St. Dubb

Vegas Vacation - 6.5/10

Casablanca - 9/10

Man on Fire - 7.5/10

Being from ACC Country, I realize they got some good teams...but I'd say its pretty risky putting two ACC teams in the finals just because of the odds. That being said, I have Duke and UNC in the Final Four just because for how huge a game that would be and considering how huge their rivalry is...with them having never met in the NCAA Tournament...it has to happen someday. I hope its this year.

Monday Night Nitro

January 20, 1996

Souled Out

With Souled Out coming up this Saturday, WCW enters the home stretch towards The Giant taking on Hollywood Hogan with the WCW World Heavyweight Title on the line. Could there be some repricutions for what The Giant did to Eric Bischoff last week? Word is that Hogan might be trying to get out of his title defense once again. All participants will be on hand for Nitro! Most of the matches have been signed already, but there is room for change on the show, could more matches for Souled Out be announced?

Where Does He Stand

Diamond Dallas Page hasn't been on television in 1997 yet because he has been contemplating an offer by the New World Order. DDP has been one of the ones fighting for WCW in 1996, but if you can't beat 'em...will DDP join 'em? After a meeting with Bischoff two weeks ago, it looks like DDP is finally ready to give the world the answer. Will he keep on fighting for good? Or will he come out sporting an nWo shirt?

Starcade Rematch

At Starcade we saw Jeff Jarrett defeat Chris Benoit thanks to interference gone wrong from Arn Anderson and the Horsemen. Nothing has been settled between Jarrett and the Horsemen, in fact, Jarrett has only continued to further a divide within the Horsemen between Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael. Benoit will get another chance to get Jarrett out of Horsemen business this week as the two square off in a one-on-one match

Elsewhere...

There are two other matches already signed for Nitro, one being a tag team match involving WCW Television champion Lord Steven Regal as he teams with his Blue Blod tag partner, Squire David Taylor to take on former Dungeon of Doom members Konnan and Hugh Morrus. Also, last week we saw Rey Mysterio Jr. defeat Dean Malenko to win a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight Title; well, he will be getting his shot this week on Nitro against champion Ultimo Dragon! It should be a good one!

Plus: The Outsiders, The Steiner Brothers, Eddie Guerrero, Lex Luger, and the rest of the New World Order.

Confirmed Matches

Jeff Jarrett vs. Chris Benoit

The Blue Bloods vs. Konnan & Hugh Morrus

Ultimo Dragon vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - Cruiserweight Title Match

AND MORE!

Mike Tenay and Larry Zbyszko welcomed us to another great night of action here on Saturday Night's leading wrestling program. In all actuality, Shot Gun Saturday Night gets better ratings...but who is here to argue semantics? Anyway, apparantly in tonight's main event we're going to see the CLASSIC match up against Lex Luger and Disco Inferno. It really is the match we have all been waiting for. We're also going to be taking trips back in time to Nitro of this week! But first, we start things off with the indestructable force of Saturday Night - GLACIER.

Glacier vs. La Parka

La Parka was up from Wild Time for know other reason than to fight Glacier. How privaledged he must feel. The crowd didn't feel that way though, as for the second week in a row loud "Glacier Sucks" chants could be heard in the crowd. They didn't fill the arena, because most didn't even care enough to chant. The match itself sucked since not only does Glacier lack any charisma known to man...but he sucks too. Why does he still have a job again? And winning for that matter. La Parka is nowhere near talented enough to pull a watchable match out of Glacier, as this is basically a punch and kick (mostly kicks on Glacier's part) match that ended with Glacier smacking La Parka with the weakest superkick ever - the Kryonic Kick. Glacier with the pin - One, Two, Three.

Winner - Glacier

Overall: 54

Crowd: 49

Match: 59

Glacier celebrated amist his fancy lasers and smoke as Tenay continued to hype up the fact that he is indeed still undefeated. They act like Glacier is the second coming or something...don't they realize that nobody cares? But they finally moved along and said that coming back from commercials we would take a trip back to Nitro for a look at the Horsemen!

:::Commercials:::

Tenay and Zbyszko had a profound analysis of the current situation and basically concluded that they aren't getting along very well! They don't call him the Professor for nothing! And apparantly back on Nitro, the wedge between members Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael only widened!

we found ourselves in the private suite of the Four Horsemen. Currently it was only three Horsemen as Steve "Mongo" McMichael was absent - making it just Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Chris Benoit who had Woman behind him giving him a massage.

Ric Flair: Alright, Mongo will be here any second now...so Benoit, just apologize for what happened and everything will be better. That's ALL you gotta do! Explain how it was an accident and you're sorry. We gotta get this behind us so we can deal with Jarrett once and for all.

Chris Benoit: Yeah, it was an accident - but I'm not apologizing for anything.

Arn Anderson: Come on Chris! Why not? You said yourself it was an accident.

Chris Benoit: I just don't apologize for anything.

Ric Flair: Dammit Benoit! The Horsemen DON'T fight amongst themselves! We are all brothers here. We all respect one another! SO JUST APOLOGIZE! You don't want anyone else to worry about tonight in your match against Big Bubba! You already gotta worry about the nWo, because when you fight one you might as well be fighting 'em all! And Jarrett could show up and try to prove his point.

Arn Anderson: Ric's right, having one more person with your back is gonna help.

Just then, the door to the suite opened and Steve McMichael walked in with Debra, who was sporting a big shiner over her eye. They all eyed the couple as the entered as there was a brief awkward silence that Mongo was the first to break, who kept his eyes right on Benoit.

Steve McMichael: Well?

Chris Benoit: Well what?

Steve McMichael: You got something to say to me?

Chris Benoit: Nope.

Mongo's eyes grew wide as he looked over to Flair and Anderson.

Steve McMichael: You said he was gonna apologize!

Chris Benoit got up from where he was sitting and approached Mongo.

Chris Benoit: Apologize? You want me to apologize? You know why I'm not going to apologize? Because if anyone should be apologizing, it should be you.

Steve McMichael: Me? Last I checked, I didn't punch your woman.

Chris Benoit: You should be apologizing to HER. You're the one who brought her out there. You put her in danger by letting her come out to the ring with us. I was smart, I left Nancy back here because I knew that anything can happen in the ring, especially with Jarrett in there. You knew the exact same thing that I did, but you let her go out there anyway?

Steve McMichael: But she...

Chris Benoit: But she wanted to go out there? Well, of course she did. She has some kind of weird infatuation with Jarrett. She's the one who has been all for him joining the Horsemen. But maybe if you grew some sort of backbone, MONGO, then maybe you'd be able to put your foot down and put her in her place. So the way I see it...last week was just as much YOUR fault as it was mine. Come on Nancy...

Benoit grabbed Woman by the arm and led her out of the suite, slamming the door behind him. Mongo lookd to Debra, and then took a seat, apparantly in deep thought.

---------------------------

Chris Benoit vs. Big Bubba (w/Vincent & Michael Wallstreet)

We joined the match in progress - Benoit got up as Bubba began to try to pull himself up. Benoit stopped that with an elbowdrop to the back of Bubba's head. He then locked on the Crossface to the fallen Bubba. Bubba was in a world of hurt as he tried to fight off the hold. Vincent was on the apron again to distract the ref as Wallstreet entered the ring and stomped on Benoit to break up the hold. Wallstreet left the ring as Vincent climbed down. This brought out Debra and Steve "Mongo" McMichael with the Halliburton steel briefcase. Mongo went right after Wallstreet and Vincent. Mongo knocked Vincent down with a clothesline and then began exchanging rights and lefts with Wallstreet. With Mongo busy with Wallstreet, Jeff Jarrett emerged from the back, walking slowly down the aisle to join Debra. Debra handed Jarrett the briefcase before she climbed onto the apron to distract Randy Anderson.

Benoit had Bubba up and was about to Irish Whip him into the ropes as Jarrett climbed up with the briefcase. However, Bubba reversed it and sent Benoit right into Jarrett with Benoit's head colliding with the steel! Benoit hit the mat and Bubba made the cover. Jarrett jumped down and a confused Debra followed him down. With Mongo and Wallstreet still brawling, Randy Anderson made the count - One, Two, Three.

Mongo finally slid into the ring, surprised about Benoit losing. Debra and Woman climbed into the ring as well as Mongo finally noticed Jarrett at the top of the aisle still holding the briefcase. Mongo tried to help Benoit up, but as he did, Benoit shoved Mongo away and went to Woman who helped Benoit out. Debra came over to Mongo, but he just looked at her...then over to Benoit before leaving the ring by himself.

Be Cool - 4/10

At one point I was really looking forward to this movie because I am a fan of most of the cast. So I really wanted to like this movie, but kind of like in EWR when you get one of those shows that don't click...this movie is kind of like that. And the way they dubbed in the singing really bothered me because Millian's singing sounded way too studio enhanced when she was simply singing at a piano. And being a big Vaughn fan, even his character got more annoying than funny in some parts. There just aren't any real laugh out loud moments in the movie (although I did laugh at Vaughn in the end). Overall its a pretty boring and forgettable movie. As a side note, besides the obvious reference with the Travolta/Thurma dance sequence, I did spot some other Pulp Fiction references, mainly since I just watched it on Monday.

Let's see what I've watched lately and see if I can remember it all.

Citizen Kane - 9/10

Called the best film ever by most, and I agree that it was good...of course to say its the best film ever I would have to watch every film ever to judge...so until then it gets a 9/10 with a very high recommendation.

The Italian Job - 6.5/10 (the recent remake)

Never saw the original, but this one was pretty good. Reminded me of Ocean's 11 with their plotting and such...not a great movie but a good movie to get comfy on your couch and watch with some popcorn.

School of Rock - 6/10

Good clean fun for the most part.

Pulp Fiction - 9.5/10

Believe it or not I had not seen this movie yet...I mean I have been meaning too...but I dunno, I just never had the chance. Well once I did, I made sure to take the chance and its a good thing I did.

Going to see Be Cool today...I had been looking forward to the movie but after seeing all the bad reviews it has gotten, I'm worried.

Because I want to try my hand at a boy band too...

Artist/Band: 'N SYNC

Are you male or female: Space Cowboy

Describe yourself: I Need Love

How do some people feel about you: Selfish

Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend: Bye, Bye, Bye

Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend: No Strings Attached

Describe where you are: This Is Where The Party's At

Describe where you want to be: Sailing

Describe what you want to be: Celebrity

Describe how you live: Bringin' Da Noise

Describe how you love: Up Against The Wall

Share a few words of wisdom: Do Your Thing

Artist/ Band: 3 Doors Down

Are you male or female: Father's Son

Describe yourself: Live For Today

How do some people feel about you: Loser

Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend: Smack

Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend: Here Without You

Describe where you are: The Road I'm On

Describe where you want to be: Right Where I Belong

Describe what you want to be: Be Like That

Describe how you live: Dangerous Game

Describe how you love: Sarah Yellin'

Share a few words of wisdom: Duck And Run

1. Drea De Matteo

2. Maggie Grace (Shannon from LOST)

3. Kate Winslet

4. Charlize Theron

5. Vanessa Carlton

6. Hilary Swank

7. Jessica Alba

8. Allison Mack

9. Amy Lee

10. Erica Durance

Negatives

-Hillary Duff

-Gwen Stefani

The Weekely Resthold

by John Weekes

It's the second week of 1997 and that means its the second week of the Weekely Resthold. I am your host and columnist, John Weekes. World Championship Wrestling is gearing up for the first Pay-Per-View of the year, nWo Souled Out. Going into Nitro we only knew one match for sure, and that was the WCW Tag Team Title Match between The Outsiders and the Steiner Brothers. But we had to believe that The Giant vs. Hollywood Hogan would be happening, despite what Bischoff and Hogan wanted us to believe. Let's flashback to this week's Nitro.

The Highs

-The Horsemen-

Last week I listed the Horsemen as my first of "The Highs" section, and they find themselves in that position again this week. This week we saw the tension between Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael grow when Benoit refused to apologize for his accidental hitting of Debra last week. Benoit had a good point though about Mongo bringing Debra out there, putting her in danger. Meanwhile, if Jeff Jarrett is still trying to pleed his case for joining the Horsemen, maybe he should be more careful about who he hits with the Halliburton. It looks like this angle is leading to someone leaving the Horsemen eventually, but whether it is Benoit or Mongo remains to be seen.

-State of WCW Address

This was heavily hyped as the main reason to tune into Nitro this week, as opposed to the...you know...wrestling. But I thinkn it delivered on its own hype as it was entertaining watching Bischoff stand on stage infront of the huge video screen with the nWo logo behind him. Really made Bischoff look powerful. Plus the fake media members were a great addittion. Although I still hope to one day find out just where exactly "Down There" is...

-Eddie Guerrero-

Before getting involved with the nWo, Eddie Guerrero wasn't really going anywhere. In his match with DDP at Starcade, he was playing the face yet was getting just about zero response from the crowd. However, over the last couple weeks he has really turned things around as the crowd have gotten behind him as an underdog. The intensity he showed this week against Nash showed that he could be a big rising star in the makings in WCW. With most of the nWo already booked for Souled Out after the State of WCW Address, it makes me wonder just who his opponent will be. But after watching him put on a decent match out of Nash, I have no doubts that his match at Souled Out will be good as well.

The Lows

-Souled Out-

So the concept is that every match is going to involve a New World Order member...I really don't like this concept, mainly because most of the New World Order are not the best in-ring talents. It also will end up causing many WCW talents to be kept off the card. I mean it looks like right now that Ric Flair and Arn Anderson will both have nothing to do for Souled Out. It also means heel champions like Ultimo Dragon and Lord Steven Regal may not be able to defend their belts unless they book a heel vs. heel match. But I guess the point is to continue the idea of WCW vs. nWo, but I'm not to sure I like the format. Maybe if they had more talented nWo members I'd feel better about it.

-Match Quality-

Last week we had some very good matches, but this week everything seemed lacking. When Lord Steven Regal vs. Hugh Morrus is the match of the night, you have to start to wonder about how hard people are working out there. Granted Regal and Morrus was a lot better than it had any right to be; it is just very disappointing to see a match like Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. to not be as good as expected. But atleast there was nothing horrible, so I guess I can't really complain.

-Big Bubba over Benoit-

This is just my personal bias towards Benoit speaking here...but WHY?!?! Guess they gotta keep the nWo looking strong...but still...

Other News and Notes

-There were 6041 fans in attendance for this week's Nitro.

-Nitro won the ratings war this again week, defeating Raw's 5.42 with a 5.82. Close gap with both ratings falling off a bit this week.

-Here's what we have to look forward to for next Nitro so far: Ultimo Dragon defending the Cruiserweight Title against Rey Mysterio Jr. and Diamond Dallas Page will show the world where his allegiance lies. Also, just announced on WCW.com, Lord Steven Regal and Squire David Taylor will take on Konnan and Hugh Morrus. Plus lots of hype towards Souled Out.

-In an update on the Piper and Savage situation, we can confirm that Piper will indeed be sitting out the rest of his contract with WCW. So it looks like we have seen the last of the Rowdy one in World Championship Wrestling. Save on the other hand will indeed be back now that his new contract has been signed. Could he possibly return at Souled Out?

-In news from this past Nitro, Kevin Nash was apparantly very vocal backstage about Eddie Guerrero not being ready for the push he is receiving. He claimed to have had to work hard to make the match good...Nash...work hard??? Never thought I'd use those two words in the same sentence. Let's hope this is not a sign of a glass ceiling forming in WCW. If so, has Eddie hit it already?

-This week on WCW Saturday Night: Glacier in action! How can he top his classic with Bobby Walker from last week? Only one way to find out. Also in action: Chris Jericho, Lex Luger, Ultimo Dragon, and most likely MORE!

That's all I got...I'm out!

-John Weekes

RopeBreak.Net

Nitro this week started off exactly where last week's left off. The footage of Lex Luger racking Syxx, then racking the evil referee Nick Patrick, only to be blindsided by the nWo and given their paint treatment. The Giant, of course, made the save which is where Nitro ended. The scene of The Giant hovering over Lex Luger's fallen body fades out into the Nitro opening. From their we got the LIVE arena as the PYRO shot off from the Nitro stage. The camera panned around the sea of signs before coming in to the announce booth where Tony Shiavone and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan were ready to call this week's action.

Tony Shiavone: This is MONDAY NIGHT NITRO! I'm Tony Shiavone alongside Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and tonight we are in for something truly intruiging as Eric Bischoff is going to be delivering the State of WCW Address.

Bobby Heenan: I didn't even know WCW had an address...what is it? I have a bunch of complaint letters I've been meaning to send.

Tony Shiavone: Eric Bischoff has promised that he will address everything from The Giant to the United States Title and of course, Souled Out - which is just under TWO WEEKS AWAY!

Bobby Heenan: Hey Tony, are we gonna have that night off seeing that it isn't a WCW sanctioned event?

Tony Shiavone: I haven't heard anything yet, Brain.

Bobby Heenan: I hope we don't have to work, I got a flight to catch to go to the Superbowl. I've got a dime riding on Pittsburgh...

Tony Shiavone: A dime? That's a lot of money, don't you think?

Bobby Heenan: What are you stupid? It's a DIME! 10 cents! Suckers.

Tony Shiavone: Um...Brain, you realize....nevermind. Besides the State of WCW Address, tonight we also will see the main event of former nWo member - The Giant taking on current nWo member and one half of the WCW World Tag Team Champions - Scott Hall! But we start tonight off with a cruiserweight match, with the winner receiving a Cruiserweight Title shot next week, right here on Nitro against Ultimo Dragon!

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko

Given the two wrestlers involved in this match, there were high hopes for this match. However, it was a very big disappointment due to some botched spots by Rey Mysterio and it just wasn't given enough time to develop. Ultimo Dragon and Sonny Oono walked out and watched on from the top of the aisle. Rey Mysterio used his speed early on to gain the advantage over Malenko, getting an early pinfall attempt with a springboard moonsault DDT. It would only get a two count. Following a tilt-a-whirl headscissors from Mysterio, Malenko rolled out of the ring to try and gather himself back together. Rey wasn't about to give Malenko that convience as he came out with a head slide to outside into Tornado DDT! The fans didn't really seem to care about the spots though. Mysterio tried to continue his advantage on the outside, but Malenko reversed a whip and sent Rey flying into the ring post. Malenko took control and sent Rey back into the ring. Malenko kept the typically high flying Rey grounded and worked over his legs to set up for the Texas Cloverleaf. However, once Malenko lifted Rey up into a shoulder lift, Rey reversed it into a Victory Roll. One, Two, kickout.

Rey sent Malenko down with an enziguri kick. He would soon get Malenko in the corner and set him up for the hurricanrana. He went to hit it, but Malenko blocked it and stepped down off the top holding Rey in positioned, turning Rey's Hurricanrana attempt into the Texas Cloverleaf! Malenko walked with Rey to the middle of the ring. Referee Billy Silverman checked in with Rey, but he wasn't giving up. He fought with everything he had to make it to the bottom rope and finally did. Malenko broke the hold just before the five count. Rey began trying to pull himself up to his feet, but Malenko met him with a kick to the midsection and then set him up for a powerbomb. However, Rey reversed it with a rana - Rey cradled Malenko's legs - One, Two, Three!

Winner - Rey Mysterio Jr.

Overall: 66

Crowd: 56

Match: 76

Rey quickly rolled out of the ring as Dean Malenko was in shock in the ring at his loss. Billy Silverman jumped out to ringside and lifed Rey's arm up in victory as Ultimo Dragon watched on from the aisle as Sony Oono had a big grin on his face and gave Rey Mysterio a round of applause.

Tony Shiavoine: Next week Rey Mysterio Jr. will be getting a shot at Ultimo Dragon's Cruiserweight Title!

-Chavo's Mystery Note-

The screen cut to backstage where Chavo Guerrero Jr. was pulling along his luggage on wheels towards the locker room. He made it to the locker room door. However, as he was about to enter, he found a note attached to the door.

Chavo Guerrero: Huh? Well, well, well, what do we have here?

Chavo pulled the note down and read it...

Chavo Guerrero: Chavo, please report to the ring immediately...? Huh? What the....what is this???

Chavo continud to stare at the note inquisitively before finally folding it up and sliding it into his jeans pocket.

Chavo Guerrero: Heh? Guess ole' Chavito is in high demand with the fans! Well, better not disappoint them!

Chavo gave a confident grin as he left his luggage and headed apparantly for the ring.

(55%)

:::Commercials:::

Coming back from commercials, Chavo Guerrero Jr.'s music played as he made his way down to the ring to a small reaction from the crowd. He slid in and began pacing around the ring, playing to the crowd - oblivious to whatever reason it was he has been brought to the ring.

Tony Shiavone: What in the world is this all about? Chavo isn't scheduled for action tonight.

Bobby Heenan: Look at him, he thinks he has fans. How cute.

Suddenly, all became clear as the unmistakeable music of the New World Order hit the speakers of the arena. Chavo's smile faded as he watched Kevin Nash, Ted DiBiase, and Nick Patrick making their way down to the ring. DiBiase was carrying Chavo's uncle Eddie Guerrero's United States Title around his shoulder.

Tony Shiavone: The New World Order?? What is going on??

Bobby Heenan: Since when do they need a reason to do anything.

Tony Shiavone: Chavo hasn't done anything to them!

Bobby Heenan: Yeah, but his uncle Eddie Guerrero has...and that's all he needed to do.

Kevin Nash stepped over the top rope to enter the ring as Chavo backed into the corner. Nick Patrick climbed into the ring and called for the bell...apparantly we had ourselves a match.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Kevin Nash (w/Ted DiBiase)

Nash told Chavo to bring it on, but Chavo wanted no part of Nash. But he had no choice and decided to take the task head on as he went right at Nash and began hitting him with wild lifes and rights to Nash's midsection and chest, which had no effect on the Tag Team Champion. Nash responded with a knee to Chavo's midsection to double him over and then threw him head first into the top turnbuckle. Nash threw Chavo down neck first across the middle rope and began choking him against the ropes, with Nick Patrick, of course, doing nothing to stop him. Nash finally let go as Ted DiBiase came over and gave Chavo a cheapshot right hand. Nash went to the turnbuckle and began removing the turnbuckle padding. Patrick pretended to check on Chavo, "unable" to see what Nash was doing. Chavo pulled himself up and shoved Patrick away. He came up behind Nash, who had just finished removing the padding, and gave him a dropkick to the back, sending Nash chest first into the exposed steel. Nash was staggered as Chavo climbed to the top turnbuckle and came off with a moonsault press. However, Nash caught Chavo and then dropped him with the Snake Eyes across the exposed steel! Patrick pretended to scold Nash for using the exposed turnbuckle and Nash pretended to be sorry.

Blood trickled down Chavo's forehead as Nash pulled him up to his feet. Nash sent Chavo into the ropes and nailed him with a Big Boot. It was then a Jackknife Powerbomb for Chavo as Nash then made the nonchalant cover. One, Two, Thre.......Nash pulled Chavo up. Nash acted like he was shocked, as the fans began giving Nash a lot of heat. Nash pulled Chavo up and gave him another Jackknife Powerbomb. Nash, not yet satisfied, pulled Chavo up yet again and hit him with a THIRD powerbomb. Nash drove his knee down into Chavo's face to make the very confident cover - One, Two, Three.

Winner - Kevin Nash

Overall: 74

Crowd: 72

Match: 76

Tony Shiavone: This is just wrong! Chavo did not deserve this!

Bobby Heenan: Oh yeah? Well where was Uncle Eddie during all this. Way to protect your blood.

Tony Shiavone: Eddie Guerrero isn't even here yet! The nWo has NO guts!

Nick Patrick and Ted DiBiase eached raised on of Nash's arms in victory as medics came in to check on Chavo.

:::Commercials:::

-The Rift Widens-

Coming back from commercials, we found ourselves in the private suite of the Four Horsemen. Currently it was only three Horsemen as Steve "Mongo" McMichael was absent - making it just Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Chris Benoit who had Woman behind him giving him a massage.

Ric Flair: Alright, Mongo will be here any second now...so Benoit, just apologize for what happened and everything will be better. That's ALL you gotta do! Explain how it was an accident and you're sorry. We gotta get this behind us so we can deal with Jarrett once and for all.

Chris Benoit: Yeah, it was an accident - but I'm not apologizing for anything.

Arn Anderson: Come on Chris! Why not? You said yourself it was an accident.

Chris Benoit: I just don't apologize for anything.

Ric Flair: Dammit Benoit! The Horsemen DON'T fight amongst themselves! We are all brothers here. We all respect one another! SO JUST APOLOGIZE! You don't want anyone else to worry about tonight in your match against Big Bubba! You already gotta worry about the nWo, because when you fight one you might as well be fighting 'em all! And Jarrett could show up and try to prove his point.

Arn Anderson: Ric's right, having one more person with your back is gonna help.

Just then, the door to the suite opened and Steve McMichael walked in with Debra, who was sporting a big shiner over her eye. They all eyed the couple as the entered as there was a brief awkward silence that Mongo was the first to break, who kept his eyes right on Benoit.

Steve McMichael: Well?

Chris Benoit: Well what?

Steve McMichael: You got something to say to me?

Chris Benoit: Nope.

Mongo's eyes grew wide as he looked over to Flair and Anderson.

Steve McMichael: You said he was gonna apologize!

Chris Benoit got up from where he was sitting and approached Mongo.

Chris Benoit: Apologize? You want me to apologize? You know why I'm not going to apologize? Because if anyone should be apologizing, it should be you.

Steve McMichael: Me? Last I checked, I didn't punch your woman.

Chris Benoit: You should be apologizing to HER. You're the one who brought her out there. You put her in danger by letting her come out to the ring with us. I was smart, I left Nancy back here because I knew that anything can happen in the ring, especially with Jarrett in there. You knew the exact same thing that I did, but you let her go out there anyway?

Steve McMichael: But she...

Chris Benoit: But she wanted to go out there? Well, of course she did. She has some kind of weird infatuation with Jarrett. She's the one who has been all for him joining the Horsemen. But maybe if you grew some sort of backbone, MONGO, then maybe you'd be able to put your foot down and put her in her place. So the way I see it...last week was just as much YOUR fault as it was mine. Come on Nancy...

Benoit grabbed Woman by the arm and led her out of the suite, slamming the door behind him. Mongo lookd to Debra, and then took a seat, apparantly in deep thought. The screen cut back to the ring.

(97%)

Bobby Heenan: Drama, drama, drama, Tony.

Tony Shiavone: I hope the Horsemen can settle things soon, because WCW needs them in full strength to help battle the nWo! And speaking of the nWo, here's what just went down.

A replay of the Nash/Chavo stuff was shown, this time adding in footage that took place during commercials where Chavo was loaded up on a stretcher and pushed away by the medics.

Tony Shiavone: I certainly hope that Chavo is okay...Eddie Guerrero hasn't arrived to the arena yet, but he should be here soon.

Bobby Heenan: Hitting up bars for tequila while his nephew is getting the beating of his life...that's the Guerrero family for you.

Tony Shiavone: Now you don't know why Eddie isn't here yet, so don't make assumptions like that.

Bobby Heenan: I'm just saying from experience, the Guerrero family enjoys the occassional tequila shot...or two or three or four or...

Tony Shiavone: Fans, week after week we have witness WCW Television Champion Lord Steven Regal sneak away through different tricks to keep his belt. Last week his Blue Blood partner Squire David Taylor got him disqualified just as it looked like Konnan was going to win the belt with the Tequila Sunrise...

Bobby Heenan: Tequila sunrise? ...Maybe it was Konnan's family...

Tony Shiavone: But can Regal sneak out a victory tonight?

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal © (w/Squire David Taylor) vs. Hugh Morrus (w/Jimmy Hart)

As disappointing as the opening match of Rey Mysterio and Dean Malenko was, this one was the exact opposite in that it was surprisingly good. In what could very well have been one of Hugh Morrus' best matches, he and Regal went back and forth in a battle for the Television Title. Jimmy Hart tried to negate the prescense of Taylor, but Taylor managed to get in his cheapshots on Hugh Morrus. Morrus was able to overpower Regal, causing Regal to try and stall things several times during the match by leaving for ringside. Once back in the ring, Morrus immediately met him with a boot to the midsection and sent Regal into the turnbuckle. Morrus ran in with a splash to the corner. Regal started to stumble out, but Morrus grabbed him and whipped him into the opposite corner. Morrus ran in with another splash. Regal stumbled out of the corner and fell face first to the mat. Regal rolled over onto his back as Morrus dropped an elbow across Regal. One, Two, kickout. Regal began to get back to his feet when Morrus grabbed him and hit him with a gutwrench sitdown powerbomb. One, Two, Thre...kickout by Regal.

As Morrus pulled Regal up to his feet, Regal gave him a poke to the eye to send Morrus staggering. Charles Robinson warned Regal, but he moved in on the attack, catching Morrus with a pair of European Uppercuts to push Morrus back into the corner where he hit several stiff chops. He then began to drive his forearm repeatedly into Morrus' head until Robinston stepped in and pulled him off. This allowed David Taylor to jump onto the apron and began to choke Morrus across the top rope. Jimmy Hart came over and pulled Taylor down, but Taylor threw Hart into the ring steps. Regal pulled Morrus out of the corner and just barely muscled Morrus into a butterfly suplex. Regal made the cover - One, Two, Th...shoulder up. Regal applied a crucifix armbar with neck submission onto Morrus, trying to force the big man into submitting. Morrus looked to be fading fast, so Robinson checked in on him. On the third arm lift, Morrus managed to keep his arm up as the fans gave him a little bit of support. Regal released the hold before Morrus could power back up and immediately hit a kneedrop to the back of Morrus' head.

Regal set Morrus up for a double underhook powerbomb, but Morrus powered out with a backdrop counter. Regal stumbled up and ran into a powerslam from Morrus. One, Two, Thre....kickout. After an Inverted DDT, Hugh Morrus began to climb up to the top turnbuckle, calling for the No Laughing Matter moonsault. David Taylor grabbed a chair from ringside and slide it into the ring, with enough force to send it all the way across to the opposite end of the ring. This made Charles Robinson have to walk all the way from one end to the other to retrieve the chair and remove it. This gave Taylor enough time to jump onto the apron and knock Morrus down off the top turnbuckle before he could hit the No Laughing Matter! Just as Taylor interfered, Konnan came sprinting down the aisle. This caught David Taylor's attention, who immediately jumped over the gaurd rail and ran through the crowd as Konnan gave chase. Back in the ring, both Morrus and Regal were struggling to get back to their feet. They exchanged rights and lefts. Regal got the upperhand and had Morrus stumbling, and hit him with a arm trap shoulder neckbreaker. This laid Morrus out for Regal to apply the Regal Stretch onto Morrus. Morrus tried to fight the hold, but soon gave in and tapped out to the pain.

Winner and Still Television Champion - Lord Steven Regal

Overall: 72

Crowd: 60

Match: 85

Tony Shiavone: And once again Lord Steven Regal sneaks out with the title!

Bobby Heenan: Um no Tony? He made him tap out fair and square.

Tony Shiavone: But Hugh Morrus had the match won if he was to hit the No Laughing Matter.

Bobby Heenan: That's right...IF...IF...but he didn't, did he?

Tony Shiavone: Right...well when we come back, Eric Bischoff will be delivering the State of WCW Address...this should be interesting.

:::Commercials:::

-The State of WCW Address-

As we came back from commercials we were greeted with the phrase "The following message has been paid for by the New World Order." As the phrase faded away, the screen was, of course, in black and white. There was a stage set up with a large video screen on it and a podium infront of the video screen. On the video screen was a very large nWo logo. Infront of the stage were seats were several members of the "media" were sitting. Vincent walked out onto the stage and up to the podium.

Vincent: Ladies and gentlemen, the President of World Championship Wrestling - MR. ERIC BISCHOFF!!

Obvious canned loud applause is played as Eric Bischoff walked out onto the stage and up to the podium with his usual confident smirk on his face.

Eric Bischoff: Thank you! Thank you! I love each and every one of you!

As Bischoff was ready to begin, the canned applause cut off abruptly.

Eric Bischoff: Ahem. The state of WCW is....weak. World Championship Wrestling is slowly collapsing from within, and quite frankly...I could not be any happier. The New World Order's goal of complete and total domination is coming closer and closer with each passing day. We have the WCW World Heavyweight Title. We have the WCW World Tag Team Titles. We currently have in our possession the WCW United States Title. We have the top superstars this sport has to offer. Hell, we even have the top HOLLYWOOD has to offer in our champion. We even have our own New World Order sanctioned Pay-Per-View, SOULED OUT coming in just two weeks! The rumors you have heard are true - WE ARE IN CONTROL!

More canned applause as the people sitting below the stage giving Bischoff a standing ovation. After a few moments of applause, it cuts out as they take their seats and Bischoff continues.

Eric Bischoff: And this is ONLY THE BEGINNING! By the time we're done here we will have the remaining championships and anyone and everyone who oppose us will be CRUSHED. We've already taken care of Sting, Roddy Piper, and Randy Savage. And still to come, the crushing of Lex Luger, The Steiner Brothers, The Four Horsemen, Eddie Guerrero, and anyone else in WCW. Because like I've said, if you aren't with us...you are against us. And when you are nWo, you are nWo for life. However, we recently have experienced a situation where someone went against our motto. A certain individual decided he would be SELFISH and think only of himself and his desire to become WCW World Champion. You can't be in the nWo and decide you want to challenge for a belt we already hold! THE GIANT went against the motto of 4-Life, and we are currently making an example of him. We want to ensure that an incident like this DOES NOT EVER HAPPEN AGAIN! Which brings me to a question I have been asked a lot recently. And that question is, will Hollywood Hogan be defending his WCW World Heavyweight Title against The Giant at Souled Out? Well, I COULD answer that question for you. But I figured why not hear it from the man himself...ladies and gentlemen, YOUR WCW...no wait, YOUR NWO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - HOLLYWOOD HOGAN!!!

Bischoff backed off as the canned applause began again as "Voodoo Child" played. Hollywood Hogan walked onto stage carrying his nWo spray painted WCW World Title around his shoulder. He walked up to the podeum as the applause faded out.

Hollywood Hogan: Thank you, Mr. Bischoff! And welcome all you Hulkamaniacs here tonight to see just what the New World Order has accomplished so far in taking over World Championship Wrestling. And LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING BROTHER - THE NEW WORLD ORDER IS HERE TO STAY! And THE GIANT, he wants to turn his back on the black and white...he wants to go for OUR WORLD TITLE? That's just not how things work around here, BROTHER. This is a brotherhood, we watch each others back...we don't STAB each other in the back. But The Giant has other motives. But let me tell you something, he WON'T be getting a title shot. Not at Souled Out - NOT EVER. Why should we reward his betrayal with a title shot? The Giant could have been a superstar if he had stayed with the black and white...but now that he has decided he wanted to be in it for himself, he will be CRUSHED just like anyone else. Just like the downfall of many historic figures, The Giant's own prie will be his downfall. And his downfall will come at the hands of the New World Order. SO GIANT...WATCHA GONNA DO BROHER...WHEN THE NWO RUNS WILD....ALL OVER...YOU!

Hogan got a standing ovation as "Voodoo Child" played again. He walked off stage as Eric Bischoff returned to the podeum.

Eric Bischoff: Thank you champ! I couldn't have said it better myself. Alright, I'd like to open the floor up to any questions from those of you here representing the media.

Hands went up all around. Bischoff randomly picked out hands...each "media member's" voice sounded strangely like members of the nWo's voices.

Eric Bischoff: Yes, you there...

Media Member: You knnnowww...I just wanted to know what's up with you and Diamond Dallas Page. We're y'all out on some kinda date or something last week?

Eric Bischoff: Ahem...well it is a well known fact that last week Diamond Dallas Page missed Nitro because he was busy meeting with me. The subject of our meeting should come as no surprise really...because you see, the New World Order is always looking for some fresh blood. Some new faces to strengthen our already undefeatable fortress. And Page is just the kind of fresh face we are looking for. He promised me that NEXT WEEK he would be at Nitro to give us an answer to where his allegiance lies. And I think we all know where he is going, if he is smart that is. Next question?

Media Member: So we..I mean so you have the United States Title. What do you plan to do with it?

Eric Bischoff: We do indeed have the United States Title in our possession, and possession is after all nine-tenths of the law. And I'm sure Eddie Guerrero wants to get his belt back...and we're a fair group, so we will give him a chance to WIN the title. So at Souled Out, Eddie Guerrero will be taking on a MYSTERY nWo member. Next question?

Media Member: Ok, so like Souled Out is like two weeks away and we know only two matches...the Tag Title match and now the United States Title match. What else can we expect?

Eric Bischoff: I'm glad you asked. The point of Souled Out is to give the New World Order members the chance to shine...and that's why every match at Souled Out will feature a New World Order prescense. We want to take out all of our challengers. So since The Steiner Brothers are already set against The Outsiders, and now I've announced our plans for Eddie Guerrero at Souled Out...next comes Lex Luger. Lex Luger wants to stick up for WCW and act as a leader? Well...I had the members draw out of a hat to determine who would face Luger...and let's just see how much luck Luger has against BUFF BAGWELL at SOULED OUT! And then of course, there's the Horsemen, who think they are the top group in WCW. Well think again boys. Big Bubba and Michael Wallstreet have stepped forward in agreement to be the ones to take of the Horsemen at Souled Out...so the question then was what two members of the Horsemen would they face? I considered Flair and Anderson, I considered Anderson and Benoit, or Benoit and Flair...but none of those were interesting. But...Steve McMichael and Benoit was. However, then I had an even BETTER idea. And that's why at Souled Out, Big Bubba and Michael Wallstreet will take on Chris Benoit and...Jeff Jarrett! Haha...I'm such a genious! Ok, one last question.

Media Member: ..Hey yo...where exactly is...down there?

Eric Bischoff: Oh, I think you know where. OK, no further questions!

The nWo music played as Eric Bischoff took his leave of the stage to more canned applause. The screen faded out to the nWo Logo...

(95%)

-Uncle Eddie Arrives; Steiners Get the Night Off-

The screen shifted to color as it cut to the parking lot where Eddie Guerrero was finally arriving. He was carrying his luggage with him as he passed by security.

Tony Shiavone: I can't believe they aren't going to give The Giant a title shot. But it looks like Souled Out is going to be a real case of WCW vs. nWo! The odds will be stacked against WCW with it being an nWo sanctioned event....and speaking of the nWo...Eddie Guerrero is finally here!

As Eddie Guerrero entered the arena, a backstage worker quickly ran up to Eddie immediately.

Worker: Eddie! Eddie!

Eddie Guerrero: Hey essa, calm down maaan....now what's up?

Worker: It's Chavo...

Eddie Guerrero: Chavito? What's wrong with Chavito?!

Worker: The...nWo...Kevin Nash came out and...well Chavo's in the local hospital getting checked out.

Eddie's face went cold as he dropped his bags and pushed past the worker...meanwhile the camera went back to the parking lot once more as The Steiner Brothers were approaching the entrance.

Scott Steiner: I can't wait to see the look on the Outsiders' faces when we are done with them tonight.

Rick Steiner: Oh yeah! WOOF! WOOF!

As The Steiner Brothers got to the entrance, a pair of large security gaurds stepped infront of them, blocking the doors.

Rick Steiner: What's the big idea?!

Scott Steiner: Yeah, what's goin' on?

Security Gaurd: Mr. Bischoff told us to deny you access to the arena tonight.

Scott Steiner: WHAT?! This is crazy! We gotta work!

Security Gaurd: Looks like you got the night off.

Rick Steiner: WHY??

Security Gaurd: Something about some plans you two had for The Outsiders tonight that you mentioned on Saturday Night? Mr. Bischoff said he did not take kindly to threats, and had you banned from the arena tonight. There's nothing we can do. You'll just have to take your leave.

Scott Steiner: Argh! I don't believe this!!

Rick and Scott were very ticked off as they were forced to turn around and leave. They stormed off as we headed to commercials.

(74%)

:::Commercials:::

-Don't Mess With the Familia-

Coming back from commercials, Eddie Guerrero was in the ring already with a microphone in hand. The crowd was giving Eddie more support than he is probably used to getting.

Eddie Guerrero: I don't know WHAT I did to get the New World Order against me, but it's ONE thing to mess with me...but when you go and you mess with my familia...you've crossed the line, essa! Now at Souled Out, I plan on beatin' whoever the nWo throws at me...but tonight I WANT YOU NASH.

Guerrero stared towards the entranceway, but there was no sign of Kevin Nash coming out.

Eddie Guerrero: Come on out hommes, I'm right here waitin' for ya. This is PERSONAL now, essa! You can't just send my nephew to the hospital without dealing with me! Come on NASH. I realize you might not be used to having people call YOU out, but I AM!

Still no response.

Eddie Guerrero: Well this is just like the nWo. Whenever they are doin' the jumpin' or they are catchin' someone off gaurd with a match...they're always big and bad...but whenever they are bein' called out, they're nothing but COWARDS.

Finally, the nWo music began to play as Kevin Nash made his way down to the ring with Nick Patrick. Nash stepped into the ring, and Eddie Guerrero dropped the mic - going right after Nash.

(79%)

Eddie Guerrero vs. Kevin Nash

Eddie Guerrero fought with a lot of fire against Nash, catching the big man off gaurd as he entered the ring. Guerrero went after Nash's knees, hitting a couple dropkicks to the knee to send Nash down to one knee. Nash got back up, however, and overpowered Guerrero. Off the ropes, Nash caught Guerrero and hit a big sidewalk slam to him. This only got a two count, as even as Nash putting the beating to Guerrero, he refused to stay down. Nash lifted Guerrero up onto his shoulder and went for the Snake Eyes, but Guerrero escaped and slid down Nash's back. Nash turned around and received a dropkick to the chest that sent him back into the turnbuckle. Guerrero ran in and leaped onto the ropes and began pounding away at Nash's head - One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten...Guerrero leaped down and Nash stumbled out. Guerrero bounced of the ropes and finally took the big man down with a running bulldog onto Nash. Guerrero with the pin - One, kickout by Nash. Guerrero climbed to the top turnbuckle and came off with a cross body to Nash as he was getting up - One, Two, kickout.

Guerrero tried to keep Nash down with a pair of elbowdrops and then he locked on an STF. Nick Patrick didn't even bother checking in on Nash...but Nash did manage to power his way across the mat and reached the bottom rope. Patrick suddenly came over and immediately made Guerrero break the hold instead of giving him a count. Nash immediately pulled himself up and Guerrero tried to take him down with a clothesline, but it only staggered the big man. Guerrero went for another, but Nash met him with a kneelift. A clubbing forearm to Guerrero's back sent him right back to the mat. Nash pulled Guerrero up and sent him into the turnbuckle where he brought his boot up to Guerrero's throat in a choke. Nash received no warnings as he finally released the choke and began nailing Guerrero with several back elbows in the corner. Guerrero stumbled out of the corner into Nash who lifted him up for a flapjack, but Guerrero reversed it, planting Nash with a Tornado DDT. Both men were down as a result...

Guerrero was up first and made his way over to the turnbuckle, calling for the Frog Splash. Patrick went over to "check on" Nash and actually began to help him up. Nash responded by shoving Patrick into the ropes to make Eddie lose his balance and straddle the turnbuckle, and then fall to the mat. Nash walked over to Eddie and picked him up...and dropped him to the mat with the Jackknife Powerbomb. Nash made the cover - One-Two-Three.

Winner - Kevin Nash

Overall: 70

Crowd: 71

Match: 70

Tony Shiavone: Nick Patrick should not be allowed to referee anymore!

Bobby Heenan: Good luck convincing the boss that one.

Tony Shiavone: Ugh...we'll be back fans.

:::Commercials:::

Chris Benoit (w/Woman) vs. Big Bubba (w/Vincent & Michael Wallstreet)

In a set up to the Souled Out match, one half of each team met in a match that saw Benoit carry Bubba to a good match. This one was mostly Benoit working over Bubba with his technically sound wrestling. In the corner, Benoit lit up Bubba's chest with stiff chop after stiff chop. Out of the corner, Bubba stumbled out and took a wild swing at Benoit, but Benoit ducked and then connected with a release German suplex. Benoit got up and gave the cut throat motion before climbing to the top turnbuckle. Vincent jumped onto the apron to distract referee Randy Anderson while Michael Wallstreet went after Benoit. Benoit saw him coming however, and kicked Wallstreet away. Benoit came off the top with the Swandive Headbutt, but Bubba rolled out of the way. Bubba made the cover - One, Two, kickout. Bubba got up and laid the boots to Benoit before pulling him up as well. Bubba sent Benoit into the ropes and connected with a spinebuster. Another cover by Bubba. One, Two, Thr...Benoit with his shoulder up broke the count. Bubba grabbed Randy Anderson and pushed him into the corner, threatening him. This allowed Benoit to get back to his feet. Bubba turned around and was met by another stiff chop from Benoit followed by a kick to the midsection. Bubba was doubled over and Benoit took him to the mat with a snap suplex. Cover - One, Two, kickout.

Benoit got up as Bubba began to try to pull himself up. Benoit stopped that with an elbowdrop to the back of Bubba's head. He then locked on the Crossface to the fallen Bubba. Bubba was in a world of hurt as he tried to fight off the hold. Vincent was on the apron again to distract the ref as Wallstreet entered the ring and stomped on Benoit to break up the hold. Wallstreet left the ring as Vincent climbed down. This brought out Debra and Steve "Mongo" McMichael with the Halliburton steel briefcase. Mongo went right after Wallstreet and Vincent. Mongo knocked Vincent down with a clothesline and then began exchanging rights and lefts with Wallstreet. With Mongo busy with Wallstreet, Jeff Jarrett emerged from the back, walking slowly down the aisle to join Debra. Debra handed Jarrett the briefcase before she climbed onto the apron to distract Randy Anderson.

Benoit had Bubba up and was about to Irish Whip him into the ropes as Jarrett climbed up with the briefcase. However, Bubba reversed it and sent Benoit right into Jarrett with Benoit's head colliding with the steel! Benoit hit the mat and Bubba made the cover. Jarrett jumped down and a confused Debra followed him down. With Mongo and Wallstreet still brawling, Randy Anderson made the count - One, Two, Three.

Winner -Big Bubba

Overall: 73

Crowd: 63

Match: 84

Tony Shiavone: Jeff Jarrett just cost Benoit the match! And they're going to be tag partners at Souled Out!

Bobby Heenan: Accidents happen, Tony...just ask your mother.

Tony Shiavone: But how do we know this was an accident? Why would Jarrett help Benoit? It's pretty obvious he was going after Benoit all along!

Bobby Heenan: Now you don't know that.

Tony Shiavone: Well...only Jarrett knows for sure, but I have my doubts. But when we come back, The Giant takes on Scott Hall!

Mongo finally slid into the ring, surprised about Benoit losing. Debra and Woman climbed into the ring as well as Mongo finally noticed Jarrett at the top of the aisle still holding the briefcase. Mongo tried to help Benoit up, but as he did, Benoit shoved Mongo away and went to Woman who helped Benoit out. Debra came over to Mongo, but he just looked at her...then over to Benoit before leaving the ring by himself.

:::Commercials:::

Main Event

The Giant vs. Scott Hall

Slow paced match, but it wasn't neccissarily a bad match. It was a bit surprising to see Scott Hall coming out for this match by himself, but we would see how long that would last. The Giant dared Hall to have a test of strength with him to start the match, which Hall was reluctant for, but the fans REALLY wanted to see it. Hall slowly brought his right arm up, but pulled away at the last second and gave The Giant a cheapshot kick to the midsection. Hall then threw a right hand at The Giant, but The Giant caught Hall's fast and squeezed it tightly while shaking his head saying "I don't think so." Giant then pulled Hall into a short-arm clothesline to send Hall to the mat. Early on it was all Giant completely overpowering the tag champion, much to the delight of the live crowd. It was a blatant low blow by Hall that sent The Giant to the mat that gave Hall an opening. After getting his warning from Randy Anderson, Hall went right to work at stomping away at The Giant. The Giant fought his way back up to his feet and Hall whipped him into the corner. Hall came running in with a clothesline to Giant. He then began to hit Giant with a mixture of chops and right hands. However, Giant absorbed the onslaught and turned the tables on Hall, sending him into the corner.

It was now The Giant unloading chops and punches to Hall. Hall stumbled out of the corner into a Gorilla Press Slam from the Giant. He made the cover - One, Two, kickout. Giant continued on the offensive until the nWo, seeing Hall in trouble, started to make their prescense felt. Eric Bischoff led Syxx, Buff Bagwell, and Scott Norton down to the ring and sent them into the ring at The Giant. The Giant fought each of them off with relative ease with Randy Anderson not calling for the DQ since Giant took them each out. He gave Syxx a chokeslam as Hall got back up to his feet and caught Giant from behind in a sleeperhold. Bischoff looked pleased at ringside as Hall began to bring Giant down with the sleeper. As Randy Anderson checked in on the Giant, the fans started to rally behind him. Anderson checked Giant's arm...First time...it fell. Second time...it fell. Third time....Giant's arm stayed up and he began to power to his feet. Giant broke the sleeper by running backwards into the corner to sandwich Hall.

Giant grabbed Hall by the throat for the Chokeslam, but Hall gave Giant a kick to the midsection to block that and then took him to the mat with a swinging neckbreaker. Hall with the cover - One, two, kickout. Hall attempted a vertical suplex on Giant, but he was unable to lift the Giant up and Giant began to fight back against Hall. This brought out Kevin Nash and Hollywood Hogan who slowly made their way down the aisle. They caught The Giant's attention long enough for Hall to recover and attack Giant. However, when Hall set up Giant for the Outsider's Edge, Giant powered out with a backdrop to counter. Hall stumbled to his feet and walked right into The Chokeslam from The Giant! Kevin Nash jumped onto the apron, but Giant nailed him with a right hand to send him down. Hogan climbed onto the apron and was also sent down by a right hand! Giant took advantage and made the cover - One, Two, Three!

Winner - The Giant

Overall: 83

Crowd: 89

Match: 70

Randy Anderson lifted The Giant's arm in victory as Eric Bischoff climbed onto the apron with a microphone.

Eric Bischoff: It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter! You're still not getting a title shot! YOU WILL NEVER GET A TITLE SHO....

Bischoff was cut off as Giant grabbed him and pulled him into the ring. He grabbed the microphone from Bischoff and then grabbed him by the throat with his free hand. Hogan and the rest of the nWo watched on as their leader was being throttled by The Giant.

The Giant: Any of you make any moves and this little man gets sent THROUGH THE RING.

The Giant looked down at the petrified Bischoff...

The Giant: Give them the order..

Eric Bischoff: *gag* Ugh...Stay.....back...

The Giant: Now about my title shot...I'm thinking that Souled Out would be a good place for the title shot that I EARNED by winning World War III. What do you say now ERIC.

Eric Bischoff: I.............don't....

The Giant tighted his grip around Bischoff's throat.

The Giant: What was that?

Eric Bischoff: .......OK.....You.........got it.

The crowd popped while The Giant seemed satisfied as he let go of Bischoff who immediately dropped to his knees holding his throat. Hogan and the rest of the nWo at ringside looked ready to storm the ring, but before they could, The Giant grabbed Bischoff and lifted him up into a Gorilla Press and dumped him out onto them. The screen faded out on The Giant standing victorious in the ring.

OVERALL - 76

QUICK RESULTS

Rey Mysterio Jr. def. Dean Malenko

Kevin Nash def. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Lord Steven Regal def. Hugh Morrus

Kevin Nash def. Eddie Guerrero

Big Bubba def. Chris Benoit

The Giant def. Scott Hall

Didn't Benoit take a swing at Jarrett and ended up hitting Debra...not Mongo?

←

I'm in as Dickie V's Number One Fan. I'll be routing on my Dukies even though this year hasn't been ther year. They've had to deal with injuries and such all season when they didn't have a great line-up to begin with. But as long as they have Coach K they always have a shot. Illinois looks good, but I don't think any team can go an entire season undefeated. Boston College is so overrated it's not even funny.

Dunno who I like in to win it all right now...probably UNC or Kentucky.

WCW Monday Nitro Preview for January 13th

The State of the WCW Address

WCW President Eric Bischoff returns after missing last week due to having some kind of meeting with WCW star Diamond Dallas Page and promises to deliver the State of the WCW Address. Souled Out is now less than two weeks away, and Bischoff plans to use this speach to make some announcements concerning the the line up for the show. We already know that The Steiner Brothers will be challenging for the WCW World Tag Team Titles held by the nWo's own The Outsiders. But what we are yet to find out is if Hollywood Hogan will be defending his World Heavyweight Title against The Giant or not. Bischoff also said that he will make an announcement concerning the WCW United States Title which is currently held by Eddie Guerrero, but in the possession of Ted DiBiase and the nWo. What tricks does Bischoff have up his sleave?

New World Order Revenge

The Giant must have missed the memo that nWo was 4-Life, because he has found himself on the outside looking in. But it looks like he wants it that way since last week he saved WCW star Lex Luger from a beating from his former teammates. The Giant is in line for a title shot because of his World War III win, but Hollywood Hogan is dead set on not honoring that. The Giant will have to wait to get his hands on Hogan, but this week he will get his hands on one member of the New World Order - one half of the WCW Tag Team Champions, Scott Hall. Hall will be looking to show The Giant what happens when you turn your back on the nWo.

Horsemen Troubles

Last week tensions were at an all time high in the Horsemen camp when Chris Benoit and Steve "Mongo" McMichael got into an arguement concerning Debra and Jeff Jarrett. It all came to ahead when Jarrett questioned what Benoit has done to deserve to be a Horsemen, causing Benoit to take a swing at Jarrett. Jarrett ducked the punch, but Debra was not as fortunate as she was on the receiving end of a Benoit haymaker. Mongo didn't take kindly to Benoit harming his wife, and he was about to get at Benoit when Ric Flair and Anderson stepped in and broke it up. Meanwhile, Jeff Jarrett just watched on, loving every minute of what he was seeing. Will the Horsemen problems continue as Chris Benoit takes on the nWo's Big Bubba?

Sneaky Steven Regal

Lord Steven Regal once again managed to sneak away from a Nitro still holding onto the WCW Television Title last week when he took on Konnan. This time he won by disqualification after David Taylor interfered on Regal's behalf when. Regal will hope to have more good luck when he takes on Konnan's friend and teammate from the Dungeon of Doom, Hugh Morrus. Can Regal escape with the title once more?

The Cruiserweight Title

Ultimo Dragon has taken on all challengers for his WCW Cruiserweight Title, and as of yet no one has been able to take the belt from him. After another successful title defense last week, one has to wonder if anyone will ever be able to get that belt off of him. Two of WCW's cruiserweights will meet this week for a shot at Ultimo Dragon next week on Nitro. The two wrestlers chosen to compete for the shot - Dean Malenko and Rey Mysterio Jr.

All this and much more!

Confirmed Matches

The Giant vs. Scott Hall

Chris Benoit vs. Big Bubba

Lord Steven Regal vs. Hugh Morrus - Television Title Match

Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Bobby Eaton

WCW Saturday Night kicked things off with what was a decent match up for a Saturday Night opener. As to be expected, the crowd didn't really care about either man, since they really haven't had any reason too. However, Chavo showed he could sell with the best of them in this match. Mike Tenay used this match to talk about Chavo's uncle, the United States Champion Eddie Guerrero and his problems with the New World Order. Anyway, Chavo started off strong against Eaton, displaying his quickness...but Eaton soon got the young cruiserweight grounded and slowed the pace down greatly. Eaton worked over Chavo's neck and back with a couple hammerlock variations as well as chinlocks. Eaton could not keep Chavo down, however, as Chavo fought his way back to his feet. Eaton tried to squash Chavo's come back by whipping him into the turnbuckle. When Eaton came running into the corner, Chavo brought his knee up into Eaton's midsection. He then climbed onto the turnbuckles, grabbed Eaton by the head, and hit him with the Tornado DDT! Chavo made the cover - One, Two, Three.

Winner - Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Overall: 61

Crowd: 49

Match: 73

:::Commercials:::

Coming back from commercials, Mike Tenay and Larry Zbyszko discussed Souled Out and whether or not The Giant is going to get his World Heavyweight Title shot against Hollywood Hogan or not. They then brought up one title match that has been signed for Souled Out, the Tag Title match putting the champions, The Outsiders, against The Steiner Brothers. This was a segway into a recap of the Steiner Brothers vs. The Amazing French Canadians.

#1 Contender for the Tag Titles

The Steiner Brothers vs. The Amazing French Canadians

Hall and Nash spent the match making fun of both teams, and the French in general. While the commentary was humorous, it did take away from the match; which was too bad since the match itself was pretty good. The Steiners started off hot against Carl Ouelette and Jacques Rougeau, making frequent tags and taking out whatever member of the French Candians that came at them. Rick Steiner would go for a pin following a double suplex - One, Two, Oulette broke up the pin.....

..Once Ouelette went for the La Cannonball, Rick managed to move out of the way just in time so that Carl hit the mat hard. Rick slowly crawled over and tagged in Scott. Both members of the AFC's took turns eatting Steinerlines from Scott before Rougeau was hit with a T-Bone suplex from Scott. Ouelette stumbled up to his feet and walked right into a swinging belly-to-belly suplex from Scott. He then pulled Ouelette back up and sent him into the corner. Scott came running in with a clothesline into the corner before positioning Ouelette on the top turnbuckle, setting him up for the Frankensteiner. He climbed up to the middle turnbuckle and was hitting right hands to Ouelette to ensure he didn't fight back, but Rougeau came out of nowhere and shoved Scott Steiner off the top turnbuckle back to the mat!

Rougeau tagged himself in and went right after Steiner, laying the boots to him. Rougeau went to pull Scott up to his feet, but Scott fought him off with a jawbreaker. Rougeau came back looking for a clothesline, but Scott ducked and then hit a release German Suplex to him. Scott grabbed Rougeau and pulled him to the corner where he tagged Rick back in and lifted Rougeau up into a shoulder lift as Rick climbed the top turnbuckle. Rick came off the top with the Steiner Bulldog onto Rougeau! Rick made the cover as Scott took out Ouelette - One, Two, Three.

Winners - The Steiner Brothers

Overall: 76

Crowd: 68

Match: 84

The Weekely Resthold

by John Weekes

Welcome to my columnal debut here at RopeBreak.Net. What better to start the new year of 1997 off than to have a new writer here with a specialty in WCW. I hope to bring you all the latest and greates insight on the wrestling world, more specifically World Championship Wrestling - but I will try and break in with some of the competition's news whenever something of note happens.

Let's start with the very first Nitro of the new year. In case you have been living under a rock for the past six months, WCW is currently under a vicious struggle for power against the black and white wearing nWo, led by Hollywood Hogan and the WCW President himself, Eric Bischoff. And this Nitro, much like many Nitros in recent memory, was satuarated with black and white. Here's the Nitro Rundown.

The Highs

-The Horsemen-

Ric Flair is always entertaining, but the others have really stepped it up in the current angle. In a show dominated by nWo, it is this Horsemen angle involving Jeff Jarrett that is basically the only uppercard angle that does not involve any black and white in sight...atleast not yet. With Souled Out drawing near, if the Horsemen are going to be on the card you have to believe there will be some kind of nWo interaction soon. But in any event, it also happens to be one of my favorite current angles. And I must not be the only one because the Horsemen were getting the loudest reactions face reactions of the night. I'm not sure where they will be taking it, with tensions between Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael mounting as Jeff Jarrett continus to drive a wedge in the group. Jarrett has been impressing me as and Disco put on a good match, granted it was just an extended squash, and Jarrett might be the top heel not in nWo (but then again heels not in nWo are few and far between). Personally, I'd like to see "Mongo" kicked out of the Horsemen and have Jarrett replace him, because when I look at Mongo, he doesn't exactly scream "Horsemen."

-The Outsiders-

We here at RopeBreak.Net have gotten several e-mails talking about how much they enjoyed listening to Scott Hall and Kevin Nash on commentary this past week. Which is strange. Not strange that they enjoyed the commentary, but because they're e-mailing us about it. But in any event, I have to agree with them. Hall and Nash may not be the best wrestlers in the world, but they are always entertaining to listen to. Speaking of commentary, I wonder who will be doing commentary at Souled Out. It's an nWo event, so will the usual Tony Shiavone, Bobby Heenan, Mike Tenay, or Larry Zbyszko be doing it? Or will some nWo pair be doing it. Maybe Eric Bischoff will make his return to the announce booth.

-Match Quality-

It seemed like everyone brought their A-Game this week, with only Regal/Konnan being just subpar while everyone else "brought it" so to speak. The show started off on a high spot with Kidman/Dragon showing WCW's cruiserweight talent; while Jericho and Masahiro Chono put on another good match, which we have seen from those two before. Malenko and Guerrero surprised no one by being good, but even The Steiner Breiners and The Amazing French Canadians as well as Jeff Jarrett and Disco Inferno managed to bring the goods. Hopefully this trend continues.

The Lows

-Main Event-

Or really, lack there of. Lex Luger and Syxx were only in the ring together for about three minutes before Luger had Syxx up in the Rack and the nWo was hitting the ring. And seriously, what kind of Main Event is Syxx and Lex Luger anyway? Atleast Syxx takes a beating well, otherwise this would have just been a waste of time. I do, however, love watching Luger getting beat up. Too bad The Giant had to put a stop to it.

-Bait and Switch-

Besides the non-existant Main Event, WCW pulled a fast one on us as well earlier in the show with the Television Title Match. It was advertised as being Diamond Dallas Page vs. Lord Steven Regal for the Title, but instead we got Regal vs. Konnan (more on Konnan in the next point). Now I realize they are were pushing the idea of DDP having a meeting with Eric Bischoff, but it is still disappointing to have a match hyped and then not to get it. One positive is that I do like the teasing us of where DDP's allegiance lies.

-The Dungeon Of Doom-

Are they even still a stable? Konnan doesn't need Jimmy Hart out there with him. But as faces, the Dungeon of Doom just won't work, so hopefully they're just going to dissolve. But one way to do that would be to stop bringing Jimmy Hart out with the wrestlers who were associated with the DOD. Atleast that way the fans slowly forget the stable and suddenly they are just singles wrestlers (well except for the Faces of Fear), who happen to have some allies in the back.

Other News and Notes

-There were 6,546 fans in attendance for this week's Nitro.

-Nitro won the ratings war this week, defeating Raw's 5.45 with a 6.08. Looks like the Real Hall and Nash draw better than the fake ones.

-Tony Shiavone was making a pretty big deal out of who has tried to take on nWo so far and failed, with Randy Savage and Rowdy Roddy Piper topping the list. We all remember the vicious assault on Piper at the end of the last Nitro of '96. Well it looks like Piper could very well be done with WCW following that assault. WCW currently has no plans for him now, but he does have 12 months left on his contract. We can be assured he won't be seen for the next three months since that was the length of time given for him to possibly recover, but this time could be extended easily. It remains to be seen if WCW will allow Piper to sit out the rest of his contract or not. We'll keep you updated.

-As for the other name listed above, Randy Savage, we can confirm that he is the exact opposite of Piper in that he will be back. He just renegotiated a new two year deal with WCW and could be back at any time, but it is most likely it may be a couple months before he makes his return. Also, it will be interesting to see what side he returns with.

-This week on WCW Saturday Night you can catch the most unstoppable force WCW has ever seen - GLACIER - in action. Also, Harlem Heat, Alex Wright, nWo's Buff Bagwell, and Chavo Guerrero Jr.

That's all for this week, I'll be back next week with to wrap up another week in WCW action!

-John Weekes

RopeBreak.Net

As for the three stones...Clark has one correct? And now Lana has one. Was what was used earlier in the season to transfer Lionel and Clark one of the three stones? Or is it still yet to be found.

←

I'm pretty sure that's the one Bridgette Crosby has. She busted that guy out of prison with the stone.

Is she evil? Or is she mainly hanging on to it to protect it?

At first I thought the whole witch thing was pretty stupid and too far out there, but then it is a show based on a comic book character with different meteor freaks every week...so I guess it's not too much of a stretch. The whole storyline has grown on me a little bit now and I actually liked the last episode. Lionel is still probably my favorite character despite his "changed" ways...although I have my doubts about him.

As for the three stones...Clark has one correct? And now Lana has one. Was what was used earlier in the season to transfer Lionel and Clark one of the three stones? Or is it still yet to be found.

The first Nitro of the 1997 year began with the last couple minutes of the last Nitro of 1996. We relived the scene of the nWo brutally beating Roddy Piper after he said that he wanted one more shot at Hogan's belt. We saw The Giant refusing to Chokeslam Piper, and the subsequent slap across the face from Hogan. Followed by The Giant grabbing HOGAN by the throat and demanding the title shot he deserved, only to get beat down by the nWo as well. The final view is of Hogan hitting The Giant with the belt and saying "This is MY belt" as the scene faded out into the Nitro opening. From the opening the camera panned around the live audience as the pyro went off on the Nitro stage. At the announce position was Tony Shiavone and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.

Tony Shiavone: Welcome to the FIRST Nitro of 1997! I'm Tony Shiavone and I'm alongside none other than Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as we get ready to bring to you a night that promises to be packed with excitement.

Bobby Heenan: I'm tellin' ya Tony, I'm so excited...I can't even see straight. Is that you Tony?

Tony Shiavone: Nevermind him...the last thing we remember from 1996 was seeing The Giant getting a beatdown at the hands of his OWN New World Order teammates! They did not take kindly to The Giant standing up for himself and demanding the title shot that he won at World War III.

Bobby Heenan: I've always said that the New World Order was full of nothing but a bunch of snakes who could not be trusted. And Hollywood Hogan, he's the BIGGEST snake of them all. And you know how you kill a snake Tony? You cut it's head off! Oh what I'd pay to see someone do that to Hogan.

Tony Shiavone: We're going to hope to have an update on the condition of Rowdy Roddy Piper sometime in the program as well after he took a massive beating from the nWo as well. The Giant will also be on hand tonight, and you know the nWo will be here...after all, we're going to see Syxx in the main event tonight against the man who could possibly step up and be the new leader of the WCW - Lex Luger.

Bobby Heenan: Somebody better step up, and if Lex Luger finishes with the bodywax soon enough...he just may be the guy we're looking for.

Tony Shiavone: Standing up against the nWo certainly hasn't gotten anyone very far...Randy Savage is out, Piper may have been beaten into retirement, and of course Sting now lurks the rafters because of the nWo!

Bobby Heenan: Speaking of which...hey Tony, why don't you stand up against the nWo.

Tony Shiavone: And on that note, this week we're starting the action off without the nWo as the Cruiserweights kick things off!

WCW Cruiserweight Title Match

Ultimo Dragon © (w/Sony Oono) vs. Billy Kidman

Neither man was met with much heat from the crowd, but they made up for the lack of heat by putting on a quality match atleast for the folks viewing at home. From the opening bell, Ultimo Dragon showed why he is the cruiserweight champion by mostly dominating Billy Kidman. Dragon introduced Kidman to his arsenal of kicks, keeping the normally high flying Kidman grounded to the mat. Dragon eventually sent Kidman to the outside and then came down onto him with his Asai Moonsault that left both men down. Ultimo Dragon rolled back into the ring and got the attention of referee Charles Robinson as Sony Oono snuck in and got a couple cheapshots to Kidman. Dragon then rolled back out of the ring to go back to work on Kidman. Kidman finally showed that he could indeed get some offense in as he reversed a whip attempt by Dragon and instead sent Dragon into the gaurd rail. Kidman ran, used the ringsteps as a springboard, and hit a head scissors takedown onto Dragon. Kidman rolled Dragon back into the ring, following him in and going for a quick pin. One, Two, Dragon kicked out.

Dragon got back up to his feet and swung a right hand at Kidman, but Kidman ducked and then lifted Dragon up for a back suplex but then instead drove him to the mat with a face slam. Kidman rolled Dragon over into a pinning predicament - One, Two, kickout again. Kidman attempted to whip Dragon into the ropes, but Dragon reversed it; however, it was re-reversed by Kidman. Dragon came off the ropes right into an elevated spinebuster bomb by Kidman. Another cover by the challenger - One, Two, kickout. Kidman's offense would come to an end for good, however, when he lifted Dragon up into a fireman's carry. Dragon fought it off and countered with the Dragon Sleeper almost out of nowhere on Kidman. Kidman was trapped in the middle of the ring as Dragon locked the hold on firmly. Kidman had no choice but to submit, allowing Dragon to successfully retain.

Winner and Still Cruiserweight Champion - Ultimo Dragon

Overall: 71

Crowd: 51

Match: 91

-Cruiserweight Title gained image-

Bobby Heenan: I almost feel sorry for Billy the Kid, he was no match for the Ultimate Dragon.

Tony Shiavone: It's Billy Kidman and Ultimo Dragon, Brain. And Kidman refused to give up, but Ultimo Dragon proved why he is the cruiserweight champion by sticking with it and winning with that DEVISTATING submission hold.

Bobby Heenan: With BO like yours Tony, the Dragon Sleeper would win you A LOT of matches.

Tony Shiavone: ...When we come back, a word with Lex Luger!

:::Commercials:::

-Leading the Charge-

As we came back from commercials, Mean Gene Okerland was backstage with "The Total Package" Lex Luger.

Gene Okerland: I'm with THE TOTAL PACKAGE, and Lex...many are saying that someone in World Championship Wrestling needs to step up and challenge the New World Order. And the question on EVERYBODY'S mind is...WILL THAT MAN BE YOU?

Lex Luger: I'll tell you Gene, it's NO secret that the nWo has got to be stopped. They've taken over the airwaves and they've even got their own Pay-Per-View coming up with Souled Out. I've watched as Randy Savage and Roddy Piper have tried to stop them, only to pay the ultimate price in the end. But even after seeing what happened to them, I cannot sit idly by and let WCW fall.

Gene Okerland: But don't you think that this task may be too big for just one man?

Lex Luger: Maybe for an ordinary men like Randy Savage and Roddy Piper, but I am The Total Package. I am no ordinary man. And who can I look to for help? Ric Flair and the Horsemen are too busy dealing with themselves and Jeff Jarrett. We've tried to get Sting to come back and fight the good fight, but he has deserted us in OUR time of need. It's obvious we can't count on him. If I have no choice, I will go into battle by myself.

Gene Okerland: What about The Giant, Lex? Someone of his size and power would make a strong ally in the fight against nWo.

Lex Luger: Let's not forget that not just a couple weeks ago, I had a match at Starcade against The Giant and we almost killed each other out there. The fact of the matter is that he already turned his back on WCW once by joining the black and white. Who is to say this isn't all some big master plan by Eric Bischoff to trick someone like me into trusting The Giant, only to have it bite me? I'm not willing to take the risk. And I'm willing to bet everyone in the WCW locker room feels the same way I do. The Giant cannot be trusted.

Gene Okerland: Ok, but what about your opponent for tonight, Syxx?

Lex Luger: Syxx is just a little scrawny twig and it would be my pleasure to snap in half with the Torture Rack. We all have seen me Rack the Giant, so Syxx will be no problem at all.

Luger then looked right into the camera and gave one of his trademark flexes before leaving Okerland to send it back to Shiavone and Heenan.

(79%)

Bobby Heenan: I hope Luger is okay.

Tony Shiavone: What do you mean?

Bobby Heenan: Well he looked kind of constipated just then.

Tony Shiavone: We was flexing like he always does...

Bobby Heenan: OR...maybe he's just always constipated. I think I might have some medicine for him.

Chris Jericho vs. Masahiro Chono

Jericho got the crowd into the match, as he is really starting to get a following in WCW. Chono came out wearing an nWo Japan T-Shirt and seemed cool and confident in his dark shades. These two have met before, and Jericho went right at Chono - hitting him with a dropkick to the knee to start the match. Chono lost his shades in the scuffle which saw Jericho getting the early advantage thanks to his electricity and catching Chono off gaurd. Jericho tried to keep the match at his perferred fast pace to keep the advantage. Jericho went for the pin following a missle dropkick to Chono, but only got a two. After a couple more pinfall attempts, Jericho locked Chono in a waistlock. Chono fought off a German suplex attempt from Jericho by hitting him with a pair of back elbows. Jericho stumbled back and Chono took Jericho to the mat with a Yakuza Kick. Chono went for the pin which also got a two.

Chono grounded Jericho by applying a headlock and arm hold. Billy Silverman checked in on Jericho, but Jericho was not giving in. He had the crowd behind him and fought his way free - only to be taken back down to the mat by a clothesline from Chono. Chono stomped away at Jericho furiously which caused Silverman to step in and restrain him. Jericho began trying to pull himself up using the ropes, but Chono came in and headbutted Jericho in the back and pulled him to the center of the ring where he hit him with a snap belly-to-back suplex. Chono went for the pin - One, Two, Thr...Jericho got his shoulder up. Chono would soon attempt a powerbomb, but Jericho pulled Chono's legs out from under him and then turned him over into the Lion Tamer! Chono tried to fight off the hold, but it looked like he was about to give in when Nick Patrick and Syxx arrived at ringside. Patrick pulled Silverman from the ring as Chono tapped out. Patrick decked Silverman as Syxx bounced off the ropes and broke the Lion Tamer with a spinning heel kick to Jericho. Patrick climbed into the ring as Syxx helped Chono up. Chono walked over to Jericho and locked on the STF. Jericho wasn't tapping out, but Patrick called for the bell anyway - rewarding the match to Masahiro Chono.

Winner - Masahiro Chono

Overall: 72

Crowd: 60

Match: 84

-Masahiro Chono gained over-

Tony Shiavone: I can't believe this! Chris Jericho had Masahiro Chono locked in the Lion Tamer and had the match WON!

Bobby Heenan: When it comes to the nWo, it ain't over till it's over.

Tony Shiavone: But the match SHOULD HAVE BEEN OVER!

Bobby Heenan: Tell that to Jericho, he just loss.

The screen cut out to commercials as Nick Patrick raised Masahiro Chono's arm in victory as Syxx laid some cheap boots to Jericho all while the crowd booed them on.

:::Commercials:::

-Tension Mounts in the Horsemen Camp-

Back from commercials, the screen fades in to the Horsemen's private suite.. Steve McMichael and Debra were sitting down while Benoit, Arn, and Flair stood. Flair paced back and forth, obviously upset about something. Woman was standing by the side of Chris Benoit.

Ric Flair: AAABSOLUTELY NOT! NO WAY!

Debra McMichael: Aw come on' Ric...he's a good guy. And he's helped us out a lot. Just give him a spot.

Arn Anderson: Listen missy...it's the FOUR Horsemen. And that's the way it's going to stay.

Ric Flair: There is no way in HELL that Jarrett is ever going to be a Horseman. I don't care who he beats. I don't care who he helps! THIS is the Horsemen.

Debra whispered something to Mongo, who then stood up from his seat.

Steve McMichael: You know, I've always thought that it was strength in numbers. It couldn't hurt to have one more person on our side. Especially with the nWo runnin' all 'round beating up anyone and everyone in their path. Come on Ric, Arn, Chris...what's it gonna hurt?

Ric Flair: What's it gonna hurt? WHAT'S IT GONNA HURT?! How about the legacy of the Horsemen?! Something I think YOU are doing enough of already! The only reason you're standing up for him is because your WIFE WANTS YOU TOO!

Chris Benoit: Yeah MONGO, maybe you want to thank about that for a second. Maybe Jarrett and Debra have a little thing going on behind your back?

Mongo squinted, then turned his head over to Debra who immediately denied it. Mongo looked back to the other three.

Steve McMichael: Oh yeah Chris, you would know ALLLLLLL about other people's WIVES, WOULDN'T YA?

This obviously angered Benoit, who went right up into Mongo's face. Mongo wasn't backing down, but they were seperated by Flair and Anderson.

Arn Anderson: Listen, we need to get our heads together here. Mongo has a point, there is strength in numbers. But the fact is, Jarrett is not and will not be a Horsemen. Case closed. Now put your differences aside now...

Ric Flair: That's it! Kiss and make up boys! Because tonight we're gonna tear the town up!

Benoit and Mongo very reluctantly shook hands at the request of Flair and Anderson.

Ric Flair: That's what I'm talking about! Come on guys and gals, it's party time! WHOOOOOO!

The crowded "Whoooed" with Flair as the screen faded out from the Horsemen suite.

(99%)

-Arn Anderson gained over-

Tony Shiavone: It looks like things are settled in the Four Horsemen camp, for now atleast.

Bobby Heenan: Women are nothing but trouble, Tony. And I love trouble.

Tony Shiavone: We're going to see Jeff Jarrett in action later on tonight, but right now we...

Shiavone was cut off as the now unmistakeable music of the New World Order began to blare over the PA System. The crowd booed loudly as the WCW World Tag Team Champions - Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, The Outsiders - made their way from the back, not dressed in wrestling gear; but instead in nWo gear and jeans. They headed for the announce booth instead of the ring. Shiavone and Heenan looked ready to jet, but Nash and Hall pushed them back down into their seats. Kevin Nash took a seat next to Tony and put on a headset.

Kevin Nash: Woah what's the rush fellas? We're just here to see a little RASSLIN action.

Tony Shiavone: ...Alright...

Bobby Heenan: Sure! Pull up a chair fellas.

Kevin Nash: Oh good, you guys were ready for us...you have a fourth headset.

Nash pulled out another headset for Hall, who didn't have a chair so he took a seat on the booth itself.

Scott Hall: Hey yo.

Kevin Nash: You know how predictable you are?

Scott Hall: What's your point?

Kevin Nash: Meh...I dunno.

Tony Shiavone: If your going to be here, atleast call some action.

Scott Hall: Hey Einstein, looks to me like there's no action in the ring yet for us to call. Get a clue.

Kevin Nash: Haha, yo Scott...I don't think he can tell cuz you're kinda blocking his view of the ring.

Scott Hall: He's got a monitor, let him use that.

Bobby Heenan: I'm always telling Tony that he makes things too hard on himself.

Kevin Nash: Haha, you're a good man Brain.

Bobby Heena: Yeah, I think so too.

Kevin Nash: Allllright! In the famous words of Tony Shiavone - LET'S GO TO THE RING!

#1 Contender for the Tag Titles

The Steiner Brothers vs. The Amazing French Canadians

The Steiners were very over with the crowd, while the French Canadians could not really say the same. But they were getting this shot following a victory over Public Enemy last week on Nitro. The winner of this match was set to go on to face The Outsiders at Souled Out. Hall and Nash spent the match making fun of both teams, and the French in general. While the commentary was humorous, it did take away from the match; which was too bad since the match itself was pretty good. Both teams have plenty of experience and worked well with each other. The Steiners started off hot against Carl Ouelette and Jacques Rougeau, making frequent tags and taking out whatever member of the French Candians that came at them. Rick Steiner would go for a pin following a double suplex - One, Two, Oulette broke up the pin. Rougeau hit Rick with a low blow that allowed him to make the tag to Carl Ouelette who immediately met the recovering Rick Steiner with some stiff forearm shots. He then lit Rick up in the corner with some stiff chops. A powerslam resulted in a two count for Ouelette. Nitro headed to commercials as he locked a back mounted chinlock onto Rick.

Coming back from the commercials, Rick Steiner was still being the face-in-peril as Ouelette and Rougeau were using the standard heel tag team play book including drawing Scott into the ring to distract the ref, illegal switches, and of course double teaming. However, once Ouelette went for the La Cannonball, Rick managed to move out of the way just in time so that Carl hit the mat hard. Rick slowly crawled over and tagged in Scott. Both members of the AFC's took turns eatting Steinerlines from Scott before Rougeau was hit with a T-Bone suplex from Scott. Ouelette stumbled up to his feet and walked right into a swinging belly-to-belly suplex from Scott. He then pulled Ouelette back up and sent him into the corner. Scott came running in with a clothesline into the corner before positioning Ouelette on the top turnbuckle, setting him up for the Frankensteiner. He climbed up to the middle turnbuckle and was hitting right hands to Ouelette to ensure he didn't fight back, but Rougeau came out of nowhere and shoved Scott Steiner off the top turnbuckle back to the mat!

Rougeau tagged himself in and went right after Steiner, laying the boots to him. Rougeau went to pull Scott up to his feet, but Scott fought him off with a jawbreaker. Rougeau came back looking for a clothesline, but Scott ducked and then hit a release German Suplex to him. Scott grabbed Rougeau and pulled him to the corner where he tagged Rick back in and lifted Rougeau up into a shoulder lift as Rick climbed the top turnbuckle. Rick came off the top with the Steiner Bulldog onto Rougeau! Rick made the cover as Scott took out Ouelette - One, Two, Three.

Winners - The Steiner Brothers

Overall: 76

Crowd: 68

Match: 84

Kevin Nash: And the Germans beat the French again.

Tony Shiavone: Germans? What?

Scott Hall: Steiner...it's German.

Bobby Heenan: He don't get out much. We try not to let him out of his cage but once a week.

Back in the ring, Mark Johnson lifted Rick and Scott's arms before they climbed the turnbuckles facing the stage and pointed over in the direction of The Outsiders at the announce booth.

Scott Hall: Ooooh we're so scared.

Tony Shiavone: Be careful about your jokes, these are the guys you will be facing at Souled Out!

Kevin Nash: You think we're afraid of the Steiners? We've beat them before and we'll beat them again. No problem.

Scott Hall: Hey what's that noise mean?

Tony Shiavone: It means it's time for...

Kevin Nash: FOLKS! WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK!

::::Commercials:::

Coming back from the commercials, Hall and Nash were still at the announce booth as WCW Television Champion Lord Steven Regal made his way to the ring with Squire David Taylor.

Kevin Nash: Welcome back to nWo Monday Nitro.

Tony Shiavone: I've got to ask you, aren't you worried about what will happen once The Giant gets here?

Scott Hall: And why would we be worried?

Tony Shiavone: Well after what you did to him last week, he's going to be one angry giant.

Kevin Nash: Well punmaster Shiavone, let us not forget The Giant is but one man...with no friends...and we in the nWo are brothers.

Bobby Heenan: That's what I was telling him earlier!

Tony Shiavone: No you weren't, you called them snakes!

Bobby Heenan: Oh no, that was you. Don't try to put this on me. I love these guys.

"Self High Five"

DDP's Music hit the PA System as the fans got to their feet in anticipation of the arrival of Diamond Dallas Page for his scheduled Television Title match. After he did not appear after a few moments, his music stopped. Regal was still ready to fight in the ring as the fans were all very confused...

Tony Shiavone: What's going on?

Kevin Nash: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Mr. Page is preoccupied tonight with a meeting in an "undisclosed" location with Eric Bischoff.

Tony Shiavone: What?! What is this all about?

Scott Hall: What do you think, monkey?

Kevin Nash: Yeah, jump to your own conclusion. But don't worry, he has a replacement.

Scott Hall: LET'S GO TO THE RING!

The Dungeon of Doom's music began to play as DDP's replacement was apparantly the DOD's Konnan who was led to the ring by the megaphone wielding Jimmy Hart...

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal © (w/Squire David Taylor) vs. Konnan (w/Jimmy Hart)

In a match that was not quite up to par with the matches so far on Nitro, these two still went back and forth the entire way. Once again Hall and Nash spent the match joking around about The Giant situation as well as the where-abouts of DDP. Regal has been escaping week in and week out with the Television Title by cheating his way to victory, making it to the 15 minute time limit, or Disqualifying himself to retain the title. Basically anything he could come up with to walk away the champion he had done. This match he continued his streak as he pulled out as many dirty tricks as he could, while also using David Taylor as an assit whenever he could. Regal had Konnan in a choke hold across the middle ropes as referee Randy Anderson counted - One, Two, Three, Four, Anderson pulled Regal off and warned him as David Taylor hit a right hand to Konnan. Regal made the cover - One, Two, kickout. Regal continued on othe offensive, soon sending over the top rope to the floor with a clothesline. Regal grabbed Anderson as Taylor pulled Konnan up and threw him into the ringsteps. Jimmy Hart ran over and leaped onto Taylor's back to stop his attack to Konnan. This brought Regal out of the ring and pulled Hart down and threw him against the gaurd rail. However, Regal turned around into a clothesline from Konnan. As the brawl continued on the outside, we headed to another commercial break.

The action had been brought back into the ring as we came back from commercials. Konnan was now in control of the champion, working him over in the corner. He then brought Regal out of the corner and hit him with a modified backbreaker for a two count. He tried to take advantage and lock on the Tequila Sunrise, but Regal made it to the ropes. Konnan pulled Regal back to his feet, but a poke to the eyes stopped Konnan's offense. Regal decked Konnan with an European Uppercut and following a wraparound neckbreaker went for a pinfall. One, Two, Thre....kickout. Regal went for another pin following a double underhook powerbomb to Konnan - One, Two, Thre...Konnan once again just barely got his shoulder up. A frustrated Regal sent Konnan into the ropes, but off the ropes Konnan hit a rolling clothesline to Regal. Regal stumbled back to his feet right into a faceplant from Konnan. Konnan then pulled Regal to the center of the ring and could literally taste the Television Title gold as he locked on the Tequila Sunrise to Regal. It looked like Regal was going to tap, but David Taylor came into the ring and broke up the submission! Randy Anderson had no choice but to call for the bell. Konnan got the DQ victory, but once again Regal retained.

Winner - Konnan (DQ)

Overall: 75

Crowd: 72

Match: 78

Tony Shiavone: Not again!

Bobby Heenan: You got to admire a man who has a strategy going into a match, wouldn't you say so Mr. Nash?

Kevin Nash: Yes, very admirable.

Konnan was outraged as he got up and hit a pair of forearms shivers to David Taylor before whipping him into the ropes and hitting him with a rolling clothesline of his own. Regal locked David Taylor in the Tequila Sunrise as Regal rolled out of the ring and grabbed his Telelvision Title. Regal headed up the aisle.

Tony Shiavone: And he leaves the man who made sure he retained! What kind of man is Steven Regal!?

Bobby Heenan: A smart one!

Scott Hall: I'll second that.

Konnan released the submission and rolled out of the ring, chasing after Regal. Regal quickly picked up his pace and disappeared backstage with Konnan close behind.

Scott Hall: Hey yo, Big Kev...I think it's time we go get ready.

Kevin Nash: Hm...looks like you're right. Well boys, it's been fun.

Tony Shiavone: Get ready for what exactly?

Kevin Nash: Don't worry about it, Tony. It's official, top-secret, hush-hush kinda stuff.

Bobby Heenan: And believe me, Shiavone is the LAST person you want to tell a secret too. He'd sell out his own grandmother.

Nash and Hall removed their headsets and headed backstage.

Bobby Heenan: Whew, I thought they'd never leave.

Tony Shiavone: You really are the Weasel, you know that...

:::Commercials:::

As we came back from commercials, Disco Inferno danced his way to the ring to a mixed reaction from the fans. As Disco climbed into the ring, Tony Shiavone was ready to pass along some information to us.

Tony Shiavone: As we prepare to see Disco Inferno take on Jeff Jarrett, I promised earlier that we would get an update on the condition of Roddy Piper before the end of the show, and I was just told that Piper sufferred a concussion as a result of the attack from the nWo and will be out atleast for three months to recover completely...and even then he may not be completely stable.

Bobby Heenan: No one has ever accused Piper of being stable.

Tony Shiavone: All jokes aside, we hope Piper a quick and speedy recovery so that he can hopefully get back and help in this war against the New World Order.

Disco Inferno vs. Jeff Jarrett

The crowd wasn't really sure who to pull for in this match, resulting in both men getting mixed reactions from the crowd. However, throughout the course of the match it was apparant that Jarrett was playing the heel with his tactics, thus the fans started to get more behind Disco. This one was mostly Jarrett as he dominated Disco for the majority of what could be described as an extended squash match. But Disco took his beating like a man and sold very well for Jarrett. Jarrett worked over Disco's leg for the duration of the match to set him up for the Figure Four Leglock, driving Disco's leg into the mat, stomping on it, and slamming it across the ring post several times. Following a back suplex by Jarrett, he proceeded to get more heel heat from the fans by doing his strut. Jarrett then grabbed Disco's leg, stepped over and locked on the Figure Four. Disco tapped out almost immediately.

Winner - Jeff Jarrett

Overall: 78

Crowd: 69

Match: 88

Tony Shiavone: Love or hate Jarrett, he certainly took care of business against Disco.

Bobby Heenan: It's gotta be the hair.

-Earning A Spot-

Following the match, Jarrett did not release the Figure Four immediately. He kept it locked on until referee Billy Silverman threatened to reverse his decision. Jarrett let it go, but then stomped on Disco a couple more times before throwing him out of the ring. Jarrett then demanded the microphone.

Jeff Jarrett: Now if THAT doesn't prove that I deserve to be a Horseman. I don't know what does. So Ric, Anderson, Benoit, McMichael...I'm not leavin' this ring until I am a HORSEMAN!

Jarrett propped himself up against the ropes and relaxed as he showed that he indeed wasn't going anywhere. The Horsemen music hit the PA system, bringing a pop from the audience as Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Chris Benoit, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, and Debra (no Woman around) made their way down to the ring. Once in the microphone, Arn Anderson snatched the microphone from Jeff Jarrett.

Arn Anderson: Listen, how many times are we going to have to tell you. You will NEVER be a Horseman. There is no denying your skills Jarrett. We all just witnessed that much. You just beat Disco Inferno and you did it convincingly...good for you. But there is one thing that every Horseman has that you lack. And that is RESPECT. You come out here and you demand a spot. You don't just get a spot in the Horsemen. You have to not only earn the respect, but you have to give it as well.

Ric Flair grabbed the microphone next.

Ric Flair: Goldylocks, you want in the Horsemen? TOO BAD! Because when I look at you I don't see a a limousine ridin', jet flyin', kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', son of a gun! WHOOOO! You've got to put your BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS into this ring. When I look at you Jarrett, I don't see nothing but a country boy who wants to take the fast train to the top of this company and use The Horsemen as your ride. WELL THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN! Look infront of you and tell me what you see...you see THE NAITCHA BOY...you see THE ENFORCE, DOUBLE A....YOU SEE THE RABID WOLVERINE, and you see MONGO! WE ARE THE FOUR HORSEMEN. Who do you think you are?

Jeff Jarrett: Well, "The Fifth Horseman" Jeff Jarrett has a nice sound to it.

Ric Flair: The fifth Horseman? The Fifth Horseman???

Flair looked back at his Horsemen stablemates with disbelief on his face.

Jeff Jarrett: Ric, you've always said to be the man, you gotta beat the man...well how about I take on any one of the Horsemen for the spot? How about Benoit, I've beat him before...I think I deserve his SPOT. What has he done to deserve to be a Horseman? Huh?

Benoit's pride wasn't going to let him sit with that as he moved in and went right after Jarrett with a right hand, but Jarrett moved out of the way and Benoit struck Debra! Debra dropped to the mat and Steve McMichael went right after Benoit, shoving him, but Benoit shoved him back. Jarrett hit the mat and rolled out of the ring with a smirk on his face as Flair and Anderson had to break up Benoit and McMichael once again. We headed to commercials as the Horsemen argued.

(92%)

-Jeff Jarrett gained over-

:::Commercials:::

Non-Title Match

Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko

Eddie Guerrero, the United States Champion, came out without his belt since it was still in the posession of the New World Order. Guerrero got a good face reaction, while Malenko was met with mostly silence from the crowd. This was a back and forth match that was actually a bit of a letdown in terms of quality, thanks to a couple of missed spots. Malenko made the best of his showing as he got in more offense than you would expect him to get against the United States Champion. He put a scare into the champion after getting a nearfall off of a fireman's carry into a gutbuster. Malenko tried to work over Eddie's leg to set him up for the Texas Cloverleaf as he applied a kneelock to Guerrero, but Guerrero was close enought to the ropes to get Malenko to break the hold, but not before Malenko held on to the full count. Malenko lifted Guerrero up and hit him with a couple of kneebreakers. He began to try and turn Guerrero over into a Texas Cloverleaf, but Guerrero fought it off.

Guerrero reversed a waistlock from Malenko with a go-behind into a waistlock of his own that he turned into a bridging German Suplex. One, Two, kickout. Both men were slow to get back to their feet, but Guerrero was establishing the match back into his control once again. Guerrero met Malenko with a boot to the midsection and then followed it up by dropping him with a brainbuster. He went for the pin - One, Two, Thre...Malenko got his shoulder up. Following a back suplex, Guerrero scaled to the top turnbuckle for his Frog Splash...but once he was to the top turnbuckle he noticed Ted DiBiase standing on the stage with the United States Title around his shoulder. DiBiase laughed from the stage as he had Guerrero's attention long enough for Malenko to recover and climb up to the top with Eddie. Malenko came off the top turnbuckle with a superplex onto Guerrero! Both men were down as referee Mark Johnson began to count them both out - One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Malenko rolled over to make the cover. One, Two, Thre....Guerrero got his shoulder up just in time.

Malenko was back in control thanks to DiBiase, and was about to try and finish Guerrero off with a Tiger Driver, but Guerrero backdropped out of it. Guerrero dropped to a knee, using up a lot of his energy out of desperation. Malenko stumbled back over to Guerrero, but Guerrero caught him with a knee to the midsection and then hit him with a Swinging DDT. Guerrero went for another cover. One, Two, kickout by Malenko. Guerrero was slow back to his feet and began to pull Malenko up. He attempted an Irish Whip into the corner on Malenko, but Malenko reversed it and sent Eddie in instead. Malenko followed him in with a splash and then set Eddie up on the top turnbuckle once again. Malenko climbed up with him, but Eddie began to fight back. Eddie got the upperhand and shoved Dean off the turnbuckle to the mat. Eddie got his balance on the top turnbuckle and came off with the Frog Splash. One, Two, Three.

Winner - Eddie Guerrero

Overall: 71

Crowd: 62

Match: 81

Ted DiBiase shook his head and then disappeared to the back with the US Belt. Once Guerrero recovered, he rolled out of the ring not even taking time to celebrate his victory and headed up the aise after his belt.

Tony Shiavone: Eddie Guerrero gets a hard fought victory over "The Ice Man" Dean Malenko.

Bobby Heenan: Maybe now Eddie Guerrero will get a US Title shot.

Tony Shiavone: He IS the US Champion!

Bobby Heenan: Um no Tony, I'm pretty sure I just saw Ted DiBiase with the belt.

Tony Shiavone: Nevermind...when we come back, Lex Luger will be taking on Syxx in the Main Event!

:::Commercials:::

Main Event

Lex Luger vs. Syxx

Time was winding down on Nitro, so it was fairly obvious that this match was not going to last very long. Not to mention that the referee of this match was Nick Patrick, so the chances of it being a clean match were slim to none. Syxx tried to cheat his way into beating Luger early, and scored with a flying spin kick to Luger. A very quick pin resulted in a one count that Luger powered out of. Syxx tried to get back up to his feet quick enough to catch Luger off gaurd, but it just wasn't working as Luger was too much for Syxx. Luger overpowered Syxx and threw him into the ropes. Off the ropes Luger hit a flying forearm to Syxx. Syxx stumbled up to his feet into an inverted atomic drop from Luger. Syxx was staggering around and Luger Irish Whipped Syxx into the turnbuckle. Luger charged in with a big lariat in the corner. Luger then grabbed Syxx and Irish Whipped him into the opposite corner and gave him another corner lariat. Luger then signalled for the Torture Rack as Syxx stumbled into Luger. Luger lifted Syxx up into the Rack. Nick Patrick pretended to get hit by Syxx's boot and dropped to his knees.

Luger saw the feigning Patrick, and dropped Syxx. He then grabbed Patrick and lifted him up into the Torture Rack as well, which sent a pop through the crowd. However, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Hollywood Hogan hit the ring and attacked Luger from behind.

Tony Shiavone: This is typical nWo!

The rest of the New World Order filed out from the back to join in on the assault of Lex Luger as Nash gave Hall the Jackknife Powerbomb. Cups and various other trash began to fill the ring, which has become the norm for the end of a Nitro as of late. Hogan then bounced off the ropes and hit the Big Legdrop to Lex Luger. Buff Bagwell brought in a can of spray paint to give Luger the usual treatment. As Hogan gave him the nWo branding, the cameras tilted up to the rafters to reveal Sting looking down at his former best friend receiving the beating from the nWo.

"WE WANT STING"

This echoed throughout the arena as the fans chanted loudly for Sting to drop down from the rafters and save Luger from the onslaught.

Tony Shiavone: STING! If WCW ever needed him it's now!

Bobby Heenan: Look at him! He's a coward, WCW can't rely on him.

Tony Shiavone: Well SOMEBODY has to help Luger!

The camera stayed on Sting until he finally stood up and walked away, disappearing into the darkness. Back in the ring, the nWo celebrated over Luger's fallen body. Hogan grabbed a microphone.

Hollywood Hogan: YOU KNOW SOMETHING BROTHERS...This is what happens when you try to stand up to the New World Order! First it was THE STINGER, then it was Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, now you can add your so-called TOTAL PACKAGE to the list! WCW is at OUR MERCY. SO WCW...WATCHA GONNA DO...WHEN THE NWO RUNS WILD ON YOU??!

The New World Order continued their celebration..until the 7 foot GIANT stomped down the aisle from the back.

Tony Shiavone: THE GIANT! HE IS HERE!

Bobby Heenan: Watch the snakes scatter!

The New World Order wanted nothing to do with The Giant as Hogan, Hall, Nash, and most of the rest of the New World Order exited the ring as The Giant climbed in over the top rope. Vincent was the unlucky one left to the wolves as The Giant gave him a big Chokeslam.

Tony Shiavone: Luger said he couldn't be trusted, but he is here now to save him!

Big Bubba tried attacking The Giant from behind, but The Giant absorbed the blows. He turned around and caught Big Bubba with a Big Boot. The rest of the nWo backed off as the fans popped loudly for The Giant. The Giant leaned down and began to check on the fallen Luger...

Tony Shiavone: We're out of time fans! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

Fade out on The Giant crouching over Luger...

(95%)

OVERALL - 81%

QUICK RESULTS

Ultimo Dragon def. Billy Kidman

Masahiro Chono def. Chris Jericho

The Steiner Brothers def. The Amazing French Canadians

Konnan def. Lord Steven Regal (DQ)

Jeff Jarrett def. Disco Inferno

Eddie Guerrero def. Dean Malenko

Lex Luger drew Syxx

J-Dubb had to reformat his PC and he lost all of his TNA data.

But this WCW one looks alot cooler!

Great stuff so far!

←

WCW Monday Nitro Preview for January 6

As we left Nitro in 1996, we witnessed Roddy Piper destroyed by the New World Order. When The Giant refused to do further damage to Piper and instead demanded a title shot from Hollywood Hogan, he found himself turned on quickly as he became subject to a New World Order beatdown as well. But that has done little to quiet The Giant's demand for a title shot. The last thing Hollywood Hogan wants to do is to have to defend his World Title against The Giant at Souled Out, but The Giant has earned the title shot and it is only a matter of time before Hogan has to meet The Giant in the ring. But for this week, The Giant will be on hand looking to get back at his former group.

With Piper out of comission, who is going to step up to face the New World Order. It looks like the next man to do so could be "The Total Package" Lex Luger. In this week's Nitro Main Event, Luger is set to face the New World Order's Syxx. Luger will have the power advantage, but Luger has to be aware of the threat from the back as the nWo always strikes in numbers.

Souled Out is still in the distance, but this week on Nitro we will find out who will be going to Souled Out to face The Outsiders for the WCW World Tag Team Titles. Coming off a win over Public Enemy last week on Nitro, The Amazing French Canadians will be looking to continue their momentum as they face one of the most successful teams WCW has ever had - The Steiner Brothers.

Will Diamond Dallas Page join the New World Order? WCW hopes that they can keep him on the good side, but his interview with Gene Okerland last week left many questions open. Perhaps in an effort to persuade DDP to stay with WCW, he has been given a WCW Television Title shot this week against Lord Steven Regal. Regal has shown that he will do anything to keep his Television Title...will he sneak away again this week?

Is there a rift in the foundation of the Four Horsemen? Ric Flair and Arn Anderson would like us to think otherwise. But ever since Jeff Jarrett has shown up on the scene and demanded a spot, tensions have been high. Jeff Jarrett feels he did enough to prove himself by beating Chris Benoit at Starcade, but apparantly it wasn't enough. Jarrett will be looking to continue to try and prove him worthy of being a Horsemen this week as he takes on Disco Inferno.

Plus - United States Champion Eddie Guerrero in action as well as a Cruiserweight Title defense from Ultimo Dragon!

Confirmed Card

-Lex Luger vs. Syxx

-The Steiner Brothers vs. The Amazing French Canadians

-Lord Steven Regal vs. Diamond Dallas Page - Television Title Match

-Jeff Jarrett vs. Disco Inferno

AND MORE!

World Championship Wrestling

Money: 50,000,000

PI: 50% Global

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Hollywood Hogan

WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Outsiders

WCW United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero

WCW Television Champion: Lord Steven Regal

WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Ultimo Dragon

Italics = Heel

Bold = Tweener

MAIN EVENT

Hollywood Hogan

Lex Luger

Ric Flair

Sting

UPPER MIDCARD

Arn Anderson

Diamond Dallas Page

Kevin Nash

Rick Steiner

Scott Hall

Scott Steiner

The Giant

MIDCARD

Big Bubba Rogers

Booker T

Buff Bagwell

Chris Benoit

Chris Jericho

Dean Malenko

Disco Inferno

Eddie Guerrero

Jeff Jarrett

Jim Duggan

Kevin Sullivan

Konnan

Lord Steven Regal

Steve "Mongo" McMichael

Stevie Ray

Syxx

Ultimo Dragon

LOWER MIDCARD

Alex Wright

Bobby Eaton

Carl Oulette

Glacier

Greg Valentine

Hugh Morrus

Jacques Rougeau

John Tenta

Johnny Grunge

Madusa

Masahiro Chono

Meng

Michael Wallstreet

nWo Sting

Rocco Rock

Scott Norton

Scotty Riggs

Squire David Taylor

The Renegade

Vincent

OPENERS

Billy Kidman

Bunkhouse Buck

Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Dirty Dick Slater

Hardwork Bobby Walker

Juventud Guerrera

Rey Mysterio Jr.

Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker

The Barbarbian

MANAGERS

Col. Robert Sanders

Debra McMichael

Elizabeth

Eric Bischoff

Jimmy Hart

Kimberly

Sister Sherri

Sonny Oono

Ted DiBiase

Woman

DELEVOPMENTAL (Wild Time)

Ace Darling

Brad Armstrong

Craig Pittman

CW Anderson

David Flair

Devon Storm

Horace Hogan

Jim Powers

Joe Gomez

Kenny Kaos

La Parka

Mark Starr

Mike Enos

Prince Iaukea

Psychosis

Rick Fuller

Robbie Rage

Scott Armstrong

Steve Armstrong

Super Calo

TAG TEAMS

The Amazing French Canadians - Jacques Rougeau Jr & Carl Oulette

Harlem Heat - Booker T & Stevie Ray

Public Enemy - Johnny Grunge & Rocco Rock

The Blue Bloods - Lord Steven Regal & Squire David Taylor

The Faces of Fear - Meng & The Barbarian

The Outsiders - Scott Hall & Kevin Nash

The Steiner Brothers - Scott Steiner & Rick Steiner

STABLES

The New World Order

Hollywood Hogan - Leader

Big Bubba Rogers

Buff Bagwell

Elizabeth

Eric Bischoff

Kevin Nash

Masahiro Chono (nWo Japan)

Michael Walstreet

nWo Sting (nWo Japan)

Scott Hall

Scott Norton

Syxx

Ted DiBiase

Vincent

The Four Horsemen

Ric Flair - Leader

Arn Anderson

Chris Benoit

Steve McMichael

The Dungeon of Doom

Jimmy Hart - Leader

Hugh Morrus

Kevin Sullivan

Konnan

Meng

The Barbarian

THE COMPETITION

World Wrestling Federation

PI: 15% Global

Owner: Linda McMahon

Top Five Stars:

1. Shawn Michaels

2. Bret Hart

3. The Undertaker

4. Sycho Sid

5. Steve Austin

Extreme Championship Wrestling

PI: 70% Cult

Owner: Paul Heyman

Top Five Stars:

1. Raven

2. Tommy Dreamer

3. Shane Douglas

4. The Sandman

5. Sabu

1996 Top Workers

1. Shawn Michaels (WWF)

2. Bret Hart (WWF)

3. Owen Hart (WWF)

4. Keiji Moto (Free Agent)

5. Chris Jericho (WCW)

6. Chris Benoit (WCW)

7. Steve Austin (WWF)

8. Diamond Dallas Page (WCW)

9. Rocky Miavai (WWF)

10. Eddie Guerrero (WCW)

The New World Order

Bash at the Beach - 1996

By now, everyone knows what happened on this date in wrestling history. There is really no point in retelling the story once again, but what was created on this day would revolutionize wrestling like no event up until then had done. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash had come to World Championship Wrestling as The Outsiders and promised a third member. At Bash at the Beach, it was revealed in unforgetable fashion that long-time fan favorite and hero - Hulk Hogan - was the third member of this rebel faction. Hogan would soon dub himself Hollywood Hogan and the three were known as the New World Order.

WCW Hog Wild - 1996

The nWo took its first step in establishing dominance over World Championship Wrestling when Hollywood Hogan challenged the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, The Giant in the main event. The Giant's power and strength made it appear that he would keep the belt in the hands of WCW, but Kevin Nash and Scott Hall would not have any of that. But The Giant appeared to be up to the challenge of keeping The Outsiders from making a difference, and had them set up for the Chokeslam. That was when Hogan took the title and slammed it into The Giant's head. From there it was just a simple three count before Hogan was awarded the Heavyweight Title. The nWo had taken the most prestigous belt in World Championship Wrestling to take a firm grip on the entire promotion. And to add insult to injury, he proceeded to spray paint the letters "nWo" onto the title belt which would not only spit on everything the belt stood for, but also to start the spray painting signature that would become a nWo trademark.

With the nWo becoming an established force in WCW, the new members started popping up. Ted DiBiase appeared at ringside for several Monday Nitros before being revealed as the "money man" of the nWo. DiBiase's infamous Virgil would also join the nWo as its "security." But perhaps the biggest jumper to the nWo was the man who just 23 days prior was screwed out of his Heavyweight Title. The power of money had led The Giant into joining the New World Order.

Sting

- September 9, 1996 - It would become the Monday Nitro that would start one of the longest and possibly most confusing angles of all time. Millions of fans around the world watched what appeared to be Sting attack his long-time best friend, Lex Luger before jumping into the New World Order limosine that quickly drove off. Everyone would quickly jump to the conclusion that Sting had joined the nWo, despite Sting's persistant denial. This all led up to Fall Brawl of 1996 in War Games. It was nWo, consisting of Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and "Sting" vs. Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Arn Anderson, and Sting. Which side would Sting be on? Well, the later dubbed "nWo Sting" came out last for nWo, taking away whatever hope Team WCW had for winning the match. But as time counted down for WCW's last member to come out, out came none other than the real Sting. Sting proceeded to clean house for WCW. However, since his teammates had not believed him, Sting abandoned his them after taking out each member of the nWo. From there, nWo Sting would make Luger submit to a Scorpion Deathlock for a nWo win. The show would end with Luger crawling from the ring crying out to his best friend.

From then on, Sting's true allegiance was in question as he start wearing the black and white facepaint resembling that of The Crow. Sting would appear in the rafters week after week, ocassionaly showing up to take out members of both sides. His weapon of choice - the black baseball bat.

The nWo Grows - "If you're not for us, you're against us."

After Fall Brawl, nWo continued to grow stronger and stronger. They introduced the newest member, an old buddy of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall - Sean Waltman, or as he would become known as in the nWo - Syxx. The New World Order would also get some help from the inside during their matches when they recruited a referee to join the nWo. Nick Patrick joined the dark side, and his continuous bad officiating on the behalf of the nWo got him into a feud with Chris Jericho. The nWo would also acquire more gold when The Outsiders defeated Harlem Heat to become the Tag Team Champions at Halloween Havoc.

However, nWo would not realize its true power until they revealed the mastermind behind everything. On the November 18th edition of Nitro, during a segment involving Hollywood Hogan and Rowdy Roddy Piper, Senior Vice President Eric Bischoff's allegiance to the nWo. He then watched on as the nWo laid a beating onto Piper.

The next week on Nitro, Bischoff and the nWo would announce that the entire WCW had 30 days in order to declare where their allegiance lies. "If you aren't for us, you are against us." The first to take Bischoff up on his offer was Marcus Bagwell after he turned on his American Males tag team partner, Scotty Riggs. Marcus would soon take on the name Buff Bagwell as a nWo member. Also joining the nWo colors was Michael Walstreet and Big Bubba Rogers.

One man who gained the most from the nWo's membership drive was Battlebowl winner Diamond Dallas Page. Having not accomplished much besides a TV Title reign and the Battlebowl itself, was being courted by Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to join the nWo due to their history. But Page was not giving in to the nWo temptation, but they were not giving up. Their attempt to get DDP into the black and white continues...

The Challengers

After Fall Brawl, WCW was left with not much hope as nWo had all but taken over World Championship Wrestling. The man who became the focus of the New World Order after Fall Brawl was Randy Savage. They brought Savage's wife Elizabeth into the equation, enraging Savage by showing him footage of the nWo pushing her around. Savage would challenge for Hollywood Hogan's Heavyweight Title at Halloween Havoc, but with Nick Patrick reffing the match, Savage was of course screwed out of his title shot. After this, Savage would disappear from WCW Television.

After the match, bagpiper blared through the arena and out came Rowdy Roddy Piper to confront Hollywood Hogan. Piper claimed to be the bigger icon than Hogan. Their old feud was rekindled and Piper became the new focus of the nWo's attack. This, as stated earlier, led to Bischof's heel turn and then the "big" match was signed for Starcade, but it would not be for the title. Instead it was for nothing but pride to determine just who the bigger icon was.

Lex Luger also continued to oppose the nWo after Fall Brawl. He took part in the big World War III event, that came down to himself, and Kevin Nash and The Giant of the nWo. Luger had actually lifted the huge Giant up in the rack, but could not eliminate him. He then had Nash in the Torture Rack when The Giant sent both men out of the ring to win the 60-Man Battle Royal and win a shot at Hollywood Hogan's Heavyweight Title. Luger and The Giant would continue their feud where it would be blown off at Starcade.

WCW Starcade '96

The Ultimo Dragon pinned "The Man of 1,000 Holds" Dean Malenko with a variation of the Tiger Suplex to become the new WCW World Cruiserweight Champion.

-Ultimo Dragon now holds nine Cruiserweight belts.

-During the match, Sonny Ono asked, "What should I do with the extra belt? Maybe I'll use it to hold my pants up!"

Mike Tenay explained why The Dragon is sometimes called Ultimo and sometimes Ultimate. Ultimo is the Mexican version. It means "final" and recognizes that Ultimo Dragon was the last protogee of Bruce Lee.

The match started really slow to the point of some "Boring" chants from the crowd. About halfway through, things really picked up.

-At one point in the match, Malenko got Dragon in the Texas Cloverleaf in the middle of the ring. Sonny Ono jumped up on the apron and Malenko broke the hold and went after Ono before Drgaon submitted. In my opinion, it was a lame spot as Ono being able to break Malenko's concentration that easily is totally out of character for Malenko.

-The ending was somewhat surprising in that it wasn't the result of a monster finishing move.

Akira Hokuto pinned Madusa following a brainbuster to win the tournament and become the WCW Women's Champion.

-The pinfall came very soon after Sonny Ono clocking Madusa over the back with the pole of her American flag.

Hokuto was escorted to the ring by Kensuke Sasaki, her husband and also a wrestler (rated 70th in this year's PWI 500). At one point, Sonny Ono tripped Madusa and Sasaki got pissed at Ono for interfering.

-Nick Patrick was the referee but did not really come into play.

-After the match, Sasaki was very pissed at Ono for his involvement in the match.

Okerlund interviewed Piper. Piper was practically frothing at the mouth. Many threats, many jokes. He was a complete nut-job. Talking about Hogan's ego: "Rosanne Barr's bra cups, on Hogan's head? A yarmulke!"

Jushin "Thunder" Liger pinned Rey Misterio, Jr. with a Ligerbomb (powerbomb).

-Jushin "Thunder" Liger had a benign brain tumor removed in August. His return to the ring so soon is impressive.

Rey Misterio missed a Frankensteiner from the top rope immediately before the pin. It looked like a legitimate miss.

-Misterio powered out right at the three-count but it was too late.

-Three for three for the Japanese wrestlers tonight.

Jeff Jarrett pinned "The Crippler" Chris Benoit.

-Benoit and Woman came to the ring together smiling at each other. She looks kind of big. It's possible that the rumors of her being pregnant (by her husband, Kevin Sullivan) may be true after all.

-Benoit was very arrogant early in the match, talking trash.

-Benoit threw Jarrett over the top during the match, and the referee saw Woman raking Jarrett's eyes, but it was a no-DQ match.

-After Benoit was dropped on the top rope onto his lower extremities, Dusty commented, "That will mess up your fraternizing in Paris".

-Near the end of the match, Arn Anderson came out and walked right past Benoit and stood in Jarrett's corner. It looked like Benoit had been kicked out of the Horsemen in favor of Jarrett. Morrus and Konnan came out and attacked Woman. Woman gave Morrus a sweet kick between the wickets. When Benoit threw Jarrett outside the ring, Anderson DDT'd Jarrett on the floor and rolled him back in for Benoit to cover him, thus making Anderson's overture toward Jarrett a fraud. However, in the meantime, Sullivan had come into the ring and chaired Benoit and knocked him out flat on his back. Thus, when Anderson rolled Jarrett back in the ring, one of Jarrett's arms fell across Benoit and the referee counted the pinfall on Benoit.

-Anderson stormed off. Jarrett left making the "V" for victory. Benoit left being helped by Woman.

-No one wanted to talk to Okerlund so Steve and Debra McMichael came out. The crowd got loud while Debra was talking so McMichael yelled, "You zipperheads! Shut your piehole!!" The crowd went nuts. Debra had a great quote about Woman: "She's been rode hard and put up wet too many times".

The Outsiders def. The Faces of Fear when Kevin Nash pinned Barbarian after a powerbomb. The Outsiders retain the WCW World Tag Team Championships.

-Nick Patrick was the referee and started getting in the Faces of Fear way early on. He also conveniently missed all of the illegal tactics used by the Outsiders.

-Kevin Nash didn't do his homework. He gave Meng and Barbarian double coconuts at one point with no effect. They just turned and gave Nash a double coconut.

-After a Mafia kick, Barbarian waited about ten seconds to attempt the cover because Jimmy Hart missed his cue to distract the referee so he would miss the pinfall.

-Partway through the match, Syxx grabbed Jimmy Hart's megaphone and chased Hart back to the dressing room.

Scott Hall actually acted like a face at one point. Barbarian had Hall in a nerve hold for a long time and Hall "Hulked Out Of It". It was odd.

-The ending was actually a clean finish. Nick Patrick really did not do anything to help the Outsiders in the last few minutes of the match.

Equal time for the nWo since Roddy Piper was interviewed. Hulk proclaimed it Hollywood Day and said if it wasn't for him, the wrestling business wouldn't even be on the map.

Eddie Guerrero pinned "Diamond" Dallas Page with a frog splash in the WCW United States Heavyweight Title Tournament.

-The pinfall followed Scott Hall giving "Diamond" Dallas Page a Razor's Edge unbeknownst to Eddie Guerrero.

-After Guerrero realized what had happened, he talked trash at Hall, Nash, and Syxx such that they came back into the ring and did a mudhole stomp on him. When they were done, they stole the new U.S. Heavyweight belt that was to replace the one they had stolen from Ric Flair.

-Somewhat ironically, as Eddie Guerrero is a total face, the crowd was clearly behind Page in this match. Guerrero was actually getting as many boos as cheers. Actually, most people just weren't that interested in Guerrero.

-My theory was Guerrero would win this match as payback for Page legitimately (and accidentally) breaking Guerrero's ribs on a recent pay-per-view. This is similar to J.L. getting a pinfall victory over Dean Malenko (can you believe it?) some time ago after Malenko had accidentally broken J.L.'s arm during a match.

Advertisement for the nWo Souled Out pay-per-view Saturday, 1/25, Superbowl weekend.

"The Total Package" Lex Luger pinned the Giant after hitting a grand slam on the Giant with Sting's baseball bat.

-This was the nWo's first loss ever. (Editor's Note: Since originally posting this, I've gotten a couple of e-mails correcting this. This was actually at least the fourth loss of the nWo although, depending on your definition, the first three may not "count". Ric Flair beat Hulk Hogan via DQ at the Clash following Hog Wild. Chris Jericho pinned Nick Patrick. Chris Jericho defeated Masa Hiro Chono via DQ in Chono's nWo debut on Nitro.)

-Throughout the match, the Giant had a number of opportunities where he lifted Luger up from a cover to administer more punishment.

-When Schiavone hadn't heard the sound of a hard hit in the match, Heenan said, "If you'd put down that big jug with those three Xs on it, you would have heard it".

-At one point, Luger covered the Giant. The Giant powered out throwing Luger in the air and Luger landed on the ref and knocked the ref out. Luger racked the Giant and Nick Patrick came out and kneed Luger in the back and Syxx came in and gave Luger a spinning kick to knock Luger out.

-As Syxx and Patrick were trying to put Giant on top of Luger, WCW Sting came out with his baseball bat and chased off Syxx and Patrick. Sting whispered something to Luger who was in one corner and then whispered something to the Giant who was in the opposite corner. He then put his bat in the center of the ring and left.

-Luger got to the bat first but Giant stepped on it. Luger gave the Giant a low blow and took the bat and hit a grand slam on the Giant (whacked him four times). Luger then flipped the bat out of the ring and the groggy ref (and the crowd) counted a very slow three count. The crowd went absolutely friggin' nuts.

This was the beginning of the Giant's face turn as he realized that when he was in trouble, the only people sent out to help him were Nick Patrick and Syxx.

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan via submission with a sleeper hold.

-Hogan started the match with slaps to make Piper angry.

-When the referee (Randy Anderson) started getting in the way, Piper sat him on the ropes and patted him on the head.

Hogan got an early advantage with punches and body rakes.

-Piper came back with a clothesline the signature two-finger eye poke. Hogan then rolled out.

-Piper got a headlock on Hogan and Hogan could not throw Piper out of it. Hogan gave Piper a belly-to-back suplex and Piper still wouldn't let go.

-Hogan finally got out of it and snapped Piper's neck on the top rope and threw Piper out of the ring and gave him a beating out there.

-Hogan got Piper back in, missed a clothesline, and Piper gave Hogan one.

-Hogan rolled out and started going toward the dressing room. Piper followed him out and started beating him in the aisle and brought him back to ringside.

-Piper pulled the belt off his kilt outside the ring and started beating and choking Hogan with it.

-Piper got Hogan back into the ring and DiBiase grabbed Piper's foot. Piper went out after DiBiase and Hogan followed him and took the advantage.

-Hogan slammed Piper into the metal steps and then tossed him into the crowd. He then brought Piper back into the ring and started working on the bad hip.

-Hogan then got Piper into an abdominal stretch until Piper flipped him out of it.

-Piper and Hogan started rolling around fighting and Piper and Schiavone commented that Piper was pulling Hogan's hair out. -Heenan said: "Well, that won't take long".

-Another signature two-finger eye poke by Piper and Piper suplexed Hogan. Piper measured Hogan and then missed a knee drop.

Hogan missed the Leg Drop Of Doom.

-The Giant came in and tried to chokeslam Piper. Meanwhile a legit fan tried to get in the ring. Hogan and Randy Anderson proceeded to beat the hell out of the fan while pushing him out of the ring into the waiting arms of security guards and cops.

-As the Giant was trying to chokeslam Piper, Piper backed the Giant up to the ropes and using leverage threw the Giant over the top rope.

-Piper put the sleeper on Hogan. The referee put Hogan's arm up three times and it fell down three times. The ref called for the bell. Roddy Piper beats Hulk Hogan by submission! Hogan jobs to Piper!! In a sleeper hold in a non-screw-job finish!!!

-After the match, Hall and Nash rushed the ring. Piper socked them both and made a hasty exit from the ring. He walked past the Giant and was met by two youngsters (presumably his kids) by the dressing room.

Hogan and Giant started getting into it with Giant saying, "I watch your back and where were you when I needed you?" The Giant then stormed off and Hogan said into the camera that "The Giant dropped the ball. He blew it."

As Hogan and The Outsiders got back into the ring, the crowd started a serious "Hogan sucks!" cheer.

Hogan said into the camera, "Piper, I beat you! I killed you!" and hocked a disgusting loogie right into the camera lens.

The nWo music started playing and Hogan started posing and the pay-per-view ended.

----Credit Results from DDTDigest.com

The Franchise of WCW - Sting.

Or so it used to be. This image of Sting is one that most fans are familiar with. This was the Sting that everyone had come to know and love throughout his career. This Sting was the fun-loving, energetic, fan favorite. He had spent his entire career going out each and every week and giving the fans what they wanted. But something went horribly wrong. What could have possibly been so life altering that it would send the once loveable Stinger into the darkness?

Three little words...

New World Order.

Sting's life went from the highest of highs into a downward spiral into the darkness and it all started when Scott Hall sauntered onto the Nitro set, proclaiming that the invasion was beginning. Sting was up to the challenge that Scott Hall and Kevin Nash brought however, and along with longtime friend Lex Luger and "The Macho Man" Randy Savage, Sting was ready to take on this threat head-on, just like he always was. The one thing Sting never expected was what came at Bash at the Beach in 1996.

Hulk Hogan and Sting had a lot in common. Both spent their careers being fan favorites, and always doing everything they could for the fans. So when Hogan came out and turned his back on WCW and the fans, it was a huge blow to everyone. The New World Order was born, and this betrayal would be just a sign of things to come for Sting.

He had never felt such hatred for anyone as he did Hogan and the nWo. This hatred was enough for Sting to do the unthinkable and team up with his longtime enemy, Ric Flair to take on the New World Order in the most dangerous match in wrestling, War Games. Sting, Lex Luger, Ric Flair, and Arn Anderson were set to take on Hogan, Nash, Hall, and another nWo member yet to be named. The New World Order pulled one over everyone's head when they revealed none other than STING as their other representative as he emerged from a gift box and attacked Lex Luger.

Or so it seemed.

The truth of the matter was that it was actually Jeff Farmer, formerly known as Cobra who the nWo dressed up in Stinger paint and attire. It was enough to fool Sting's WCW teammates, and he upon trying to explain himself - he found himself being disowned by his teammates, including best friend Luger. Sting could not believe that of all people, Luger would not trust him. Sting begged for his trust, but Luger would have none of it.

Come Fall Brawl, Luger, WCW, and the fans would be in for a shock when Sting made his appearance as the last man to enter War Games. He took out everyone, including nWo Sting, before ultimately leaving WCW to lose to nWo. They had turned his back on him, and now he would do the same to them. Sting no longer wanted to be associated with WCW. His friends and fans had left him and not trusted him. He was in the darkest place that he had ever been in his career. Gone were the colors that had long been a trademark of the Stinger. And replacing them were the black and white colors. Was this a sign that Sting was siding with the New World Order?

The fact is, not even Sting knew where his allegiance lied. He had put everything he had into battling the nWo in order to save WCW. But his efforts had been in vain. All his hard work went to naught once Lex Luger and the rest of WCW decided not to trust him.

Sting wanted revenge. He should have expected something like this from Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, because he never really trusted them anyway. But Lex Luger was his best friend. Someone he thought he could trust and thought would trust him. They had held the WCW Tag Team Titles together, they had been up and down the road together. If there was one thing Sting didn't like, it was having people turn their back on him when he needed them the most.

Now Sting watched from the rafters as the New World Order continued to run rampant across WCW. Without him, WCW wasn't the same and could do little to stop them. Sting could not help but actually enjoy watching them fall under the pressure. But could he really sit back and watch the company he worked so hard for to be destroyed by this poison?

Honestly, right now, he couldn't care less. He wanted to get back at those who did not trust him...one by one they would regret not believing him. Those weeks where everyone thought and treated him like a criminal had completely destroyed Sting's pride and replaced it with the need to get retribution. He was the Stinger no more...now he was just a dark, vengeance-driven enigma. And perhaps the ultimate in revenge would be to join the nWo and completely cripple them. But his new persona did not change his feelings towards Hogan and the nWo. Sting was at a crossroads in his career, and this was quite the moral delimma for him.

For now...he was just a loner. A loner that held the fate of WCW in his hands.

Of all of the guys on BCCT, I hate Larry the Cable Guy the most and I find the phrase Git R Done to be extremely annoying, especially when all the people in my town like to say it because they think they're rednecks.

Ron White is easily my favorite, while I've always enjoyed the Here's Your Sign gimmick of Bill Engvil more than the You Might Be a Redneck one from Jeff Foxworthy.