jayden

www.wcwpronews.com - 08/04/97

There was a lot of disappointment surrounding the Ultimo Dragon, Ace Darling match in the WCW locker room last night. Apparently more was expected from these two and the product they delivered didn't impress anyone working behind the scenes. The majority of the blame is being heaped onto Darling though, as Dragon is one of the biggest draws of WCW's Cruiserweight Division and it's unknown as to whether Darling will be given another such opportunity on WCW programming. If the match was a disappointment at least WCW officials can rest assured that nobody was watching the action anyway. Everyone was too busy checking out Steve Austin and Brian Pillman at ringside.

*************************************

There are concerns within the Turner Corporation right now regarding the size of World Championship Wrestling's wage bill. With the acquisition of the WWF and all of their contracted talent it was expected that WCW would make a series of roster cuts to compensate for the new talent coming in. This has not been the case, many feel that was due to the creation of Vince McMahon's short lived venture back into the wrestling world, the Titan Wrestling Alliance. Now just two shows in McMahon has deemed the project a huge failure and can't sustain the losses that they've made on their first two weekly Pay Per Views. The ideas behind the promotion were innovative and new, but apparently unmanageable as buy rates were far lower than predicted. With no competition waiting to snap up any rejected talent it will be interesting to see whether WCW continues to retain all of its contracted staff.

**************************************

The feeling backstage following the show towards Pillman and Austin's roles in the show was for the most part positive. It was felt that they made sufficient impact and created intrigue at this point in time. WCW are likely to run the footage of what went down after the show ended on next week's Nitro. Austin has apparently been welcomed back into WCW with open arms, although the atmosphere between him and many of the WCW off screen staff, most notably and unsurprisingly Eric Bischoff, has been tense to say the least. Bischoff met with Austin personally before the show and its felt a number of their differences have been settled but it still appears to be far from an easy working relationship.

OOC: The middle piece of news there does indeed mean that the split is off and JkDaRock's no longer going to be doing the TWA promotion. From now on it's simply the WWF buyout diary, which to be fair should provide enough to work with for it not to need to be a split anyway. Side note as well Glenneth, thanks for the kinds words but surely you have me confused with someone else? "writer of his caliber"?

Oh, and everyone knows there's warnings for postwhoring now, right?

WCW Monday Nitro

Monday 7th April, 1997

Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Bobby Heenan

Attendance: 7037

Nitro opens up with Tony Schiavone welcoming Jim Ross back to WCW and the broadcast position. They're joined by Bobby the Brain Heenan. Interestingly even with Ross's inclusion which must have taken many fans completely by surprise they make no mention of the WWF buyout.

nWo problems lead to a fallout?

Schiavone and the boys are cut off by the nWo's music as they make their way out to the ring. Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, Dibiase, Bischoff, Savage, Syxx, and numerous other members make their way out. The only notable exception is Scott Hall.

Hogan: You know it seems to me brutha that we got a few chinks in the nWo armour right now man. See when I look across this ring at the likes of you Big Sexy I gotta wonder just what's going on in the mind. Now I heard all kinds of things gettin said while I was away in Chicago so here's how it is. You got something to say to me, lets just lay it all out right here right now.

Nash: Oh you aint gotta worry about me Hollywood. Ya know back when this all began me and Scottie made a vow. It stood then, and it stands now. This is 4 Life! If you're looking for problems right now then you're looking at the wrong guy. Why don't you go find Nick Patrick and ask where his head's at, huh? Or better, what's going on with Bischoff and Savage right now? You think the new World order's got problems? You're lookin in the wrong direction if ya think they're comin from me.

Hogan looks around to the fans as Savage starts pointing fingers at Bischoff, speaking in that pronounced slow manner

Savage: That's the man right there, yeeah! Last night after I got done with Page I got him up in my face. The Macho Man might be down... 4 Life yeeeaaah! but I aint down for Eric Bischoff! You keep him outta my way, I'll stay outta his.

Bischoff: Wooah woooah wait a minute, Randy, please. I was just........

Bischoff gets cut off by Savage stepping up into his face and grabbing him by the throat. Nash steps across to intervene as Savage lets go, but doesn't back up an inch.

Hogan: See this is the crap I'm talkin about. I leave you guys alone for one week while I'm in Chicago with Rodzilla and you let it all fall apart. You two guys can sort out your differences once and for all, so tonight "Macho Man", "Eazy E's" gonna be in you corner brutha.

Savage: Ohhhh no! He aint comin anywhere near me tonight!

Hogan: I'm in charge around here, Bischoff you're following him out there tonight. Now where the hell's that nWo loser Scott Hall anyway. Man, I needa talk to that nWoite

Nash steps up towards Hogan looking him in the eyes

Nash: nWo loser? See you might forget this Hollywood but this whole thing goes back before you. When you talk about 4 Life! There's only one other man who's been there since the beginning and that's Scottie.

Hogan: Well seeing as he's your buddy, maybe you wanna let us know.......

Hogan gets cut off by Lex Luger's music from the back, Luger steps out in his wrestling attire, long blonde hair, simple black trunks as he walks out with a microphone.

Luger: Hey Hogan, I don't know whether you got back from Chicago in time to watch the Pay Per View last night but I went through three men to get a shot at that World Title belt around your waist. After my good friend the Giant stepped aside and let me win a match against three of the toughest men in World Championship Wrestling I deserve my shot and HOGAN, I want it tonight!

Hogan turns to Nash, looking at him for a moment before the two appear to be communicating. Hogan looks back to Luger

Hogan: You know what, you can go through three WCW men but that aint a real test Luger. This night's gonna be all about test's brutha. I'm talkin about the gut check for my nWo brutha's, and I'm talkin about a real test for you Luger, not like you had last night with those WCW flunkies. Big Sexy, you betta prove to me that you're down with this tonight and take him out. Luger you got your match brutha, you got it with Big Sexy, Kevin Nash!

87%

Rey Mysterio Jr d. Psychosis

The Cruiser's got the in ring action underway for the night and put on a really decent opener. The crowd barely seemed into it at all but Rey and Psychosis showed their chemistry. Fresh off a win against Ultimo Dragon at Spring Stampede Rey was in line for a Cruiserweight title shot according to Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone. Rey picked up the fairly quick win over Psychosis with a springboard Frankensteiner at 5:37 before climbing up to the top rope and motioning that he wanted a belt around his waist.

Overall: 55

Crowd: 43

Match: 82

======Ad Break======

That's hardly cricket now is it

After the break the announce team take us back to something that went down backstage during the commercial break. Prince Iaukea is shown down in the back somewhere, draped over a table as Lord Steven Regal punches him square in the face dropping him to the floor. Lee Marshall has a cameraman with him as he starts shouting out for help. A startled Regal, who realises he's being filmed, turns and scarpers off screen.

63

The Giant d. Scott Norton

The Giant came out to the ring and called out any member of the nWo who wanted a match. He said that as he wouldn't be facing Hogan for the belt, having handed the honour over to Luger, he wanted to break some nWo bones right now. He didn't have to wait long as Scott Norton came storming out of the back with an intense look on his face. Norton got right up into the Giant's face and began pounding away with clubbing forearms, staggering him back. It didn't take long for the Giant to shrug off a big blow and level Norton with a headbutt. The two men traded big blows again until nWo Japan member Masahiro Chono ran out from the back and slid into the ring. The Giant turned around and walked straight into a Yakuza Kick from Chono. The Giant stumbled backwards as Chono ran off the ropes and hit another massive Yakuza Kick, this time toppling the Giant who fell to the mat as the referee declared him the winner by disqualification at 2:18

Overall: 59

Crowd: 68

Match: 64

WCW TV Title: Lord Steven Regal d. Prince Iaukea

WCW Got the belt off Iaukea in this one which was no bad thing. Regal stiffed Iaukea up from the start, who appeared to have a cut on his forehead from the earlier attack by Regal. Iaukea tried to mount brief flurries of offence but was always cut off by Regal who simply outmuscled him, particularly with Iaukea's earlier injuries. After Iaukea missed a missile dropkick Regal leapt onto him locking in the STF on the mat to pick up the win by submission at 5:27

Overall: 53

Crowd: 45

Match: 73

======Ad Break======

Disco Inferno d. Macho Man Randy Savage w/Elizabeth & Eric Bischoff

After the break Disco was already in the ring in a pair of stripey flairs. Savage looked uneasy with Bischoff leading him out, standing by Elizabeth and constantly getting in a scared Bischoff's face and telling him to back off. It was all Savage for the majority of the match as he literally beat Disco up in the ring. Savage took him apart before Elizabeth got up onto the apron on one side of the ring and distracted the referee. Bischoff got up on the other side, pulling something that looked like a set of knuckle dusters out of his coat pocket. Savage went to whip Disco towards Eric but Disco reversed it to a massive pop from the crowd as Bischoff nailed Savage in the head with the knucks. Savage stumbled around and got hit with the Last Dance by Disco who picked up the win at 7:57. Bischoff was straight into the ring and nailed Disco with a roundhouse kick. Savage came around and immediately grabbed Bischoff and started jawing with him. Savage was blaming Bischoff for the loss but seemed content to take his frustration out on Disco. That was until Diamond Dallas Page charged out from the back and slid into the ring. Savage rolled out, taking Elizabeth with him. Bischoff slowly turned around realising he'd been left alone as Page pulled him in and BANG! Diamond Cutter.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 78

Match: 75

Ultimo Dragon d. Ace Darling

The next match provided probably the most intriguing moment of the night so far. Still no actual acknowledgement of the WWF buyout but definitely an indication that something was happening. Dragon was alone again, no Sonny Onoo, as he put on a decent enough match with his overmatched opponent. The main focus was two men walking through the crowd to take up ringside seats though. Schiavone went crazy once he realised who it was, HOLLYWOOD BLONDES!!! Schiavone referred to them as their old tag team name in WCW, it was Brian Pillman and Steve Austin. Ross said he had no idea why they were here but that times had changed since these two were teaming together. The Dragon got the win with the Dragon Sleeper at 4:20 as Pillman and Austin in their street clothes stood up to clap the Japanese Cruiserweight

Overall: 52

Crowd: 40

Match: 77

The Heat want their belts back

Mean Gene Okerlund comes out from the back to conduct an interview near the entrance to the arena with Harlem Heat. He calls them out as they're led by Sister Sherri in a dodgy white catsuit.

Okerlund: Booker T, Stevie Ray, I've gotta ask the question, after your defeat last night at the hands of Lex Luger in the four way, how unified do you guys stand?

Booker: You wanna talk about unity Mean Gene? We'll show you unity out in that ring tonight against the Public Enemy. It don't get no tighter than brothers like me and Stevie Ray. See we may have lost last night and neither of us got a shot at the World title but now we got our eyes set on another title held by the nWo right now. We're coming to get our tag team titles back.

Okerlund: What have you gotta say Stevie Ray?

Stevie: Hey Booker's got it right Gene, see we're brothers and when you're from the mean streets of Harlem it aint never gonna get any tighter than that. We been fighting side by side on the streets all our life so tonight the Public Enemy better watch their backs. We're going through you, and then we want our titles back. Outsiders? Get ready to knuckle up suckaaas!

75

======Ad Break======

Harlem Heat w/Sister Sherri d. Public Enemy

The Public Enemy were already on their way to the ring carrying a table as the show came back frmo the break. As Harlem Heat came out from the back Grunge and Rock charged at them to kickstart the match in the aisle. All four men began to brawl with Grunge getting tossed into the crowd before Rock was dragged back to the ring. This amounted to little more than a squash match really as Grunge and Rock bumped their asses off for Booker and Stevie who were always going over. Flyboy Rocco Rock had set the table up on the outside, although probably wished he hadn't after Stevie Ray press slammed him out over the top through the table leaving Booker to hit the Harlem Hangover on Grunge for the win at 4:44.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 64

Match: 77

Flair's first match back ready to go?

After the match it's time for Mean Gene Okerlund to come out for another interview, this time into the ring. He calls out the Nature Boy Ric Flair who makes his traditional Space Mountain, robed, entrance as the crowd go wild.

Okerlund: Now I was in Tupelo last night for Spring Stampede and I gotta say one of the highlight's for me was the return of this man right here to World Championship Wrestling, I'm talking about the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Now, I know there's problems with the nWo, I know there's problems with individuals, but right now I have one question to put to you and that's the future of the Four Horsemen. Can the guys become a cohesive unit once more?

Flair: MEAN WOOO GENE! Man it sure feels great to be back in front of you people. It seems in my absence that men who I chose to ride with me, men who I thought could run with the ball Gene. I'm talkin about men like the Crippler Chris Benoit. Steve Mongo McMichael. The new Nature Boy as endosed by ME GENE WOOOOO, Jeff Jarrett! See, when I went away to have my body put back together I thought I could leave the Horsemen legacy in capable hands but I was wrong. for more than a decade the Horseman tradition has dominated World Championship Wrestling and you can bet that now I'm back I'm takin it upon myself to pull us back together.

Okerlund: I better believe it Naitch. I'd like to take a moment as well just to reflect on the career of a great friend of yours, a man who tomorrow goes in for neck surgery, a man that the Horsemen and WCW could really use right now, the Enforcer Arn Anderson......... wait a minute, what is this? Syxx?

Before they can get any further Syxx of the nWo comes out from the back as the nWo music plays. Syxx has a mic but it's Flair who gets the first word in.

Flair: SYXX! Before you take just one more step, this is Horseman business. You take your whiney little nWo behind to the back pal.

Syxx: Oh ya see Flair, I could. Or I could step up into that ring and we can do it right now?

Flair: You're challenging me? He's? Gene, did I? He's challenging the Nature Boy? That's right, isn't it? You're challenging me Syxx?

Syxx: That's right I am old man

Flair: Now we both know the Nature Boy's not cleared to wrestle until May 1st, but here's what I'll do Syxx. Monday Nitro, MAY 5TH! It's gonna be you and me one on one. FIRST MATCH BACK SYXX, FIRST MATCH! You're gonna be stepping in with the world's greatest athlete Syxx WOOOOO.

Syxx: You got it old man, first match back you're getting retired Flair!

78

======Ad Break======

Lex Luger nc. Kevin Nash w/Ted Dibiase & Vincent

When the show came back from the break it was main event time. Luger got a great reception from the crowd. Nash was accompanied by an uneasy looking Dibiase and nWo stooge Vincent as he made his way to the ring, stopping for a moment to eyeball Pillman and Austin at ringside. Luger managed to match power with Nash early on, and used his speed to outmaneuvre the larger man. The crowd were really into the action as the camera once again focused on the surprised front row guests, Austin and Pillman. As the match went on Nash started to get on top, and with Luger down told Dibiase to start unbuckling the turnbuckle pad as Vincent distracted the referee. Dibiase refused as Nash went nuts. Nash shoved him back but Dibiase simply turned and walked out. As Nash turned around he walked straight into a running forearm from Luger. With Dibiase down the nWo sent in the troops as Scott Norton and Masahiro Chono came running from the back. Luger dropped both men off the apron as the Giant followed with an angry look on his face, focusing right on Chono and Norton. As the fight between the Giant and Chono spilled into the ring the referee threw the match out at 6:17 just as Luger looked set to get Nash up into the rack. Norton clipped him from behind as Hollywood Hogan came out to the entranceway. With the brawl ensuing in the ring Ross and Schiavone went nuts as Brian Pillman and Steve Austin jumped the guardrail and slid into the ring. Schiavone speculated that they were more nWo as they ran out of time and the show went off the air, Pillman and Austin about to make a move towards Luger, Chono, Norton, Nash and the Giant.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 83

Match: 76

Overall Show: 66

TV Rating: 6.49

WCW Spring Stampede

From Tupelo, Mississippi

Scott Hall is not in the arena tonight so Nash is going to have to face the Steiners on his own.

Ultimo Dragon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. - both men are being cautious in the opening moments. The announcers are saying that Ric Flair will have a "shocking" statement to make later in the program. The Dragon puts on a short-arm scissors and rests with it for a while. He then puts on a spinning crucifix followed by a powerbomb. Sonny Oono is nowhere in evidence. The Dragon picks up Misterio and puts a "Liger-Bomb" on him - he runs him clear across the ring and then puts on the bomb. Rey finally gets loose and gets a spin kick, but Dragon comes right back and takes over again. Dragon puts on a bridged leglock with a reverse chinlock combination then turns it into an inverted surfboard. They go to the outside a moment later and Rey finally gets in a rail shot. Back in the ring a whip puts Misterio into a sleeper. Rey whips him off and gets a sleeper of his own. Dragon escapes and goes out - Rey throws a fake then vaults over and crashes down on the Dragon.

Lee Marshall is trying to get an interview with Nash. In the ring Misterio is in control for several exchanges then gets slingshotted out of the ring, striking his head on the ringpost in the process. Amazingly he gets up and is back in and on top of things again. The Dragon catches his opponent and puts him into a giant swing. He ends up making himself dizzy. Both men are down. Rey gets up first and throws his slingshot Frankensteiner but can't get the roll-up. Dragon reverses, Rey reverses it back. No cigar. The Dragon throws a spin kick and misses. Rey throws the Frankensteiner again and gets his roll-up this time.

Lee Marshall is still trying to get the interview. He finally gets Nash who demands that Nick Patrick be the referee for the title match. Scott Steiner crashes the interview. Nash spits on him - Scott goes ballistic and gets maced!! They are putting cuffs on him as we cut back to the arena.

Medusa vs. Akira Hokuto - Women's Heavyweight Title match - Medusa comes on very aggressive and dominates the opening moments. Hokuto gets loose and takes over. She grabs a powerfull bearhug. She throws her down and things start to see-saw. These are both very powerful, very athletic women. Sonny Oono is getting involved at ringside. He gets kicked in the face for his trouble. Medusa has control now and gets a Tiger suplex - Hokuto kicks out as Oono is on the apron. Medusa kicks him again and sends him flying. Hokuto goes at her from behind. They struggle as Oono is up distracting the referee again. Luna Vachon runs in and blindsides Medusa giving the pin to Hokuto.

Lord Steven Regal vs. Prince Iaukea - TV Title match - the Prince seems to be ready for this fight. Regal stalls in the beginning. We are informed that Scott Steiner has been arrested for hitting a police officer! He's been taken to jail!! What..? Rick Steiner will face Kevin Nash for the Tag Team Titles tonight.

In the ring Prince Iaukea is in control of the match. But not for long. Regal takes over after tying his opponent up in the ropes. He is attempting to ground the Prince but is not being all that successful. Iaukea takes control again but a thumb to the eye takes away the initiative. Regal slaps on a full nelson. The Prince breaks out of it but Regals forarm shots keep him on top of the action. The match is more see-saw now but Regal is still in control for the most part. There is some furious action featuring the Prince's martial arts blows while Regal tries to put on wrestling holds. They go into the corner - the Prince throws a moonsault but Regal calmly sidesteps. They scuffle some more and Regal tries a cradle but Iaukea reverses it and gets a cradle of his own to get the pin. Afterward, Regal attacks from behind and puts and STF on the Champ in retaliation. He attacks repeatedly and leaves the Champ laying in the ring.

Mean Gene with Ric Flair - the Nature boy will be back in action as of May first. Arn goes under the knife this Tuesday. He announces that Kevin Greene has been released by the Panthers to wrestle. He seems to be saying that Greene will be wrestling with the Horsemen. (doesn't he still have a bone to pick with Mongo?).

Public Enemy vs. Steve McMichaels/Jeff Jarrett w/Debra - Mongo and Rocco Rock in to start. Rocco out-wrestles the ex-football player and avoids going head-to-head with him. He tries to pull a double-team but the boys from the hood get creamed. Jarrett and Mongo strut in tandem. Jarrett in with Grunge. He slaps on an abdominal stretch and gets some leverage help from his partner. A double-team gets him loose. Jarrett gets upset and leaves the ring - he walks up the aisle, then returns - waits out the count then goes back in on 9. Mongo tagged in. He gets a sidewalk slam on Rock and might get the pin except that the referee is busy with Grunge. The fight goes out to the floor. Grunge tries to put Debra on the table but gets crunched by Jarrett with a chair. Grunge gets the best of Jarrett and positions him for the table shot but misses it and crashes through the table solo. Now three guys are in the ring - Rocco is on the outside and has the briefcase. Jarrett gets a figure four on Grunge - Rocco hits him with the case and lays him out. The referee counts his shoulders down - PE gets the win.

Mean Gene with Harlem Heat and Sherri - she says they have a plan to win the Four Corners match. The boys are wearing different colors - Booker T in gold - Stevie Ray in white.

Rick Steiner vs. Kevin Nash - World Tag Team Title match - Steiner has the odds overwhelmingly against him with Syxx and Dibiasi at ringside plus Patrick making the call. After an initial assault from Nash, Steiner takes control. A slow count denies him the victory. Syxx pulls down the rope as Rick is whipped in - he tumbles to the floor. Nash has the advantage now. A sidewalk slam puts Steiner down. Nash drapes him on the bottom rope then backs off so Dibiasi can hit him. Nash throws a leg onto him with a running start. Moments later he gets a massive powerbomb - goes for the pin - Rick kicks out. He is going for another one when Rick crotches him. Rick has to struggle to his feet. He gets to the top and throws a bulldog. Patrick slow counts him again. Nash gets the advantage and works him over as Syxx and Dibiasi are working on removing the corner buckle. Nash drops Rick's face onto the exposed buckle. Then does it again on his ear. Dibiasi tries to tell Nash to stop the assault. Nash ignores him and does it again. Dibiasi walks away in disgust. Nash throws Steiner onto the buckle a fourth time. Then he jack-knifes him. Patrick is hesitant to make the count. Nash has to intimidate him into doing it.

Mean Gene w/ the Giant and Luger - they each pledge to go for the win regardless of who they have to fight

Four Corners Match - Harlem Heat/the Giant/Lex Luger - the winner will get a shot against Hollywood Hogan for the World Title - Luger/Booker T to start - they exchange blows with Booker mostly in charge. Luger gets a press slam but doesn't follow up. Stevie Ray gets in and takes over for a while. Luger escapes and gets in a blow before he tags in the Giant. Stevie Ray is very aggressive but it doesn't help him. The Giant puts him down. Booker T tags in and gets pressed over the Giant's head. Stevie ray rolls out after the slam - Sherri conforts him and earns a rebuke from Booker T. In the ring Luger and the Giant face each other. Luger tries to slam the Giant but collapses under the weight. They each turn around and tag in the two brothers to face each other. They go nose to nose then Booker shoves Stevie Ray. They finally lock up and exchange hammerlocks. They still seem reluctant to wrestle. Booker tags in Luger. Stevie takes the initiative and puts Luger down. Both competitors tag out. The Giant and Booker face off. No contest here. The Giant dominates - Stevie comes in without a tag. He stuns the Giant and puts a sidekick on him. Booker comes in and tries as well - the Giant is still standing. Booker goes after the Giants legs. Luger tagged in and now the action is getting a little too confusing to call. After several exchanges Booker slaps on a reverse chin-lock on Luger. Luger fights out but gets put down again by a side kick. The Giant makes the save. Harlem Heat double team him - clubberin' him so to speak. Stevie goes back to the reverse chin-lock. Luger fights out of it again. Booker puts him down again and goes for the pin but the Giant saves him again. Both wrestlers tag their partners. The Giant dominates Stevie Ray and is ready to go for the chokeslam but then tags Luger in and allows him to put on the Rack! Luger gets the Title shot.

Randy Savage vs Diamond Dallas Page - Mean Gene interviews DDP before the match. Kimberly is with him lookin' hot. She's egging him on to do Savage in. Michael Buffer does the honors and makes the ring announcements. This is a no-disqualification match. Randy gets a match and tries to intimidate DDP. Fat chance...

Savage takes his time getting into the ring and then turns tail as soon as DDP comes at him. They end up fighting out in the aisle. Back in the ring Page goes for the Diamond Cutter early but Savage blocks it by holding onto the top rope. They go out again and are fighting into the stands. Savage slams DDP into a doorway then goes for a trashcan. DDP gets it away from him and turns the tables. DDP goes after Savage who grabs Kimberly for protection. Liz rakes DDP's back - Kimberly is knocked down but unhurt. Savage is in control now. He runs his opponent into the steps. Beats on him and then does it a second time. Back in the ring he goes for a pin but fails. He goes out and takes Michael Buffer's chair. Back inside DDP gets creamed and layed out. Savage goes out for David Pinzer's chair - when Pinzer resists, Savage slaps him down. Then he kicks the downed announcer before re-entering the ring. Dallas turns the tables on him with the chair. Now DDP is on fire. They exchange blows, Savage gets a hold of DDP's raised foot - spins him around but DDP gets the clothesline. DDP is out of it so Savage still keeps the advantage. He puts DDP down and goes out after the bell. Before he can climb to the top, Kimberly wrenches it away. Savage decides to go for the elbow - he flies and DDP gets his feet up. DDP is still out of it so Savage keeps the avdvantage again. The ref tries to pull him off so he piledrives him! Savage goes back up and hits the elbow. There's nobody to count. Nick Patrick comes out but DDP turns the tables on a scoop attempt and gets the Diamond Cutter. Patrick hesitates - then counts Savage out.

Nash comes to the ring and grabs Patrick by the throat. The rest of the NWO, including Bischoff come down to ringside. Nash continues to hold onto Patrick as he brings Savage around and helps him regain his feet. He then jack-knifes the referee. Savage kicks Page out of the ring then turns his attention to Kimberly. Bischoff tries to intervene as Savage is holding Mrs. Page by the hair. He gets shoved down and bounds back up and shoves Savage - Savage decks him and the rest of the NWO guys converge to keep them from coming to blows. The NWO appears to be coming apart at the seams...

This was one of the more interesting PPV's I've seen lately if only for the advances in the NWO storyline. There were also some great matches. Conspicuous by his absense was the Stinger...

Anyway, that's the way I see it...

Earl Oliver,

editor Solie's Wrestling Newsletter

www.wcwpronews.com - 02/04/97

With the WWF buyout now complete and Nitro just around the corner rumours are starting to run as to exactly how much WWF talent, both on screen and off, has been picked up. Most of the WWF's developmental type talents, and major main eventers have been retained as far as we can tell and we've so far had no news of any of the midcard talent being released. Whether this has anything to do with the news in that Vince McMahon will be running an ingenious weekly Pay Per View idea in the near future remains to be seen.

*************************************

There's been a lot of speculation over the past week as to exactly what role the acquired WWF talent will be playing. There is talk of them being run as a separate promotion under the watchful eye of World Championship Wrestling. Is there room for two separately written wrestling promotions on the Turner network? The more logical choice seems to be that they will begin appearing on WCW's programming but in what capacity remains to be seen. It is highly likely however that we will see some form of WWF talent on next week's Nitro. It's not believed however that they'll be shown in any way at Spring Stampede this coming Sunday night.

*************************************

Spring Stampede is right around the corner and there's still a lot of debate as to whether WCW are going to go with the four corners match for the world title shot, or the DDP, Savage match as the main event. The card, which is unlikely to change at this point remains as, Rey Mysterio Jr Vs Ultimo Dragon, WCW Women's champ Akira Hokuto Vs Madusa, WCW TV Champ Prince Iaukea Vs Steven Regal, The Public Enemy Vs Steve McMichael & Jeff Jarrett, WCW US Champion Dean Malenko Vs Chris Benoit, WCW Tag Champs the Outsiders Vs the Steiners, Lex Luger, the Giant, and Harlem Heat in a four corners match to determine who gets a World title shot at Hogan, and DDP Vs Randy Savage.

www.wcwpronews.com - 04/04/97

Reports from last night's house show in Tulsa suggest that one of WCW's most talented wrestlers, Chris Benoit broke his leg in a tag match involving Eddie Guerrero, Diamond Dallas Page and Dean Malenko. He's expected to be out for at least 7 months and with his US title shot coming up at Spring Stampede it's currently unknown as to what plans World Championship Wrestling has for that part of the show. With WCW's huge roster there should be no problem filling the challenger's spot but they have no time to build any potential title match with no major shows planned before Spring Stampede

The History...

July 22nd, 1994:

A trial begins in Uniondale, New York. WWF C.E.O. Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr. is charged with conspiracy to distribute steroids. Various wrestling stars from the 1980s come out of the woodworks to testify against McMahon.

August 18th, 1994:

Vince McMahon is sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty. WWF continues to operate, but the scandal gains nationwide attention making business difficult.

April 2nd, 1995:

WrestleMania XI, the first WrestleMania since McMahon's sentencing, fails to meet expected buyrates. After heavily promoting an appearance by former NFL star Lawrence Taylor, WWF issues a statement days before the event, stating Taylor will not appear. It's rumored L.T. pulled out in order to save his commentator job with Turner Broadcasting.

September 4th, 1995:

WCW debuts Nitro on TNT, opposite WWF's RAW time-slot. In the coming weeks, Nitro gains significant dominance in the ratings over RAW.

March 31st, 1996:

WrestleMania XII gives WWF it's highest buyrate of the past two years and becomes the only WWF show not to lose money since McMahon's incarceration.

February 26, 1997:

WWF holds it's first European PPV in Berlin, Germany. Having been defeated in North America by the WCW powerhouse, WWF moves operations to Europe in a risky last-ditch effort to keep the company alive. The main event sees British Bulldog defeat Owen Hart to become WWF's first European Champion.

March 10, 1997:

Proceedings begin to get Vince McMahon's sentence cut for good behaviour. The eventual outcome being a reduced sentence and a release date of March 28, 1997

March 17, 1997:

After mounting pressure, Vince McMahon strikes a deal and sells WWF to Ted Turner in what is the biggest merger in wrestling history. Rumors circulate that McMahon plans to restart a company after his release from prison, but could no longer handle the financial strain due to WWF's bad business.

March 23, 1997:

WWF's final show, WrestleMania XIII, airs on pay-per-view. The show opens with a taped goodbye message from the McMahon family.

RESULTS:

Billy Gunn pinned Flash Funk in a dark match.

The Headbangers won a four-way match at 10:36.

WWF Intercontinental Champion Rocky Maivia pinned The Sultan to retain the title at 9:44.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned Goldust at 14:12.

WWF World Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & WWF European Champion British Bulldog wrestled Mankind & Vader to a double-countout at 16:13.

Bret Hart beat Steve Austin in a submission match after Austin passed out in the Sharpshooter at 22:04.

Ahmed Johnson & The Road Warriors won a Chicago Street Fight over The Nation at 10:42.

The Undertaker pinned WWF World Champion Sid Vicious to win the title at 21:19.

March 28, 1997

Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr. is released from prison as rumour circulates that the following Nitro could see WWF superstars on the show. McMahon declines all opportunities to speak to the press at this time.

Decent opener, Dos Locos are getting set up to be something pretty special which considering the talent of the guys making up the team makes a lot of sense. Loving the way that you're putting effort into hyping guy's (like Prohibition and M-Dogg 20) and their backgrounds through the commentators. Not only is it neccessary but it's VERY Mike Tenay and helps you pull his character off graet.

Jarrett, Harris Boys segment was excellent. Jarrett's already built up as a superb heel who doesn't give a crap about authority. You've really set the tone for his character in the space of two shows. I'm not a huge fan of the Harris boys but when used like this I think they can be a lot better than people give them credit for. Also the whole "the title could be handed over, any time, any where", stuff is intriguing and still leaves me with absolutely no idea where the world title's going and who it's going to, again, more intrigue making me want to keep reading.

Another ROH match. It's mostly personal preference as I'm not an ROH fan, and I don't like the whole code of honor. What can I say, I'm a sports entertainment fan and I find ROH dull. That said Daniels is a superb worker so I'm happy to see him any time, and I'm loving the way Shane's being used at this point so I can deal with it. Michael Shane on the mic post match was insanely good and already I'm kinda converted with the angle and where it's giong.

HTM and Rey was decent enough, interested as to what's happening next week if Rey turns up. Is it Rey Vs HTM? Does HTM have an opponent lined up for him? Or is it something else?

MASATO TANAKA!!!!!! Yes, awesome little worker and you've got four workers there in the ring competing who I mark out for big time. The match sounded really good and the ending worked well. Neither team, or any of hte wrestlers involved can really afford to look weak at this point and none did. Kojima & Tanaka looked strong, and Corino & CW won . Diamond, Corino and CW is gold stuff and I'm loving the potential you've got in where to go with all these guys.

Nice little video for Red, guys like him need hyping if you're to bring them in. It's not just internet fans that you're playing to, so nice job. Really love to see Red pushed into a programme with Rey at some point, maybe tagging up, the mentor/protege thing, before some kinda feud when they split. Would work well. Anyway, yeah, Red was still really good at this point so looking forward to seeing him next week.

Nice ending to the main event, I really expected Lynn and Shamrock to struggle to co-exist during the match leading to the loss but the ending you gave progresses things nicely. The Sting ending, was as you are no doubt aware, a brilliant and much needed end to the show to lead into next week.

Great show in its own right, which crucially did another great job of selling the next show.

just a quick note about the point I made about ROH. I liked that the guys were used (although I thought Shane was green at this point), I liked that they acknowledged that it was between ROH workers. Not only does it give the guys some background, when otherwise they'd be unknown to a lot of fans, but it retains that NWA feel, with workers frmo different promotions all getting the opportunity to fight under the same banner from time to time. The thing I disliked was that it was actually pushed as an ROH match. It was like a sort of homage to them, which on the first show when trying to get yourselves over I wasn't so keen on. It has the potential to lead somewhere big though after the way it ended. But as with any feedback it's all personal opinion and what I'd personally want to see from a wrestling show, which obviously is pretty different to waht other people would. Maybe I'm just sour because I think ROH is way over rated and pretty dull

Oh, and I'm sure you will get me liking Michael Shane too. I think he's great these days and am a big fan but at this point in his career I thought he was too green both in the ring and on the mic, to be getting any sort of shot at the big time.

As for the K-Kwick thing I genuinely don't know whether the WWE would have trademarked it. I'd guess maybe they did but then there was the whole dispute about his rap album and not wanting to be on their record label and meh, so I dunno really. TNA used his OVW name, K-Krush, at first before he dropped it to be Killings. I'd guess they did that because K-Kwick was copyrighted or whatever, but that's just assumption

anyways, I know this is early days but this really is one of the best new diaries I've read in a long time. The pre-show skit there is brilliant. I know I'd already made play to it but you've already shown you get something that so many TNA weekly PPV diary writers don't. You HAVE to hype those PPV's, each show needs to produce something good, but it also needs to hype the next one. You've done that really well and given the next show a lot of good selling points already. Who will be Kojima's partner? Will Sting be there? Who's the HTM got up his sleeve? Lynn, Jarrett, Shamrock all in the building and looking like tension's not only directed towards Jarrett but building between the other two as well.

You've got bags of stuff there to hook me in to the next show which I really can't wait to read.

First off, the short backstory had me interested, much like Essa and Tristan. It's obviously up to you who you push and don't push but while AJ's never world championship material in a million years, not pushing him in the confines of the X division as at least a championship contender for that belt would be a mistake in my opinion. That's asuming you even have him on your roster as there's nothin suggesting you have to sign him at all. Really looking forward to there being a lot of "tradition" and links to teh NWA and its history remaining in terms of the type of product that you produce, as well as looking forward to how exactly you go about maintaining those links.

First show pretty much lived up to expectations. The bad? 57 and a half minutes of wrestling on a two hour pay per view is fair enough, but just four matches for me wasn't enough. I'm guessing you're being restricted by the game only giving you so many segments but despite the matches getting a really long running time to get themselves out there four matches just wasn't enough. Knocking 10 minutes off that first match and throwing another match in there would have showcased more of your talent, and that opener in my opinion didn't need as long as it got.

The ROH deal and having one of their matches on the card, not so sure about. That's four matches on the show and you're already down to just three of them being your own. I don't think it's the time to be pushing other promotions, who should essentially be inferior to you. The match was good, but I can think of more productive working relationships that you could go for right now. I want to watch your promotion, I don't want to watch you promote other ones, at least not on your debut show. If however the michael shane superkick leads into some sort of "shane turning his back on ROH" to get with you kinda angle then I'd be more into it, again though, just not sure it's first show material but that's more personal preference than anything I guess, and probably a lot of it has to do with thinking Michael Shane was utterly useless at this point in time, he was green as hell when he turned up in TNA and horrible on the mic too.

The main event didn't really get hyped throughout the show. If you were going in there with Shamrock and Lynn, would have been nice to just throw in some sort of segment some way through to introduce them to your new fans before them appearing in the main event.

only one other thing really in terms of the bad with the show, and it's more a case of maybe something i'll get used to as opposed to something that's actually bad as such, but the "don west said" thing irked a bit as i read through the show. maybe it's just because not many diaries i've seen use that way of writing it, or maybe it'll still bug me a bit as the diary goes on.

then, the good. Opener was solid, four solid workers who are more than just the customary x division spot monkeys that flood the US indies. Juvi & Crazy as a team in TNA should be interesting, and as a match to wow people with right off the bat it worked well. Really like the way you're writing Tenay by the way, captured his style really nicely.

X-Travaganza should be good, liked the way you pushed it. It's always crucial in TNA diaries with weekly PPV's that you're constantly pushing your upcomin shows. Every show needs to sell the upcoming ones and often that gets forgotten. Rey and Taka, again, not just two spot monkeys tossed in there. Two guys who can really work.

HTM segment was great, really loved the way you played the whole thing out. A lot of the little touches from the announcers, like the comments about him buying the ppv time, it all just worked really well for me. K-Krush is a guy I'm a big fan of so I'm enjoying the fact that you look ready to push him. On the mic he's really good, and the character you look set to give him suits him well. In ring he's athletic and can produce some good stuff too. Loved the finish to it as well, the "Elvis was Black" comment worked really well.

Really happy you're using CW, really happy you're using Corino, really happy you're using Kojima. Big fan of all three. The match sounded decent, nicely worked out. Glad you had Koji use the cutter as it's a move that'll help him get over in the US. Interested to see CW and Corino's use and where you go with them. CW's a really good worker, and with Corino on the stick they could do some really good stuff. You've thrown in some intrigue and helped sell the show for Nashville Knockout next week which can only be a good thing. Waiting to see who Koji brings in is enough to make me wanna watch next week.

Good main event, good ending, had a real "main event" feel which in the real life counterpart has been missing a hell of a lot. often decent matches, rarely that real "now this IS a main event". This had that. Everything after the match just worked, and was written well. If your main event scene is going to be Lynn, Shamrock, Jarrett, Sting at the beginning's of this diary then there's plenty of interesting stuff you can do there. The cliffhanger ending to the show is perfect for the weekly ppv's too, again, further pushing on people to go buy next week's show.

Really looking forward to Nashville Knockout

So what did I think of the debut of Monday Nitro?

The opening announcers bit didn't really work for me, two reasons. Firstly I didn't really buy the way Bischoff was talking to Heenan, they just didn't play off each other in a way that sounded like their real life personas to me. The second one is that by the time Zbysko actually gets around to telling people what's on the show I think they'd have turned over to Monday Night Raw.

Opening match, match itself was good, Regal and Taylor could be really good if you use them right. My problem with it is that the real life Nitro debut had Pillman and Liger. Something big, but also something that's gonna grab fans with some great action. I don't see anything in that opener that is gonna make people who would usually turn over to watch Raw, stay and watch this instead.

American Males Vs FAces of Fear, more tag action, too much tag action early on and still nothing to really wow the crowd early on. So far in the show we've seen nothing out of the ordinary. Nitro worked throughout its decent points by putting somethin big at the start of the show, whether it be the announcement of a huge main event, some kick ass promo and challenge for later, or a barnstormer of a match. we've not seen that yet. Would rather have seen the Faces of Fear go over because they were actually a really good believable team in WCW. Liked them a lot. They were made to look badass though, and despite being out of the tournament didn't lose any cred really.

Pillman Vs Liger. This should have been the opener in my opinion. If you're having the match on there, put it right out there straight off to suck the crowd in and warm them up, and stop them turning over to Raw. Good match, just in the wrong part of the card in my opinion. Nasty's Vs Blue Bloods was a "stuck in the midcard" match for me, swap it with Pillman and Liger and it would have been a better setup.

The Giant promo sounded a bit too much like him justifying beating up Rey Mysterio in WWE for me. Once he got onto ranting on Hogan I thought it was superb stuff. Really well done. First half of the promo I didn't like, second half I thought was really good.

I think I'm one of the only Renegade marks around. PUSH HIM!!!! PLEASEEE???? Decent match, the idea of the likes of Wallstreet, Renegade, and DDP going for the tv title around this period is good enough for me.

Savage promo was decent enough. This "two teams" thing seems a bit off. OMG and Big Bubba aren't Akeem and the Boss Man. They aren't the Twin Towers. If I remember rightly Bubba teamed with Shark more regularly than anyone else in this period in WCW. Anyway, yeah, what Savage said was fine by all accounts. good stuff to build up the ppv main event.

AA Vs Sting, decent match. The Luger thing, was unsure what you were gonna do with Luger and how you were gonna play it. Bit disappointed you basically just did the same thing for the first show that they did in real life. There were plenty of other options there. Other thing I was a bit unsure of was AA going down to a Stinger Splash. I'm not sure I've ever (and if I have it's incredibly rare) seen Sting pin someone after just a Stinger Splash.

Don't like Borash as a new interviewer but that's just personal preference. The guy sucks and has a horrible voice.

Not sure about the Flair interview. It only seemed like Flair in places, and I don't think that Flair basically kissing AA's ass is the best way to promote the match at Fall Brawl. Flair's great to write for because you can basically do what you want with him. He can pull off just about any kind of mic work brilliantly, and can go literally insane without it coming across as stupid. Dunno, just didn't like this segment too much.

Bubba and Sting for the world title. This should have been announced, or somehow kinda pushed, maybe a Bubba challenge for Hogan right as the show started to hook people in? Hogan just ran away through the crowd? Hogan through the crowd seems odd for a start. Hogan being a pussy and backing down? Not keen on that either. Hogan would have faced up to them, sure he could have got his ass kicked in the process, but he should have either stood his ground in the ring as the show went off the air, or confronted them and got beat down.

All in all a solid show, but some missed opportunities for me and few things to tweak. I think Bischoff, Zbysko, and Heenan need a bit of work. A couple of things on each in my opinion, Heenan will make those smart one liners, sure, but people forget the other side to him. He'll really push big matches, and talk about what's going on in the mind of the competitors etc. He'll almost always diss Hogan and often refer to people that he's managed in the past. Like, if there's a big Flair match then he'll do a lot of "I've worked with the guy, I've managed the guy, I know what this man is capable of". Zbysko is pretty old school, he sounds like a class act all round really, again, he'll talk about the mindset of a wrestler, their athletic ability, he'll really put over the importance of things, and put over the workers pretty well.

Really looking forward to the next show, there's enough there to hook me in and make me want to read more and the longer this goes on the more itneresting it should get as the war between you and the WWF gets into gear

I'd promised myself this month would be different in so many ways. Last month I was finding my feet, booking on the fly, and dealing with a roster that had little faith in me. This time, there'd be no last minute rush to get the Pay Per View worked out. This time I was already thinking Slamboree. I spoke with Eric and he'd already started the promotion for the show. My only request was that Awesome, Storm, Booker and Van Dam featured heavily in the promotion because I'd already decided on building the show around them. If Spring Stampede got a positive response with little time to organise and build, then Slamboree represented our chance to really set the tone on where we were taking WCW. I'd toyed with going back to the real roots of Slamboree and putting on a "legends" show. I could have got Dusty back in the ring, maybe Zbysko, but beyond that I couldn't see anyone else on the current roster and scouring the industry the guys who should be out to pasture and making "legends" type appearances, like Hogan and Savage, would never be coming in to wrestle a couple of old farts. I toyed with it but decided against it. I wanted to acknowledge the past but there had to be better ways than just bringing back a load of old guys for one night. No, this was the new WCW recognising tradition. I had some ideas, I pretty much had that whole Slamboree show played out in my head, but it would be time for the new guys to shine. Damn, I gotta get to the arena, Nitro's in like five hours.....

credit the Imperfect for pics

1)I tried doing as much research I could on wrestlers that you named and a few others to see if they debuted or not, and some of them I couldnt find out when they debuted in WCW so I just left it so that it is like they debuted earlier in 1995. The ones that you mentioned might be filler talent, sort of like them being called up or something, ya know? Hopefully it isnt too big of a problem. I made some changes to make things more accurate with the information you provided as well.

That was a hell of a week but once I finally got the majority of what I wanted sorted for Nitro we got the preview's up on the site. The roster cuts had got the internet talking about doom already, but some circles thankfully realised that losing Leia Meow and Brian Knobbs never hurt any promotion. This next month was crucial.....

Witness the fallout of Spring Stampede this Saturday Night on Urban American.

The United States Title Tournament concludes its first round this week with two massive matches scheduled for the show. Sean O'Haire, fresh off a successful tag team title defence against Kronik will take on Jeff Jarrett in perhaps the toughest match to call so far. Where will O'Haire's head be at after the brutal attack on his partner Chuck Palumbo last night, and just what condition is Palumbo in right now? Also in action will be the Franchise Shane Douglas as he goes into battle with Mike Sanders.

WCW's Cruiserweights will once again be on hand to wow you with their high flying offence. Not only will the recently returned Ultimo Dragon be on the show wrestling against Chavo Guerrero Jr but four men will be facing off to determine the next challenger's to the Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles. Lash LeRoux, Jamie Noble, Jason Jett and Suga Shane Helms will face off in a four corners match with the winner picking a partner for next week's show to take on the team of Rey Mysterio Jr and Billy Kidman. How will Suga Shane cope with being the former Cruiserweight champion after his loss against Shannon Moore at Spring Stampede?

Mean Gene Okerlund has some special guests lined up on the show, not only planning to grab a few words with the new Cruiserweight Champion Shannon Moore but also with the returning Diamond Dallas Page. This is one interview you can not afford to miss. The Cat will be in the house too with his "The Greatest Chat Show" as he has WCW Championship Committee representative and all time WCW living legend Larry Zbysko with him.

We also hope to have an update on the condition of the Nature Boy Ric Flair after he was taken out of the arena at Spring Stampede in an ambulance. The Steiner Bros will be in the building after their brutal attack robbed the Nature Boy of his World Title shot, but will Flair?

A massive six man main event has also been signed with the team of Johnny the Bull and Team Canada's Mike Awesome and Lance Storm teaming up to face Hugh Morrus, Rob Van Dam and WCW World's Heavyweight Champion Booker T. This one has all the makings of a classic with so many scores to be settled.

Be sure to tune in this Saturday, 5th May, 8pm on the Urban American network!

Booker T, Hugh Morrus & Rob Van Dam Vs Johnny the Bull, Lance Storm & Mike Awesome

Jeff Jarrett Vs Sean O'Haire - US Title Tournament

Shane Douglas Vs Mike Sanders - US Title Tournament

Ultimo Dragon Vs Chavo Guerrero Jr

Lash LeRoux Vs Jamie Noble Vs Jason Jett Vs Shane Helms - Winner picks a partner for the Cruiserweight Tag Titles next week

It was only the day after Spring Stampede that the final piece of realisation of what I'd signed up for hit me. I'd worked my butt off all month, I'd produced television and a Pay Per View that I was for the most part proud of, and had done a buy rate that the company could be happy with. I deserved at least one day's rest and in my naievety I genuinely expected to get it on Monday morning. Instead I got a phone call from my Father. We'd lost money, nothing overly substantial but in our first operation month with him as benefactor we'd lost money. More importantly in his eyes, I'D lost HIS money. No sooner had I promised to change that over the next month than I got the call from Eric. Apparently he'd just had exactly the same discussion with my ranting Father and wanted to discuss what we could do. Dead weight seemed to be the answer, and there was plenty of it. It was all we could come up with to cut our costs without hurting the product. This was going to be a busy week.

At least one portion of that money was now gone. Goldberg got his release just like I promised and as far as I knew he was now negotiating a deal with Vince. What could I do? He didn't want to work for me, and I couldn't afford him? At least he held his side of the bargain and did what was needed of him at the Pay Per View. That led me onto another of our highly paid guys sat at home doing nothing. After the relatively trouble free handling of the Goldberg situation I called up DDP. I had an idea on how to use him and I wanted to get him back on board. He was happy to come back onto tv and would be there on Saturday night. He seemed happy enough with what I had planned so that was another worry gone. Of course, if I didn't hit this damned meeting with Satoshi while he was over here then I'd need to find something else to use Page for but that's something for me to tie up later today.

Where was I? Oh, yeah, the rest of the roster cuts. Well, with Goldberg gone I called up Arn to see whether he had anyone down working the Power Plant that we didn't need. He laughed and told me he had a whole bunch. Tammy Sytch, Leia Meow and Major Gunns, all gone. Was easy enough to get out of their contracts, none of them were going to be used and they all had delusions of going to work for Vince. Like that was ever going to happen. It did mean we lost Candido but what the heck? I'd not used him all month anyway and his and Tammy's protests only made it easier on me releasing them. That girl has some serious issues. Terry Funk was gone too. He knew he wasn't ever getting a push so why bother hanging around? He had some interest in an idea starting up back in Philly at the moment with some of the old ECW boys so he was out. Jimmy Hart had an offer to go work back in Memphis more regularly and help run the show there and I was happy to let him leave. Brian Knobbs was the last guy on his way out. As far as I know Jimmy thinks he has some work down in Memphis for him. Hell, I wanted to cut more but couldn't. I wanted Elizabeth out but Luger was having none of it. Lex still had a hefty contract that I couldn't get out of so they had to stay. I wanted rid of Torrie too but I knew the suggestion would bother Kidman. He's always paranoid about one of them getting called up by Vince, and not the other, if I released her Billy would be a mess so there's no way I was suggesting that one. Still, didn't much plan on using her.

The other thing Eric needed to talk to me about was contract renewals. In the next two months Dusty and Animal's contracts would be up, and in the next three Booker's and Midajah's would be. I wanted Midajah gone anyway, but Scott and her got along great these days. I didn't want to piss that guy off so I figured I'd let her contract run out and hope someone else picked her up. I saw no use in Animal beyond two months anyway so saw no point in offering him a new deal. Dusty and more importantly Booker, was a different matter. I like Dusty, always have. He's a good guy with a lot to offer. I loved having him back on announce and I wanted to keep him around. Was no problem getting him to extend for another year either. Booker was the one that worried me. If he sat that contract out for the next three months he'd be the one guy that I know Vince would pick up in a second. Eric and I sat down with Booker and told him what we wanted from him over the next year, offered him a slightly better deal, and believe me, it really was only slightly as it's all we could afford, and we got him on board for another `12 months.

On the back of the relative success of Saturday Nitro, and Spring Stampede Eric was going to start hitting up the networks to get us a B show too. We needed more tv right now and the extra advertising would create another of those great "revenue streams" that Father was always hassling me about. I'm tired, and I'm late, and I need to get to see Satoshi right about now and I've not even started on Nitro yet. This is turning into a hell of a week.......

Technically yes as Steve McMichael was about as good as commentator as I am a dentist.

Just a quickie, I know the game only lets you have two announcers (asuming you're doing EWR for this?) but if you're capturing WCW it's really important you go with three. The announce team, if I remember right for the first Monday Nitro that you've got coming up was Bischoff, Heenan and McMichael. Three guys is really important, whichever three you go with, might only sound like a small thing but it was just "so WCW". But that's just how I'd see it personally, doesn't mean for a second you have to listen to it. From a personal standpoint I always prefer a three man announce team to a two anyway too but meh.

Sping Stampede

Sunday 29th April 2001

Florence Civic Center - Florence, South Carolina

Announcers: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes & Bobby Heenan

Tenay: Fans we are live from the near capacity Florence Civic Center for Spring Stampede. The waiting's over, tonight we've got four great title matches starting with the Cruiserweight tag team championships in just a few moments but first Dusty, there's one match that the whole world is talking about tonight and that's Booker T and the Nature Boy Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight title

Dusty: This is wheyah the big boys play Iron Mike and tonight we're lookin at two of tha biggest. I really think this is Booker T's night to shine right here at Spring Stampede against the Nature Boy Ric Flair.

Heenan: Well you'd better shine tonight Booker because you're stepping into that ring with the best. If you wanna look at the real big game player then it's Ric Flair. Flair's been in there time and time again, major championship matches, and when that man sets his mind to something there's nobody in this business better at getting what they want. You'd better be ready Booker because your opponent sure as hell will be!

Tenay: 4 great championships on the line in what promises to be an incredible roller coaster ride on Pay Per View. It's time to buckle up

Heenan: Why? Have you been eating burrito's again Dusty?

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship: Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Vs Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo

Skipper & Romeo definitely looked ready to take the Cruiserweight tag titles away from Mysterio & Kidman as they jump started the match before the bell had even rung. As the referee tried to show both teams the belt Skipper and Romeo attacked the champions and kicked off the action. It took no time at all for the Cruiser's to up the pace as Kidman clotheslined Skipper out over the top rope. Romeo tried to Irish Whip Mysterio towards Kidman but Rey Jr reversed it and sent Romeo running across the ring towards Kidman. Kidman caught him running at him and back body dropped him up, and over the top rope. Romeo landed safely on the apron but as Kidman turned around to face him Skipper pulled Romeo down off the apron and out of harm's way as they regrouped on the outside.

The pace of the match began to slow as all four men traded holds. Kidman and Skipper took it to the mat, going hold for hold. The tags were quick as neither team managed to get a firm advantage over the other. Rey Jr caught Skipper coming towards him and hit an incredible arm drag that was filled with pace and elevation. Rey Jr held onto the arm and tried to keep Skipper grounded but Skipper bridged up and took Mysterio down to the mat by grapevining one of his legs before hitting a legdrop to the back of Rey Jr's neck. The crowd were starting to warm to the opening bout of the night and things were set to get better as the match drew to its conclusion.

Kid Romeo leapt up onto Mysterio's neck going for a Frankensteiner but Rey Jr held him there long enough for Kidman to make a tag behind Romeo's back and springboard off the top turnbuckle with a dropkick that sent Romeo crashing to the mat. Kidman went up to the top but Skipper was there to meet him with a dropkick of his own that sent Kidman tumbling all the way to the floor on the outside. Skipper went up to the top as Mysterio Jr came into the ring. Rey ducked as Elix went for a flying cross body. The referee had lost control as Kidman, who had gingerly pulled himself up to his feet, dragged Skipper to the outside. Back in the ring Kid Romeo was climbing up to the top turnbuckle. Mysterio Jr was there to meet him with a barrage of punches before climbing up himself. Rey leapt up and tried to his a frankensteiner but Romeo caught him there. Romeo went to hit a big superbomb on Rey Jr but as he got him up and tried to execute the move Rey Jr found it in himself somewhere to turn it round into a huge frankensteiner as the referee made the three count to give the defending champions the win. Kidman & Mysterio Jr. win by pinfall in 8:20

Overall: 73

Crowd: 59

Match: 88

What the hell do we do now?

After the opening match of the night Mike Tenay quickly sent us to the back where Mean Gene was insistent that something was going down. The camera shows Okerlund in his usual tux, microphone in hand, as two medics are tending to someone on the floor. Both Steiner Bros are at the scene in their street clothes as Okerlund tries to get a word, realising that it's the Nature Boy on the floor, what can be seen of his head and face looks like there's a lot of blood coming from somewhere.

Gene: What in the name of the great man above is going on here, I've gotta get a word with you Scott Steiner, and you Rick Steiner. What the hell did you see?

Rick: I aint seen nothing Mean Gene, you get outta our faces before the same thing happens to you!

Scott: I'll tell you what happened Gene, that right there is what happens to a washed up piece of garbage that tries to stand in our way. I told the whole world on Nitro that Flair either stepped aside or became another victim.....

Larry Zbysko came into shot looking furious as the medics got an unconscious Flair up onto a gurney and ready to lift up into an ambulance waiting outside the arena. Zbysko had at least 10 security guys with him.

Gene: Larry Zbysko, somebody need to take control of this situation. What are you going to do about it Zbysko, this is out of hand!

Gene puts the microphone up into Zbysko's face, he looks angrily at Gene obviously irritated by the mic

Zbysko: What the hell's going on? YOU! YOU! [points at Rick, and then Scott], I want you out of this arena NOW! Get em outta here

Security try to usher for Rick and Scott to leave but only get attacked in the process. Zbysko is shouting orders and takes a clubbing forearm from Rick Steiner for his troubles. The security guys take a beating but due to the sheer volume of them trying to subdue the Steiner Bros, there has to be at least 15 of them there at this point, they manage to bundle Scott and Rick out as a bewildered Mean Gene sends it back to the ring for the next match.

87&

Mike Awesome Vs Terry Funk

Awesome was first out in his red and white Team Canada trunks as he waited for his opponent. Funk turned up in the entranceway with a trashcan filled with weapons. He asked the crowd if they wanted to see a good old Hardcore bout, and the chance for Funk to bust Awesome's head open. The fans, and then Awesome, agreed and as Awesome charged out to meet Funk on the floor the match got underway. The announce team were still speculating over the previous segment with Flair on his way to the hospital, and the Steiner's out of the building, nobody seemed to have any idea what was going to happen with the main event World Title Match. The two men brawled on the outside attacking each other with various weapons with neither man able to get a clear advantage early on.

After the initial flurries Awesome was beginning to take control of the match, which the fans seemed to be enjoying more than the opener. Awesome tossed Funk over the guardrail at ringside and into the fans before backing up and charging at him with a flying clothesline over the guardrail and into the fans. Awesome got Funk up for a big press slam and dropped him throat first onto the guardrail. The Funker looked in big trouble as Awesome rolled him back into the ring. Awesome grabbed two chairs from ringside, tossing both into the ring before reaching underneath it and pulling out a table. Awesome set the table up on the outside but as he did it gave Funk enough time to drag himself up onto his feet and grab one of the chairs. As Awesome got back into the ring Funk charged at Awesome with the chair but Awesome ducked it and grabbed the other chair in the ring. Both men turned to face each other and stared down for a brief second before Awesome swung the chair at Funk. Funk blocked it with his own chair as the two men clashed steel together until Funk got the advantage and nailed Awesome in the head. It didn't drop Awesome though and Funk ran off the ropes with the chair. As he lifted it to crack into Awesome's skull once more, Awesome got his boot up and connected with the chair drilling it into Funk's face.

Awesome looked exactly that as he hit a big overhead belly to belly suplex on Funk. Awesome grabbed a chair and smashed it into Funk's skull before making a cover. Funk got his shouder up at 2. Awesome grabbed Funk up and dragged him straight into the centre of the ring for a sit out Awesome Bomb. Once again Funk's shoulders were up at two. Awesome backed off motioning for Funk to get up as he stood there waiting for him with a chair in hand. Funk slowly fought up to his feet as Awesome smashed the chair over his head again, the brave veteran refusing to go down. Awesome swung it against Funk's head once more, this time dropping him to the mat as it became apparent that Funk was bust open.

Awesome went up to the top rope looking for the Awesome Splash. He hit it as the referee counted but Funk managed to roll a shoulder out at two. Awesome was furious, thumping the mat as he realised he was unable to put Funk away. He shoved the referee away as he dragged Funk out to the middle of the ring once more, again getting him in position for a powerbomb. The bloodied Funk was out on his feet, he could barely stay up on his knees as Awesome dragged his dead weight up onto his shoulders and ran over to the ropes. The crowd gasped as Funk was tossed over the top rope to the outside through the table. Awesome turned around and dragged the referee by the scruff of the neck and pulled him down to make him count the three count as Awesome picked up a big Pay Per View victory. Awesome wins by pinfall in 7:48

Overall: 66

Crowd: 65

Match: 68

WCW Cruiserweight Title: Suga Shane Helms Vs Shannon Moore

Shannon wasn't getting all that much heat as he made his entrance in his 3 count pants. Suga Shane, accompanied by dancing Nitro Girls got a pretty good response though as he came out to the ring with the Cruiserweight title belt. The referee showed both men the belt and the match was on. The two men traded holds in the early going, tieing up collar and elbow. Moore stepped through into a Hammerlock before Helms went behind with one of his own. Moore reversed it once again into his own and starting charging Helms towards the corner. Suga Shane lifted his feet up and used the turnbuckles to run up and flip himself up and over Moore and into position for the Nightmare on Helm Street. Moore scrambled away and slid under the bottom rope to regroup on the outside, realising how close he was to losing the match so early on.

The action was fast paced throughout as both men tried to step it up a notch. Moore began to taunt Helms, most notably paintbrushing the back of his head after taking him down to the mat from a waistlock. The following tieup which went into the ropes saw Helms slap Moore across the face as the referee called for the break. The two men started brawling around the ring before Moore ducked underneath a Suga Shane forearm and rolled him up from behind for a two count. Shane reversed the pin attempt into a two count of his own. Moore rolled over onto Helms for another two count before Suga Shane flipped Helms over into a cradle for another two. Both men kipped up and stared each other down.

The crowd were really beginning to get into the action as Tenay made big play of both men knowing each other inside out having been former tag team partners. There was a lot of offence coming in from both sides with Shannon coming close to picking up the win after a flying forearm as both men ran off the ropes. Shannon went up to the top rope but Helms was quick to his feet and ready to meet him. After a shot to the mid section slowed Moore, Suga Shane climbed the turnbuckles himself as both men stood at the top. They started exchanging punches, grabbing a hold of each other and pummelling each other's heads on the top turnbuckle until it appeared that both men started to lose their balance. Moore and Helms went crashing to the floor out at ringside. The stunned referee began his ten count as neither man looked ready to get up. Moore was the first one to stir as the referee got to 6 and he was the first one back into the ring to break the count. As Helms groggily pulled himself up with the help of the apron Moore ran across the ring and tried a baseball slide. Helms sidestepped it and caught Moore with an STO. Shane went back inside the ring as Moore slowly got up to his feet. The Champion ran across the ring and leapt out swanton style over the top onto Moore leaving both men down once again on the outside.

Both men were looking void of any energy as the action went back to the ring. Moore went for a suplex on Helms but the champion reversed it into a small package for a close two count. The crowd could sense that it was building to a finish and started to get into the action a lttle more. As they got to their feet Moore went for a suplex again, this time Helms reversed out of it and landed on his feet behind Moore, getting him in position and hitting the Nightmare on Helm Street as the fans popped. Suga Shane motioned to the fans before grabbing Moore and trying to get him up for the Vertebreaker. Helms had the double underhook and had Moore up on his back but at the last second Moore flipped out so taht he was on his feet, with Helms in the same position on his back. Moore dropped down and hit Helms own move, the stunned crowd looking on as the referee counted the three and crowned a new Cruiserweight Champion. Moore celebrated with his belt on his way backstage as Helms, holding the back of his head, looked on stunned. Moore wins by pinfall in 15:07

Overall: 75

Crowd: 64

Match: 87

Rob Van Dam Vs Johnny the Bull

The announce team spent a lot of time speculating about what was going to happen later on, with there still no word on the condition of Ric Flair from the attack earlier tonight. JTB made his entrance first, in a simple pair of pink and black trunks, with pads and boots. Looks like the mafia image had gone. JTB got on the mic and started calling out RVD insisting that he would prove tonight that the US title was going to be his by defeating one of the competitors in the tournament. Van Dam came out with his music blaring playing to the crowd. He grabbed a mic and told JTB that the only thing he was interested in tonight was kicking his opponents ass. JTB appeared to have the power edge early on but Van Dam's speed and wrestling ability was an equal foil for JTB's strength game.

It wasn't long before the action spilled to the outside with JTB taking control on the floor. He shoved RVD off into the ringpost and as he stumbled back towards him Johnny grabbed him by the arm and pulled him towards him for the shortarm lariat. RVD ducked underneath and the crowd popped big as he hit a jumping spin kick to knock JTB off his feet. Once they were back in the ring RVD started to take control hitting a bridge german suplex for a near two count before running off the ropes with the Rolling Thumder. RVD sent JTB across the ring from corner to corner but the Bull leapt straight up to the top turnbuckle, spun around, and hit a flying clothesline to Van Dam that got him right back into the match.

The action swung back and forth before Van Dam leapt up to the top turmbuckle. JTB was behind him to meet him and hit a big German Suplex from the top that sent RVD flying across the ring, straight into the referee who got laid out. JTB got Van Dam up but as he went for a right hand, Van Dam blocked it and leapt up with a big kick to the head. RVD backed away waiting for Johnny to get to his feet, completely unaware that Jeff Jarrett had snuck out from the back. Jarrett got up onto the apron with his trusty guitar in hand. Jarrett shoved Van Dam from behind, who immediately spun around to see who was behind him only to take a guitar shot straight to the head. As RVD turn around stunned he walked straight into JTB who grabbed him by the hand and pulled him in for a short arm lariat that flipped him over 360. The referee crawled over and made a slow three count as JTB picked up the win. After the bell Jarrett tossed the referee to the outside and gave Van Dam the stroke before raising the Bull's hand with a big grin on his face. Johnny the Bull wins by pinfall in 6:08

Overall: 78

Crowd: 75

Match: 81

Booker says he'll be waiting....

Mean Gene Okerlund is backstage in a locker room after the match where WCW World Heavyweight Champion Booker T is pacing up and down the room in his wrestling gear.

Gene: Thanks Mike, as you can see I'm backstage with the reigning World Heavyweight Champion Booker T and after what went down a little earlier on tonight just where is your head at Booker?

Booker: Ya know this wasn't sposed to be about the Steiner's here tonight Mean Gene. It was about two great athletes going out there and doing it for the people over this title belt right here [slaps the title belt which is over his shoulder]. It's about the Ric Flair's and it's about the Booker T's. Naitch we mighta been getting it on tonight but I'm rooting for ya in that hospital tonight.

Gene: We're yet to get any word on the condition of the Nature Boy but at this time we can only asume that he will not be here for the world title match a little bit later on. So what happens next champ?

Booker: Booker T's a fighting champion Mean Gene, Booker T's a champion for the people, and Booker T is a champion for Booker T! What the people want, and what Booker T wants is a match tonight for this belt so what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna go out to that ring, lay this belt no the ground and whoever wants to come take a shot at it we can get it on. Can you dig that Gene? See I know what it's like sitting in the back working your butt off to climb the ladder and get that break. Booker T's career was full of blood, sweat, and tears to get that break so tonight if anyone in the back wants their shot they got it. But when it's all said and done and Booker T's stood looking out over the fans with the world's title belt in my hand, ya'll remember this...... don't hate the playa......... hate the GAME!

80%

WCW Tag Team Titles: Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo Vs Kronik w/Shane Douglas & Bam Bam Bigelow

Kronik made their entrance first for the tag team title match and got a lot of heat, accompanied by Douglas and Bigelow. They still had the lasers and dark lighting for the entrance as the Franchise led them to the ring. O'Haire and Palumbo got a really good pop as they came out. Palumbo's shoulder looked heavily strapped as the champions stepped through the ropes and got up into their opponents faces. Kronik threw big forearm shots at the champions, both of which were blocked as the four men started brawling around the ring. O'Haire clotheslined Clarke out over the top as Adams and Palumbo fought in the corner. Douglas tripped O'Haire from the outside, and he and Bigelow dragged him out. The referee was quick to go to the outside and get in Douglas face. The Franchise argued briefly before the referee ordered him and Bigelow to the back. Douglas was going nuts as Kronik were left to fend for themselves.

When the match restarted O'Haire and Palumbo took control early on, taking out their frustrations on the newest members of the New Franchise. O'Haire and Palumbo hit a bit double suplex on Adams that got them a decent two count. It was only after a mistake by Palumbo that Kronik got into the match. Palumbo tried to send Clarke in for the ride to the corner but Clarke held onto the arm and swung Palumbo around in the air, wrenching that bad shoulder as Palumbo fell to the mat holding his shoulder. Kronik took over, really taking Palumbo apart and you could see how much it was getting to O'Haire on the outside. Adams hit a big shoulderbreaker on Palumbo before tagging in Clarke who came down off the top with a clubbing blow to the shoulder as Adams held Palumbo up for him. When Clarke took Palumbo down to the mat with a fujiwara style armbar O'Haire had seen enough and rushed into the ring, breaking up the hold. That only allowed Kronik the chance to get in some double team action, Adams holding Palumbo's hand onto the top turnbuckle as Clarke smashed his elbow into Palumbo's extended arm.

O'Haire was desperate to get into the ring as he watched his partner taken apart and his half of the tag team titles slip further and further away as the match progressed. Palumbo, who was now holding his arm tight to his chest as it looked completely shot, would get his chance to make an escape though as Adams went to the middle turnbuckle and tried to hit a knee to Palumbo's shoulder. Chuck rolled out of the way and as he got up to his feet he caught Adams running towards him as both men hit clotheslines and crashed to the mat. Both men crawled to their corners slowly dragging themselves inch by inch closer. Adams was first to tag out, bringing in Clarke but before he could get to the other side to cut Palumbo off he leapt forward and tagged in O'Haire. Sean levelled Clarke with a big lariat and as Adams came back into the ring he was met by a big superkick. O'Haire caught Clarke running at him in a huge spinebuster but as the referee made the count Adams made the save. Palumbo who'd mustered up the strength from somewhere ran at Adams and hit him with a clothesline that took both men out over the ropes. O'Haire was ready to finish it and as Clarke struggled to get to his feet O'Haire slammed him down before going up to the top rope. He came off with the Seanton Bomb to pick up the win and successful defence of the tag team titles

O'Haire looked intense as he went for the tag title belts and tried to tend to Palumbo. Before he knew what had hit him, Bigelow and Douglas were running from the back, Bigelow levelling him with a stiff forearm to the back that looked to have knocked him out on the outside. Douglas rolled Palumbo back into the ring and fed him to Kronik who hit the High Time. Douglas locked in a fujiwara armbar of his own on Palumbo's bad shoulder as Chuck was kicking out and writhing in pain. The referee tried to interject but was tossed aside by Bigelow. Douglas pulled harder on the shoulder as Tenay and the boys were going livid on announce. Referees came out from the back but were met by Kronik and Bigelow who swatted them all off the apron before they could even get into the ring. Finally Douglas released the hold as the four men raised four fingers looking out to the crowd. Palumbo looked to have passed out from the pain, but the New Franchise couldn't see what was behind them. O'Haire had dragged himself up into the ring and looked ready to kick ass. Kronik turned around and saw him and charged with a double clothesline. O'Haire ducked, turning around quickly and clotheslining both men out over the rope with a big double clothesline. Bigelow turned and ran at him but also fell prey to O'Haire huge spinebuster. Douglas cowered away in the corner as O'Haire ran at him. Douglas slipped through the middle ropes as O'Haire swung out over the tope rope. The New Franchise backed away as O'Haire knelt over Palumbo staring them down. O'Haire & Palumbo win by pinfall in 9:08

Overall: 75

Crowd: 74

Match: 76

Storm sends out another call to the Stinger

After the tag team title match Lance Storm makes his way out to the ring, Canadian maple leaf tights on as he has Mike Awesome at his side. Storm's music sounds hot as ever as they get up into the ring and Storm grabs a microphone.

Storm: If you will allow me the courtesy of your silence, you'll bear witness to one of the most pivotal moments in World Championship Wrestling history [the crowd are giving Storm a lot of heat]. Three weeks ago an American Hero retired in front of you people. An American Hero was worshipped and put up on a pedestal for all the world to see. You've heard all the monikers. Sting, WCW's Franchise. Sting, the only man never to jump ship, well where is Sting now? Sting won't be here in this ring to face me tonight because he's just like all of you people out there, and all of the hero's you look up to. He put his tail between his legs and he walked. You see Sting can't live with the talent in front of you right now. Lance Storm is the future, this is my time. Not the time of the Sting's, or the Ric Flair's. This man next to me retired another crippled old American hero earlier tonight, Terry Funk! You people look up to a man like Funk because when you look at him from your trailer park homes you realise that you could be him. He's no different to you, or you, or you [points to random people in the crowd]. But when you look into this ring right now you see something that you can't recreate. You see a man that you can't be. You see something you don't understand, something to talented it's unfathomable and for that you fear me. Human nature dictates we fear what we don't understand so as you sit out there booing me and proving once again that the nation of America has no class and no respect, just remember what is happening to your American hero's. Those people you try to emulate, those useless wastes of space like Sting and Terry Funk who's time's are over. Where's....... WHAT THE?

the arena goes into complete darkness for a good 30 seconds. The crowd are gasping as Dusty and Heenan are going mad on announce. The lights come back on and Storm and Awesome are still standing alone in the ring, the crowd start chanting Sting. Storm and Awesome are looking around the arena uneasily before Storm continues.

Storm: You can chant all you want but he's not here. Tonight Sting you just proved you're like every other American hero that these people worship. You're a coward! You people put these men up on pedestal's so high that their American mentality's can't handle the pressure. OJ Simpson, great football player, movie star, yet he drove half way across this country to flee from police. Mike Tyson, a great American Heavyweight champion that you all hailed as the new King, yet he's spent time incarcerated. You build your heroes and they knock themselves down, just like Sting. Sting's time is gone, chant his name all you want because it's time for the New Breed, it's time for Lance Storm, from Calgary, Alberta Canada. The greatest country in the world!

Storm and Awesome leave the ring, Storm raises his arms in the air as they walk backstage to a really large amount of heat.

86%

Tenay: Well you know what was supposed to be up next Dusty, but we've finally got word back from the hospital and Ric Flair will not be back here tonight. We have no further word on his condition at this time but without Flair, what happens next?

Dusty: Ya hear tha champ earlier tanight Iron Mike, if he aint got the Nature Boy Ric Flair out there for him tonight then he's just gonna open it up to the back. If the Steiner's are watchin this somewhere you boys just take a look in that ring tonight because you two guys are out the buildin and you aint gettin that title shot!

Heenan: My sources tell me that it's pandemonium in the back, everyone wants a shot at Booker T, nobody knows who it is. I'll tell you one thing though, I know Ric Flair and I know the Steiner Bros and you sure as hell better be tuned in next Saturday for Nitro. This will NOT sit well with Flair or the Steiner's if someone else goes out there tonight and takes that belt away from Booker T!

Tenay: Fans we have absolutely no idea what's coming next, but it's time to get to the ring for our main event

Booker T makes his entrance first, his usual music playing as he takes in the pop from the crowd and gets up into the ring climbing the turnbuckle and looking out over the fans with the world title belt over his shoulder. Booker waited in the centre of the ring for his opponent...

DUH....DUH.....DUH DUH DUH........ DUH.....DUH..... DUH DUH DUH

the crowd went nuts as the drums started banging and the music played. It wasn't long before Goldberg came out amid a raging fire of pyro's....

WCW World Title: Booker T Vs Goldberg

Goldberg looked intense as he got up into the ring with Booker T. Booker looked surprised but wasn't backing up an inch. The referee stepped up in between them as they stared down, holding out the World Championship belt and reminding both men of the rules. Both men went back to their corners as the bell rang. They circled each other staring down before the first collar and elbow. They muscled each other around the ring until Goldberg backed Booker up on the ropes. Both men gave a tentative, yet clean break. Neither wrestler was giving anything up as they worked their way into the match. Booker grabbed a side headlock but Goldberg sent him off into the ropes. Booker came back at him and knocked him down with a shoulder block. Goldberg looked surprised as he got back to his feet and dared Booker to try it again. Booker ran off the ropes as Goldberg swung a clothesline at him which the champion ducked. Booker came back with a flying forearm attempt but Goldberg ducked out of the way.

If the first major mistake was Booker's, the second would be too. After some brief offence from Goldberg Booker caught him coming towards him with the Harlem Sidekick. Booker gave a sign that he was going up top and went up to the top turnbuckle. As Goldberg got to his feet Booker hit a missile dropkick that knocked him back down to the mat. Booker made the cover but could only get a two count. As Goldberg got back to his feet Booker kicked him in the stomach doubling him over. Booker stepped back and bounced off the ropes before going for the axe kick but as his leg came down over Goldberg's neck the challenger turned, reaching up and grabbing Booker's ankle, turning him over and wrenching his leg hard. Goldberg took him to the mat and locked in a vicious leg submission.

Booker was able to escape this time by making his way to the ropes but it looked like damage had been done. As the referee called for the break Booker pulled himself up by the ropes, his right leg not looking ready to take any weight as Goldberg kicked it out from under him, only the ropes holding him up. Goldberg went to work looking devastating as he took apart Booker's ankle. Goldberg got him up for an atomic drop type move but instead dropped Booker's lower leg over his knee inflicting more damage. Booker was struggling for his balance as he stood against the ropes. Goldberg ran at him but Booker fell down out of the way, pulling the top rope down as he did so, watching Goldberg fly out over the top rope to the floor.

The action on the outside was fervid. Goldberg backed up against the ring post as Booker charged into him with a shoulder tackle but as Goldberg got out of the way Booker connected with nothing but steel. The referee refused to issue a ten count, which Tenay put down to him realising what was at stake and letting it slide. Goldberg gorilla pressed Booker on the outside, dropping him down behind him on the floor. Goldberg stood waiting for Booker to get up, crouching down and bouncing slightly. As soon as Booker got to his feet Goldberg charged at him hitting the Spear right through the announce table at ringside. Tenay, Dusty and Heenan scrambled out of the way as the table smashed down the middle and Goldberg and Booker T lay amongst the debris.

The crowd was full of Goldberg and Booker T chants as the two men started to stir. Goldberg seemed to be pumping pure adrenaline as he staggered up to his feet, swatting at his own head, pulling himself together. Booker was still down as Goldberg grabbed him and tossed him back underneath the bottom rope and into the ring. Goldberg screamed out to the fans and grabbed Booker's ankle, cinching in an ankle lock submission. Goldberg was roaring as he twisted Booker's ankle. The champion looked in unmeasurable pain as the referee got down to see if Booker would give it up. Booker was screaming out as the crowd started to gasp, desperately trying to inch his way to the bottom rope. Booker was just a couple of inches away when Goldberg dragged him back to the centre of the ring by his ankle and started twisting again. The picture of Booker's face as it happened was one of ultimate horror and intense pain. The referee got down again, he almost looked like he was pleading with Booker to give it up. Booker started to crawl once more, desperate for the rope. Goldberg wrenched and twisted that ankle with an intensity that made it look like there was only one outcome. Booker was struggling for his life but Goldberg refused to let go of the hold. Booker inched closer, and closer as the referee asked him once more if he wanted to quit. Then, with one last desperate lunge Booker caught the bottom rope and held on for dear life.

Once the hold was broken it was soon apparent that Booker's ankle was at the very least torn, if not broken. Booker got to his feet but immediately fell to the mat as he tried to put any weight on it. Goldberg stood poised, telling Booker to get up. The Champion pulled himself up by the ropes, slowly yanking his body up, resting on them for support. Goldberg stalked Booker into the corner, raining in stiff looking rights and lefts as Booker doubled over from the pain. Goldberg tried to send Booker across the ring into the other corner but after just a couple of steps Booker tumbled to the mat as his leg gave way. Goldberg looked to the fans, throwing out his arms and screaming out as he looked ready to put Booker away. Goldberg dragged Booker up to his feet, only Goldberg himself was keeping Booker up there. He grabbed Booker onto him, getting him up for the Jackhammer. At the last second Booker shifted his weight, sliding down Goldberg's back. The challenger spun around surprised as Booker grabbed him in, Goldberg hit an elbow, fighting Booker off as he went for the Book End. Booker staggered away a couple of paces, wobbling on his ankle. Goldberg took a step back and charged at Booker but as he did the World Champion grabbed him coming in and hit the Book End. The referee made the count, 1....2.....3. Booker stumbled across the ring as the referee raised his arm. Goldberg slipped away alone as Booker stood there, belt in hand, held up by the referee at the show's conclusion. Booker T wins by pinfall in 13:29

Overall: 77

Crowd: 84

Match: 64

Overall: 78%

Buy Rate: 0.54

Attendance: 6519

Overness Movement

Rey Mysterio Jr -1 - 72

Shane Helms -1 - 59

Shannon Moore +1 - 51

Sean O'Haire -1 - 65

Chuck Palumbo -1 - 66

Lance Storm +2 - 77

Johnny the Bull +2 - 66

Mike Awesome -1 - 69

Rick Steiner +1 - 73

You just reminded me with that card what a horrible load of shit you have to work with. There's some great talent too, but there's also a lot of Ed Leslie, and John Tenta, One Man Gang and friggin Kamala, and those idiots are all in and around your main event scene. Oh dear.

this is gonna be interesting.

will be intrigued to see whether you debut Luger on the first show, whether you bother bringing in Alundra/Madusa and do the belt dropping thing, and where you go when big name WWF stars contracts are up.

And, if you don't go with those options what you do in their place to get one over on the competition.

yeah, really looking forward to this diary. set the scene well, and i've not really read one from when the monday night wars really started. it's usually 1996 that i've read in the past. Only advice I could possibly suggest as sometihng I'd like to see from the diary would be two things, 1. remember that every single week you're trying to outdo what's on the other side. taking potshots at them, outdiong them, putting on something bigger and better, stealing stars, etc etc, there is no room for a weak show. every single week needs to be huge and bigger than what they're doing on that other channel. 2. personally with everyone debating the nWo angle I'd go with it, perhaps, but there's really one major condition to it I suppose. End the bloody thing. The first year of nWo was insanely good, amazing stuff, it really was. Had they had the balls to find a way for it all to end, whether that be with WCW winning, or with them doing the unthinkable and having the nWo really takeover and WCW being no more (an idea which always intrigues me) then they could have gone on and built from there. Instead we got "not sure what to do this week, new idea? fuck that, lets just get some guys out in black, white and/or red t shirts out again.

Everything was in place for Spring Stampede, between us finishing Nitro, getting about three hours sleep, and getting ready for the show I had no time to think. I'd made sure we knew where we were at before Nitro because once it was over there was no time for anything. We were going in with something like this....

WCW's first return Pay Per View is set to hit you live from the Florence Civic Center, Florence - South Carolina. You invited us back into your homes and we guarantee you that Saturday 29th April we'll deliver you something truly spectacular.

The Cruiserweight division's finest will be in the building and ready to dazzle you with some high octane offence. Not only will the Cruiserweight tag team titles be on the line as Rey Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman defend against Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo but the World Cruiserweight Championship will be defended. Suga Shane Helms has been pinned twice in recent weeks by challenger and former tag partner Shannon Moore. Who will walk out of Florence with the belt?

Two major matches added earlier today. Mike Awesome of Team Canada will take on the ever entertaining Terry Funk in what promises to be a wild brawl, while WCW's new sensation Rob Van Dam steps up to the plate against Johnny the Bull. JTB's been on a roll recently with his short arm lariat, but RVD is undefeated since debuting in World Championship Wrestling with a notable win over former WCW World Champion Lex Luger already to his name. Who will pick up the win as both men strive for victory?

The World Tag Team titles will be on the line as the champions, Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo step into the ring with former friends, Kronik. Since the allegiance was found between Kronik, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Shane Douglas, simply surviving has become tough for the champions in WCW. What state is Palumbo's shoulder in? Will O'Haire be left to fend for himself again? What role will Bigelow and Douglas play? So many questions that can only be answered by buying Spring Stampede on Pay Per View.

The retirement of perhaps WCW's greatest ever performer, Sting, was enough to bring a tear to the eye of anyone watching. The disgusting show of disrespect from Lance Storm and Mike Awesome left a bitter taste in the mouth. Storm's opened up the challenge, he'll be at Spring Stampede waiting in the ring for the Stinger. Will Sting want to go out like he did on Nitro? Where is Sting's head at right now? One thing's for certain, if Sting does show up then this promises to be one hell of a match.

A Championship match for the ages. Reigning champion Booker T is an incredibly athlete who has defended his title with pride and honour. He's finally got his opportunity to shine and he feels this is his time. The Nature Boy Ric Flair has been there, seen it all, done it all, over and over and over again. Will we see the torch passed? Can Flair pull it out of the bag just one more time? How will they react to one another after the ending of Nitro? This is as big as any major championship match in recent WCW history.

All this and so much more, this is a show you simply cannot afford to miss. Sunday, April 29th, 9pm Eastern time. Contact your local cable operator for purchasing information. WCW Spring Stampede - Who's next?

Rey Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman Vs Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo

Mike Awesome Vs Terry Funk

Shane Helms Vs Shannon Moore

Rob Van Dam Vs Johnny the Bull

Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo Vs Kronik

Lance Storm Vs Sting ???

Booker T Vs Ric Flair

credit The Imperfect for pic

Saturday 28th April 2001

Shamrock Stadium, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Announcers: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes & Bobby Heenan

Tenay: We are just one day away from Spring Stampede on Pay Per View, fan's WE'RE LIVE for Saturday Nitro. I'm Mike Tenay joined again by the American Dream Dusty Rhodes and Bobby the Brain Heenan and with Spring Stampede just one day away Dusty, we've got a hell of a World title match coming up tomorrow night on Pay Per View

Dusty: Fo shaw Iron Mike. Ya know as I look at this sityooayshun over the World's Title. I'm talkin about Booker T and the Nature Boy Ric Flair I can promise ya this boys. No matter how much athletic ability the World's Heavyweight Champion Booker T has, when Ric Flair has his game face on there's nobody that can touch him. Rightowrong Bobby, am I rightowrong?

Hennan: Oh you are absolutely right Dust, I've worked with the guy, I've managed him, I know how Flair operates. All those tag lines, the 60 minute man, the Dirtiest Player in the Game, Going all night long, that aint just clever PR. He earned those names for a reason so Booker tomorrow night in front of the whole world you'd better be ready, coz you can bet Flair wlil be.

WCW US Title Tournament: Crowbar d. Big Vito in 5:21

As the match began the tournament brackets were shown again...

Click here to see the US title tournament brackets

The stadium only looked about half full as the announce team pointed out that not only would the winner of this match face Rob Van Dam in the next round, but that Van Dam would be in action later on tonight against an opponent hand picked by Buff Bagwell. Crowbar had a slightly different look this week with a pair of black tights on instead of his jean pants. The action was a brawl right from the start with both men taking the action to the outside. Vito pulled out his stickball bat from under the ring, no idea what it was doing there? And took it to Crowbar's head on the outside. Crowbar came back, suplexing Vito onto the guardrail at ringside before before leaping off the apron into the crowd to attack him. After a really good brawl the ending came as Crowbar planted Vito with the Mindbender for the three count.

Overall: 58

Crowd: 54

Match: 77

Bagwell has the Total solution to his RVD problems

After the match Buff Bagwell came out to the ring with his wrestling attire on, mic in hand. The crowd gave him a reasonably mixed reaction. Some heat, but still some people out there who actually like him apparently. He's got his right arm in a sling which seems to be confusing the announce team

Bagwell: WCW Saturday Nitro has been the scene of a great injustice over recent weeks. You've all seen the debut of a new [does quote signs with his hands]"superstar" in WCW. See first he attacks me from behind, while I'm not even ready for a match and scores the biggest fluke since the last time Buff Daddy lost a match. Then Buff faces him in a US title tournament match and he gets lucky again. Now I'd come out here tonight and beat him myself but as you can see I've hurt my arm in training and I'm not allowed to wrestle. So I've gone out and found the one man that can do me proud out in that ring tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you....... the Total Package, Lex Luuuuuuuger!

Lex Luger steps out from the back and flex's his biceps as the show goes to commercial.

69%

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A Flair for the gold

After the break Mean Gene Okerlund was already in the ring as he called out the Nature Boy Ric Flair for an interview. Flair made his way out, robed, space mountain playing, with a huge smile on his face as the crowd pop really big for the Nature Boy

Gene: Ric Flair we've been stood up in this ring many many times over the years but rarely have I stood here with you in this situation. Tomorrow night at Spring Stampede you're going in as the challenger against a man that's been your ally over recent weeks, the World Heavyweight Champion Booker T.

Flair: As the years have gone on Gene I've watched as man after man has stepped into a big match with the Nature Boy and had nothing to lose. I've watched them come in and try to make a name for themselves. When you step into the ring with Ric Flair I was always the one with everything on the line. But now we stand here Gene in front of the great people of South Carolina woooo [Flair pauses winking to the crowd]................ and for the first time in my long career the Nature Boy's got nothing to lose. I'm walking in there with the chance to become the Heavyweight Champion of the world. I've got nothing left to prove Gene. Booker T's a great athlete and if he proves to the world tomorrow night that he is THE MAN then so be it.

Gene: There's a great amount of respect in that main event tomorrow night, no doubt about that, but it sounds to me like you really don't mind if you get beat out there?

Flair: Hahahahahaaa, MEAN... WOOOO... GENE! You think the Nature Boy's not going out there to win the World Title? Booker T's a great athlete but tomorow night Booker when you look across that ring and you see the Nature Boy staring right back at ya, when you realise that it's your chance to prove, that, to BE THE MAN! You gotta Beat the man! wooooo. When you step into the ring with the Nature Boy you bring your A game boy because there's one thing that's for sure. ONE THING! Whether you win or ya lose you're stepping into that ring tomorrow night with the greatest wrestler of all time

92%

Shannon Moore & Johnny the Bull d. Shane Helms & Ultimo Dragon in 8:47

Billed as a surprise partners match before the Cruiserweight title match at Spring Stampede Shannon Moore in his three count trousers came out first. He introduced his surprise partner as Johnny the Bull. The announce team were quick to point out that everyone expected this to be a Cruiserweight match up and that Shannon may have just given himself a massive advantage. Suga Shane was out next, complete with Cruiserweight title belt and dancing girls. He stood in the entrance way and called out his surprise partner. The crowd popped pretty well when they saw it was none other than former WCW Cruiserweight Champion the Ultimo Dragon. The match itself provided some really good action. Shannon wasn't keen to get in there with Helms who seemed riled up and ready to go after last week's show. JTB's power game gave his side a definite edge and any time Helms got into the ring Moore tagged him in. Dragon looked great on his return and the crowd went wild for his handstand into kick in the corner on Shannon. When Helms finally got his hands on Moore in the ring the two men traded offence but it wasn't long before JTB would bring an end to the match. With Moore distracting the referee JTB stepped into the ring and grabbed Helms from behind. He hit the short arm lariat the he used to beat the Cat recently and it sent Helms flipping up into the air and down. Moore made the cover and pinned the Cruiserweight champion for the second time in recent weeks before their big match tomorrow night for the gold.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 63

Match: 84

Fighting over mic time?

After the match Scott Hudson is backstage with Rob Van Dam ready for an interview, RVD has his wrestling gear on, and is wearing a white RVD 4:20 t shirt over the top.

Hudson: Thanks Mike, I'm joined right now by Rob...........

somebody walks onto the screen interrupting before Hudson can go any further.

Jarrett: Whoah whoah whoah Hudson, what the hell's goin on here? This is my interview time, I was told to be here. Who the hell is this anyway?

RVD steps towards Jarrett with a smile on his face...

RVD: I'm Rob.... Van..... Dam

RVD points to his head with his thumbs as he answers. Jarrett looks angry as Hudson tries to get some sense out of the situation.

Hudson: Rob you've got a majo.....

Hudson's cut off again

Jarrett: One more word outta you Scott Hudson and I'll hit you so hard they'll be feeding you through a straw until Christmas slappy. This is my time!

RVD: Hey Jeff, it's ok, you don't need to get angry. You're not Rob Van Dam, and that's gotta suck. You what, you want the interview time Jeff, you have it. I do my talking in the ring.

RVD leaves the set as Jarrett shouts him off and a confused Hudson sends it to commercial.

71%

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Commercial Break

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WCW US Title Tournament: Lance Storm d. Konnan in 6:58

Before the match Storm grabbed a microphone and talked about how Konnan had become Americanised and refused to stay true to his Mexican roots. Storm then gave one final note to Sting, that he'd be waiting for him at Spring Stampede. Apart from the usual spots you see in a Konnan match, the majority of the offence came from Storm. He looked really impressive as he took a step towards becoming the United States champion picking up the win with the Maple Leaf half boston crab over Konnan.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 70

Match: 77

That's one pissed off O'Haire

Before the next match Sean O'Haire comes out to the ring, storming his way there intensely and looking furious with a mic in his hand

O'Haire: Kronik, Douglas, Bigelow, I want my match. GET OUT HERE NOW! You want to run around in the back playing the numbers game, GET OUT HERE CLARKE! Step in the ring with me. COME ON..... COME ONNNNN!!!!

O'Haire tosses down the microphone as Kronik's music starts and Bryan Clarke makes his way out to the ring with Shane Douglas.

70%

Sean O'Haire d. Bryan Clarke w/Shane Douglas in 4:48

Clarke rushed the ring while Shane Douglas walked slowly to ringside. The action was intense from the start with both men exchanging stiff looking offence. O'Haire ducked a Clarke clothesline and levelled him with a brutal superkick before screaming out to the crowd. Clarke got his shots in too as they built up to the tag title match tomorow night, most notably ctapulting himself in from the apron with a clothesline on O'Haire. Tag Team Champion O'Haire took the action to the outside and the two men exchanged blows before taking the fight back inside. Clarke sent him in for the ride but O'Haire caught him going for a big boot and tossed him with a huge overhead suplex. Douglas got up onto the apron distracting the referee as Brian Adams charged out from the back to make the save. Adams came up onto the apron which grabbed O'Haire attention. O'Haire swung a right hand but Adams blocked it and knocked O'Haire back with a punch of his own. As Sean spun around he was faced with Clarke running at him but he caught him in mid air and drilled him straight into Adams. O'Haire kept hold of Clarke and dropped him with a massive spinebuster for the three count. Douglas was straight into the ring attacking him from behind but O'Haire looked unstoppable fighting him off. O'Haire levelled Douglas with a stiff clothesline, turned around and caught Clarke coming at him with a superkick and then got Adams up and drove him down with a spinebuster. That allowed Bam Bam Bigelow, who had been running out from the back to hit O'Haire from behind. Chuck Palumbo, shoulder heavily taped, came running out from the back in a pair of jeans, without a top on. Palumbo started pounding on Bigelow but soon the four on two advantage came into play as Douglas dropped O'Haire with a low blow before Clarke crashed a steel chair shot into Palumbo's shoulder dropping him down to the mat. The New Franchise stood looking out to the fans, each man holding up four fingers into the air as the show went to commercial.

Overall: 63

Crowd: 70

Match: 71

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Commercial Break

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Hennig likes what he's seen

After the break Mean Gene comes out into the entrance way, just before the aisle to the ring. He's ready for an interview and says he has a man who made a surprise appearance in WCW recently, Curt Hennig. Hennis makes his way out wearing a grey suit, his hair tied back.

Gene: Curt Hennig, lets cut to it, just what are you doing back in World Championship Wrestling?

Hennig: Ya know Mean Gene, that's all I've been asked since I turned up on Nitro last week. Everybody wants to know what Curt Hennig is doing back. Well I'll tell you just like I've told everyone else Mean Gene. I'm out here looking for the Per...... [Hennig pauses stopping himself]

Gene: Whoah, somebody call the attorney!

Hennig: I'm out here looking for the best talent that WCW has. I'm going to find me a new protege to take to the top of this business Okerlund and you can mark my words real good. Nobody has the knowledge to pass on that I have.

Gene: We saw you out here watching a match that Jason Jett won last week, the question I put to you Sir is, is Jason Jett your new protege?

Hennig: I was impressed with what I saw last week, I'll give that to Jett. With the right management he could go far in this business. All I'm saying right now is this Mean Gene. I'm taking somebody to the top, and remember. Nobody turns down Curt Hennig.... Nobody!

78%

Rob Van Dam d. Lex Luger w/Buff Bagwell in 8:07

Luger was first out for the match and looked, as always, in great shape. He had Bagwell with him who still had his arm up in a sling. The crowd popped pretty big for RVD as the heavy music started playing and he made his way to the ring. Luger tried to jumpstart the match early but Van Dam ducked a clothesline before running at Luger and Bagwell and taking both out with a double crossbody that sent Bagwell rolling out of the ring. RVD was explosive in the early going, blocking a Luger right hand, throwing a kick, which Luger caught, before stepping through and hitting a variation on an enziguri. The crowd were really into Van Dam as the show cut to commercial in the middle of the match. In the main event? Bad scheduling.

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Commercial Break

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When they came back Tenay showed us some footage from throughout the adverts, after RVD missed a running splash off the apron to the outside it had been all Luger and he was currently wearing Van Dam down with a headlock on the mat. Bagwell was a constant threat at ringside. With Luger down in the middle of the ring RVD ran off the ropes but Bagwell tripped him and pulled him to the outside. RVD ducked a running clothesline from Bagwell and grabbed a chair that was waiting on the outside for him. He turned around and tossed it to Bagwell, who put his hands up to catch it, immediately dropping the sling away and showing that there was nothing wrong with his arm. Van Dam leapt up into the air and connected with a kick that drilled the chair into Bagwell's face and knocked him out. The crowd popped big for the move as Van Dam did the thumb pointing and spun around on the outside. Luger was back up in the ring and by the time Van Dam slid back in he was met by boots from Luger. Luger began to pound Van Dam around the ring and after a running clothesline gave the sign for the Torture Rack. Luger tried to get RVD up but Van Dam slid down his back, lifting his legs up and cradling Luger down for the three count and the win. Luger was furious as RVD slid to the outside and backed up the aisle. Bagwell got up into the ring holding his head as he and Luger pointed fingers at Van Dam and stared him down. Van Dam backed up the aisle and didn't see Jeff Jarrett come out behind him. Before he knew it he was dropped to the floor as Jarrett smashed a guitar over his head, Luger and Bagwell smiling on from the ring.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 76

Match: 66

Who's hitting who?

Before the show ended the guys ran down the Spring Stampede card before Mean Gene came out to the ring one last time, calling out the WCW World Heavyweight Champion Booker T. Booker came out from the back, stopping to take in the pyros and the fans reaction with the World title belt over his shoulder. Before he could take another step he was attacked from behind by Rick and Scott Steiner. They started pounding on him, beating him down the aisle towards the ring as Mean Gene shouted on the mic that they were disgraces. Rick Steiner rolled Booker into the ring as Scott went to get a chair from ringside. Before the attack went any further Ric Flair came running from the back carrying a chair. He slid into the ring and the four men began to fight. Rick Steiner and Booker T, and Scott Steiner and Ric Flair. Booker fought back on Rick, ducking a Steinerline and then connecting with a Harlem Side kick before clotheslining him out over the top. As he did so he was smashed in the back with a steelchair shot, Scott Steiner had wrestled the chair away from Flair. Steiner turned around and Flair kicked him in the balls, grabbing the chair from him and dropping him with a stiff chairshot. Both Steiner's were on the outside staring up at Flair who was wielding the chair daring them to come back into the ring. Booker got back up and grabbed Flair from behind, pulling him around and getting in his face. Booker thought Flair had hit him with the chair and shoved Flair backwards. Flair stood staring him down, chair in hand as the show ran out of time and went off the air with an ad for Spring Stampede playing as the show ended.

75%

Overall: 70%

TV Rating: 1.23

Attendance: 1510

Overness Movement

Sean O'Haire -1 - 66

Lance Storm -1 - 75

Konnan -1 - 65

Big Vito -2 - 65

Crowbar +2 - 52

Shannon Moore -1 - 50

Johnny The Bull +1 - 64

Lex Luger -1 - 69

OOC: Thanks for taking the time to give such a lot of feedback Hewey. Glad that for the most part you seem to be enjoying the diary. Not much else to say on it, can't really argue with any of the points you made, and you picked up on a couple of things I'd not really considered, like the RVD 4:20 line, which has actually given me an idea, hmmm. Yeah, thanks man.

I knew I couldn't put it off any longer, we were paying the guy stack loads of cash, and if Booker was struggling for credibility then he could easily give it to him. How the hell was I gonna convince Goldberg to work with us, and to work how I wanted him to. What could I offer him that would get him even considering working the programme with Booker. I had nothing, and if I waited until next week I'd still have nothing. He needed to be used, or I needed him out of this contract. One way or another. I made the call on Monday before I started work on Nitro. Within two minutes of being on the phone with him I knew I had a tool to work with. The second Bill told me that we needed to talk, that he'd had a call from Vince and he wanted out of his contract I knew I had something. Did I get everything I wanted out of Bill? Hell no, but it was a hell of a lot better than I could ever have imagined before I made the call. I had concerns, like him simply no showing when we needed him, or refusing to go through with what I had planned further down the road but if he wanted to go and work for Vince then he'd need to earn that release. It was what was best for business and I had no choice. With that out of the way I had time to prepare Nitro. No complaints, no Kevin Nash, no DDP, no Goldberg, but suddenly I felt a lot better about that whole situation. Two shows in we were doing ok and right now that's about all we could have hoped for.

The night before Spring Stampede, Saturday Nitro is ready to explode through your set and prepare you for WCW's homecoming Pay Per View

Rob Van Dam, Johnny the Bull, Chris Kanyon and Hugh Morrus are all already into the second round of the United States Title tournament. With Crowbar taking on Big Vito, and Lance Storm in action against Konnan the race for the highly sought after US title continues on this week's show.

Click here to see the US title tournament brackets

After Shannon Moore scored an upset pinfall victory over WCW Cruiserweight Champion Shane Helms on Nitro, the former tag partner was given a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship at Spring Stampede. After the disgusting actions of the challenger on last week's show, attacking Helms before the show had begun both men have been given the opportunity to gain momentum going into Spring Stampede as they face off in a mystery partners match. Who will Shannon and Shane pick to go into battle with them?

Shane Douglas told the world last week that he had put together his "New Franchise". So far the object of their desires have been the World Tag Team Titles held by Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo. The New Franchise have pushed the champions to breaking point and this week's show sees Kronik turncoat Bryan Clarke step into the ring against Sean O'Haire. With the titles on the line at Spring Stampede both men will be desperate for a victory.

Last week Ric Flair shocked the world by winning the tag team main event and earning a shot at Booker T at Spring Stampede. Both Booker and the Nature Boy will be in the arena, as will the two men who failed in their bid to earn a shot, the Steiner Bros. What's going to happen between these men with Spring Stampede just one day away.

Rob Van Dam has made an incredible debut in WCW sending shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. He already holds two victories over Buff Bagwell in recent weeks. That doesn't sit well with Buff at all, and he's promised to bring back a close friend this week to teach RVD a lesson.

All this and so much more, be sure not to miss this incredible show, Saturday night, 8pm, Urban American.

Rob Van Dam Vs Buff Bagwell's chosen opponent

Sean O'Haire Vs Bryan Clarke

Lance Storm Vs Konnan - US Title tournament

Crowbar Vs Big Vito - US Title tournament

Shane Helms & ??? Vs Shannon Moore & ???

credit The Imperfect for pic

Saturday 21st April 2001

Livestock Expo Center - Jackson, Mississippi

Announcers: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes & Bobby Heenan

Tenay: You can see the pyros, you can hear the crowd, WE'RE LIVE on Saturday Nitro! I'm Mike Tenay joined again this week by Bobby the Brain Heenan and the American Dream Dusty Rhodes. What a show we have in store for you tonight but there's one big talking point Dream, I'm talking about the main event tonight. Booker T & the Nature Boy Ric Flair teaming up to take on the Steiner Bros

Rhodes: Oh that's fow shaw Ahr'n Mike. Ya gotta look at the four men steppin inta that ring tonight and know the histry that sits between them. Big question is this fella's, when it's all said an done who's go'ne step aside and let their partner get that title shot, rightowrong Brain, rightowrong?

Heenan: You hit the nail on the head Dusty, Booker T's at a horrible horrible disadvantage tonight. He's in there with three other men who all want that title belt. He's gotta face probably the toughest team in the history of the business teaming with a man who wants that belt just as much as the opponents do.

Here's one we taped earlier.....

Tenay takes us back to some footage from before tonight's show. Suga Shane Helms is shown pulling up outside the arena driving an open top car. As Helms steps out, grabbing a bag and the Cruiserweight Title belt Shannon Moore comes running into shot hitting Helms from behind. Moore slams Helms head into the bonnet of the car before tossing him down to the ground. Moore picked up the title belt, shouting in Helms face that it would soon be his before throwing it down onto the champion and leaving him laying.

59%

Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo d. Jung Dragons in 5:17

The opener was pushed as a warm up match for Skipper and Romeo before their challenge at the Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles at Spring Stampede. The action in the ring did its job almost flawlessly as everyone hit their spots but the lack of any huge fan reaction just further emphasised how much more work needed to be done on the young stars of the division to get them over. Skipper nearly finished it early after hitting the Overdrive on Kaz but Yang made the save. Both teams exchanged near falls and close finishes with Kaz almost putting Romeo away with a Michinoku Driver. In the end it was Romeo who scored the win for his team with the Last Kiss as Skipper cut Yang off from making the save with a roundhouse kick. The workrate in this one was incredible with not one botched spot from the guys as Skipper and Romeo went on towards Spring Stampede and the Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 46

Match: 93

A Steiner will be facing Booker T for the title at Spring Stampede

After the opening match Mean Gene was shown in the arena just before the aisle to the ring, calling the Steiner Bros out for an interview. Rick and Scott came out, with Midajah looking like a slut between them.

Gene: Now Rick, Scott, tonight is a chance for you two to turn back the years and remind the world what the Steiner Bros could do, and in the process get a shot at the World title, but just which one of you is that going to be?

Rick: I know what you're tryin a do and it aint gonna work Gene. Tonight we'll beat Booker T and Flair, and then at Spring Stampede one of us will beat Booker T for the World title, it don't matter who.

Gene: We'll see how it goes down later on tonight but to me it looks like things between you and the Nature Boy have gotten a bit personal Scott?

Scott: Personal? It's always been personal between me and Flair. When the Steiner Bros were breaking through in this business Flair wouldn't step aside. When the Steiner Bros were selling out arenas Flair was taking the credit. When we finally got our rightful place as US and World Champions Flair took the credit, and now he's trying to stand in our way again? Well it aint gonna happen Gene. Tonight Flair can step out of our way, or he can be another victim in our pursuit of the World title. You decide Flair!

78%

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WCW US Title Tournament: Hugh Morrus d. the Wall in 7:47

This was rumoured to be the Wall's last match on tv for a while before being taken off and repackaged so it came as little surprise that Morrus picked up the win and advanced in the tournament. Morrus seemed to be playing on a slightly deranged character in a match that was surprisingly great. The two men traded high power offence early on before the Wall slowly started getting on top. He used a lot of weardown tactics as the match went into the "rest hold" zone. The action spilled to the outside where the Wall started to take over again. He tossed Morrus around like he was a ragdoll, sending him crashing shoulder first into the ringsteps. Back in the ring the Wall looked ready to get the win and went for the chokeslam but Morrus shoved his arm off and took him down to the mat with a spear like move before going up to the top. He came off with a big elbowdrop before motioning to the fans that it was time for the end. Morrus went up to the top turnbuckle again and landed the No Laughing Matter to pick up the win and advance in the tournament.

Overall: 74

Crowd: 61

Match: 88

Douglas has a New Franchise

After the match Mean Gene makes his way out in front of the fans once again, this time stepping up into the ring. He calls out Shane Douglas who comes out from the back and gets a decent amount of heat. He's followed by Bam Bam Bigelow initially. After stepping out a short way towards the ring Douglas turns back to the entrance and Kronik come out bringing more heat from the crowd. Douglas leads his men to the ring as he gets up to Okerlund.

Gene: You may have a smug grin on your face now Douglas after what you did last week to the World Tag Team Champions but you'll get yours!

Douglas: Hahahahahaaa, see that's where you're wrong Mean Gene. Over the past couple of weeks I've put together the biggest, baddest set of mother..... hahahahaaa, you know what I'm talking about Gene. I wanted people to watch my back and now I've got the three baddest men on the planet. Mike Tyson wouldn't last five minutes with any of them.

Gene: Well you've made one pair of World Tag Team Champions pretty angry, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes!

Douglas: What I've done is put the tag team champions in hospital Gene, you saw the way little Chucky had to be carried out of the arena last week. Five minutes with my new Franchise and look what we'd done to them. O'Haire and Palumbo are wet behind the ears hahahahahaaaa. You're looking at the new force in professional wrestling Mean Gene, you're looking at the New Franchise!

Gene: The last time I checked you two brutes were supposed to be friends with Palumbo & O'Haire!

Douglas: You wanna talk to somebody out here Gene, you talk to me. See Kronik aint the big dumb lugs you made them out to be Gene. They're smart enough to realise an opportunity. Friendship's get you nowhere in this business. See you're looking at the four son's of bitches that are going to dominate here in World Championship Wrestling and it starts at Spring Stampede. Palumbo, O'Haire, if you're in any shape to drag your sorry carcasses to the Pay Per View how about putting those belts on the line against Kronik hahahahaaaaa?

76%

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Commercial Break

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Jason Jett d. Konnan in 5:20

When we came back from commercial the participants were already in the ring for the next match. Jett looked in good shape in his red trunks and pads. The match served as a reminder of how broken down Konnan is these days as he struggled to hit his spots and the match was thankfully kept short. Jett carried the Mexican legend and provided all the movement to allow the action to get up to a pretty decent standard. Halfway through Curt Hennig made his way out from the back wearing a grey suit, much to the amazement of the announce team. Hennig just stood watching from afar as Jett put in a polished performance, eventually getting Konnan up in position and dropping him down with the Crash Landing drop out suplex for the win. Hennig gave a brief round of applause before stepping backstage as Jett looked up confused seeing him there.

Overall: 65

Crowd: 56

Match: 75

The Greatest chatshow ever

A pre taped chatshow is shown. The set looks a lot like a low budget David Letterman, or Jay Leno type show. The Cat's sitting behind the desk as he welcomes in his first guest. Lance Storm comes out in his street clothes and takes a seat.

Cat: Now Lance, everybody wants to know, the world wants to know, what's next........... for the Cat Ernest Miller but that aint what we're here to talk about today. Instead why don't you tell us what's on the horizon for Lance Storm

Storm: It's really quite simple, so much so that even you American's should be able to understand. It's all about the one title that Lance Storm has never held. The World title. I won't stop until it's sitting around my waist and the millions of fans back in Canada have a real champion they can be proud of. Nobody will stand in my way, and if they do they'll go exactly the same way as that failed American reject Sting

Cat: Hahaha, tell ya what Brotha you keep calling Sting out like that he just might turn up

Storm: I have no need to call Sting out, he has nothing that I want. Sting is the symbolic failure of America. I'll be waiting at Spring Stampede, Sting's more than welcome to join me but he needs to realise he's nothing more than a stepping stone along the way to crowning a real World Champion, from Calgary... Alberta Canada.... the greatest nation in the World!

Cat: Hahahaa, I hear ya playa. So Spring Stampede, Lance Storm's gonna be in tha house. Sting, will you?

The Cat looks into the camera after thanking Storm for being on the show. He appears to be using the lens as a mirror.

Cat: Looking gooood, somebody call my Momma before I whoop all yo asses. Get off my set

The cameramen begin to scramble as the small studio crowd laugh.

71%

A change for the better?

Scott Hudson's shown backstage with Chris Kanyon before Kanyon's US Title match against Dustin Rhodes. Kanyon looks pumped up as he gets ready to get to the ring.

Hudson: Thanks Mike, I'm joined right now by a man who's about to enter into the US title tournament, Chris Kanyon. Chris, what are your thoughts going into your match with Dustin Rhodes?

Kanyon: I'm just hopin that I get through the match Scott and get through to the next round. I've got a lot of respect for Dustin Rhodes but that's as far as it goes. Tonight it's about me taking a step towards the United States title. I'm gonna do it the right way Scott, but there's only going to be one winner out there and that's me. You may not be looking at the same old Kanyon, but one thing still remains Scottie. Who betta than Kanyon? ........ Nobody!

Kanyon walks off screen to get to the ring for his match.

Hudson: Respect? Do it the right way?

Hudson sends it to commercial with a confused look on his face.

68%

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Commercial Break

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WCW US Title Tournament: Chris Kanyon d. Dustin Rhodes in 10:07

As the match kicked off the tournament brackets were flashed up on screen once again...

Click here to see the US title tournament brackets

The announce team talked about what a tough section of the draw these two were in with Sean O'Haire or Jeff Jarrett waiting in the next round. The two men exchanged holds early on, Kanyon backing Rhodes up onto the ropes. Dustin looked surprised as Kanyon gave him a clean break. Both men put in a good effort and the action swung back and forth before spilling to the outside. Kanyon was quick to roll Dustin back into the ring despite having the opportunity to inflict more punishment outside the ring. Dustin took Kanyon down to the mat and tried to wear him down with a headlock but it wasn't long before Kanyon was back up on his feet. The innovator of offence stood up, lifting Dustin off his feet and hoisting him up onto his back in one fluid motion before spinning him round and planting him with a Michinoku Driver that nearly got the win. Kanyon sent Dustin in to the corner but as he charged in after him Dustin side stepped before grabbing Kanyon and going for the bulldog. Kanyon shoved him off, spinning Dustin around and hitting the Flatliner to get the three count and advance in the tournament.

Overall: 72

Crowd: 70

Match: 75

Flair and Booker on the same page?

Scott Hudson was waiting backstage for another interview. He had the Nature Boy Ric Flair, and Booker T with him, tag team partners in the main event up next. Booker had the World Title belt over his shoulder.

Hudson: Thanks guys, as you can see i'm joined by the Heavyweight Champion of the World Booker T and the Nature Boy himself, Ric Flair. Ric where are your thoughts as you go into this big match, knowing that if you get the win you get a shot at Booker's World title.

Flair: WOOOOOO! It's time to walk that aisle Scottie Hudson. The World Heavyweight Champion and the Nature Boyyyy together at last. STEINER BROS! You boys have taken on way too much tonight. You can't handle Ric Flair and Booker T! [Flair starts singing, and dancing around the interview set], we're gonna kick a little butt, we're gonna drink a little wine, we're gonna party allllllll niiiiight loooong! come on Scottie, WOOOOOOO!"

Booker: You know it aint gonna matter who gets the pin out there tonight because there's only one way this match is ending. That's with a win for Booker T and the Nature Boy, so at Spring Stampede Steiner's, sorry boys, you're outta luck. Tonight it goes down like this. Booker T and the Nature Boy are going out there to kick ass and show the world where it's at. Steiner's, as you lay flat out looking up at the sky remember this..... Don't hate the playa....... Hate the GAME!

79%

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Commercial Break

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Booker T & Ric Flair d. The Steiner Bros in 8:27

After commercial the Steiner Bros were already in the ring waiting for their opponents. The announcers went over the rules one more time, whoever got the pin tonight would earn a shot at the World title at Spring Stampede. If Booker scored the win he'd get to choose his opponent at the Pay Per View. Flair made his entrance first, alone, but waited in the aisle for Booker as both men came to the ring together in the end. Booker and Rick Steiner started things off and the match was on. Booker looked impressive, dominating Rick early on before he tagged in his Brother Scott. Booker took control on Scott too until he tried a flying forearm which Scott ducked out of the way of. The Steiner's began to take the initiative away from Booker and began controlling the pace of the match. Flair hadn't even been in the ring and at this rate it didn't look like he was going to get a chance to be.

Booker was starting to look like he was in big trouble when Rick Steiner hit an overhead suplex and made a cover. Scott got up into the ring and pulled his brother away to break the count. The Steiner's started jawing with each other, Rick was furious that Scott had broken up the count as Booker tried to drag himself across the ring to tag in Flair. Scott saw him in time and was straight over to drag him back into the middle of the ring. Scott sent Booker in for the ride and clubbed him down with a big clothesline as he came back towards him. Big Poppa Pump got down onto the mat and rolled Booker looking set to lock in the Steiner Recliner. Rick stepped through the ropes, looking like he was going to break up the hold but as it drew the referee over to usher Rick out of the ring, Flair stepped through the ropes and gave Scott a low blow from behind. Booker scrambled across the ring as the referee turned back towards them and tagged in the Nature Boy.

Flair came in like a house of fire, taking out both Steiner Bros with chops and punches. The Nature Boy tossed Rick Steiner to the outside before turning his attention back to Scott. Scott levelled him with a big clothesline but as the referee was looking out towards Rick on the floor, Booker got back into the ring and dropped Scott Steinre with a Harlem sidekick before grabbing Flair and pulling him on top of Steiner. The referee turned around and made the count as Booker and Flair picked up the win. Booker raised Flair's hand as the show went off the air. It would be Booker and Flair for the Gold at Spring Stampede.

Overall: 80

Crowd: 84

Match: 74

Overall: 72%

TV Rating: 1.13

Attendance: 1502

Overness Movement

Rick Steiner +3 - 72

Dustin Rhodes -1 - 75

The Wall -1 - 51

Kid Romeo +2 - 41

Yang +2 - 42

Kaz Hayashi +2 - 42

Jason Jett +3 - 43

Konnan -1 - 66

Shannon Moore +1 - 51

Shane Douglas +2 - 67

All I'd wanted to do all week was get Nitro together and make a late start on some ideas for the Pay Per View but I'd had to deal with crap all week. On the plus side my Father wasn't interfering at all, maybe for once in his life he realised this was something he knew nothing about. Still, when I tried to get even the smallest amount of extra finance out of him this week to give Arn scope to bring in some new developmental talent I got told I'd need to cut down the wage bill first. See that bought me onto my first dilemma of the week, the same damned dilemma I'd face since I took this job. Bill Goldberg earns $300,000 a month. I'm not using him. It could wait until after Nitro but this really was it, I set myself the target of calling Bill some time next week to discuss where we were at.

While I couldn't talk my Father into providing any additional funding for more developmental talent I did, with a lot of help from Eric, get him to fund bringing an old name back into the promotion and already I was wondering whether it was a good idea. I had an idea on how I wanted to use Curt Hennig, and I genuinely thought it would benefit the company in the long run. Convinced Eric without any problems, and with a hell of a lot of persuasion we managed to get the bucks to bring him in. No sooner had the rumour mill started around the internet than I've got Shane Douglas on the phone complaining that he doesn't want to work in the same company as him. Like I really need that right now. There was no resolution to the situation, there was no compromise, as it was left I was signing Hennig, Shane was unhappy about it, and that was that. I was starting to not like the prospect of both men being in the building on Saturday night.

Still, the show had been pretty much finalised with a few edges to tidy but I was happy with what we had going into Saturday night.

After we hit Columbus last week Saturday Nitro will be emanating from the Livestock Expo Center in Jackson Mississippi with another huge action packed show.

We all saw Rob Van Dam and Johnny the Bull advance in the United States title tournament on last week's show, well this week sees Chris Kanyon take on Dustin Rhodes and Hugh Morrus against the Wall as we move forward in trying to crown a new United States champion

Click here to see the US title tournament brackets

Larry Zbysko made the call on behalf of the WCW Championship Committee last week, at Spring Stampede it's all guns blazing for the Cruiserweight's as Kidman & Mysterio defend their titles against Skipper & Romeo, while Suga Shane Helms defends the World Cruiserweight title against former tag partner Shannon Moore. This week's Nitro will see Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo trying to build momentum going into the match at Spring Stampede as they face off against the Jung Dragons.

Last week saw the tag team title match watched around the world as Chuck Palumbo was taken out, and Kronik seemed to have alligned themselves with Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow. They may have failed to win the tag team titles last week but they sure made an impact. Will Douglas' provide any answers as to what went down on this week's show?

Jason Jett made an impressive start to his WCW career and he'll be looking to continue that run but one of the greatest wrestlers to ever step out of Mexico will be standing in his way as he's signed to wrestle Konnan.

We'll also see the debut of a new talkshow hosted by none other than WCW's very own, Cat! Rumour has it that his first guest will be none other than Lance Storm. This will be one not to miss interview.

After the ending on last week's show to the Booker T, Rick Steiner World title match a tag match has been signed for this week's Nitro. It's going to be Booker T & the Nature Boy Ric Flair teaming up to take on perhaps the greatest tag team of all time, the Steiner Bros. With Spring Stampede just around the corner a further stipulation has been added. Whoever gets the decisive pinfall in the match will get a shot at the World title and Booker T at Spring Stampede. If Booker gets the pin he gets to choose his opponent at Spring Stampede. With so much on the line these four look set to pull something big out of the bag.

Be sure not to miss this incredible show, Saturday night, 8pm, Urban American.

Ric Flair & Booker T Vs Steiner Bros - whoever gets the pin gets the title shot

Jason Jett Vs Konnan

Hugh Morrus Vs the Wall - US Title tournament

Dustin Rhodes Vs Chris Kanyon - US Title tournament

Skipper & Romeo Vs Jung Dragons

credit The Imperfect for pic

Saturday 14th April 2001

Pohl PE Building, Columbus - Mississippi

Announcers: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes & Bobby Heenan

Tenay: Fans we're LIVE for WCW Saturday NITRO! I'm Mike Tenay joined this week by the American Dream Dusty Rhodes and Bobby the Brain Heenan and Dusty, all people have been wanting to talk about last week was the retirement of Sting.

Rhodes: Ah tell ya Iron Mike, ya gotta look at tha sityooayshun. When ya delve deep inta tha mahnd of the one and only, ahm talkin about tha Stinger, ya gotta know that it aint gonna sit right with him. Ah don't think we've seen tha last of Sting just yet.

Tenay: Also on last week's show we saw the match made for tonight, the World Heavyweight Title will be on the line as Booker T defends against Rick Steiner. With so much recent history between the two the ring might not be enought to hold them Brain

Heenan: Oh you'd better believe it Tenay, Steiner's like a broken drum. He's hard to beat. See Booker's made a big mistake, he's made Steiner mad and tonight I think we could see a new World Champion. I'd bet a house on it.

Tenay: You'd bet a house on it?

Heenan: Sure, yours

Elix Skipper, Kid Romeo & Shannon Moore d. Rey Mysterio Jr, Billy Kidman & Shane Helms in 6:27

The Cruiserweight's did a great job of opening up the show in a match that the crowd seemed fairly into. Much play was made of the fact that Mysterio, Kidman and Helms were dominating with Cruiserweight division with their three title belts. The action was unsurprisingly fast paced and at times a little spotty but they got some nice pops from the crowd. Moore was tossed over the top rope but landed on the apron. As he turned around Kidman dropkicked him off onto the floor. Mysterio came straight into the ring and Kidman back body dropped him over the top rope to the outside onto Moore. Skipper and Romeo came into the ring beating on Kidman but he ducked a double clothesline. As Skipper charged at him Kidman launched him over up into the air. Skipper landed on the top rope and springboarded himself onto the guys on the outside. Romeo dropkicked Kidman who bounced up and took a great bump over the top rope onto the guys ont he outside. Romeo grabbed hold of the top rope as everyone got themselves up to their feet and slingshotted himself to the outside. The crowd became more vocal as Suga Shane stepped up into the ring, playing to the crowd briefly before running off the ropes and launching himself out over the top, Swanton style, onto the other competitors. Shannon Moore was the first guy to his feet and he went straight after Helms, rolling him back into the ring. Helms went for a suplex but Moore reversed it into an inside cradle, grabbing a handful of tights to get the pin as Mysterio & Kidman brawled on the outside with Skipper & Romeo.

Overall: 69

Crowd: 54

Match: 84

The Franchise has a guarantee and a promise

After the opening match Mean Gene Okerlund comes out from the back in his usual tux, he stops at the beginning of the aisle and gets ready to call someone out for an interview as he gets a warm welcome from the fans

Gene: Thank you, at this time I'd like to bring out to you a man who did a number on the World Tag Team Champions last week, I'm talking about Shane Douglas......

Bam Bam Bigelow makes his way out, Douglas walking behind him with a cocky smirk on his face

Gene: ... and his new accomplice, the Beast from the East, Bam Bam Bigelow. Shane, tonight you're going for the World Tag Team titles, was that your plan when you bought this man out last week?

Douglas: Hahahahahaa, there's been a lot of talk about WCW going back to basics, going back to its roots Mean Gene so that's exactly what the Franchise has done. See me and the Beast from the East go way back to a time when the Franchise wasn't censored, the Franchise wasn't held back. 35 years combined experience in this business Gene and what do we have to show for it? When they bought this monster in to World Championship Wrestling he was promised the world. He was promised big time matches, main events, and what did it get him? Jobbing out to a Mexican midget! HAhahahhaaa, well those days are no more Gene...

Gene: We've heard it all before Douglas, tell someone who cares. You've bitten off more than you can chew tonight with Palumbo and O'Haire

Douglas: Don't get me wrong Gene, Palumbo and O'Haire are great athletes but the Franchise has something planned for them tonight. There are few guarantess in this business but I'm making a bold one for you right now. By the time it's done, you're looking at the NEW World Tag Team Champions, HAHAHAHAHAAAAA

64%

Two Championship matches for Spring Stampede

as Douglas and Bigelow made their way backstage Larry Zbysko walked straight out past them in his golf trousers and polo neck to grab a word with Mean Gene.

Gene: Wait a minute, what's this. Larry Zbysko?

Zbysko: Okerlund, I have an announcement to make on behalf of the WCW Championship Committee. Earlier tonight you saw six of the best Cruiserweights in the world. You also saw three great challengers get a win over three great champions. As a result at Spring Stampede you're going to see Kidman & Mysterio Jr defending the Cruiserweight tag titles against Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo. In addition Suga Shane Helms will be defending the World Cruiserweight Title against the man who pinned him tonight, Shannon Moore.

Heenan on announce: You know I hear Zbysko's working hard on bringing down that handicap

Tenay: Oh the Living Legend's always putting time in on the golf course

Heenan: Who said anything about golf? I heard he was getting a divorce

69%

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Commercial Break

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WCW US Title Tournament: Johnny the Bull d. The Cat in 4:27

As the show came back from the break the two competitors in this one were already in the ring. The brackets for the Title tournament were flashed up on the screen....

WCW US Title Tournament Brackets

The Cat seemed more intent on dancing than wrestling and JTB took the early advantage working the Cat over with some solid offence. The crowd seemed pretty into the Cat and after a sidekick as JTB came out of the corner they popped nicely for more of the Cat's dancing. It only allowed JTB to hit the Cat with a super stiff lariat that knocked his opponent upside down and gave him the win. After the bell the Bull grabbed a mic and yelled out that he didn't care whether he got Konnan, or Lance Storm, as he'd go through either man to get to the US title.

Overall: 64

Crowd: 66

Match: 61

Canadian pride > facepainted legends?

After the match Mean Gene came out to the ring and called out Lance Storm. Storm came out with Mike Awesome at his side. Storm had a Canadian flag draped over his shoulders as he stepped into the ring opposite Okerlund.

Gene: In all my years in professional wrestling I can honestly say that few acts have disgusted me as much as what you did last week to Sting [crowd pop big at the mention of Sting's name]. What do you have to say for yourself?

Storm: If you expected me to sit in the back and watch that grotesque moment without pointing out the nonsensical idocies of what was happening you're as much of a fool as the American's who sit in that crowd each week and boo me. While I get persecuted in front of the masses for displaying my own great patriotism, Sting is made out to be the biggest hero the world has ever seen. You see Mean Gene, you can look down your nose at me all you want, just like you did all the other great Canadian's that wrestled for this company. Bret Hart, a true man of integrity, a true legend walked away from this sport graciously and after all that he achieved where was his big send off in front of the world Gene? You American people make me fear for my life week in and week out simply for loving my great nation. I receive threats from pathetic miserable American's, breeding like rabbits in their trailer park hutches yet when a man like Sting turns up in Canada he is greeted like a hero. Well not any more Gene, this is my time. I know why all you American's hate me so much, it's because you look into this ring and see a man that's better than you. You look into this ring and it brings back memories from your childhood of ambition and drive, a time of dreams that you hoped to once realise before this putrid nation sucked all the life out of you and left you wallowing in your pathetic existence.

The crowd are giving Storm a lot of heat as Gene starts to look angry.

Gene: The people of this nation have more to be proud of than you could ever imagine Storm

Storm: Like what Gene? Like Sting? You saw him bow down to a true Canadian great last week, just like all these people out here saw him. Sting is gone Gene, it's time to stop living in the past. The future is Lance Storm!

78%

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Commercial Break

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WCW World Tag Team Titles: Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo d. Bam Bam Bigelow & Shane Douglas in 14:20

When we came back from the break it was time for David Penzer to get up in the ring and introduce the two teams fighting for the World Tag Team Titles. Douglas and Bigelow were first out before Palumbo & O'Haire came out to a really good reception. O'Haire had an intense look on his face as he stared down with Bigelow before the match started. The action kicked off with Douglas and Palumbo as Chuck convinced O'Haire to let him kick things off. Douglas took Palumbo to school, completely outwrestling him in the early going. Once Douglas had the upper hand he tagged in Bigelow who began to grind down Palumbo. O'Haire hadn't even been in the match yet and was getting frustrated on the outside, it wasn't long before all four men ended up battling on the inside.

As a brawl errupted O'Haire irish whipped Palumbo into the corner where Douglas was standing. The Franchise stepped out of the way though and as Palumbo came in he went shoulder first through the ropes and into the ring post before falling to the outside. As Bigelow nailed O'Haire from behind Douglas slid to the outside and began stomping on Palumbo's shoulder. Douglas grabbed a chair and crashed it into Palumbo's shoulder before raining down chairshot after chairshot onto the damaged shoulder. Douglas laughed out to the crowd as he got back up onto the apron. Officials came out to tend to Palumbo and it was soon apparent that he couldn't continue in the match. O'Haire tried to get to the outside to get to his partner but Bigelow scooped him up from behind and hit a big back suplex before tagging in Douglas.

With the odds stacked against him O'Haire looked in trouble. Douglas and Bigelow used quick tags and double team tactics to try and break him down but no matter how hard they tried O'Haire refused to go down. A vicious set of chops backed O'Haire up into his own corner, further emphasising that there was nobody there for him to tag out to. Douglas put O'Haire down with a belly to belly suplex in the corner but as he tagged in Bigelow who went straight up to the top and leapt off with a diving headbutt, O'Haire dragged himself out of the way. O'Haire got over to the ropes and pulled himself up, blocking a pair of Bigelow punches before levelling him with a massive clothesline. Douglas came into the ring but was met with a massive spinebuster. O'Haire found the strength from somewhere to get Bigelow up and slam him down to the mat. Sean went up top giving the sign for the Seanton Bomb but was met with a clubbing forearm from behind. Kronik had hit the ring. The referee quickly called for the dq, awarding the match to Palumbo & O'Haire but Kronik weren't finished. They dragged O'Haire up in the centre of the ring and dropped him with the High Time. Douglas, Bigelow, and Kronik stood in the centre of the ring facing the camera, all holding up four fingers to the crowd.

Overall: 70

Crowd: 65

Match: 75

Could last week have been a fluke?

After the match Scott Hudson had Buff Bagwell backstage before his match up next against Rob Van Dam. Bagwell had black tights on and a big black Buff hat.

Hudson: Thanks Mike, as you can see I'm with Buff Bagwell before his first round match in the United States title tournament and after your loss last week to Rob Van Dam you have to be a little nervous going out there tonight.

Bagwell: Nervous? You think Buff Daddy's nervous tonight? Last week was nothing more than a fluke Hudson. I had no time to prepare for my opponent, I didnt' even know who I was facing.

Hudson: With all due respect Buff you made the open challenge, you said you could beat any.....

Bagwell: I KNOW what I said Scott Hudson. You just remember this, and Rob Van Ham, van Spam, whatever your name is, you listen up. Tonight I'm advancing in that tournament and there's nothing you can do to stop me. See, you're a noboay, and I'm Buff. I'm Buff.... and I'm the Stuff!

68%

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Commercial Break

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WCW US Title Tournament: Rob Van Dam d. Buff Bagwell in 7:09

Bagwell took time out as the match began to pose to the fans. He got a mixed reaction, guess there's still a few Buff fans out there. RVD calmly let Bagwell finish before jumping into the air displaying a spin kick before raising his arms into the air. The crowd popped for Van Dam as the two men locked up. Bagwell actually got the better of the first exchange and began paintbrushing the back of Van Dam's head as he was on the mat face down. As they locked up again it was Van Dam's turn, this time messing Buff's hair up before turning and laughing to the crowd. Van Dam was looking really impressive again, first tossing Bagwell to the outside, then leaping out over the top rope, flipping over and hitting Bagwell. Van Dam got Bagwell up in a suplex position before draping him over the guardrail at ringside. RVD came off the apron with a spinning legdrop that got a small R....V....D chant going. Bagwell had some offence and caught Van Dam with swinging neckbreaker but in the end it was to no avail. Van Dam powerbombed Bagwell down in the middle of the ring and leapt up to the top rope before coming down with a huge Five Star Frog Splash to get the win and advance in the tournament.

Overall: 76

Crowd: 77

Match: 76

He's just Rob.... Van...... Dam!

As Van Dam made his way backstage Mean Gene rushed out to try and grab a quick word with him.

Gene: Rob Van Dam, if I can just grab a quick word. That's been quite a debut in World Championship Wrestling

RVD: It's nothin really Gene, it's just what I do. Hey, Bagwell should realise losing to Rob Van Dam's no great tragedy. Just makes him the same as all the rest, I'm on my own level Gene. Ya see for all of you who don't know, Bagwell, RVD 4:20 means I just smoked your ass.

Gene: Tell us, if you will a little bit about your background.

RVD: Just keep watching Gene and you'll see all you need to know. RVD does what he says he's gonna do, and I say I'm gonna win that US title. I'm just me, which ya know, makes me better than all the rest of the boys in the back. I'm jsut me. I'm just R..... V....... D!

RVD lifts both hands up into the air and points to himself with his thumbs as he says each one of his initials.

82%

It's all about talent, not luck

Scott Hudson has Big Poppa Pump backstage with him for an interview, with Midajah at his side. Steiner's wearing the chainmail, and Midajah as always has her tits bursting out and too much makeup.

Hudson: You know what's up next, it's the World title on the line as Rick Steiner challenges Booker T. I've got with me the man who's Brother is about to challenge for that title, Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner and Scott you have to be wishing Rick some luck out there tonight?

Steiner: Rick dont' need no luck Hudson! Booker T's nothin but a no good piece of crap who cheated me outta my title when I wasn't fit to wrestle. Big Poppa Pump's gonna be in the back with my number one freak right here watchin the match. It's time for another belt to come back to the Steiner's.

Hudson: You and your Brother Rick have had your problems over the years, just how much are you behind him right now?

Steiner: Problems are in the past Hudson, I'm backing my Brother 100%. You just remember that Booker!

84%

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Commercial Break

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WCW World Title: Booker T d. Rick Steiner in 8:59

Penzer did the introductions once again as Steiner and Booker looked ready to go at it for the World Title. The belt was shown to both men before the bell rang but neither took their eyes off the other man. Booker was on fire early on, completely dominating the challenger and driving him to the outside. Steiner regrouped, arguing with a couple of fans outside the ring before eventually making his way back inside. Booker just looked too quick for his opponent in the early going and Steiner was becoming increasingly frustrated. It was only when Booker came running off the ropes and leapt up into the air, allowing Steiner to catch him and powerslam him over, that Steiner mounted some offence. It looked like it was resthold time as Steiner locked in a rear chinlock to try and wear down the champion. The fans got behind Booker and he managed to fight his way up to his feet but Steiner was quick to stop his surge, hitting a German Suplex before making a cover and getting a two count.

Almost all of Rick's offence was punches and forearms, with a particularly stiff looking Steinerline thrown in that got him another two count on the champion. Steiner tried to get Booker up onto his back for a DVD but Booker shoved him off and caught him with a Harlem Side kick. Booker motioned to the fans that he was ready to take it home but as they began to pop Scott Steiner made his way out from the back and down towards the ring. Booker looked ready to hit the Book End but he shoved Rick off as Scott got up onto the apron, Rick running straight into his Brother and knocking him down to the floor. As Rick turned around he walked straight into Book End that earned Booker the win. Immediately as the bell rang Scott was straight up into the ring and the two Steiner Bros started beating on Booker. The Nature Boy Ric Flair came running out from the back and into the ring. He backed Rick Steiner up into the corner and started laying in lefts and rights as Booker T fought back on Big Poppa Pump. Booker clotheslined him over the top rope to the outside as Flair tossed Rick through the ropes. The Steiner Bros backed away up the aisle staring Flair and Booker down in the ring as the Nature Boy gave the fans a little strut at the show's conclusion.

Overall: 74

Crowd: 76

Match: 72

Overall: 72%

TV Rating: 1.07

Attendance: 1504

Overness Movement

Rick Steiner _1 - 69

Chuck Palumbo -1 - 67

Shane Douglas -1 - 65

Rey Mysterio Jr -1 - 73

Kid Romeo +2 - 39

Shannon Moore -1 - 50

Johnny The Bull +2 - 63

The Cat -1 - 74