Jump to content

WCW 2000: The Rise Of The New Blood


TGC

Recommended Posts

I believe in keeping something if it works. This BS is so fucking long, but it does indeed work. So keep it I shall.

IPB Image

They say that fact can be stranger than fiction.

In October of 1999 Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara, undoubtedly two men who played an important and vital role in the success of the WWF's Attitude Era, accepted an offer from WCW to try and turn the failing company around. Eric Bischoff's time in charge and control of the company was coming to a close. His one good idea, the nWo, had run its course and WCW was a rudderless ship sailing aimlessly across the vast ocean of professional wrestling. Every bold move Bischoff had made to ensure that WCW would defeat the WWF in the ratings war had ultimately come back to bite him. In the end he was a victim of his own success. Or perhaps better said, his own failings.

At Halloween Havoc 1999 Bischoff was gone and Russo and Ferrara made their first impact on the company. All eyes were on the promotion's annual PPV to see what direction the company would take under this new guidance.

Thus began Crash TV for WCW.

WCW loyalists proclaimed the end had come for the one wrestling promotion in the United States that felt wrestling was more important than television drama and shock for shocks sake. A small minority proclaimed that WCW would outdo the WWF because the man that spearheaded the Attitude Era was now in charge. Besides, where was the wrestling during the nWo days?

The answer was simple. In the under card of course.

Eric Bischoff understood two things that Vince Russo did not. The loyal WCW fans would buy Hulk Hogan, The Giant, Goldberg, and Randy Savage in the Main Event so long as Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, and the other WCW stalwarts provided the wrestling. Vince Russo was more interested in turning every "wrestler" into a "character" or a "gimmick" than he was in providing the fans with the wrestling portion of the show. In the end Russo was undone by his own ideas. What had worked in the WWF under the watchful eye of Vince McMahon to tone down Russo's natural tendencies to go too far didn't work in WCW, where the only true captain of the ship was whomever had the book. Russo was on his own, and his ideas indeed went too far on more than one occasion. The final occasion was in January of 2000.

Bret Hart was injured at the hands of Bill Goldberg, who was also injured shortly thereafter. The biggest problem here was that they were top Heel and Face respectively for WCW, and Hart held the WCW World Title. Enter Russo, already looking less than fantastic to his new bosses a few short months after starting, with the perfectly logical idea to book Tank Abbott to win the title on PPV. Exit Vince Russo with the help of a contingent of WCW old guard bookers and backstage employees who wanted control for themselves.

The coming months saw Kevin Sullivan, Ed Ferrara, JJ Dillon, Kevin Nash, and Terry Taylor in creative control of WCW, and all semblance of The Russo Era quickly faded away. Crash TV had come to WCW and failed, and the old guard attempted to return the company to its roots, wrestling. The only problem was that those aforementioned stalwarts that Eric Bischoff knew he could count on were all in the WWF by this time. What followed was three months of poor booking, poor angles, poor stories, and poor wrestling. The old guard let the old wrestlers back in, something that Vince Russo had done right when he took the spotlight off the Hogans and Flairs and gave it to the Benoits and Jarretts, and the same old same old returned to WCW, and it looked a lot like this.

With the removal of Vince Russo in the days leading up to WCW Souled Out 2000, as well as the loss of Bret Hart, Jeff Jarrett, and Goldberg among others, the old guard had quite a job ahead of them. They had to COMPLETELY restructure a PPV in a manner of days that had been built around things like Hart and Goldberg for the WCW World Heavyweight Title and Jeff Jarrett vs. Chris Benoit in a Triple Theater Match. The pre-show attempted to explain the injuries and set up reasons for the new matches, but in the end the PPV came off as a last minute ditch effort to put ANYTHING on TV that people wouldn't feel cheated for having spent $30 on.

WCW Souled Out 1999

-Kidman vs. Dean Malenko in the first match of the Triple Threat Theater

The rules were simple, the first man to be pinned, submit, or touch the floor loses. So about two minutes in Malenko rolls to the floor for a breather, and the match ends.

Winner: Billy Kidman

-Vampiro vs. David Flair vs. Crowbar in a Triple Threat Match

This was SUPPOSED to be Crowbar vs. Vampiro, but the pre-show changed that as well. Flair and Crowbar are the WCW World Tag Team Champions, but that doesn't stop Vampiro from Powerbombing Flair to get the win.

Winner: Vampiro

-The Harris Boys vs. Big Vito and Johnny the Bull with Disco Inferno

The Harris Boys HAD been Gerald and Patrick of Creative Control, but tonight they revert to Ron and Don the bikers. Disco is with Vito and The Bull against his will, and his attempts to screw them over actually leads them to winning.

Winners: The Mamalukes

-Oklahoma w/ the BBQ sauce vs. Madusa w/ Spice for the World Cruiserweight Championship

Madusa defeated Evan Karagias at Starrcade to become the Cruiserweight Champion. She is defeated by Oklahoma tonight.

Winner: Oklahoma

-Brian Knobbs vs. "Screamin" Norman Smiley vs. Fit Finlay vs. Meng for the World Hardcore Title

Knobbs retains his title by nailing "Screamin" Norman Smiley with a trash can lid.

WINNER: Brian Knobbs

-Kidman vs. Saturn in the second match of Triple Threat Theater

This match was a Bunkhouse Brawl Match. Kidman goes up 2-0 here when he reverses a Powerbomb into a Bulldog.

Winner: Billy Kidman

-Stevie Ray vs. Booker T w/ Midnight

This is about Stevie Ray being jealous of Midnight and saying that Booker T has forgotten that he comes from The Hood. Booker T seems to have the match won, until Big T runs down and attacks him and gives the win to Stevie Ray. Stevie Ray announces that there is a NEW Harlem Heat now.

Winner: Stevie Ray

-Tank Abbott vs. Jerry Flynn in a "shoot fighting rules" match

Abbott nails Flynn behind the ear with a left and it is over.

Winner: Tank Abbott

-Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell in a no-rules, no referee, last man standing match

The man who can't answer the 10-Count loses. DDP wins when Kimberly comes out. This had something to do with Buff hitting on Kim.

Winner: DDP

-Kidman vs. The Wall in the final match of Triple Threat Theater

Shane Douglas announces that The Wall is the newest member of The Revolution. This match is a Cage Match, although it's similar to a Hell In A Cell type cage. It's called Caged Heat. Kidman is downed with a Chokeslam and loses.

Winner: The Wall

-Terry Funk vs. Kevin Nash for the control of WCW

The Commissioner of WCW vs. the leader of the nWo here in a Hardcore Match. Nash pulls out the win.

Winner: Kevin Nash

-Sid Vicious vs. Chris Benoit for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship w/Special Guest Referee Arn Anderson

The match that was decided to headline the PPV, pitting two guys who had been working together against the nWo for months, was a Cage Match as well. In the end Benoit made Sid tap out with The Crippler Crossface, even though Sid's foot was under the ropes. Chris Benoit holds the title high and cries, having won his first WCW World Heavyweight Title

Winner: Chris Benoit

Of course that lasted only ONE night, as Benoit, Malenko, Saturn, Guerrero, Douglas, Rey Misterio Jr., Konnan, and Shane Douglas all asked to be released in an attempt to head over to the WWF. In the end it was only Benoit, Saturn, Malenko, and Guerrero who went.

The next night on Nitro the old guard attempted to make things work despite their losses, but it was a weak attempt to say the least. Kidman, who had just been featured in three matches was back to opening the show against Psychosis, although he got a win. Arn Anderson announced that he made a mistake the night before, and because of that Benoit has been stripped of the belt. Furthermore, Jarrett was stripped of the US Title due to not being able to defend it last night. Thus, the WCW Title picture looks like this:

World Title: Vacant

US Title: Vacant

World Tag Titles: David Flair & Crowbar

Cruiserweight Title: Oklahoma

Hardcore Title: Brian Knobbs

TV Title: In a trashcan

Of course some of that changed the same night, as Nash re-awards the US Title back to Jarrett. He also makes DDP vs. Buff for the Main Event, with Kimberly as the ref. DDP wins, but Kimberly isn't happy about making the three count, leading to speculation that she and Buff are having an affair.

Thunder is up next, and the opening match is for the WCW Tag Team Titles. The Mamalukes defeat David Flair and Crowbar, thus winning the titles. Kidman's de-push continues, as he wrestles The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince Iaukea). Kidman wins. A match is set for the vacant World Title to be Sid vs. Nash at some future point, but ONLY if Sid can get past JJ. However, the match with JJ never occurs, as instead Sid teams with The Total Package to take on Big T and Booker T. Package racks Booker and causes him to submit.

On the next Nitro Scott Hall returns to WCW ONE MORE TIME. A WCW Cruiserweight Title Tournament takes place since Oklahoma vacated the title. Since it is now said that Jarrett can't wrestle tonight due to his injury, Sid is forced to wrestle The Harris Boys, who are NOW nWo along with Nash, Steiner, Hall, and Jarrett. He wins. The odd story of Kidman continues, as this time he wrestles and defeats Vampiro. Booker T blacks out from a flapjack attack from Big T and a Rack from Luger, as Sting returns to point his bat at Luger. Vampiro respects Kidman, and wants a rematch. The World Title Match occurs, and in a match where Nash outlaws The Powerbomb he and Sid wrestle. Sid uses Jarrett's guitar to take Nash out and win the title.

HOWEVER, on the next Thunder Nash strips Sid of the belt because he used a Powerbomb against Don Harris, and awards it to himself. The end of this is that Sid will face Nash and Ron Harris in a Caged Heat Match, and if Sid can PIN Nash he will win the title back. The KISS Demon returns to WCW to scare "Screamin" Norman into losing a match to The Maestro, then loses to Terry Funk. Kidman and Vampiro have their rematch and this time Vampiro comes out on top. In the Main Event Caged Heat Match, Sid regains the title by applying The Crippler Crossface and forcing Nash to tap out.

In the last Nitro of January, Mark Madden replaces Bobby Heenan on Color Commentary. Nash is out, so Jarrett is acting Commissioner, and makes himself and Sid at SuperBrawl for the World Title. The Mamalukes retain their titles against David Flair and Crowbar. Booker T is basically stripped of his identity by Mr. Biggs, the lawyer for Harlem Heat 2000, right down to being unable to us the "T". "Screamin" Norman is attacked by The Demon's casket. Smiley is now The Demon, and is chased by cops and Dale Torburg, the FORMER Demon. Kidman pins The Wall with help from Vampiro. Ric Flair returns to WCW and begins a feud with Terry Funk. In the Main Event, JJ and The Harris Boys take on Sid, Ric Flair, and Terry Funk. JJ pins Sid after Funk and Flair explode.

With the month of January out of the way, the defections to the WWF, the title picture finally resolved, and Russo still out of power, the month of February was a chance for the old guard to take the show and the stories in the direction they had envisioned upon "taking" the power from Russo.

First up for February was Thunder, which started off with the nWo coming to the ring to talk. Jarrett states that Sid will not defend the title again until Super Brawl. Jarrett states that Sid will participate in a Triple Threat Theater. First up is Mike Rotunda Vs. Sid, second will be Rick Steiner Vs. Sid in a hard core rules match and the third will be Sid Vs. The Harris Boys in a handicap caged heat match. Jarrett bribes a referee to act as the ref for SuperBrawl. The Demon strips Smiley out of The Demon costume, but Smiley wins the match. Sid defeats Mike Rotunda in the first match. Hulk Hogan returns to WCW. He and Luger fight. Vampiro loses to The Wall in a match that also featured Kidman. Sid defeats Rick Steiner in the second match. Funk says Arn has to choose him or Flair, because Flair cares about nobody but Flair, not even his son. In the Main Event Sid defeats The Harris Boys then gets laid out by the nWo.

The next week on Nitro Smiley defeats Evan Karagias, then challenges 3 Count to a match at the PPV. Jarrett forces Hall to wrestle Sid tonight. Booker loses to The Wall when J Biggs has Booker arrested for assault. Tank Abbott continues his undefeated streak by pinning The Barbarian. The WCW Executive Committee makes Sid and Hall a title match. Jarrett is mad and Hall is amused. Funk loses an I Quit Match to David Flair when Ric refuses to come out and save his son. Funk quits rather than kill the kid. AA says he's sick now, and is leaving the whole situation. Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Brian Knobbs to become the new World Hardcore Champion. Kidman defeats The Demon, but Crowbar worships him. Luger breaks Jimmy Hart's arm. In the Main Event Sid pins Hall when Jarrett turns on him. He then tells the nWo that they either side with him or with Hall.

Two days later on Thunder Nash returned via the screen, where he took the power from Jarrett and made a match between Jarrett and Hall to determine the Number One Contender to Sid's title. Bam Bam defeated The Demon, while Crowbar listened to a KISS CD. Nash put Hall in charge now. Kidman defeated Crowbar as his slide from nothing to nothing continued. Flair and Luger made a coalition, calling themselves Team Package. The Mamalukes defeated 2XS, Lenny and Idol, to retain their belts. Flair and Dustin Rhodes met in a match, where Luger helped Flair defeat Dustin. Funk made the save. Hall and Jarrett wrestled to a No Contest.

On Nitro Nash returns with a cast and in a wheelchair and makes it Sid vs. Jarrett vs. Hall for the PPV. Vampiro walks out on Kidman in their Tag Team Match, giving a win to La Parka and The Artist. Funk wins by DQ when Luger beats him with a chair. AA makes the save taking the chair. Dustin Rhodes defeats Champagne Chris Kanyon. Booker defeats The Demon. Hogan has his arm broken by Luger, as many others have also of late. Jarrett defeats Sid in a match for the US Title.

Moving to Thunder, Vampiro AGAIN left Kidman in a match, this time with The Harris Boys. Nash is losing his mind from the pressure of being The Commissioner of WCW. He is also attacked and drilled over the head with the guitar by Jarrett. Dustin and Funk lose to Team Package.

On WCW Saturday Night Duggan resurrects the TV Title from the trash he found it in several months ago, and defends it against Robert Gibson. Lord Steven Regal challenges him for it, saying if he loses he'll retire from WCW and never be seen as Lord Steven Regal again.

SuperBraw IX

-Match 1: Cruiserweight Title Tournament Finals - The Artist (w/Paisley) vs. Lash LeRoux

The Artist defeats Lash to become the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Winner: The Artist

-Match 2: Hardcore Title - Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Brian Knobbs (w/Fit Finley)

Knobbs was one of the many to have his arm broken by Luger, as was Finley, and Knobbs uses the cast to regain the belt.

Winner: Brian Knobbs

-Match 3: 3 Count vs. Norman Smiley

Norman taps out to 3 Count who use Submission Holds and high flying to gain the win.

Winners: 3 Count

-Match 4: The Demon vs. The Wall

Winner: The Wall

-Match 5: Skins Match - Tank Abbott vs. Big Al

Tank Abbott gets his jacket off a pole to defeat his former bodyguard and remain undefeated.

Winner: Tank Abbott

-Match 6: Big T (w/Stevie Ray & J. Biggs) vs. Booker

The lights go out which SHOULD signal a run in by Midnight, but instead some big black guy is on the apron. Big T defeats Booker, and J Biggs introduces Harlem Heat Inc.

Winner: Big T

-Match 7: Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Vampiro

Kidman gets the win here, ending the feud that made no sense for poor Kidman. And for Vampiro.

Winner: Kidman

-Match 8: World Tag Titles Stretcher Match - The Mamalukes vs. David Flair & Crowbar (w/Daffney)

Flair is taped to a stretcher and wheeled out, and it's two on one on Crowbar, who is soon also stretchered out.

The Mamalukes

-Match 9: Ernest Miller vs. The Maestro (w/Symphony)

James Brown comes out and dances.

Winner: ???

-Match 10: Texas Death Match - Terry Funk vs. Ric Flair

Winner: Ric Flair

-Match 11: The Total Package (w/Liz) vs. Hulk Hogan

Team Package attempt to cheat Hogan, but The Stinger makes the save here.

Winner: Hulk Hogan

-Match 12: WCW World Title, No DQ - Sid Vicious vs. Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Hall

A ton of refs get bumped, four in fact, leading to Mark Johnson, the paid for ref, to be in the ring. However Piper comes down as ref number six and Sid pins JJ.

Winner: Sid

The repercussions to this show were felt the next night on Nitro. Such as The Harris Boys attacking Kidman and Lash in their match. Such as Booker taking on The Mamalukes and Disco only to get attacked by The Harris Boys. Madusa is upset that she's not wrestling tonight, and goes to talk to La Parka. She pretends to be La Parka so the real La Parka can attack Oklahoma, who is now in charge of a Women's Division. Stevie Ray introduces the new guy as Cassius. Funk wins by DQ against The Harris Boys when his partner, Dustin Rhodes, attacks him. The Wall is suddenly unbeatable, and he defeats Bam Bam. In the Main Event, Hogan is beaten down by Team Package in a steel cage.

Moving on to Thunder, it actually gets worse. Nash is now back, but TOTALLY crazy from the guitar shot he took last week. Ralphus is Commissioner Gordon and Nash is trying to get a hold of Batman. The Voice speaks for La Parka before he beats Berlyn. Tank Abbot is STILL undefeated. Team Package cost Vampiro a loss to Ric Flair. Dustin mocks his time as Goldust then says he will kill Funk. Kidman and Booker lay down for The Harris Boys. Sid vs. Luger is a DQ win for Sid when Team Package attacks.

On WCW Saturday Night Duggan retains his meaningless TV Title against Steven Regal, who is now gone from WCW.

Nitro brings someone running around using the stolen Kid-Cam taping everyone. It upsets Team Package. They rant on Minnesota, Sting, and Hogan. Curt Hennig shows up and challenges Flair. Booker blames Kidman for their loss, so the two will wrestle tonight, while Kidman and Torrie are upset over the stolen Kid-Cam. Booker and Kidman is a no contest when The Harris Boys attack. Knobbs loses his World Hardcore Title to all three members of 3 Count. Dustin Rhodes defeats Smiley. JJ defeats Vampiro retaining his US Title. Vampiro and Finley then brawl. The Maestro defeats The Cat. Flair defeats Hennig, then whips him with a belt. Tank Abbott challenges for Sid's World Title, but taps out to The Crossface. Tank Abbot's streak is over.

The final Thunder of February rolls around next. Chavo wins by DQ against The Artist, then in an interview says he is back, but he is penniless. He then steals Mean Gene's watch. Dustin and Funk brawl. 3 Count are beaten by the trio of The Dog Al Greene, Fit Finley, and Brian Knobbs. La Parka's Voice speaks for him then he defeats The Demon. Luger and Flair cheat so Luger can make Vampiro submit. Then his arm is broken. Vampiro refuses help, then gets attacked by Finley. Nobody knows why. The Wall gets DQed and gives a win to Crowbar when he Chokeslams him through the announce table. Flair defeats Bagwell, whom he blames for the whole stolen Kid-Cam thing. All that's left of the nWo defeats the trio of Sid, Booker, and Kidman, when Kidman accidentally hits a Missile Dropkick on Booker as opposed to a Harris Boy. Jarrett pins Sid then as it's 3 on 1.

As March rolled around the old guard was firmly in control of things. They had taken the last remnants of The Russo Era, and either discarded them or changed them to fit their own plans. Not that this was a good thing.

While Nitro and Thunder remained constant with the main storylines, Saturday Night was off in its own little world, doing it's own thing, and for the most part not paying attention in the least to anything else. Of course, Saturday Night was being booked by Jimmy Hart, who had been told to do whatever he wanted, so long as it didn't interfere with any other booking plans for the big shows. Thus, SN aired shows that looked a lot like

-Kid Romeo beat Elix Skipper with the Romeo Relaxer

-Shark Boy beat Silver King after Silver King missed his double springboard Moonsault

-Brian Knobbs & The Dog beat Adrian Byrd & Dave Burkhead in a "hardcore match"

-Hugh Morrus squashed Matt Anderson

-Yung Dragons (Kaz Hayashi, Yun Yang, & Jamie "Jamie-san" Howard) beat Jeremy Lopez & Los Dos Villanos when Hayashi pinned Lopez after his slingshot DDT

-The Wall squashed Rick Fuller

-Lash LeRoux beat Rick Cornell with the Whiplash 2000

-Hail (Emory Hale) squashed Chad Hart

-Tag Team Champions Mamalukes beat Chuck Palumbo & Sonny Siaki

-TV Champion Jim Duggan beat Fidel Sierra

that. Nothing wrong with them, but they ultimately served no purpose outside of their own telecasts.

The first Nitro of March 2000 came, and it continued the old guards plans. Vampiro and Finley kick off the show by brawling backstage, and it has now been revealed that it is about respect. Kaz Hayashi defeats Psychosis. Now Finley is fighting backstage with Hennig. The Harris Boys get arrested for shoving a cop. The Wall puts Flair through a table in their match, and while it was illegal when he did it to Crowbar, this time it rates a count out victory for The Wall. The Dog pins Evan Karagias. Sid and Vampiro now argue about the Main Event tonight. In a rematch from last week, Curt Hennig now pins Flair with the HennigPlex. Hennig gets his arm broke by Luger, until AA makes the save. Lane and Idol weld The Demon's casket shut, until he tries to stop them. They beat him up. Smiley pins Lane, then he gets beaten down by both Idol and Lane, until The Demon makes the save. Tank Abbot squashes La Parka. He still tapped out last week. Harlem Heat Inc defeats Booker and Kidman. The Wall and Jeff Jarrett defeat Sid and Vampiro by cheating.

Thunder opens with The Artist defeating Psychosis to retain his Cruiserweight Title. Flair promises to Luger that AA will join Team Package tonight. The Demon defeats Idol due to a kiss from Miss Hancock. The Demon is beat down after and saved by Smiley. Then he is beat down by Lane and Idol both. The Wall lays out Bam Bam Bigelow, his mentor, David Flair, and Crowbar. This time The Cat defeats The Maestro. AA tells Flair and Luger to kiss his ass and walks off. Abbott busts up a match between Finley and Meng. In a Four Corners Elimination Match for the WCW Tag Team Titles, The Mamalukes retain over Booker and Kidman, The Harris Boys, and Harlem Heat Inc. Vampiro gets beaten and spray painted by Jarrett after Jarrett retains his US title.

Nitro offers up AA again telling Flair to kiss his ass. He also brings in Hogan, who beats on Flair until Luger makes the save. Team Package rules. 3 Count defeat The Yung Dragons in a match. Not for any titles, just in a match. Despite them holding the World Hardcore Title. Silver King and El Dandy offer to "excite" Miss Hancock's "groin". She storms off. The Wall destroys Bigelow, David Flair, and Crowbar. Again. Booker and Kidman pin Lane and Rave. Not Idol, Rave. Same guy, new name. Hogan saves Hennig from Team Package. Smiley defeats The Dog. Funk defeats Brian Knobbs. Finley is now wrestling Vampiro on PPV in a falls count anywhere match. Sid and Vampiro defeat The Harris Boys. Who have a Tag Team Title shot on PPV. In six days. Yet they JUST lost to a make shift team. Team Package gets a DQ win over Hogan and Curt Hennig.

On Thunder it was all about PPV hype. La Parka and Chavo defeat "America's Most Desirable Men, Los Fabulosous", otherwise known as El Dandy and Silver King. Tank Abbott defeats Buzzkill. The Wall destroys David Flair, but Bam Bam Bigelow makes the save. The Wall is then arrested. The Harris Boys help JJ defeat Booker to retain his US Title. Vampiro defeats Hugh Morrus. Lane and Rave attack The Demon and Smiley to cost them a match with Brian Knobbs and The Dog. Lane and Rave are now XS instead of 2XS. Dustin defeats Kidman. Hulk Hogan beats up Team Package in a Handicap Match that never had a real ending.

On Saturday Night Los Fabulosous defeat The Villanos in a contest to determine who is the greatest Tag Team from south of the border.

Uncensored 2000

-MATCH #1: WCW World Cruiserweight Title Match -- The Artist w/Paisley v Psychosis w/Juventud Guerrera

Hard Knox Chris Candido makes his debut in WCW, and he talks about internet rumors as the match takes place.

Winner: The Artist

-MATCH TWO: The Demon & "Screamin" Norman Smiley v XS

Miss Hancock dances with The Demon and Smiley.

Winner: The Demon and Smiley

-MATCH THREE: Bam Bam Bigelow v The Wall

The Wall is soon attacked by David Flair and Crowbar, and he sends Crowbar off the stage to the floor. The fighting just ends after that.

Winner: No Contest

-MATCH FOUR: WCW Hardcore Title Match -- Three Count v Brian Knobbs

Knobbs has to pin all three members here. He does.

Winner: Brian Knobbs

-MATCH FIVE: Booker & Kidman w/Torrie v Stevie Ray & Big T w/Cash and J Biggs

Cassius is now Cash.

Winners: Booker and Kidman

-MATCH SIX: Fit Finlay v Vampiro

This is a Falls Count Anywhere Match, so they wind up in the bathroom, circa 1996. Vampiro gets a pinfall in the fans in the second tier.

Winner: Vampiro

-MATCH SEVEN: WCW World Tag Team Title Match -- The Mamalukes w/Disco v The Harris Boys

Lots of hitting and kicking.

Winners: The Harris Boys

-MATCH EIGHT: Dustin Rhodes v Terry Funk

Dustin DDT's Funk on a cowbell.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes

-MATCH NINE: Lumberjack Match-The Total Package w/Miss Elizabeth v Sting

One set of Lumberjacks are Heels. The other half are all the guys, minus Hogan, who had their arms broken by Luger. All the Lumberjacks brawl to the back, except for Vampiro, who nails Luger in the legs with a bat so Sting can get the win. Sting and Vampiro face off, talk, and hug.

Winner: Sting

-MATCH TEN: WCW World Heavyweight Title Match -- Sid Vicious v Jeff Jarrett

The Harris brothers and the evil Mark Johnson try to screw Sid, until Hogan comes down with a strap and runs them off. He then calls Flair out.

Winner: No Contest

-MATCH ELEVEN: Strap Match-Hulk Hogan v Ric Flair

Luger and Jimmy Hart get involved, but in the end Hogan pins Flair.

Winner: Hulk Hogan

This leads to Nitro. Steiner returns after being censored by WCW, or so says the tape over his mouth, and he and Jarrett will face Hogan and Sid. If Jarrett's team wins Jarrett gets ANOTHER title shot. If they lose, Jarrett defends his US Title on a regular basis. Chavo steals Mean Gene's wallet after saying he needs the money that being a Cruiserweight Champion gets. Chris Candido defeats Lash LeRoux. Miss Hancock tells XS that she is bringing Los Fabulosous to Thunder. Fit Finley defeats La Parka. Vampiro rips off his cast even though his arm isn't healed so he can deal with Luger. The Harris Boys defend their titles against Booker and Kidman, then get DQed to retain. Vampiro submits to The Torture Rack, despite having a not healed arm that would have made more sense to work on. In a "press conference" following the PPV Hogan interrupts Sid putting over his win. Sid is upset by this and glares. Glares. Hugh defeats Smiley. Dustin removes Henning’s cast in their match, and gets DQed for it. Tank Abbott defeats The Barbarian. Sting makes Flair submit in their match. In the Main Event, Sid attacks Hogan and celebrates with the nWo afterwards. ???

Thunder opens with Sid being a heel. He and Hogan fight in the back. In the ring, Tank Abbott brawls with Fit Finley and Meng. After that Sid interrupts a Mean Gene interview with Fit, and says he wants Hogan. Hogan says anywhere anytime. 3 Count defeats The Yung Dragons again. The Artist causes Chris Candido a match with Chavo. Los Fabulosous defeat XS, then dance with Miss Hancock. Chuck Palumbo jobs to Scott Steiner. Vampiro defeats Disco, who has been fired by The Mamalukes. The Cat defeats The Dog. Knobbs then whips The Dog, who later chews on his shoes, and hangs his head out the window as they drive off. Knobbs then drives The Dog to the desert and leaves him there. Hugh Morrus defeats The Demon. The Kid-Cam returns and Buff is making comments about Sid that are unkind. Buff wins via DQ in a US Title Match with Jarrett after Steiner and The Harris Boys get involved. Curt Hennig makes the save and gets his cast ripped off again. Hulk Hogan defeats Dustin Rhodes.

Then it happened. The old guard, who had essentially usurped Vince Russo's power earlier in the year, had their own power usurped by Eric Bischoff. He was back, he was in charge, and he promised bold new ideas and bold new stories to bring WCW back into contention with the WWF, who had simply taken off and left the old ship that was WCW alone in the water. However Eric Bischoff proved that fact is indeed stranger than fiction as he brought back the one man that WCW loyalists never wanted to see.

Saturday Night opens with Scott Hudson announcing that Russo and Bischoff are back in WCW.

Spring Breakout 2000 at South Padre Island marks the last Nitro before the return of Bischoff and Russo. Kimberly and DDP return. Apparently DDP was gone due to a back injury. DDP hawks his book and Ready To Rumble until JJ walks out and they argue about who should be the next WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Jimmy Hart will be wrestling Mancow on PPV. Schiavone says that the truth about Russo and Bischoff will be known by the end of the show, despite what Hudson said. Michael Modest pins The Artist in a non title match. JJ costs Booker a match with Ron Harris. Hogan is told by Vampiro that Sid has a bounty on his head. The Jung Dragons defeat the Mamalukes and Disco, who now has his job back apparently. Afterwards The Harris Boys destroy The Yung Dragons, and Schiavone says that Russo and Bischoff ARE back in WCW. Sting and Vampiro defeat Team Package in a Texas Tornado Match. Meng defeats La Parka. Buff is on the Kid-Cam hitting on Steiner's women. Morrus gets a DQ win over Funk when Dustin attacks him with a chair. Hennig submits to Steiner in a Tag Match also featuring Buff and JJ. Hogan and The Wall no-sell for each other, so Vampiro runs down to get a No Contest.

The last Thunder prior to the relaunch by Bischoff and Russo. Michael Modest helps Chris Candido get a win over Chavo. Duggan retains his TV Title over The Barbarian. Los Fabulosous defeat Shannon Moore and Shane Helms. They dance with Miss Hancock afterwards. Tank Abbott defeats Disco. The Harris Boys allow Booker to get a DQ win over JJ. The Mamalukes defeat Harlem Heat 2000, who have gone back to their OLD name. Don Harris causes a DQ win for Kidman over Ron Harris. The Dog loses to Brian Knobbs in this Hardcore Title Match. The La Parka Voice cuts a killer promo on Buff, while La Parka holds a sign that says he is sorry and not saying this. He then loses to Buff. The Wall gets a DQ win over Vampiro when he uses a chair.

And thus the old guard are no longer in any form of control, as Thunder, Nitro, and WCW Saturday Night take a two week break.

Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo were now officially in charge on WCW together.

This is their story.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my eyes, THE greatest diary in the history of the Dome. I cannot wait for this baby to get started, especially with the introduction of Seven, a character would promised so much.

Don't forget, Mike Awesome, if you bring him in, is so fucking over at this time as well that it's unreal. But I don't really know why I'm giving you advice. Just stay with this, please.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Really looking forward to this now man i loved the little history intro as well, also another reason i loved WCW at this time was because of Vampiro/Sting team "The brother's in paint" WCW screwed up a great feud with these maybe and i hope you will do better also Mike Awesome the career killer got to love that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The first three shows of the new era are being booked in EWR. Not all matches or segments fit, so I picked certain ones and ran them through EWR and marked the rating at the end of the matches.

New Blood Rising: Week One

On April 10th The Bischoff/Russo era officially began with Monday Nitro. The entire wrestling world, whether they care to admit it or not, was intrigued and curious as to what this night and this union of different styles would bring to WCW, and it’s safe to say that, whether they liked it or not, it brought radical changes to the company in the guise of a complete reboot and perhaps the biggest overhaul of a wrestling promotion in ever.

What did the first week’s worth of shows bring to the table?

-Opening montage, same as before.

-And we are live from Denver, Colorado

The logo is the same, the entryway is more like a PPV set.

Plus, they put in one screen in the middle above the entryway.

Usual pyro to start.

And we go to the ring, filled with wrestlers.

Well, those who aren't important.

Wall, Scott Steiner, Vampiro, Booker, The Cat, Kidman, Van Hammer and Jeff Jarrett come out to join the people in the ring.

Jarrett grabs a mic.

He talks about when he came to WCW about 6 months ago, he was the chosen one.

He said Russo was responsible for turning the WWF around.

No wrestlers needed, only good old Vince Russo.

Jarrett says when they got to WCW, they had a master plan, but it got de-railed along the way.

The "Good Ol' Boys Network" couldn't handle it.

He introduces the man who "once was Vince McMahon's best kept secret, Vince Russo."

Russo walks out to "Iron Man". Minus the lyrics.

It took Russo about 13 seconds to say "World Wrestling Federation".

He says he was there 6 years, then came to WCW just to beat Vince McMahon at his own game.

Within a few weeks, the New Blood in WCW not only got back in the game, they changed the game.

The Good Ol' Boys Network was afraid of change, only worrying about their jobs.

He said he found out about the change in direction and he knew it sucked.

He said he wasn't the only one who knew it sucked.

Benoit, Saturn, Guerrero, Malenko and Douglas all knew it sucked and they left.

Scott Steiner thought it sucked and they tried to fire him.

But that's all over with.

Russo is in charge again.

He tells the wrestlers it is their opportunity and to seize it.

Bischoff "Are you done yet?"

And the Bisch comes down the entryway ramp.

Russo and Bischoff embrace.

Bischoff says Russo and him were both screwed by the Good Ol' Boys Network.

Bischoff says those days are over.

He said he's had time to reflect on everything good he's done.

And all the mistakes.

Mistakes like Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sid, DDP, Sting and Lex Luger.

But the worst was Hulk Hogan.

He said everyone warned him, but he didn't believe them that Hogan would use him.

Backstage, Luger, Sid, DDP, Kimberly, Sting and Elizabeth watch on a monitor.

Bisch continues on, as they come out.

Bischoff "What's the matter Sid? No softball game?"

Bischoff says they actually look like they showed up to work today.

DDP grabs a mic and tells the Bisch to step off.

Bisch tells DDP that if it wasn't for him, DDP would be working in a bar still.

Bisch says he's the one who re-built Sid's career.

He was the one who gave Luger too much money when Vince McMahon wanted no part of him.

Bisch says he made them, he can break them.

Russo says he wants to say something that's personal.

He says Ric Flair is a piece of shit off his shoe.

He's going to scrape off that piece of shit and flush it.

Russo then tells Jarrett he's going to have to trust him.

He says he wants to vacate all the WCW Titles and he wants Jarrett to hand over the US Title.

Jarrett hesitates a bit, then hands it over.

The Harris Twins do the same for the Tag Titles.

As does Brian Knobbs.

All the belts are collected except one.

Sid tells Bisch to come get the belt if he wants it.

Bisch walks up to Sid, insulting him.

He says Sid has 2 options: lay him out or hand it over.

He says if Sid beats him, he'll heal, but Sid will be fired.

While Sid debates, Bisch taunts him.

Bischoff: "What's the matter Sid, can't find your scissors?"

Sid finally hands it over.

Bisch says we'll decide the champion on Sunday at Spring Stampede.

First segment was a bit lengthy, but it was necessary.

OR: 86

-The announcers (Tony Schiavone, Mark Madden and Scott Hudson) talk about what just happened.

They speculate on what Hogan and Flair are going to do when they arrive.

Speak of the Great Orange Goblin and ye shall receive.

Hogan arrives backstage.

-DDP's book commercial.

-Recap of what just happened.

Sting tells Hogan what just happened.

Hogan says he going to take care of it.

-Match 1: Diamond Dallas Page (W/ Kimberly) Vs. The Total Package (W/Elizabeth)

DDP comes out, but doesn't get his usual pyro.

Then his music cuts.

This is match 1 in a mini-tournament.

DDP vs. TP, Sting vs. Sid

Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 later tonight

The winner there faces Jarrett at Spring Stampede for the WCW World Title.

Luger's music kills as well.

Luger complains, then gets in the ring.

The house lights turn on as he starts to pose.

Luger complains to the ref, who rings the bell to start the match.

The lock up and trade reversals.

DDP whips Luger into the ropes, then attempts a hip-toss.

Luger blocks and goes for a hip toss, DDP counters in a swinging Neck Breaker.

Luger kicks DDP low, then kicks DDP in the back a couple times.

Luger stomps DDP in the corner, then chokes him with his foot.

DDP gets up while Luger poses, then throws Luger in the corner and punches him.

DDP charges Luger, who kicks DDP in the face.

Luger clotheslines DDP.

Luger picks DDP up and drops DDP's ribs on his knee a couple times.

All of a sudden, Buff Bagwell's music plays and he comes out.

Complete with pyro and idiotic dancing.

Luger gets distracted and DDP hits him low from behind.

Buff comes out and hits on Kimberly.

DDP gets distracted, Luger takes advantage.

Kim points at Liz, so Buff goes over to hit on her.

Liz isn't interested.

Luger gets distracted again.

DDP turns him around, Diamond Cutter.

1, 2, 3. DDP wins.

Your Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via pinfall

Um, that sucked.

OR: 63

-Hogan is wandering around backstage trying to find the Bisch.

-Hennig stops Russo to talk to him.

He wants to know why Jarrett gets World Title shot and not him.

Russo says he can face Jarrett for the shot tonight.

-Hogan is still looking for Bischoff.

-Tank Abbott comes out while the announcers discuss this.

Abbott says he's a shoot fighter, not a wrassler.

He says he came here to job to face Goldberg.

He's going to beat up innocent people until Goldberg faces him.

He wanders a bit, then goes over to the announcers booth.

There's a sign held by a guy painted green in the crowd: "Only One Hulk"

He grabs Madden and pulls him over the booth, punching and kicking him.

He tears off Madden's shirt.

Sick.

Abbott throws Madden into the ring and plays jelly belly with him (Slaps his stomach).

I'd come up with some humorous joke, but there is nothing funny about a shirtless Mark Madden.

-Jarrett complains to Russo about having to face Hennig tonight.

-Torrie tries to talk Kidman out of something, but he insists.

-Hogan asks Terry Taylor where Bischoff is, Terry tells him.

-Hogan finds Bischoff and wants to know what's going on.

Bischoff starts to try to claim he didn't say any of that.

-Match 2: Billy Kidman vs. Hulk Hogan

Kidman brings up Hogan's recent comments.

Kidman says he has two things Hogan will never have: heart and talent.

He calls Hogan out.

Hogan leaves Bischoff's locker room, then walks past a monitor and see this.

He goes to the ring.

Hogan asks Kidman what his problem is.

He says he's tired of hearing Kidman whine.

Kidman say Hogan's run is over.

Hogan says if Kidman wasn't so "p-whipped and in love with that girl..."

Kidman sucker punches Hogan.

Kidman stomps and pounds on Hogan.

Kidman pushes Hogan outside, then jumps after him, but Hogan moves.

Kidman lands on the guard rail.

Hogan slams Kidman into the ring post, then brings Kidman back into the ring.

Hogan punches Kidman while the Bisch makes his way to the ring, carrying a chair.

Bischoff tells Hogan to hit Kidman again, then he nails Hogan in the face with the chair when he turns around.

Hogan's busted open.

Bischoff tells Kidman to pin Hogan, so he does.

Bischoff counts the pin, Kidman wins.

Your Winner: Billy Kidman via pinfall

Not an official match no doubt, but nice to see Hogan finally get in the ring with Kidman.

OR: 67

-Ric Flair arrives outside.

-Replay of what just happened.

-And Hogan is on a rampage backstage looking for Bischoff and Kidman.

-Backstage, Flair watches what went down in the opening interview.

-And Flair comes down to the ring.

Flair thanks Russo and Bischoff for letting him say whatever he wants to right now.

He says he didn't get old, he got great.

He says wrestling is the only sport that you get kicked for getting old.

He said Bischoff at least had the guts to face Vicious, Russo has no guts.

He calls Russo out.

The old Steiner Brother's theme music plays and Scott comes out.

Scott says Flair is a boring old bastard.

He said last time he did an interview, Flair and his old bastard friends tried to get him fired.

He said if you look at the WWF, all but one of their champions came from WCW.

He said Flair drove them out and the only reason he's a 14-time champion is because his old bastard friends drove everybody out.

"Mean, Whoo, Gene! I'm a limo riding, jet flying, backstabbing son of a bitch."

Steiner continues and I miss what he says. (He had fake teeth in, pretty hard to understand what he said.)

While Flair is looking at Steiner, Shane Douglas comes out of the crowd and attacks Flair.

Steiner continues to taunt Flair saying being a 14 time World Champion don't mean shit.

Yeah, when you have the Rock and Triple H winning the WWF World Title 3 times in roughly 4 months.

OR: 80

-Backstage, Kevin Nash comes in on crutches.

-And Bret Hart is seen in the stands watching the show.

-Recap of Douglas attacking Flair.

-Backstage, Flair is looking for Shane Douglas.

-Gene interviews Shane Douglas.

Gene says he got his release, he shouldn't be there.

Douglas says he'll do what he wants and he hates Flair.

-Match 3: Sting vs. Sid Vicious

Sting and Sid both get their intro music.

Sid brawls to start.

Sid misses an elbow in the corner.

Sting kicks Sid in the corner.

Sting hits a Stinger Splash.

Sting clotheslines Sid outside.

They brawl outside.

Sid takes Sting back in, more brawling.

Sting goes for a splash on the ground, Sid gets his knees up.

This is sooooooo boring.

Sid brawls more, Sid hooks a cobra clutch.

Sting elbows Sid in the gut, Sid slams him down and goes for a pin, only getting 2.

Sting chops his way out, they both clothesline each other.

Wall comes out with a table.

The ref gets bumped, Sting goes for a Stinger Splash, but Sid moves.

Sid Powerbombs Sting, but Wall comes in and attacks Sid with a chair.

Wall takes Sid outside, Wall Chokeslams Sid through the table.

The ref gets up and counts Sid out.

Your Winner: Sting via count out

And that one sucked as well.

OR: 72

-While Tony says he doesn't know what's going to happen next, Flair gets in the ring and challenges Douglas for tonight.

-Backstage, Hogan continues to throw stuff around looking for Bischoff.

-Jeff Jarrett T-Shirt commercial.

-Backstage, Hogan asks Shane Helms and Shannon Moore where Bischoff is, then throws them into garage door.

-Recap of the Ready to Rumble premiere.

-Match 4: Jeff Jarrett vs. Curt Hennig.

Jarrett meets Hennig in the aisle.

What a surprise, more brawling.

They fight over to the announce table.

Too much damn punching, this one gets the patented Dan "Long Story Short" Coverage.

A lot of punching and kicking, no clear person with control.

To continue the over booking tonight, Hennig's old music (Mr. Perfect's I believe) plays and Shawn Stasiak (Meat in the WWF) comes out to distracts Hennig. Jarrett takes advantage and uses the Stroke to put Hennig away.

Your Winner: Jeff Jarrett via pinfall

Anyone plan to wrestle tonight?

OR: 78

-Hogan continues the search for Bischoff.

-And Flair is heading to the ring to brawl with Douglas.

-Road Report

-WCW MasterCard

-Nash is backstage on the phone.

-Match 5: Ric Flair vs. Shane Douglas

Grudge match means glorified brawl.

Nothing but punches and chops.

Toss in some eye rakes and eye pokes and you have a bored me.

Russo brings a bat down and hits Flair with it, results in a DQ.

Douglas takes the bat and beats down Flair.

Your Winner: Ric Flair via disqualification

That about 5 minutes long for those curious.

OR: 79

-Nash is heading to the ring.

-Nash comes out and I flip over to watch the Vanilla Midgets on Raw.

Same old Nash.

He wonders what happened to the old show they were doing, then mentions the Dog.

He says he talked to Hall, Hall's sober and in a bad mood.

Nash rattles on about how him and Hall made WCW.

Who hasn't claimed to have made WCW lately?

ECW World Champion Mike Awesome runs in from behind and attacks Nash, beating him down with a crutch.

Awesome says when he heard Bischoff and Russo where back in charge, he had to be there.

Not too mention a large payoff.

At least he didn't bring the ECW World Title belt on the show.

Schiavone would never shut up about that one.

OR: 56

-Hogan is in his limo talking to someone, saying he wants Bischoff's ass.

Hogan yells at the camera man, then slams the door.

A white Hummer slams into the limo repeatedly.

It stops and Bischoff gets out with Kidman.

OR: 73

-Replay of what just happened.

Hogan is getting loaded into an ambulance.

Kidman goes over to him and spray paints "N B" on him.

New Blood you know.

The paramedics just kinda' work around Kidman and Bischoff.

-Match 6: Diamond Dallas Page (W/Kimberly) vs. Sting

These two can usually put on a watchable match together.

Jarrett comes out to do color commentary.

They lock up and DDP goes for the shoulder thrusts immediately.

DDP goes for a Diamond Cutter, but Sting throws him off to the outside.

DDP goes back inside.

DDP grabs Sting in a headlock.

Sting whips DDP into the ropes.

DDP knocks Sting down with a shoulder block.

Sting regains control and throws DDP into the corner, where he lands a Stinger Splash.

Then a second one.

DDP falls down, Sting goes for the Scorpion Deathlock, but DDP grabs the ropes.

Inside, they talk trash to each other, than swap punches.

DDP goes for a cover, only getting 2.

Jarrett leaves the announcers booth to talk to Kim, telling her he's the chosen one no doubt.

DDP sucker punches Jarrett from behind.

While DDP and Jarrett fight outside, Vampiro comes out and hit Sting with the Nail in the Coffin.

DDP gets in the ring, hits Sting with a Diamond Cutter and gets the win.

Your Winner: DDP via pinfall

DDP vs. Jarrett for the WCW Title at Spring Stampede.

Post match, Kim gets in the ring to celebrate with DDP.

Jarrett tries to hit DDP with his guitar, but he ducks, so he hits Kimberly instead.

OR: 78

-Replay of what just happened.

-Bischoff and Russo tell Jarrett the crowd is calling for him, so he goes out to the ring.

Jarrett reminds us it'll be 6 days until he wins the World Title.

Jarrett tells DDP to bring his wife, there'll be a real man to show her wood.

DDP runs down and we get a fight.

Steiner comes to help Jarrett, Luger comes to help DDP.

Sting, Vampiro, Bagwell, Booker and the Cat all join the fight.

The "New Blood" outnumber the "Millionaires Club", so they take the advantage in the fight.

Russo and Bischoff come out to watch the fight and shake hands.

From behind them, Bret Hart walks out and just looks at them as we fade.

OR: 80

Nitro OR: 69

This was followed on Wednesday April 12, 2000 with Thunder.

-WCW Logo.

-We see some clips from WCW Monday Nitro v4.0.

-Earlier today, Bischoff and Russo pull into the arena in a black Porsche.

-The usual Thunder opening segment.

-We have a re-designed Thunder set, similar to the Nitro one in that a large screen monitor lies on the entryway.

-Oh yeah, we're in Colorado Springs, CO. David Arquette is in attendance tonight. Whee. Your announcers are Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay and Bobby Heenan.

-Eric Bischoff makes his way out along with Russo and some of the "New Blood."

Bischoff proclaims his love for the audience.

Bischoff: "Oh, was it a night last night or what?"

Geez, you're a head booker and you can't even remember Thunder is on WEDNESDAY?

Bischoff uses some smart jargon then turns it over to Kidman.

Kidman says that he's ended Hogan's career and says it's Flea Market Champions 3, Hogan 0.

Kidman does some heel mic work, mainly "Shut up" and mocks the notion of wrestling matches.

Russo says this crowd reminds him of New York but that this town sucks.

Russo runs down Colorado Springs and the late John Denver.

Russo says that he is the bat man and that New York has respect for no one.

Russo calls Ric Flair his New York bitch.

Shane Douglas says he's called Flair's ass out for seven years and that Flair took the bait.

Douglas plans to retire Flair.

Bischoff reiterates all new champions on Sunday.

Bischoff is giving Jeff Jarrett the night off in preparation of his title match at Spring Stampede.

Bischoff wants to give Diamond Dallas Page the night off, but wants Kimberly to wrestle Madusa.

Bischoff reminds us of Kimberly's Playboy shoot.

For once, the production crew isn't muting the "asshole" chants.

"Self High Five" brings out DDP.

DDP says that if Bischoff has a problem with him, he doesn't have a problem with it.

DDP tells Bischoff to leave his wife out of it.

DDP wants to give these people what they'd really like to see -- Bischoff in the ring vs. DDP.

Bischoff tells DDP he hasn't earned that spot and that he wants to see what stripper outfit Kim will wear tonight.

DDP says he's going to the ring to kick Bischoff's teeth down his throat.

Bam Bam Bigelow jumps DDP from behind and sends him into the ring, where a mud hole stomp erupts.

The Millionaire's Club then hits the ring and it's a huge schmozz.

Bischoff and Russo retreat to the outside as crack security tries to break up the melee.

OR: 87

-We go to the three-shot as Three Count's music plays.

The Cruiserweight Title Match will be decided in a Suicide Six match.

The Tag Team Champions will be crowned in a four-team tournament.

Ric Flair faces Buff Bagwell tonight, and The Total Package goes against Shane Douglas.

Sting and Sid Vicious will wrestle qualifying matches for the U. S. Title Tournament.

-Match #1: "Hard Knox" Chris Candido, Juventud Guerrera and The Artist (w/ Paisley) vs. Shannon Moore, Crowbar (w/ Daffney) and Lash LeRoux

Candido gets the first televised entrance.

Juvi comes out next.

Candido and Juvi have words outside the ring.

The Artist gets the final entrance.

Lash and Crowbar beat on Artist to start.

Artist gets whipped into a body drop.

Moore with a missile dropkick.

Candido and LeRoux lock up as a beach ball hits the ring.

After a series of runs off the ropes, Candido nails LeRoux with a Powerbomb.

David Flair macs on Paisley until Daffney drags him away by the balls and slaps him. Cute.

Juvi and Moore are in the ring now.

Juvi with ten punches in the corner.

Juvi whips Moore, but he reverses into a kick into the gut and a Fame-asser.

Tag to Crowbar.

Crowbar drops on the mat a couple times before Juvi fires away with chops.

Juvi flips out of a backdrop.

Crowbar hits a Northern Lights Suplex for two.

Crowbar chops away at the ropes.

Crowbar whips Juvi, who Head Scissors Crowbar out of the ring.

David Flair helps Crowbar up... and Crowbar decks his partner!

Candido nails Crowbar with a Plancha from the top ring post.

Candido and Artist fight outside until Crowbar interrupts with a somersault dive.

LeRoux then follows with a dive of his own.

Juvi and Moore fight in the ring until Moore ends up on the apron.

Juvi goes off the ropes and tries a Crossbody, but nails the guys on the outside when Moore ducks.

Moore hits a Moonsault on everyone!

Back in, Moore nails Crowbar with a reverse DDT.

Shane Helms goes up top but Daffney nails him with a Frankensteiner! Oh, my God!

Juvi and Crowbar duke it out, but Juvi hits the Juvidriver for one when Candido saves.

Candido tosses Juvi out of the ring.

Crowbar hits a jawbreaker on Candido but The Artist breaks it up.

Double DDT by Crowbar.

As Charles Robinson yaks with Artist, Candido hits a diving Headbutt from the top.

Artist hits his jumping DDT on Candido.

Crowbar applies a gourd buster on Candido for the win! Whew!

YOUR WINNERS: Shannon Moore, Crowbar and Lash LeRoux via gourd buster in 6:30.

Spotty, but still an awesome match. See, you can have your sports entertainment AND wrestling at the same time!

Of course, immediately after that, we have to head to an interview.

OR: 68

-Mean Gene interviews Diamond Dallas Page.

-Bischoff and Russo interrupt a Harlem Heat planning session and present an opportunity to beat Sid Vicious.

-Some words about Ready To Rumble.

-1-800-Something-Or-Another.

-Nitrogirls.com Promo.

-Shawn Stasiak hits on a make-up lady. Curt Hennig then hits on him, literally. Security pulls them apart.

Apparently, Stasiak calls himself "The Perfect One."

-Match #2: Sid Vicious vs. Harlem Heat in a no-DQ Handicap Match.

So much for that Sid heel turn.

Sid must win this handicap match to go on to the U. S. Title tournament.

Sid tears apart Big T and Stevie Ray to start.

Cash comes in, misses a clothesline and eats a big boot.

Sid grabs J. Biggs and brings him to the ring.

Sid then gets massacred by Harlem Heat.

Sid eats a double clothesline, then a double front kick.

Meanwhile, Cash just stands there. Wow, he's earning his paycheck.

Big T and Stevie give Sid a double Spinebuster.

Cash hits a splash for two.

Biggs has words for Nick Patrick.

As Big T and Stevie rough up Sid, Booker runs in and cleans house of the Heat.

Booker lands the 110th Street Slam on Big T, followed by a uranage on Stevie.

Sid Powerbombs Stevie for the win.

YOUR WINNER: Sid Vicious via Powerbomb in 2:42.

Post-match, The Wall chairs a meeting with Sid.

Bischoff and Russo talk about Booker's run-in.

Bischoff hits the ring and makes an executive decision.

Due to outside interference, Sid is disqualified and Harlem Heat wins.

So I guess this means...

YOUR WINNERS: Harlem Heat via screw job.

Bischoff says that Sid can go back to West Memphis.

OR: 61

-Jimmy Hart is looking for Eric Bischoff.

-Bischoff yells at Booker in the locker room.

-Match #3: "The Franchise" Shane Douglas vs. The Total Package (w/ Liz)

Shane, please put a shirt on.

From Nitro: Douglas blindsides Ric Flair.

TP makes his way out.

The announcers play up the Flair/Douglas feud.

TP goes to pose and then hammers Douglas in the corner.

TP rakes Douglas' face on the top rope.

TP whips Douglas into the corner and clotheslines him.

DDP faces Bigelow later tonight.

TP with a series of running clotheslines and the forearm to the head for two.

TP whips Douglas to the corner but eats a boot.

Douglas lands a running clothesline.

It's laughable to hear about the New Blood when Douglas is approaching 40.

Douglas goes up top but comes down the hard way.

They go outside and TP whips Douglas into the rail.

Another clothesline.

TP sends Douglas into the ring.

Douglas begs off, to no avail.

TP whips Douglas but gets kicked and clothesline.

Douglas tries a forearm but hits the Billy Silverman.

TP comes from behind but gets mule kicked.

Ric Flair runs in and chops Douglas in the corner.

Flair whips Douglas into the corner and nails the Great Equalizer.

TP puts Douglas in the Torture Rack as Liz wakes Silverman up.

Douglas submits.

YOUR WINNER: The Total Package via Torture Rack in 3:44.

OR: 63

-Bischoff ducks Jimmy Hart's questioning of chairing Hulk Hogan.

-We see a replay of what just transpired.

-According to the announcers, Russo is irate over Flair's interference. When Buff Bagwell faces Ric Flair, TP must not interfere or Team Package is suspended for six months, says Russo.

-We see a limos-eye view of the Hummer attack. Schiavone says Hogan has head trauma, cracked ribs and internal bleeding and will be hospitalized for two weeks.

-Jimmy Hart makes his way to ringside.

And the fans go mild...

Hart calls out Bischoff for some answers.

Hart talks about how he made the negotiations for Hogan's WCW arrival.

Bischoff (sigh) and Kidman make their way out.

Kidman rushes the ring as Bischoff stays put.

Kidman works over Hart and pulls his shirt up.

Kidman sprays "NB" on Hart's back.

-DDP tries to get Kim to back out of her match against Madusa, but Kim has none of it. Kim brings up how DDP has worked hurt and tells him to be supportive.

-Thunder Ringside Release: Some Star Wars Episode I Game.

We were doing fine up to this point, but these non-wrestling related skits kill the flow.

-Match #4: Booker vs. The Wall (w/ table) vs. The Cat vs. Scott Steiner vs. Kidman (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs. Vampiro in a Colorado Collision Match

This is a Colorado Collision match, aka a Royal Rumble with one-minute intervals.

Booker and Wall (w/table) enter first.

Booker wails away on Wall to start.

Wall fires back with punches and stomps.

Wall whips Booker into the corner but runs into a boot.

Harlem Sidekick follows.

Booker ducks a clothesline and hits a uranage.

Booker with the axe kick and break-dance.

With 5 seconds to go, Booker clotheslines Wall out of the ring and out of the match.

Cat comes in and side kicks Booker out of the ring. Two down.

Wall Chokeslams Booker on the table.

Cat does his spiel on the mic to cover for the "dead air."

Cat then dances to his music as Scott Steiner walks out.

Cat continues to dance but gets clotheslined from behind.

Steiner takes off the RUBY RED SLIPPERS OF DOOM and chops him in the corner.

Steiner whips Cat to the ropes but Cat comes back with a side kick.

The next entrance occurs at ~3:40. So much for one-minute intervals.

Kidman walks slowly to the ring as Steiner wails on Cat.

As Steiner poses on the top turnbuckle, Kidman runs in and pins Cat. Three down.

Steiner press slams Kidman.

Steiner finishes off Kidman with a belly-to-belly Suplex.

Vampiro makes his way out at ~4:50.

As Vamp enters the ring, Sting sneaks up from behind and hits the Scorpion Deathdrop.

Steiner then puts Vamp in the Steiner Recliner for the win.

YOUR WINNER: Scott Steiner via Steiner Recliner in 5:32.

Weak match. The wrestling ended once The Cat came in. Plus, aren't all these guys supposed to be aligned with each other?

OR: 72

-Gene Okerlund interviews Team Package.

OR: 78

-Match #5: Madusa vs. Kimberly

Oh, this is going to be painful.

But, Kim looks quite attractive here.

Charles Robinson is the "third man in the ring."

Madusa tells Kim to hit the bricks and gets shoved.

Madusa shoves Kim into the corner.

DDP watches from backstage.

Here comes the hair-pulling and face-mashing.

DDP runs in and pulls Madusa off.

Madusa with some kicks on DDP.

DDP applies a front chancery and hits a Diamond Cutter! Yes!

YOUR WINNER: Madusa via DQ in 1:25.

Kim walks away disgusted, and DDP follows behind.

Suck match, but seeing Madusa on the receiving end of a Diamond Cutter was worth something.

-WCW Motor Sports segment. See my comments about the Thunder Ringside Release, as it pertains to this.

-WCW MasterCard Promo.

-Match #6: Brian Knobbs and Fit Finlay vs. Meng and Hugh Morrus vs. Terry Funk and Norman Smiley in a Hardcore Match

The winning team of this hardcore match will face off at Spring Stampede for the hardcore belt.

Funk and Smiley get entrances, everyone else doesn't.

Finlay and Morrus brawl as Funk and Smiley enter the ring.

Meng and Knobbs take it to the stands.

Smiley covers Finlay (with Funk helping out) for two.

Morrus beats on Smiley outside. Smiley screams, of course.

Meng and Knobbs battle up the stairs.

Morrus sets up a table near the TurnerTron.

Funk and Finlay go at it in the ring.

Morrus sets up Smiley on the table.

Morrus goes on the top of the entryway, charges at Smiley but misses the Elbow Drop, breaking the table.

Knobbs and Meng are now in the concessions area.

Knobbs takes a swig of Budweiser then throws the cup at Meng.

Meng throws Knobbs into a table and kicks away.

Meng points at a Goldberg cut-out and spears it! Ha!

Knobbs tries a fire extinguisher but sprays the cut-out.

Meng and Knobbs head outside.

Knobbs charges at Meng but misses and falls off the balcony. Sigh. This was done "better" at Halloween Havoc '95.

Meanwhile, Smiley sends Morrus into some plunder but gets slammed into a trashcan.

Morrus and Smiley battle next to a big Tiger prop.

Smiley accidentally gores himself in the nuts on one of the "teeth."

Back in the ring, Finlay drops Funk on the concrete and pulls out a table.

Said table gets set up in the corner and Finlay gets whipped into it.

Funk Piledrives Finlay on the broken table.

As Funk sandwiches the table on Finlay, Dustin Rhodes runs in and hits the Shattered Dreams.

Rhodes chairs Funk and rams his head into the chair.

Smiley hits the ring, looks around and covers Funk for the win!

YOUR WINNERS: Terry Funk and Norman Smiley via pinfall in 7:19.

Since Smiley got the pin, he and Funk go on to Spring Stampede.

Post-match, Smiley runs to the back. This was much better than I expected.

OR: 58

-Bischoff and Russo tell three Villanos to beat Sting to a bloody pulp.

-DDP promos Ready To Rumble.

-We see a clip of a Villano hitting Sting with a guitar. He unmasked himself as Jeff Jarrett. In reality, this segment aired later in tonight's broadcast, which is just sloppy production if you ask me.

-Gene Okerlund interviews Jeff Jarrett.

-We take a look at David Arquette's ugly face. If he had one eye and sixty pounds, he could be a dead ringer for Robert Gibson.

-Match #7: Buff Bagwell vs. Ric Flair

Tenay talks about Arquette hitting Jarrett with a guitar at the Ready to Rumble movie premiere.

Tenay also says that Arquette got the biggest pop at the premiere. You don't want to admit that, Tenay.

Flair is in street clothes, by the way.

Buff poses for the fans.

Flair then does the Fargo Strut.

Lock-up, Flair blocks a punch in the corner and lands a chop.

Flair gets whipped to the corner and Back Body Dropped.

Buff with a pair of running clotheslines.

Buff hammers away on Flair.

We see a blurred out sign in the audience.

Punches in the corner by Buff.

Buff rams Flair into the turnbuckle.

Flair mounts a brief offensive before Buff takes over.

Buff stalls some more.

Flair hits the Great Equalizer.

Flair drops an elbow.

Flair with some punches in the corner.

Flair brings Buff outside and rams him into the rail.

Someone in a Sting mask hits Flair with the bat.

As the masked man is revealed to be Vince Russo, the bell rings for the DQ.

YOUR WINNER: Ric Flair via DQ in 3:10.

Douglas runs in and chokes out Flair as Russo swings away.

TP runs in and wails away on Douglas.

Buff nails TP from behind with the bat.

Russo chokes Flair with the bat and gives him crotch chops.

Douglas punishes Flair some more.

The beat down was acceptable, but didn't Russo say he'd stay off camera when he first came to WCW?

OR: 80

Jeff Jarrett T-Shirt Promo.

-Match #8: Sting vs. Los Tres Villanos

Schiavone offers condolences to Scott Hudson due to a death in his family.

If you've been watching since the hardcore match, you know what's going to happen.

A couple things about the Villanos:

Villano III was unmasked by Atlantis in Mexico.

One of the Villanos has a much lighter skin tone than the other two, which would tell you something even if WCW didn't show this match out of order.

The Villanos beat up Sting.

Sting powers up and gets a brief comeback.

Sting clotheslines two Villanos.

Sting hits the Scorpion Deathlock on two of the Villanos and pins him, leaving one left.

Villano hits Sting from behind, who collides with the ref.

Sting hits an atomic drop and a pair of clotheslines.

Villano nails Sting down low and reaches under the ring for a guitar.

Sting gets the El-Kabong and the Villano reveals himself as Jeff Jarrett, to the surprise of no one watching at home.

DDP rushes the ring and nails Jarrett with the Diamond Cutter.

Sting covers and gets three.

YOUR WINNER: Sting via pinfall in 3:16.

During this match, we saw the Sting imposter that interfered in the Flair match, which is another indication that this segment was taped earlier in the night. Just bad.

OR: 82

-We see Flair get beat down from earlier.

OR: 88

-Match #9: Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Diamond Dallas Page (w/ Kimberly)

Bigelow comes out first.

Kimberly enters and DDP follows.

DDP unloads on Bigelow in the corner to start.

Bigelow blocks a kick, spins DDP around and eats a discus lariat.

DDP goes up top and nails a flying clothesline for two.

DDP whips Bigelow, who reverses into a Samoan Drop for two.

Bigelow drops a pair of Headbutts on DDP's back.

Bigelow with a Chinlock.

Bigelow splashes on DDP's back.

Bigelow goes up top and nails the diving Headbutt on the back for two.

Bigelow sets up for a Powerbomb, but DDP lands on him for two.

DDP with a swinging Neck Breaker for two.

DDP tries a Diamond Cutter but gets shoved into the referee.

Bigelow with a belly-to-belly Suplex.

Bigelow goes up top but misses the Headbutt this time.

Bigelow blocks the Cutter, pushes him to the ropes and tries the Greetings.

DDP blocks the Greetings and hits the Cutter.

Eric Bischoff runs in, counts two, and stops.

DDP gets up and shoves Bischoff into the corner.

Jeff Jarrett runs in and nails DDP with a guitar.

David Arquette jumps in the ring and attacks Bischoff.

Jarrett throws Arquette out of the ring. Serves the pissant right.

Jarrett slams Arquette on the rail and brings him inside.

Jarrett applies The Stroke.

Kanyon comes in and beats down Jarrett.

Kanyon with a Neck Breaker.

Bischoff returns to the ring with a chair and hammers Kanyon with it.

Some of the New Blood hit the ring for some spray painting and Arquette beating.

Wall Chokeslams Kanyon as we fade at 6:16...

It's been said before, and I'll say it again. Every time a celebrity jumps the rail, it only entices some of the idiot fans out there to do the same. After all, if David Arquette can get away with it, why can't they, right?

No rating due to the mismashed ending.

OR: 74

Thunder OR: 72

And this was all the set up for the first PPV of the Russo and Bischoff era. Spring Stampede was held in Chicago on Sunday April 16, 2000.

IPB Image

WCW Spring Stampede 2000

-The announcers tells us that Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff have told the officials not follow the rule book so closely and let certain infractions slide tonight.

-Team Package Vs The Mamalukes and The Harris Boys (WCW Tag Team Tournament Match)

Ric Flair is wearing street clothes to wrestle in. He claims that's because he sees every match tonight as a street fight. In English that means someone lost Flair's luggage. Vince Russo comes out as The Mamalukes and Team Package stand in the ring. He says that it is unfair for the veteran team of Flair and The Total Package to go against the "inexperienced" Mamalukes. He "evens the odds" by re-booking the match as four against two. The Harris Boys join The Mamalukes. Flair is beaten from pillar to post. The Disco Inferno is abducted by two strange men who are said to be "Sicilian looking". What the heck does that mean? The Total Package is hot-tagged in. The fans stand as he lifts Johnny The Bull into the Torture Rack. When's the last time anyone stood for the Torture Rack? The Bull taps out.

Winners: Team Package

OR: 69

-In the Spring Stampede promo area, Mike Awesome's interview is cut short by Bam Bam Bigelow. Triple B calls Awesome a "jabroni". Awesome punks out Triple B.

-Mancow Vs Jimmy Hart

We could've done without this. Jimmy Hart brings his new find Hail, a large muscle man, with him. Chatter box is accompanied by his entourage consisting of Howard Stern rejects. Jimmy Hart is wearing a Stern shirt and calls Mancow a Howard Stern wannabe. Jimmy Hart (of all people) comes off the top rope. Mancow pulls the ref between them. The official is KO'ed. Hail heaves Mancow over the top rope. Mancow's entourage breaks his fall. Mancow chair shots Hart to win the "match". Billy Kidman lays a smackdown on Hart.

Winner: Mancow

-Russo confronts The Mamalukes and The Harris Boys backstage. He calls them "losers" for not "getting the job done". He tells them to get out of his sight.

-The Wall Vs Scott Steiner (WCW United States Title Tournament Match)

Someone please give The Wall a new name. Skippy. Chip. Master Blaster. Anything will do. Steiner comes out to the '80s Steiner Brothers entrance music....Steiner Line! Steiner Line! Outside the ring, Steiner pokes The Wall in the eyes and shoves the ref into his arms. The Wall chokeslams the official through the table. He is DQ'ed for it.

Winner: Scott Steiner

-Mean Gene jaws to Ernest Miller. Miller says WCW is a redneck organization. Triple B clobbers Miller.

-Mike Awesome Vs Ernest Miller (WCW United States Title Tournament Match)

Triple B takes Miller's place. The crowd chants ECW! ECW! At 2:50, The Cat enters the ring kicking Triple B in the chops sending him out over the top rope. Miller puts on his dancing shoes. Awesome ends Miller's dance routine with a stiff clothesline. Awesome lands an impressive Frog Splash from the top rope to pin Miller.

Winner: Mike Awesome

OR: 56

-In their office, Bischoff expresses his concern over Hogan to Russo. Russo tells Bischoff to relax. He's got everything under control. Kidman and Torrie can't keep their hands off of each other. Someone get them a hotel room.

-Harlem Heat 2000 Vs Team Franchise (WCW World Tag Team Championship Tournament)

Douglas and Bagwell win after Harlem Heat screws things up. Stevie Ray and Big T argue afterwards.

Winners: Team Franchise

-Booker Vs Sting (WCW United States Championship Tournament)

Best match of the night with Sting and Booker putting on a great show. Sting beats Booker and heads out. Booker invites Sting back to the ring. Booker offers his hand to Sting. Sting leaves without shaking it.

Winner: Sting

-Vampiro Vs Kidman (WCW United States Championship Tournament)

Despite seeing them do battle before, Kidman and Vampiro look fresh here. At five minutes in, a black Charger pulls into the backstage area. A bandaged up and REALLY ticked off Hulk Hogan gets out and heads to the ring. Hogan lays into Kidman throwing him into the steel ring post. Hogan pulls the ring stairs near the announce table, picks up Kidman, climbs the stairs and slams Kidman onto the announce table...which doesn't break. Hogan slams Kidman again and this time the table snaps in two. Hogan rolls Kidman back into the ring. Vampiro gets the easy three count.

Winner: Vampiro

OR: 57

-Hogan storms through the backstage area looking for Bischoff. Tables are overturned. People scatter. I don't like Hogan but even I gotta admit this "out of control" Hogan is kinda cool...in a sick way. He kicks open the door to Bischoff's office. Bischoff cowers in a corner. Hogan begins to choke him out. Russo arrives with police officers in tow. They draw their guns on the Hulkster. Hogan backs down as Bischoff yells at them to shoot him. The cops lead Hogan away.

-Terry Funk is seen searching for Norman Smiley. Terry Taylor bumps into Terry Funk outside Bischoff's office. The Funker is told Smiley is hiding out in the food services area.

-Terry Funk Vs Norman Smiley (WCW Hardcore Title Match)

Funk walks into the food services area. There are people sitting at tables there. Funk asks where Norman is hiding. In a classic comedy bit, everyone points to the ladies bathroom. Funny stuff that. Funk drags Smiley kicking and screaming out of the bathroom shoving him onto a conveyer belt that leads into the kitchen. Funk and Smiley brawl through the kitchen into a hallway. Funk brains Smiley twice with a lap top computer. Smiley climbs a ladder and hangs from an overhead pipe for dear life. Funk sets-up a table underneath Smiley. He chair shots Smiley who falls off the pipe and through the table. Smiley chair shots Funk all the way back to the ring. Funk takes out a ladder from underneath the ring. Dustin Rhodes attacks Funk. Funk fights off Rhodes throwing the ladder over the top rope onto Smiley outside the ring. Funk gets the 1-2-3.

Winner: Terry Funk

OR: 63

-Russo chews out Booker backstage for losing to Sting. He demands Booker come with him to finish some business.

-Mike Awesome Vs Scott Steiner (WCW United States Title Tournament)

As Awesome climbs to the top rope, Kevin Nash labels him with a crutch across the back. Steiner puts on the Steiner Recliner. Awesome eventually taps out.

Winner: Scott Steiner

-In a locker room, Russo says to Dustin Rhodes that the only time he was interesting was when he was Goldust and that he wrote all the words that came out of Rhodes' mouth. Russo fires Rhodes on the spot. Rhodes flips out. Booker tries to calm Rhodes down. Is this the beginning of a new faction in WCW? I think so.

-Vampiro Vs Sting (WCW United States Title Tournament)

Sting and Vampiro's work rate is off the chart tonight. Sting Death-Drops Vampiro. He could go for the cover but decides to inflict more punishment with The Scorpion Death-Lock. Vampiro submits.

Winner: Sting

-Chris Candido(w/Tammy Lynn Sytch) Vs Crowbar(w/Daffney) Vs Lash Laroux Vs The Artist(w/Paisley) Vs Juvie Vs Shannon Moore(w/Shane Helms) (Suicide Crusierweight Title Match)

Three Count...well it's just Helms and Moore so I guess that makes them Two Count...dance and sing. Crowbar and Lash end the inhuman torture. Daffney flubs her Hurracana attempt sending Crowbar for a loop. Tammy Stych pushes The Artist off the top rope. He lands on a steel chair and Candido covers to win the strap. Tammy and Paisley pull each other's hair as they roll around on the mat.

Winner: Chris Candido

OR: 70

-Team Franchise vs Team Package (WCW World Tag Team Title Tournament - Finals)

Vince Russo comes to the ring with Douglas and Bagwell. He takes his position as a guest commentator at the announcer's desk. Russo has his trusty baseball bat. Buff executes his Blockbuster on Douglas by mistake. Russo pulls Nick Patrick out of the ring stopping the count. Patrick and Russo push and shove. Brian Adams and Brian Clark hit the ring and double chokeslam The Total Package then split! Russo dons Patrick's referee shirt and slaps the pinfall. Douglas and Bagwell win.

Winners: Team Franchise

OR: 68

-Bagwell and Russo celebrate Buff's WCW World Tag Team Title win with Shane Douglas.

-Scott Steiner Vs Sting (WCW United States Title Tournament - Finals)

Sting goes for the Stinger Splash. Steiner pulls the ref between them. He's out cold. Steiner backs Sting into a corner. Vampiro bursts through the mat from under the ring and drags Sting into the hole! Minutes later, Vampiro shoves Sting back out. Blood is dripping from out of Sting's mouth. A Steiner Recliner and Scott is your new WCW United States Champion.

Winners: Scott Steiner

OR: 79

-Jeff Jarrett Vs Diamond Dallas Page (WCW World Heavyweight Title Match)

This match involves interference from Bischoff and a heel turn from Kimberly that allows Jarrett to win the match and become the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett

OR: 83

OR: 68

The stage had been set. The formula was in place. It was to be The New Blood vs. The Millionaire's Club in an epic battle for control of WCW and her future. Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo were in charge, and things were about to get really ugly.

This is WCW 2000: Rise Of The New Blood

Edited by The New Blood TGC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

WCW News And Views

Monday, April 17, 2000

By Wildro

So the first week of the all new, all different, and supposedly improved WCW has come and gone. Bischoff and Russo combined their talents to present their first Nitro, Thunder, and PPV, and the reactions have been all over the place. I suppose the best way to describe them have been mixed. My personal opinions are also mixed. On the one hand I think WCW has taken a bold new step forward, while on the other I truly believe that they’ve also taken about three steps back. Before I get into more detail and break it down a bit, allow me to say that the week’s product was probably better than it had been in the final year of Bischoff by himself, the almost three months that Russo was by himself, and the last three months that the old school regime booked.

There, we got a positive out of the way because here come a whole boatload of negatives.

I don’t like The New Blood angle and story as it currently stands. I don’t like that what has so far been set forward is that roughly twenty to thirty younger wrestlers are going to all band together to take out the older six or seven “millionaires” that have been holding talent down. What this says is that it takes thirty younger wrestlers to take out six or seven guys. What this says is that Shane Douglas, Billy Kidman, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Buff Bagwell, and all the rest can’t beat these guys one on one, they need to go three, four, five, or hell even fifteen to one. What this ultimately says is that these guys STILL aren’t in the same league as Hogan, Nash, Flair, Luger, Sting, Sid, and DDP. Sadly, while this may be true in over half the “younger” wrestlers that have been added into The New Blood, it shouldn’t be true of those that Russo and Bischoff want to elevate with this story.

Case in point, DDP can ONLY be beaten by Jarrett with the help of Kimberly, Russo, Bischoff, Bam Bam, and add all the other names that attacked DDP that I’ve forgotten to mention. Kidman could only take down Hogan with the help of Bischoff and a Hummer, and then it’s only temporary because even smashing a Hummer into the side of Hogan’s limo will only stop him for one night. Perhaps the most egregious case of this is that The Franchise and Buff can’t beat Flair and Luger in any way shape or form without the help of everyone that interfered in their matches. Yes, Flair interfered on Luger’s behalf, but Luger had already been double teamed. Flair was there to even the odds. All this story is saying is that these guys who’ve been held down and kept from the top spots don’t really deserve the top spots because they can’t do it on their own anyways. Flair had The Horsemen, Hogan, Nash, and Hall had The nWo, HHH had DX, and The Rock had The Corporation, but they also all could do it one on one or two on two and so forth. After a week of TV we’ve seen that these guys CAN’T do it one on one or two on two, they need to have the advantage so much to beat OLD MEN.

The next point is that half the guys in The New Blood are anything but. The Franchise, Buff, The Harris Boys, Kronik, Bam Bam, Knobbs, Finlay, Stevie Ray, and Booker have all been around, in one major promotion or another, for more than eight years each. None of these guys are New Blood in any way shape or form. Yes, they were held down in some areas, but even that is a misnomer, as not all were. The Franchise had a VERY successful stint in WCW and then in ECW, where he held the ECW World Title on more than one occasion. Bam Bam likewise had a great deal of success in WWF, WCW, and ECW. People still remember and talk about the best of seven series Booker had with Chris Benoit to this day, and it was years ago. They never held the top spot in WCW or the WWF, although let’s be fair and say that Jarrett was the top heel in WCW from the moment Bret Hart went down and The Franchise was the top heel in ECW for years, but they did hold some pretty damn decent spots. Between the lot of those listed above, they have over thirty title reigns combined. And by over I mean WELL over. I could go on and on about the fallacy of the name of the group or the logistics not being correct about the basis behind the feud, but I’ll move on to a few other things.

Jeff Jarrett finally wins the big one in WCW after trying his ass off for the past three months, but it’s pretty much just handed to him on a silver platter. Team Franchise defeat Team Package to become the new Tag Team Champions, but they owe that to Kronik to be honest. Finally, Steiner owes his US Title to Nash and Vampiro. Hell, even Terry Funk had help, albeit not that he wanted or asked for it, but he had it to defeat Screamin’ Norman Smiley. The ONLY guy who won a title on his own was Candido winning The Cruiserweight Title, and he’s going to make such a piss poor Cruiserweight Champion it won’t even be funny. Maybe Bischoff needs to remind Russo that the best Cruiser Champs are the one’s that EXCITE the crowd in the ring. I like Candido, but he’s a bit of a boring wrestler. In any event, sidebar over, none of The New Blood accomplished a damn thing at Slamboree to be proud of. We KNOW there will be some big celebration tonight and I’m sure Bischoff or Russo will declare The Millionaire’s club half defeated, but they didn’t lose anything. The Millionaire’s were booked to look INCREDIBLY strong, needing to be overcome by the numbers so badly to lose matches, while The New Blood was booked to look so terribly weak.

What WCW needs to do from this point on is thin out The New Blood to be JUST THOSE that deserve a serious push, and then book them in such a way so as to look strong in their quest. Also, they need to realize that they had the PERFECT opportunity to book these “kids” to be such amazing underdogs and faces, but they blew that by turning damn near everyone that’s not in the six or seven members of The Millionaire’s Club a heel. I don’t want to root for the rich, old, tired, bastards that used backroom shenanigans to keep the stars of tomorrow from succeeding, but that is what WCW wants me to do. I want to be able to root for a Kidman, a Booker, a Vampiro, and a Steiner who are simply not going to take this shit anymore and are going to force the BAD GUYS to step down. Because, in reality, that’s what the story is supposed to be about.

Below is the official preview for tonight’s Nitro.

I’ll see you all again next week with more WCW News And Views.

WCW Monday Nitro Preview

wcw.com has learned that tonight, on Nitro, The New Blood have a huge celebration planned after they took home all but one of the WCW Titles last night. Plus, new WCW World Champion Jeff Jarrett is expected to announce who the Number One Contender for his title is.

Speaking of that one title that got away, we have learned that one night after winning the WCW Hardcore Title, The Funker will defend the belt against three members of The New Blood. Who are they? Neither Eric Bischoff nor Vince Russo is talking.

Last night on PPV Team Package were screwed out of the WCW Tag Team Titles by the tandem of Bryan Clarke and Brian Adams. Tonight they get a chance to get some revenge, as the two teams will meet in a Tag Team spectacular.

Kevin Nash has promised a surprise tonight for Mike Awesome, who may have something to say himself after he was cost the WCW US Title by Big Sexy.

All this and SO MUCH MORE, only on TNT.

credit wcw.com and theinside411onwrestling.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm enjoying this diary now and it's getting into the swing if thing's and man does it bring back a lot of memory's i actually watched Spring Stampede on video last night after reading your show so i could get into the frame of mind for it.

Everything seem's to be fitting into place for "The New Blood" so it will be good to see what happen's the Nash/Awesome feud as well as Sting/Vampiro has me hooked keep up the good work man and stay with it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay, like I said before, I was going to reply to this earlier but there wasn't a lot to say. However, now that this has gotten a little more meat to the story, I can finally reply with a few more comments than simply "Please Continue this" but hey, while I'm at it, please continue this.

Now, seeing as I quit watching WCW around mid 99 and only caught a few shows during this era, most notably being the PPV, New Blood Rising, I wasn't really in the "knowing" of how messed up WCW was at this time. Everything really seemed to be just out of place, and going wrong, which is a "DUH" to me seeing as they did go out of business a little over a year later.

Now, despite not watching during this time, I have done some research and reading in preperation for several things in the past, so I do know what this era was all about. It's funny though, because I never even really thought of the completely weak booking with the 5 on 1 type things. I just took it mainly as good heel tactics, but you're right, it did seem like they were being booked as if they didn't even belong there. However, with that being said, in a way, that was the point. The New Blood were fighting, biting, scratching and clawing there way to the top, no matter how they had to do it. There was no way Kidman was going to beat Hogan without getting a bit of help, and I'm not sure anyone would have bought a clean win.

You're right on the fact that not many guys were New Blood. But we also can't forget that wrestling booking goes by "You're not supposed to remember that" rules. It's stupid, but we all know that WCW, and even WWF/E seemed to believe that their fans watched them, and only them, so they wouldn't know that some of these guys were moderately successful. Not to mention, they also believed that our memories were short, which is why we weren't supposed to remember that Booker T was a massive tag team champion. (Where he should have stayed, imo)

On a last note, it's something that I've agreed with in the past, and even so, still am not sure how it would be done. How could you book the young guys as faces against guys like Page, Hogan, Sting and Nash? It would be near impossibly really. Not that those four couldn't play heels, well, maybe not Sting, but the other three could, but I'm not sure anyone would buy it. It would be a fun little angle, but like I said, not sure how it would work.

Definitely intrigued. Definitely reading. Definitely waiting for the next show.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NBNitro.jpg

WCW Nitro

April 17, 2000

Rockford, Illinois

Announcers: Tony Schiavone and Scott Hudson

WCW Hardcore Title Match: Terry Funk© vs. Brian Knobbs vs. Fit Finlay vs. Jerry Flynn

There is no Nitro opening, just Finlay, Knobbs, and Flynn in the ring as The Funkster's music starts up. The fans cheer a little bit for him as he walks from the back. He looks at the crowd, then looks at the ring, then drops the Hardcore Title on the ground and motions for them to come.

Schiavone: Welcome to WCW Nitro. We are LIVE from Rockford, IL and we start tonight's MOMENTOUS show with a Hardcore Title Match as the Hardcore Legend Terry Funk is being forced to defend his title against three VICIOUS men here tonight, twenty-four hours AFTER he had a killer match with "Screamin" Norman Smiley. A match, I might add, that resulted in Dustin Rhodes losing his job here in WCW when Vince Russo fired him.

Hudson: Fired him for no reason too, Tony. And, it’s not just ANY Hardcore Match Tony, but an Elimination Match. He has to pin ALL THREE men just to win this match, while only one of them has to pin him to become the new WCW Hardcore Champion.

Funk is now brawling with Knobbs in the aisle, while Finlay grabs the title and Flynn stands by watching. Finlay swings the belt as Funk leaps from the ramp to the floor and Knobbs is nailed square in the jaw. Flynn attempts a leaping kick of some sort to Funk, but Funk uses Flynn's own momentum to send him over the guard rail and into the fans, who make some noise. Funk then reaches up on the ramp and grabs Finlay's feet, sending him hard onto his back on the ramp, sending the title flying. Funk rushes to the ring, and pulls a table from underneath as Knobbs makes his way towards him. Funk rams the table into Knobbs stomach, then sets it up in front of the ring and slides under the bottom rope. Flynn slides in after him, but Funk is ready with boots to the back of Flynn's head, as we FINALLY see a Ref head down to ringside. Funk picks Flynn up into a Vertical Suplex, then releases him OVER the top rope and sends him crashing through the table on the floor. A small "Holy Shit" chant erupts, but it is low.

Hudson: Oh my god, Tony. Somehow The Funkster is doing it here tonight. Somehow he is taking the battle to these three and coming out ON TOP.

Funk makes the cover on Flynn, who is laying in a heap on the broken table and gets the 1-2-3 to eliminate him. As he is doing this however Knobbs and Finlay both start laying boots to his back. Knobbs tells Finlay to get something, and Finlay heads to the back. Knobbs smiles his toothless smile, then takes a fire extinguisher from under the ring and lays it hard across Funk's head as he was standing up. Funk staggers, but doesn't fall, swinging wildly as he does so. Knobbs points the extinguisher at Funk and sprays, enveloping Funk in a white cloud. Knobbs charges into the cloud, which dissipates to find Funk landing lefts and right all over Knobbs face. Finlay comes back down the ramp with a Singapore Cane, a chair, and a barbed wire 2x4. Funk rolls back into the ring, as Finlay lays down the chair and the Cane, then slides in with the 2x4. Funk comes running with a well placed boot to Finlay's temple as he was crawling into the ring, then he grabs the 2x4 and whacks Finlay across the back with it hard as the fans begin a mild "ECW" chant. Knobbs gets on the apron with the Cane, but Funk swings with the wrapped 2x4 and nails Knobbs across the face, sending him to the floor next to the still out Flynn. Funk goes to the floor to get the chair, and comes back in and whacks a rising Finlay with it across the head. Finlay falls, and Funk lays the chair on his face. Funk climbs to the second rope, holds the 2x4 high, and comes jumping off smacking it across the chair. He then makes the cover and gets the 1-2-3 to eliminate Finlay as well.

Tony: What an IMPRESSIVE opening by The Hardcore Legend Terry Funk thus far. Two of his opponents are out of this match as he heads to the floor to deal with Brian Knobbs.

Knobbs tries to brawl with Funk as blood seeps down his face, but he is too hurt to do anything of any real effect. Funk nails a boot to Knobbs stomach, then hits a Piledriver on the chair on the floor. He rolls Knobbs up and gets the third 1-2-3 as the fans cheer a bit.

Hudson: Unbelievable. Terry Funk has defied the odds here tonight and has...

Terry Funk defeats Jerry Flynn, Fit Finlay, and Brian Knobbs via pinfall

WORKRATE: 58

CROWD: 54

OR: 56

The New Blood Have ALL The Stroke

Hudson is interrupted as Bam Bam comes rushing down and levels Funk from behind with a huge Forearm to the back of the head. Funk goes down, but Bam Bam rolls him into the ring as Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo lead Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Kimberly, The Franchise and Buff, Creative Control, Tammy and Candido, Torrie and Kidman, Brian Adams and Bryan Clarke, Mike Awesome, The Perfect One Shawn Stasiak, and The Wall down to the ring. Once inside they all take turns pummeling and beating on Funk, until Russo himself throws Funk to the floor amid boos and chants for DDP, Flair, and Hogan. Referee Nick Patrick helps Funk leave ringside.

Russo: That's right Patrick, get that old, tired, worthless, pile of crap out of OUR arena. He's not a New Blood. I'd tell you to take him to The Millionaires, but he's not one of them either. He's just a sad old man who doesn't know when it's time to quit. So get his ass out of here. Dump him in the frigging street for all I care.

The fans boo some more as Patrick heads up the ramp with the bloodied Funk.

Russo: On second thought, wait a minute. The New Blood has some things to say to his old ass.

Patrick stops and turns around, as Bischoff walks forward to a chorus of boos and some more Hogan chants.

Bischoff: He's in jail. As for Funk, oh do The New Blood have a plan for you.

Russo: I hope your old ass can hear me and comprehend this Funk, despite you being half dead again. Next month at Slamboree we are going to guarantee that what happened last night doesn't happen again. The New Blood took EVERY damn WCW Title at Spring Stampede, except for the Hardcore Title. That was supposed to be dealt with TONIGHT, but obviously Finlay, Knobbs, and Flynn dropped the ball. No matter, they'll be dealt with just like all the other losers from last night.

Bischoff: But at Slamboree we are going to make sure you don't keep the belt. You, Mr. Hardcore Legend, are going to compete in the first ever New Blood Hardcore Challenge, with your title on the line. You and nine others will compete in a match where the LAST MAN will be the Hardcore Champion. Think about it Funk, you and nine members of The New Blood. Who do you think they will be gunning for FIRST?

Russo: But that's Slamboree, and we still have plans to get that damn belt off of you between now and then. Dustin screwed up, Finlay screwed up, Smiley screwed up, Knobbs screwed up, and of course Jerry Flynn screwed up, but not everyone are sacks of crap like those guys are.

Bischoff: You're not wanted in WCW Funk, and before we send you off to the retirement home, for GOOD this time, we're going to bring the LAST belt to The New Blood. Now, get his ass out of here.

Patrick drags the semi coherent Funk off as the fans boo.

Russo: Now, as we said, The New Blood took almost all the belts last night, with NO THANKS to a few certain people.

The NitroVision comes to life with a shot of the backstage where Booker, Big Vito, Johnny The Bull, Disco, The Cat, and Norman Smiley are all standing.

Russo: You all screwed up last night, along with Ron and Don behind me. However Creative Control has gone back to doing the job of acting as personal security for myself, so they are okay with The New Blood. You six, however, are not. We're going to deal with each of you in the next week, starting with you Booker.

Bischoff: Last night you not only didn't get the job done against Sting, but you wanted to shake his hand afterwards? What in the hell? You saw what Vince did to Dustin Rhodes for messing up, imagine what we COULD do to you for not backing The New Blood the way you should have.

The fans begin a small Booker chant, as he smiles.

Booker: Well you know what Eric...

Russo: No, NO, no! You shut the hell up Booker and you listen to me. I like you. I don't know why, but I happen to like you. You are the embodiment of what the New Blood is all about. You should be out here with us tonight, celebrating our victories, not stuck in the back with the losers and the ones we could give two sh(BLEEP)bout. So I'm going to give you a chance to make amends tonight Book. Another man decided in the last week to support The Millionaires, and that man is Chris Kanyon. All you gotta do tonight is get in the ring and kick Kanyon's Millionaire loving ass. Can you do that?

Booker glares, then sighs.

Booker: Yeah, I can dig that.

The fans begin to boo as Booker looks at the floor.

Bischoff: As for the rest of you, as we said, you'll be dealt with in good time. Until then, GET THE HELL OUT OF OUR ARENA!

The remaining members walk off the screen, which goes to a Nitro logo.

Russo: Oh yeah, one more person screwed up last night...

With that Awesome, who had been standing next to Bam Bam, delivers Clothesline to the The Beast From The East that sends him to the mat. With that the remainder of the pack start kicking him as Awesome climbs to the top turnbuckle. The crowd parts and Awesome Splashes the big man. Kronik then scoops Bigelow up and deliver a Kronik Bomb over the top rope to the floor, as the fans can't decide if they want to cheer or boo this move.

Russo: I don't know why nor do I care why you decided you needed to involve yourself in matters that didn't involve you last night, but that's what happens when you do. You didn't fail us, Bam Bam, you just pissed us off. Get him the hell out of here. Bam Bam is bye bye,

Security rush down and drag Bigelow's lifeless form from ringside as NitroVision comes back to life and shows a shot of a big tour bus in the parking lot, surrounded by dozens of security personnel.

Russo: Now, everyone say hello to The Millionaires Club.

The fans cheer.

Bischoff: Inside that bus are Sid, The Total Package, The Nature Boy, DDP, and the aforementioned Chris Kanyon. Hogan isn't there because, as I said, he's sitting in a jail cell because of last night. As for Sting, well, nobody has seen him since Vampiro took him out and he lost the US Title to Big Bad Scott Steiner, but the rest of them are locked in there, where they will remain until they are needed for a match.

Russo: That's right. Gone are the days of private dressing rooms and pampered lifestyles here in WCW. You old bastards lost EVERY title match last night and you lost every bit of power you had. One by one we're going to run your sorry asses out of WCW. Oh, and in case you were wondering where Big Sexy is, well, take a look at this.

NitroVision changes from the bus to a parking lot. The words “earlier today” appear at the bottom of the screen as the still image comes to life. In the background a fight can be seen. The camera zooms in to see Mike Awesome Awesome Bombing Big Sexy onto the hood and windshield of a car, then smashing his injured leg over and over with a steel pipe. He throws the pipe at the motionless Nash then walks off.

Russo: That’s what happens to people who interfere in matches they aren’t a part of on PPV’s they aren’t even scheduled to be on. Big Sexy Kevin Nash is the first of MANY casualties in this war. Mike Awesome did what he set out to do, he put Nash on the shelf for good. So, Kevin, until you're cleared to wrestle again or until your contract runs out, sit at home and collect your money on your ass, it's what you do best anyways..

Awesome smiles as Jarrett slaps his chest.

Bischoff: And what do we do to reward those in The Millionaire’s Club who get it done? They become special to myself and Vince, and by special I mean they have power. Mike might not have a title here yet, but his time is coming. Until that time, he gets to continue doling out pain and punishment, something he is so very good at. Oh, and he also has officially been entered into The New Blood Hardcore Challenge Match at the Pay per View.

Once again those around Awesome pat him on the back, shake his hand, and congratulate him, as he smirks and nods his head.

Bischoff: Now, let's start with Team Package. You two want a piece of MY personal bodyguards here? Adams and Clarke, Kronik, because they cost you two the WCW Tag Team Titles last night? Well, think again. You see, we have decided to give ALL of our champions a little something extra as a way to say thank you and a job well done for last night. Buff has asked for you Luger, one on one here tonight, so he gets you. The Franchise also asked for something, but he'll make THAT announcement later tonight. So Package, you get Buff, and Ric, you get to sit in there all night and watch. No match. Sorry. DDP, you are ALSO without a match tonight, so you also get to sit and watch. Just like Slick Ric gets to see The Package get his ass whipped, you get to watch your friend Kanyon get it too. Which leaves us with Sid. Champ?

Jarrett walks up with the World Title around his waist and smiles as he is handed a mic by Russo. The fans boo him loudly.

Jarrett: Shut the hell up Slap Nuts, before you piss me off. YOUR WCW World Champion needs to say something.

The fans boo louder.

Jarrett: I won this belt in a hard fought contest with DDP, but I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the FORMER champion, Sid. You had to give your belt up, just like I did my US Title, and you found your ass out of the loop for the match at Spring Stampede. So, tonight, I'm going to give you a shot to get it back. In our Main Event, later tonight, you get to play Number One Contender in a match with me, the Chosen One. So get those boots on you softball playing Slap Nut, and get ready to be embarrassed so bad you'll be leaving WCW FOREVER after tonight.

Russo: Now, enjoy your show as up next these two...

Chris Candido and Tammy walk front and center, with Tammy polishing Candido's Cruiserweight Title with her boa, as the fans mildly react.

Russo: ...will take on The Artist and Paisley in a Mixed Tag Match.

The music of The New Blood plays as all but Tammy and Candido exit the ring to boos.

OR: 77

Hudson: What a Nitro we have for you, and it continues NEXT.

commercials

Mixed Tag Team Match: Chris Candido and Tammy vs. The Artist and Paisley

The Artist and Paisley come to the ring with the purple lighting as Tammy and Candido wait in the ring. The bell sounds as Candido and The Artist exchange a heated stare. Tammy and Paisley waste no time, however, and launch right at one another with slaps and hair pulling. The Artist tries to get Tammy off of Paisley, but Candido stops that by sending him over the top rope to the floor. He then gets on the apron and watches as the two women roll on the mat, stripping one another in the process. The match itself is short. Tammy tags in Candido, who delivers a DDT to Paisley, before again knocking The Artist to the floor. He tags Tammy back in, who comes off the middle rope, dropping her ass onto Paisley's face. She hooks a leg, still sitting on Paisley's face, and gets the 1-2-3 as the males in the crowd cheer. Tammy struts in the ring, then she and Candido leave and head up the ramp as The Artist rolls back in under the bottom rope. He glares at Paisley, then helps her to her feet. He holds her close, then delivers a Short Arm Clothesline that nearly takes her head off. He climbs to the top rope, and then comes off with a Flying Elbow right to her chest. He then rolls to the floor and walks off as the fans boo him ever so slightly.

Chris Candido and Tammy defeat The Artist and Paisley via pinfall (Tammy pins Paisley)

WORKRATE: 47

CROWD: 55

OR: 52

Tony: That was utterly disgusting and despicable. What has gotten into The Artist?

Hudson: He's not much of a man if you ask me, Tony. As the medics rush to the ring, we'll head out for a commercial break, then come back for The Total Package vs. Buff Bagwell.

commercials

Buff Bagwell vs. The Total Package

Bagwell comes to the ring with music, lights, and The Franchise at his side. He does a pose similar to Luger's, then waits, as NitroVision shows Luger and Elizabeth leaving the bus and being escorted through the parking lot to the back of the building and into the arena. He walks out on the stage, sans any music and without his light show, and protests to Liz, who shrugs and looks upset.

Tony: This sure won't sit well with The Package, but I'm not sure he's going to have anyone listen to his complaints.

Luger disrobes on the stage, and rushes to the ring, telling Liz to wait up here for him. Bagwell meets him on the floor next to the ring, and the two exchange fists as The Franchise stands back and watches with a smirk on his face. The two finally wind up in the ring and Ref Charles Robinson calls for the bell. A lot of fists are thrown, but little actual wrestling is employed for the majority of the match. Luger finally hits a Big Boot to Bagwell, sets him up on the top turnbuckle and hits a Superplex, then makes the motion for The Rack. At this point Douglas gets in the ring behind Robinson and lays him out with a chair. Luger turns at the sound, and he too is blasted with a chair. Douglas then brings him to his feet and nails The Franchiser on him. Buff makes it to his feet, and Douglas helps Buff get Luger up and put him in The Rack, but to no avail, as Robinson is now awake and motioning for the bell. Penzer announces that Luger wins by DQ, which infuriates Bagwell, who drops Luger and lays boots to Robinson. Then he and The Franchise begin to work Luger over some more until Liz rushes down and gets into the ring. She lays over Luger, as The Franchise smiles and holds Buff off. He asks for a mic.

The Total Package defeats Buff Bagwell via DQ

WORKRATE: 45

CROWD: 71

OR: 63

The Franchise Calls His Favor For Slamboree

The Franchise slaps Bagwell on the shoulder, all smiles, then walks over to where Liz is trying to get The Package from the ring.

Franchise: Get him out of here Liz. Get him out of here before we break his neck and back.

The crowd boos as the security that escorted him from the bus comes running down and pulls him from the ring, but not before Bagwell gets another cheap kick in to the head of The Package.

Franchise: Now that we've dealt with that, I'm talking to you Nature Boy. Listen up in your Has Been Bus. In January I walked out of WCW with Benoit, Eddie, Dean, Perry, Rey, Konnan, and Kidman. The eight of us were all going to head up north and invade the World Wrestling Federation, but along the way something happened. Only Chris, Eddie, Dean, and Perry made it in. Kidman went back to work for WCW, and I don't even know where Rey and Konnan went to. As for The Franchise, I sat at home, watching and waiting. Waiting for the right time to come back to wrestling and to make my impact once again. Then a few weeks ago I got a call from Eric Bischoff. He told me he was in charge of WCW again and that he wanted me back. "I don't like you one bit you sonuvabitch" I said, and hung up. A few minutes later the phone rang again, and it was Bischoff AND Russo on the phone. Before I could hang up Russo outlined the plan that you all have seen come to fruition over the past week. The New Blood takes the OLDEST wrestling company over and kicks the Millionaires to the curb. A fresh start, so that people like Buff and Kidman and Scott Steiner can FINALLY get their shot at the big time without being held down and held back by a handful of men that work better in back rooms than they do in a ring. It sounded good to The Franchise, but I wasn't sure where I fit in. Bischoff laid it out for me. Kidman was going to take Hogan out, Jarrett was going to put DDP on the shelf, and The Wall had his sights set on Sid, but they were saving The Nature Boy for The Franchise. Why? Because for over a decade Ric Flair has been the BIGGEST AS(BLEEP)in all of wrestling and held The Franchise from his true spot. With the exception of a couple, I've held EVERY MAJOR Title in North American Wrestling, but every time I went for the gold here in WCW The Nature Boy stopped me dead in my tracks. You look at The Franchise, Flair, and what do you see? You see a man who has EVERYTHING you have in the ring, only more. You see a man who is YOUR EQUAL and more. You see a man who would take your spot in a heartbeat, and it frightens you. Myself and Buff already took you and Luger out of the Tag Team Title scene, and at Slamboree I'm going to show the world that EVERYTHING I have said for the last ten years about you and me is true. I get a favor from Bischoff and Russo for my job last night, and I chose YOU and ME at Slamboree. The ONE MATCH that the marks and smarks have DIED to see for years, but that YOU refused to do. Well, Ric, now you don't have a choice. Either wrestle me, or go sit at home and waste the remaining year or two left of your career looking like a coward. It wouldn't surprise me if you SUDDENLY had a kid that was in some amateur tournament that Sunday. Anything to keep out of the ring with your BETTER, The Franchise. Your days of power, political and otherwise, are over Flair, and the time of The Franchise is at hand. Oh, and Nature Boy, this won't be a five minute brawl like last week, this is going to be thirty minute ass kicking the likes of which you ain't never had before you rotten piece of sh(BLEEP).

The crowd boos as Douglas' music starts and he drops the mic. He and Buff head to the back.

OR: 73

Tony: Well, I don't know quite what to say, Scott.

Hudson: The Franchise is a big mouthed...he's right though Tony, this IS a dream match for many longtime wrestling fans, and at Slamboree we will finally see it.

commercials

Tony: While we were away we learned that our next match, Booker vs. Kanyon, will feature a Special Guest referee.

Hudson: Indeed we did Tony, and here she comes to the ring now, accompanied by Eric Bischoff and Jeff Jarrett.

Tony: Well, we can SAFELY assume that Kanyon has no chance of winning here now.

Booker vs. Kanyon with Special Guest Referee Kimberly

Booker comes out next, still unable to use his music and entrance. The fans cheer a bit, but most boo him from earlier. NitroVision shows a scene just like when Luger came out from the bus, and soon enough Kanyon is walking from the back, also to no music. The fans cheer, as Kanyon smiles, then sprints to the ring and slides under the bottom rope. The bell sounds and the match is underway as the two men lock up. The match is wrestled very fair, with neither man looking for the cheap way out. Kimberly stays out of the action, and really has little to do as their is no attempted pinfalls for the opening five minutes of the match. Finally Booker hooks Kanyon for what appears to be The Book End, called that by Hudson, but Kanyon delivers two stiff elbow shots to the back of Booker's head, and reverses it into a Reverse Russian Leg Sweep. Both men are down, as Kimberly starts a 10-Count. Booker is to his feet at five, so Kim starts to count faster for Kanyon, who BARELY makes it to his feet at nine and nine tenths. Booker comes off the ropes with an Axe Kick soon thereafter, and then hits his Spinarooni before heading for the top rope. Kanyon gets to his feet and Booker hits The Hangover, no longer allowed to be associated with Harlem, and goes for the pinfall. Kimberly drops and slams her hand fast for the 123, then calls for the bell. Booker gets to his feet, upset, as Jarrett slides in the ring with a guitar. Booker is in Kim's face, but Bischoff tells him to back off. Booker looks at the crowd, then watches as Kanyon gets to his feet only to be dropped with a guitar shot to the head. The fans start chanting Booker, but he curses then rolls to the floor and walks off to boos. Bischoff gets a mic, as Jarrett locks in The Figure Four Leg Lock on an already out Kanyon. Jarrett releases the hold, then kicks Kanyon to the floor.

Booker defeats Chris Kanyon via pinfall

WORKRATE: 89

CROWD: 77

OR: 83

Hudson: Well we said it right, Tony, as Kanyon never had a chance here against the odds.

Tony: No he didn't Mike. However I think The New Blood might have a problem with Booker at some point, as he doesn't seem to be on the same page as the rest.

Double J and Kimberly...WCW's New First Couple?

Bischoff: Well, here we are again with another member of The Millionaires Club defeated soundly by a New Blood member. I do have to ask though why Kanyon wants to be associated with The Millionaires, when he so easily and obviously belongs with The New Blood. Come to your senses Chris, and all will be forgiven and forgotten. Isn't that right Champ?

Jarrett: That's right Eric. But if he doesn't, well, then we're going to run his ass out of WCW too.

Bischoff: Without a doubt. Now, I wanted to take this opportunity to let a BEAUTIFUL young lady defend herself against the rumor mill that currently exists about her and why she did what she did. So, without further ado, Kimberly?

Kimberly: Thanks Eric. People want to know why I did what I did to my husband last night. People want to know if it was purely professional or if it was a private issue as well. Most of all, if the number of calls Page made last on to my cell phone is any indication, DDP wants to know as well. Okay then, it was both. Professionally, it benefited ME to join The New Blood. The Millionaires have no hope of winning this war, and soon enough all of them will be without a job, my husband included. I don't like the idea of being unemployed and married to a man who is ALSO unemployed. I have no desire to be the wife of a bouncer. Page likes to think that he can go up to the WWF should anything go wrong, but we both know they won't touch him. He's old, out of shape, and a broken down mess. That also leads me to why it was personal. Page is old, out of shape, and a broken mess. Now look at me, I am young, vivacious, beautiful, and in great shape. Do I belong with a has been wreck like him? I think not. I belong with someone more like me. I belong with...

Kimberly walks over to Bischoff, gives him a kiss on the cheek and a hug, then wraps her arms around Jarrett. The two kiss, as the fans boo.

Kimberly: ...a World Champion. And I have been for a few months now. Now you know why I had those "photo shoots" so often while you were home recuperating, huh Page? So, while I sold you out last night, and I have been having an affair for months now with a man you USED to call a friend, it doesn't mean that our professional relationship is completely over. No, you see you signed a contract with me a long time ago, and that contract is still valid until The Great American Bash in June. I'm your manager, Page, and I'm going to remain your manager until the contract expires. I'm sure I'll do ONLY the best for you and your career. Kiss baby.

As the fans boo Jarrett's music hits and he and Kimberly leave the ring with Bischoff at their side.

OR: 84

Tony: I can't believe it. I can't believe what we just heard and saw.

Hudson: Me either, Tony, me either. Let's just go to a commercial folks.

commercials

The Perfect Attack

After the commercials, the camera is in the backstage area, where it catches Perfection Shawn Stasiak talking to Miss Hancock. Los Fabulosous are standing nearby at a concession table. Curt Hennig turns a corner with a chair in hand and swings it, nailing Stasiak in the back and sending him flying into Miss Hancock. Hennig tosses the chair aside, then rolls Stasiak over and begins pummeling him with forearm shots and fists. Silver King and El Dandy rush over and check on Miss Hancock, then they turn their attention to Hennig. Silver King pulls Hennig off of Stasiak, as Dandy shouts out something in Spanish. Hennig shrugs King off and tries to go back to the attack, but Dandy pushes him. Hennig smiles, then lays Dandy out with one punch. He blocks an attack by King, then smashes his head into a wall before he delivers a Vertical Suplex into the crafts table. Hancock is yelling and screaming for help. Hennig turns back to Stasiak, but he is now gone.

Hennig: Dammit where did that gimmick stealing sonuvabitch go?

Hennig gets right in Miss Hancock's face, and she points down an adjacent hall. Hennig rushes off, as she looks at the destruction of her team.

The camera changes to catch Stasiak rush outside into the night, holding his head and his lower back as he stumbles onwards. The door he just exited bursts open, and Hennig comes running out. Stasiak looks absolutely petrified, as he rushes away. He turns a corner, and when Hennig makes it there too he is laid out with a steel pipe to the head. The attacker can't be seen, but Stasiak walks over to Hennig with a huge smile on his face now.

Stasiak: Didn't see that coming did ya? Come on man, let's get out of here.

The camera stays on Hennig before going to a commercial.

OR: 83

commercials

FUNB

Once the commercial is over the NitroVision comes to life with a picture of Hulk Hogan's face. A close-up of his face. The fans cheer.

Hogan: Hello Hulkamaniacs. I need to get something off of my chest here tonight, and I still have enough friends in the truck in WCW to help me out. I can't be there tonight, dudes, but I can get my message out. This whole New Blood crap has gotten under The Hulkster's skin, specifically Billy Kidman. Did I say that he couldn't draw flies? Did I say that he was at the bottom and would remain there? Did I say that he was nowhere near The Hulkster's level? Damn right I did brothers. You want to know why? Cuz it's all true. Billy Kidman can call me all the names he wants to and say he has heart and The Hulkster don't, and that's fine. Billy Kidman can say his peace, but The Hulkster can't? Dudes, what's wrong with THAT? So, I've been thrown in jail, had guns pulled on me, had friends turn on me, and had chairs beaten against my head, but I'm still here. I'm just not quite like you all remember me.

The camera pulls back to reveal a different Hogan. A cross between Hollywood and Hulk. He is dressed in black boots and black jeans, with a black vest that has "FUNB" written up and down the side, with no shirt. He is wearing black shades and a black bandanna, and his beard is painted black again.

Hogan: I'm going to be doing some things, Hulkamaniacs, that you may not like dudes, but it has to be done. "Hulk" Hogan is gone for awhile, brothers, but Terry Hogan is here. The real me, the MAN behind the legend, dudes. See these letters? FUNB? The NB stands for New Blood, but I bet we can ALL figure out what the FU stands for. I'm going to...

Voice: Kill it. Dammit, kill it.

The Hogan feed freezes, as Kidman and Bischoff, with a mic, walk from the back, neither looking happy. Torrie is behind them both, as the three walk to the ring and climb in.

Bischoff: No, no Hogan here tonight. Dammit, he's in JAIL, isn't he?

Kidman shakes his head, as does Torrie.

Bischoff: No matter, the...what did you call him?

Kidman leans in.

Kidman: Orange skinned goblin.

Bischoff: Ha ha ha, yeah, the orange skinned goblin is nowhere NEAR this arena and...

Bischoff is cut off as Hogan climbs over the guardrail with a chair and slides into the ring. Bischoff and Torrie slide to the floor as Kidman tries to go toe to toe with an enraged Hogan. He fails, as Hogan whips him into the ropes then blasts him with a chair to the head. He smashes the chair down over Kidman's back, then throws it down at him and turns and points to Bischoff and Torrie in the aisle. He rolls to the floor, the crowd cheering him on, as cops rush from the back and stand in front of Bischoff.

Bischoff: Arrest him, arrest him NOW! He is NOT supposed to be here. Arrest his ass NOW!

Hogan smiles and laughs, as the police come down to him. Hogan puts his hands out, and he is forced to turn around and the cuffs are thrown on. As he is dragged by Bischoff, his voice can be heard.

Hogan: You and Kidman both are dead Eric. I got your numbers and I'm gonna get you both you sonuvabitch.

Bischoff: Get his ass out of here, NOW!

Hogan is taken to the back as the fans boo.

OR: 75

commercials

The Blood Pact

After the commercial break, the scene cuts to a graveyard. Vampiro is perched on a rather large and odd looking tombstone, as a man in a hood stands behind him.

Vampiro: Thoughts fill my mind since I hurt you. I dragged you into the pits of hell, and I showed you the darkness, the evil, the horror, and the sadness that it holds. You thought you knew about the dark, you thought you understood it, but you don't really do you? Still, amidst it all you fought back and got away. You pulled yourself back to the land of the living, but you are now a changed man. Where is your God now? Has he forsaken you? Has he left you alone? You are tainted, tainted by the stink and the filth that I have to fight against everyday. I tried to fight it too, I tried to be a good boy, but the disease was too much. Remember when we shook hands? Remember when we fought side by side? At that moment I knew I had to destroy you, I had to pervert you, I had to destroy your light. I never wanted titles, I wanted you. One on one I wanted you, but it wasn't to be. So I took you. Just like I took him...

Vampiro motions to the hooded figure behind him.

Vampiro: He idolized you, much like I once did, did you know that? He wanted to be like you. He was one of your flock, one of your members, one of your many disciples, and you never even knew he existed. Now he is one of mine. He has fallen, and he wants you to feel more of the darkness. Together we will continue to break you, and together with the others we will embrace you into our fold. We will break you, Sting, and in so doing we will make you just like us. All of us.

Vampiro stares at the grave beneath him, as a hand with a red glove bursts from the earth and makes a fist.

Vampiro: Arise my Demon, arise reborn.

And with that the camera goes to static before going to commercials.

OR: 64

commercials

Main Event World Title Match: Jeff Jarrett© vs. Sid

Sid is escorted to the ring by a security guard who is wearing riot gear with a mask and has a baton.

CH-CH-CH-CHOSEN ONE

rings throughout the arena and Jarrett is led to the ring by Kimberly, who has her hands all over him and his belt. She holds his guitar as he holds his belt high while standing on the middle rope. Sid doesn't wait, as he grabs Jarrett and launches him across the ring. The bell rings, and Sid goes to work on Jarrett with boots, punches, and Forearms to the back. The fans are cheering, as Sid signals for a Powerbomb.

Hudson: It's over if Sid hits this...

Bischoff rushes to the stage with the Wall at his side.

Bischoff: Sid, if you hit that move you are DISQUALIFIED and FIRED from WCW. The Powerbomb is NOT a legal move in WCW anymore, and you damn well know it.

Sid has dropped Jarrett and is staring at Bischoff with a look of hatred, as Jarrett gets up and Low Blows Sid from behind, then goes for a cheap pinfall. He only gets a two however. Bischoff points to the ring, and The Wall heads down with an evil smirk. He passes by the security guard, glaring at him, as inside the ring Jarrett is working on Sid's big left leg. Bischoff stays on the stage watching. Jarrett soon goes for The Figure Four Leg Lock, but Sid is nowhere near hurt enough, and he kicks Jarrett to the floor. Kimberly gets on the apron, distracting the ref, as The Wall sets up a table on the opposite side of the ring. Sid follows Jarrett to the floor, but he is blindsided by The Wall from behind. Jarrett grabs a chair, but he is stopped as the security guard hits him from behind and begins to brawl with him. The fans cheer this, but that changes to boos as The Wall Powerbombs the gigantic Sid through the table at ringside then rolls him into the ring. Bischoff tries to attack the security guard, but he gets a DIAMOND CUTTER for his efforts. The mask comes off, and it is DDP underneath. Jarrett rolls away and gets inside the ring, as The Wall brawls with Page. Jarrett rolls Sid up and the ref turns around and makes the 1-2-3. Jarrett gets to his feet in time to see The Wall eat a Diamond Cutter on the floor. Kimberly rolls into the ring with the guitar and hides behind Jarrett, as DDP smiles and stalks towards the ring.

Russo comes from the back as cops hit the ramp running towards DDP.

Russo: I don't know HOW you got out of the bus DDP, but now you're going to jail. Say hi to Hogan for me you stupid sonuvabitch.

Page is handcuffed by the police as Russo walks to the ring. He passes DDP, and spits on him. Page lunges forward, but is held back by the police. On the floor The Wall is being helped to his feet by Bischoff, as the ref is helping Sid up and to the back as well.

Russo: You know what, this gives me a damn good idea. First Hogan comes in looking for Kidman, now we get DDP coming after Double J and Kim. Well, we also had a movie come out a few weeks back, Ready To Rumble, and it's all coming together now for me. Jeff, I asked you to trust me a week ago, you did, and it all worked out for you. I'm going to ask you to trust me AGAIN tonight.

Jarrett looks puzzled, but shakes his head yes as Russo, Bischoff, and The Wall enter the ring.

Russo: Page wants you, Hogan wants Kidman, and we want ratings and buy rates. So, at Slamboree I can see a Main Event like none before it. The Ready To Rumble Cage, live at Slamboree, just like in the movie. Only this time the WCW World Title will be up for grabs for FOUR men.

Jarrett looks shocked and upset, as does Bischoff.

Russo: Well, maybe four men. This Wednesday on Thunder, Billy Kidman will face DDP, and on Nitro next week Jarrett will face Hogan, non title of course.

Jarrett: WHAT?

Russo: Trust me, Jeff, trust me. Have I EVER steered you wrong yet? IF DDP wins on Wednesday, and IF Hogan wins on Monday, then both men will join you and Billy Kidman in the Ready To Rumble Cage on PPV. If they LOSE, they have lost ALL CHANCES of a World Title shot for as long as The New Blood hold the belt, just like Sid did tonight. Oh, and to make sure that we have an even playing field, which is so important here, I will be the Special Guest Referee on Thunder and Eric will be the Special Guest Referee on Nitro. If neither Hogan or Page can win their matches, then the Ready to Rumble Cage Match will be Jarrett vs. Kidman.

The crowd boos as Jarrett, The Wall, Bischoff, and Kim all smile.

Bischoff: I like it Vince, I like it a lot. And allow me to wish the best of luck to Page, because I think you are going to need it.

Jeff Jarrett defeats Sid to retain the WCW World Title by pinfall

WORKRATE: 58

CROWD: 75

OR: 69

Tony: Yes they are, yes they are.

Hudson: We'll see you this Wednesday for Thunder on TBS.

End Show

OR: 65

TV Rating: 5.06

Attendance: 4039

WWF Raw Rating: 6.90

Edited by The New Blood TGC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

God-Awful’s God-Awful Review – 17th April 2000

Here’s my review for the first show, TGC. I’ll try to be more helpful than just going: “I like this for no reason” at all – but I doubt things will go down like that.

The stipulation of the Hardcore title match (pin three guys to win for Funk, pin one guy for the others to win) was a nice throwback to WCW Uncensored 2000 where Brian Knobbs had to do the same thing to Three Count. Terry Funk wins (eliminating the guys in the right order of overness in my opinion) – continuing the angle of the title out of NB’s grasp. I wonder why they did it for the most insignificant belt of them all instead of, at least, the US title. Oh and I’m not entirely sure – but didn’t Jerry Flynn get the boot in the mass firings in the February?

I’m intrigued by the New Blood gauntlet for Funk. It makes me wonder about the booking though, as Funk really shouldn’t be going over anyone remotely recognisable in my ageist opinion, never mind potentially eight/nine of them. The rest of the segment is a very exciting read, with the Hogan chants, Booker’s situation of him screwing up last night, the swerve on Bigelow, even the footage of Awesome powerbombing Nash onto the car (although you DO have to suspend disbelief just a little harder with that). Jeff Jarrett’s sudden set of balls does nothing but leave suspicion as to why he’s made the challenge to Sid… That’s a good thing.

Mixed tag with mandatory a homoerotic spot from the ladies before some male on female violence. Well it is the era of Vince Russo…

I’ve always wondered as it happened a few times, why did the MC arrive in a bus? It’s what pensioners and school children use – not former WCW Heavyweight champions! Bagwell/Douglas beat down Luger, and Luger loses a point of overness per second he’s on screen apparently. :P I get the feeling you might’ve wanted Buff to win by a screwjob, but Luger wouldn’t let you for some reason…

Shane Douglas promo: mentioning The Radicalz must mean it’s a shoot! In terms of writing like Douglas, you forgot to proclaim Flair would get his ass franchised, and there was no random evil henchmen style laughing. It was a good promo however that set the scene up nicely.

Would Booker be booed due to his earlier reluctance to agree to a match with Kanyon? It’s a tough question that can’t really be answered, unless this was taking place at Road Wild, then the bikers would boo him for being a black guy. I like the fact he hated the fast count, and continues to show that lingering state between being NB and potentially an MC.

While the idea of Page not being good enough for the WWF is a bad statement for WCW, as Page is evidently good enough for WCW instead theoretically (but we’re shooting baby!) – I absolutely LOVE the idea of Kim still being Page’s manager until June. It adds an element of intrigue, because Page is going to get screwed over by her in every match possible. Kudos!

This is the bit where I feel I’m typing too much so here’s the gist of everything! :P

Perfect/Stasiak was a nice segment – but there’s nothing of note. Kidman/Hogan’s angle is good, trying to ultimately hold off a massive confrontation by having Hogan arrested a few times. At this point of reading I imagine you’ll go the Kidman vs. Hogan route to Slamboree at least. Vampiro getting a partner to fight Sting could create more depth to that feud than the “Vampiro jobs every time” route.

The main event and the interview afterwards was also good, although it confirmed that it was The Eric Bischoff Show in a way. As I said though, Jarrett needed mega assistance and technicalities to win the match. The scheduled matches should be cool – although minus the special referees, I wonder what the catch is for the NB guys to potentially receive title shots in the cage.

Overall it was a solid show, but I’m not going to give out the top grade straight away as there will be better and there will be worse than this show… I hope.

Grade: B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NBThunder.jpg

WCW Thunder

April 19, 2000

Rockford, Illinois

Announcers: Mike Tenay and Scott Hudson

The Thunder opening occurs, then the fans can be seen cheering as the camera pans the crowd.

Tenay: Welcome to WCW Thunder on TBS. I am Mike Tenay alongside Scott Hudson, and boy do we have a jam packed Thunder for you.

Scott Hudson: No doubt about it Mike. Let's not waste ANY time and head right to the ring.

WCW Hardcore Title Match: Terry Funk© vs. Hugh Morrus

The empty ring is shown, but the scene immediately shifts to the back, in the hallway, where Hugh Morrus is pummeling Terry Funk with two trash cans, one in each hand, while a referee stands by watching. Funk is felled by both trash cans smashed against his head, but Morrus only gets a one count. Funk crawls down the hall, as Morrus stalks him with a smirk upon his face. He grabs a steel chair and brings it down hard on The Funkster’s back, then lays repeated boots to Funk's back as well. Another pinfall attempt and another one count, as Funk kicks out with authority. Morrus laughs maniacally, then walks off camera into an adjacent room. Funk, holding his back, gets to his feet and wanders down the hall towards some screaming fans, but he is cut off as Morrus smashes a glass serving dish over his head. Funk staggers, throwing wild punches that land nowhere, before dropping to both knees. Morrus then produces a second glass serving dish and again smashes it over Funk's head. Blood begins to pour, but a cut away is made to the fans at the end of the hall as the ref is HEARD counting two. At this point the scene shifts to black and white, as Morrus is dragging Funk by the foot down the hall and into the fans. The angle shifts, and he emerges on the second tier in the crowd among the fans. He brings Funk to his feet and throws repeated lefts and rights, but Funk dodges the majority of them and begins to fight back with his own punches. Hugh staggers, and a Low Blow sends him toppling down the stairs as the fans in THAT SECTION cheer. Funk grabs a fan's drink and splashes the liquid in his own face, then hobbles down the steps to where Morrus is on his hands and knees. Funk delivers repeated kicks to the side, then grabs the Hardcore Title from the ref and whips Morrus with it while security keeps the fans away. Funk then pushes him over the railing, where he lands below on two tables that were set up, crashing through them. Funk walks through the fans and disappears into the back, while a camera gets in position on the floor below. Morrus is seemingly out, and soon enough Funk and the ref come into view from the back. Funk has a towel wrapped around his head now, and the scene shifts back to four color. Funk makes the pinfall attempt and gets the 1-2-3 as the fans cheer. Funk gets to his feet as Fit Finlay appears from the back with a steel pipe. He swings it at Funk, but the fans alert him and he ducks. The ref goes down hard from the shot, as Funk turns and Low Blows Finlay three times. The pipe drops from his grasp as he falls over to the floor. Funk grabs his title, and is making his way to the back as security personnel and Eric Bischoff meet him. The security grabs him and escort him through the back and out into the parking lot. Bischoff grabs a duffel bag from one of them and tosses it out after him.

Bischoff: See you next week, Funkster.

With that the security slam the door and lock it.

Terry Funk defeats Hugh Morrus via pinfall

WORKRATE: 71

CROWD: 65

OR: 68

Tenay: Somehow Terry Funk does it again, defeating The Laughing Man and avoiding an attack by Finlay.

Hudson: For now, Mike, but can he survive to WCW Slamboree and if so, can he survive The New Blood Hardcore Challenge?

commercials

Mean Gene...A Millionaire?

Mean Gene is outside The Millionaires Club's bus, surrounded by security.

Mean Gene: I have never been so insulted. Back off buddy, or my lawyers will be getting to know you real well.

One of the security takes a step back, as two other security members walk in with DDP and Kanyon.

Mean Gene: For a Spring night it sure is cold here in Rockford. Anyways, I have been given the PERMANENT duty of being the WCW Interviewer for the so-called Millionaires Club. Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo have scheduled this time for Diamond Dallas Page and Chris Kanyon to have a few words. Gentlemen, in light of all that has transpired here in WCW over the last week and a half, how does it feel...

DDP: Gene, with all due respect I think I have a better question. How does it feel, Kidman, to know that tonight you go one on one with the King Of Bada Bing? Have you felt it yet, Billy? Have you felt...the...BANG? Tonight you will, and then at Slamboree in the triple cage you'll feel it again and again and again, just like Double J will. Oh you will Jeff, I can guarantee it. Tell my MANAGER I said hi by the way, because the next time I see that BI(BLEEP)ill do to her what I should have done years ago.

Mean Gene: Well, I can't say I blame you there DDP. Chris Kanyon, I have a question for you that has been on everyone's mind since last week. You fit more with The New Blood than with the Millionaires, so why are you here with them?

Kanyon: You know Mean Gene, the answer is simple. I happen to believe in loyalty and friendship, and even though Dallas and myself haven't ALWAYS seen eye to eye he's still like a brother to me. I could be joining The New Blood, and if Monday is any indication they want me to, but I feel more at home out here. I may believe in SOME of what they are doing, but I sure don't believe in the methods they use. Besides, any group that can condone what Kim did to Dallas, I want no part of them.

DDP: It all boils down to this Gene, when The New Blood started this they thought they knew the ending. They were wrong. Dead wrong. The only ending, the ONLY way this can go down is with each and every one of them getting...BANGED!

Kanyon smiles as he and DDP walk out of the scene and towards the bus.

Mean Gene: Tonight in our Main Event it's DDP vs. Billy Kidman with the right for DDP to be in the Ready To Rumble Cage Match with the WCW World Title up for grabs. Can I get a space heater out here?

OR: 80

commercials

WCW Cruiserweight Title Match: Chris Candido© vs. The Artist

The Artist comes down to the ring to his fake Prince music under the purple lighting to a pretty non existent reaction from the crowd. A replay of his attack on Paisley from Nitro is shown, then Tammy Sytch leads Chris Candido to the ring amid another apathetic reaction from the crowd. The match gets underway after Tammy gives Chris a rather lengthy kiss for good luck, and this match is all Candido. The Artist tries some brawling, but he is soon schooled in wrestling by the much quicker and simply better Cruiserweight Champion. The end comes less than three minutes into the match when Candido reverses an attempted Flying DDT into a Tornado DDT of his own. The 1-2-3 is academic. Tammy rushes into the ring and kisses her man, then does a small dance for the crowd, eliciting the ONLY response from the fans for the entire segment, before The New Blood members head to the back. The Artist gets to his feet, groggy looking, then kicks the ropes and yells at the referee. He rips his purple shirt up and tosses it to the ground, before storming off to the back.

Chris Candido defeats The Artist via pinfall

WORKRATE: 69

CROWD: 32

OR: 50

commercials

Handicap Match: The Total Package vs. Creative Control

Creative Control comes from the back to Russo's music as the fans boo. That is followed by the NitroVision showing The Package being led from the bus and through the back by security. There is no sign of Miss Elizabeth.

Hudson: The Total Package looks determined, but he has to know that the odds are simply NOT in his favor here tonight in any way, shape, or form, Mike.

Tenay: Indeed they aren't, Scott. Right after this match, as we see The Package emerge from the back, once again sans his music or his light show he has become accustomed to, his partner The Nature Boy Ric Flair will take on Kronik in another Handicap Match.

Luger disrobes on the ramp, much like Monday Night, then walks slowly to the ring. He gets inside, and faces off against both Ron and Don as the bell rings. The Package gets the upper hand at the outset, easily blocking the punches thrown and getting his own in, soon enough Clotheslining both members of Creative Control to the floor below. The fans start a Package chant, so he obliges and flexes. This one small move proves to be his undoing, and something he is unable to recover from, as Vince Russo slides under the bottom rope with Lex's Flex Bar and knocks him in the head with it. Luger staggers around, as Ron and Don both re-enter the ring and Double Clothesline him from behind. The next five minutes are power move after power move, most less than perfect, as Creative Control dominate The Total Package, never allowing him to gain a second to breathe. One H-Bomb later, Don picks up the 1-2-3 as the fans are booing. The ref raises Don's hand, but he pushes him aside as Ron picks The Package back up. Two more H-Bombs are landed, leaving Luger down and out on the mat. Russo now, all smiles, lifts the arms of both members of Creative Control, as the fans boo. The trio then head up the ramp and into the back, while the ref calls for medical help.

Creative Control defeat The Total Package via pinfall

WORKRATE: 47

CROWD: 60

OR: 56

Tenay: Sadly, we were right on the money, Scott, as The Total Package never had a chance here to do much of anything in what quickly became a three on one environment. After these commercials, it's The Nature Boy taking on Kronik, and sadly I expect much the same result. We'll be right back

commercials

Handicap Match: The Nature Boy Ric Flair vs. Kronik

Kronik's music starts up, and this new and quite powerful looking team come from the back with glares for the fans. As they enter the ring, amid boos, NitroVision comes to life to show how they cost Team package the WCW Tag Team Titles at the PPV this past Sunday. It quickly changes before too much of the PPV is given away for free, and it shows Flair escorted from the bus, through the back, and into the arena by security. The fans respond with an overwhelming "WHOOO", as The Nature Boy Wooo's back, disrobes, then struts down the aisle.

Hudson: Apparently this whole war between The New Blood's and The Millionaire's hasn't gotten The Nature Boy down at all.

Flair gets in the ring cautiously, as Adams decides to go wait on the apron and allow Clarke to start the match off. Flair quickly schools Clarke in the ring, then tosses him over into the corner to Adams, smiling and strutting as he does so, who tags in. Adams asks for a test of strength, and Flair obliges, but as he is losing he delivers a solid knee to the groin that drops Adams to both knees.

Tenay: The dirtiest player in the game strikes again, and the referee missed it.

Flair then begins his methodical working of the left knee that has been seen so many times before. As Flair comes off the middle rope with a rolling knee, a nice variation of the move he has performed so many times before, Clarke attempts to get into the ring, only to meet a flurry of Chops from Flair that sends him over the top rope to the floor. Flair does a quick strut to the approval of the crowd, and turns to have Adams, looking absolutely livid, clamp a hand around his throat. Adams lifts Flair up and plants him hard to the mat. Adams makes the cover, but only gets a two. This only serves to enrage him even more, and he goes to lift Flair up by the hair, and gets rolled up. Another two count, as Flair rolls to the floor. He ducks Clarke's Clothesline attempt, causing Clarke to wrap his arm hard around the post. Flair walks around the ring, and is met with a chair to the head by The Franchise, who came from nowhere. As Adams distracts the ref in the ring, Douglas nails The Franchiser on Flair on the floor, then rolls him back into the ring. Douglas does his patented laugh as Adams hits yet another Chokeslam on the prone Flair and gets the 1-2-3 to get the win here. Douglas rolls into the ring, where Adams and Clarke hold Flair up as Douglas screams into his face, slaps him around, and finally spits on him. He tells Kronik to drop Flair, and after they do he slaps on The Figure Four as the fans are quite vocal about their displeasure with this. Finally, The Franchise and Kronik exit the ring and head to the back amid many boos and jeers, while Flair is out in the middle of the ring.

Kronik defeats Ric Flair via pinfall (Brian Adams pins Flair)

WORKRATE: 65

CROWD: 72

OR: 69

commercials

Kidmania Is Running Wild?

The old Hulk Hogan music begins to play, to a riotous ovation from the fans. However the cheers turn to many boos as Billy Kidman walks from the back wearing a red and yellow boa around his neck, a red and yellow bandanna, yellow trunks, red boots, and a red and yellow shirt that reads

KIDMANIA!

He is followed closely by Torrie and Eric Bischoff. The three enter the ring, where Kidman does Hogan's old routine of listening to the fans from all four sides of the ring, while they boo him, then ripping his shirt off. As Bischoff smiles and claps, Kidman then poses, flexing his "muscles". Bischoff then produces a mic from his jacket as the music stops.

Bischoff: Give it up for Kidmania, folks. It's running wild on you.

The fans boo a bit as Torrie laughs.

Bischoff: What a show we've had thus far, and it's ONLY going to get better. How do I know this, you ask? Because our Main Event, as signed by my friend and colleague Vince Russo, is Billy Kidman taking on DDP in a match to determine whether Dallas gets a shot at the WCW World Title at Slamboree, with Vince as tonight's very Special Guest Referee. What a Main Event it is, huh? But wait, it only gets better, I assure you. To keep the playing field as even as we possibly can, I have signed Jeff Jarrett, YOUR WCW World Champion, and Kimberly to act as Special Ringside Enforcers for the match. This way, we are assured that NOBODY can interfere in this match and cost Diamond Dallas Page his possible title shot. What a great and benevolent host I am, no?

Kidman laughs and takes the mic from Bischoff, while there is a smattering of booing from the crowd.

Kidman: Tonight I do to DDP what I've been doing to Hogan for almost two weeks, and that's embarrass him. Tonight I show everyone what I can do when I'm given an opportunity and not held back by The Orange Skinned Goblin, Hulk Hogan. Oh, and Hogan? It's not FU New Blood, but FU Hogan.

The fans boo a little more here, as Bischoff takes the mic back.

Bischoff: Tonight it's DDP, on Nitro it's Hogan, and at Slamboree it's ALL of The Millionaires Club once and for all. Now, enjoy the rest of the show.

The trio walk out of the ring to Bischoff's music.

OR: 72

Tenay: After this next break, we have Curt Hennig taking on Los Fabulousos in yet another Handicap Match after what happened on Nitro. Let's show you what I mean

The scene changes to the attack from Hennig onto Perfection Shawn Stasiak, and the altercation between Hennig and Los Fabulousos, followed by the steel pipe to the head that Hennig suffered outside afterwards.

Hudson: Stacey Keibler, now officially managing Los Fabulousos, went to Vince Russo and got this match made, we are told. We have no idea who that was that helped Perfection Shawn lay out Curt Hennig, but I have to wonder what kind of shape Hennig will be in tonight after being laid out like that. He has to have a concussion, Mike.

Tenay: He can't be 100%, Scott, but he's going to make a go of it, next.

commercials

Curt Hennig vs. Los Fabulousos(with Miss Hancock)

After the commercials Stacey Keibler's music plays, and she leads her team to the ring. While they get inside, she climbs up on the announce table and does a sultry dance for the crowd and the announcers. Hudson looks stupefied, while Tenay just smiles and rocks side to side in his chair. However the dance ends prematurely when Hennig leaps over the guardrail with a chair in hand and Stacey scrambles up the ramp to safety.

Silver King and Dandy rush to the aisle to meet Hennig, who plants them both with chair shots to the head. He then lays the chair down, and Vertical Suplexes King onto the chair. He grabs Dandy by the hair and drags him to the ring, where he rolls him inside and then follows. The bell sounds, officially starting the match, as Perfection Shawn Stasiak rushes down the aisle. He slides into the ring, but Hennig is ready and Drop Toe Holds him head first into the crotch of Dandy. Hennig then hits The Hennigplex on Dandy and scores the 1-2-3 win here. Hennig then rolls from the ring, grabs another chair, and climbs back inside, but Stasiak is again on the move. He rushes over the guardrail, with Hennig close behind. The camera loses them in the crowd, but another camera picks them up in the back. Stasiak is running for his life and turns a corner. Hennig stops dead in his tracks, holds the chair high, and slowly starts moving onwards, but he is leveled from behind with a steel pipe. Stasiak comes from around the corner smiling again, and pushes the camera man down. All that can be seen are two sets of boots walking off as Stasiak talks.

Stasiak: You'll never learn, will you old man. Your time is over, and mine is well at hand. Let's go, man.

Curt Hennig defeats Los Fabulousos by pinfall (Hennig pins El Dandy)

WORKRATE: 74

CROWD: 51

OR: 62

Hudson: I don't even know, I mean just who in the hell is that mystery man that keeps laying Curt Hennig out?.

Tenay: I don't have a clue, Scott, but it seems that Perfection Shawn Stasiak not only came to WCW to join The New Blood, but he came with some back-up.

Hudson: None of this makes any sense to me Mike, not any of it.

commercials

Just Too Aaaaaaaaaawesome

Vince Russo's music plays, and the man himself comes from the back with Creative Control leading The Cat in tow. Russo climbs into the ring, is handed a mic, and then motions for Ron and Don to bring in The Cat. Russo goes nose to nose with him.

Russo: Yannow what, Ernest? I don't really like you. I'm not sure why, but I don't. Maybe it's because you look so stupid dancing in the ring, maybe it's because you ain't got a shred of self respect, or maybe it's because you just plain suck. I'm not sure, but what I am damned sure of is that this past Sunday at Spring Stampede you messed in my match without my permission. You don't do that, Ernest, you just don't do that. Now we dealt with that fat piece of crap Bam Bam Bigelow for doing the same thing, but seeing as how he started it, we decided that rather than just kicking your ass out of The New Blood and WCW, we'd give you a fighting chance. That sounds fair, right?

The Cat nods.

Russo: Damn right it does. You see, whether I like you or not, you're New Blood. You're who me and Eric came back to get over, dammit. So get over you stupid sonof(BLEEP) right now in this ring against him.

Mike Awesome's music plays, and he comes from the back and stalks to the ring. He climbs inside and smirks.

Russo: Get over on Mike Awesome here tonight, the man that killed the careers of both Big Sexy and Bam Bam, or get out of my WCW. You lose, your ass is fired. You win, you just became a very valuable and very highly respected member of the New Blood. You understand?

But before The Cat can respond he is attacked by Awesome.

Russo: Ring the damned bell you idiot, this match is happening now.

OR: 79

Mike Awesome (with Vince Russo and Creative Control) vs. The Cat

Awesome is totally dominant here as Vince, Ron, and Don head to the floor and a referee sprints from the back and into the ring. Awesome toys with The Cat, playing with him a bit then delivering a vicious power move. Soon enough he looks bored, and he looks to Russo on the floor, who smiles and nods his head. However before Mike can do whatever he had planned to do, Bam Bam rushes from a side entranceway and starts running down the aisle. Awesome sees him and points, but Creative Control turn just in time to get a Double Clothesline to the floor. Bam Bam yells out, as the fans start to cheer, and he smiles at Russo, who looks very worried and back away. Awesome shoves the referee down and then yells to Bigelow to come get some. He does, entering the ring, and the two big men start exchanging lefts and rights in the center of the ring. The Cat scurries to the corner and watches, as Bigelow gets the upper hand and slams Awesome to the mat with a Chokeslam. He then climbs to the top and flies with The Greetings From Asbury Park. Russo is on the floor yelling into a mic.

Russo: Security, dammit, security get down here. Kronik. Somebody get down to the god(BLEEP)ing now.

Bigelow gets to his feet and smiles, then points to The Cat. Miller comes over and makes the cover, as Bigelow revives the ref and then rolls from the ring to the floor. The Cat scores the massive upset win here over Mike Awesome, as Bigelow looks on smiling, while security finally runs to the ring. Bigelow fights them off, but when Kronik come running down he thinks the better of it and heads for the hills. Meanwhile The Cat also makes the decision to bail, and heads up the ramp, looking very pleased.

The Cat defeats Mike Awesome via pinfall

WORKRATE: 67

CROWD: 77

OR: 73

Tenay: Thanks to help from Bam Bam Bigelow, The Cat saved his job and just defeated the man that put Kevin Nash on the shelf. I can't believe that The Cat just beat Mike Awesome.

Hudson: Neither can Awesome, Russo, or Kronik. Or these fans either to be honest, they are in shocked silence right now.

commercials

Billy Kidman vs. DDP with Special Guest Referee Vince Russo and Special Ringside Enforcers Jeff Jarrett and Kimberly

Kidman's music starts and he is accompanied by Torrie, Russo, Kimberly, and Jarrett. The fans boo the entire crew, as the NitroVision comes to life to show DDP being escorted through the back. He arrives on the stage, as per the norm now for The Millionaires Club, sans his music or pyro. He does the BANG! anyways, then sprints to the ring and slides under the bottom ropes. Kidman is right on him as the bell sounds. DDP counters every move Kidman attempts, and hits The Diamond Cutter within thirty seconds of the bell. He goes for a cover, but Russo simply turns around as Jarrett slides into the ring with a guitar and smashes it over DDP's back. The fans start a Bullshit chant, but it is muffled pretty good by TBS.

Tenay:No, oh no. We knew it, but this is so FLAGRANT. He has no chance here Scott, NO CHANCE.

Russo turns around to see the guitar remnants on the mat and Kidman's arm over DDP. He drops and makes a fast two count, but Page kicks out. Russo looks shocked, as does Jarrett, Torrie, and Kimberly on the floor. Jarrett goes to get back in the ring, as Hogan, in full FUNB regalia, hops over the guardrail, pushing Kimberly into Torrie in the process. He grabs Jarrett, yanking him off the apron, and delivers a variation of The Book End on Jarrett on the floor. He then launches Jarrett head first into the ring steps, as Russo looks scared to death in the ring. Kidman and DDP both get to their feet, as Russo rushes out of the ring and tries to run up the aisle. He gets caught by Hogan as the fans cheer. Hogan Chokeslams Russo on the ramp, as Kimberly jumps on his back. Hogan flips her over his back onto Russo, while in the ring Kidman drops Page with a Russian Leg Sweep, then climbs to the top rope. He comes flying off with a Shooting Star Press, but Page rolls out of the way. On the floor Hogan drags Russo by the arm towards the ring while Torrie backs out of the way. The security that led Page down come rushing up but Hogan dispatches of them easily then continues dragging Russo and rolls him under the bottom rope into the ring. Kidman gets to his feet, and he receives another Diamond Cutter from Page, who goes for another cover. Hogan takes Russo's hand and counts 1-2-3, as the bell rings.

Hudson: Is that LEGAL?

Tenay: It WAS Russo's hand, and he is the Special Guest Referee, so hell yes it's legal, Scott..

Hogan helps Page to his feet, as Jarrett stumbles into the ring with a chair and lays Hogan out from behind. He and Page brawl, but soon enough Kidman is up as well, and he takes the chair and lays Page out with it. Jarrett then hits The Stroke on the chair on DDP first, then he lays the chair on Hogan's chest and Kidman scores a Shooting Star Press on the chair on Hogan. Kidman is obviously hurting, as Kimberly and Torrie help him to his feet. Russo is soon up, but wobbly, as Bischoff comes down the aisle with Kronik.

DDP defeats Billy Kidman via pinfall

WORKRATE: 71

CROWD: 70

OR: 70

Hogan vs. Jarrett Gets A Face Lift

Bischoff and Kronik enter the ring, as more security rushes down as well.

Russo: Where the hell were you two?

Bischoff: It was my fault, Vince. We were having a meeting when I saw the monitors. Oh, and boys...?

With that Kronik pick up first DDP, then Hogan, and deliver THEIR version of The H-Bomb on each one, before they throw the two to the floor. Police make their way down the aisle, and BOTH men are handcuffed while Bischoff speaks.

Bischoff: Hogan can be arrested for once again breaking the rules, while DDP I guess can just be removed from OUR building. But before you go, Hogan, listen up. To ENSURE that what happened here tonight doesn't occur on Nitro, not only is Page banned from appearing, and if he does he loses his shot he just somehow won, and not only will I be the Special Guest Referee, but your match with The Chosen One is now a Caged Heat Match. You, me, and Jarrett, locked in a steel cage with NO ESCAPE possible, and no chance of ANYONE getting inside. So, Hogan, GOOD LUCK you dirty sonofa(BLEEP).

OR: 88

Hudson: My god, DDP is in The Ready To Rumble Match at Slamboree, and this Monday Hogan vs. Jarrett is now a Caged Heat Match.

Tenay: What a Nitro we have for this Monday, what a Nitro. We are out of time...

end show

OR: 70

TV Rating: 4.64

Attendance: 4035

Edited by The New Blood TGC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

WCW News And Views

Monday, April 24, 2000

By Wildro

Week two of The New Blood vs. The Millionaire's Club has come and gone, and I am back with more insight, thoughts, and commentary than you can have five New Blood members attack a single Millionaire's Club member with.

After the first week where it took, on average, three to five Midcarders For Life guys to stop a single WCW Main Eventer, and that's what this feud really is so let's make no bones about it, I thought we had seen the basis for this feud and the new direction. It looks like I was right on the money. While it is nice to see Russo remember his own continuity, such as punishing those that made mistakes or cost The New Blood matches at Spring Stampede, and while it was nice to see Bigelow out of a group he has no business being in to begin with, it wasn't nice seeing it take three New Blooders to defeat either Luger or Flair on Thunder, especially when in the case of Flair he was up against this team that WCW seemed to be so high on with Kronik. Furthermore, it also wasn't nice to see later in the same show that Curt Hennig could win his Handicap Match against a couple of Mexicans in Los Fabulousos. Maybe I'm reading this wrong, maybe I'm reading to much into it, but it just felt wrong to me on so many levels. Of course I don't think LF are going to be getting any kind of a push in this Russo/Bischoff era, especially if either man's past is any indication of how they treat wrestlers from South Of The Border.

Now maybe Curt Hennig's rise up and over a Tag Team was all part of a plan that had to be modified on the fly. If that was the case, I can accept it and understand it, as all signs are pointing towards Lex Luger being removed from TV. Team Package was feuding with Team Franchise, and it was a nice little feud. Buff Bagwell could easily be seen to be the next generation Total Package, and Douglas has been making comparisons between himself and Flair for years now, so this feud within the bigger feud made sense, but it does look to be over now. For all intents and purposes Bagwell is gone from WCW. He has been very vocal, very unruly, and very bad thus far into the new old regime's time in power, and his most recent dust-up seems to have signed his fate. He and Douglas have made no bones about the fact that they weren't happy with Luger in the ring as of late, and the irony alone in that statement will have to wait for another day and another column, but Bagwell took his frustration to a whole new level. While Douglas was telling Russo and Bischoff that Luger was sloppy and looking to hurt someone, Bagwell was telling Luger in the back that he was a disgrace and a trainwreck. Bagwell is said to have baited Luger at every opportunity to try and get a rise out of him. Well it happened at the Thunder tapings last Teusday night. Bagwell and Luger got into a fight in the back that got very out of control just moments before tapings began. If you noticed that Liz wasn't on screen with Lex, or that he jobbed out to basically Russo, or that the right side of his face was bruised and swollen, all of this was a result of that fight. Bagwell was sent home, Luger jobbed, and word now has it that Bagwell was released and that Luger has been suspended. Now there has been no confirmation just yet, but the rumor mill seems to be pretty sure that this is the case. What this means for the feud or for the WCW Tag Team Titles that were held by Team Franchise nobody yet knows, but if all of this is the reason that Hennig has essentially been transformed into a Millionaire's Club member out of the blue, then it makes sense.

I can't even put into words how shocking it was to see Hogan work a Thunder taping. However I wasn't shocked to see Kidman lose, or to be so ultimately humiliated in doing so. In under a minute of the Main Event on Thunder Kidman was totally jobbed out to DDP, who hit the Diamond Cutter and had the match won. It was only due to Russo not making the count and the flagrant New Blood shenanagins that made this match go almost eight minutes. You know, it's hard enough to get Kidman over as a potential Main Eventer as it is, but to kill him so dead in his tracks as was done on Thunder was just totally unnecessary. I really have to wonder what Russo and Bischoff think they might gain by doing this to the guys who will have to eventually carry the ball for this company when the current Main Eventers can't go anymore, which to be honest has to be within the next three years. I have no doubt that something similar will happen on Nitro tonight to Jarrett when he meets Hogan in the Caged Heat match.

The less said about Mike Awesome, who is still ECW's World Champion technically, jobbing out to The Cat the better.

That's it for this week, enjoy tonight's Nitro, and here's the official WCW Nitro preview. We'll have to wait and see if any of it actually happens, especially considering last week's preview was a massive bait and switch.

WCW Monday Nitro Preview

Diamond Dallas Page made history on Thunder this past week as he officially qualified for the Ready To Rumble Triple Cage Match at Slamboree. Now the question is, can Terry "Hulk" Hogan do the same? Locked inside the brutal confines of Caged Heat, Hogan has to defeat the reigning WCW World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett with Eric Bischoff as the Special Guest Referee. The odds seem stacked against him, especially since DDP is banned from the building.

Speaking of DDP, he might be banned from the building, but he is required to show up tonight, as his manager Kimberly has announced that tonight he will wrestle in the first ever WCW Parking Lot Invitational. What this is nobody knows, but considering that Kimberly turned on DDP and joined The New Blood this past Sunday on PPV, it can't be good for The King Of Bada Bing.

Finally, Vince Russo has announced that ten wrestlers will get a chance to join Terry Funk and Mike Awesome in The New Blood Hardcore Challenge Match at Slamboree this Monday Night. Two teams of five will compete in an Elimination Tag Team Match, and the surviving team members are in the match.

All of this and so much more, only on TNT.

credit wcw.com and theinside411onwrestling.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great Thunder. Spot on booking for WCW, and the show itself.

What I'm waiting for, is the New Blood screw job. I mean, who in the New Blood will be screwing over the New Blood. For some reason, I just see that happening.

Until then, I will be entertained by the "real" storyline of the WCW - New Blood. The implications of this went so much deeper than so many people actually knew. Great story to choose to do, and I have no doubt that you'll do a great job with it ..... ( again *cough* )

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really want to see Vampiro to get a push as a real main player heel.. I started to really mark for the dude during this period of WCW's history. I'd also like Douglas to get a hard push, Shane still had some gas in the tank and some fire behind him during this time period, dude could go far if the feud with Flair is flushed out.. maybe some real shoots tossed in there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NBNitro.jpg

WCW Nitro

April 24, 2000

Rochester, New York

Announcers: Tony Schiavone and Scott Hudson

The show opens in the backstage, where Vince Russo, Kronik, and The Franchise are all surrounding Daffney, David Flair, and Crowbar.

Russo: So you understand right?

Daffney: Oh we understand Mr. Russo.

David: Kill Funk. Kill Funk. Kill Funk.

Crowbar: Yannow, it's times like this that I remember why I joined David and Daffney when they drove into my gas station all those long months ago and offered me a chance to become immortal.

Crowbar looks up a bit and gets a weird look on his face, before shaking his head.

Crowbar: It's to bash old men's heads in with my trusty crowbar.

David: And cripple them with my steel pipe. Ha ha hee hee ha ha ha hee hee.

Daffney: And scream and scream and scream....

Russo covers Daffney's mouth with his hand.

Russo: Yeah, right, so you all do this and you're in tight with The New Blood, and all three of you will be in The New Blood Hardcore Challenge Match, right Franchise?

Douglas smiles.

Douglas: Haha, you know it Vince. All you three need to remember is this past Spring when Terry Funk beat you, David, like a little bitch, and your daddy didn't do a thing to help you. Just remember that, and you'll all do fine.

Crowbar: Hey now, wait a minute. David, didn't you talk with your father and patch things up? Didn't the two of you clear the air?

David: I think so, yeah.

Douglas: You did? Oh well, then forget all the times he ignored you for your little brother, uh what's his name again?

David: I hate Reid, I hate Reid, I hate Reid.

Russo: Yeah, forget about how that sack of crap, Ric Flair, ignored you for the little amateur nothing Reid Flair. Oh, and forget about the time he forced you to become a WCW wrestler when you weren't ready yet and you got your ass handed to you over and over.

Douglas: And forget all about how embarrassed you felt when he berated you in the back in front of the other boys, called you a mama's boy, and smacked you around.

Daffney: Aww, Davey wavey did he do that to you?

David shakes his head both yes and no, then just smiles and laughs his maniacal laugh.

Russo: Of course Ric did. And you know why?

All three of them look mystified and lean in a little closer.

Russo: Cuz Ric Flair is just like Terry Funk, a piece of sh(BLEEP)der our shoes who don't deserve any respect.

Crowbar: Well, this all makes perfect sense now. One quick question before we go do this?

Russo: Of course.

Crowbar: Can we use our friends?

Russo looks at Franchise, who just shrugs. Adams and Clarke look amused but say nothing.

Russo: Friends?

David: Mr. Crowbar and Captain Pipey ha ha hee hee ha ha hee hee.

Russo: Uh, yeah, them. Right, you use them all you want. Okay, kids?

And finally Daffney gets to scream, before she rushes off to follow Flair and Crowbar who rush off towards the ring.

Russo: Those three are frigging nuts, Shane. You sure about this?

Douglas: Either way, Vince, those three are going to help us out. You have The Franchise's word on it, haha.

Russo nods his head, turns to leave, then stops.

Russo: Hey, have you three seen Eric lately? I haven't been able to find him since The New Blood meeting this morning.

Kronik shake their collective heads no.

Douglas: Not me, Vince.

Russo: Well where the hell is he, he has to be The Special Guest Referee tonight.

With that the foursome head in the same direction as David, Crowbar, and Daffney.

WCW Hardcore Title Match: Terry Funk© vs. David Flair, Crowbar, and Daffney (with Vince Russo, The Franchise Shane Douglas, and Kronik)

The scene then cuts to a door. Daffney puts her finger over her mouth and tells the other two to be quiet, as she opens the door. David is on one side of the door, and Crowbar is on the other. On the other side is Funk, who has a security guard with him.

Daffney: Hello Mr. Funkster. I heard you got a big, bad, Hardcore Title Match tonight, and I'm here to escort your old, tired, wrinkled up butt into the ring.

She smiles as Funk takes the Hardcore title off from around his waist.

Funk: Just lead the way.

He steps inside, but as he does he ducks down and David and Crowbar hit each other with their weapons. David flies back, while Crowbar drops his crowbar and holds his face screaming. Funk drops the title, as a referee runs onto the scene, with Kronik, Russo, and Douglas watching from a bit away. Funk grabs the crowbar, and drives it into Crowbar's stomach. Daffney screams and leaps onto Funk's back, scratching his eyes, but Funk just rushes back and crushes her against the wall. She goes limp, as David gets to his feet. He looks insanely mad, and he rushes over to Crowbar and starts beating his with the pipe, all the while laughing. Funk looks on, while Russo is yelling at Flair asking him what in the hell he is doing.

Schiavone: Folks, we apologize for taking so long to get started here, but we've had a bit of an issue here at the announce position. I'm afraid that Scott Hudson was just dragged off by security, and I'm all alone out here. I don't know why Scott was taken off, but I'm going to try to find out before the night is over. But what a Hardcore Title Match we have for you right now.

Funk just stands and watches as David just pummels his friend and Tag Team partner with the pipe. Finally David stops, looking tired, and drops the pipe. He turns to face Funk, who DDT's him hard to the floor. Funk then gets to his feet, looks, and pins Crowbar to get the 1-2-3 win here. As Funk rolls off of Crowbar, Mike Awesome comes from out of nowhere and attacks Funk. He drives him head first into the door, while behind him Kronik walks over with Douglas.

Winner: Terry Funk by pinfall (Funk pinned Crowbar)

Workrate: 68

Crowd: 64

OR: 66

Franchised

First Kronik grabs David by the throat, Chokeslamming him to the concrete, then they do the same to Crowbar. Daffney is now to her feet, and she screams and runs at Douglas, who hits The Franchiser on her, leaving her down, out, and unmoving. Douglas then picks up the crowbar and chokes Flair out with it, before driving it into his stomach and chest. He signals to Kronik again.

Douglas: Another High Times, boys.

Kronik then deliver the move yet again to the duo, before Awesome drives Funk into the door repeatedly, before he opens it and tosses Funk outside. Russo walks up clapping for all four of them, then moves aside as medics rush onto the scene.

Russo: Let's hit the ring.

As the show fades to a commercial, the medics are looking over the threesome, Russo, Douglas, Kronik, and Awesome all walk off down a hall, and outside the camera catches Bam Bam Bigelow helping Funk to his feet and walking The Hardcore Icon off, his Hardcore Title in his hand.

OR: 73

commercials

A Present For The Nature Boy

After the commercial break, the scene is the backstage area, where David, Crowbar, and Daffney are all being loaded into ambulances. All of them are on stretchers. Once again out of nowhere, Mike Awesome and Kronik rush into the scene. They again attack all three with the pipe and crowbar, going so far as to send Crowbar's stretcher wheeling into a wall. The medics try to stop this, but Adams and Clarke threaten them all. Awesome undoes the straps holding David down, as Kronik grab David and carry him to the front of the ambulance. Awesome stands on the roof, where Kronik lift David's lifeless body up to Mike. Kronik then set up a table, and he is Awesome Bombed from the top of the ambulance through the table. Awesome smirks, as Kronik look on laughing.

The scene shifts to the arena, as Russo's music plays and he and The Franchise come from the back amid an insane amount of boos. They duo enter the ring, where they are each handed mics.

Russo: Shut the hell up. You forget who i am and where I'm from? I'm a New Yawk boy too, you idiots. Show me the go(BLEEP)ed respect I deserve, or else it might be a few of you that The Career Ender Mike Awesome and Kronik beat the hell out of next.

More boos from the crowd.

Schiavone: This New York crowd isn't having any of it folks.

Douglas: It's okay Vince, apparently Rochester fans aren't as smart as New York City fans.

Russo: You got that damned right, Shane. What, you all are mad at us for what we did to David, Crowbar, and Daffney? What the hell? Those three morons, or should I say crazy ass morons, don't matter at all to WCW or The New Blood. You see, just like Terry Funk and Bigelow, those three aren't Millionaire's and they sure as hell ain't New Blood. If they hadn't imploded and had actually won, we'd have let them in, temporarily, but they didn't so we went with The Franchise's Plan B, and it's a plan i liked a lot.

Douglas: David Flair and his girlfriends were only good for one thing, and that was sending a damned message to The Nature Ass and The Total Package on the old bas(BLEEP) bus, an it's a message I hope they both got really good. Slamboree is the end of the line for you, Flair, I guarantee it. I told you I have a surprise for you, didn't I? Well at Slamboree you'll get the surprise of your life, haha, and there won't be anyone to help you, and there won't be anything you can do about it.

Russo: As for you Luger, Buff still has big plans for you, but tonight he's busy, so you get The Wall right here and right now. Get his ass out here.

NitroVision comes to life, and it shows the security personnel open the bus and The Total Package comes from out of it. Miss Elizabeth starts to follow.

Russo: Not tonight, Liz, you can just stay where you are for now. No managers needed.

Security pushes her back inside, and we see Flair try to lunge forward, but he is pushed back too and the door is shut and locked from the outside.

Russo: Come on Flexie, we ain't got all night.

NitroVision changes then to show The Wall's video package as his music plays and he comes from the back.

Douglas: Let me put it this way Flair, cuz I know you're watching from the bus right now. David and his girls might have just got their asses Franchised and sent to the hospital, but in just a few minutes, we're sending The Package's ass to the morgue. Now sit back and watch, knowing you still can't do a damned thing about it.

Schiavone: Folks, as The Wall gets into the ring and we await The Total Package's arrival, we're going to do these commercials and come right back. What a night we've already had, and I'm afraid this trend might continue.

OR: 81

commercials

The Total Package Lex Luger vs. The Wall (with Vince Russo and The Franchise Shane Douglas)

After a quick Ready To Rumble movie commercial and some exclusive scenes, the scene shifts back to the arena, where The Wall is standing in the ring waiting. Finally, security drags Lex out from the back. He looks like he is unconscious, as they drag him down the ramp.

Schiavone: Folks, we don't have footage to show you, but I am told that during the break Buff Bagwell attacked Luger in the back with his title belt, and laid him out.

As Schiavone continues to talk about this, still alone at the announce table, Luger is rolled under the bottom ropes. Russo calls for the bell, it rings, and the ref signals for The Wall to wrestle. The Wall smiles his evil smile, then beats the hell out of Luger, who is barely awake. Outside the ring, Russo and Douglas, who is holding a flex bar, watch and smile, as Luger is just destroyed. The Wall then hits a Powerbomb on The Package, as Russo gets on the apron. HE argues with the ref about something, meanwhile The Franchise slides into the ring and motions for The Wall to hold Lex up.

Schiavone: This is overkill. The Package is out of it. He's a beaten man here. This is...oh no oh no.

Douglas takes the flex bar and beats Luger about the ribs and chest with it over and over, then tosses it out of the ring and hits the Franchiser on The Package. He then quickly rolls from the ring, as The Wall simply cover Luger. Russo hops off the apron, and the ref makes the 1-2-3 to end this hoax of a match. Immediately after the bell rings, Douglas is back in the ring. He and The Wall take turns laying boots to Luger, as more medics arrive on the scene. Russo holds them off for a bit, then allows them to get into the ring after Douglas helps The Wall put Luger in The Human Torture Rack. The Wall them slams Luger down to the mat hard on his side, and he and The Franchise exit the ring as medics tend to Luger.

Winner: The Wall by pinfall

Workrate: 55

Crowd: 61

OR: 59

The camera shows Russo and company head over to Schiavone at the announce table. Russo grabs the empty headset, and gets in Tony's face.

Russo: Hudson is gone for being a jackass. You can stay and keep your biased ass talking about the poor Millionaire's Club, but from now on The New Blood has a voice on Nitro. Mark Madden took his fat ass home after Tank beat it silly, so tonight you get to sit with The Franchise. Do us proud, Shane, while me and The Wall go try and find Eric, Kidman, and Torrie.

Russo hands the headset to Douglas, who smiles and laughs as Russo and The Wall walk off.

Douglas: And that is what The New Blood is going to do week after week until The Millionaire's Club is gone. The Career Ender Mike Awesome took care of Kevin Nash, he and Kronik sent David and his girlfriends to the hospital, and now myself and The Wall just put Flexie Lexie on the shelf, permanently.

Schiavone: And you apparently had some help from Buff as well.

Douglas: Who? I don't know what the hell you're talking about Tony. Just shut up, sit back, and we'll get along fine, haha, unless you want your ass Franchised too.

Schiavone: Folks, we'll be right back. You all make me sick, Franchise.

commercials

Villanos XXIII and XXIV?

After the break, the return is to the back, where Russo, accompanied by Kronik, Awesome, and The Wall, are walking around looking for Eric, Kidman, and Torrie, and asking anyone they run into if they have seen them. They open a door, and find Stacey Keibler inside, doing up her blouse and wearing nothing else but her panties. The crowd can be heard popping.

Stacey: Oh Mr. Russo, just the man I was hoping to run into.

Russo: You were hoping to run into me in Scott Steiner's dressing room?

At that point Steiner comes walking from the shower area wearing nothing but a towel.

Steiner: What the hell is this? I don't give a sh(BLEEP)ho you are, get the hell out here now before I rip your god(BLEEP)arms off.

Kronik steps up, and Russo waves them off.

Russo: Scotty, I'm sorry, man. I was just looking for Eric, Torrie, and Billy. You ain't seen them have you?

Steiner: Does it fu(BLEEP)ook like they're in here? Unless you've got a match you need me to wrestle, get out or so help me god I will kill all five of you.

Russo: Sorry Scotty, we'll get out of your...affairs.

Russo shuts the door and the group start walking on, when Stacey rushes up behind them, trying to fix her skirt as she does so.

Stacey: Mr. Russo, sir, I have a favor to ask.

Russo: Can it wait Stacey, I'm busy.

Stacey: Not really sir.

Russo sighs.

Russo: Go ahead without me boys, I'll be right there.

Kronik, Awesome, and The Wall turn a corner, as Russo looks impatiently at Stacey.

Stacey: Hey guys, come here.

Los Fabulousos walk over, almost being pushed to do so by two men dressed up an awful lot like Los Villanos.

Stacey: On Nitro Curt Hennig embarrassed me and my boys, then on Thunder he did it again. Well, I know we're not really New Blood, but I was wondering if we could maybe get a chance to help you out with him, and get him back in the ring again. My four boys, against him. Next?

Russo looks confused.

Russo: And who the hell are these two?

Stacey: El Dandy and Silver King told me they are from the Villano family. This is Villano XXIII and the other one is Villano XXIV.

Russo: Twenty three and twenty four? Jeez, how many of them are there?

Villano XXIV nods his head as he speaks with a bad Spanish accent.

Villano XXIV: Lots.

Villano XXIII: Si, senor.

Russo looks suspicious.

Russo: And you two, Los Fab whatever the hell, you two vouch for them?

Villano XXIII shoves Silver King, who looks almost afraid.

King: Y-y-yes.

Russo: Alright what the hell. You ain't real New Blood, and Hennig ain't a real Millionaire, so what the hell. You got your match, and it's now. So go.

Stacey jumps for joy, and she hugs Russo and kisses him on the cheek.

She and her boys head off, as Russo smiles.

Russo: Maybe I'll watch the damn match too.

OR: 80

commercials

Curt Hennig vs. Los Fabulousos and Los Villanos (with Stacey Keibler)

After the break, Stacey and her boys are already in the ring. Tony and Douglas comment that they are awaiting Hennig, when Villano XXIII grabs Silver King from behind and locks in a Sleeper Hold. Villano XXIV turns El Dandy around and begins punching him over and over. The fans almost cheer here, as Stacey look on horrified. Villano XXIII drops the now out King, and points to Villano XXIV, who climbs to the top turnbuckle and flies off with an Elbow Drop. The fans cheer now, as Villano XXIII grabs Stacey, then pats her on the butt.

Douglas: What the hell is this? Somebody needs to get these crazy Villanos out of the ring before...oh no.

Schiavone: Oh yes, here comes Curt Hennig, and he's all smiles.

Hennig rushes out from a side entrance and slides into the ring. The Villanos shake his hand, then leave the ring. Stacey is the only one awake in the ring besides Hennig, and he smiles at her. The ref calls for the bell, as Hennig grabs Stacey by the hair as she tries to run off. He spins her around and plants a big kiss on her lips, to which she responds by slapping him. He smiles again, and lays her over his knee and lifts her skirt and she kicks and screams. He playfully spanks her, while Douglas is just going nuts on commentary. He finally lets her go, and she scrambles from the ring holding her butt. Hennig then turns to the fallen twosome, and shrugs his shoulders and covers Sliver King, getting the 1-2-3 without ever breaking a sweat.

Schiavone: For the third show in a row, Curt Hennig has destroyed Los Fabulousos.

Douglas: Where's PerfectShawn and his muscle when you need them?

Russo comes from the back, irate, and holding a mic.

Russo: I said you weren't A Millionaire before, but then neither is Kanyon. Boys, take his ass out to the bus.

Security comes out and surrounds the ring, and Hennig exits the ring and walks off with them.

Russo: And tell DDDuh that his match is next. Kimberly and The Chosen One are already waiting on him outside. As for those Villanos, didn't Jeff just do that two weeks ago? It don't matter, we'll find those two and The New Blood will make their asses pay for this. And you, Stacey, I'll get to you for bringing them in on Thunder, don't worry.

Stacey looks very afraid at ringside.

Winner: Curt Hennig by pinfall (Hennig pins Silver King)

Workrate: 74

Crowd: 51

OR: 62

Schiavone: The first ever WCW Parking Lot Invitational is next folks, whatever it is.

Douglas: Didn't Vince just say that?

commercials

WCW Parking Lot Invitational Match: DDP vs. Jerry Flynn, Hugh Morrus, and Brian Knobbs (with The Chosen One Jeff Jarrett and Kimberly)

Outside, the parking lot has lights all around as DDP is being held back by ten security guards. Across from him are Flynn, Morrus, and Knobbs. All four of them are dressed in jeans and t-shirts. Off to one side are JJ and Kimberly.

Kimberly: Remember how much I always looked out for your career, Dallas? Well, I'm still your manager for awhile longer, so this is me doing it again. The object to the Parking Lot Invitational is simple, all you have to do is fight through these four Hardcore wrestlers to get to The Millionaire's Bus. When you get both hands on the bus, you can start to try and pin them. You have to pin all three of them to win. All they have to do is stop you from getting to the bus, and they can pin you whenever they want. It's so simple, Dallas honey.

DDP: Why are you doing all of this Kim? Why won't you return my calls?

Jarrett laughs.

Jarrett: She's too busy having herself, and her time, filled up by The Chosen One, Slap Nuts.

Jarrett and Kimberly laugh as DDP lunges forward, only to be held back.

Kimberly: This isn't bad for you Dallas, it's a good warm-up match for The Ready To Rumble Triple Cage Match you won the right to wrestle in at Slamboree. See? Me looking out for you honey.

She laughs again, as Jeff looks around.

Jarrett: We forgot the bell.

Kimberly: Oh? Well then ding and ding.

The security releases DDP, who runs towards Jarrett and Kimberly, only to be met by a Roundhouse Kick to the stomach by Flynn.

Schiavone: The rules to this match are a little bit, well, complicated.

Douglas: Are you crazy? This is straight forward and pretty simple. Oh, and it's totally stacked against DDP, haha.

Schiavone: Well, at least you're honest about the screw job here.

Douglas: Screw job? Never. Fun for The New Blood, a chance for these three screw ups to make good for losing to Terry Funk, and DDP gets to warm-up, haha.

Outside the action is pretty one sided, as DDP can't recover from the initial surprise attack. As Knobbs holds him, Flynn and Morrus take turns kicking and Head Butting DDP. The camera gets behind them, to show just how far DDP still has to go to reach the bus. However it also catches Villano XXIII and Villano XXIV come rushing up from behind with trash cans. Villano XXIII nails Morrus in the back of the head with his, while Villano XXIV bashes Flynn over and over with his. Knobbs releases DDP, as Jarrett yells out something that is bleeped immediately. Villano XXIV starts brawling with Knobbs. Jarrett rushes over and receives a trash can shot to the head by XXIII. He then helps DDP up, and and starts to walk him towards the bus, while Kimberly is screaming for help. XXIV fights off Knobbs, then starts laying boots to Jarrett on the ground. DDP makes it to the bus and puts both hands on it, as Villano XXIII disappears from sight. DDP smiles, and starts running back towards the melee. Morrus gets up and Dallas delivers a Diamond Cutter on him onto the trash can. He makes the pin and gets the 1-2-3.

Douglas: How in the hell? Vince, if you can hear me, we need the cavalry outside.

Villano XXIV whips Flynn towards DDP, who delivers a flying Clothesline of sorts. He quickly covers again, getting the 1-2-3 to pin the second man in the match. At this point, it starts to get really crazy. Villano VVIV rushes off screen now, followed by some security, as Kronik, Awesome, and The Wall all head onto the scene. DDP, now brandishing a shovel from somewhere, swings wildly, connecting with Clarke's chest and sending him toppling into Awesome. The Wall grabs Jarrett's guitar, but DDP smashes through it with the shovel. However Adams grabs the shovel handle, takes it from Dallas, and breaks it in half.

Schiavone: This one is too out of control. DDP is going to either hurt someone or get hurt.

Douglas: Oh he'll be the one getting hurt, trust me.

The camera shifts to outside the bus, where Villano XXII has an ax. He swings repeatedly, finally breaking the handle off the door. The bus door swings open, as he rushes off screen again, and Sid, Kanyon, Curt Hennig, Hogan, and Flair all rush out of the bus. They soon come to DDP's aid, who gets away from the brawl and DDT's Knobbs on the concrete. he makes the cover, getting the 1-2-3 and winning the match despite insurmountable odds.

Winner: DDP by pinfall

Workrate: 56

Crowd: 58

OR: 57

The Millionaire's Club Gone Wild

Jarrett gets to his feet and is met by DDP, and the two start exchanging punches. Flair makes it to Awesome, and after he low blows him he rushes into the building. Hogan is going at it with Adams, while The Wall and Clarke and double teaming Sid. Kanyon and Curt are brawling with several security, as police rush out. A gunshot goes off, and the whole scene stops as everyone looks towards the police.

Douglas: Where the hell did Flair go?

the sound of the headset being dropped is heard, as the police now have their guns drawn, and Hogan, Sid, Kanyon, Curt, and DDP are being handcuffed. Jarrett walks over and smashes another guitar over DDP's head dropping him to the ground, as Sid and Kanyon try to get to him, but are held back.

Schiavone: Folks I am sorry, this is so out of control, we'll be right back.

commercials

After the break, footage is shown of Sid, Kanyon, and Curt being loaded into police cars, DDP is handcuffed to the side of the bus, and Hogan is led into the building.

Schiavone: Folks, we've had arrests, we've had shots fired, we've had wrestlers sent to the hospital tonight, and we have Ric Flair loose in the building but....

Schiavone is cut off, as the scene cuts to the back. There is a broken window and the camera catches just a small glimpse of a man laid out in the room with glass all over him, as Ric Flair is bashing The Franchise's head against a wall. Russo is down on the ground, holding his jaw, as Flair is screaming like a madman, with little of it making the air as it is bleeped left and right. The words "Bagwell" "dead" and "my son" can be made out however. Police soon rush onto the scene, and tackle Flair against the wall. Douglas slumps down, as the police wrestle with Flair and finally get the cuffs on him.

Russo: Arrest that sonuvabitch right now for assault on me, Shane, and for probably killing Buff when he put him through that window. And trespassing too. Godd(BLEEP)out of my building.

Flair is dragged off, again screaming obscenities that get bleeped, but the gist of it being that he is going to kill Russo and Douglas for what they did to "my son, his girl, and Lex". After he is gone Russo sits down on the floor.

Russo: We need those god(BLEEP)edics in here for us now dammit. And where the hell is Eric and Billy?

OR: 88

commercials

New Blood Hardcore Challenge Qualifying Tag Team Match: The Mamalukes, Disco, Fit Finlay, and Norman Smiley vs. Creative Control, Stevie Ray, Tank Abbott, and The Cat

After the break the ten competitors are already in the ring. Russo's face shows up on the NitroVision.

Russo: I'm gonna make this short and sweet, cuz i need to get my hand stitched up. The winning team is gonna get into The New Blood Hardcore Challenge Match at Slamboree along with Mike Awesome and terry Funk, and the losing team is gonna be on my list. And trust me, you don't want on that list. Now Team Crap, aka The Mamaluke's team, you all failed The New Blood, and I warned you all this was coming. I'd win if I was you. And as for the rest of you, make The New Blood proud, even you Ernest, as you made yourself a valuable member of The New Blood just like i said you would on Thunder. Now ring the damn bell. I'll be watching.

The bell indeed rings, and the match starts with Finlay and Stevie Ray. They lock up immediately, and it's all Finlay, as he Head Butts, chokes, and claws his way to the upper hand. He locks in an Arm bar, but he is close to his side and Norman Smiley, for some inexplicable reason, tags in. Fit looks mad, but he leaves, and Norman throws some punches, and soon sets up for The Big Wiggle. The crowd cheers, as Norman does the move, but immediately thereafter Ron runs the apron and Clotheslines him down. This is the end for Norman, as Stevie Ray takes great exception to being Wiggled, and he tags in Abbott after a quick beat down. Abbott, who Schiavone reminds everyone ran Mark Madden out of WCW, is brutal and sloppy, but he does deliver the pain. He throws Norman to his corner, and Finlay tries to make the tag in, but Vito beats him. Vito soon falls to Abbott's power, and he then is thrown back. Again Finlay attempts to tag in, but this time Johnny The Bull is quicker. Again Tank just beats the snot out of him, randomly yelling at the camera that he's better than these punks and that he wants Goldberg, then he tosses him back in. Once again Finlay wants the tag, is almost begging for it, and yet Johnny tags in Disco, who is not pleased. Disco slowly gets in.

Schiavone: Wait a second, this isn't right.

Finlay grabs Disco from behind and drops him down on the top rope back first as he leaps to the floor. Finlay then starts attacking his own team on the apron and floor. Meanwhile inside, Abbott has had enough playing and he hits his huge left on the side of Disco's head, knocking him out. Abbott places a foot on Disco's chest, as the ref makes the count. Finlay starts to walk off, as NitroVision comes back to life.

Russo: Well done, well done. As for you Finlay, you just impressed me. You want back in good with The New Blood and you want in The New Blood Hardcore Challenge Match? Then get in the ring with the winners.

As Finlay does this, Abbott tosses Disco to Ron and Don, who toss him over the top rope to the floor.

Russo: Now destroy The Cat, Fit, and you're in.

Finlay doesn't waste a second, as he pounces on The Cat and beats him down. The Cat never has a second to react, and a minute later he is nailed with a DDT from the middle rope by the Irishman.

Russo: Now this is the five men that join Awesome is killing Terry Funk at Slamboree. Nice job boys, now get back here and help Kronik and Mike look for Eric, Billy, and Torrie again. As for you Ernest, you're out. I hope to god you take that as your cue and get the hell out of our WCW, but if not, you will join Bam Bam and all the others that don't have any place in our plans and our company.

Winners: Creative Control, Stevie Ray, Tank Abbott, and The Cat (Abbott pins Disco)

Workrate: 63

Crowd: 62

OR: 62

commercials

Stung

After the break, the scene shifts to some dark room. A few candles are lit, but otherwise it is dark. One of the candles rises, and it illuminates Sting's face.

Sting: You wanna play with my head, Vampiro? You wanna try and mess with The Stinger? Well you go right ahead, because that's what The Stinger's been doing for the last four years with everyone else. This look, the paint, the whole thing, it's a mind game Vampiro. it's not a way of life, it's not a statement, and it sure isn't a sign that I'm some twisted freak like yourself. Do I know the darkness though? Yeah, I know the darkness of my own soul. I know the darkness of being in emotional pain. I know the darkness of hurting those that you love. What I don't know is this "hell" you seem to think you exist in, Vampiro. I thought you were a good kid, if not a bit weird, earlier this year, but now I know you're like a lot of others I've run across, a twisted little freak of a boy who thinks a gimmick is the real thing. Just like your "demon" and just like that fan that I "turned my back on". If that fan was one of the freaks that sent me mail asking if I cut myself too, if I live the life of the damned too, then yeah, I turned my back on him. Bring your little stable of losers and rejects, Vampiro, bring them to Thunder, and I'll take all of you out, cuz It's Show Time, Folks!

Sting blows out the candle, and some rustling and muffled sounds are heard, then a light comes on and Sting is kneeling beside Torrie Wilson, Billy Kidman, and Eric Bischoff, all of whom are tied up and gagged.

Sting: I almost forgot, here's Eric and Billy and Torrie, Russo. Come and get them if you want them. Tonight's the night the so called "Millionaire's Club" fights back, booker man.

Sting smiles and walks off as the trio struggle and the scene fades out.

OR: 91

commercials

After the break, it's another commercial with more behind the scenes footage of Ready To Rumble, and then it's to Tony, who is still all alone at the announce table.

Schiavone: So far tonight we have had David Flair, Crowbar, Daffney, The Total Package, Buff Bagwell, and The Franchise Shane Douglas go to the hospital, while The Nature Boy, Sid, Curt Hennig, and Chris Kanyon have all gone to jail, and up next we have our Main Event inside Caged Heat. I have been told that Russo, Kronik, Mike Awesome, Creative Control, Stevie Ray and Mr. Biggs, Fit Finlay, Tank Abbott, and The Wall are all searching the building as I speak for Eric, Kidman, and Torrie, but nobody knows where Sting has hidden them. This night is so out of control, and who knows what is going to happen when Terry "Hulk" Hogan takes on The World Champion? That match is up next folks.

commercials

Main Event Caged Heat Non Title Match: Jeff Jarrett©(with Kimberly) vs. Terry "Hulk" Hogan

CH-CH-CH-Chosen One rings out through the arena, and the World Champion comes from the back accompanied by Kimberly and his guitar. He walks to the ring, walks around the cage, then grabs a mic.

Jarrett: Eric may be missing, so he won't be the Special Guest Referee, but Caged Heat is my match, you bald headed old piece of crap. Now get out here and join Slap Nut Mania.

Jarrett tosses the mic aside, as he enters the ring after handing the title to Kimberly. Hogan is escorted out by the police and security, then he is uncuffed, as the fans go wild. Hogan removes his FUNB vest, and then jogs towards the ring, rather fast. Kimberly darts behind the cage, as Hogan ducks under the lowering cage. Jarrett swings at Hogan with the guitar as soon as he steps inside the ring, but Hogan punches the guitar, shattering it. Jarrett looks terrified, and starts to beg off as the bell sounds.

Schiavone: The Chosen One has nowhere to run, and nobody to save him here tonight, folks.

Hogan points at Jarrett, as the fans chant "you", and Jarrett drops to his knees and begs off even more, before he pulls a trick out of Flair's book and grabs Hogan's jeans and propels him head first into the turnbuckle. Hogan, however, no sells it, and turns back to Jarrett, who gets to his feet and starts punching wildly as Hogan blocks everyone of them. Hogan then rakes the eyes, then rakes the back, and then rubs Jarrett's eyes and face on the top ring rope over and over as the fans cheer. On the outside Kimberly pulls something from her top, and drops it through the cage to the floor. Hogan sees her, and leaves the ring where he finds Brass Knuckles. He spits on Kimberly and can be heard calling her a bitch and a whore, then he gets back in the ring. He puts the knucks on, but it was all a ploy, as Jarrett already has a pair and he nails Hogan in the jaw. Hogan drops hard, and Jarrett struts then pulls the knucks off of Hogan's hand. He makes the cover, arrogantly, and at two Hogan kicks out. Jarrett is surprised, and he mounts Hogan, but Hogan tosses him off and gets to his feet.

Schiavone: Terry "FUNB" Hogan is Hulking up, he's Hulking up, folks!

Indeed he is, as he shrugs off every attack Jarrett tries, even barely registering another Brass Knuckles shot. He wags his finger, as the cage begins to rise a little and Kronik, The Wall, and Awesome rush from the back. However they stop dead in their tracks when Sting repels down from the rafters and stands between them and the ring, bat in hand. The Wall rushes forward anyways, and Sting levels him with the bat, then turns and take out Awesome as well. Kronik smile, as behind Sting Vampiro, The Fallen, and The Demon crawl from under the ring. The Demon grabs Sting by the back of the head and starts to squeeze. Kronik run around them, and are stopped again as Villano XXIII jumps a guardrail and nails Adams in the back with a chair. Clark and XXIII start to fight, as inside the ring Hogan hits the Big Boot on Jarrett. Kimberly charges across the ring with the title in hand, but Hogan catches her by the throat, and then look to the fans for support. They cheer as he hooks her for a Chokeslam. On the floor, The Demon tosses Sting onto the ramp, and Vampiro touches his throat causing the lights to flicker. This stops Hogan, who is attacked from behind by Awesome. Vampiro runs his fingers down his throat, and a red, thick, liquid pours from the ceiling down all over Sting. Sting lays in the blood red liquid, as Hogan is set up for the Awesome Bomb in the ring. However Villano XXIV is now in the ring behind him, and he uses a chair to lay Awesome out. He then climbs to the top turnbuckle and delivers a Flying Elbow Drop onto Jarrett, followed by a Leg Drop by Hogan. Vampiro and his crew show no interest in helping Jarrett, and they slink off to the back after rubbing the red "blood" on their faces and chest. Villano XXIII finally dispatches of both Kronik members and rolls into the ring as the ref counts the 1-2-3 to give the win to Hogan and guarantee his spot in The Ready To Rumble Triple Cage Match.

Hogan looks at the Villanos, who rip off their masks to reveal Rowdy Roddy Piper and The Macho Man Randy Savage underneath. They hug Hogan, as Jarrett rolls to the floor. The trio then see Sting downed and head out of the ring, as police rush from all sides.

Schiavone: Macho Man and Piper were The Villanos all night long! Piper and Savage are with The Millionaire's Club!

The show ends with the police and security surrounding the trio, and Schiavone screaming for the fans to not miss Thunder.

Winner Terry "Hulk" Hogan by pinfall

Workrate: 44

Crowd: 86

OR: 73

OR: 67

TV Rating: 5.05

Attendance: 4002

Raw Rating: 7.16

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay, so I read this the day the board went down, and it was up next on my list following Jstarr's, so here I am, once again, falling to pieces...oh, sorry, got Kelly Clarkson stuck in my head. Anyway, onto the review of the two shows (That's right, 2 shows). Damn, you gotta quit writing so fast. No, don't, cause then you might stop altogether. On with the show.

Seemed weird to have a match as the opening segment for Nitro, especially for such a momentous occassion, but then when you think about it, this was WCW's way. They always excused their long interview segments by throwing a match right before them. Then they didn't look so much like WWE did at the time with the 20 minute Triple H promos and such. Nice little throwaway Hardcore match, which served the purpose of reminding the fans that the New Blood walked away with every belt, except one, and they were going to do everything they could to get that one belt back. Hopefully you didn't have much planned for these three, seeing as Funk destroyed them all, practically by himself, which destroys a lot of credibility they may have had.

Now for the segment that never ends. This is one of those segments that is needed, yet you sit there, and think it's over, then wait, it's still going.It did serve to remind everyone that while that one title is still out there, these guys are the top of the company. They hold everything, from the titles to the power, and they're laying down the war on the "Has-beens" out there. This also really illustrates your point of overkill, throwing the two matches together for a shot at the title, while also adding special guest referee's and of course there will be interference. Also gets rid of Bigelow, and serves notice to the rest of The New Blood that if they fail, they may suffer the same fate.

Seems like you might do something with The Prince. He had such potential when he first came to WCW and had those series of matches, but WCW killed him dead it seemed, and even this new gimmick of TAFKAPI couldn't seem to bring him back. Paisley was always kind of worthless in my opinion, specially with her complete lack of charisma. Candido, a great technical wrestler, but like you already mentioned, he wasn't exactly exciting in the ring. The only thing he really had was the eye candy, cause Tammy was always "DAYUM" until the last few years.

Seeing as I wasn't up to date on everything going on at this point, didn't Buff and Luger feud before? While it seems like a good feud on paper, ultimately it would have fallen flat on it's face in real life. Luger didn't have the charisma, or the mic skills in my opinion, Buff had the mic skills, but ultimately, he really lost a lot of his in-ring ability after joining the nWo, which we've talked about before. On paper, good idea, off paper, not so good.

Have I mentioned how much I hate Booker T as a singles wrestler? Oh, that's right, every single diary except for the old school ones. Putting that out of my head, and giving an unbiased review of the way you've gone about things, I'm still going to look for a heel turn here. Face Booker just didn't do it for me, and I think it would work a lot better However, it doesn't look like you're going to go that route, and him being annoyed with the fast count just seems to continue that point.

Missed The Franchise's big favor, but then again, this feud is definitely done a lot, and there is no doubt that you have the ability to blow everything I've seen from everyone else right out of the water. You've got the Douglas down well. I've always seen Douglas as the innovator for the kind of character Scott Steiner became in the late stages of WCW. That smash mouth, no nonsense talker who doesn't give a shit about censors or anything else. This illustrated that beautifully.

So Kimberly is with Jarrett? Real life it was Bisch, right? Again, can't remember these details. Seems like an odd coupling, but then again, she is a gold digger, and Jarrett has the ultimate feud. Guess this could lead to a nice little blood feud between Jarrett and Page.

I keep trying to figure out who is with Stasiak. For some reason I keep thinking someone out of Hennig's past, but I can't think of anyone who is still around at this time. Steiner always used a lead pipe, but what would he be doing associating with Stasiak? Also, not sure a feud with the three would work. But, it's definitely an intriguing factor.

Hogan and Kidman. Kidman and Hogan. How to say this. Did anyone actually buy this feud at the time? I mean, I'm a huge fan of Kidman, not really big on Hogan at this time, but still, Kidman just didn't stand up to Hogan. I seen the match they had at New Blood Rising, actually I have the ppv, and Kidman had to adapt his in-ring style so bad to match Hogan, and even Hogan couldn't seem to carry the crowd reaction. Hopefully you'll be able to build Kidman up, or job him out. But somewhere along the line it's got to become more believable.

So it looks like you're going the original route of Raven, Vampiro and Seven being together. This would have been cool had it worked, but I'm sure Raven had his reasonings for not wanting to work with Dustin at the time. Fortunately you don't have that problem while writing these kinds of things. I'm fans of all three so again, I can't wait to see where this goes.

Your news and notes mentioned Kidman being hit with the Diamondcutter within 30 seconds of the match, but you seemed to leave out the fact that Sid nearly did the same to Jarrett. He had Jarrett ready for the powerbomb right at the start until Bischoff came out and reminded him of the ban on the powerbomb. Also, it was apparent that Sid was going to win the match, especially since I seen your banner request...lol

Okay, onto Thunder

You've got little aesthetic things in your writing that I've never seen anyone else try, and I don't think anyone else could pull it off. Specially the description of the camera going out, and the bad reception during the Hardcore match. They make your writing that extra bit interesting. Other than that it was a paint by numbers title defence for Funk, but managed to set up another feud with Finlay. Could this be your Finlay push that you've been calling for in other diaries? Let's see if you manage it at a time when Finlay could have been more than a midcarder.

Mean Gene being the designated interviewer for The Millionaire's seems right, after all, he's probably the most well known announcer that WCW has at this point. Usual stuff from these two, and it seems a hint at a Kanyon turn, but hopefully not the Champagne gimmick he had in real life, cause I always hated that gimmick. Also, Positively Kanyon, another bad gimmick. Page and Kanyon would even make a very nice tag team.

Candido and The Artist was simply a continuation of last week, and continued to show that The Artist has fallen from the mid point where he used to reside, and just continues to slide further and further down the ladder.

Nothing else from this show really caught my attention. The main event was a given, and the other things were like you said, proving once again that The New Blood just couldn't handle The Millionaire's Club.

New Nitro will be feedbacked when I get a chance to read it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Damn, you were right, this was probably one of the best shows I've seen from you. Plenty of action and movement in the storylines. Let's get to some segment by segment feedback.

-Like I said before, you've captured the essence of Crowbar, David and Daffney perfectly in these segments and match. Especially teh match with them missing Funk and then David simply hitting Crowbar over and over with the pipe. They've always been insane, and not in the Vampiro style insane, but the types that you think should be locked up in a psych ward. Russo covering Daffney's mouth was a nice aestethic(sp?) touch, and we learn in the opening segment that nobody can find Bischoff, Kidman or Torrie, Now seeing as I'm doing this feedback after reading the show, I know who it was, but my first instinct was that Hogan would be revealed as having them tied up somewhere. Powerbomb off the ambulance for David Flair was awesome, and once again showed his penchant for taking the huge bumps and seemingly proving himself to the boys in the back.

-So Buff is still around. Damn me for listening to those damn dirt sheets. He attacks Luger in the back and then they completely destroy him in the ring. Old school diaries Luger would have a purpose, in diaries during this stage of the game he's usually there just to get beaten up and put guys over him. Buff over him might be good if Buff's workrate improves, but otherwise I think it might be a wasted opportunity. With that said, The Wall going over him by pinfall was a good move, no matter how much interference it took.

Scott Steiner seems to have all the luck. Him and his damn freaks. Now he's got Stacy Kiebler, grrrr. So now we've got newer members of the Villano's, and they're going to 4 on 1 Hennig. I'd rather them 4 on 1 Stacy but that's just the perverted side of me talking now. You know there is some shady business going on when Silver King looks scared of his own partners. The match itself illustrated that point, and you made it quite clear who was under the masks and yet for some reason it never became obvious to me until the main event when they actually were revealed. Then why I went "Oh for the love of god" because I should have known that.

Once again the Villano imposters get involved to help The Millionaires, and it seems like you're trying to make the odds a bit more even, and hopefully giving The New Blood a stronger booking, which is good, but then damn, Page just destroys everyone. Then again, any of these three guys going over someone like Page would be ridiculous at this stage in the game, so it all fits perfectly. Plus I have to mention the filled up line, and the fact that it had me picturing Kimberly in very pleasant positions through the whole match. I know, I'm a pervert. Everything breaking down during this match was great, and Flair sneaking past everything and making a bee-line for the door, and Douglas at the announce table was great. Very nicely written. Douglas leaving the area and getting attacked backstage was awesome, especially with Buff being thrown through a plate glass window.

Finlay seems to be going back to his rough and tough demeanor, taking out anyone and everyone simply because he...er...loves to fight. Poor Disco. I have a soft spot for him and seeing him destroyed like that is heart breaking. Ernest on the other hand, there is no soft spot for, and him getting destroyed brought a smile to my face. I sure hope Funk doesn't come out of that Hardcore match with the title, cause there are some guys in that battle royal who would lose a bit of steam if they didn't win.

Nice Sting interview, and you definitely through a curveball here with him being the one who took out Bischoff, Kidman and Torrie. It seemed like Sting was almost keeping his distance from the storyline, but then in one fell swoop you through him in there with the rest of them. That's some nice booking, and actually makes sense. Almost makes me think it's not WCW booking. Sting's promo was great, but Vampiro still owns him in the gothic style promos.

Main event was another solid match, but god damn Hogan completely no sold the hell out of Jarrett, and everyone else for that matter. Almost seemed like overkill for the Villano's to be revealed here and get involved, but it added a couple more members to The Millionaire's club. See, Elbow Drop, Sleeper, should have been so god damned clear. Someone smack me in the head.

I'm defintiely loving this diary, and everything that is going on. I'm still intrigued between the Stasiak/Hennig stuff, and where Scott Steiner is going as he seems to be a bit aimless at this point. The war is great, and very well written. The flow of this show was perfect, and everything just seemed to go right. Good job.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NBThunder.jpg

WCW Thunder

April 26, 2000

Syracuse, NY

Announcers: Mike Tenay and The Franchise Shane Douglas

Thunder comes on the air after the short opening sequence, which now heavily features New Blood members Jeff Jarrett, Billy Kidman, Kronik, Mike Awesome, Scott Steiner, and The Wall, and goes immediately to the back, where Scott Steiner is walking through the corridors with a bag and his WCW United States Title around his waist. A man in headphones bumps into him, and Steiner drops the bag and grabs the guy by the neck and pushes him into the wall, looking deranged.

Man: ack...uhhh...ack...The New....Blood...going...Stacey...punish...ack

Steiner lets go of the guy's neck and pulls him in close to his face

Steiner: What did you say you freaking little piss ant?

The man wheezes a little before he catches his breath.

Man: The New Blood is about to punish Stacey for last week by making her wrestle Madusa, Kimberly, and Torrie in a Loser Leaves WCW Match.

Steiner: Russo and Bischoff are going after my number one freak?

Man: And if she loses, she's going to be further punished by The Career Ender.

Steiner: Where the hell are those bas(BLEEP)ow?

Man: On the way to the ring.

Steiner punches the guy in the stomach, then grabs his bag and walks off.

Steiner: Thanks.

WCW Hardcore Title Match: Terry Funk© vs. Los Fabulousos (w/Miss Stacey Keibler)

Inside the arena proper Silver King and El Dandy are already going two on one against Funk. Funk grabs King by the hair and whips him into the ring corner where he collides with Dandy, while on the outside Stacey looks horrified and more than a little worried. She starts to back up the aisle as the crowd boos when she backs into Madusa, who grabs her by the hair. Back in the ring Funk climbs up to the middle rope, and executes a Moonsault that lands him on top of Dandy who was on top of King. Funk gets to his feet, grabs Dandy, and Piledrives him to the mat, before he hooks the leg to get the 1-2-3 to win this two on one Hardcore Title Match in the least Hardcore Title Match in quite some time.

Funk gets to his feet, but his celebrations are short lived as The New Blood, led by Bischoff and Russo, head to the ring. Funk tosses his Hardcore Title to the mat, and stands ready with his fists up, as The Career Ender Mike Awesome, Creative Control, Kronik, The Wall, and Tank Abbott enter the ring. Funk watches as Kronik deliver High Times to Dandy and Creative Control deliver The H-Bomb to King. Awesome then comes off the top rope with an Awesome Splash on Dandy, while The Wall puts King in his Torture Rack into a slam move. Finally, Abbott walks over to Funk and spits on him. Funk starts laying into Abbott, as Finlay slides into the ring and drops Funk with a punch to the Kidneys. Abbott gets into the corner and as Funk gets to his feet he Spears him to the mat, then delivers a Jackhammer. The fans are booing, as Kronik tosses Dandy and King to the floor below, while Madusa forces Stacey into the ring. Bischoff and Russo enter last alongside Jarrett, Kimberly, Kidman, and Torrie, as the lights go out and a wailing siren goes off in the arena.

Winner: Terry Funk by pinfall (Funk pins El Dandy)

Workrate: 73

Crowd: 48

OR: 60

Steinerized

Spotlights search the fans as the siren continues to wail, until finally it settles on the entranceway. Scott Steiner walks from the back with a chain mail headdress on, his WCW US Title around his waist, his shirt off, in jeans, and carrying a very large looking steel pipe.

Tenay: One of the scariest men in all of professional wrestling and sports entertainment has just entered the arena folks, and he does not look happy.

Steiner makes his way to the ring, where he rolls inside and looks around at the assemblage of New Blood inside. He smiles, removes his headdress, and then walks over to the side of the ring, where he is handed a mic as the sirens come to a stop and the lights come back up.

Bischoff: Now Scott...

Steiner pushes Bischoff in the chest. Creative Control step forward now.

Steiner: You two bald headed Stone Cold wannabe jabronies better back the hell up or so help me god I will rip your arms off, beat your asses silly with them, and then use them to whip the s(BLEEP)tta everyone else in this ring.

Russo: Scotty, relax man. We're in my home state, we're live, and if you have an issue you know all you have to do is catch me in the back at anytime and we'll make things right. You're our WCW United States Champion, and that holds a lot of weight here with The...

Steiner: The New Blood? More like The Jobber Squad and Midcard Morons if you ask me. You know, as every week passes by I gotta ask myself why in the hell I ever stood next to you bunch of jack offs in the first place. But that's not why I'm here, and you damned well know it. Let my freak go, or I am going to run through The New Blood in about sixty seconds.

Bischoff: Scott, she needs to be punished. It was her that allowed The Macho Man Randy Savage and Roddy Piper back into WCW, and them being back led to Curt Hennig getting a win, DDP winning the WCW Parking Lot Invitational, and Hogan getting into the Main Event Ready To Rumble Triple Cage Match at Slamboree.

Steiner: Do I look like I care about any of that crap? If I cared I'd have come out on Nitro and done what your buncha losers here couldn't do, and that's beat the hell out of DDP, Hennig, Piper, Savage, and Hogan on my own. Now give me back my freak, or things are going to get really ugly.

Russo: Scotty, what do you want? What can i do to make you happy tonight?

Steiner: Are you deaf Russo, or just a stupid son(BLEEP)? I said I want my freak back.

Russo: You know, we still owe you a favor that you've never collected. Let's talk about that.

Steiner: All right, now I'm pissed.

Steiner raises the steel pipe high, and as he does so Madusa pushes Miss Stacey into his arms. Bischoff glares at Madusa, who backs up and stand behind Awesome and The Wall.

Steiner: I knew I when I scr(BLEEP)ou last year it was for a reason Madusa. You're not as stupid as you are bad in the sack.

Madusa looks shocked, and now it's Awesome who holds her back as she tries to lunge at Steiner.

Russo: Okay Scotty, now can we get this moving so we don't lose out entire audience tonight...

Steiner: As a matter of fact, you can shut the hell up and listen to me. Stacey is mine, and she is safe from here on out. If anyone touches her or even looks at her sideways, I will break them in half without a second thought. We're The Freaks, and we do what the hell we want when the hell we want and how the hell we want. Now, since I feel like defending this belt and you losers can't even put away a piece of walking crap like Curt Hennig, book him against me tonight for my belt.

Bischoff: Are you insane? We are not giving a Millionaire a free title shot for no reason when we could just...

Steiner: It wasn't a request, it was a damned order. Book it. And as for my favor, since I beat the hell out of Sting at Spring Stampede, and since I haven't been properly used since then, it's about time The New Blood jabronies got a leader they can look up to and really worship. I led the nWo, I led The Steiners to hundreds of World Tag Team Title reigns in every damned promotion in the world, and now I'm going to lead WCW and The New Blood. I want a World Tile shot, and I want it next Monday on Nitro.

Jarrett can't believe what he is hearing, as he starts ranting like a madman to Russo and Bischoff, while even Kimberly is getting upset and yelling.

Bischoff: Jeff, be quiet Jeff, Kimberly shut up dammit. You want a World Title Shot on Nitro? No way in hell Steiner. You better just start swinging that bat and hope you can take us all out for good, because there is no way I am going to let you potentially ruin the Main Event of Slamboree by...

Russo puts his hand over Bischoff's mic and smiles as he pushes it down. He puts a finger up to Steiner, and then whispers something into Eric's ear. Eric tries to argue, but the words "trust me" can be heard, and finally Bischoff relents.

Bischoff: Fine, Scott, fine. You have your US Title defense against Hennig tonight, you have your freak back, and dammit you have your WCW World Title Match on Nitro against Jarrett.

Jarrett: What the hell...?

Russo: And just to make sure none of us jabronie New Blood Midcard losers interferes, you have it inside a Caged Heat Match. Now is that a fair enough way for us to give you your favor?

Steiner smiles as he holds Miss Stacey close.

Bischoff: Anything else?

Steiner: Yeah, get the hell out of my way. I got some "training" to do before I kill Curt Hennig tonight.

The New Blood move to one side, as the lights go back out, the sirens start to blare again, and a spotlight follows Steiner and Stacey to the back. The lights come back on after the siren stops.

Bischoff: You two, take that piece of crap Funk outside, where the trash belongs.

Finlay and Abbott walk off with Funk.

Russo: Now I have some sad news to tell, and I have some good news to tell. Let's start with the good news. The Total Package Lex Luger is gone. He is out of commission, and it's all because of The Franchise Shane Douglas, The Wall, and myself. Let's take a look.

NitroVision comes to life and shows the end of the match on Nitro, where Luger was devastated.

Russo: Flexie Lexie was sent to the hospital with a fractured sternum, broken ribs, and a concussion. He's gone. That's one Millionaire down. Sadly we also lost one of our own.

Once again NitroVision comes to life, and it airs a retrospective to some Buff's music, showing highlights of his career, ending with him and The Franchise winning the WCW Tag Team Titles at Spring Stampede. At this point Douglas' music plays and he comes walking out with both titles and gets into the ring amid boos. He looks at the belts, then hands them off to Russo, who shakes his head and looks somber. He then hands his mic to Douglas.

Franchise: Flair, you just had to hold someone else back didn't you? It isn't enough that you ruined my time in WCW all those years ago, you just had to ruin someone else's didn't you. Buff Bagwell was in the prime of his career, he was young, he was hungry, and he was destined to do great things, but you couldn't let that happen could you, you self serving son(BLEEP)? Well, you won't be gloating for long. You may have put Buff on the shelf. but I can guarandamntee that you won't be gloating for long. Tonight, Eric and Vince start a tournament to crown new WCW World Tag Team Champions, and I have to start from the bottom with my new partner, but you have to get through Kronik with yours, haha. You think you and Sid can get past two of the biggest, baddest, meanest, roughest, toughest, and down right nastiest bas(BLEEP)CW? I'll be celebrating another WCW World Tag Team Title reign, while you'll be crying, like you always do, after Slamboree. Your ass will be Franchised, and you won't ever see it coming. Wooo!

The Franchise hands the mic back to Russo, as the crowd boos.

Russo: That's right, we have another WCW Tag Team Title Tournament starting tonight, with eight teams doing battle in Round One tonight. We'll see Kronik, The New Team Franchise, Creative Control, Sid and Flair, The Career Enders Mike Awesome and The Wall, The Mamalukes, DDP and Hogan, and we were going to have Kanyon and Curt Hennig, but Hennig just a United States title match so we'll have to make an adjustment.

Jarrett is standing close by still looking pissed, and Russo notices him.

Russo: Jeff, Chosen One, don't you worry. I have said it over and over and over since we started The New Blood, but you have to trust me and Eric. You're going to do just fine this Monday on Nitro against Steiner, you have my word on that.

Jarrett shakes his head and he and Kimberly leave the ring.

Bischoff: But someone who won't be doing fine tonight is Sting. Stinger, you attacked myself, Torrie, and Billy Kidman on Nitro, and you're going to pay for that. Oh how you're going to pay. Getting your head damn near squeezed off and being drenched in blood was just the beginning, because in tonight's Thunder Main Event you're going to face Kidmania one on one in this ring, and you are not going to be walking out the same man. The Blood Pact might have hurt you on Nitro, but Billy is going to put another nail in your coffin, and then at Slamboree Vampiro and The Blood Pact are going to seal it shut.

The fans boo as Kidman and Torrie hug and smile.

Kidman: Whatcha gonna do, Stinger, whatcha gonna do when Kidmania and these forty eight inch pythons run wild on you, brother?

They all laugh.

Bischoff: Now Shane, I think you have a spot at the announce table until it's time for The New Team Franchise to wrestle.

Shane smiles and heads over with Schiavone, as music plays into commercial.

OR: 81

commercials

Tenay: We are back on Thunder and I am Mike Tenay..

Douglas: And I'm The Franchise, haha, Shane Douglas.

Tenay: With all due respect, there's only one Franchise in WCW, and his name is Sting.

Douglas: And if Billy and The Blood Pact leave anything left of him after I've ended Flair's career, I'll see about getting me some of Sting too.

Tenay: Folks, we have the first match of The WCW Tag Team Titles Tournament, but up first let's take a special look at Ready To Rumble, as well as the exclusive interview I did with David Arquette this past week.

After the Ready To Rumble package, it's to the interview, where Arquette is joined by his wife, at least until she has to leave when Kurt Russell comes up and says they have to shoot the love scene. David smiles, but as soon as they are gone he says he has to go make sure things stay kosher and rushes off. It's then back to Tenay and Douglas.

Douglas: What an idiot. He's lucky she's not starring with The Franchise, or else it would be a very adult film.

Tenay: Yeah right. And folks, David Arquette will be live this Monday on Nitro.

Douglas: He better make sure he doesn't hop the rail like he did last time, or he might be getting his ass Franchised as well.

commercials

Round One WCW Tag Team Titles Tournament Match: Kronik vs. The Nature Boy Ric Flair and Sid

Kronik come out first with music and some pyro, and then NitroVision shows Flair and Sid being led through the back by security. Soon enough they make their way to the ramp, where Flair disrobes, struts, and then he and Sid walk the aisle.

Tenay: A reunion of sorts for two men who once ran together as Horsemen.

Douglas: Yeah, but Paul Roma was a Horseman too, so it's not like they ever meant anything.

Tenay: I think you're jealous. Did you want to be a Horseman, Shane, instead of a Dude?

Douglas: Don't think I won't Franchise your ass, Mike. You can be replaced, just ask Scott Hudson down at the soup kitchen in Atlanta with his wife and brats.

Once in the ring, the bell sounds and Sid and Adams start it off. Adams and Sid trade some stiff lefts and rights, but soon enough it is Sid who gets the upper hand with a test of strength. Adams tries to go low, but Sid simply Head Butts Adams to the mat. Clarke rushes into the ring, but Flair meets him halfway and chops him back into his corner and over the top to the floor.

Douglas: I think I should mention that for this Tournament, just like we saw at Spring Stampede and like we will see at Slamboree, the rules have been laxed a little so that the fans of WCW can see some great action without a stupid DQ ending.

Tenay: You mean so The New Blood can cheat easier.

Douglas: Rules don't keep us from cheating, Mike. Now if you'll excuse me.

Douglas drops his headset, as Tenay asks him what he's doing. Back in the ring, Flair is Chopping away on Adams, as Clarke makes the blind tag in. As Clarke enters the ring Flair pokes him in the eye, but from behind Adams punches Flair. Sid is about to make his way into the ring, but The Franchise grabs his foot on the apron. Sid looks down and kicks Douglas off, then hops to the floor where he begins to stalk him. From behind, Chris Candido waffles Sid with the Cruiserweight Title, then he and Douglas lay boots to the big man. Tammy comes walking down the ramp, her boa flapping, as she points to them both to destroy him Back in the ring Kronik delivers High Times on The Nature Boy, and Clarke makes the pinfall with the leg hooked to get the 1-2-3 to win.

Douglas and Candido roll Sid into the ring, followed by them and Tammy, and with Adams help Clarke hits an ugly Powerbomb on Sid. At this point the crowd erupts into cheers, as The Macho Man Randy Savage and Roddy Piper slide into the ring with steel chairs and lay into all four. Tammy tries to get away, but Piper catches her by the boa. He puts her in The Sleeper as Russo, Jarrett, The Wall, and Awesome all head down the ramp. Savage grabs a mic, as Flair tends to Sid, who looks hurt.

Winners: Kronik by pinfall (Clarke pins Flair)

Workrate: 61

Crowd: 68

OR: 65

Ooooh Yeah!

Savage: I'd stop right there before Piper puts this little girl out, and then the four of us nasty, mean, lecherous old Millionaire's have our way with her, yeah. You dig it?

Russo stops them all, as Piper laughs in the ring, then loosens up The Sleeper. Tammy looks very groggy.

Savage: Yeah, now that's a good idea and a good move. You see, the last time I was in this ring before Nitro the other night, I said I was going to bring someone to WCW. I said The Macho Man was going to make a biiiig announcement very soon, and then nothing. The Macho Man looked like a liar when he didn't show up again. Now I wonder why I didn't do anything? I wonder why I never made another appearance before Monday? I wonder why The Powers That Be kept me out of WCW?

On the floor Russo smirks, as inside the ring Flair is helping Sid to his feet.

Savage: Yeah you smile away Russo you arrogant SOB, you go ahead and smile and act all proud, because you screwed The Macho Man, something bookers and promoters have been trying to do for years, yeah. You want to come into WCW and start shooting all over the place, well The Macho Man can shoot with the best of them. How about I shoot about how you really got yourself into a cushy job up north? Or how about I shoot on how you used to sit and mark out for the boys in the back, people like Hogan, Piper, Flair, and The Macho Man? Yeah, you remember that, Vince? You remember calling The Macho Man for an interview for that magazine, and instead of shooting "venom" at me all you did was mark out for Flair vs. Savage? Remember that?

Russo's face is red, and he is looking very upset, as Flair walks over and grabs Tammy by the arm and drags her over to him and Sid, who doesn't look right. Kronik, Douglas, and Candido are now standing on the floor, and Candido looks horrified. Meanwhile in the ring Piper now has a mic.

Piper: Now Mach, we can shoot and we can call Russo and his minions on things all day, like when I used to "crush" Adams there in the ring up north in training, or like how I embarrassed the hell outta Mr. J-A Double R, E Double T, ha ha when he wanted to try and get one over on old Hot Rod. Remember that Jeff? Remember how I also told ya, I said "Pal, your get up and your strut looks like Ric Flair vomited all over Honky Tonk and he forgot to take a shower". You remember that? Now we can do this all night, or we can deliver a message from Hogan and DDP right here tonight. And that message is, ahem, "Brothers, we're gonna give up our spots in the tournament and hand it over to Hot Rod and Mach, because whatcha gonna do when they run their mouths on you?" Or something like that.

Russo sends Awesome over to the ring announcer, and he comes back with a mic.

Russo: You two want DDP and Hogan's spots? Those two old idiots are willing to give up possibly being Tag Team Champions and let you two old idiots have a shot at it?

Piper: Look who's calling who an idiot. We got Ric Flair and Sid holding onto the little girl, and you're all left holding your d...well, you know. Look Vince, to paraphrase a great actor from his biggest movie ever, me and Macho, we came back to WCW to chew gum and kick some New Blood ass, and we forgot to bring the gum.

Russo: Oh nice, pop out another stupid catchphrase while you're at it. I'm not gonna play some chickensh(BLEEP)eel while you two old timers get yourself over on my expense on my show, and at the expense of my ratings. You two...

Piper: Another catchphrase? Okay. Every time you think you have the answer, we change the rules, and that's what we're doing now. Mach, why don't ya fly off the ropes onto little Tammy here.

Savage spins in a circle as the fans cheer, while on the floor Candido begs Russo, who looks madder and madder.

Russo: Alright alright, damn you, alright. You two got Hogan and DDP's spots, but we're gonna mix it up a bit. They were going to take on Awesome and The Wall, but instead seeing as how you want to play games with Chris' wife, you get The New Team Franchise instead.

Douglas: WHAT?!?!

Tenay: Oh The Franchise and Candido don't like that one bit, now do they?

Savage: Yeah, we can dig that, and just to be sure there isn't any crazy stuff, The Nature Boy and big Sid, ooooh yeah, they're gonna hold onto the little girl until the end of the match. Yeah.

Candido is going nuts on the floor, as Russo is trying to talk to him and Shane.

Tenay: Folks this impromptu match is up next.

OR: 80

commercials

Round One WCW Tag Team Titles Tournament Match: The New Team Franchise (w/Vince Russo, Kronik, The Chosen One Jeff Jarrett, and The Career Enders) vs. The Macho Man Randy Savage and Roddy Piper (w/The Nature Boy Ric Flair and Sid)

The New Blood representatives are on the side of the ring closest to the ramp, and The New Team Franchise's corner, while Flair and Sid, still holding Tammy, are closest to Piper and Savage's corner. Inside the ring, Piper and Candido are going at it. Candido makes the tag to Douglas, who points to Savage as he enters. Piper is happy to oblige, and a tag is made. Franchise and The Macho Man exchange some blows back and forth, but soon enough Douglas cheats and gets the upper hand. He tags in Candido, who works over Savage's neck and upper back, before he tags Douglas back in. He attempts The Franchiser, but Savage blocks it, and both men are down on the mat. Candido is tagged back in, but Savage makes the hot tag to Piper, who is on fire as he delivers right after right after right to Candido. Soon enough he locks in The Sleeper. Douglas rushes in, but he is met by Savage, who sends him over the ropes toppling onto Awesome, The Wall, and Jarrett. Meanwhile nobody seems to notice that Kronik have slipped into the crowd, aside from Tenay. Piper drops Candido, who is out, and Savage flies off the top rope with the second Flying Elbow Drop onto Candido tonight. Savage hooks the leg as Douglas scrambles to get back into the ring, and Savage scores the 1-2-3 to win the match and advance.

Tenay: Piper and Savage have done it here tonight, and on Nitro they are going to go against Kronik in Round Two of the WCW World Tag Team Titles Tournament. What a huge win.

At this point, as Piper and Savage are celebrating, Adams and Clarke come back over the guardrail behind Sid and Flair, and attack. Tammy scrambles free, and The New Blood swarm the ring. Kronik sends Sid into the ring post and then deliver a High Times on Flair through a table, while inside the ring Piper and Savage try to fight back, but fall to the numbers. Russo hits Piper in the head with the flex bar and then Jarrett hits The Stroke on him onto a chair. Savage is first put into The Wall's Torture Rack and slammed, and then he is Awesome Splashed. Yet again The New Blood stand tall and victorious, despite another minor victory by the Millionaire's Club, as the show fades into commercials.

Winners: Roddy Piper and The Macho Man Randy Savage by pinfall (Savage pins Candido)

Workrate: 66

Crowd: 75

OR: 72

commercials

After the break they rerun the Ready To Rumble bit from before, and then it's back to the arena where CH-CH-Chosen One rings out.

The New Blood, Ready To Rumble?

Jarrett and Kimberly come from the back, again, and head to the ring. Once inside Jarrett stands on the middle turnbuckle and holds his guitar high, as in the ring behind him pyro goes off and Kimberly claps. Jarrett hops off the ropes and is handed a mic by Kimberly, who also has one.

Kimberly: Sluts and fatties, I present to you YOUR WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and the man that will run through Scott Steiner on Nitro and Hogan, my beloved husband DDP, and even Billy Kidman at Slamboree, Jeff Jarrett.

The crowd boos, and then boo a bit more as Kidman's new rip off of Hogan's music starts up and he and Torrie come from the back and stand on the ramp. Kidman has a mic.

Kidman: Whoa whoa whoa, hold it right there, slap ass.

The music stops, as Jarrett takes off his sunglasses and glares.

Jarrett: What the hell did you just call me, Billy?

Kidman: You? Oh I'm sorry, that wasn't aimed at you, that was aimed at the gold digger on your arm.

Torrie leans in laughing.

Torrie: Arm candy.

The duo laugh at the very unfunny joke, as Kimberly looks less than pleased.

Jarrett: Now you listen here son, somebody who's woman likes the nose candy as much as that jezzabelle does...

Kidman: No you hold it right there before you piss ME off, son.

The fans start to cheer a bit, as the foursome glare.

Tenay: We might be seeing something erupt here folks.

Kidman: I have to deal with Hogan inside The Ready To Rumble Triple Cage now because you couldn't get it done inside Caged Heat on Nitro...

Kimberly: Oh this is rich.

Jarrett: Well howdy do Slap Nuts, because I was going to say the same thing about DDP when you ate a Diamond Cutter last week and...

Kidman: Oh yeah, I ate a Diamond Cutter, but you failed to stop DDP from winning in that same match didn't you? Just admit it Jeff, you are way out of your league. The only reason you're the WCW World Champ is because it was handed to you by the ten buck tramp there.

Kimberly: Ten bucks? Oh you wish Billy. You couldn't afford me if you were in The Millionaire's Club yourself. Now if you want to see a ten cent slut, look to your right.

Torrie throws down the lollipop she was seductively licking on and takes off her high heels.

Jarrett: Bring it on missy, and bring your girlfriend too, so we can all rumble. We don't have to wait until Slamboree you Slap Nuts...

NitroVision comes to life, and Bischoff is on it looking very angry.

Bischoff: Are you kidding me? No, really, are you kidding me? You two, hell you four are the most important parts of The New Blood, and you want to throw it all away by fighting and bickering and arguing? Wake up, this is what The Millionaire's Club has always done to you. This is another of the many ways they hold you all down, by causing you to fight amongst yourselves. Now get the hell back here now, Billy, we have a match with Sting to get ready for.

Jarrett: Yeah run along now Billy, the champions have some things to say.

Kidman: After Slamboree, Jeff, I'll be the champion.

Jarrett: Right. I'm sure you won't blow it like you did the United States Tournament at Spring Stampede.

Bischoff: Enough dammit.

Kidman: You want to talk about botching it? I can't wait to see you crap your panties when you're locked inside Caged Heat with Scott frigging Steiner.

Jarrett: Well Billy, at least I'm man enough to take someone like Steiner on. I bet you don't have the balls to go one on one, and note I said "one on one" slap ass, this Nitro with Sid.

Bischoff: Billy, no. Don't do it...

Kidman: One on one with Sid? I thought you were going to make it tough on me. It's a match. Now choke on this slap nuts.

And with that Kidman flips Jarrett the double bird, which is blurred by TBS, to the delight of the fans, before he and Torrie walk to the back.

Bischoff: Finally. As for you two, get the hell out of here for the night. Go to your hotel room. Take the rest of the night off.

Jarrett: Oh we will, Eric, right after I make one thing perfectly clear. Steiner, you crazy, out of your mind, good for nothing...

Kimberly: ...imbecile...

Jarrett: On Nitro, you may be a wild animal locked in a cage with the prize you want so bad, but son, you've done gone and done it. Now you've pissed me off.

Jarrett tosses the mic down as his music plays and he heads towards the back.

OR: 68

Tenay: My word folks, not only do we still have the rest of the Tag Team Titles Tournament and Steiner vs. Hennig for the WCW United States title yet to come tonight, not only will we see Kidman vs. Sting in our biggest Thunder Main Event in months, but this Monday Night on Nitro, we have Kidman vs. Sid and for the WCW World Heavyweight Title it's Jarrett defending against Scott Steiner.

commercials

Round One WCW Tag Team Titles Tournament Match: Creative Control vs. The Mamalukes (w/Disco)

The Mamalukes and Disco are already in the ring following the commercial, and as Creative Control come from the back, NitroVision once again comes to life tonight.

Russo: Mamalukes, Disco, this is your last shot with The New Blood. Win tonight, go on in the tournament, or come Nitro you'll all be wishing you were anywhere but in WCW. Ring the damn bell.

NitroVision goes to the ring now, as Ron and Don attack in unison. The bell rings, and as Disco looks on from ringside Creative Control just annihilate Johnny The Bull and Vito. It's not even a competitive match at all, as the two bald big men completely control this match. After four minutes of a brutal beating, and as Disco slowly backs up the ramp, Ron and Don hit The H-Bomb on Vito. Don makes the cover and the 1-2-3 is academic here.

Disco then watches from the top of the ramp as the duo continue the assault. Disco finally runs off to the back, as the video cuts to a split screen. As Disco rushes through the back, almost running into The Career Enders but ducking down a hall, Johnny The Bull is drilled with a Spike Piledriver. Disco rushes through a locker room, getting a hair brush thrown at him by Mona who is covering herself in her underwear, while Vito is thrown to the floor. Disco turns a corner and rushes out a side door and runs smack into the chest of Bam Bam Bigelow as Johnny is H-Bombed through a table at ringside. Disco screams out in surprise and fright, and just faints at the sight of Bigelow and now Funk.

Bam Bam: This idiot has lost every bit of sack he ever had.

Funk: Come on, let's go get the other one.

Funk and Bigelow walk off, as Disco lies out of it, and Creative Control stand in the ring looking at NitroVision, pointing and talking to each other.

Winners: Creative Control by pinfall (Don pins Vito)

Workrate: 81

Crowd: 65

OR: 73

Tenay: The other one? Who are Bam Bam Bigelow and Terry Funk talking about here?

commercials

Hogan and DDP, Ready To Rumble, Part Two

The scene is in the back, where Russo is standing by a monitor.

Russo: I said do you understand me? Do you?

The scene pulls back and reveals the Booker is standing in front of Russo, dressed in expensive clothes and wearing sunglasses. He doesn't look pleased.

Booker: Yeah sucka, I understand.

Russo: Good, you better. And so help me god, if you screw this up, Book, if you mess this up like you did at Spring Stampede, so help me Book I'm going to...

Booker: You're gonna what Vince? Throw me in The Millionaire's Bus like you did Hennig and Kanyon?

Russo shakes his head. On the monitor behind him Mean Gene is talking.

Russo: No Book, not that. If you screw this up, if you fail me, I'm gonna lock you in the boiler room on Nitro with Hogan, and the only way to get out is to knock the hell outta the other. Now don't you forget it. Go on, go, I want to watch this.

Booker glares at Russo, then walks off as Russo turns to the monitor. The scene then shifts to outside the arena, where Gene is dressed in a large jacket.

Mean Gene: ...is so cold here in New York tonight. You'd think we were still in Rockford. Anyways, my guests tonight are none other than Diamond Dallas Page and the immortal one himself, Hulk...

DDP and Hogan walk into view but Hogan puts his hand up stopping Gene.

Hogan: Not so fast Mean Gene. You see you were going introduce me incorrectly, brother, and we just can't have that. I told all The Hulkamaniacs that Hulk Hogan qas gone for awhile, and I meant it brother. For now on, just call me Terry "FUNB" Hogan, brother. The "NB" stands for New Blood, and the "FU stands for fu...

Mean Gene: Whoa there Hulkster, I mean Terry. We can't be doing that on TBS, they'll throw us right off the air.

DDP: What Hogan is trying to say here, Gene, is that the "FU" stands for fu...

Mean Gene: Now you both knock it off before you get us all in trouble. Goodness gracious what has happened to WCW? I'm locked outside the building, you two are trying to drop the F-Bomb, and all hell is breaking loose inside the arena night after night.

Hogan: Gene, what's happening is that Vince Russo and my so called old buddy Eric Bischoff think that it's those of us like myself and DDP who made some money in WCW who are holding the kids down. They want to try and say that Ric Flair kept The Franchise from succeeding in WCW, or Sid kept The Wall from winning championships, or that I kept Kidman from being a star. Well Gene, brother, it goes like this. Hulkamania didn't hold nobody back that could step up and do the deed, Slick Ric didn't make Shane Douglas a jobber, and Sid, well he did beat the once unbeatable Wall for the WCW World Title, so that one's true. But you get the idea.

DDP: You New Blood jabronies put one of ours on the shelf, we put one of yours on the shelf, and we get two more to come in and take his place. Hogan said it right, Gene. We're not going to be punished because we excelled, and we're not going to lay down, lay back, and let this new breed of wannabes walk over us to money, fame, and titles. Once upon a time I was a nobody, just like Hogan, and we both stepped up and made names for ourselves. It wasn't that long ago that DDP was just a poor former TV Champion who lost his manager to The Booty Man, and now I'm a two time WCW World Champion. These kids wanna cry and moan, well we're going to give them something to cry and moan about.

Mean Gene: At Slamboree the two of you will be locked inside the Ready To Rumble Triple Cage, and boy I can tell you after I saw the movie I had nightmares over that massive structure. You seem awfully friendly tonight, but come Slamboree?

DDP: It's every man for himself, Gene, even if Hogan has got to feel...the...BANG!

Hogan and DDP go nose to nose now.

Mean Gene: Gentlemen?

Hogan: What's going to happen, brother, is that me and DDP are going to take out the thrash that is Billy Kidman and Jeff Jarrett, and then we're going to fight all the way to the top of the cage. All the way to the very top, where the better man is going to grab the WCW World Heavyweight Title, and walk out of Slamboree the new champion.

DDP: And whichever one of us it is, may he reign for a long time to come.

Hogan: Now that's a bang I can feel, brother.

The duo shake hands before backing off in opposite directions.

Mean Gene: You two had me worried for a second. Mike, it's back to you, inside that warm, nice, comfortable studio. I envy you Mike Tenay, I really do.

The scene then cuts to Russo and Bischoff both watching the monitor now.

Bischoff: I can't wait until Nitro now.

Russo: You and me both, Eric, you and me both.

OR: 85

commercials

WCW United States Title Match: Scott Steiner© (w/Miss Stacey Keibler) vs. Curt Hennig

Curt is led from through the back following the break, and as he and security turn a corner he is attacked by PerfectShawn Stasiak. Stasiak sends Hennig flying against a wall, then the two wrestle on the floor, throwing wild punches. Once again the cameraman is knocked aside, and once again we hear a scuffle and see some feet, but not the identity of the man who helps Stasiak lay a beating on Hennig. The duo then walk off laughing, as Hennig is picked up and dragged in front of the camera.

Tenay: Here we go again folks, more cheating by The New Blood.

Douglas: Cheating? The match hasn't even started yet Tenay.

Tenay: Oh great, you're back. Folks we have our United States Title Match up next.

The scene then cuts to show Steiner and Miss Stacey walking down the hall.

commercials

After the break Hennig is leaning against the bottom ropes as the lights go out, the sirens wail, and a spotlight follows Steiner and Stacey from the back. Once in the ring she removes his headdress, takes his steel pipe, and kisses him on the lips, as the referee shows the US Title. The bell rings as Douglas is bitching and moaning about how he and Candido were screwed over. Steiner walks over to Hennig and starts paint brushing him about the face and head, and then he turns and does a pose for Stacey. Behind his back Hennig gets to his feet and stumbles over, where he Hennigplexes Steiner into a two count. He is too wobbly and hurt to hold him, but what he has done is infuriate the champion, who gets to his feet and delivers massive fists and forearm shots to the head and neck of Hennig. The referee warns Steiner, then tries to stop him, but he gets shoved so hard he flies out of the ring at this point. Tenay wonders if this is going to be a DQ now, as Steiner looks to Stacey and yells for the pipe. She hands it through the ropes to him, and he turns around and is head butted to the groin by the kneeling Hennig. Steiner drops the pipe and wobbles, and Hennig grabs it and brings it down over the back of Steiner who drops. Hennig then sees Stasiak enter the ring. Hennig swings and lays it to the midsection of PerfectShawn, who topples to the floor. On the ramp, Russo and Booker come out, and Russo is pointing. Booker rushes to the ring, slides in, evades a pipe shot from Hennig and nails a Scissors Kick. Hennig drops to the mat and loses the pipe, as the fans are booing Booker. He grabs the pipe, looks at the ramp at Russo who is motioning for him to use it, and then he turns and nails Steiner, who was starting to stand up, right in the head with it. He then grabs Hennig and pulls him onto Steiner as the fans in attendance cheer quite loudly. He rolls from the ring as the ref crawls in and sees this. Stasiak tries to get into the ring, but he is too slow as the ref counts the 1-2-3, and we have a new WCW United States Champion.

Tenay: The Millionaire's Club has just taken their first title, what a huge win, what a huge win.

Douglas: They didn't take anything, they just had it handed to them by that turncoat Booker.

Russo is staring on looking both upset and troubled, and he shakes his head.

Russo: Damn you Book, damn you damn you damn you. You just made the biggest mistake of your entire career. We'll get the damn belt back, and we'll do it at Slamboree where Hennig will defend against Steiner and Stasiak, but you, you are now screwed. On Nitro you're gonna be in that Boiler Room Match with Hogan, Book. Oh, and I'm sure Steiner will have something to say about this too. You stupid little man. Boys?

Security then rushes out and confronts Booker, who drops the pipe and walks off. Meanwhile Hennig gets to his feet and holds his newly won US Title, but not for long as Stasiak lays him out from behind, then hits The Hennigplex.

Winner: Curt Hennig by pinfall

Workrate: 60

Crowd: 91

OR: 81

commercials

After the break, The Career Enders Mike Awesome and The Wall are in the ring with Russo.

Russo: So we're one team short since Hennig and Kanyon aren't in the tournament. Now I was just going to let my boys here have a bye into the Second Round, but I changed my mind. Let's be fair, right boys?

Awesome and The Wall smirk and nod.

Russo: So if any team that hasn't wrestled yet wants to come out here and take a shot at the two guys who ended the careers of Big Sexy Kevin Nash and The Total Package Lex Luger, come on out and do it now.

Russo waits as the camera shows the entranceway, while the fans start chanting some names like Hogan, DDP, and Sting.

Russo: Anyone? Anyone at all?

Again the camera shows the entranceway, as now some minor Luger chants can be heard.

Russo: No? Okay then. So we now know that...

Russo is cut off as Wolfpac in the hizzzzouse rings through the arena and the old nWo Wolfpac music begins to play. All three of them, Russo, Awesome, and The Wall, look at the entranceway in shock, as Kevin Nash limps out of the back. He smiles, and then does The Clique Point and Scott Hall makes his return to WCW to a roar of approval from the crowd. Nash has a mic after he hugs Hall, who looks good.

Nash: Cut the music cut the music. Now I'm not in the best of shape. My leg still hurts, my knees are killing me, my back is a mess, but I told you Scott was ready to go didn't I? Sober, lean, mean, and ready to whoop some New Blood ass all over New York.

The fans cheer again, as Nash hands the mic to Hall.

Hall: Hey yo.

More cheers, while in the ring Russo looks like he crapped himself.

Hall: It's survey time again. Now, who came here tonight to see The Outsiders return to WCW and win those vacant WCW World Tag Team Titles?

The fans cheer even louder yet.

Hall: Oh yeah, one more for the good guys. You ready big man?

Nash: I was born ready. Let's do this one for...errr...well what the hell, let's do this one for Syxx Pac.

Hall drops the mic and The Outsiders walk to the ring.

Tenay: Syxx Pac?

Douglas: Another stupid shout out to a loser up north. These two are so old and played out.

Russo: You two want this? You want to try this? Boys, end 'em both.

Round One WCW Tag Team Titles Tournament Match: The Outsiders vs. The Career Enders (w/Vince Russo)

The bell rings as Hall steps inside and The Career Enders rush. Hall ducks Awesome, who is nailed by The Big Boot of Kevin Nash. Awesome drops hard, as Hall is driving his elbow into the chest of The Wall over and over and over. Hall then whips The Wall towards Nash, who throws him into the corner. Nash sizes him up, then delivers a knee to the stomach of the Wall who staggers out. Russo comes in with a chair, and Hall ducks it as Nash punches it right into Russo's face. Nash then sets Awesome up while Hall sets The Wall up. Nash nails a Powerbomb on Awesome at the same time that Hall nails The Outsider's Edge on The Wall. Douglas is yelling that the Powerbomb was outlawed, while Tenay reminds him the rules are laxed for the tournament, remember? They each cover their respective men and the referee counts both pinfalls, as The Outsiders advance to Round Two on Nitro. Hall helps Nash up, who is limping some more, and the two hug as their music plays.

Bischoff: Cut the damn music, cut it now. You two Millionaire's, you don't get your music played. Just like Hogan, Savage, and Piper, you're my fault and my responsibility. I paid you both way too much money, especially you Hall, you drunk, and I brought your asses into WCW, but so help me god if it's the last thing I do I'm going to send you back up north finally so you and your friends can ruin THAT company like you ruined mine.

Hall and Nash look at the NitroVision, then Hall shakes his hands mocking being afraid. He then points to Russo. Nash smiles, and then he Powerbombs Russo to the mat as Hall does The Clique Point. Nash then grabs a mic.

Nash: Hey Bischoff? We got two words for you.

He raises the mic in the air as the crowd chants "suck it". Nash looks confused.

Nash: I actually meant shut up, but that's catchy too. Wow, we might have a new catchphrase, huh Scott? Now send out the troops so we can kick everyone's asses and end this segment with a high rating, just like we always do.

Police come walking down the ramp, as Bischoff smiles.

Bischoff: Oh ratings fall Kev, don't you remember when you gave The Finger Poke Of Doom to Hogan and ours plummeted? No, how about you two get arrested for assault and battery on Vince instead.

Bischoff laughs as The Outsiders are surrounded in the ring by the police and cuffed.

Winners: The Outsiders by double pinfall

Workrate: 65

Crowd: 76

OR: 72

Douglas: That serves them right. God I hate them both, and their friends up north.

Tenay: More people who held you down, Franchise? Same old rap with you, isn't it?

Douglas: You just don't learn, Tenay.

commercials

After the break the scene is the announce table, where Eric Bischoff and The Franchise Shane Douglas are on commentary. Tenay is nowhere to be seen.

Bischoff: Oh this feels good. This feels right. I think we might have found our new permanent Thunder announce team, Shane.

Douglas: Haha, you know it Eric.

Bischoff: Now let's get this Main Event over with. Billy is going to destroy Sting for what he did to us last week, Shane, I promise you this.

Main Event Match: Billy Kidman (w/Torrie) vs. Sting

Kidman's Hogan rip off music plays and he and Torrie come from the back amid boos and head to the ring. After they are in the ring Sting starts to repel from the ceiling, but a few feet off the ground he stops with a jolt. He looks up, as does the camera, and a shot of The Fallen in the rafters is shown. Sting struggles to get free, as the lights go to a red hue and The Demon and Vampiro come from under the ring, baseball bats in hand. They walk over to Sting, and they both begin beating on him like a pinata, as he dangles helplessly. After a bit of this, and with Eric and The Franchise crowing about this on the headsets, Sting's limp body is lowered to the floor. Vampiro unhooks him, and The Demon carries him into the ring. The Demon holds him as a weird looking symbol lowers from the sky. It looks like a big V, but a B and a P can also be made out on it. The Demon lays Sting against it, as Vampiro, Torrie, and Kidman all secure Sting's arms and legs to it. Then the wooden symbol thing rises into the air above the ring, while the fans in attendance just sit more or less mystified by this.

Douglas: What is Vampiro doing, Eric?

Bischoff: I have no idea, Shane, cuz you just never know with this bunch, but this is getting disturbing now.

Vampiro touches his throat, and when he finishes his weird ritual the blood pours from the ceiling all over Sting again, drenching him, the symbol, the ring, and even getting on Vampiro, Kidman, Torrie, and The Demon a little. The show comes to an end with a close-up of Sting hung on the symbol, covered in the blood.

Winner: No Contest

OR: 72

OR: 73

TV Rating: 4.74

Attendance: 4044

Edited by The New Blood TGC
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. To learn more, see our Privacy Policy