses him into the steel post. Douglas is shaken and Luger tosses him under the bottom rope, climbing in for the official start of the match, despite Benoit still choking out Page with the camera cable. Heenan asks if the camera’s are rolling, and wonders if one of them happens to be the one Benoit is using. Look Ma, I’m on t.v!

Luger continues to dominate Douglas in the ring, knocking him down with several clotheslines, and then a scoop slam that garners him a two count. Luger continues to apply the pressure, but he’s distracted when Benoit decides to stop choking Page out and heads into the ring. The referee tries to stop him but Luger meets him and rocks him back with several huge right hands. He goes for a whip, which Benoit reverses and catches Lex with a dropkick. Luger hits the ropes and comes charging back, only to get back-dropped. Finally the referee backs Benoit to his corner, where he goes until Douglas rolls over and makes the tag, bringing Benoit in legally.

Benoit’s viciousness has been noted ever since the Iron Challenge match at Slamboree, and he continues it here by putting the boots to a downed Luger. Benoit shoots him off the ropes and then nearly runs through him with a shoulderblock. Benoit pulls Luger up, hooks him, and snaps him over for a suplex, hooking the leg and getting two. The Crippler pulls Luger up and shoots him off the rope, making the tag to Douglas at the same time. Douglas comes into the ring but Luger runs through them both with a clothesline. Page is on the apron and he’s calling for a tag but somehow Benoit gets up and charges him, driving him off the apron with a shoulderblock. He lays the boots to Luger for good measure before the referee forces him out of the ring.

Douglas gets back to his feet and grabs Luger, pulling him up and backing him into the buckles. His attack is methodical as he works the ribs and back of Luger, attempting to take away the Torture Rack from his arsenal and rendering him finisherless. Douglas delivers a backbreaker in the center of the ring and makes the cover, getting a two count. He isn’t happy with this and argues with the referee, who’s sure to show Douglas that he’s the boss. Douglas backs down, but it’s a ploy as he spreads Luger’s legs and stomps him low, which once again gets the referee back in his face, threatening to disqualify him. Tenay mentions the fact that it’s the referee’s decision and he could have very well disqualified the man for that blatant low blow, but he, like these fans, want to see a winner as much as anyone.

Douglas brings back in Benoit, which prompts commentary to discuss the teamwork of these new Horsemen. Benoit continues what Douglas had started with Luger’s ribs and back area, clamping on a bearhug, and making sure to keep his head down so that he couldn’t be pried back for a pressure relief. Luger attempts to break the hold but Benoit shoves him back, driving him hard into the buckles. He straightens up and then opens up with a knife edge across the chest. The chop rings out and gets a “WOOO” before people realize who they’re cheering for and the wooos quickly turn to boos. Benoit reddens Luger’s chest with chops but then Luger starts to fire back, getting the crowd back into it. Luger works right hand after right hand in there but Benoit goes to the eyes to keep the advantage. For all the talk about how technical Chris Benoit is, that was the furthest thing from technical that you can get, at least that’s what Schiavone said. Quick tags are the name of the game as Benoit and Douglas keep Luger isolated in their corner. Douglas chops Luger and goes so far as to let out a loud “WOOO” which the fans boo.

Benoit and Douglas keep the edge until a miscommunication by the Horsemen which sees Douglas attempting to whip Luger into The Franchise’s boot, only to have Luger reverse it and send him in instead. Douglas goes down after running into Benoit’s boot, and Benoit quickly hits the ring, charging Luger but getting taken over in a hiptoss for his trouble. He gets tied up in the ropes and this allows Luger to make the hot tag to Page. HOUSE OF FIRE! HOUSE OF FIRE! HOUSE OF FIRE! Page is laying everyone out as they come at him. He grabs Douglas and tosses him over the top rope. Benoit comes at him and gets a kick to the gut before taking a “Trip To The Diamond Mine” face plant Page raises his hands in the air, making a diamond sign to a huge pop. Anderson is on the apron, waving his hand at Page, which gets his attention, and the referee’s.

Outside the ring Douglas drops Luger groin first on the barricade before grabbing something at ringside and sliding into the ring. Douglas has a tire iron! Page is still arguing with Anderson when Douglas charges across the ring and nails Page in the back of the knee with the tire iron. He keeps on going, rolling out of the ring as Page topples over like a giant redwood. Douglas tucks the tire iron back under the ring apron before sliding into the ring, and in another shot at the Nature Boy, traps “Diamond” Dallas Page in the figure four leglock. Luger attempts to break it up but Benoit keeps him at bay, leaving Page having to tap out to the move to keep his knee in tact.

Luger finally breaks past Benoit and attacks Douglas, but Douglas releases the figure four and starts firing back on Luger as well. Luger gets the advantage and manages to lift Douglas into the Torture Rack, but Benoit chop-blocks the knee of Luger as well, and Douglas slaps on the figure four a second time. For the second time tonight a submission is applied while the other member of the team talks smack, but Page gets to his feet and hobbles towards both Benoit and Douglas, but they release the figure four and head for the outside. Page is limping as he checks on his partner which has Douglas and Benoit smirking at the damage they’ve done while backing up the aisle with Anderson. Commentary calls this a disgusting act perpetrated by two men they thought they knew. Heenan says Douglas has always been garbage though.

The Horsemen def. Lex Luger & “Diamond” Dallas Page-14:03-B-

13-Main Event For Thunder Announced

Before the commercial break, and while The Horsemen are heading backstage, Schiavone, Tenay and Heenan take the time to hype the fact that on this coming Thunder, The Outsiders will be defending their tag team titles against this team of The Horsemen in the main event. Schiavone declares that if The Horsemen win, it could greatly change the face of The Great American Bash, as that would mean The Horsemen would have to defend their newly won titles against The Rising Sons, as The Sons had a contract. Heenan asks both men if they actually think The Horsemen have a chance, which leads Tenay to remind him of what just happened to two of WCW’s biggest stars.

Thunder Main Event Announced (The Outsiders vs The Horsemen)-B+

Commercial Break

14- No More Mind Games!

When the show comes back, Tony Schiavone claims that there was something that happened during the break that the fans needed to see, and that explanations would do this clip no justice. When the feed cuts to the actual tape from during the break, it shows The Giant backstage throwing Sting around like a rag doll. He tosses him into a bunch of crates that are laying around, before picking him up and pulling a Rey Misterio Jr with the lawn dart effect into a brick wall. Giant gets on his knees and chokes Sting out against the wall while screaming at him, with spittle flying.

The Giant: NO MORE MIND GAMES! NO MORE MIND GAMES! NO MORE GAMES, STING! NO MORE GAMES! IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER!

Giant continues to choke him out as the feed cuts and goes back to a very somber commentary team where they discuss the potential injuries that Sting may be facing after being battered backstage by the monster of a man, The Giant. They say they’ll attempt to get some word on his condition and have it for the fans on Thunder.

The Giant Attacks Sting Backstage-B

Main Event: Kevin Nash vs Bret “The Hitman” Hart

Both men are relative fan favourites and they get a fair size pop when they make their ways to the ring. Both men come alone, which is noted by commentary, and Nash makes sure to add to the camera upon his entrance that he’s coming along, which should give Bret no reason to whine when he’s beaten. If the scale of pop was measured, the obvious winner would be Bret “The Hitman” Hart who has made every intention clear, while Nash continues to work the smokescreen of being nWo but not being nWo. Nash still has his fans though, which causes a few boos for “The Hitman” as he makes his way to the ring. Hart hands his sunglasses to a lucky young girl outside the ring, and slaps the hands of a few other fans before climbing in the ring.

When the bell finally rings, there is a lot of posturing before both men step to the center of the ring. Hart only comes up to the big man’s chest, but he shows no fear as the two jaw back and forth. The fans are stirring, wanting the two to start brawling, but instead the match starts with a lock up. Though Hart is the more technical of the two, he doesn’t match Nash’s power and gets shoved backwards, doing a complete flip in the process. He remains on one knee for a few seconds, looking up at Nash, who just smirks at him. Hart gets back to his feet and once more the two lock up in the center of the ring, and this time the results are no different as Nash once again shoves Hart backwards. This time Hart keeps his balance though and only ends up back in the buckles, but then he dares Nash to come in and Nash’s cockiness gets the best of him as he charges. Hart ducks the charge and let’s Nash hit the buckles before spinning him around and putting him down in the corner with some stomps.

Bret pulls Nash back to his feet and goes for a whip, which is reversed by Nash and Hart torpedo’s chest first into the opposite buckles. He goes down holding his chest, as Nash grabs him by his hair and pulls him to his feet. Hart staggers back into the corner, almost drawing Nash back before firing off a couple of kicks to the stomach of the big man, breaking his grip. Hart keeps the pressure on with a couple of stiff right hands that back Nash towards the center of the ring. Nash swings but The Hitman uses his speed to duck under and fire off another couple of right hands. He gets a kick to the gut in on Nash before attempting a suplex, but the big man just shoves him into the ropes and knocks him down with a forearm right to the face. Tenay mentions the fact that Hart needs to find an answer to the sheer size of Nash while the big man shoves Hart into the corner and unloads with his own dominating attack.

Nash squares Hart up, picture frames him, and then drives his elbow into the face of The Hitman. He repeats this two more times before shooting him into the opposite turnbuckles and catching him with the boot to the face on the return. Nash makes the cocky cover with his boot only to have Bret kick out at the count of one. Nash pulls him up again before backing him into the ropes and blatantly choking him in front of the referee. He breaks at the count of four and then just chuckles as he goes right back to it. Another break at four and this time Hart drops to a seated position against the ropes. Nash presses his foot against The Hitman’s throat while casually trying to have a conversation with the referee, which Nick Patrick is not buying and administers the count, which Nash once again breaks at four. He stalks Patrick around, assuring him that he just wants to talk before going back to Hart and pulling him off the mat. Schiavone declares they need to takea commercial break.

Commercial Break

Big Sexy shoots Hart off the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Hart ducks it and hits the other ropes. He comes back with a cross body but Nash catches him and walks around a couple of seconds before slamming him in the center of the ring. Nash hits the ropes and drops a leg across The Hitman’s throat. He looks at the camera and declare the move was for Hogan, before hooking the leg. Hart kicks out at the two count though. Back to his feet and Nash pulls Bret up to join him, scooping him up on his shoulder and looking for a “Snake Eyes” on the buckles, but Bret slides down Nash’s back and rolls him up for a quick two count. Both men scramble up and Nash attempts another clothesline, only to have Hart duck under and crucifix him down for another two count. Once more they got up and Nash charged, this time Hart wrapped him up in a small package for another two count.

Hart is still hurting from being worked over earlier in the match while Nash is dizzy from being rolled up in every direction in the last minute or two. Nash attempts to charge Bret but The Hitman drops him throat first across the top rope with a stun gun. Nash staggers around until Bret takes him down with a clothesline. Bret goes to work on the knee, lifting Nash’s leg up and kicking at the back of the knee. He flips his hair back and then pins Nash’s leg to the mat before dropping an elbow across the knee joint. He wraps his leg around the leg of Nash to apply more pressure, keeping it locked on. Nash reaches up and rakes the eye of The Hitman to break the hold, but even with his eyes aching, Hart stomps the knee a couple more times.

Bret rubs his eyes to get his vision completely back as Nash gets to his feet. Nash tries to grab Bret but Hart kicks him in the knee before quickly sliding out of the ring. He reaches in and grabs the foot, knocking Nash down and pulling him to the edge so that his knee joint is over the apron, before lifting it up and slamming it back down. Nash sits up, his face contorted in anguish. Nash tries to reach through the ropes and grab Bret, but Hart punches him in the head before pulling him towards the ring post. Hart wraps Nash’s legs around the ring post and drops back, executing his patent figure four around the ring post. Heenan says for a man who claims to be upholding the law here in WCW, he doesn’t seem to worried about breaking the rules in this instance. Nick Patrick comes outside and tries to get Bret to break it, but he won’t, until Patrick starts the count. Bret breaks the hold and argues with Patrick, who tells him that he needs to start listening to what the referee says. Hart just shrugs him off and slides back into the ring, grabbing Nash and pulling him to his feet.

The Hitman levels in a right hand followed by a russian legsweep that buries the big man onto the mat. Bret covers and gets another two count. Hart is shocked that he didn’t get the three, but he gets to his feet and argues with the referee until he catches something in the corner of his eye. That thing that he spots is “Hollywood” Hogan and Eric Bischoff coming down the aisle. He points them out to Nick Patrick and Patrick quickly gets out of the ring, stopping them in mid stride. Hart doesn’t trust them as he leans over the ropes and continues yelling obscenities at the pair. Nash gets up and spins Hart around, delivering a kick to the face. Nash grabs Hart and positions him for the powerbomb until he sees Hogan in the aisle as well. He tosses Hart away and climbs over the top rope, dropping to the floor and pointing at Hogan.

Nash approaches and Hogan shoves Nick Patrick away and throws a punch at Nash. Nash blocks it and throws his own, backing Hogan down the aisle with punches. Hogan fires back though with a knee to the midsection and his own punches, driving Nash back towards the ring. Hart surprises both men with a baseball slide that sends Nash into Hogan and they both tumble on the floor. Hart pulls Hogan up and hits a right hand, before doing the same to Nash. Bret doesn’t care who he’s hitting and he keeps swinging. Hogan gets one, then Nash takes one, and then Hogan manages to fire back on Hart, doubling him over with a nice shot to the stomach. Hogan takes off his weight lifting belt and whips Bret across the back with it. Bret goes to the ring, holding his back as Hogan and Nash exchange punches. The crowd stirs as Randy Savage charges the ringside area and leaps into the mess, throwing punches at Hogan.

Savage and Nash are double teaming Hogan, but Hart hasn’t forgot what happened with Savage and he grabs Savage, spinning him around and starts yelling at him. The two go nose to nose while Nash and Hogan are still brawling. Savage decides he’s had enough talking and turns back, hammering away on Hogan again. Hart isn’t satisfied with the conversation and he spins Savage around again. Once again the two go nose to nose, only this time they’re closer than they were before. The two jaw loudly and Savage turns his back on Hart again. Bret puts his hands on his hips, swears, and grabs Savage again. This time Savage is done talking and he hauls off and punches Bret Hart right in the face. Hart isn’t one to take this and he fires back, and the fight is on. It’s around this time that Schiavone declares that the show is out of time and they need go, just as security rushes the scene to pull the four men apart. They are still trying to get at each other as the show fades to black.

Kevin Nash and Bret Hart Battle To A No-Contest-15:43

Show Rating: C

-Word is that the booking team in WCW have had a bit of a problem getting used to the shortened show. With so much going on, there was much debate on who to use on the show, which explains the absence of stars like Curt Hennig who has been engaged in the storyline with Evan Karagais, The Rising Sons who are scheduled to battle The Outsiders for the tag titles, and a few other wrestlers who have been featured heavily over the last few weeks. Word is there is some need of rescheduling and some pushes may end of getting scaled back.

-Even before the show had ended on Monday night, there was accusations being thrown around about who’s idea it was to give Shane Douglas a live microphone on Nitro. In the end, surprisingly enough it was Ric Flair who took the blame, as he told management that he told Douglas not to hold back, and to use everything he could think of that might get a rise out of The Nature Boy. Turner execs have threatened to put Nitro on a ten second delay due to this, but there has not been any word about whether or not this will happen.

-As it pertains to Douglas and Flair, they are said to be getting along very well, which is again surprising. Many backstage say they’re simply waiting for the ball to drop and for both men to return to each others throats, but as of right now, they’re enjoying the peace between the two men.

-There is word that Eric Bischoff may be returning to power in World Championship Wrestling, on screen that is. Contract negotiations have been going on between WCW and Roddy Piper and it doesn’t look like there will be an agreement reached, and he and the company will part ways. Piper has not been featured very prominently over the last couple of months anyway, and so his leaving won’t hurt the company. Look for something to begin shortly to set up for his leave.

[Steve Corino]

Monday Nitro from Lexington, Kentucky

I confused myself before by not saying what show it was, so I'll start doing that.

1. Flair saying that he can "play that game too" in reference to Douglas taking his friends makes me wonder if we're going to see Candido or Bam Bam here soon. That would be kinda cool actually.

2. The end of the segment kinda came out of nowhere there. Arn just kind of standing back and not saying anything could be construed as either Arn doing his thing or as interesting, but that all just depends on how you plan to run through this. Frankly, Douglas could almost be the face here and Flair the heel very easily. It's New Blood two years beforehand, where the lines are blurred on stage because of backstage.

3. Now I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Arn's non-involvement is interesting. Doesn't ANYONE in WCW have a loyalty to anything? It's almost ridiculous, but it's 1998 WCW, so it's practically a requirement that nobody backs anybody unless it serves their needs for a few seconds.

4. By your write-up, I almost thought Kidman got some time in on the match. Then I read closer. Damn.

5. Wow, Heenan really turned on Ric there too. I like JJ coming across as someone trying to be a mediater, but it seems like you're reading my mind because unless it goes into a brawl with the Horsemen and Flair's team, this will force a loyalty from Arn somewhere.

6. God I love your Jericho. I would try to point out a few lines that stuck out, but I'd be reposting practically the whole thing.

7. In lieu of the massive praise that you'll get for this match, because you're a great writer and you're working with great wrestlers for this one, I'm going to take a moment to bring up something that probably shouldn't be mentioned again. Let's face it, they say you're not reading feedback to find out what you're doing well at because you already know what you're doing well at. I could just number one through whatever and say "Damn that was good" and it would mean next to nothing to you because you know that damn it was good. So in case you haven't noticed, I'm trying to point out things that strike me that aren't entirely good for one reason or the other, because that's what this is all about, right? Anyways. I really want to see you try and go in-depth and make Mike Tenay sound like anything but a total moron in trying to explain to everyone how he knows all about the Ninja Code. I mean there is just no possible way for that to be. I mean, I know that the Glacier/Scorpion storyline means next to nothing in the grand scheme of everything going on around here, because when it comes down to it this is WCW and that means if it has to do with something, then it all has to do with two things: the Horsemen or the nWo. But then you brought up that Tenay knows the Ninja Code. Maybe I'm mistaken, but for some reason I cannot believe that Mike fucking Tenay has ever been able to sneak up on a decent meal, let alone learn all about the ancient art of concealed combat that is ninja. And plus, if he's such a ninja, what happens after Glacier, if he runs across Muta and Chono? They'd tear his ninja ass apart, spit mist in his face, and then kick his non-ninja ass back to whatever non-ninja town he may hail from.

Oh, and damn that was good.

8. Nash is really looking ahead to Hogan, he better not overlook the next champs Muta and Chono. Hall isn't overlooking them though, which makes for a weird balance to the interview, but is good anyways.

9. Possible heel turn approaching with Rick? I'm inclined to guess not so, because Scott really doesn't need his brother hanging onto him at this point because he's already got Buff clinging around. Though a thought that just erupted into my mind, maybe Buff getting the TV belt will be the culmination of Brian Adams's push against the nWo? Could be.

10. Well, Booker did say he was gonna do it likez on da hood dawg. Ain't no ref ta stop da fight in tha hood! Foo' Robison shoulda got out da way'a the man 'fore he got hit wid'a axe kick!

11. So many comments about the backstage around here. First we got Flair and Douglas, then Nash, now Bret. Bret not saying "ass" was a nice touch though. And damn, The Brain is in full heel mode for this show.

12. Benoit and Douglas. For some reason, reading that just made it click in my head that this Horsemen is the Triple Threat + Jericho with Arn Anderson as manager. I have no idea why I didn't put that together before. Congratulations, you've made me want to listen to "Perfect Strangers" now. And at the end, Heenan goes face for Lex and Page. Damn shades of gray storylines. And again, not much action from Arn on the Horsemen's behalf.

13. I think I see what's happening here. Nash against Hogan is set up as well as Outsiders vs Sons, so the Outsiders drop the belts so that he's not doing two matches at GAB. Though where does that leave Flair, Luger, and DDP for GAB? Unless the previous match was your way of writing that possibility out of occurring. Should be a good Thunder ME though, gotta grant you that.

14. Sting's fine. He's Sting, that means he's gonna be just fine.

15. Damn no contests. I really didn't like this one not having a winner, though I know why it couldn't. Bret and Nash both have to look strong, and either of them losing is a step in the wrong direction. But dammit I just didn't like it.

This was the kind of show that you watch and can't really put a finger on much, though nothing sucked at all. In fact the majority of matches were of the very grand kind, with the two title matches being the only "blemishes". And they weren't even blemishes in the sense that they meant nothing, because they still served their purposes well. And as far as this Nitro goes, that's pretty much all I can say.

Quote 1: Yep, I figured that would be how it is.

Quote 2: Flair putting a live mic in Douglas's hands? Is this a way to show that you had a newsbit that said that their backstage problems are solved now?

Quote 3: Thought so.

Quote 4: I dunno, I think I'd just leave it alone. He hasn't been on-screen for quite some time, I don't even remember if you had used him at all really.

[JStarr]

First the King, then TP, and now you come and bust out with some more show-type goodness? Dammit, people, I can't keep up with this kind of workrate...

Ahem...

--Have to agree with Corino in that Flair's gonna need some additional help against Douglas and his new friends, and who better to call on than some of Shane's old friends? Could we even see WCW making some ECW talent raids? (Y)

--God, the entire Flock just needs to be taken out and shot. They're like the nWo with bad hygiene. If it was merely Raven, Saturn, and Kidman, that stable would kick some ass. All the scrubs seem to be doing nothing but screwing things up. Is getting rid of them on the to-do list?

--The Arn-Dillon-Flair summit should be all sorts of interesting. Hell, bring out Tully and have him spit on Flair...wait, that's been done.

--I'm so hoping to see Eddie step up into pursuit of the US title once Goldberg gets done playing with it, so Chavo can get his honest chance at Jericho. Once Chavo gets to snap on Eddie and get him off his back, hopefully that'll make him a major player.

--Some dissension between Hall and Nash? Hall being sort of the voice of reason? :blink: I like where this might lead, as long as it doesn't lead to a long World title reign for Big Sexy. That being said, it doesn't do a whole lot for the tag titles to be ignored like they are right now. Another good reason the Sons need to take them soon.

--TYPO ALERT! Which title did Buff retain again? I suppose I can buy a DQ finish in an nWo match, but due to Booker consistently manhandling the ref? Booker either looks like a madman or a moron...and considering he refused Rick's offer of backup, the moron light is flashing bright. Man knows he got problems when he's teaming with the Dog-Faced Gremlin and Rick's sounding like the smart, stable one.

--The Bret interview needed more of Schiavone screaming "Oh my God, HE'S SHOOTING! HE'S SHOOTING!!!!!!!1111!!!1!!1" But seriously, some might see your main-event scene as a bit of a clusterfuck, with Hart, Hogan, Savage, and Nash constantly in each other's business. I'm enjoying the hell out of these four guys, though. A lot of diaries have an undercard story that's better than the main event, but in this one, the main-event guys stand tall. The Horsemen and Flair come close, but no cigar.

--Yeah, with Luger and Page both hobbled, Naitch is gonna need some help next week. And may I say, Douglas and Benoit make one nasty-ass team. I greatly enjoyed them tearing up Luger, in particular. Good match there. Oh, wait, they get a shot at the tag titles? And Nash is busy looking out for Hogan and Bret? Eh...the Horsemen against the Sons wouldn't make for quite the same match, so I'll expect another DQ.

--And...cue show-ending clusterfuck. With no nWo scrubs hustling down to make it a total gang-bang. Excellent. Man, I'm ready for a four-way match, and then some new challengers. Seems like the only expedient way to settle this thing.

It does seem like a two-hour show missed a lot, but honestly, the show was sort of Horsemen/Flair-dominated. They had five of fifteen segments, which won't likely be a recurring problem, will it? Everything should even out eventually. Not sure I missed Hennig/Karagias, but some Cornette would have brightened my day.

All in all, the show was a little heavy on two storylines, so everything else seemed to get shorter shrift. Honestly, though, the less we see of Goldberg eating the whole Flock for lunch, Sting teasing the Giant with the supernatural stuff, and Rick Steiner auditioning for MENSA, the better. I'll still throw out a (Y) for this show. Now to await Thunder and see just how distracted Nash is.

[Xero Gravity]

Damn, I missed out on Thunder?

What I liked

Finlay beating people half to death...it's what he's good at. Now if only it would translate into some kind push up the card instead of slapping around guys like Chris Adams.

This is probably getting sickeningly repetetive by now...but I love, love, love, love, Jericho with all my heart. It's so good, he's even giving Malenko a personality for christ's sake.

Cage's promo was enjoyable, and it does seem as though you're making him less Jericho Jr and giving him his own distinct personality.

The Outsiders/Rising Sons video...it was short, to the point, and did it's job. I still really hope the Sons go over, even if Hall and Nash are still seen as much bigger stars by comparison.

What I didn't like

If I'm being honest, the Jericho/Eddie match. Dammit was that thing long for just a 10 minute non title match on the B show. That's not to say there was anything wrong with it writing wise, as it was a damn good match.

Brian Adams' feud against the nWo. Since it started with his ejection from the group, I just can't seem to bring myself to care about him. Maybe it was someone who was less of a background player (I'm assuming that's what he was) then I might be enjoying this more. But with Adams, I just don't get it. If you're actually trying to push him up the card, then I guess I can wait and see where this is going. But if it's just something to keep him and the other lesser nWo guys busy, well I'm sure you could find better things to fill TV time with.

...and Nitro...

What I liked

Along with the whole Hart scenario, this Horsemen/Flair feud is the best thing going in the diary right now. The first three segments of the show proved that. I mean you've got an awesome Flair promo for starters, followed by an equally awesome Douglas promo. Then to top it off, a nice little six man brawl for good measure. I was going to question where Jericho was in all of this, but he's got a title match later so it's understandable that he'd not want to risk injury.

I feel dirty just saying this, but I enjoyed the Goldberg/Kidman match. But I enjoyed the post match stuff even more. The Flock has an interesting little problem going on right now, although I'm not sure just how much longer you can drag it out for...and I still really hope that the end result in all of this isn't just Raven getting squashed by Goldberg. In a perfect world, he'd beat him and shoot up the card.

You seriously need to stop writing Jericho promos, so I can stop saying I love them so much.

Same goes for Hart promos. Short and sweet, hopefulyl we don't have to waiut too much longer to see him cut a promo as WCW champion. *hint hint*

What I didn't like

...the mental image of a Jericho/Okerlund relationship will haunt me forever

Other than that, I can honestly say there wasn't anything I didn't like...unless you count Bagwell still being TV champion as something.

[Draevyn]

~Fort Wayne, Indiana, Memorial Stadium~

WCW Thunder 6/4/98

Thunder opens up with a highlight video which focuses on the events of Monday Night with Hollywood Hogan getting involved in the match between Bret Hart and Kevin Nash which boiled over when Randy Savage also got involved. What looked like it should have been a three on one situation against Hogan turned into a two on two when the history between Hart and Savage blew up as well. Schiavone mentions the fact that it was an explosive night on Monday, but tonight may be just as explosive, or even more so, when The Outsiders defend their Tag Team Titles against Shane Douglas and Chris Benoit of The Horsemen.

The Numbers Game Becomes Obsolete

While Schiavone is hyping up the main event, the nWo music can be heard, and the camera heads to ringside where Konnan and Vincent are heading to the ring. The fans don’t seem to care but Schiavone still mentions the fact that they’re going to show how this next match came about, and the video starts up with a Before The Show segment that shows Vincent and Konnan attacking Brian Adams backstage. It looks like they have the big man’s number but then an unexpected helper comes busting on the scene in Wrath and together the two big men dispatch of the nWo henchmen. This lead to the match at hand, and the fans are a bit more receptive as Wrath and Brian Adams make their way to the ring.

From the crowd response, nobody expected much from this match and that’s exactly what they got as this became nothing more than a glorified squash. Adams was a madman as he opened up on both members of the nWo and vented his frustrations on being ejected unceremoniously from that group. Zbyszko wonders why Adams is so unhappy about being kicked out because leaving the nWo has got to be the best thing he’s done in his entire WCW career, but the first would have been not joining at all. At this point Adams would agree, and Konnan might even agree after the viscous chokeslam he took in the center of the ring. Vincent was a complete mess when he stepped into the ring, getting dominated by Adams, and then Wrath who destroyed him with a top rope clothesline. Vincent rolled from the ring and left Konnan to be crushed with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, followed by what Schiavone refers to as a frogsplash elbow. Long time wrestling fans would identify it as a modified version of the old Demolition Decapitation Elbow. Adams covers Konnan, never once taking his eyes off Vincent on the apron, to give the monstrous duo their first win as a tag team.

Winner: Brian Adams & Wrath

Workrate: 53

Crowd: 64

Overall: 60

Taking A Trip To The Raven’s Nest

Following the opening match, the show goes backstage to a dark and desolate room where they find Raven propped up against a broken down cement wall. There are a few things spray painted over the surface of the wall, but it’s blurred out by the camera. Raven is dressed in his usual grunge attire, Pearl Jam t-shirt, black leather jacket, and his unwashed hair hanging over his face. He looks up into the camera with a pained expression on his face.

Raven For the last few weeks, I have been questioned as to where my loyalties lie, and my answers....are always the same. My only loyalty is to myself. It is not something I have ever lied about. Saturn? Kidman? You can both tear each other’s heads off for all I care, but when I come to call, you both shall do what I need. So it is written. So it shall come to pass.

Raven looks down at the ground again for a few seconds, but then he flips his hair out of his eyes and continues to speak in that somber tone that he’s known for.

Raven: But the question is not what is happening with the Flock. The question is, what is happening with me. What about Raven? Since when do people get rewarded for attacking others from behind? Has this now become acceptable? Are prison rules in effect? Chris Kanyon, you’ve hid your entire career behind a mask made of bones, and now you expect to be taken serious? You’re a joke, Chris. How can a man be taken seriously if he himself can’t even take himself seriously? You’re angry at me, but you should be angry at yourself. It is you who has thrown away the potential you once possessed. It is you Chris. It has always been you.

Raven shakes his head sadly, almost mourning his position in the whole battle, but he looks back up at the camera a third time.

Raven: ...and Goldberg. A monster. A machine. That’s what they call you. But they don’t really know you. Do they? I’ve seen men like you before. Beasts. Machines. Monsters. Those who feel unstoppable....until they’re finally stopped. Every beast has a weakness. Ever machine breaks down. Every monster is simple a figment of another’s imagination. You are what they make you. You need their cheers. You need their approval. You crave it. At The Great American Bash I will take it all away from you. The fans. The cheers. The Unites States Title. What will you do when you’ve lost everything they cheer for? Who will you become? You will become just like me Goldberg. You will become empty. Quote the raven! Nevermore!

He drops his head for the final time and simply sits there. The camera stays on him for a few more seconds, but realizing there was nothing else coming from the man, the show fades to a commercial break.

Overall: 89

~Commercial~

A Fight For The Mexican Border

When the show returns, Bobby Duncum Jr. and Kendall Windham are already in, and Schiavone announces that they are now being known as The Mavericks. Zbyzsko adds that no matter what their names are, they are two tough texans. Bobby Duncum Jr, of course is the son of legend Bobby Duncum Sr, while Kendall Windham is the younger brother of former Horsemen, Barry Windham. Despite all the history surrounding the team, the fans don’t seem to care at all, much like the opening match. They do get a bit louder as The Guerreros make their way to the ring. Both Eddie and Chavo have gotten more popular in their battles with The Horsemen, but even they don’t seem to be enough to get the crowd into it on this night.

Most of this match showed the clear mis-match in styles between both teams with Eddie and Chavo using their speed to keep ahead of the big Texans, hitting and running, sticking and moving. Even The Mavericks power game seemed no match as the cruiserweights kept out of the grips of both men. Unfortunately it was their quickness that got them in trouble as Chavo attempted to dive outside onto Kendall Windham but the big man caught him out of the air and slams him on the outside. Chavo gets to play face-in-peril at this point as The Mavericks isolate him and wear him out with their size and power. Schiavone puts over their team work as being crisp, not to mention their cheap tactics of drawing Eddie into the ring long enough to make non-tag switches, and choking Chavo in the corner with their boots. This doesn’t last long though as Bobby Duncum becomes distracted by a man appearing on the stage. The man is dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and a cowboy hat. In his hand he’s got a bullrope, holding the cowbell in his palm. There is debate for a few seconds, but the consensus becomes that the man is none other than Disco Inferno, with a completely different look. This distraction allows Eddie to get the tag, and he takes the fight to both men. Chavo gets back in the game and the Guerrero’s finish this match off when Chavo tosses Duncum out of the ring, leaving Eddie to hit Windham with a brainbuster followed by a Frog Splash from the top rope, securing the win.

The camera caught Disco on the stage, shaking his head as commentary wonders what he’s doing here before he disappears behind the curtain. Commentary then mentions the fact that The Guerrero’s have actually gotten through a match without the interference of The Horsemen, which leads Schiavone to mention the fact that neither Chris Jericho nor Dean Malenko are in the building.

Winner: The Guerreros

Workrate: 76

Crowd: 51

Overall: 63

The Crazy Career Of Christopher Cage III

After the match, commentary hype the ongoing tribulations of Christopher Cage III before coming to, and since coming to, World Championship Wrestling. A video plays hyping up his altercations over the last month or so with Juventud Guerrera, including wearing Juvi’s mask that he had bought from his good friend, Chris Jericho. All these clips are interspersed with home made clips featuring bit parts from his supposed movies, including a cheesy argument scene showing the cockiness of the movie star turned wrestler. The video ends with the headline that on June 14th, Christopher Cage III will make his presence felt against Juventud Guerrera.

Overall: 65

~Commercial Break~

Now What Has He Done?

Back from the break and it’s another one of those segments where the commentary informs the fans of how this next match came about. The big screen lights up and shows a backstage argument between Curt Hennig and Evan Karagais with Rick Rude getting his shots in there as well.

Evan Karagais: This is a bunch of crap! You know that I can be better than you, and that scares you Curt. Maybe you’re not as perfect as you’ve lead everyone to believe.

Hennig grabs the kid and slams him into a wall, smacking him a couple of times before putting a finger in the kids face.

Curt Hennig: Listen to me, kid! You came to me, and you better remember that. I told you that I dind’t want to do this crap, but you wouldn’t take no for an answer. Now you’re going to listen to me. You want to whine? Stay back here. But I got you a title shot tonight. Either you want it, or you don’t! That’s up to you.

Hennig gives him another shove, and the two stare each other down, but then Karagais just walks out, leaving Hennig and Rude behind. Rude taps Hennig on the shoulder.

Rick Rude: You think he can be a star?

Hennig shrugs his shoulder and shakes his head.

Curt Hennig: He’ll either become a star, or die trying

:Back to the arena, and Evan Karagais is already in the ring. Schiavone wonders whether Hennig may have developed a soft spot for Karagais, claiming a tough love situation. Zbyszko says there is a difference between tough love, and what’s about to happen here. At that moment, the sounds of the war drums from “Invasion” hits, bring the United States Champion, Bill Goldberg marching to the ring. Zbyszko says that he thinks he sees a brown stain on Karagais’s white pants. To his credit, Karagais does not back down. Quite the opposite as he attacks Goldberg first as the champion slides into the ring. Karagais attempts to work a fast paced game, but Goldberg weathers every shot and waits, picking his spots. Karagais actually manages to knocks Goldberg off his feet, but makes the mistake of going to the top rope, which allows Goldberg to flash to his feet and spear Karagais out of mid-air. One Jackhammer later and the match is over, leaving Karagais a broken man in the ring once more. Goldberg looks around, as if waiting for the attack from The Flock that never comes, before stomping his way towards the back. Karagais is holding his ribs as he gets out of the ring and heads backstage as well. Schiavone adds that the way it looks, Karagais just might die before he becomes a star here in WCW.

Winner: and STILL WCW United States Champion, Bill Goldberg

Workrate: 55

Crowd: 41

Overall: 48

Remember The Past!

Before another commercial break begins, the camera goes backstage where there is a commotion going on. Glacier is found walking towards the ring for his scheduled match when he’s blinded by an orange mist from out of nowhere. He groans in pain as the stuff soaks into his eyes, but then an orange blur appears with several quick kicks and strikes to the frosty superstar. Scorpion continues his martial arts flury, ending with a quick thumb strike right to the throat. Glacier goes down grabbing at his eyes and his throat as Scorpion stands over him.

Voice: Come my son! The days have arrived. We shall have our revenge. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The laughter is maniacal, but the camera can’t catch an image of the owner for the voice. The only image they are able to catch is that of the end of what appears to be a walking stick, or cane, with the silver head of a cobra.

Overall: 63

~Commercial Break~

Is This Where We Pick Up The Loose Screw Award?

First match of the evening where both men actually get their entire entrances. ”The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith comes out to the ring alone, causing speculation on the whereabouts of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart who they mention has been suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome as of late. Scott Steiner does not come to the ring alone, bringing the Television Champion, Buff Bagwell to the ring with him. Schiavone puts over the skill of Scott Steiner, which has Zbyszko chipping in and wondering why he puts up with a hanger on like Bagwell, forcing Schiavone to remind everyone listening that Bagwell is the one currently holding gold.

The match itself was actually a solid display of power and technique by the two men as they are both capable wrestlers. They brawl in the early going with Steiner getting the advantage of this portion, only for Smith to take him down to the mat and show that not only is he strong, but he’s skillful as well. This causes Steiner to prove that despite joining the nWo, he hasn’t forgotten what brought him to the dance, using his amateur skill to reverse everything Smith attempts to put him in. Steiner attempts to seal the deal after about three minutes with a double underhook powerbomb, but it only gets him a two count. He signals the end is near for Smith but the Steiner Recliner attempt is foiled when Smith grabs the ropes and keeps him from applying the hold.

Steiner keeps on the pressure, powering Smith around the ring. Despite his ability to keep Smith on the defensive, his Frankensteiner is turned into a powerbomb and a two count for the European native. Davey Boy finally gets a burst of air, opening up on Steiner and nearly finishing it off with a victory roll, but only gets a two. He sets up for his Running Powerslam, but his eye is caught by Jim Neidhart, who is wandering towards the ring, obviously talking to hismelf. Davey Boy drops Steiner and starts yelling at Neidhart, who isn’t even listening. Neidhart actually sits down at the bottom of the ramp, and doesn’t look towards the ring. Unfortunately for Davey Boy, this is enough to knock him off his game, and he turns around into a Frankensteiner on Davey Boy. Hook of the legs and Scott Steiner picks up the victory. Steiner and Buff shrug as they leave the ring. Davey Boy isn’t as nonchalant, yelling at Neidhart all the way backstage despite the fact that Schiavone says Neidhart has no idea what’s happening.

Winner: Scott Steiner

Workrate: 91

Crowd: 83

Overall: 87

~Commercial Break~

Can You Hear The Horses Gallop?

Despite the Horsemen’s strong showing since becoming known as the prestigious group, many people counted Shane Douglas and Chris Benoit out before the match even began. Even The Outsiders may have done the same thing as they seemed surprised at the opening flurry by both Douglas and Benoit. The Horsemen didn’t even allow Scott Hall in the ring, knocking him off the apron the minute he attempted to get in, but they allowed Nash in just so they could double team him like a pack of wild animals. Arn Anderson did a lot of moving around ringside, directing traffic to keep both Douglas and Benoit focused on the task at hand. They isolated Nash in their corner and worked the legs, trying to take them out from under the champion.

The Horsemen made quick tags in and out, keeping Nash on the mat and taking him completely out of the game. Anderson keeps them on the leg, hollering directions from outside the ring, while Benoit works the knee of the big man. Hall tries to come in to help Nash but it only serves to hinder the progress that Nash might have made in getting to his corner. Every time Nash starts to get the upperhand and get to his corner, Shane Douglas distracts the referee and forces him to miss the tag, giving them a chance to bring Nash back and keep Hall on the outside. Schiavone mentions that they only need one mistake, and Douglas makes it soon after as he props Nash up in the corner and charges, taking a boot straight to the face. He turns and tries again and this time nearly gets his head taken off from a clothesline. Nash drops to his knees and crawls towards the corner.

Hall finally gets the tag and he’s a madman when he hits the ring, clotheslining a charging Douglas, and then rocking Benoit with punches. Quick whip into the ropes nearly spells doom for Hall as Benoit attempts a cross body, but “Da Bad Guy” catches him and snaps him over with a snap ab suplex. Hall covers but it’s broken up by Shane Douglas. Douglas is directed to the ring, and as soon as the ref’s back is turned, Douglas is pulled off the apron by Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger Page and Luger have hit the scene but the refs attention is on the match at hand. Anderson tries to help Douglas but takes a right hand from Luger and is knocked to the floor. Inside the ring Nash gets the tag and comes in, picking apart Benoit with a side slam, and then a snake eyes on the buckles. Benoit reaches out for the tag and Nash mocks him when he can’t find Douglas. Nash pulls Benoit up and delivers a Jacknife Powerbomb. He makes the cover and the three count is inevitable. The Outsiders have retained the tag titles.

The Outsiders don’t have time to celebrate as The Rising Sons hit the ring and attack the champions. Muta spits mist into the eyes of Scott Hall, while Masachono delivers a huge Yakuza Kick to “Big” Kevin Nash. Chono scoops Nash up and slams him down for Muta who is perched on the top. Muta sails off, hitting a picture perfect moonsault on Nash. Cornette is ecstatic as he gets into the ring with the belts and hands them to The Rising Sons. The Japanese duo holds them high as the camera pans across them, and then the brawl outside as Douglas tries to defend himself against the onslaught of Page and Luger.

Winner: and STILL WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, The Outsiders

Workrate: 69

Crowd: 74

Overall: 72

The Rising Sons go back to attacking The Outsiders while Benoit finally rolls out of the ring and joins the brawl outside, despite still being groggy from the powerbomb. The show goes off the air with the eight men still brawling and Schiavone hyping the fact that we’re only a week away from the Great American Bash, next Sunday live on pay-per-view.

Show Rating: 68

Television Rating: 2.03

-There have been a lot of complaints coming off of Thunder, mainly with the quality of the matches. Goldberg complained that he had to work harder than he’s ever done to keep the match with Evan Karagais from falling apart. It is believed that Karagais will be sent down to The Powerplant for some more training, and videos will be run focusing on his training at the hands of Curt Hennig.

–Many believe that Kevin Nash’s complaint, much in the same manor as Goldberg, against Chris Benoit was for a completely different reason. Many within the company are aware that Nash has been feeling more and more under utilised, even voicing his opinion that The Rising Sons aren’t on the level of The Outsiders. Informers have reported that Nash believed that he had to work hard against Benoit to keep the match together, despite Benoit’s more favorable technical experience. Many have simply allowed this to roll of their back and not put too much weight into Nash’s words.

-The final complaint was not for the actual ability, but Davey Boy Smith complained after the show that he felt Steiner was working too stiffly with him. Steiner has been known to get a little stiff in favor of realism, but the claims were investigated and word is that Steiner has agreed to tone down n the near future.

-Many were surprised at such a low rating with Thunder, but with baseball starting, Thunder was forced to be edited heavily as they were only given an hour and a half instead of their usual two hours. Many segments were edited including a couple featuring Chris Jericho and Dean Malenko, not to mention an interview with The Rising Sons along with Jim Cornette. TBS has assured management that they will not have that problem next week and will indeed get their allotted time.

Okay, this show seemed completely off. I tried to get away from the play by play that seems to make my shows longer than they should be, and was commented on by Fitzy. So I went with this new style, which is quicker to write but I always feel like something is missing, so I’ll leave it up to my readers. Does this seem good to you or should I have kept with my old write ups. How could I adapt it to work better? Any comments are definitely needed. Thanks.

Edited May 1, 2007 by The Enforker

[JStarr]

Well, a shorter show can really agree with you...especially if it helps the pace of updates.

--You know, this was seriously not a "hot opener." I know the big names tended to avoid Thunder, but I can't help but think your ratings may have been helped a bit by switching that opener with the Guerreros/Mavericks match. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who else Adams recruits to help against the nWo, and how far he gets in the attempt.

--Hope Raven's not just delusional when he thinks he'll give Goldberg a good fight. Time to move Bill up the card a bit and let Raven and Kanyon duke it out at the US title level?

--Honestly, the Mavericks is a fine name for Duncum and Windham. Lord knows they need all the color they can get. And I'm sorry, slapping Disco Inferno in a cowboy outfit does nothing but conjure up a sea of Village People jokes. I'm curious to see where this goes, and something tells me I'll either be laughing or shaking my head in exasperation.

--Hey, speaking of exasperation, there's Karagias. Yay. God love him, he's too green to know that Goldberg coming at him = time to run. All that said, I rather like Hennig as the angry-but-determined trainer. Damn you, you might have me tolerating this angle yet...especially if there's videos and not matches involved. Hennig MUST have Evan chasing chickens. I demand it.

--If Scorpion's friend looks like Shang Tsung or Rayden, I may riot. Why not bring in Street Fighter characters, so we can at least see which game was better? Guile begs to be used here. :blink:

--Aw yeah, the Anvil's losing his marbles. After a shot from an anvil, I should hope so. More good comedy ahoy? And DAMN at Davey and Steiner scoring you an 87. That's pretty incredible, considering the ages and conditions of the principals. Should use them together more often.

--Okay, now we know where they got all those points. They stole them from the main event. An experienced team like Nash and Hall against two technicians like Benoit and Douglas only gets a 72? Ick. If anything, you wrote that match TOO well. Seems like there should have been some glaring miscues or random no-selling somewhere, especially considering the Nash complaint post-show. Maybe a bit more detail in your main events, especially if you're more comfortable that way, would help you write to the score.

--And yeah, those missing segments would have added quite a bit to the show. Good save on the Rising Sons interference, but no Jericho/Malenko will make many readers sad pandas, me included. Why exactly did you have only 90 minutes? In-game, I mean.

Strong show, in fact, maybe too strong for the ratings it received. Your skill is transcending your material, Forky.

[Only In Dreams]

NITRO

- I really enjoyed the segment between Douglas/Flair, which seems to be a great built at this point, the passion that Flair and Douglas are showing in their promos are great, I really like how you've made all of Flair's friends turn his back, after the shit Douglas is spewing. Then the brawl that involved Flair and his boys and the Horsemen did its justice

- Goldberg dominating Kidman wasn't a surprise here, keeps the match interesting between Raven and Goldberg for the US title come GAB. Hopefully this leads to a proper push for Goldberg in the main event scene, and Raven with the US title, should be a good little brawl.

- Next Monday on Nitro, Anderson/Flair acting like men and doing it under Horseman Code, this will probably lead to JJ turning on Flair, making this feud on Douglas making Flair's friends turning on everyone. That's what I'm hoping, prove me wrong though.

- Loved the Jericho promo hyping his match with Eddie, as I laughed the entire time, him wondering where Gene was, and being sorry for calling Gene old, to the part talking about the match itself. Jericho at his finest, and his generally funny self.

- Nice match between Eddie and Jericho, for the Cruiserweight Championship none the less, but didn't like the finish, even though it fits Jericho perfectly, rather seen him retain it cleanly, but oh well hopefully this can lead to a match at GAB, maybe involving Chavo for his treatment towards Eddie.

- Nash and Hall made there message sent to the both of them, showcasing the abilities of them talking trash towards there opponents. Got the point acrossed as needed.

- Rick telling Book that he has his back for his match but Book not wanting it, obviously means that he's going to get destroyed by Scotty right?

- Right, but in a convincing fashion too, Book got the win, but only because of Scott running in and deciding to destroy him, was an okay match, never really enjoyed the work of Buff, but I could see Booker carrying this match until the run in.

- I liked the Hart segment telling it like it is, about how he doesn't like what he sees in the New World Order, leading the WCW to a hopeful victory towards the tandem.

- Good tag match between The Horseman, and the friends supporting Ric Flair, sad to see Flair's boys lose, but it only adds the drama towards the potential match up between Douglas and Flair, whenever it may be. I like how Heenan says Douglas always has been garbage, that made me chuckle.

- Oh the mind games will continue, so MORE MIND GAMES!

- The main event was real good, seeing the tension not only between Nash and Hart, but the tension also between the Hogan/Nash and the nWo and Hart, which makes everything very interesting. So, in all Hogan/Bischoff/Savage are looking strong, as it seems Bret still feels that Nash is actually working for the nWo. But good main event, and it seems everything is falling into place.

THUNDER

- An alright opener as I'm not too fond of Konnan or Vincent, but none the less an okay opener, and I'm glad that those two didn't win or I would have cried possibly.

- Solid Promo by Raven, with him telling it how it was saying how he doesn't care about what goes on inside the Flock, just about what goes on with him, and he seems determined to take out Goldberg, and I hope he can.

- A decent tag match, which I was happy to see Chavo and Eddie actually win a match without anyone from the Horsemen come in and ruin it, and its a shame that they had to carry this match up too, but its what you can expect on a show like Thunder, put them in a match with maybe the Outsiders, and it could probably be an interesting match up.

- Poor Evan, wanting to go and prove himself as a worth wild wrestler by joining forces with Rude and Hennig, he gets thrown in a match against Goldberg, and gets demolished. Ah well, we knew that would happen right?

- As I wonder who this voice is...

- Sucks to see that Davey Boy lost the match, even though it was because of a somewhat loopy Anvil, who has Post Concussion Syndrome. But I don't think that matters to Davey who lost because of that fact, and I wouldn't be surprised if he started brush off Anvil.

- At first when I read this match, I thought that the Horsemen had some sort of chance, but I remembered this was an Title Match, so no way the titles would change on free TV. But it got interesting when Flair's friends came out to even the score, thus allowing Hall and Nash to win. I like where the tag division is heading and I could enjoy seeing The Rising Sons versus the Outsiders.

Overall, I felt Nitro was the better show of the two, even though it was all Flair/Douglas. I like the new format, but loved the old one too, so its pretty much up to you with how and what you want to continue, but overall good job this week, as the build up continues towards GAB.

[HailtotheYo]

I've pretty much gotten up to speed here, but still need to re-read some things. I'll just go forward with the GAB thoughts. (not that there isn't any warm yummy goodness in the time I've been gone)

GAB -

WCW Title - NASH Don't really know why I'm going this way, but I am. I guess I just feel that your WCW is going in that direction now.

US Title - RAVEN It's too easy. Raven uses Kanyon to sneak the Title, Goldy moves up, and the second best character in your diary now has reign over the upper - mid card with a built in fued with Kanyon. Too easy.

Tag Title - Rising Sons Nash is going to the World Title, and the Tag Titles can entertain so much of your talent and keep it on TV.

Jericho/Malenko - I really like this team. Two polar opposites and a deadly combination. I would love to see them battle the RS's for some Tag gold.

Buff/Scotty - they make a much better Vicious and Delicious. Again, a hell of a tag team that you have. Booker/Rick just don't do it for me.

CCIII - classic opener for WCW ... two talented ass 'little guys' that just might have the match of the night.