SpiceDawg

I'd think that Aguila's stats should be higher. He at least should be popping out 80 match ratings with Taka. The guy was definitely top when it came to high spots and aerial moves. I think, you're being short changed with the ratings on Aguila.

I can see where you are going with the Rumble idea. I enjoy the fact that WWF is totally booking on the fly due to losing mass amount of talent and not having Austin available to them. I'd think the WWF would at least let us know who was in match. Maybe WWF wouldn't want to do that since announcing the roster may cause fans to not want to order the event. They are hoping that the mystery of the entrants could entice some fans (especially if who they do have is pretty sub par).

I didn't expect Jarrett to take the spot of Austin in one month. But I'm assuming it would be something that the WWF would like to see. Having somebody that can spark the same magic that Austin was able to do. I'm thinking that Jarrett will need rougher edges in order to connect to the fans. I do like that DX is getting a little more bad ass heel. The 'cool' factor ended up being the same thing that hurt WCW in some ways since no fans really wanted to cheer against the nWo because they all seemed more hip then WCW wrestlers (except maybe Sting or Flair in the Carolinas).

I'll patiently wait to see where you're going with the squashes.

I do like the way you're booking WWF in complete chaos. It's very obvious they are trying to throw everything at the wall in hopes of something sticking. It'd be cool to get a quick news report on the WWF backstage and maybe how things are in WCW.

Rumble Predictions:

Lightheavyweight Title: Taka Michinoku © vs. Brian Christopher vs. Mr. Aguila

At this point, the Lightheavyweight title still needs to be established. Taka has only been holding the title for 1 month total. I'd say that Taka pulls out the sucessful title defense in this one. Christopher probably will do an after match beat down to establish a rematch at the next PPV.

WWF Tag Team Titles: New Age Outlaws © vs. Legion of Doom

Outlaws need to cemented as the next big tag team. They also will need a longer reign than one month. Plus another win over LOD will definitely help establish the tag team and maybe even earn them some overness points. I'd say it's pretty important NAO retains the titles here.

Intercontinental Title: Rocky Maivia © vs. Ken Shamrock

Shamrock may win by DQ but I'm doubting he wins the title. I'm pretty confident that the Rock walks out with the IC championship. Right now there isn't a spot for Rocky to compete for the World title because he is a heel thus I'd say it's smarter he remains the IC champion for now. I'm sure Rocky will win by nefarious means thus setting up another rematch.

WWF Title: Shawn Michaels © vs. Jeff Jarrett

There is no way that Jarrett is ready for the title. It would be suicide for WWF to take the title off Michaels right now. There just isn't anyone else in the league of HBK. Besides, Micheals needs to go into Wrestlemania as a really strong heel champion. WWF just has to hope they can find the next great babyface to beat Shawn for the title at the grandest stage of them all.

Royal Rumble: 30 Superstars, the winner getting a title shot at WrestleMania XIV

I don't even really know who is in it. My original thought was that Shamrock would win this but maybe WWF would be hesitant after the failed experiment in December. I'd say WWF pulls a total shocker and has Marc Mero win the Royal Rumble. Mero v. Michaels would be a decent match even if very little crowd heat.

Shotgun:

Christopher Interview: Nice way to establish the Christopher character and put some last minute hype on the title match.

Godwinns v. DOA: This match basically allowed the fans to remember some other teams on the roster. At this point, it doesn't seem either team is going anywhere special. Though maybe you could turn the Godwinns face considering NOA will need some fresh challengers after LOD.

Nation Interview: A good way to continue the friction of the Nation. It was also very good in getting over the egomaniac character of Rocky.

Mero v. Vega: Just another match to try to get Mero over. At this point, he seems to be one of the few guys getting a clear push.

Show probably could have hyped the Rumble just a little bit more. I couldn't see this show selling anybody on ordering the PPV. It was a good show to get some more wrestlers out on TV and to progress a few storylines. Keep up the great work and look forward to seeing what you have in store for the Rumble.

Wow, the Royal Rumble PPV is this Sunday(game time) and most of the show doesn't really seem to be built up at all. At this point, I know four matches(including the Rumble) and one person in the Rumble. Only two of the matches have been built up in any sustainable way. The tag title and the Rumble have nothing built up in it at all. It doesn't seem we have any possible winners of the Rumble at this point. I'd say Rocky and Shamrock are the favourites except they are in an IC title feud. The wondrous joys of being left with only mid carders and unestablished guys. I have a feeling you're going to have a rough time cobbling together a Wrestlemania as exciting at the real '98 version. Then again, this challenge is what makes your diary so intriguing to begin with.

Vince/Rock segment: Rocky is definitely being established as the next big star. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up face within the next few months. I'm assuming he'll probably be in the World title hunt shortly after Mania. I'm assuming he won't win the Rumble but then again, there doesn't seem to be too many other options. This segment was a classic way to establish the arrogance of Rocky and to hype up the importance of the Rumble number system.

Taka v. Aquila: It's good to see you're trying to establish the WWF light-heavyweight division. I wouldn't be surprised if Christopher v. Taka is at the Rumble. Is Aguila's match stats rather low? You'd think Essa & Taka would be able to tear the house down rather then pull out a 69. I also noticed the match rating was low for Aguila & Christopher. What is Aguila's stats?

DX Spoof: Hard to really get a feel for the segment since it wasn't written out. It's definitely something that DX would have done at the time. Though I get a feeling it would have got them over as faces rather then heels. Especially since Jarrett isn't incredibly over as a face yet.

Mero v. Windham: Mero definitely needs to be pushed heavily. WWF needs another top face and Mero is fairly talented. I always thought he could have done better in WWF.

Outlaws Interview: I didn't even know there was a rematch happening between the two teams. Some sort of angle needs to happen in order to put some heat on this match.

LOD v. Quebecers: I know LOD need the heat going into the title match but I disagree with a Quebecers squash. First off, Quebecer would have been coming in fresh from WCW at this point. This may have even been their debut match (since I know they were in WCW as late as November). Quebecers could be a another solid team to help bolster the tag division. It's unfortunate they've already been made out to be jobbers especially when you need to bolster the tag division to make up for the singles division.

Battle Royal: The Battle Royal turned out pointless since Rocky was the only viable winner. Now it appears Rocky may be the only real star in the whole Rumble. I would have gone with an upset winner here in order to get Rocky all riled up. Rocky could have started talking about how Vince is out to screw him or that there is a conspiracy against him. Instead it's Rocky squashing 10 men and doing nothing for anyone.

Rocky Interview: Good build of friction between Rocky and Farooq. It's always good to see some seed planting for future feuds. I wouldn't be surprised if in this universe it's Rocky who is turned into the face. Mainly because the company needs a top face desperately.

Shamrock v. Henry/D'Lo: The match was good for getting Shamrock over as a threat but bad for taking the Nation seriosuly. D'Lo and Henry would have come off as jobbers by being dominated by one guy. Now, the Nation seems like a weak stable and Rocky the only tough one in it. Hopefully, you'll find a way to get their heat back. Though Farooq not saving his stable mates should lead to some interesting friction with him and the gang.

Jarrett Interview: It sounds like it would have been a very powerful interview. I still believe it wouldn't do Jarrett any favours by coming off as a top face. At this point he needs to be replacing Austin and I'm just not seeing that yet. At this point, Jarrett is going to be a very short term main eventer unless he gets a slight make over.

Jarret v. Hunter: This was a perfectly done match before a big PPV main event. The beat down was definitely needed. It adds the much needed heat to the feud and it actually would have gotten Jarrett some sympathy. Fans love a quick stunner or finishing move applied but nobody can cheer an uncomfortable beat down. The DX beat down was defniitely not something fans would want to get behind. This would help establish DX as heels after seeming cool earlier in the night. Now Jarrett needs to have a tougher edge this weekend in order to cement things.

Okay show but felt more built up to the Rumble was needed. I'd say the main even is in a decent place but we only have 4 announced matches. The Rumble doesn't even have any clear participants and deifnitely no favourites to get pumped about. Maybe some more should have been mentioned in your backstory during the month of December? Anyway, I'm very curious to what will happen at the Rumble. Hopefully, some build up happens at Shotgun.

A very interesting concept for a diary and it's brimming with potential here. You've definitely put yourself in a position where you are forced to make sure your WWF universe is very different from the real world. Lots of cool potential to turn real life midcard lifers into the next biggest superstar of all time.

Backstory:

I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone handicap themselves as much you have. You lossed almost all your big stars and future big stars. You've gift wrapped almost all of them over to the competition. Which will make it extremely hard to catch up to WCW. I doubt we will be seeing a turnaround in April like we did in the real world. The most notable thing, is you have absolutely no big baby face to confront Shawn Michaels at the biggest show of the year, Wrestlemania. Normally, that would be the big money match but at this point, you don't have anyone close to being a draw. Though it should be noted, Steve Austin was already the biggest face in the company at this point and probably had been until shortly after Wrestlemania 13. The only reason he wasn't champion was because WWF wanted to make the title win a big deal thus saved until Wrestlemania. I would have his overness higher then 85. But 'crippling' Austin is such an interesting idea and probably bigger than the release of the other stars. Austin was the reason for the WWF turnaround. As a non wrestlers, Austin just can't have the same effect. Now, WWF is forced to have to quickly come up with a new star to put the focus of the company into. I'm very curious as to who will win the Rumble and main event the biggest show of the year. In reality, I could see Vince throwing oodles of money and creative control to Owen Hart in an attempt to win him back. A returning Hart would instantly be the company's top face by default. He's probably the only guy right now that could appropriately headline Wrestlemania. If that isn't going to happen then maybe some kind of storyline could put in place to turn Kane into a sympathetic babyface after a falling out with Paul Bearer. Kane is the only guy I could really see being a possibility with Michaels. Actually, Ahmed Johnson was another guy that WWF probably still had some hope in as long as he could remain healthy. I could see a last ditch super push at trying to get Ahmed over (he was on the brink of stardom in '96 before the serious injury). I have to say, the backstage going on and decision making will make this diary fascinating. I also hope you decide to give some information in what is going on in the WCW and ECW. It'll be cool to see what the competition is up to and where WWF is in relation to them. I also feel that continual updates on WWF's backstage could be very cool too.

Shotgun Saturday:

Why the heck is Tood Grisham even in the wrestling business at this point? He couldn't be much older then 19 in '98 or possibly even younger.

Jarrett Interview: I can see a possible risk of Jarret becoming the heel and DX becoming the face. Because of the fanbase in '98, I can't see the wrestler fighting for tradition being much of a babyface. DX was already being pegged as cool at this point. Jarrett's gimmick wouldn't make them seem any less cool. Despite that, I do like the beginning of this feud and think it has big potential. Though will the interviews be written out for Raw? It's hard to see your vision of 'Jarrett' without knowing how he speaks or what he says.

LOD beat Truth Commision: At this point, the best bet is to push all the 'brand name' stars that you have. LOD may be past their primes and lacking ability at this point but they are still probably one of the most recognizable names on the roster. LOD should definitely remain strong until you have some more teams to elevate.

Stone Cold Interview: It's almost misleading to the fans to have Austin promise to be back in ring action soon. Especially since he is essentially a non-wrestlers at this point. Though WWF needs every star they have thus I can see why WWF isn't totally writing out a 'crippled' Austin. A 'retired' Austin is still better than most of your roster.

Mavia beat Flash Funk: I hate to be a nitpicker but I don't think Mark Henry was in the Nation yet. I could be wrong. I have a feeling he didn't turn until some time in very early '98 (maybe in Febuary?). I also don't think you can afford completely jobbing out anyone at this point. Someone as talented as Flash Funk should at least be giving Maivia a run for his money. Unless you plan to repackage Flash real soon (maybe back into Scorpio?).

DX Interview: I'll say it again, I can see DX heading over to the face side with this feud with Jarrett. Unless Jarrett is able to add a harder edge to his gimmick.

Heat Thoughts:

Christopher beat Aguila: With the very thin roster, pushing the lightheavy division would be a very smart move. Some focus on that division may help in hiding the rather weaker main event scene at this point. Christopher is a really good poster boy to promote the division around. I'd say putting some real effort into the division is a smart plan for WWF at this point

Outlaws beat Can-Ams: The tag division is something else that can help out the WWF and thus it'd be a smart plan to keep the division strong. Can-Ams are a great team to help promote the division. At this point, it would be a fatal error to have them as a JTTS team. They should definitely be kept as viable challengers to the titles. Especially since they can pull out some decent match ratings.

Jarrett beat Gunn: I believe this is before Gunn & Holly formed the New Midnight Express which would mean this is the first time Gunn had been on television in awhile. Unfortunately, his return is met with a complete squashing. It would have probably been better to repackage Gunn a bit rather then just have him return as a jobber. Remember, WWF needs all the stars they can get.

Shamrock beat Kama: The Shamrock v. Nation feud looks like it could be a good one. Where is Farooq in all this? It appears you have Rocky running the stable at this point but that wasn't the case.

Rocky Interview: The 'gauntlet' for Raw should be interesting. It's always good when you can build to the next show. It's even better being able to get some stories in place that the fans get get into.

All in all, a decent start to the diary. I really hope you don't just start hiring new talent right off the bat. It will be cool to see you try to make stars with the guys that you have. I really look forward to seeing who will become your WWF's next break out babyface.

I really look forward to more installments.

This Raw was definitely not as packed as the previous week's but the tournament and current stories still kept my anticipation for it high. I'd say it exceeded my expectations and even offered up some shocking events. Definitely not a by the numbers show and has made me look forward to future shows.

The Bret Hart & Shawn Michaels confrontation was a good way to open up the show. It's been made very clear lately that this is the main event program going on in the WWF. This now makes two months in a row where the World Title story is taking a backseat. Though I'd say this match is being built up very solidly and deserves it's slot as the main event. Though Michaels is pulling the same schtick he did in real '97 WWF by headlining PPVs without being the champ. Then again, if he keeps pumping out the work rate and quality ratings then there shouldn't be any complaints. It does reenforce my theory he is taking back the World Title soon (my bet is Summerslam). This segment only reconfirmed to me that he'll be going heel at or after KOTR.

The Michaels/Hart build is also reminding me of the Warrior/Hogan build up to Wrestlemania 6. Where both guys help the other out not because they like them but because they want them 100% healthy for the big match. I say, I'm digging that kind of build for this match and should cause of some cool chemistry.

The Goldust/Hunter segment was another solid effort in the story. I'm loving the whole cluelessly, loyal Goldust. It is building up for some great sympathy when the 'real' Hunter reveals himself. I love the fact that Goldust didn't clue in that he was supposed to be taking the dive for Hunter. The sincerity and naivety of Goldust will help cement him as a babyface.

It's looking like my original preidctions for the bottom half of the tournament is coming true. I decided not to vote that way because I felt it caused the PPV to lack some star power. Maybe this tournament is an attempt on giving some legit rub to Hollywood and maybe even Jannetty???? Despite the fact that such a semfinal seems to lack a lot of sizzle since both guys are lower midcards in this diary.

Sadly, the lightweight division continues to play second fiddle as their champion does a another job. The fact that Chavo couldn't beat a total midcarder like Holly proves the lightheavies aren't much more then jobbers. Plus it's coming clear that lightheavies can't beat any of the heavyweights especially with the champion of the division falling to Holly. Though despite this complaint, I'm a fan of Hollywood and a push is a good things for him. Though the whole Christopher demanding a title shot came out of nowhere. Christopher has barely even been on television lately. He definitely hasn't gotten any big wins lately. What even makes him a viable contender and when has he been calling out the champ? This reeks of a thrown together title feud just so Chavo has something to do. I don't see this feud really benefitting the division or either guy.

Even the real WWF in '97 knew that the hillbilly face Godwinns weren't working which is why they were turned heel during this time. Yet your diary continues to kill the image of the tag titles by pushing these two goofs. I still think you should team up Bradshaw with another Texan and form a nasty Outlaw cowboy team. Vince would drool with the prospect of two hoss teams battling for the titles. Besides anything is better then the Godwinns with the straps. Though I respect your obvious true to WWF form of shoving this team down our throats and continuing to pass them off as a great champions.

Mero & Snow segment went off fairly well. It seems you were building to Mero pinning Snow on Friday thus making him the next IC Challenger. I'd say, Mero would have made a great IC champ. Unfortunately, EWR can be cruel.

The handicap match definitely seemed to give a rub to Vader. The fact he stood up to all the big heels made Vader seem like the real deal. I'm actually beginning to buy Vader as a legit top face now. Though this match didn't put much of a spark to Vader v. Bulldog. Actually, I'm more inclined to see him tangle with Nash now. I'm curious if Hall v. Sid is even going to be a feud now as that didn't seem to be played out in the match.

Martel is back to his very cocky self. I'm glad to see that Martel isn't the number one contender. I sort of feared that he might be but he doesn't quite seem like a good World Title opponent. Or at least, he doesn't quite have the aura of a threat to 'Taker quite yet. Though that might change after KOTR depending what happens with this 'mystery' match. I'm guessing it will be a multi person number one contender type contest. Probably reveal who gets the shot for the July PPV. I'd say Summerslam but I'm still convinced Michaels will be going to that. I'd guess, Hall, Nash and Sid will be other guys invovled in this KOTR contest since they seem to have nothig on board yet for KOTR.

Goldust pins Hunter because he thought Hunter was taking a dive. This should lead to some interesting interaction. I don't think Hunter turns on Goldust quite yet. Maybe not until Goldust's next round match with Holly. I'm assuming Goldust will do something on Friday to keep himself useful to Hunter still. It looks like Goldust v. Wright won't be a match at KOTR afterall. Maybe even Goldust v. Hunter could now be that match which is actually a PPV sooner then I expected.

I'm still not a fan of Wright. I just don't really like his interviews nor buy that they would happen in WWF '97. It's looking like I'll have to get used to him because he's got a super push coming his way.

Despite how much you like/push Wright, I was super shocked with the finish of Wright v. Hart. I didn't think the German would score the big pinfall over Hart. It's looking like Wright is getting an even bigger push that I had imagined. Maybe I should have given him my KOTR prediction. The match did well at pushing Wright and furthering heat with Michaels/Hart. Hart will be furious and blame the loss on Michaels. He'll also be sure that Michaels did it on purpose despite Michaels promise it was accidental. Yeah, it's predictable but good just like any old school storyline. This also helps plant the seeds for the Michaels heel turn.

The second shock of the night came as Austin being announced as the next World Title challenger. I didn't see that coming at all. I really liked it a lot. Austin definitely deserves the chance to shine in a big PPV World Title match. Though I really doubt he will win, it will be a really good rub for him. This could be the match to cement Austin in the main event scene. He definitely has a lot more talent then all the other WWF heels.

A very good show with a few surprises. It's looking like KOTR is finally taking some shape. This show has me eagerly looking forward to Friday Mayhem and beyond.

Outside of Raw news, looks like the Mero & Snow segment got a little too physical. Mero is now on the shelf for 8 months. That couldn't suck any more. Mero seemed on the brink of a big push. I was positive that Mero and Snow was going to be at least a month long story arc. Unfortunately, Snow is now left with nobody and Mero will have to start from scratch in 8 months. I'm sure the KOTR will now be affected too since I was sensing Mero was to advance (despite myself originally predicting otherwise).

Another fantastic 'Today's Wrestling World' report. I always get a kick out of reading these things even if it doesn't always have an effect on the events in your diary. I appreciate that you take the time to cover what is going on in the other promotions. The fact you do that, is one of the main reasons I enjoy this diary. It's nice to know what the competition is doing. It's going to be interesting to see Vampire Zone Fighting actually become what ECW used to be (or maybe it'll turn out to be more like XPW).

Has your public image been dropping or is my memory just really bad? I thought you were at least flirting in the 90s and possibly even at 100 at one point. Though such things happend when you're entering into a slump. What is the state of your wrestling world right now?

Your top 5 rankings show that it's definitely time to start pushing Austin and Snow as main eventers. It's also scary to see that 3 of your top guys aren't even on the air at this point (Austin, Cactus & Hart). Either it's time to start elevating or guys like Owen need to return sooner then planned.

I can't believe that WCW still hasn't tried to raise their production values at all, yet. Maybe the computer doesn't raise until it hits the 50%?

Was Ultimate Warrior's overness even close to 100 when he left you? I thought, with his jobbing out at the end that he'd have dropped a fair bit. Has he gained a lot of overness since joining WCW?

Who is Winston Brynner? Or was he a created owner in your scenerio?

I chuckle with the thought that the 'Headbangers' are the top draws in ECW. That just doesn't seem right. That is part of the fun of having EWR Diaries because it can go against what really happend.

Headbanger mania carries over to USPW. It's good to see that the fed didn't go under. Though I'm sure the slump will spell the end of a few of these feds.

The cool thing about a 1996 scenerio is that I know almost every single wrestler in each federation. It's kind of cool seeing current WWE stars slumming it in your backyard or regional feds. I enjoy seeing now known stars being the unknowns or indy stars in your universe.

I totally forgot that Scott Taylor was injured. The lack of lightweights being use caused me to sort of just assume he was somewhere lost in the shuffle. I also totally forgot about Rocky Maivia. You haven't used in him in weeks or I totally forgot about the match.

I'm interested in the return of Jacobs. I definitely see a big push for him since he's such a monster. WWF likes the big guys in bunches. I think, a Snow feud would be a very cool thing and might even allow for some match quality to seep into a Jacobs' contest. I look forward to see how Backlund gets written out.

Great signings in Killings and Aguila. Killing should bring the much needed charisma and personality in the division. I definitely see a big push for him in store. Aquila is a nice addition because he is a luchadore and all lightweight divisions need their token luchadore. I'm sure he'll be getting a decent push because of that fact. both guys should really add to the match quality too. I look forward to both debuts.

I personally hope Owen gets an earlier return then a later. I realize the sooner the return then more likely fans realize they got jipped from the Mania stipulation. But WWf could really use another solid main event heel. Nash and Sid just aren't cutting it on top.

A Fatu and Mabel push is definitely realistic to WWF think. Especially since both those guys got hearty pushes in the real WWF on several occasions. Though I'd rather see Scorpio get himself a decent push since he can pump out decent match ratings and probably has decent charisma. I look forward to seeing all these guys called up and what gimmicks they have lined up.

It's cool to see the Gunn/Douglas similarities be addressed. Hopefully, Gunn can become a more well round gimmick. I still see him in lost in the shuffle but getting the occasional attempted push because the WWF always did that with Gunn.

Hmmmm. . . seems my original prediction was right and we do have a Henry v. Sid match in the future. Though they surprisingly pump out decent match ratings. It's funny Sid would complain about the feud after he had been asking for a match for weeks now. Silly Sid.

I think, a Mr Perfect heel turn would be a smart way to bring him back. Though now that I think about it, both Martel and Michaels could be heels real soon. In that case, it may cause a lack of faces if so many guys turn heel soon.

Has any reader actually predicted Al Snow as a KOTR winner? Did you just toss him in a poll because 'fans' would predict for him?

Is Regal's physical condition rating low? Or have you given him the back injury due to the type of shape he was in during the real WCW at that time?

Promises of an extended Godwinns push is a scary thing. We need another hoss team in order to divert McMahon's attention. Oh well, let's all enjoy as the tag title image continues to plummet.

The constant Creative Team assurance that the lightweights will be focused upon soon reminds me eerily of the Ross Reports where JR kept saying the lightweights needed more focus on them. Maybe it'll really happen this time. It helps that you are a Chavo fan thus probably want to give him some kind of push. I- do look forward to the Hakushi v. Chavo feud or series.

I eagerly look forward to the Kanyon & Holly tag team. It'll be great to see Kanyon in the ring again. Kanyon's status with the company should guarantee that the team gets a decent shot at a push.

Hmmm. . . does the disappiontment in the 'Takers reign show the sign of an upcoming title change? This is the second time that disappiontment has been mentioned concerning the 'Taker. Any time WWF ends up blaming the champ then it usually leads to a title change. Then again, it is the 'Taker who usually would get more leeway then another champ due to his loyalty. It should be interesting to see if 'Taker can make it past KOTR especially since I don't see any worthy challenger to take the strap at this point. I still think a heel Michaels v. 'Taker at Summerslam would do big business.

Hmmm. . . world title gets the backseat at a second straight PPV. Maybe 'Taker's run is doomed afterall.

Yikes! Ahmed v. Yoko can garner come scary match quality results. But I'm sure Vince can hardly contain his excitement with the thoughts of this upcoming clash in the fall.

Cornette being brought back is obviously a great idea. You can attach him to a talented star or a big hoss who lacks any kind of charisma. If done right, Cornette can lead the man right to the main event. Is Cornette's overness fairly high?

It's always comical seeing non wrestling/celebrities like Mr. T or Zeus announce their impending retirement. I'm sure wrestling fans are crying all over the world with such high profile careers ending. On the other hand, Snuka will free up an uppercard spot in WCW now.

I think, you should go with the Hogan heel turn in WCW. I'm pretty sure it's something WCW would do at this point. They are down in the ratings against WWF and thus would resort to something drastic to get people speaking. They did it so many times throughout the years with doing major heel turns with top faces. Besides, at this point WCW would try to do something major to turn the tide if they can't sign a top star from WWF then they would do a major turn like this. Of course, Hogan would then immediately have to win the title back.

Hopefully, WWF keeps Flair around. Flair still has a lot of value to be had in the WWF. Especially since he is 100 over and has massive charisma. Besides, the Austin v. Flair program could be something fun to watch.

Warrior v. Sting would definitely pop a buyrate for WCW. Though I wouldn't want to see '97 Warrior in a match with almost anyone though Sting could be the guys to pull a good match out of him.

Will Taz be able to handle the fury of the Headbangers at Payback!!! Chazmania will run wild!!!

What lightweight are in ECW at this point? I'm curious after you mentioned they have a better roster then the big two.

I really enjoyed the preview of VZF. It was cool to see a run down of all the talent that has been signed. I enjoy the fact you put some work into an article on a organization that isn't yours. It helps making the universe seem more realistic if we know what is going on around the WWF.

I look forward to Raw! I think, a lot of exciting things are coming ahead!

RSN Thoughts:

Out of curiousity, do you ever intend to change the name of the Saturday show? It seems really uncreative to have two shows named Raw. It gives the impression it's a continuation of the Raw program meanwhile, it showcases mainly C-list talent. Though it's not like my world is shattered if the show remains 'Raw Saturday Night' forever.

Helms is really cranking out some decent match ratings. WWF signing Helms would bring a lot of benefits. The first is that he is very talented and could pop a good rating with any light heavyweight. The second would be WWf could use some fresh faces in the division (though, he'd need a makevover since he is complete job boy right now). Lastly, the WWF would probably want to have some more 'American' lightweights to balance out the 'international' stars. I wouldn't be surprised if the WWF '97 would have hired a guy who pulls out such great chemistry with their champ. A great match with their very underused champ, for the record.

Do you ever intend to have the division surpass what the real WWF ever did with it? Or are you purposely trying to mimick how WWF perceived lightweights at this time?

Alas, Rufino jobbing out Hakushi is an example of great lightweight misuse. Though the rumours of a Hakushi title run sounds nice. Unfortunately, the title has less value then the Million Dollar Title or Hobo Jack. The title win doesn't really equal a push at this point. Rufino ranks right up with Godwinns on the destined failed push list. Though that seems to be a very intentional thing on your part as you try to mimmick WWF's habit of shoving talentless hacks down the fans throat.

Poor Terry, as he seems to be the designated job boy now. I don't really see any re-push in his future. Especially if he is jobbing on RSN which is never a good sign. Though I'd say a 'hoss' like Bradshaw is about ready for a big push. Maybe he can be more muscle for Rude's regime? Or you could always team him up with another hoss to make a team to oppose the Godwinns. Isn't Mark Henry from Texas? They could form a rough and tumble Texan hoss team to rumble with the Godwinns. It would make awful EWR Match Quality ratings but would probably give Vince wet dreams.

The good thing about RSN is that the lightweights do get some play. It's nice to see Taka score a win. Even though it's against the equilivant of a jobber in the division. Though I'd think Moore would be another solid signing and should be reassigned to the devlopmentals. Especially if you plan to take the division seriously.

The 6 man was the definition of 'not knowing what to do with these guys'. None of these wrestlers have been in a decent storyline or feud for a long time. Chucking them into a big six man is a sign it's probably not going to change. Hollywood Holly and Chris Kanyon are the only real tragedies from this scenerio though. All the others have had their chance in the sun in my opinion. I'm a big fan of Holly and Kanyon in this diary and feel they have a lot of potential if used. Is Kanyon still injured or you just not ready to have him wrestle yet?

Martel and Pillman was a good RSN main event. I really hope Pillman and Beniot aren't destined for putting guys over. They are really too talented to be enhancement talent. As for Martel, hopefully this story is going somewhere. Even moreso, hopefully Martel will have an opponent soon or I see him becoming really dull.

A pretty typical RSN. Gave the lightweights some spotlight which is always a good thing. A really nice main event o top things off. Plus even a little bit of storyline development with Martel during his win and Sunny watching Guerrero.

Thunder Thoughts:

Good use of Kiebler and it's nice to see Skipper & Romeo. With the tag titles being a cruiser dominated thing, it'll be cool to see these two thrown in the mix soon. Keibler as a manager would be a good move too, obviously.

Meng obilerates Knobbs and looks strong for his match against Crowbar. Unfortunately, I already forget if there is actually any issues there. The Hardcore division seems like such a throw away at this point.

I'm officially writing off the Vampiro segments now. They just seem so corny and 'WrestleCrapish'! They also remind me too much of some of the actual garbage WCW tried to Vampiro. Hopefully, as this story progresses that it will becomes less like a B-Movie storyline.

Skipper & Romeo score a nice tag debut win. I still feel like La Parka is being criminally misused. He is over and should be pushed a little. Rather he is nothing more then a jobber right now that gets pops.

Stasiak interview establishes that he will indeed be having issues with Disco in the future. Maybe even Disco will get involved at Slaboree. At this point, I don't really care for Stasiak so much but at least, he's getting some effort at development.

Disco squashes Andy Anderson and hopefully, that means I'm not expected to ever care about Anderson. He definitely reeks of jobber right now.

I loved the Rey Misterio segment. Finally, Chavo and Rey have an altercation with each other. It puts some nice heat on the upcoming match. I am really looking forward to the Slamboree contest. I feel it will only be the beginning at this point.

A decent 3 way with Hayashi, Candido and Karagious. Dragons get a push towards Slamboree with the pinfall win. The champs remain strong because it wasn't Candido who got pinned. A nice preview of things to expect.

Not sure if it's such a good idea to have two obvious heels go at it. Kanyon definitely proves to be just as egotistical as Stasiak. Maybe that is also the problem, as it seems it's two very similar heels going at it too. Not any obvious signs of distinction between the two and nobody to really root for. Unless you're hoping Disco to be the big X Factor for this match?

Not sure if both 3 way matches should have been on the same show. Maybe one should have been done on Nitro? This time 3 Count get the win and thus the champs are left out in the cold. Good booking as the challengers are made strong but the champs remain unpinned. It leaves everyone looking like possible winners on Sunday but also shows that the champs could lose the titles under these rules if things repeat.

Jarrett promo was decent enough way to build to the PPV. A nice reminder of what his equalizer will be.

DDP v. Wall did it's job. Both guys walked out looking strong. Now a rematch is in the cards for Slamboree, I'm guessing. Well, except Wall got himself hurt. It'll be a good feud for the future.

Great Helms promo with lots of emotion. It really puts the Slamboree match over as a big deal. It's now the match that I want to see on the card.

Morrus v. Flair served it's purpose. Flair looks like he is in great shape and is ready to beat Helms.

Helms v. Sullivan was a nice surprise. Obvious, Flair is putting guys against Helms that he will think will put Helms out. First Luger tries to injure Helms and now Sullivan with his violent ways. A good old school angle there.

A decent Thunder but still lacks the star power. No angle at all involving the World Title feud? No token Hogan or Kidman or Booker appearance? Especially right before the PPV, you'd think something would happen. Even if it was only an interview. I think some management issues plagues this show as some of the key PPV matches got completely ignored. Sid v. Awesome also got no mention. It could have used some last minute build. I'd also say Steiner v. Jarrett could have used more then just an interview. Thunder is defintiely being used as a B-Show. Even is that is intentional, I think Slamboree could have benefitted from a little more build. If Thunder wasn't going to have anything then Nitro could have had some bigger storyline progression. Other then that, Thunder was another fair show.

Slamboree Predictions:

World Title Match

Booker T vs. Billy Kidman w/Hulk Hogan as Referee

I cannot see Kidman as World Champion. Definitely not at this point in time in his career and don't think it'd be a good move for him. Kidman isn't ready to be seen as a credible world champion. Plus if you want Booker to be seen as a credible world champion then he needs to have a longer reign then 1 month. This is his first real challenge thus it'd be good for Booker to win. WCW World Title needs to be established as the premiere title again and in order for that to happen, Booker needs a solid title reign with wins over some big names. Kidman isn't quite the big name but it's a start for things to come. Plus I can't see Hogan counting a three for Kidman. This will help spark a future match between Kidman and Hogan.

United States Title Match

Shane Helms vs. Ric Flair

Once again, this win will help establish Helms as a big time player. It will give the US Title a better image. A win like this will do amazing things for Helms career. Flair is the type of guy that can survive a loss like this rather easily. I'm sure this will lead to a rematch and maybe even a series.

No DQ, Falls Count Anywhere Match

Jeff Jarrett vs. Scott Steiner

Basically, I picked Jarrett because I picked faces for the other matches. Plus Jarrett would be a good next challenger for Booker. In order for that to happen, Jarrett needs a big win and that would happen in this match. Though I could also see this just be the start of the feud between these two. Steiner will gain his revenge in the future.

TV Title Match

Shawn Stasiak vs. Chris Kanyon

I'd rather Kanyon be higher up the card but I'm sensing he'll get the win here. Disco wants to take out Stasiak and he will interfere in this match. Disco will cause Stasiak the title and thus start a mini feud between the two. I don't know really know where Kanyon goes from here. Unless it turns into a 3 way feud which is a possibility.

Mike Awesome vs. Sid

This match has lacked the proper build. Nothing has really happend since the last PPV. Because of that, I think Awesome needs the win here in order to keep the feud going. Sid can't win the blow off yet because I don't feel the feud should be blown off yet. Plus Awesome needs the win if he is going to make any kind of impact in WCW. Besides, last time we saw Awesome he was pinned by Sid which means it's returning the favour time.

Tag Team Title Match

Chris Candido/Jamie Knoble vs. Jung Dragons vs. Three Count

I don't think it's time for any title changes yet. I really believe the champs need to be established still. Besides, they didn't get the wins on Thunder. Wrestling logic says that if the champs don't win going into the PPV then they probably will win at the PPV. I'm using that theory for this match.

Hardcore Title Match

Crowbar vs. Meng

Sadly, I don't really remember what lead to this. I just, remember Crowbar acting like a heel in lots of matches leading to this. I'm sensing Crowbar is going to be pushed as the big Hardcore Champion. No idea what he does after this but I don't see Meng as a better option either. Crowbar will continue to be pushed as the premiere hardcore guy with a win over Meng.

Cruiserweight Title Match

Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

I don't see Rey losing in his big return. I also don't see Rey winning the title yet. Chavo will get DQed after Rey almost wins the championship. Chavo will then run away like a good chicken heel. He will be ready for the big rematch at GAB. I'm positive this is how it will go. Maybe Chavo will cheat to retain the title but I'm positive Rey will not win the title. I also feel that Rey will get some type of moral victory. Thus I go with the Rey DQ win.

Sting vs. Curt Hennig

Can't see Sting losing to Hennig. Though I'm clueless to where this is going and unfortunately, I care even less. I'm just waiting for Sting to eventually turn against Vampiro and for the silliness to die down.

Look forward to Slamboree but look forward to the fall out even more. Should be an interesting next few weeks.

Raw Thoughts:

A fantastic blow off to the excellent Snow v. Austin feud. You ended the match and feud with a dramatic conclusion with Snow finishing Ausitn off with the legdrop from the top of the cage. The match made both guys look really strong coming out of this feud. I see some big pushes in store with both guys. With a little development, Austin or Snow can see themselves in a world title feud. Great stuff all around and looking forward to seeing where both guys go from here.

The slow build with Goldust and Hunter continues and I am really enjoying this story. It was great to see Hunter really wanting to end things but all of sudden, it becomes beneficial to be Goldust's friend again. It's obvious to everyone but Golust that he's being used by Hunter. When he finds out, the pay off should be rather sweet. This can be another many month spanning story like Austin and Snow was. I see both guys coming out bigger stars if done properly.

The Bulldog segment didn't do much for me. The whole Vader/Bulldog feud seemed rather thrown together. Maybe partly because the break up seemed to come out of nowhere. I didn't sense any problems with the two until the night they broke up. At this point, this story lacks a lot of sizzle and maybe because the issue seems so random. They're feuding over a one night team miscommunication and usually break ups take more then that. Thus I find myself lacking a lot of interest in the eventual match up. Plus Bulldog's friendship with Rude seems to have come out of nowhere too. This feud and story still has a few weeks to pick up some steam.

Waltman v. Kama qualifier was really well done. I actually think this match did a lot for getting Kama over too. Kama almost won the match and was made to look really strong. Being the guy who put out Waltman would give him some cred too. A very well booked match that made both guys looking better after.

Martel seems to be exactly back to where he was before Bret beat him. I have a sneaky suspiscion he'll want another shot at Bret eventually. I do know that Martel needs someone else to occupy him until then and he's too good to just float for a month waiting for Bret.

Argh! I knew it was going to happen but it still pissed me off to see the Godwinns when the titles. Other then Vince declaring their awesomeness, they haven't even been booked that well. They only got a little bit of mic time so far to establish their characters. They've probably been booked that way to conceal all their weaknesses. Having them battle Beniot/Pillman is probably the best way to make them look better then they are. All I can hope is that their title reign is short. I have a feeling the shoving down the throat has only begun.

I'm still very 'meh' on the Billy Gunn character. Though I appreciate that he actually addresses the chance he may seem like a Dean Douglas clone. At this point with this gimmick, I see Gunn being lost in the shuffle just like Arnold Jelly and Ruifino currently are.

Droese v. Henry qualifier was another match that made both guys look particularly strong. Droese finally scored a single win in a higher profile contest. Henry was made to look really strong and unbeatable despite the loss. Though it looks like his feud with the Money Mine has been demoted from Sid down to Droese. Which is probably for the better since Henry isn't ready for a ME level feud.

I enjoyed the D'Lo and Yoko angle. The turn for Yoko was predictable but also a good one. Yoko needed some refreshening of his character. A heel turn should be good for him and allow for a bit of a push. The guy is just too big to be a jobber especially in a Fed run by McMahon. This will put some heat on the upcoming qualifier which is a good thing too. Though it now has me worried on how safe of a bet D Lo is to win this thing now.

The main event tag was a great way to get some new feuds brewing and to address some different stories. Martel gets the win which only feeds his ego. Hopefully, his bragging will land him opponent maybe Shamrock since he has nobody at this point either. Vader and Bulldog do lots of brawling with each other which helps out their feud some though I'm still not lining up to see the pay off. Unfortunately, Undertaker still seems to be lacking any kind of challenger or opponent for KOTR. Especially since I don't expect Hunter or Goldust to be a long term thing. Though it does now look like Goldust v. Wright could be pencilled in for KOTR especially if the tourney shapes up the way I'm prediciting. Such a match would also be good to build up the HHH and Golust turmoil. Also looks like I was wrong about Sid feuding with Henry or Nash instead he seems to be set with Hall. This match did a good job of answering some more questions and opening a few doors. I'm still clueless of where 'Taker or Nash go next. I'm assuming they are finished wiht each other since they had the blow off previous to this match.

The big answer to Bret's challenge went great. I'm now very convinced that we will be seeing Michaels turn heel. Not sure if it will be at the show or if it will be in the lead up. I'm pretty positive Michaels won't be a face much longer. I think it would be a really great booking choice. Michaels would make an excellent heel and maybe even be the one to dethrone the Undertaker. Such a move would lead to tons of great challengers to his title. I am now ahead of myself.

Really solid Raw. It definitely had the feel of a big time show and must see TV. I would probably be tuning into this episode over Nitro during this time. It was a stacked show and progresses the stories nicely. It left the feeling that some big things did happen like the blow off to Snow & Austin, the tag title change and the Yoko heel turn. Great effort.

Mayhem Thoughts:

Yoko v. D'Lo was another tourney match where both guys came out looking stronger. D'Lo got a big win over the rejuvenated Yoko. Then Yoko looked stronger by taking out D Lo after the match. I enjoy the angle of Rude hiring men to take out his enemies in the tourney. It gives me a sense we will be seeing Waltman and D Lo collide just to get on the nerves of Rude even more.

Obviously, Austin isn't really quitting the WWF. I'll be interested to see where this angle goes. I really do hope that he isn't off TV too long to sell this angle.

I continue to enjoy the HHH and Goldust storyline. More and more you feel bad for poor Goldy because you know he is being taken advantage of. One can't help to look forward to when he stands up to Hunter.

Wow, didn't expect the title match to be so early but it does sound like a strategy WWF would do. The match seemed to have garnered a rather high match quality rating. Didn't know these two would work so well together. Anyway, no real storyline development other then HHH probably won't be so happy to have his plan foiled. Maybe he'll even take it out on Goldy? Plus I'm guessing the two will be meeting each other on Raw this coming week which will be interesting. Though 'Taker still have no challenger for KOTR. I'm clueless to who it will be.

I liked the whole Regal and Rude admitting they had paid those guys off to take out D'Lo and Kama. The angle with Kevin was interesting and I sense a possible face turn in the future. Especially after Kevin realizes he has no lined up title shot. I'm intrigued to find out who 'Taker's opponent is because I don't have a clue. I can't think of too many credible challengers at this point. Unless it's Sid again which I'd rather it not be.

Six man did it's job again. Sid and Razor definitely now seem to be enterting into a feud as they brawled again with each other. Bulldog got a cheap win over Vader which is always a nice way to spice up things. I really enjoyed the beat down and internal bleeding of Waltman. Waltman is the perfect sympathy face and he's getting lots of that now. It was good to see the heels get a definitive win by having all the faces laid out. I'm now wondering the chances of Waltman actually being able to advance against Droese. Though I still think Droese v. D Lo lacks a little for a PPV match.

Mero & Snow angles was some nice build to their match next week. This is definitely one of the harder matches to predict in the first round. I really think Mero would make a great challenger to the IC title and a win over Snow would cement that. But I also find it pointless for Mero to gain a win if he can't get the shot at the PPV which I don't see happening because of that to happen then Lawler/Jannetty need to be in the semis. I don't think either are fit for such a spot. I'm now ramlbing so let's move on.

Wright goes past Shamrock which is the right move. Though poor Shamrock seems to be dropping in value in WWF. At one point, I had him pegged as the next Main Eventer but now he seems to be lost in the mid card shuffle. As for Wright, I still don't love the fact he's getting such a big push. At the same time, it's nice to see somebody totally new get such a rise up the WWF ranks.

Vader attacking Bulldog is a nice attempt to try to get this feud going. I think segments like these are necessary in order to make this a match people want to see. Definitely keep up the attacks between the two former partners.

Michaels interviews convinces me even more that it's Michaels going heel.

A great final match between Beniot and Michaels. The former tag champs are made to look strong by being put in the main event slot. Beniot almost pulled off a big win there. I liked the closing segment with Hart coming out to save Michaels from the two heels. It looks like we have a great tag match in the future. That match will gain an insane match quality rating. It'll also open doors to do some interesting stuff to build to Hart v. Michaels.

Two excellent shows in a row. You're definitely hitting on all cylinders entering into the summer. I'm enjoying most of the stories that are being presented. Though unfortunately, with such a huge roster it seems like so many guys get lost in the shuffle. The Sunny looking for a man seems like a distant memory. Most of the midcarders don't seem much more than enhancement talent. Maybe RSN could use a little storyline development to help this problem?

Keep up the great job and I look forward to the road to KOTR.

Alright, here's my rundown of the final Nitro before Slamboree.

Good to see Polumbo get some offense in rather then just be fodder for Steiner. Jarrett does the obligatory run in to put some more stank on their PPV. It also sets up the latter angle nicely. I'm not totally pumped about this feud but you did a decent build job tonight.

A really good segment between Hogan and BK. Though I was hoping that the returning Hulkster would have done more on Nitro. Not sure exactly what I'm expecting but it just felt like Hogan did the minimum. I do enjoy the angle of BK taking his time before matching up with Hogan. It's a great cowardly heel things to do and it should play out nicely. It'll make the eventual match something to really want to see. Something WCW never did for the real BK v. Orange Golbin.

Still not a fan of the Vamprio stuff. It's a little over the top for me at this point. I still just see visions of Ministry Undertaker.

The tag title match had the predictable finish. A pretty by the numbers set up for a 3 way tag title match but that is allowed. A match with these guys doesn't need a lot of build in order to rock the house.

Steiner and Russo segment built nicely to the 'we need a commisioner' segment. I am intrigued to see who Bischoff has in mind. Though I wonder what the two are so busy with? They never seem to do anything on TV. Steiner v. Jarrett in a No DQ match will nicely put some more heat on things.

Nice Juvi squash. Artist is useless at this point other then as a cruiser jobber. A look forward to a Sanders and Juvi program is that is what was the point of things.

Nitro seems to be filled with a lot of matches that are basically jobber matches with forgone conclusions. I don't necessarily agree that The Cat should be a jobber but he doesn't seem to be doing much else. His purpose was to just push Crowbar. I don't like Rick Steiner but that is all what he was for Jarrett too. Though it helps the feud to have Jarrett beat Scott's brother. I think, Nitro would be better suited to have less matches where the outcome is so certian. It would help by making guys like Buff and The Cat not seem like complete job boys.

The Booker and Sid segment was good. Would appear to be some foreshadowing for the future.

Nice DDP interview to set-up a match with the Wall. I doubt things will be settled on Thunder and we will have ourselves another Slamboree match.

A decent main event that made everyone look good. Though I'd think that the match would have been better suited to have some heat put on BK and Booker since they have the PPV match. Rather, we see BK and Hogan getting the push. Maybe Hogan will still insert himself into Slamboree? Too bad to see Awesome get pinned since I think he should be a monster pushed heel at this point. He could really use a pin over Sid.

A decent show that could have used some more Slamboree hype. A decent amount of stories were addressed and I definitely enjoyed the show.

First off, it was a pretty good RSN. It was good to see some names that I haven't seen around in a while. You set yourself up for some mini-programs if you want to take advantage of that.

Hakushi & Taka as a team is pretty cool. Maybe Helms & Moore will earn themselves a contract after such a good match? WWF could defintiely use a few more light heavies at this point. I'm sure WWF would love to have some Americans to fill out the roster.

I hate Jelly and hope he is banned to RSN forever.

Good to see Hollywood and Kanyon again. I love those two together. It's funny because I really never liked Holly in real life. I'm fan of this Holly. He put on a really decent match with Copeland. Maybe just maybe this could be a set up for Hollywood/Kanyon v. Suicide Blondes? Isn't it about time to get Kanyon wrestling again?

Another great Lightheavyweight title but I wished it got defended on more then just RSN. Especially since it seems Chavo is jobbing anytime he isn't on RSN. I really hope that fabled LH push starts to become real. Though the real WWF has promised to push the LH since '97 too and look where they are with that.

I think, Bradshaw is ready for a push again. He is a hoss afterall. I think. Christopher could be a very decent top LH heel to compete with Chavo.

Decent main event. A huge main event for RSN standards. I think the team of Vader, Hall and Waltman has tons of potential. 3 guys who don't trust each other but join in order to fight off who Rude sends after them. It's sort of sad to see how far Money Mine has dropped down the pecking order. I see them pretty solid as lower midcarders now. Sid doesn't even seem to attached to any of them anymore other then being managed by Dawn Marie.

Okay, my KOTR predictions

First Round:

Waltman over Kama -- Waltman is a solid upper carder and Kama is not much more then a jobber. Waltman will easily go into the next round

Droese over Henry -- This will be the first 'upset' of the tourney as Droese will win after Sid's interference. It will be a much need victory for a Money Mine person who isn't Sid.

D Lo beats Yoko - D Lo is my early pick to win KOTR thus he needs to go past Yoko. I think, Yoko will almost have the victory but D Lo will just sneak by him.

Wright upsets Shamrock - This will be the second big surprise of the first round. Wright is one of your 'projects' and I can't see him losing the first round. I'd almost have him win this tournament except that I'm convinced this is D Lo's to win.

HHH beat Goldust - HHH will cheat to defeat Goldust and it will break the poor guys heart. He'll still be rooting for Hunter to win the thing.

Chavo defeats Hollywod - I'm only predicting Chavo here so HHH has a face to wrestle

Jerry Lawler beat Marty Jannetty - This one is a toss up since neither guy seems to be majoy players at this point. I'm changing my original vote to now Lawler going over Jannetty even if it doesn't seem right for a Commentator to beat a full time wrestler.

Snow beat Mero - I originally thought Mero would win here but the farther I went through the rounds the more I realize how much star power lacks in the bottom half if both HHH and Snow go early. Thus I've changed both matches so that the semis can have some bigger names.

Second Round:

Waltman will beat Droese mainly because Waltman is a big player.

D'Lo will pin Wright which in what I personally find the hardest to predict as both are my favourites for the finals due to their current super pushes. D'Lo wins and Wright defends his title at the PPV.

HHH beat Chavo - Thus a gimmick can start up where HHH starts claiming he will be a two time KOTR winner.

Snow beat Lawler - This allows for the bigger star power match at the PPV between Snow and HHH. Lawler definitely isn't going any farther then the second round.

Semifainals:

D'Lo beat Waltman - This will allow for D'Lo to get a major rub by pinning one of the bigger names in WWF right now. It shouldn't hurt Waltman too much to take a loss against D'Lo.

HHH beat Snow - This allows for HHH to pursue Snow for the IC title after KOTR is done. I wouldn't be surprise if HHH wins then too to set up HHH v. Goldust for the title at Summerslam. Now I am getting way ahead of myself.

Finals:

D'Lo beat HHH - I have a nagging feeling that Wright may be the person that should be in the finals. But for now, I'm sticking with D'Lo getting the super push. As he gets to pin two Clique member in one night and get a really huge rub. It would be nice passing of the torch having the previous year winner being defeated by the new king in the finals.

Another decent episode of Thunder that still seems to lack that 'sizzle'. It stayed a very busy episode and lots seemed to be happening. Enough plot development happend to allow one to eagerly anticipate the future. I have to say that Slamboree is building up to be a really solid show. I'm looking forward to the build towards it.

I'm liking your use of cruiserweights in your shows. You treat them like legitimate players and not JTTS's to the heaveyweights. That is proven when you have Cruiserweights as tag champions and United States champion. Of course, the top challenger for the world title is a Cruiserweight too. I defiitely appreciate how competitive you are making the 'smaller guys'. I'd probably say that is the Russo influnce of your bookers since he seemed to always want to amalgamate the Cruisers in with the heavies though I don't think he did it as well as you are.

I'm liking the Kanyon the push but I'd rather him higher up the card like US Title contention but a push is a push nonetheless. I'm interested to see where the Dustin story goes. I'm assuming he'll end up with Vampiro as this point.

Hardcore match was decent. It came off more like character development since it proved how dangerous Crowbar can be. Choking a man out with a chain is low and heelish. The match served it's purpose I suppose.

I'm liking the monster push of Wall. He will make a good indestucitble heel type. I look forwrad to his program with DDP. I win over Page would catapult him into the upper card scene for sure.

You're doing a great job of hyping the return of Rey. I am really looking forward to his match with Chavo. I'm enjoying the conceited Chavo gimmick. His feud with Rey should be a really good one.

I don't like La Parka being nothing more then a jobber. Especially since your reports are saying he is quite over with the crowd. He should be given a story.

I don't like Buff personally but I also don't think he should just be jobbed out. He was a big name for WCW during this time period. He must be bitching up storm on EWR to take so many losses to mid card guys. It is odd to just see him job so often.

Not sure how I feel about the Disco character yet. I'll give it a few more shows to play out. It just seems so different then the typical Disco that Glenn played for so many years. It definitely could end up being cool.

I never like the double pin in tag matches because it is so unrealistic. Shouldn't only the legal man's pinfall count? I know it's been done in WCW before but I personally think it's one of the stupider finishes. I realize, this is progressing the Yung Dragon v. Noble/Candido program. I'm guessing this leads to a 3 way at Slamboree with Three Count joined in.

I dug the Helms/Flair angle. That was classic Ric Flair there. He brought in one of his goons to soften up Helms a bit. I like how Luger went to work on the knee so that it lends Helms to be weakened for the firgure four leglock. All in all, a very good old school angle. I'm loving the Helms and Flair stuff at this point.

Booker v. Bull was pretty anticlimatic. Bull isn't a credible challenger. It didn't make Booker look any stronger. There was absolutely no storyline advancement. It's was pretty 'meh'. I think Kidman should have at least come out to commentate to spice things up.

I am enjoying this diary. I'm looking forward to the next set of shows.

I can definitely sense a shift into new storylines for the upcoming summer months. Many of the current programs are wrapping up and several new storylines are beginning. All in all, it leads to a very busy feeling Mayhem as it felt like lots was happening. I'm definitely intrigued with where some of the directions will be going over the next few weeks leading to KOTR.

Wow, that Goldust turn seemed really sudden. What happend to the D'Lo & Wright feud that seemed to be starting up? Where did Goldust's sudden patriotism come from? I'm fine with a Goldust turn and assume it was coming but this just seemed a little forced. Though admittedly, I'm looking forward to how HHH responds to Goldust's face turn and standing up for the fans. It does look like the Wright match was a one shot deal. I still feel the face turn could have been held off for a few weeks and happend involving Hunter rather then someone out of the blue. Too late and will be interested to see the relationship between a face and a heel for a few weeks until the inevitable beat down by HHH.

My fears seem to becoming a reality as the Godwinns now have their two on two title shot. I fear they've got the titles come Monday. Hopefully, it'll be a short reign after Vince realizes they're a flop.

Hmmmm. . . a Yokozuna push? I'm not a huge Yoko fan and his match quality will continue to be subpar. I have to say it doesn't make sense to job someone the size of Yokozuna. He is fairly over with the fans. Though it doesn't make much sense to job him right after a supposed push is in the works. I do think he would make a good enforcer/bodyguard for Rude.

Martel is back to being arrogant, just like that? I'm assuming there has to be more of a story then just that. I'll patiently wait.

The Austin/Snow angle was excellent. I'll miss these two not feuding with each other. It's been a staple over the last few game time months. The beating of JR was cool because it would have been cutting edge back then. Up to this point, not too many face announcers received a brutal beating. Though I don't think JR should have returned to the announce table. It really undersold the beat down that he was able to continue the rest of the show after being puched by Austin. Oh well. The cage match should be an excellent blow off.

Wow, I'm shocked with the match rating that Sid & Henry received. Didn't think the lugs had it in them. Are their stats overly high???

Are we looking at a Henry v. Sid program??? I definitely didn't see that coming. You're beginning to try to push some of your mid card lugs in Henry & Yoko which isn't a bad thing. WWF would definitely be giving the big guys a chance after chance to get over. The true challenge is if you can turn Henry into a bigger star then the real WWF could.

I'm sensing a definite heel turn coming from the Hart & Michaels match. Right now, my impression is that it will be Michaels. That allows Cactus to come back and take credit for turning him to the dark side. Either way, Hart v. Michaels should be a decent program.

No clue who Sunny has lined up but I'm assuming it has to be a face. Afterall, why would you have turned her a few months back? Maybe Rocky Mavia?

The Undertaker v. Nash blow off came off exactly how I suspected. 'Taker pinned Nash clean right in the middle. It's now time for the Genetic Wonder to move on to something fresh. Maybe he'll mouth off to Rude and have Yoko sicked on him? I originally thought Sid but now, I'm not sure if this Henry match was the start of something. Though it could end up being Sid and Henry in a quick Raw blow off match and then Sid moves back into problems with Nash. As for Undertaker, I'm still totally clueless as to who his next challenger will be.

Definitely lots of new stories have been started up. It should be an interesting next while in this diary. Keep up all the great work.

A very enjoyable edition of Nitro but it seemed to be lacking that 'big time' feel which is probably due to the lack of big stars on the show. I have to admit, you are doing a really good job of establishing some of the 'younger' guys. It's cool to see Kidman get the big push that the real WCW only teased. Kidman is definitely coming off as a great heel who talks big but needs others to help him back it up. Kidman v. Booker at Slamboree should be interesting. Though I'd kind like to see Hogan arrive before the show and see Kidman feel he got screwed out again (ala Edge circa last year). Or it could always turn into a 3 way. The addition of Hogan would help give the rub to both guys unless of course Hogan has creative control.

Good to see Mike Sanders debuting. So far, I'm enjoying his gimmick where he feels he can offer more then the 'flying' cruiserweights. I've got a feeling he has a big push in his future. It will be good to have another style put into the division.

Steiner v. Jarrett is progressing rather nicely. Especially with the story where Steiner basically can't touch Jarrett if he wants the match for Slamboree. I'm always a sucker for those type of stories and it'll make the eventual match that much sweeter.

The Vampiro story seems a little far out there. It doesn't seem to mesh nicely with the other things going in WCW. It also reminds me too much of the Ministry of Darkness angle. I'll give it a few weeks to win me over because I do enjoy Vampiro.

All in all, not a lot of big plot developments on this Nitro. Mainly just a lot of matches used to put over certian stars. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm looking forward to the continual build to Slamboree.

I have to say, Raw came off a little sub-par and anti-climatic. Though it has properly hyped up next weeks show which should be completely outstanding. Sometimes, you've got to have a lower impact show in order to appreciate the good ones. All in all, there was still some good stuff that came out of Raw.

I found Rick Rude's changing of Raw to be a little anitclimatic. He promised that 5 wrestlers were going to pay but nothing really happened to them. Sure, he put Waltman & Hall in a tag match but he's already done that before. I was little disappionted to see Rude do so little to the guys. Hopefully, you'll have more in store in the next few weeks. At this point, the Regal & Rude adminstration are coming off as all talk and no action.

Hall & Waltman v. Bulldog & Wright ended up being nothing more then filler. Nothing was progressed storyline wise other then putting Bulldog as one of Rude's boys. Of course, it's obvoius that Wright is getting the push and rub for being in such a match. I still haven't been able to warm up to Wright yet.

I'm pretty 'meh' on a Marty Jannetty push. Sort of sad to see Terry Funk being relegated to mid card jobber now. Maybe things will pick up when Cactus Jack comes back.

I'm always a fan of hyping upcoming shows and you've made Friday Mayhem look big with the World title match. I'm guessing, this will be the final blow-off between Undertaker and Kevin Nash. Hopefully, both men will move on to some new things. Maybe 'Taker's next opponent will be clear after Mayhem.

I didn't like seeing Chavo being jobbed out to Ruifino. I totally don't buy Ruifino as anything more then a lower midcard act. It sucks that the Cruiserweight champion needs to be jobbing to someone like that. At this point, WWF seems more intent on geting some pet projects over rather then helping anyone in the cruiserweight division.

Was this the plan for Billy Gunn all along? It really came off as a 'reset' on the Billy Gunn character. This video seemed to come out of nowhere and not flow with the previous character developments. Did you decide that you didn't like the previous direction thus totally changed it up? That is how this came off.

I also can't say I'm a fan of the total rip off of the Dean Douglas character. Dean only left at the end of '95 and it's '97 right now. Seems a little early to do a total copy of a previous gimmick. A poor choice in my decision but maybe the character will come into it's own soon. I'll give it a chance.

The six man came off as pretty thrown together. I liked seeing the Goldust and HHH stuff developed. D Lo getting the pinfall was excellent. I look forward to seeing this big Brown push that seems to be in the works. Are we seeing a character reset on Martel too? I'd hate to think that the last two months of development are just going to be scrapped. I obviously need to let this play out as it could still be a storyline.

Poor Taker seems to always lose overness when he interviews with Paul Bearer. That fat blob is so useless.

A nice segment to build to the cage match for next Raw. Raw next week will be huge. I'm looking forward to the big blow off between the two wrestlers. I think this match should get a PPv write up since the feud has been so big in this WWF.

Having a main event with one half of the tag team champions is probably a reason this show didn't have a big time feel. But it's good to see the tag champs getting some exposure in a big match atmosphere. It's nice to have Bret Hart be in the spotlight again after being pushed to the side for the last few months.

I am looking forward to the face to face for Bret and Michaels. I wouldn't be surprised if this match up leads to a HBK heel turn. I think, the heel turn would be a good move since there is a lot of big faces on top right now. WWF could use a fresh heel in the main event. Anyway, no matter where you go with this it should lead to a big time KOTR match up.

I'm also looking forward to the tournament starting up soon. Keep up all the hard work.

OOC: Baby Hewey, I'm glad you enjoyed Thunder. I haven't made my mind up with Jindrak yet. He isn't going to developmentals really soon but I'd like to improve his charisma some since it sucks. Either way, I have high intentions of pushing Jindrak. I hope, WCW Sin lives up to the build up. It'll probably take me a few days to write up the whole show and I have a feeling the match lengths won't be overly long.

WCW Wildside Ratings & Backstage Notes

01.14.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

WCW Wildside scored a 2.09, which makes TBS and WCW executives very happy. It’s also consistent with the ratings they scored last weekend. The Genesis Convention Center had an attendance of 4019 and raked in a gate of $160760. All in all, WCW was very happy with all the numbers for this show.

WCW is said to be very happy with how well the Harrises work as a team. The plan is to continually push them as a team. Though they said the same things about the Yung Dragons last week and the poor pair wasn’t even on any programming this week.

Buff Bagwell was reportedly being heard backstage asking for a match with Terry Funk. Apparently, he was a big fan of Funk as a child and would really like the honour of a match. No word on if the officials plan on appeasing him.

Speaking of asking for matches, The Cat was said to be interested in wrestling Jindrak.

Poor Norman Smiley is obviously being misused by WCW. The mild mannered wrestler has even asked WCW if he could be pushed farther up the card. Word is, Smiley is tired of being a comedy act and jobbing to lesser quality opponents. Unfortunately, WCW doesn’t appear to be interested in appeasing Smiley at this point and wants to continue the Glacier story.

Road agents and creative both seemed fairly happy with how the show came off. The plan is to continue to highlight the same level of talent each week.

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CZW Fake you TV Ratings

01.14.01

credit: www.indywresltingbeat.com

CZW dipped slightly this week with a .44 rating. The attendance was a 187 which brought in $2805. The show was highlighted by Nick Gage and Nate Hatred defeating Justice Pain and Mad Man Pondo when Gage forced Pain to tap out. This set up the main event for CZW’s upcoming big weekend show Accepting the Challenge.

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WCW Sin Official Card

01.14.01

credit: www.wcw.com

WCW Sin

Live from the Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis, IN

Only on PPV

TONIGHT!

Main Event – 3 Way Dance World Title Match

Scott Steiner © (w/Midajah) v. Sting v. Jeff Jarrett

Scott Steiner has been a dominant champion ever since he won the title in November. He must battle at least two men the retain his WCW championship but there is the possibility of a 4rth man in Goldberg. Sting is not only out for the WCW Championship but to exact revenge on attacks perpetrated by Jarrett and Steiner. A key question is, can Steiner trust Jarrett to be on his side? If he can, would Sting be able to overcome those odds? Of course, don’t forget the wild card of Goldberg possibly finally getting a WCW World Championship match!

WCW Title Shot v. No Title Shot in 2001

Goldberg & Wayne DeBruce v. Totally Buff (Buff Bagwell & Lex Luger)

Goldberg has put his opportunity to wrestle for the WCW Championship in 2001 on the line in order to win the right to be inserted in the Sin main event. Totally Buff has been a pain in the side of Goldberg since Starrcade and Lex Luger has been a hassle for longer. Goldberg is ready to finish this issue once and for all. He will have the chance to exact revenge while teaming up with his mentor. How will the aging DeBruce factor in this match? What shape is Goldberg in after the big attack on Nitro? What does Totally Buff have up their sleeves?

WCW World Tag Team Titles

Insiders © v. Any 2 members of the Natural Born Thrillers

The Insiders do not know which two members they will be wrestling tonight for the WCW World Tag Team titles. It could be Perfect Event or Jindrak & O’Haire. What the Insiders do know, is that the Thrillers have had their numbers lately. Numerous times over the last few weeks, the Thrillers have laid out the WCW World Tag Team champions. Will that be the same at WCW Sin? Or will the veterans be able to over come the jacked up rookies?

WCW United States Championship First Blood Match

Hugh Morrus © v. Shane Douglas

Shane Douglas has pinned General Rection on two occasions this past month. At WCW Sin, Shane Douglas isn’t wrestling General Rection. He is going against the unpredictable Hugh Morrus. The key factor is that tonight you don’t win the match by pinfall but rather win by making your opponent bleed. It is a very sadistic contest and is for one of the most prestigious titles in wrestling. Hugh has disbanded the MIA but has said he still would accept them by his side. Will any MIA members be involved tonight? Can Hugh Morrus do what General Rection couldn’t? It should be all out war for the WCW United States Title.

Animal Warfare

The Cat (w/Ms Jones) v. Rick Steiner

Rick Steiner was put into this match after he betrayed Ric Flair. The Cat isn’t very happy about the double cross and wants to the make the DFG pay. Steiner isn’t very happy about The Cat costing him a match against David Flair. The two men have every attention of tearing each other apart. It should be a brutal contest.

WCW Cruiserweight Title

Chavo Guerrero © v. Shane Helms

Shane Helms has been on a roll lately. He earned the title shot during a six way ladder match at Starrcade. He has been raking up an enormous of amount of victories leading to this match up. Chavo is obsessed with being the champion and will do anything to hold on to the title. Right now, these two men are the hottest stars in the cruiserweight division. It should be a truly memorable and classic title match. Can the rising star take the title in his first shot? Or will Chavo find a way to keep his grip on the championship?

WCW Hardcore Title

Terry Funk © v. Crowbar (w/Daffney)

Terry Funk beat Crowbar for the title at Starrcade. Crowbar has been obsessed with winning back the title ever since that night. He looks up to and admires the hardcore legend. He also knows that he can’t truly be a hardcore great until he pins his childhood idol. Crowbar has become extremely paranoid over making sure Terry Funk remains the champion. He has even caused Meng to lose his shot at the title on several occasions. This may be Crowbar’s last chance to win the championship from Funk as many other worthy challengers are lining up. Can Crowbar finally achieve his dream of pinning Terry Funk? Or will the legend who refuses to quit pull off another upset?

Stickball Bat on a Pole Match

Big Vito v. Reno

Reno turned on his brother at Starrcade when he revealed he was behind the payment to Kronik. Reno declared his true family was the Natural Born Thrillers. At WCW Sin, Big Vito is out for revenge for the betrayal. The stakes have been upped as stickball bats have been deemed legal use. The weapons have been used on several occasions against each other and they will now be deemed useable in this match. Will Big Vito finally gain his revenge? Will the Thrillers stick their nose into this match? Will Reno prove he is the stronger of the two? It should be a match for the ages.

Canada v. America

Hacksaw Jim Duggan v. Mike Awesome

Mike Awesome turned his back on his country at the end of last year. He is now a proud member of Team Canada. Duggan has recently returned to his country after betraying it last year. Duggan has asked for forgiveness and his country has accepted him. Now, Duggan must finish the cleansing process by beating his old stable. At WCW Sin, he will be going up against the man that turned on him. Does Haskcaw Jim Duggan have one last good fight in him? Will the younger Awesome be able to overcome the wrestling hero? It should be an all out brawl to be remembered.

Be sure to order WCW Sin on PPV. Watch as WCW rises back to greatness and proves it’s excellence in pro wrestling entertainment.

OOC: Here are the official matches for the PPV. Those who are enjoying this diary, please post your predictions for this contest. Don’t forget that Goldberg can be a prediction for the main event depending how you think his match will go.

Not sure if I’m going to get many or any predictions but here are a few tiebreakers if I need them.

1. What will be the match with the highest match quality rating on EWR?

2. Which match will be the opening contest?

3. Which members of the Thrillers will battle the Insiders?

4. Will there be any debuts or returns?

5. Will anyone turn on the show? Who?

Prize for the Prediction Contest Winner: You will be able to book/choose 1 match for the upcoming WCW Superbrawl PPV. Warning: If you put two guys against each other who are obviously in other feuds then don’t be surprised if there is a lack of build to the match. You must pick two guys who are active on the full time roster. I hold the right to alter/discuss the selection (for example, if Alex Wright is booked against the World Champion )

WCW Wildside

Date: 01.13.01

Venue: Genesis Convention Center from Gary, IN

Network: TBS

Timeslot: Early Evening

Commentators: Scott Hudson & Larry Zbysko

Ring Announcer: David Penzer

The new WCW Wildside video introduction starts off the show. It highlights various WCW moments over the last few months with the focus being on the WCW Cruiserweights. The video ends with Scott Steiner standing tall with the WCW World Title around his waist. The scene cuts to inside the Genesis Convention Center with a crazy, rabid WCW crowd of 4019. The pyro and fireworks go off while the camera pans the crowd picking out several fans decked out in WCW wear.

Scott Hudson: Welcome fans to WCW Sin weekend. We are exactly a day away from the first PPV of 2001. It should be one of the most explosive events we have witnessed in a long time. Tonight, we have some red hot action for you. I am your Host, Scott Hudson along with my colleague, the living legend Larry Zbysko.

Larry Zbysko: Scott, this truly is a big weekend in WCW. We can’t get ahead of ourselves though because we really have a huge show on hand tonight.

Scott Hudson: Oh yes, we have an awesome line-up of great wrestling action. In our main event, we will see Terry Funk team up with the challenger for his championship tomorrow night, the insane Crowbar. They will do battle with the always tough Harris Boys.

Larry Zbysko: Also tonight we have the United States champion in action just a day before his toughest title challenge yet. We also our loaded with some hot cruiserweight action.

Scott Hudson: Speaking of Cruiserweight action, we have that on tap right now!

It’s Prime Time!!!

Kwee Wee (w/Paisely) v. Elix Skipper (w/Major Gunns)

Referee: Charles Robinson

Skipper comes down to ringside decked out in his ‘bling’ and makes sure to gloat to the audience. He also gets on the mic and announces that it indeed is prime time. It appears tonight it will be Kwee Wee who is wrestling, the more effeminate of his two personalities. Kwee Wee ruffles the feathers of Prime Time early by slapping his butt and prancing around the ring. Skipper has trouble focusing on his fellow Power Plant grad. Elix takes control when he Matrix ducks a clothesline and takes Wee down with a sliding legsweep. Skipper controls the action with some stiff kicks to the head. Kwee Wee is really rocked with a giant leaping dropkick right to the face. Paisely starts to rally the crowd behind Kwee Wee, which in actuality isn’t the most impressive of cheers. Skipper starts to insult Kwee Wee by slapping him in the face. This starts to upset Kwee Wee and thus changes him into his other personality, Angry Alan Funk. Funk attacks Skipper with an onslaught of fists and feet. Skipper tries to bail to the outside but Alan Funk is a house of fire. The momentum ends when Funk charges into a corner and gets nothing but turnbuckle. Prime Time takes down the Angry One with his patent Play of the Day (set up as a rocker dropper then turned into a swinging neckbreaker type move). The finish leads to an easy three count for Skipper. After the match, Skipper starts to dance and gloat over his victory.

Winner: Elix Skipper

62/50/75

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Can Sting overcome the odds against him facing two members of the Apocalypse? Can Scott Steiner trust Jeff Jarrett in their title match? Find out only on PPV tomorrow night. Be sure to order WCW Sin!

Time To Dethrone A King

The catchy, salsa beats of Chavo’s theme blare over the loudspeakers and the champion struts down the ring with the title firmly around his waist. He makes sure to agitate the fans on his way to the ring. Once he enters, he unstraps the championship and starts to admire it. He finally slings the title over his shoulder while addressing the Gary crowd.

Chavo Guerrero: Why, Chavo, why? It’s all I’ve heard this week from you snot-nosed, punk fans. I try to go to the restaurant to enjoy a good meal and fans come whining to me about what they saw this week. I get mauled at the airport with the same question. Everyone seems to be hating the Chavo. All you fans seem to have turned your back on me. Don’t you know who I am? I am the king of all the Cruiserweights. [not surprisingly, this garners boos from the crowd] Like I told the Wall on Thursday, I did what had to happen. Last Monday, I needed to beat the stupid out of Lash LaRoux. [this causes some booing] Don’t you understand, I did this for Lash’s own good. Because of my actions, there is no longer any MIA. We will no longer be oppressed and held down by that dictator Hugh Morrus. I’ve allowed us to be individuals again. I’ve given each member a chance to shine again. You see Lash, you’ve grown soft over these last few months. You weren’t the original, all fired up rookie that arrived here a few years ago. You have lost the passion. All I wanted to do was get that passion back in you. I did it for your own good. [he starts to chuckle to himself] Of course, holmes, did you really think the king of the Cruisers wanted you riding on his coattails? Face it, essa, I’m too good for you. I am too good for all these people. [more boos rained down onto Chavo] You see, holmes, I honestly must admit it was fun kicking the crap out of you. I enjoyed battering that worthless Caj. . .

The words ‘Vertebreaker’ blast over the speakers and an unknown theme song starts up. It brings out a known WCW star in the form of Chavo’s WCW Sin opponent, Shane Helms. Helms claps the hands of the fans to the ring and finally, steps into the ring right up to the face of Chavo.

Shane Helms: I’ve heard quite enough from the back. I’m pretty sure everyone here in Gary, Indiana has heard quite enough, too. [cheap pop] Chavo, what you did was wrong on Monday. You severed a longstanding friendship. As someone who experienced that on Thursday, I can say it has nothing good about it. You didn’t do this for Lash’s benefit. You did it because you were selfish. You did it because Chavo, I think you know you aren’t the king of the Cruisers. Lash couldn’t beat me. You know deep down, that you can’t beat me either. You’re time is coming, Chavo. This right here [taps the title] is going on a brand new shoulder this Sunday. All these fans will be chanting that ‘ding Dong, the king is dead!’ [he smiles as a small chant starts up] This Sunday, I’m dedicating this match to Lash. I am dedicating this match to all these fans. Most of all, this Sunday I am dedicated to dethroning you.

Chavo rebuttal is swinging his championship at the head of Helms. Helms is ready for him and quickly ducks the attempted attack. Shane Helms quickly swing around Chavo and delivers the devastating Vertebreaker. Chavo is seemingly unconscious from the finisher. Helms grabs the WCW Cruiserweight title and beifly eyes it over.

Shane Helms: This Sunday, I’ll have this title back in my hands but that time, it will be for keeps. See ya, king.

Helms drops the championship on the fallen carcass of Chavo. The crowd lets out a big pop and Helms heads to the back.

71

Chavo Guerrero debuted his new gimmick (Cheater) and it got a positive response

Shane Helms is now officially a face

Helms gained 1 point of overness from this turn – the turn lost some impact since most fans already considered him a face

Scott Hudson: Shane Helms just demonstrated his dominance over the Cruiserweight champion.

Larry Zabysko: Mugging someone in the ring is very different then pinning someone in a title match. Helms still has lots to prove for this Sunday.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Run out and buy yourself a copy of Halo! Don’t forget to check out all the hot new WCW gear. I hear, a Sports Illustrated subscription is a lovely thing.

Not Much Of A Hero

Kronik (Bryan Clarke & Brian Adams) v. Norman Smiley & Glacier

Referee: Scott Dickenson

This tag match is an almost exact replica of last week. Norman comes out excited and doing his Big Wiggle for the fans; but Glacier is absolutely nowhere to be found. Norman has to go it handicap style once again against some very big hosses. Smiley does get his moments of offence dropping the big men with swirling bodyslams, atomic drops and suplex variations. Two is still more then one and the number games take their toll on Norman. Finally, the Glacier entrance starts up again but once again, Glacier takes a extremely long time getting to the ring as he continues to pose. By the time Glacier arrives, Norman is put away with the High Times double chokeslam. This time Glacier tries to attack Kronik but he is easily disposed of with the High Times as well. Both Glacier and Norman are left battered in the ring. Though Glacier seems to be getting up rather fast after being hit with the High Times

Winners: Kronik

60/62/56

Glacier didn’t sell much, which hurt the match – Glacier didn’t stay down like Norman did after the High Times

Sending A Message To Douglas

Hugh Morrus v. Alex Wright

Referee: Billy Silverman

After a quick replay of the tag match, we cut right back to the right for the next contest. This match ends up being another complete squash. Hugh Morrus came out in his old wrestling attire he had before he did the General Rection gimmick. He comes to the ring laughing hysterically. During the entire match, Morrus would stop his attack in order to blurt out some fits of laughter. As for the match, it’s all Morrus all the time as he takes apart Wright. The announcers mention this is Morrus sending a message to Douglas and letting the Franchise know that Morrus is a changed man. Near the end, Disco Inferno comes running from the back and tries to interfere but Hugh is able to quickly dispose of him with a lariat. Hugh delivers a big powerbomb and then finishes Wright off with the No Laughing Matter moonsault. After the contest, Morrus continues to laugh to himself while clutching the WCW US Title.

Winner: Hugh Morrus

66/64/69

Hugh Morrus debuted his new gimmick (Crazy) and it got a positive response

Scott Hudson: It looks like the old Hugh Morrus has returned. I’d say that Shane Douglas could find himself in trouble this Sunday.

Larry Zbysko: How do you battle a complete nutbar? Then again, Douglas doesn’t need to understand him but rather just make him bleed this Sunday.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Buy Pepsi, a PS2 and Sports Illustrated for Kids!

The Week That Was WCW

WCW showcases another excellent video package highlighting the key stories of the week. The key focuses are all stories related to Apocalypse & their opponents, the continued domination of the Thrillers over Insiders and the recent disintegration of the MIA. The major focus seems to be on the big attacks on Goldberg and the Flairs. Of course since this is family hour, any shots of blood are done in black and white.

95

Ric Flair gained one point of overness – this time fans seem to have some sympathy for Ric Flair

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Makes you want to buy things.

It’s Not The Boogie Knight’s Night

Rey Misterio (w/Tygress) v. Disco Inferno

Referee: Mark Johnson

Despite both men being underutilized lately, the crowd was still decidedly into this match compared to the other contests. Disco gained a decent amount of heel heat for doing his silly dances. Rey starts the match off fast using his speed and quickness. Rey takes Disco to the mat several times using a variation of head scissor take downs, dropkicks to the face, drop toe holds and several springboard moves from the ropes. Disco does keep the match fairly competitive and catches an attempted crossbody turning it into a shoulder breaker. Disco uses his power advantage to toss Rey around the ring area. The styles of the too seem to mesh as the two wrestlers put on easily the best match of the night. Disco’s offence on Rey ends when he comes of the top rope but is greeted with a dropkick to the chest. Rey really takes down Disco when he hits the big 619. This move brings out Alex Wright who trips up Mysterio and allows Disco to be back on offence. It doesn’t last long as Misterio spin kicks Dico Inferno right into Alex Wright. Disco falls to the mat and Misterio finished him off with a Drop the Dime. Alex Wright enters the ring and attacks Misterio, which immediately bring Billy Kidman from the back. The two Filthy Animals quickly dispose of the Boogie Knights. The two dancing fools argue with each other up the rampway as the Filthy Animals celebrate in the ring.

Winner: Rey Misterio Jr

77/72/83

COMMERCIAL BREAK – WCW Sin will feature Goldberg’s biggest challenge yet, an amazing WCW Cruiserweight title match, Sting battling the odds against two Apocalypse members and some upstart rookies trying to beat some wrestling legends! Order WCW Sin only on PPV!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

The music of Big Vito brings out the big Paisan who is carrying a stickball bat with him. He swings the bat a few times before entering the ring. He encourages some pops from the crowd, which they are more then happy to give the star in moderation.

Big Vito: Reno! You’ve been nothing but a pain in butt for me. You come out here and whack me with this stick. You talk about how the Thrillers are family. I was your family! You turn on me? You let down everyone who knows and grew up with you? So, you can dance with a bunch of thugs? Well, this Sunday I finally get you in the ring. The Staten Island Express will be running all over you this Sunday. I’m out here right now, to spice things up a little. We have both been knocking each other silly with these stickball bats. We had them as children. We both liked to play stickball. I remember, a few times that you bothered me that I’d knock this upside your head. This Sunday, I want these things to be legal. I want a pole to be erected and for this stickball bat to be hanging high up there. [Vito points above a top turnbuckle] The first man to retrieve the bat, will be able to use the bat. Once they have the bat, they can smack and whack the man as much as they want. What do you say? A stickball bat on a pole match? I will beat you so silly that you will wish for the days I bullied you as children.

The music of the Thrillers starts up and out comes the large, Reno. Reno soaks up a few boos before walking into the ring.

Reno: Stickball bat on a pole? A chance to whack you upside the head without any DQs? For the use of the bat to be encouraged? Where do I sign?

Big Vito: Right here

With those words, Big Vito unleashes a big punch to the face of Reno. The two men start to exchange punches with each other. Reno retrieves the stickball bat and even waffles a shot to the chest. Vito fires back with a stiff kick, which causes Reno to drop the bat. The two mean continue to lay into each other as they brawl to the back. Officials finally try to separate the two warring Italians.

55

Vito lost 2 points of overness from this segment – fans seems to like him better when he isn’t talking

Scott Hudson: What a ferocious brawl that was. These two will really tear into each other at WCW Sin.

Larry Zbysko: With a match where stickball bats are legal this will only get even crazier.

Scott Hudson: It should be a doozey.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - TBS promises a delightful Steve Martin film marathon tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget every Monday you’ll get the best of WCW action on TNT. I hear, Sport Illustrated for Kids is grand

Can The Sin Opponents Get Along?

Harris Boys (Ron & Don Harris) v. Terry Funk & Crowbar (w/Daffney)

Referee: Nick Patrick

Crowbar and Terry Funk seemingly work well together as a team against the two big brothers. Funk and Crowbar make uses of quick tags to maintain the advantage of the two brothers. Eventually, the massive size and power takes its toll on the hardcore tag team. Crowbar takes an extended heat segment in the ring with the hosses. The big men take their turns slamming and clubbering Crowbar around the ring. Crowbar stops the Harris offence with a flying spin kick. Terry Funks gets tagged in to a decent pop and the legend goes to work on both men. Funk is able to completely dispose of Ron and drops Don with a massive piledriver. Terry is a little close to his corner and Crowbar makes the quick tag to Funk on his back. Crowbar scales the ropes and dives onto Don with a top rope splash. Crowbar is able to secure the pinfall victory. Crowbar smirks at Terry Funk knowing he stole Funk’s pinfall. Funk responds by dangling the WCW Hardcore title in his face. Funk reminds him that he needs to be able to pin him at WCW Sin.

Winners: Terry Funk & Crowbar

64/57/72

Scott Hudson: The two seemed to work really well as a team but the closing moments appeared to have Crowbar needing to one up Funk.

Larry Zbysko: Like Funk said, Crowbar needs to score that pinfall on Funk to win the title.

Scott Hudson: It will be Crowbar fighting his hero this Sunday. Folks, please join us this Sunday for what will be a truly memorable night of pro wrestling.

Larry Zbysko: Without a doubt, it will be the best wrestling PPV this month.

Scott Hudson: See you all live from Indianapolis tomorrow night, fans!

OR: 68

Thursday Night Ratings Results!

01.12.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

WCW gets trounced once again by the WWF in the television ratings. Though, I’m sure that only surprises people who have been in a coma since 1997. Thunder took a slight dip from last week with a 5.07 rating but is still .02 points higher then Nitro. The advantage of being in a smaller venue like the Shakopee Civic Center means that with a 4002 Thunder scored a sell out. The gate revenue was close to $160080. WCW is pretty happy with the results after a fairly well advertised and promoted Sting v. Jeff Jarrett clash. WCW’s main focus was to increase some buyrates for the PPV event this Sunday.

WWF Smackdown definitely delivered just that to Thunder with a 6.42 rating. WWF is very proud of this despite a .01 decrease in the ratings from last week. Smackdown saw an attendance of 7528 at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA plus a gate revenue of $301120. The program concluded with an all over the arena brawl between Stone Cold Steve Austin and HHH. Yes, it’s another non wrestling main event but no one can deny the HHH v. Austin program is hot right now. The show also had a fantastic six man with the Rock and the Dudleys defeating Kurt Angle and Edge & Christian when the Rock pinned Angle. Yes, Angle is officially a Honky Tonk Man champion.

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WCW Thunder Backstage Notes

01.12.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

The Noble v. Moore match was a last minute addition but was deemed necessary despite neither man being in a PPV match. It was booked to get Helms away from Moore before the big PPV contest. WCW doesn’t want to have a repeat of the dead crowd that Helms v. Skipper had at Wildside.

Believe it or not, some WCW officials where against the MIA disbanding. Many thought it would be better for the midcarders to stay together. In the end, Taylor felt the stable was only hurting the wrestlers within the group.

Word going around is that several wrestlers will be shipped off the developmentals by next week. Wrestlers being discussed are most of the WCW female valets, David Flair, the Wall, Reno and Mark Jindrak. Though a few of those wrestlers would appear to be in major storylines at this point.

Once again, WCW officials have been very happy with Nash’s willingness to put over the Natural Born Thrillers. Nash has even been used as an example of how the other older stars should be acting.

Word was Terry Funk and Crowbar were scheduled to be in a tag match but it was cut due to time constraints.

A few wrestlers have been saying that the Apocalypse/Ric Flair segments have been running too long. Taylor’s argument is that they have been the highest rated segments on the show and thus will remain being focal points.

Hugh Morrus was apparently saying he’d like to team with the Wall full time and thinks they could be a great team. I doubt that will happen due to current angles.

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Wednesday WCW House Show Results

01.12.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Rochester Taylor Arena – Rochester, MN

1. Yung Dragons(Kaz Hayashi & Yang)(w/Leia Meow) defeated Boogie Knights (Alex Wright & Disco Inferno), Evan Karagious & Jamie Noble and Kwee Wee(w/Paisley) & Corporal Cajun when Hayashi pinned Disco Inferno

2. Billy Kidman pinned Elix Skipper after the shooting star press

3. Reno beat Big Vito after a roll of the dice

4. Rey Misterio(w/Tygress) pinned Lance Storm(w/Major Gunns) after a drop the dime

5. Shane Douglas beat US Champion General Rection by count out after KOing Rection with the chain

6. Sean O’Haire pinned DDP after the Seanton Bomb

7. Cruiserweight Champione Chavo Guerrero Jr pinned Shane Helms after Shannon Moore’s botched interference

8. Sting & The Cat beat Scott Steiner & Jeff Jarrett after Sting pinned Jarrett from partner miscommunication

9. Goldberg beat Totally Buff (Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell) after Goldberg jackhammered Buff

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PPW Debut Show Tonight

01.13.01

credit: www.indywrestlingbeat.com

Power Pro Wrestling is going to start having weekly television tapings at the old Centre Stage in Atlanta. Tonight, the program will be headlined with a huge six man tag match between Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin and Michael Modest v. Christopher Daniels and the Haas Brothers (Charlie & Russ Haas). Many are expecting an amazing match. Word is, booker Arn Anderson has been told to push Brock Lesnar to the moon, which probably guarantees a victory for his team.

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Friday Night Ratings

01.13.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Not quite like the Big 2 ratings war but XPW would have you believe there is a rivalry with ECW. If that is the case, XPW is getting slaughtered. Last night, XPW TV scored a .10, an attendance of 216 at XPW arena in Anahiem and a revenue of $3240. The main event of the show saw a mixed tag match with Tammy Sytch & New Jack beating Lizzy Borden & John Kronus. It’s sort of scary that Tammy Sytch is the center piece of the company right now.

ECW Hardcore TV scored a respectable .50, an attendance of 2504 at the Elks Lodge in Queens, NY and a gate revenue of $75120. The main event of the show saw Rhyno & Jerry Lynn beat RVD & the Sandman after Curt Hennig interfered. There was also a fantastic four way elimination tag where Mikey Whipwreck & Taijiri beat FBI (James Mariato & Tony Marmaluke), EZ Money & Chris Hamerick, and Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger. The show also saw the debut of Juventud Guerrera & Chris Candido who are scheduled for a match at Guilty As Charged.

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WCW Friday Night House Show Results

01.13.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Venue: Veterans Memorial Stadium at La Crosse, WI

1. Shane Helms & Jamie Noble defeated Evan Karagious & Shannon Moore after Shane Helms pinned Moore with the Vertebreaker

2. Kronik defeated Norman Smiley & Glacier after Clarke pinned Smiley after the High Times

3. Meng won a three way hardcore match with Crowbar & Bam Bam Bigelow when Meng pinned Crowbar after the Tongan Death Grip

4. Konnan, Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio (w/Tygress) beat Team Canada (Elix Skipper, Lance Storm & Mike Awesome) after Konnan pinned Storm

5. The Cat pinned Rick Steiner after the Feliner

6. Mike Sanders pinned Big Vito after Reno interfered

7. DDP pinned Mark Jindrak after the Diamond Cutter after the match Sean O’Haire attacked DDP

8. United States Champion Hugh Morrus & Lash Laroux beat WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero & Shane Douglas after Morrus pinned Guerrero

9. WCW World Champion Scott Steiner beat Sting after Jarrett interfered

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WCW Wildside

01.13.01

credit: www.wcw.com

WCW has another exciting evening of WCW Saturday wrestling lined up for you. WCW will be coming to you from the Genesis Convention Center from Gary, IN. With only a day away from the huge WCW Sin PPV, this should be an explosive show. Anything could happen on tonight’s Pre-Sin Wildside show. After last weekend’s amazing debut show, fan’s should expect nothing less then the best wrestling show on Saturday night.

One day before they meet at WCW Sin for the Hardcore title, Terry Funk will team up with Crowbar against the dangerous Harris Boys. The Harris Boys are coming off a big win last week and Crowbar & Terry Funk haven’t been successful as a team in the past. Will the two Sin opponents be able to work as a team? Will the Harris Boys score a huge win to continue their streak of big wins? It should be an amazing Wildside main event.

Plus expect some hot cruiserweight action when Elix Skipper collides with Kwee Wee and Filthy Animal Rey Misterio collides with Boogie Knight Disco Inferno. Both these matches should be unforgettable.

Plus Norman & Glacier, Hugh Morrus, Big Vito and Chavo Guerrero Jr. will be showcased on the program!!! Do not miss Wildside at 6:05pm only on TBS!

OOC: When I was doing the write up, I realized how heavy this show was with sport entertainment and low on the actual wrestling. Then again, it was the last A-show before the PPV thus building up the PPV matches were the focus. Hopefully, it built up the PPV just nicely and would get you all to plunk down your 30 bones.

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WCW Thunder

Date: 01.11.01

Venue: Shakopee Civic Centre in Shakopee, MN

Network: TBS

Timeslot: Prime Time

Commentators: Mike Tenay & Stevie Ray

Ring Announcer: David Penzer

Thunder opens with a video package that highlights the major events from Nitro that involved Apocalypse, Flair, Goldberg and Sting. The package ends with a shot of Jarrett knocking out Sting with a guitar shot. Mr. Voice over promises Sting’s chance for revenge tonight on Thunder. Next up is the usual WCW Thunder introduction video. The screen cuts to inside the Shakopee Civic Centre with a packed crowd of 4002 crazy WCW fans. Pyro and fireworks go off as the camera pans around the arena picking various different fans decked out in their favourite WCW wrestler’s merchandise.

Mike Tenay: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another thrilling episode of the best wrestling show on Thursday night, WCW Thunder. I am Mike Tenay along with my colleague, the 11 time WCW world tag team champion, Stevie Ray.

Stevie Ray: That’s right, Tenay, don’t your fruit booty ass ever forget it.

Mike Tenay: We have a huge show tonight with our main event where Sting will tangle with Jeff Jarrett with only 3 days away before both these men compete in that huge WCW Sin World title match.

Stevie Ray: That sucka Jarrett is going to get a good ol’ fashion heinie kicking courtesy of the Stinger, Tenay. You can’t just go around giving men guitars over the head. That be asking for a pounding. It’ll be on like neckbone in that one.

Mike Tenay: Uh huh. Plus we’ll have a huge tag team contest when Team Canada will battle Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Konnan. Lance Storm has been very upset over his Nitro loss this past Monday.

Stevie Ray: ‘Nuff talking now, Mike. It’s time for the grounding and pounding in the ring!

Cruiserweight Action

Jamie Noble v. Shannon Moore

Referee: Charles Robinson

Shannon Moore seems to be much more focused when he comes out to the ring and doesn’t spend any time taunting the fans. Moore jumps Noble before he even is able to enter the ring. Noble is overwhelmed by an aerial assault from one of the best high flyers in the business. Noble is really shaken up when Moore plants him head first with a lightening quick hurricarana. Noble is knocked back down to the mat when Moore strikes with a tope rope spinning body block but Moore is only able to score a two count. Noble gets back on track in the match when he reverses an attempted headscissors into a sit out powerbomb. As Noble starts to gain control, his tag team partner, Evan Karagious, wanders down to ringside. One would think Evan is here for moral support but instead he spends of his time posing for the fans. Evan favourite pose is striking the ‘cruising in my car for chicks’. Moore gets back into the match once Noble miss a tackle into a corner and instead smashes his shoulder into the ring post. Moore tries to finish the match with a shoulderbreaker and a top rope legdrop but is only able to score a two count on both tries. The frustrated Shannon Moore heaves Noble over the top rope, which causes the ref to reprimand the blonde haired cruiser. Karagious comes over to help out Noble back in the ring but not before laying out Noble with a DDT. The stunned Noble is thrown back into the ring and greeted with a moonsault by Moore, which lead to a 3.

Karagious enters the ring to deliver a few more kicks on his now former tag team partner. Moore holds up Noble as Karagious lays in some shots to Jamie’s head. Noble is brought back to the mat with another DDT from Karagious. The two wrestlers lay into Noble with dual kicks. The fans begin to pick up, when Shane Helms runs out from the back. Helms pulls Moore from the double team beating and starts to ask why he is beating on Noble. The yelling continues when Helms asks why Moore is rejoining Karagious. Karagious doesn’t seem to like the argument being about him and starts to get into the face of Helms. While Helms starts to argue with Karagious, Moore fires off a superkick right to the jaw of Helms. Now Karagious and Moore concentrate their attack on the fallen Helms. The crowd begins to jeer as Moore and Karagious strike their car cruising pose over the fallen bodies of Helms & Noble.

Winner: Shannon Moore

76/63/89

Evan Karagious is now officially a heel

Evan Karagious gained 3 points of overness from this turn – fans showed their hatred towards another 3 Count version reunited

Mike Tenay: Shannon Moore has seemingly spit in the face of a 7 year friendship with Shane Helms. Karagious has shown his true colours here tonight and has realigned with Shannon Moore.

Stevie Ray: What happened here Mike? I thought Moore was friends with Helms? What happened here?

Mike Tenay: Jealousy. Pure and simple, Stevie, these two men are very jealous of the accomplishments that Helms have achieved. I’ve got to say it’s downright despicable.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – WCW Sin is only 3 days away and you know you want to plunk down the cash!!!!

Fall-out From Nitro

Brand new theme music brings out the united unit of the Apocalypse. The group seems to be in a very celebratory mood due to the events from the past Monday. Once entered in the ring Totally Buff taunts the crowd with poses, Jarrett raises his guitar high in the air, Rick Steiner barks around the ring and Scott Steiner plants a big kiss on his #1 freak Midajah. The world champion throws out a few big bicep poses before grabbing a house mic.

Scott Steiner: Big Poppa Pump is your hook-up, holla if you hear me? [it’s a combo of some squeals from the ladies and lots of boos from the men] You TV dinner eating, igloo living, no teeth talking, trailer trash chumps don’t know how to appreciate the Genetic Freak. That’s okay because I can’t stand any of you. My fans are found on Wall Street and make millions a year. My fans wear suits and ties every day. My fans wouldn’t be caught dead in Shakopee, Minnesota. This town sucks! But tonight, I’m here because Apocalypse has some celebrating tonight. [looks over to Lex] Right, Luger?

Lex Luger: Oh yes, Scott, this is a night to celebrate. Because on Monday night, we laid out the supposed to be phenom. We left him as nothing more then damaged goods. He isn’t in the arena tonight. He probably won’t make it to this Sunday. Which means, Totally Buff will be responsible for prohibiting Goldberg for anymore title shots this year. [such news causes the fans to boo].

Buff Bagwell: Ha ha ha. Oh baby, this is golden. Apocalypse has already left their mark. We end the reign of Goldberg. He isn’t here tonight and he won’t be here on Sunday. He’s got himself a permanent place on some hospital bed in Minnesota. Ha ha ha ha. Who’s next now, Goldberg? Ha ha ha.

Lex Luger: This Sunday, it looks like the Sarge has himself a handicap match. Both me and Buff have agreed that we will prevent the maasacre if Debruce forfeits tonight. [this garners lots of negative response] Instead of fighting Goldberg’s battles, tonight we will accept DeBruce’s forfeiture thus allowing him to walk another day.

Scott Steiner: Something that overrated, ex football player can’t say anymore. You want to see what happens when you mess with the Apocalypse or when you go against Big Poppa Pump? I destroyed his ass on Monday. Roll that footage.

The ThunderVision shows the beat down that Goldberg received on Monday. It’s an exact replay of the attack that was shown on Nitro and it cuts out exactly when Sting & Company come to the rescue. This time, it also shows footage of the wrestlers trying to help a battered Goldberg out of the ring. Goldberg is seen being helped to the back by Sting and Wayne DeBruce.

Scott Steiner: See? There is your hero. There is my last opponent. Couldn’t even leave the ring on his own. He won’t want a piece of the Apocalypse for a long, long time.

Jeff Jarrett: Ha ha. Tonight, the bodies will continue to mount. We successfully knocked one man out of the title hunt and soon another man will be sent packing. I am the Chosen One. Tonight Stinger, I’ve been chosen to take you out. After I am done with you, you won’t be in any shape to compete this Sunday. Then it will be just down to Steiner and myself. The way it was supposed to be. No Goldberg. No Sting. Just me and the World Champion. How you like that, slapnuts?

Scott Steiner: [he doesn’t seem too impressed] Wait a sec, Jeff. What you saying, huh? You and me for the title? Listen here, we made a pact to each other. You claimed you were here to protect my title? Are you back on again about challenging me? You want a piece of the largest arms in the world? I’ll fry your damn ass, Jarrett. You hear me? I didn’t forget the guitar shot. You better not swerve me this Sunday.

Jeff Jarrett: Your paranoia is starting to get really tiring, Scott. I gave you my word. If you want to get up in my face then I’m willing to get up in yours. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind that title. I promised it would be yours after Sin. But if you don’t trust me and you want to turn this into a battle. Once I am through with Sting. I’m more then willing to put you out. Hear me? I’m doing this Sting match for you Steiner. If you don’t appreciate it then. . .

Rick Steiner: [dives in front of the two stable mates] Dammit! Jeff, you just do what you promised. Scott, Jeff is on your side. We’re coming off the biggest victory of our careers. We put out Goldberg. Tonight, we can put out Sting. We can’t be warring against each other. Don’t you understand we have the advantage on Sunday. No Goldberg means it’s two against one. We must stay united. WCW Sin will be our night. Everything came together like we planned. Sure, I got pinned by the CEO’s punk son but I’m not blaming you guys for that. I’ll take care of the Cat this Sunday. Tonight, Jarrett you take care of your business. This Sunday, each member will hold to their part of the deal. Starting this past Monday, the take over of WCW began and is proving to be successful. Sunday, it’s going to be complete. Now, shake each others hands. We took out, Goldberg!!!

Steiner and Jarrett give each other death stares but eventually shake the hands of each other. Jarrett mouths that tonight Sting will be finished. The members of the Apocalypse start to act like buddies again. At this moment, the music of Ric Flair fills the arena and brings out the Nature Boy.

Ric Flair: WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! It’s great to be back in Shakopee, Minnesota. [cheap pop] Right now, you boys seems to be rather happy. Well, first off, it’s true that Goldberg isn’t in the arena tonight. It’s true he sustained some injuries from the attack. But dammit, he is Goldberg and he is the man. I promise you that he will be at WCW Sin. He’ll be dishing out spears to whoever gets in his way [big pop]. I’d put big money down that we will be seeing the man get his shot at your championship, Steiner. Which will give you 3 opponents to worry about. Because Sting will get out of tonight alive. [points a finger at Steiner] He pinned you, Steiner, right here last week. [moves his finger over to Jarrett] Tonight, he’s got a Stinger Drop with your name on it, Jeff. [starts to do his excited dance] Oh boy, Shakopee, we’ve got a great show tonight. This group, Apocalypse, isn’t going to ruin this night. They won’t ruin Sin. Like I said, Goldberg will be there. Sting will survive tonight. There is a whole lot of boys in the back that are ready to fight back if you boys starts to cause trouble. As for the third opponent at Sin, Steiner do you really trust a man called the Chosen One. Jarrett, you live and breath that title. I know you want it. You crave it. You tasted it once and you wanted it even more now. This Sunday, it’s your chance to be champ again. I see you as stabbing Steiner in the back at the soonest opportunity. Because you’re a lowdown bastard! WOOOOOOOOOOO

Jeff Jarrett: Stop trying to cause trouble, Flair. We made a pact and I’m keeping it.

Ric Flair: What we got in that ring is a collection of thieves. A group of nasty criminals and vile thugs. There is now honour amongst thieves. I think we will see a break down before tonight comes to a close. Right now, I’ve got Totally Buff to address. You see, Goldberg will return this Sunday and he has vengeance on his mind. Tonight, you called the Sarge to forfeit his match on Sunday. It won’t happen. Instead, Luger you have a chance to regain that loss you suffered from last week. Sarge, will be in the ring against you and Buff. Since you guys are so big on the prospect of handicap matches, I’m giving you one tonight.

Lex Luger: [chuckles to himself] You’re putting Sarge in the ring against both of us. We’re going to muder him.

Ric Flair: You know what, you probably would. Which is why the handicap isn’t with Sarge. No tonight, it will be Totally Buff against the Sarge and two men he helped train in this great sport of ours. It will be the Cat [good sized pop for the Cat] and Big Vito[moderate pop for his name]. We will see how you guys do in that type of situation. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! It’s good to be the man. It’s even better to be the CEO. Have a good night boys!

Flair struts out to the back while the Apocalypse don’t seem to be quite the happy group anymore. Steiner is questioning Jarrett again. Totally Buff seems nervous to be in a 2 on 3 situation.

84

Mike Tenay: We’ve got ourselves a big handicap match tonight. I don’t think Totally Buff is too psyched about it.

Stevie Ray: Oh no, those fruit booties will be getting a street battering. They going to pay for the sins from Monday!

COMMERCIAL BREAK – See Goldberg overcome the odds this Sunday! Watch Steiner, Jarrett & Sting do battle for the richest prize in wrestling! Douglas or Rection, who will bleed?!? Be sure to order WCW Sin this Sunday!!!

America battles Canada

Lance Storm & Mike Awesome (w/Major Gunns) v. Jim Duggan & Konnan (w/Tygress)

Referee: Mark Johnson

Usual spiels with the usual crowd responses. Duggan and Konnan control the early going with non stop brawling. Team Canada go outside to regroup but get followed out by the two Americans who drag them back in the ring. Awesome and Duggan go toe to toe in a preview of their match on Sunday. Duggan gets the best of this round with a series of hard shot to the head of Awesome. Awesome gets put down for a 2 count with a hard Duggan lariat. Duggan puts Awesome down with a big slam and has been prepped for the three point stance which is stopped after a trip up by Storm. Team Canada miscommunication allows Konnan to enter the match and to keep control of Storm. Never underestimate the power of cheating and a Storm low blow puts him back in control of the match. A springboard dropkick sends Konnan crashing halfway across the ring. Storm and Awesome exchange tags to stay on top of Konnan. Eventually, the Filthy Animal puts Awesome down with a carpet muncher (X-Factor). The move allowed Konnon to tag in a fired up Duggan. Duggan pumps up the crowd with his signature ‘Ho’s and the crowd responds in kind. Duggan rifles off shots to both Storm and Awesome, which knocks both men repeatedly to the mat. Duggan plants Storm down with a big slam and preps for the 3 point stance again. Once again, the move is stopped and this time by a big Awesome forearm. Konnan tries to assist Duggan but he is taken out of the ring courtesy of a Storm superkick. Awesome scales to the tope while Storm hold Duggan in place. Awesome launches himself off the top rope with a flying clothesline but ends up taking out Storm after Duggan ducked. Konnan returns to his senses to pull Awesome out of the ring while Duggan covers Storm after dropping the Old Glory kneedrop. The crowd lets out a big cheer as the 3 count is made. Duggan, Storm and Tygress celebrate in the ring over their big victory. Storm is seen seething in the corner over his second loss this week. Storm starts to reprimand both Awesome and Gunns in the ring, meanwhile, Duggan and the Animals celebrate with the fans at ringside.

Winners: Jim Duggan & Konnan

69/70/68

Mike Tenay: Duggan finally gains some revenges against Team Canada for their attack against him a few weeks ago. And Lance Storm suffered his second consecutive loss to an American.

Stevie Ray: Storm is nothing but a sad sack. He got his tonight. Hopefully, Duggan can give some to that punk, Awesome, this Sunday!

Be A Wall!

Chavo is in the back admiring his shiny Cruiserweight championship. Up from behind comes the giant Sergeant A-Wall who breathes down the neck of Chavo until he turns around. Chavo looks up and down at the sergeant and seems a little apprehensive to talk to the seemingly angry monster of a man.

A-Wall: I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Chavo.

Chavo Guerrero: Hey Essa, there is no reason for their to be any problems between the two of us. Seriously man, we’re totally cool.

A-Wall: I’ve been sticking up for you, Chavo. Corporal Cajun, has been sticking up for you. How do you repay him? You waffle him in the back with your championship belt. What is going on in your head, man? What you did on Monday was wrong.

Chavo Guerrero: [seems to have a bit more courage] What I did? What about what you did? For these last few months, we’ve been nothing more then stooges for Hugh. He has done nothing for us. You’ve been held back. You haven’t been able to reach your full potential. All because you’ve been under the thumb of that gringo, Hugh. As for what I did to Lash, it had to happen and it was for his own good, holmes. I needed to officially separate from the MIA for good. I wanted to bring Lash with me. He was too stupid to realize where I could take him. I decided to beat the stupid out him. I decided to grab the moment and prove that I’m my own man, essa. I’m the king of the cruiserweights. I proved that domination on Monday. I’ll prove it again on Sunday, no hard feelings to Lash. It was just the right thing to do. As for you, you need to do something big. You need to officially break away from Hugh. You need to be the man that I know you have the potential to be. You’re better than Lash. You’re better than Hugh. You are the Wall. Not some stupid Sergeant in some fictional army. You are the crazy bastard that chokeslams people through tables. So do it. Make an impact that nobody will forget. Be your own man. So, who are you?

A-Wall: [glares into the eyes of Chavo] I’m the Wall. This Sunday, you will see me make an impact. [smiles] But tonight, I’ve got a tag match to take care of.

The newly renamed The Wall walks out of the room while Chavo gets an evil grin on his face.

62

The Wall gained 2 points of overness from this segment – people seem to appreciate the name change

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Don’t forget to buy your copies of The Best of Starrcade, Starrcade ’00 and Goldberg; Who’s Next all on DVD! Konnan sure loves his Pepsi and you know you do too.

Is This The Impact?

General Rection & The Wall v. Shane Douglas & Ban Bam Bigelow

Referee: Randy Anderson

The Wall still comes out to the MIA theme music and is wearing his MIA fatigues. The announcers speculate what type of impact that The Wall plans to make on Sunday and will it affect the US Title match? The Wall and Rection both seem to be on the same page tonight and even shake each other’s hands before the match. Shane verbally runs down Rection before the match and promises that he will make Rection bleed like a stuck pig on Sunday. Shane declares himself the uncrowned US title champion. Rection goes after Douglas but ends up being intercepted by Bigelow. It’s the Beast from the East that puts the hurting on Rection and starts to toss the big man around the ring. Bam Bam nearly decaptitates Rection with a massive lariat. The big man tags in the #1 contender to the US title and Douglas brings a barrage of forearm shots to Rection. Douglas even goes aerial with a second rope flying clotheslines but it isn’t enough to put away Rection. A series of tags are made between Douglas and Bam Bam as they work over Rection. Finally, Bam Bam misses a big moonsault off the top ropes that allowed Rection to crawl to his corner for the tag. Except right when Rection comes to his corner, The Wall jumps off the ring apron and walks to the backstage leaving Rection all by himself. Rection puts up a valiant fight battling off both Bam Bam and Douglas. The numbers become too much when Bam Bam distracts the ref allowing Douglas to use his trusty chain to knock out Rection for the 3 count. After the match the beatings don’t end as Bam Bam holds Rection so Douglas can feed chain wrapped fist shots to the head of Rection. Bam Bam delivers a Greetings from Ashbury Park and Douglas puts Rection down with the Pittsburgh Plunge. The two men leave a battered General Rection in the ring. Douglas shouts to the camera that more of the same will happen this Sunday. The announcers discuss why the Wall left Rection out there by himself.

Winner: Shane Douglas & Bam Bam Bigelow

66/62/71

Mike Tenay: It indeed looks like Douglas has the number of Rection as he has pinned him again in tag action. But tonight, the big story is that the Wall just abandoned his leader.

Stevie Ray: I think, that was the Wall’s way of saying he was done with Rection and the MIA. He’s going to be his own man, Tony,

Mike Tenay: Mike.

Stevie Ray: No, my name is Stevie Ray, sucka.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - All WCW Titles are on the line this Sunday! Don’t you dare miss WCW Sin live in Indianapolis from the Pepsi Coliseum!!!

Insiders Get Thrilled Backstage

Camera cuts to DDP & Kevin Nash taping up in the back. DDP starts to do some stretches but it’s obvious he is quite sore. Nash appears to be massaging his ribs which is a sign they are hurt as well.

DDP: You ready, big man?

Kevin Nash: [picks up his half of the tag team titles] Yeah, let’s go out there and remind everyone why we are the champs.

Nash gets up off his chair and both men make their way out of the dressing room. The dressing room door suddenly comes crashing across the head of Kevin Nash. The room is quickly filled with members of the Natural Born Thrillers. The Perfect Event jump on Page and start to take the boots to the veteran. Meanwhile, O’Haire lifts up Nash on his shoulders and rams him head first into the wall. Nash is then powerslammed to the floor. Jindrak comes over to Nash and lays in some really hard shots to the face. Chuck Palumbo knocks DDP back to the floor with a jungle kick. The Insiders are sprawled on the floor while the Thrillers continue to lay in some hard blows. Finally, O’Haire grabs Nash by the hair and begins to speak.

O’Haire: See you on Sunday, Nash.

O’Haire violently throws Nash’s head to the floor. The Thrillers land in a few more harsh blows before leaving the champions unconscious on the floor.

75

Mike Tenay: What a mauling, we just witnessed here. The champions have been seriously beaten in their own dressing room.

Stevie Ray: I guess, we won’t be seeing the champions afterall, Tenay.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – TBS will air Matrix this Friday! Wowee! Be sure to enjoy that movie with a Pepsi because Konnan drinks it too! Of course, everyone needs to buy them a copy of the new WCW wrestling game from THQ!

Handicap Tag Team Match

Totally Buff (Buff Bagwell & Lex Luger) v. Wayne DeBruce, The Cat & Big Vito

Referee: Billy Silverman

Wayne DeBruce comes out to very little reaction while both his team mates get a decent pop. The lack of crowd reaction is notable when one realizes how he is in a very marquee match this Sunday. WCW must realize the lack of interest in DeBruce as The Cat and Big Vito wrestle most of the match for their team. The story is that the numbers on the face side are too much for Totally Buff to handle. The heels do finally gain the advantage when Bagwell rams his knee into the back of Big Vito when he was coming off the rope. Luger and Bagwell take turns doing damage to Vito. Vito is even kept down for a 2 count after a Luger powerslam. The tide turns when Vito is able to take Bagwlle down with a desperation Yakuza kick. The tag gets made on both sides, which sees a fired up Cat go to work on Lex Luger. Bagwell tried to take out the Cat but he is met with a jumping sidekick. Both Vito and DeBruce enter the ring to dispose of Bagwell which distracts the ref. As luck would have it, at that exact moment The Cat put down Luger with the Feliner and would have scored an easy 3 count. Instead, Rick Steiner appears from the back and takes out The Cat with a punch to the face. Of course, the fist was adorned with a pair of brass knuckles. Luger then rolls on top of the knocked out Cat and scored the very easy 3 count. Totally Buff realizes that they shouldn’t stick around and they head to the back with Steiner. Vito and DeBruce tend to the hurt Ernest Miller. The disturbances aren’t finished because Reno comes out armed with a stickball bat. Reno lays into Vito with the bat several times. Reno then spits on the fallen Vito and runs to the back before DeBruce can take care of him.

Winners: Totally Buff

63/65/59

Mike Tenay: Total chaos has resulted here on Thunder. We now have some more casualties here in the ring. Everyone is being laid out left and right here.

Stevie Ray: It’s all a prelude to the war at Sin, Tenay!

Mike Tenay: There will be some big time payback this Sunday!!!

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Championships, blood, pride and grudges will all be happening at WCW Sin! Be sure to catch all the action only on PPV.

The Laughing Man Returns

The theme from MIA blares over the Shakopee Civic Center. The fans give out a decent pop to the US champion. Rection seems very focused as he enters the ring tonight. Rection drapes the US title over his shoulder and addresses the crowd over the house mic.

General Rection: Tonight, I had a good friend walk out on me. Somebody, who I came alongside last summer and gave an opportunity to do something big in this business. He always had a lot of potential but I feel I helped him harness it. With me, he won his first WCW championship this past fall. I still believe, he will end up winning many more WCW championships. But tonight, he broke my heart when he left me alone with that dastardly Shane Douglas and monster Bam Bam Bigelow. I’m not out here to reprimand him. Nor am I out here to reprimand Chavo for his actions on Monday. Instead, I am out to officially make them all free men. Tonight, I am going to disband the MIA. Chavo, Wall and Lash you are a free to go. It was good run but right now, I’ve got too much going on to try to bring the house in order. It’s obvious, most of you no longer want to be with me. I’m freeing you. From this point on, Sergeant A-Wall will be the Wall and Corporal Cajun will be Lash LaRoux. I wish them all the best. If you guys still want to run with me or be by my side then I’ll accept that. I consider you all great friends. But I no longer expect it because I no longer bind you. MIA is done. [all of a sudden an evil grin comes across the face of Rection] Ha ha ha. You know who else is done? Shane Douglas, you’ve had my number these last few weeks. You’ve left me laid out and pretty beaten up. Not anymore, pal! I will make you bleed this Sunday. I will retain my US Championship and prove that I am not a fluke. [Rection starts to giggle uncontrollably] A word of warning Shane Douglas, this Sunday, you won’t be facing General Rection. Oh no. You’ve got Hugh Morrus! [Hugh Morrus starts to burst out into more uncontrollable laughter]

69

Trapped!

The scene opens up to the outside of the locker room of the Stinger. A loud noise starts to take over and then, a forklift appears on the screen. The fork lift drives up to the door and plants the forks firmly against the door thus trapping it shut. Some knocking and shouting can be heard on the other end of the door. Some laughter can be heard outside of the door, which is when Totally Buff appeared into view. The two superstars laugh it up and mock Sting who is trapped inside his locker room. Totally Buff then seem to stand guard beside the fork lift.

88

Mike Tenay: What are Totally Buff up to? Are they trying to make sure Sting doesn’t make it to his match tonight?

Stevie Ray: That’s a forklift, Tenay? A forklift! Crazy stuff be happening on these shows.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Go out and buy the new WCW video game by THQ. Don’t forget to buy yourself a PS2 while you’re at it. Just to make sure you’ve spent all your cash, go see the new Arnold Action pic!

Oh Baby, That’s A Beating

Some generic rock/techno compilation brings out David Flair and his lovely fiancé, Stacy Keibler. David is decked out in a handsome suit and Stacy in a gorgeous mini-skirt assemble. Both enter the ring without most attention to the crowd. Stacy of course gets a rather nice pop from the male demographic. David Flair grabs the house mic and turns to Stacy.

David Flair: I wouldn’t normally make this a public issue but our relationship has been pretty much spotlighted on WCW programming. At this point, it doesn’t really seem we have anymore secrets. So, in front of this entire audience, I’m going to ask you once and for all to let me know who is fathering your baby? Please, let me know. I won’t freak out. I won’t even try to harm the guy. In order to move on in life, I need to know who is the man responsible for giving you a child?

Stacy Keibler: David, I’ve asked you before to please not ask me that question. Please don’t make me go there. I love you, David. Please don’t ask me to go there.

David Flair: Stacy, I defended your honour last Monday. I beat the almighty Dog Face Gremlin and I did it all for you. The least you could do is give me some peace of mind. Let me know once and for all who this man is? If you love me, you would tell me the truth and not hold any secrets against me.

Stacy Keibler: David, I am begging you to. . . AHHHH

Stacy lets out a giant screech as David is bowled over by a giant, a giant in the name of Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner to be exact. Steiner glares at Stacy and she backs away into the awaiting arms of Midajah. Midajah locks Stacy into a tight grip around her stomach. Steiner lifts David up only to drop him with a big release belly to belly suplex. Steiner drops David again with a short arm clothesline. Steiner then retrieves his pipe and unleashes across the chest of David, which causes Stacy to squeals. The fans begin to cheer as out from the back runs Ric Flair. Unfortunately, Ric is cut off by a pounding guitar shot from one Jeff Jarrett. Ric Flair is rolled into the ring and tied up into the ropes. Steiner unleashes a hard pipe shot across the head of Flair. It doesn’t knock out Flair nor does that seem to have been the purpose. The crowd grows eerily silent as Poppa Pump begins to lay in pipe shot after pipe shot into David Flair’s chest. Then, Steiner drops a hard shot across the head of David, which busts him open. The camera begins to pan out in order to avoid the excess of blood flowing from David’s head. Steiner decides to continue to open that wound by laying in fist shots onto the cut. David lays lifeless but this doesn’t stop Steiner from continuing to brutalize him. Ric Flair begins to cry against the ropes as he watches his son be demolished. The once deathly silent crowd starts to cheer again as a familiar figure rappels from the rafters. The Stinger lands in the ring, obviously finding a way to get to the ceiling of the building in order to get inside the arena again. Both Steiner and Jarrett charge after Sting but the Stinger is able to drop both men with his trusty bat. Steiner, Midajah and Jarrett roll out of the ring while Stinger points his bat at them. Finally, paramedics are able to get to the ring and tend to both Flairs. Sting locks a deathly glaze at both men as the screen cuts to a

79

Ric Flair loses two points of overness – possibly due to not being able to gain any offence against Steiner or Jarrett

David Flair gained three points of overness – that boy sure has got lots of sympathy lately

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Watch Thunder every single Thursday! Watch Nitro on TNT every Monday! Drink Pepsi!

Thunder Main Event

Jeff Jarrett v. Sting

Referee: Nick Patrick

Footage is shown from the break of both Flairs being carted out on stretchers. Steiner and Midajah are ordered to the back. The announcers go on and on about how Steiner has gone way over the edge and has made it much more personal then ever before. They even talk about how Steiner may be stripped or fired for these actions. They ponder if we will ever see David Flair in the ring again. This sounds like a ‘writing out’ of storylines to me and the rumours of him going back to developmentals may be true. Stinger starts off super quick with Jarrett. He drops the Southerner with several hard right hands. He even pulls off a big Stinger splash early into the match. Jarrett tries to retreat to the outside but Stinger stays on him. Jarrett is whipped hard into the guardrail. He is even backdropped onto the padded concrete floor. Inside the ring, Stinger smashes Jarrett’s head into the turnbuckle several times. Eventually, the monetum of Sting is stopped when Jarrett is able to back drop the Californian over the top rope. Jarrett gets a bit of a breather and a chance to soak up some heel heat. Jarrett brings Sting back in the ring with a back suplex. A barrage of knee and fist drops are brought onto the Stinger. Despite the constant attack, Jarrett isn’t able to put away the hero of millions. Jarrett whips Sting off the ropes with the hope of putting him down with a clothesline but instead, Stinger is able reverse things into a ddt. The momentum of Sting is quickly stopped with a stun gun off the top rope. Jarrett even tries to use the ropes for leverage for a pinfall but only scores a two. Jarrett climbs to the top for a missile dropkick but Sting has the move scouted thus grabs Jarrett on the way down. Sting locks Jarrett in the Scorpion Deathlock, which brings out a huge pop from the pumped crowd. The move doesn’t finish things because Midajah return from the back to pull Jarrett to the ropes. The ref reprimands Midjah, which allows Steiner to come out from the crowd and lay out Sting with a Steinerline. The ref returns to the action to find Jarrett with the cover but it only earns a two count. Jarrett lifts up Sting and set him up for the Stroke but instead, finds himself being hip tossed out of the ring onto Steiner. Midjah starts to climb the top rope, which once again distracts the referee. Both men start to double team the Stinger with clubbing forearms. Steiner grabs a chair from the outside while Jarrett has Sting locked in a full nelson. Once Steiner begins to wind up, Stinger is able to break out of the lock. Despite enough time to stop his swing, Steiner still blasts Jarrett with the hold. Steiner is knocked out of the ring via a Stinger dropkick. The ref turns around to see Stinger drop Jarrett with a Scorpion Death Drop. The Stinger then covers Jarrett and the ref administers the easy 3 count. Steiner returns to the ring to attack Sting but the face is able to knock the World Champion back to the outside. Sting retrieves his bat, which sends the heels in retreat. The crowd cheers on the Stinnger while he points his bat at the Apocalypse members.

83/87/74

Mike Tenay: This Sunday, Sting will be in the ring with these two men again. Will he be able to fend them off again? We he be able to win the WCW World title? Will Jarrett and Steiner be able to work as a team? Most importantly, will Goldberg be the wild card in this match?

Stevie Ray: I’m so pumped. Where is my phone? I want to order this thing. We could have a four way for the title this weekend.

Mike Tenay: We sure could. It will be explosive. Sting stands tall tonight but will he do the same on Sunday?

OR: 74

Sweet!!! I won my first prediction contest. I'm not sure what option I'm going to choose yet but I'll let you know really soon. Now on to my thoughts of the PPV.

This defiitely came off as yet another really big time show. I enjoyed the match lengths and the matches where pretty well written. The show even contained some surprises or unexpected things which is always a bonus. The proper feuds had the proper pay off which is really good. You've now opened yourself up for some new feuds that should be really interesting.

The four way tag championship match had the proper finish. Beniot & Pillman are definitely deserving of the tag championship plus none of the other teams really have that much credibility. Though I still have a sneaky suspiscion that Godwinns are walking out with the tag titles in the very near future. As much as I hate that idea, it definitely would fit in this WWF Universe. McMahon seems really high on the Godwinns and McMahon can be very stubborn about pushing talent he wants to get over (Chris Masters anyone???). I'd definitely understand a Godwinns title run but I hope it ends up being short. As for tonight, I feel this was booked properly.

Shamrock and HHH match was booked perfectly too. It progressed the Goldust and HHH story in the right direction. It finally ended Shamrock's issues with the two in a very definitive way. Shamrock can now move on to new things and HHH/Goldust can go in a fresh direction. All in all, this was the smart and right booking choice. I really am digging the new Goldust character and think this story is only going to get better. Look forward to seeing HHH's response to Goldust's miscue.

Waltman/Hall v. Vader/Bulldog was a decent match with a surprise ending. I was expecting a match where nothing really developed but instead we got a face turn. Once again, I think that is a really good booking move. Vader/Buldog were very stale at this point. I felt, they didn't have anywhere to go as a team anymore. They'd sort of become Jobbers to the Main Eventers at this point. A feud between the two should do them both good and revive their stagnate careers. Definitely looking forward to the program.

Hmmm, I wonder who Mero's new lady is? I'd have said Sunny except last we saw she turned face. I doubt she'd turn heel so soon. I actually can't remember what other females you have on the roster. I'm sure it is someone from developmentals.

Al Snow finally gets his big and long awaited vicotry over Austin. This was the definition of a blow off match. It definitely lived up to all the anticipation. For some reason, I sense that Snow's title reign will be short. Partly due to the fact, I think he is set for a main event run real soon. Also sense that Austin isn't quite done with things yet. Another really well booked match in my favourite feud at this point. If this indeed is the end of the feud (which I don't think is because Austin wants that title) it was a gret way to end it.

I'm a little surprised with Hart beating Martel and even more surprised that no heel turn happend. I almost thought for sure it'd go down tonight. I guess, it is all about the slow build. I can respect that. Now, Hart trusts Martel which will allow the turn to be an even bigger deal. Hart is now strong going into his destined match with Michaels. Maybe Martel will stick his nose in things during that match?

I'm pretty sure everyone knew Undertaker was going over here. He defintiely needs more then a 2 month title reign especially after winning the title at Wrestlemania. Shocked that Nash went out first and it looks like I was wrong about the Nash rematch. I'd say Nash and Sid are both pretty much written out of the title hunt for now. It appears we may have a new challenger on the horizon. Though I can't really think of who that would be at this point. It looks like we also may have a Nash v. Sid feud coming up. Though that may be hard to pull off since you haven't really made either character very likeable. Though if one turns face it should probably be Nash since his character would transition best to a face. Decent title match but it defintely lacked the big match feel but maybe that's because it wasn't main eventing?

I love the fact D Lo stepped up to the commisioner. Since that means he'll be in line for a push and I am down with that. I'll definitely be interested in seeing the progression of the story of commisioner against DLo. I'm assuming Rude will concetrate on people like Hall and 'Taker while Regal will meddle with D Lo. As for Regal, that was a total shocker. I didn't even know he wasn't under WCW contract anymore. I must have not been paying attention very closely. He is a definite good addition. I'm interested to see what the changes are for Raw. It looks like that either Vince or Ross is going to replaced on the show or that was the impression I got. Hopefully, no 20 minute surgery videos will be aried though. I'm liking the prospects this segment created and maybe Vince will start to become an on air character now?

A definitely well booked and solid main event. Both men came out of it looking really strong. Michaels is totally ready for his match with Hart. Jack looks totally comfortable as a main eventer. I don't know where Cactus goes from here but at least, he doesn't appear to be demoted at any point. He could have easily beat Michaels in this match and look incredibly strong in the bout. The match had it's big bumps but was sort of surprised that the match didn't end on a huge bump. I think it went better this way because it didn't come off as a clone of the real WWF HITC. I also like the idea of the evil grin from Michaels to end the show. I have hopes of a Michaels heel turn, yet. Maybe he'll align with Martel afrter a turn during his match with Hart. Hmmm. . . some intriguing possibilities.

I had to laugh that Cactus Jacks big injury from the bump was an eye problem for 2 months. What did he get a splinter from the breaking announce table?

Thumbs up, Hewey, I'm excited to see where this show will lead us.

OCC: Once again, thank you for the comments Hewey. I am really glad that you enjoyed Nitro. I'm glad you enjoyed the interviews but I feel I need to find my groove for them. I am hoping that they will only get better in time as I start to get the characters down. I really hated the Goldberg stip from real life and was just hoping the angle to end it didn't seem like a cop out. As for O'Haire v. Nash, that might just be the plan.

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Monday Night Ratings

01.09.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Not even sure why we even bother comparing the ratings between the two shows because it’s an obvious result every week. Once again, WWF Raw is War clobbers WCW Nitro in the ratings. Though nobody is expecting WCW to be able to win the ratings war over night and it’s going to take time for WCW to be a powerful brand again.

WCW Nitro was a heavily hyped and advertised episode as Nitro was giving away a PPV quality main event for free. WCW had to hope that Steiner v. Goldberg was going to be a big ratings draw. Even during the telecast Tony Schiavone was basically claiming one wasn’t a wrestling fan if he wasn’t going to watch that match and call all one’s friends to do the same. Considering all the work that went into the attracting of viewers, this week may be considered a disappointment as Nitro only improved by .1 over last week’s show which didn’t contain a heavily hyped main event. Nitro scored a 5.05 but the final segment which contained Steiner v. Goldberg did draw a 6.01 which has to be considered a bit of a victory. It would appear that the wreslting fans only tuned in for that main event since they should have known WCW would have aired it last(which could be a bad sign as fans don’t want to tune into all of Nitro). The attendance at the X-Cel Energy Center in St. Paul was a respectable 4037 which brought in a gate of $161480. Once again, officials felt that ratings would have been much better if Nitro wasn’t head to head with Raw. I wonder if they are thinking about a move????

Raw is War scored a very strong 6.46 but is actually .2 points lower then last week. Possibly .1 of those viewers can be attributed to Nitro? Raw brought in a house of 7030 which drew a gate of $281200 at the San Jose Arena in San Jose, CA. Raw got this decent numbers with a main even that feature the Rock and Chris Jericho defeating Kurt Angle & Chris Beniot after the Rock pinned Angle due to HHH interference. I still can’t believe WWF is going ahead with a heel vs. heel title match for the Rumble. Raw also saw a ridiculous angle where McMahon stripped down to his boxers because he was about to try to seduce Trish Stratus though it was thankfully interrupted by Stone Cold. Do we really need Stone Cold v. McMahon 2 so soon? WWF was said to be really happy with the ratings especially since they didn’t heavily hype this show like Nitro did theirs.

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WCW Nitro Backstage Notes

01.09.01

credit: www.grapplingfanatics.com

Apparently, Kevin Nash has been very willing in recent weeks to put over the Thrillers. Especially Sean O’Haire as was seen with the trouncing he gave Nash on Monday. Word is Nash really wants to help these young kids become the future of WCW. The plan seems to be for WCW to put the tag titles on a Thriller combination that involves O’Haire. Word is despite last week’s rumours of agents being upset with O’Haire v. DDP, that WCW is still very high on pushing O’Haire to the moon

A Big Vito and Reno angle was supposed to air on Nitro that would set up a stickball bat on a pole match for Sin. Due to time constraints and wanting to give the main event ample time the angle was scrapped. No word if it’ll just be pushed to Thunder or not.

WCW agents seem to be really proud of how the Chavo turn came off live. It seems like a Cajun v. Chavo match is set in stone for after Sin. Word is, WCW has been really happy with Chavo as champ and feels he has been really restoring the title image.

At the same time, WCW seems to be really high on pushing Helms as the next big cruiser star. The word is they may hold off on putting the title on him just yet.

Ted Turner was apparently originally schedule to be live in St. Paul. He had to cancel due to some last minute meetings with AOL. They put together a pre-taped segment instead.

Word is, Terry Taylor despised the Goldberg ‘win or be fired’ angle and had been trying to come up with a logical way to end it. He felt the angle was lose – lose because either it was too predictable Goldberg would always win or you had to take your biggest star off TV to sell it properly. WCW is said to be happy with how the angle on Nitro came off.

Apparently, WCW was upset with how the mixed tag came off. What do they expect when they put two untrained eye candy into a match? Word is, WCW is seriously contemplating sending almost all it’s females down to PPW to season them up. The plan seems to be to have a competitive women’s division set by year end.

There is talk that an angle was being planned to write off David Flair from television so he could go back to PPW. It doesn’t seem they went through with the angle though.

Apparently, MIA isn’t quite over despite the segment with Rection and A-Wall. Word is, WCW wants to have a more explosive end to the group.

Goldberg complained backstage that Steiner was working way too stiff during their match. He used the example that Steiner busted him up during the contest. Apparently, Goldberg even confronted Steiner after the match and told him how unprofessional he was. Goldberg was said to be telling Taylor that such actions were not becoming of a World champion and he should be dropping the title immediately. Basically, the story is Goldberg was being a whiner.

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WCW Thunder Preview

01.11.01

credit: www.wcw.com

WCW Nitro was an absolutely explosive two hours of wrestling. It will be no different this Thursday when WCW comes to you live from the Shakopee Civic Centre in Shakopee, MN. A huge main event has been signed for Thunder which contains two of the three participants in the huge WCW Sin main event for this Sunday. Tonight, the newly returned Stinger will go up against the self proclaimed Chosen One, Jeff Jarrett. Sting will no doubt be out for revenge for the guitar shot that Jarrett laid him out with on Nitro. Can Sting make it 2-0 against his Sin opponents? Will Scott Steiner be involved in this contest? Is Jarrett being sent out to soften up Sting for Sin? It should be an unforgettable main event for Thunder.

We saw A-Wall declare the MIA dead on Nitro. We also saw Chavo clearly turn against one of his now former MIA stablemates. Thing were not looking so rosey between A-Wall and General Rection on Monday. Apparently, things have now been patched up between the two as they are competing in a huge tag match together. Tonight, Sergeant A-Wall and General Rection will go up against Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow. Will A-Wall and Rection really be able to work as a team? Will Shane Douglas have his trusty chain with him? What damage will be done tonight with only 3 days remaining until the huge US Title First Blood match? It should be a fantastic tag team war tonight.

On Nitro, Lance Storm issued the challenge for a tag match between himself and Mike Awesome against Jim Duggan and Konnan tonight. Storm was emberassed when he was forced to tap out to Konnan on Nitro. Storm feels he is superior to all American wrestlers but that wasn’t the case on Monday. Tonight is Storm’s attempt at retribution against both Duggan and Konnan. Tonight will also see Duggan and Awesome on opposite sides of the ring with only 3 days away until their massive Sin confrontation. It should be an exciting contest.

Thunder also will have the WCW World Champion Scott Steiner, CEO Ric Flair, WCW Cruiserweight champion Chavo Guerrero and the WCW World Tag Team champions Insiders scheduled to appear. It will be an amazing evening of excitement. Don’t miss it live on TBS!

OCC: Thank you for the feedback, Hewey. I plan on keep pushing both O'Haire and Chavo. I actually have some huge plans in store for O'Haire. Sid will definitely be putting his nose into the main event scene soon but for now he's selling the Steiner injury. Unfortunately, I don't really have any plans to push either Disco or Wright but that can always change. I actually don't plan on getting rid of the troublemakers because that wouldn't make things very realistic. As for jobbing them out, in Nash's case it's impossbile since he has creative control. The creative control will be a very big headache very soon in this diary. Glad to hear you're hyped for Sin and hopefully the build continues to hook you. As for the match lengths. I'll try to keep an eye on them and not allow them to get overly long. Once again, thank your for the feedback and hope you enjoy the show.

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

WCW Nitro

Date: 01.08.01

Venue: X-Cel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN

Network: TNT

Timeslot: Primetime

Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Scott Hudson

Ring Announcer: David Penzer

A video package shows action shots of Goldberg and Scott Steiner. The voice over says that both these warriors are heading towards their biggest challenge this Sunday but tonight their paths cross each other. It’s hyped as the biggest match in the careers of both men. The video package then segues into the usual WCW intro video. We cut to a rabid crowd of 4037 at the X-Cel Energy Centre. The pyro and fireworks go off while the camera pans through the audience showcasing many fans decked out in official WCW star gear such as Sting, Ric Flair amd Booker T wear.

Tony Schiavone: Tonight fans, we have what is probably the biggest match in WCW history, Goldberg versus Scott Steiner. The rubber match in what has been a blood feud. I am Tony Schivone along with Scott Hudson and we welcome you fans to what should be one of the greatest nights in wrestling history.

Scott Hudson: We are coming off of what was a huge WCW Thunder. We not only saw the return of Sting and found out that he will be in the title match on Sunday; but Sting pinned Steiner right in the muddle of the ring which is the first time Steiner has been pinned since he won the title last year.

Tony Schiavone: Sting is in the arena tonight. We’ve got the absolutely explosive main event against the two biggest stars in WCW today. Earlier today, WCW.com broke the news that Flair has a huge announcement for tonight. Plus we’ve got David Flair v. Rick Steiner, Konnan & Tygress battling Major Gunns & Lance Storm and to kick things off we have Corporal Cajun versus Shane Helms!!! Wow.

Scott Hudson: I’m more giddy then a 14 year old school girl decked in her purple dress right before the Spring Fling Dance!

Tony Schivone: What?

Corporal Cajun (w/Chavo Guerrero Jr.) v. ‘Sugar’ Shane Helms

Referee: Charles Robinson

The Cruiserweight champion leads out Cajun for this match even though it doesn’t appear like Cajun wanted the accompaniment. Helms comes out to a mixed reaction but is still seen as a heel due to his annoying 3 Count music. Helms wastes no time in immediately taking the match to Cajun. At one point, Cajun rolls out of the ring to compose himself with Chavo by his side but the composure doesn’t last as Helms dives from the top rope onto both competitors. Though this also ends up being the moment when the tide shifts as Helms rolls Cajun into the ring and Chavo decides to plant a vicious knee into the small of Helm’s back. Cajun, unaware of the attack, puts Helms down with a back suplex. The Corporal strikes a pose to the crowd but actually gets a negative response back due to the interference of Chavo. Cajun seems rattled by the reaction of the crowd but he continues his attack on the number one contender to his friend’s title. Cajun tries to put Helms away with a variety of moves like the belly to belly, hurricanrana and tiger suplex but Helms has lots of guts thus refuses to go down. The toughness of Helms earns him some cheers from the audience as he starts to make a comeback against the tough New Orleans native. The rally is prematurely ended when Chavo trips up the young star. This move not only catches the attention of the referee but also of one Corporal Cajun. Cajun starts asking why Chavo is cheating but Chavo only responds by telling him to focus back on the match. Eventually Cajun decides to return to Helms but at this point, Helms has completely recovered from the tripping. Cajun tries to regain his offence but Helms is now on a roll. Cajun is put down with the Sugar Smack superkick and Helms follows up with the Nightmare on Helms street. Helms makes a ‘I want the belt’ motion with his hands towards Chavo before delivering the always devastating Vertebreaker to Cajun. This amazing finisher puts Cajun down for the three while Chavo slams his hands on the ring apron in frustration. Helms does a quick celebration in the ring over his victory and makes a few gestures towards Chavo before heading to the back.

Chavo looks over the fallen Cajun and has an expression of disgust on his face. Eventually, Chavo offers his hand to Cajun and helps Cajun back to his feet. Cajun is patted on the back by Chavo and is gestured to lead the way out of the ring. The crowd lets out a rain of boos as the moment Cajun turns around he is belted with the championship belt. Cajun drops like a sack of cement and then is met with a flurry of kicks by an enraged Chavo. Chavo lifts up the battered Cajun and puts him down with a brutal brainbuster. Chavoe doesn’t seem to be finished with his attack but is interrupted anyway, when Shane Helms returns from the back to chase Chavo off. Chavo leaves with this Cruiserweight title over his shoulder while Helms tends to the fallen and beaten Cajun.

Winner: Shane Helms

77/70/85

Chavo Guerrero Jr.’s heel turn is completed

Chavo got 2 points of overness from this turn

Tony Schiavone: That despicable Chavo just beat up one of his best friends. What is going on in his head!

Scott Hudson: Chavo showed his true colours tonight. That colour is yellow as he attacked Cajun from behind and he ran away once Helms arrived.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Be sure to catch WCW Sin live on PPV to witness Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett and Sting locked in bitter combat for the WCW World Championship!!!

Time To Regroup

WCW comes back on the air with the noise of police sirens filling the arena which brings out the one and only WCW World Champion, Scott Steiner. He is followed to the ring by his number one freak, Midajah. Steiner looks to be in a very foul mood. He doesn’t even bother doing his customary posing before he grabs a mic from ringside.

Scott Steiner: Tonight, the big bad booty daddy is going to prove why he is the genetic freak when he puts away Goldberg once and for all. [the fans respond to that statement with a shower of boos] Huh? You don’t like the idea of me putting away that joke, Goldberg? I don’t care because I don’t like any of you either. You’re all inbred, overweight, overpaid, dimwitted, trailer trash. I’m not out here right now to address Goldberg or to even talk about you pieces of garbage. [this elicits the obvious cheap heat] I’m out here right now to call Jeff Jarrett’s ass out! Jarrett you hit me over the head with that damn guitar. You caused me my first loss since I became the man and champion of this flea ridden company. Get out here. Explain yourself before I bruise your stupid ass!!!! [no music or appearance] I said, get your stupid ass out here. Or I’ll find you out in the back and drag you out here!!!

Finally, the strains of Jarrett’s knock off ‘Cowboy’ by Kid Rock theme blares over the PA. Jeff Jarrett comes out from the back with his guitar in hand. Jarrett strikes a pose to the crowd before he heads into the ring. The crowd greets Jarrett with an onslaught of boos.

Jeff Jarrett: First off, all you slapnuts better give the Chosen One a better reception then the one you just showed me. I am the hand picked leader and future of this company. [Jarrett then turns to Steiner] But right now, Steiner you are the WCW World Champion. We made the pact to bond together and make sure you are still the Champion after Sin. I gave you my word and my word is gold. Steiner, I said to you after Thunder and I’ll say it to you again. Don’t listen to WCW.com. Don’t listen to the wrestlers in the back. Definitely don’t listen to these stupid Minnesota morons. [once again, obvous cheap heat] The truth is, I did not purposely hit you with the guitar on Thursday. It was a mistake. You can trust me.

Scott Steiner: Yeah? I can trust you? Well, listen real careful you SOB. If you ever swing that guitar in my direction again then I’ll stick it so far up your ass then you’ll be plucking string from your teeth. Hear me? Understand me? I’m the genetic wo. . .

Jeff Jarrett: Are you challenging me? Are you trying to lay down a threat? I am the Chosen One, Steiner. If you want, I will gun for your WCW World Championship. I’d be more then happy to even go at it here tonight. [fans give a slight pop of the prospect of title match] Especially if you put your WCW Title on the line.

Scott Steiner: Huh? You think your want the largest armed in the world and the most genetically jacked freak in history? You know what you’re saying. I’m Big Poppa Pump and I will make you holla in pain.

Rick Steiner: Now wait one minute!!!!!

From the back comes the Dog Face Gremlin, who obviously has a mic in hand. He rushes to the ring and immediately tries to separate the two stars.

Rick Steiner: What are you guys doing? [looks over at Jarrett] Jeff, you gave my brother his word that you would make sure he walked out of Sin with the WCW title. I know you meant it and I expect you to keep it. 2 on 1 against Sting will guarantee that Apocalypse still has the title. Remember, we are a group and we are here to take down WCW. [looks over at Scott] Dammit, bro, it’s obvious that Thursday was an accident. Jarrett didn’t mean to blast you with that shot. You two, shouldn’t be trying to go at it right now. Remember our enemies. It’s not each other. We are a unit and we are the Apocalypse. We are here to make life a living hell for Ric Flair and all his stinking cronies. Tonight, we have the chance to take out the biggest of his ass kissers. We can rid WCW of Godlberg. [a pop of the mention of Goldberg] You understand? We need to unite and definitely tonight, we need to be a solid unit. Just to make sure that tonight is a very good evening, I’ve enlisted two new members into our group. [steiner and Jarrett give a very puzzled look] Yeah, I went over your heads. I’m pretty sure you’ll think this is a good addition with all things considered.

The music of Totally Buff plays over the speakers and unsurprisingly, it’s those two men that walk down the rampway. Both taunt the fans on their way to the ring, which causes the usual response.

Buff Bagwell: Hey baby, I’m more then happy to join the Apocalypse.

Lex Luger: We are even more then happy to be your ally on this night, Scott Steiner. Tonight, we can cure WCW of the cancer known as Goldberg.

Rick Steiner: What you say? Tonight, we unite and become a solid group again? Scott? Jeff?

Jarrett and Scott grudgingly look each over for a second. It even looks like the self proclaimed genetic freak is about to pounce Jeff. Finally, at the behest of the others, the two shake hands in the middle of the ring. The group starts to pant themselves on the back and act like they just won the Superbowl.

78

Putting A New Spin Things

The legendary theme of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ is played over the arena and the crowd lets out a monstrous pop knowing who is about to come out. Arguable WCW’s most popular superstar, Nature Boy Ric Flair comes strutting out onto the entrance ramp. Flair lets out a big ‘WOOO’ and the fans return in kind. Flair soaks up the cheers and chants before finally addressing the Apocalypse.

Ric Flair: It’s a big night here in St. Paul [a big cheap pop from the crowd]. I was raised in this great state and became one of the greatest professional wrestlers by starting out in this state. Say what you will boys, but St. Paul is a hella of a great town! [the cheap pops keep coming] Like I said, it’s a big night here in St. Paul. We’ve got the WCW World Champion taking on the phenom and the man, Goldberg. Right here, we witnessed some new members of the Apocalypse. The group that is supposed to be running me out of the business. Ha ha ha ha. That isn’t going to happen, boys. You know what, you aren’t going to run Goldberg out of WCW either. You know why? [Apocalypse member have a look of confusion] I’ll tell you, why? Because I started thinking, I started letting the brain going. I realized, it wasn’t myself that ever made the deal that Goldberg had to recreate his streak or be sent out of this company. It never signed the papers for such a thing. It was done by some putz that doesn’t even work here anymore. I question what authority he had in the first place. I said to myself, would I as the CEO of WCW want to fire Bill Goldberg? Would I want to send him packing? Would I want to end his career in this business? NO!?! [big pop] I wouldn’t. I don’t want to end the man’s livelihood. Not over some stupid deal that was made before I even became the CEO of the greatest wrestling company in the world. What did I do? I went to a man who has even more stroke then me in WCW. A man who has the authority to change whatever he wants in this company. I went to Ted Turner! Right now, I want to direct you to the Nitrovision screen because somebody is about to rock all your little worlds!

On the screen, indeed the WCW owner appears behind a big mahogany desk. Turner has a paper in his hand, which would appear to be a prepared statement [or his script].

Ted Turner: First off, I want to welcome all the great wrestling fans to World Championship Wrestling. It is my pleasure to address all you great wrestling fans. Next, I want to address the issue of Goldberg and the fact his career is on the line in every match he has here in WCW. Flair, brought it to my attention that an agreement was made in October that if Goldberg didn’t win 176 matches straight that he would have to leave this company. He would be fired. To me, it doesn’t seem like a good business decision to fire one of the biggest stars in World Championship Wrestling history. [big reaction of joy from the fans] Moreso, the person who apparently arranged for this deal is no longer under the contract of WCW. He is not here to fire any WCW talent, obviously. At this moment, Flair and myself are the ones with authority to do such actions. Firing Goldberg is not something either of us plan or want to do. I am hereby officially voiding the contract or stipulation that caused Goldberg to have to recreate his streak. Though I trust that Goldberg can do such a feat, I am lifting the pressure of such a challenge. From this point on, Goldberg is back to being able to compete like any other wrestler here in WCW. Finally, Goldberg will not have to repeat those amount of wins to earn a title shot but rather he is once again a top contender for that title. He has the right to compete for the championship when is deemed appropriate by the CEO, Ric Flair. Thank you all for your time.

Apocalypse are less than happy with such news. Scott Steiner pitches a fit in the ring. Totally Buff seem very unimpressed. They don’t get any happier with the music of Goldberg fires up and the man appears alongside Flair.

Ric Flair: WOOOOOOOO!!!! Tell him what you got, big man.

Goldberg: Well, well, well it looks like things aren’t going your way, Apocalypse. It looks like Goldberg isn’t going anywhere in the near future. Let me say, I never asked Flair to do this. I never went to Ted Turner. I sure can recreate the streak. Right now, this makes sure that I get a fair shake. It also means that these fans might be able to see their hero with the title again, real soon. Don’t worry, Steiner, I’m not gunning for that championship tonight. No rather, I’m gunning for it this Sunday. [the fans give a big pop for that news] With the permission of Flair, I’ve laid out the following challenge for you Totally Buff. I know, it bothers you that my career isn’t on the line anymore. It bothers me that it’s been many months since I’ve had a title shot. Here is my proposal. This Sunday night, if I win my match between you two jokers then I will be added as the fourth man to the World Title match at WCW Sin. I will be finally allowed the chance to get the championship that was stolen from me over 2 years ago. But if I lose, then I won’t have the opportunity to compete for the WCW World Championship for the entirety of 2001. What you say, boys?

Lex Luger: What you are saying, is that if either you or DeBruce get beat on Sunday then you can’t be in a championship match for all of 2001. The purpose of being in this company is completely nonexistent for you for an entire year. Ha ha ha ha

Buff Bagwell: We once again have a chance to take away your livelihood. Let’s admit it Goldberg, you have been grasping for another shot at the title for almost 2 years. If we win, oh baby, it’s going to be another year! You’ll just have to watch as our boy Big Poppa Pump runs the show for 2001!!!!

Goldberg: Is that a deal?

Buff Bagwell: What do you say Scotty? Do you trust us to be able to finish this [make exaggerated quotation marks with his hands] phenom off? If we fail, are you ready to take him again this Sunday.

Scott Steiner: Boys, after tonight, there won’t be anything left. I beat you at Fall Brawl. I made you cry. I will make you moan and beg tonight. You won’t even make it to this Sunday. Goldberg, the Apocalypse is more then happy to take the challenge!!!!

Goldberg: [looks over at Flair and then glares at the stable in the ring] Then all I have left to say is, YOU’RE NEXT!!!!

90%

Tony Schiavone: Oh my, what explosive news this is. Goldberg’s career is no longer on the line in his matches. But the stake has arguable been raised for this Sunday.

Scott Hudson: Tony, losing this Sunday for Goldberg will almost be like being out of the company. As he won’t be able to compete for the thing he covets most in this business.

Tony Schiavone: What a match and what a stipulation. This may have been the biggest moment in our sport and we just witnessed it live on Nitro!!!!

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Pepsi, Playstation, Sports Illustrated and WCW’s new video game are exactly what you want right now.

Hardcore Match

Meng (w/Paisely) v. Crowbar (w/Daffney)

Referee: Scott Dickenson

The announcers spend the entire match ga-gaing over what they just heard. Tony is still convinced that it was the biggest moment in wrestling history. They also really seem to be overselling the appearance of Turner on Nitro. They do realize that WWF’s owner appears on Raw every week, right? Anyway, Crowbar uses everything at ringside to try to put away Meng but nothing seems to keep the big guy down for long. Crowbar even takes a chair and dives off the top rope hitting Meng right in the head. Meng just stands there no selling the move and then crescent kicking Crowbar down to the mat. Daffney even gets involved and crossbody blocks Meng but she is obviously caught then disposed of over the top rope. Paisely then greets Daffney on the outside with a spear. In the ring, Crowbat must think Meng is on fire because he puts him out with a fire extinguisher except that doesn’t really affect Meng either. Finally Meng decides that play time is over and applies the dreaded Tongan death grip onto Crowbar. The move puts Crowbar down for the three count rather quickly. Paisley happily jumps into the arms of her victorious man and starts shouting how he’s proven he deserves that Hardcore title shot again. Meanwhile. Crowbar throw a fit in the ring and start pounding his arms & feet against the mat like a child.

Winner: Meng

55/52/58

Tony Schiavone: Meng continues to be a thorn in the side of Crowbar.

Scott Hudson: Crowbar shouldn’t be in such a bad mood. Despite losing to Meng again, he is still the man with the title shot this Sunday.

Tony Schiavone: Will Crowbar finally be able to end this current losing streak he seems to be on for his big match against not only the Hardcore champion but the man he idolized as a boy.

Whats up with dat?

Shane Helms, with his bag slung over his shoulder, is seen exiting the arena. Before he makes the door, Shannon Moore steps in his way. Helms seem confused by the confrontation.

Shane Helms: Excuse me, Shannon.

Shannon Moore: We’ve got a problem, Shane.

Shane Helms: What is that?

Shannon Moore: You. What is going on in your head right now? Have you forgot about the people that matter? Have you forgot about the 3 Count? You’ve really changed these last few weeks, Shane. You’ve become so focused on this title shot that you have forgot about the things that matter. Us.

Shane Helms: Aren’t you being a little overdramatic? Shouldn’t I be focused on this Sunday? Isn’t this why we entered this business to begin with, to be able to prove we are the best? This Sunday, I can prove it by winning the championship. This is a good things for us because it’ll prove that 3 Count isn’t the joke we once were seen as.

Shannon Moore: No Shane, the problem is that you aren’t doing this for 3 Count. It’s all about you. You’re leaving me behind. You are forgetting about me. Everything that we’ve done together.

Shane Helms: What is this about?

Shannon Moore: Why did you bother helping Cajun tonight? He isn’t a friend. He isn’t 3 Count?

Shane Helms: What Chavo was doing was wrong. He turned his back on a friend. I wasn’t just going to let him beat up Lash, like that.

Shannon Moore: [laughs to himself] It’s Cajun. If you want to be champion, you need to focus on being the best and not wasting time with wastes of space like Corporal Cajun. He’s joke and a never will be. I think, you are turning soft. You are listening to these fans now. You like their cheers and you encourage it. I don’t like it, Shane. I don’t like you listening to the fans or helping out someone like Cajun. It’s makes you weak.

Shane Helms: [obviously agitated] If appreciating the fans and helping someone out makes me soft or weak then I guess I am. Have a good night, Shannon.

Shane pushes past his friend in order to go through the exit.

62

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Don’t forget to catch Thunder on TBS every Thursday because it’s the best wrestling action you’ll ever get on a Thursday night!

Mixed Tag Team Match

Lace Storm & Major Gunns v. Konnan & Tygress

Referee: Randy Anderson

The crowd is very into the entrance of Konnan and Tygress. They are even more into Konnan’s usual spiel in the ring before the match. They aren’t so into Lance’s usual spiel in the ring or his demand of listening to the Canadian anthem. Once the match gets started, Konnan is able to control Lance with a series of clothelines and slams. Lance eventually stops the momentum of K-Dawn with a big superkick to the head. Lance goes to work on the leg that was damaged on Thursday. Despite the various amounts of leg holds done by Storm, the fiery gangsta refuses to call it quits. Storm goes back to some kicking and punching on the leg of Konnan. Storm even tags in Gunns to do some leg kicking and that is where this match goes downhill. Eventually, the two women end up in the ring together and it isn’t a pretty sight. For the majority, they are rolling on the mat sort of pretending to attack each other. The real ugly part, is when thye do a mockery of a wrestling match and start to put some lame holds on each other. Despite the fans finding both ladies hot, they don’t want to see them totally bomb in the ring thus the crowd heat dies down. Despite this, Schivaone tries to convince the fans at home that it’s the ladies that everyone really wants to see go at it. Finally, the two men return in the ring together and Konnan celebrates this by bringing Lance down with a rolling clothesline. Konnan even scores a nearfall after he drops the Canadian with a faceplant. Team Canada obviously are sensing trouble because Mike Awesome comes from the back. Immediately he makes an impact by tripping up Konnan. Somebody doesn’t like seeing this interference and that somebody is Hacksaw Jim Duggan. The tough guy rushes down to the ringside area and puts the big Awesome down with a clothesline. The ref tries to encourage Awesome to head to the back and Storm decides this would be a good time to mouth off at Hasksaw. Duggan responds to this mouthing by planting a two by four shot right to the chest of Storm. Konnan immediately cinches in the Tequila Sunrise and the referee enters the ring to find a tapping out Storm. Tygress, Duggan and Konnan celebrate in the ring while Gunns and Awesome tend to Storm. Storm doesn’t seem so happy about this turn of events and challenges both Konnan and Duggan to a tag team match for Thunder. The two are more than happy to agree to such a contest.

Winners: Konnan & Tygress

58/67/39

Tony Schiavone: Konnan gets his win back from Thursday. Team Canada isn’t looking so superior now, are they?

Scott Hudson: It looks like Storm is already making excuses. We will see if he can get revenge this Thursday.

Tony Schivaone: Up next, we are going to be hearing from the returning Sting!!!!

COMMERCIAL BREAK – shill, shill, shill and a side order of shill

Didn’t Miss That Time

Pamela Paulshock: I’m here in the back with one of the top stars in WCW right now and the top contender for the WCW World Championship, Sting! Sting, what are your thoughts on the big news that Goldberg can indeed now possibly be a part of the big WCW World Title match on Sunday?

Sting: First off Pam, WOOOOOOOOOOO! It’s good to be back to WCW. It’s once again SHOWTIME!!!! I am here to give the WCW fans my 100%. This Sunday, I am totally focused on beating Scott Steiner and Jeff Jarrett for the World Championship. I don’t like either man. Both have tried to put me out in the past. This Sunday, I plan on exacting some overdue revenge. The best way to do that is to win the championship for all my little Stingers! As for Goldberg, I hope he is in the World title match. It means he was able to win his tag match and I don’t want him to lose that. I’d be more then happy to meet the man in the ring again. We’ve fought before, you know Pamela. I’d love to do it again this Sunday. Man, I’m excited!!!

Pamela Paulshock: You pinned Steiner this past Thursday after an accidental guitar shot from Jarrett. Do you feel there is dissension among Jarrett and Steiner. Do you think you can take advantage of that?

Sting: Oh, I’ll take advantage of it Pamela. It is definitely there. Those two have way too big of egos to not have some problems. This Sunday, they both want that title despite what they say. I’ll be able to use that against them. I’ll be able to do exactly the same thing that I did this past Thunder. I’ll pin Steiner right in the middle of the ring for the WCW World Championship. Man, I’m totally excited. It’s good to be back. It’s good to have a chance to be champion again!

Pamela Paulshock: Now, Sting, Steiner was the person that took you off TV for a bit. He brutally attacked you with pipe back in November. Is revenge on your mind this Sunday and what actions are you willing to take.

Sting: I said it before and I’ll say it again. The best way to gain revenge on Steiner is to pin him in the middle of the ring. I will then have taken what he holds most dear. I’ll have ended his first reign as World Champion. You see Pam, I’ve been there before and I’ve tasted the gold. I’m not ready to give up on ever having it again. I want to be champion. It’s what all superstars should strive for. I’m going to regain it this Sunday. Jarrett and Steiner are in for a long night. WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I’m so jacked. I can’t wait for tonight’s main event. For the record, Goldberg I totally have your back tonight!!!

BAM!!!! Out of nowhere a guitar comes crashing onto the head of Sting. The blow causes Sting to crumple hard to the floor and Pamela runs away screeching with fear. Into the picture walks Jarrett, who smile over his handiwork.

Jarrett: You weren’t fast enough to move away this time, where you Stinger? Ha ha. Guess you won’t do Goldberg much good tonight. [turns directly to the camera] Steiner, I hopefully made my allegiance clear to you now.

Jarrett stares intensely into the camera as it cuts to a

87%

COMMERCIAL BREAK - You just saw Sting get bopped on a head with a guitar, support him by buying his new T-Shirt & video. Plus don’t forget to buy yourself a copy of the new Starrcade DVD that comes out on the 29th!!!

Impromptu Match

Mark Jindrak v. Kevin Nash

Referee: Billy Silverman

Right after the break, Mark Jindrak, in his wrestling gear, is in the ring. He lays out an open challenge for Kevin Nash to wrestle him right now. He mentions how Sean O’Haire beat Nash’s partner last week and it’s his turn to take out Nash this week. Unsurprisingly, Nash is more then happy to meet this challenge. Nash enters the ring and immediately starts to pound away on the youngest Thriller. Jindrak is whipped off the rope and right into the mighty boot of Nash. The domination continues as Nash lifts up Jindrak and drops him chest first onto a turnbuckle. Its now time for the patent framed knees from Nash as he has Jindrak slumped into a corner. He then decides that Jindrak might want some elbows with that too. Jindrak comes flying out of the corner with a big hip toss from Big Sexy. Next being served up is an assortment of forearms and clotheslines. Finally, Jindrak gains an advantage when he drops Nash with a shot to the knees. Jindrak continues on the advantage with a series of kicks, forearms and chops. The big man is then lifted up and dropped with a impressive powerslam. Jindrak hops to the second rope and administers an elbowsmash. Jindrak keeps up on the offensive while the fans continue to cheer on Nash. Jindrak gets too overconfident when he poses on the top rope for too long and when he jumps off the top he is greeted with a another big boot from Kevin. Nash starts to go through his usual set of moves. Finally, plants Jindrak with the big Jackknife powerbomb. Before any pinfall can be taken, Sean O’Haire runs into the ring and plants Nash with flying forearm. O’Haire immediately lifts Nash back up and plants him with a sit out powerbomb. O’Haire scales the top ropes and levels the big man with the infamous Seanton bomb. The fans start to cheer as DDP comes running in from the back. Unfortunately, the two Thrillers were ready for him and lay him out as well. The beatings continue once the rest of the Thrillers pour from the back and start to lay into the Insiders. Finally, the rookies stand tall in the ring over the fallen foes.

Winner: Kevin Nash by DQ

67/71/58

Tony Schiavone: What a brutal beating we just witnessed here fans. I’ve never seen Nash manhandled like that.

Scott Hudson: It appears that the Natural Born Thrillers do indeed have the number of the Insiders. What will happen this Sunday as Nash & DDP must fight two of these marvellous athletes.

Tony Schivone: Will they even make it to this Sunday? Fans, there is total carnage in the ring and we got to take a break!!!

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Konnan loves Pepsi and so should you. THQ makes really great games and one of them is the new WCW wrestling game. Don’t forget to order WCW Sin on PPV this Sunday the 14th!

Rick Steiner v. David Flair (w/Stacy Keibler)

Referee: Charles Robinson

Best described as a very one sided affair, as Rick Steiner starts to murder David in the ring with punches and kicks. David occasionally tries to unleash a chop but it’s usually only met with a devastating forearm blow. Stacy tries to cheer on her man but he’s only mauled even more. David finally slows down Steiner with a low blow and referee Charles Robinson somehow misses that shot. Did I mention Charles is good friends with CEO Ric Flair? Unfortunately, the momentum for David doesn’t last long as Rick Steiner catches David as he tries to come off the top rope. David is put down with a huge powerslam. Rick Steiner unleashes his top rope bulldog which seemingly puts David completely out. Instead of going for the 3, Steiner is intent on continually mauling David. Stacy is opposed to such things and jumps on the apron to discourage it. Charles decides to tell Stacy to get off the apron but he seems to be taking a long time to do so. Actually, long enough for The Cat to appear in the ring and put down Steiner with the patent Feliner kick. The Cat rolls David on top of the DFG. Charles returns to the action just in time to count the 3. The crowd lets out a cheer over the bully Steiner being pinned by David. Immediately after the match, the Cat and Stacy take the limp David and carry him quickly to the back from the fallen Steiner. Charles Robinson catches his cue and retreats quickly from the soon to be enraged Steiner as well.

Winner: David Flair

62/63/63

Rick Steiner loses 1 point of overness – afterall, he lost to David Flair!

David Flair loses 2 points of overness – fans didn’t seem the appreciate David running away like a coward after all his big talk on Saturday

Tony Schivaone: This has to be the biggest upset in our sport!!!!

Scott Hudson: Do you believe in miracles? Because David Flair sure does now after that shock win.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Where is your piggy bank because the Best of Starrcade, Starrcade ’00 & a Goldberg DVD are coming to the stores!!!

MIA Over?

General Rection is packing his stuff into a bag (no one knows why since he wasn’t on the card) when Sergeant A-Wall walks up behind him. Rection doesn’t seem to notice until A-Wall swings him around.

A-Wall: What the hell happened tonight?

General Rection: I was going to ask you the same thing but moreso, regarding on Thursday.

A-Wall: The chokeslam? Hey, you deserved that. You needed a little bit of a wake up call. You’ve self involved and very selfish lately. You cost me the match on Thursday. Tonight, your selfishness has caused Chavo to break away from the group. Did you see what he did to Cajun? I blame that on you.

Rection: You blame Chavo kicking the crap out of Cajun on me? Did I hear that right?

A-Wall: Yeah, you did hear that right. The MIA is falling apart and you haven’t done anything to fix it. You’re our supposed leader and thus it’s your fault. You should have been out there earlier tonight to help Lash. You should have helped Chavo a long time ago. You didn’t. As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t any MIA anymore. All the thanks can be directed to you. Seeya, boss.

A-Wall storms away while Rection is left looking concerned.

57%

Main Event

Scott Steiner (w/Midajah) v. Goldberg

Referee: Nick Patrick

The announcers go into complete overhype mode as they declare this the biggest match in Nitro history. They go as far to say that nobody should be bothering to watch any other wrestling program right now because this is definitely the biggest thing on TV. The fans seemed pretty pumped up over this contest between two of WCW’s bigger stars. It’s odd that DeBruce hasn’t appeared with Goldberg at all tonight nor has any mention of the DeBruce pinfall over Luger on Thursday. I guess, the stipulation change has overshadowed the previous plot developments. Before the match gets underway, WCW cuts to a quick commercial break and the hope is this match will keep the fans on this station. Though at this exact moment on Raw, Vince McMahon is galloping around the WWF ring in his underwear with a cowboy hat on his head. What the hell is that about?!? The show comes back with Steiner and Goldberg having a face to face stare down. It definitely gives the match a big time feel. The announcers once again waste no time in declaring this must see television and that everyone should be calling their friends to tune into Nitro. Finally, Steiner makes the first move as he throws a punch but Goldberg is quick on his feet and blocks the attempt then fires back with his own. The two men start to quickly exchange blows as the fans begin to love every minute of the action here. During the fisticuffs, Steiner quickly wraps his big arms around Goldberg and sends him flying through the air via a release belly to belly suplex. Goldberg returns to his feet to be met with a giant Steinerline. The announcers start to hype that these two men could met again this Sunday if Goldberg can win his tag team contest with Wayne DeBruce. The announcers refocus on the match, as Steiner start to rain forearms on top of the head of Goldberg. Steiner’s planned offence is to toss Goldberg around the ring with suplexes in order to demonstrate his power in this contest. The momentum ends when Steiner goes charging into a corner but is met with a reverse kick from Goldberg which is powerful enough to knock Steiner to the mat. The fans come alive when Goldberg starts to unleash his own power moves on the champion. Obviously things must not be looking good as Steiner’s stablemate and soon to be opponent Jarrett comes from the back brandishing a guitar. The excitement is so much that WCW must cut to another commercial break.

The match continues with Goldberg now pounding Steiner on the outside of the ring. Jarrett tries to intervene but da man is able to put him down his a spin kick. This allows the proper distraction and Steiner puts Goldberg down with a low blow. Both wrestlers return back inside the ring, Steiner is now in the definite driver’s seat of the match. Goldberg is on the receiving end of some Steinerlines and suplex variations. A T-bone suplex has Steiner land directly on his head. The crowd continues to rally behind their hero while Steiner keeps him grounded with forearms, clotheslines and kicks. One particular shot even busts open the right eyebrow of Goldberg and causes a small trickle of blood. Steiner decides it is time for a wear down and put Goldberg into an abdomenable stretch. Jarrett causes enough distractions to the ref that Steiner can get some assistance from Midajah to increase the pain of the hold. Drawing from the chants of the crowd, Goldberg is able to finally break from the hold by hip tossing out of it and send Steiner crashing on his back. Once Steiner returns to his feet he is met by a running shoulderblock. It starts to become apparent that Goldberg is back into this match. Several shots find their way to the face of Steiner. The Big Bad Booty Daddy starts to sense urgency and begins to try to escape the ring. Goldberg will have none of it and pulls Steiner back into the action. Steiner is brought hard to the mat with a big powerslam. Steiner even gets attacked on his legs by Goldberg’s trademark leg vine grip. In the ultimate test of strength, Goldberg presses Steiner above his head and tosses him across the other end of the ring. Steiner crawls to the corner where Midajah is at, while Goldberg readies for the spear. The fans start to cheer as they sense the end coming but then the cheers turn to giant jeers. Right when Goldberg is about to spear Steiner, he is met with a hard lead pipe shot to the face. Goldberg crumples to the mat as the referee calls for the DQ. Immediately, the ring is filled with all the Apocalypse members. Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell grab a pair of chairs as they await Goldberg to return to his feet. When he does return to his feet, he is meet with a Con-Chairto (Edge&Christian old move) to the already damaged head. Goldberg, of course, falls immediately back to the mat. This time Goldberg is helped back up by Totally Buff so that Steiner can release a series of lead pipe shots to the stomach of Goldberg. The fans starts to pick up as from the back comes running the Stinger. Sting is a house of fire and starts feeding shots to all members of the Apocalypse. Sting isn’t alone for long as Wayne DeBruce and the Cat come running from the back to help as well. Right when things start to be reaching a climax, Tony informs us we are out of time thus we fade to black.

Winner: Goldberg by DQ

79/88/59

Tony Schiavone: The Apocalypse have tried to make sure that Goldberg isn’t going to make it to Sin. Thank God, for the Stinger and the friends of Goldberg. The chaos and rage of Apocalypse must be stopped and these are the men to do it.

Scott Hudson: It looks like a war is about to go down in the ring, right now.

Tony Schiavone: Things are about to explode in the ring, fans. We have no choice but to sign off. We’ll let you know what happens at Thunder!!!!

Jerk.

OR: 69

Prediction Time:

Shawn Micheals beats Cactus Jack

My reasoning is Jack got the victory at Mania thus it's his turn to return the J-O-B. Plus it's typical that the face is going to win the big blow off match plus it allows Michaels to looks strong going into his match with Bret Hart. I think, Jack will end up doing a sick bump which leads to Michaels getting the win. Jack will probably end up being out injured for a few months time. Another reason I think Michaels will win because you tend to have a soft spot for him.

Undertaker beat Kevin Nash & Sid

It's looking like the story is Rick Rude trying to find ways of getting the title off Undertaker. With such a story to work, Undertaker needs to be keeping the title so more challenges can be thrown his way. Plus I feel that Undertaker needs one big final blow off match with Kevin Nash in a singles match (KOTR?). Besides, Taker has had a very short reign thus far and I'd expect him to be champ until at least SummerSlam.

Rick Martel beat Bret Hart

Martel will cheat here and then go on to brag about his amazing victory. I'm sensing a big Martel push thus this win will really put him over the edge. Besides, Bret is over enough that he can take a few loses like this one. I see this end up being a feud to take us through the early summer months.

Chris Beniot & Brian Pillman beat Godwinns, Team USA & Lee/Adams

I have a fear that Godwinns are heading for a title run just because of how much Vince loves the hillbillies. I also think that title change will be saved for a straight up 2 on 2 match. I see Beniot & Pillman cheating to get past the tough hillbillies and thus setting up a rematch for KOTR. Team USA & Team Brian will just join the tag team shuffle after this match.

Al Snow beat Steve Austin

Can this end any other way? Snow has to eventually beat Austin for the title. He is extremely over and the fans would demand it. Besides, the story has all been about Snow chasing Austin for that championship. I just can't see any other ending besides the happy one with Snow becoming the champion and finally beating Austin. This should really end up being one of the classic moments of the year. Only way I see Austin winning is if yet another rematch is set up for KOTR but how could Snow justify another???? Snow will win and it should be awesome.

Scott Hall & Sean Waltman beat Vader & Bulldog

Vader & Buldog have got the better of Waltman & Hall at every single turn. The story has been that Waltman and Hall can't co-exist due to some stale bad blood from a year ago. Hall & Waltman are much bigger stars then Vader/Bulldog at this point. Maybe not in EWR overness but definitely in how you have been writing this diary. Despite some miscommunication and arguing, I see the crazy partners that hate each other being able to pull off the win. They will then move onto the messing with Rick Rude.

Ken Shamrock beat Hunter Hearst Helmsley

I originally went with Helmsley after I noticed how many faces I've predicted to win here. Shamrock has been getting one upped for most of this feud. I think, it's time for his eventual revenge. Besides, the main story is Helmsley and Goldust. I feel Goldust will cost Hunter the match by accident. It will cause a rather upset Hunter and will lead to Goldust trying to do things to appease him. Shamrock will win but this is probably the match prediction I'm least sure about.

Tie Breakers:

1. The tag team championship match with be the first on the card.

2. Steve Austin v. Al Snow will once again get best match of the night honours

3. Tag Team championship will get the worse match quality

4. 1 title change

5. Assuming that Hell in the Cell is the main event, I'm going to say that the World Title match will be second last.

6. No new debuts unless you're counting Mero's guest who I think will be Scorpio

7. Elimination order: 1. Team Brian, 2. Team USA, 3. Godwinns

8. Elimination order: 1. Sid, 2. Nash

9. Rude's assistant will be Owen Hart

10. Ramon will pin Bulldog

WCW Wildside Ratings & Backstage Notes

01.07.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

-WCW Wildside garnered a 2.09 rating for the debut episode. WCW and TBS executives were all extremely pleased with the fairly high rating. The attendance for the show was said to be 4048 while WCW brought in a gate revenue of close to $161920. All in all, WCW feels that Wildside delivered exactly what they wanted from a financial and rating standpoint.

-WCW agents are very impressed with Yung Dragons as a team. The word is that they would like to push the team and have them on television much more regularly. At this point, it’s just a matter of creative finding the right storyline for them.

-Word is, Leia Meow was causing trouble backstage and this isn’t the first incident. Despite the high regard that WCW has for the Yung Dragons, it is rumoured that Meow is one very thin ice.

-WCW wasn’t impressed with the ring work of MI Smooth but seem to still want to give the guy a chance due to his size and the fact he is one of the cheaper talents on the roster.

-There were a lot of upset officials over the crowd response to the Helms and Skipper match. This seems to be Terry Taylor’s evidence that Helms needs to be removed from 3 Count as soon as possible unless they want a dead crowd for the Sin match against Chavo.

-Glacier was seen as a flop due to the lack of crowd response. Apparently, the gimmick won’t be scrapped because Glacier is friends with many backstage. Though word is, he’ll be a strictly Wildside gimmick at this point. Unforunately, will probably lead to Smiley continually being under utilized.

-WCW was so proud of the Four Way Elimination match that there is talks of a big push for Cajun now. The original plan was a very small program with Chavo but now it might be a full fledged feud in the future.

-WCW was very happy with the actual format of the show. It seems they will continue to have a show that will have video packages to showcase the major stories, feature matches with under used talent and progress smaller storylines (like the Steiner & Flair angle).

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CZW Fake You TV Ratings

01.07.01

credit: www.indiewrestlingbeat.com

CZW scored a fairly respectable .48 last night. A crowd of 186 people saw a decent show closing main event with Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe defeating Wifebeater & Lobo when Briscoe pinned Lobo after hitting the Screwdriver through a table. The show gained an in-house gate of $2790. There was also a fantastic tag team match between Divine Storm and Jun Kasai & Men’s Teoh which saw Chris Divine pin Kasai after a spinning reverse ddt. It was a really good hour of action.

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WWF Sunday Night Heat Ratings

01.08.01

credit: www.grapplefanatic.com

Heat scored a 1.17 rating along with attendance of about 7011 and a gate of 280440. WWF is pretty happy with those numbers and already are in talks of moving the show to prime time. If Heat does get moved to Prime Time, that would leave the company with 3 Prime Time shows to write for every week which would seem a bit much. Heat tonight showcased a great main event with Edge & Christian winning a 4 way tag match against Too Cool, Low Down and the APA. Edge pinned Chaz for the big victory.

Word is that Heat may start showcasing light heavyweights in order for WWF to compete with WCW’s new Wildside program. This would be apparent in this show which also saw Essa Rios pin TAKA Michinoku, Crash Holly pin Funakis and X Pac defeat K Kwik in all very excellent matches.

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Goldberg To Lose on Sunday???

01.08.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Apparently, Goldberg has been quite the hassle backstage. Despite not having creative control he has still tried to change most of the finishes in his recent matches. Doesn’t seem to want to give the rub to any of the younger stars. Terry Taylor doesn’t want to take Goldberg off television (which losing a retirement match would have to happen) but the thought is it may end up being better for the company. It would give Goldberg a chance to be away and possibly get some perspective. Plus word is that Goldberg is going to start doing filming for a new action flick.

The current struggle for Taylor, seems to be that he knows he needs the big stars on TV to get ratings but also the same stars seem to be causing him head aches. Kevin Nash, Shane Douglas, Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell have all apparently been major headaches to work with lately. None of them seem to want to have to job in any capacity and seem completely stuck to their ‘spots’ in the company.

The hope is having one of the troublemakers (Goldberg) gone for a bit may allow for the others to be easier to work with. Personally, Goldberg would probably be the worse choice to take off TV as he is the most over between all of them. Though his current story does allow for the easiest out.

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WCW House Show Results

01.08.01

credit: www.grapplfanatics.com

Chattanooga, TN

01.03.01

1. Yung Dragons(w/Leia Meow) defeated the Boogie Knights when Yang pinned Wright after the Yang Time. After the match, Disco brawled to the back with Wright.

2. Bill Kidman pinned Elix Skipper after the Kid Krusher

3. Bam Bam Bigalow beat Jim Duggan after the Greeting from Ashbury Park

4. In a Hardcore rules triangle match, Meng beat Crowbar & Mike Awesome after Meng pinned Crowbar with the Tongan Death Grip

5. Shane Douglas defeated United States Champion General Rection via count out after he knocked out Rection with his chain

6. WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Shane Helms, Jamie Noble & Kwee Wee in a 4 way match

7. WCW World Tag Team Champions The Insiders defeated the Perfect Event after Nash pinned Stasiak after the jackknife. After the match, Sean O’Haire attacked Kevin Nash and laid him out in the ring

8. WCW World Champion Scott Steiner & Jeff Jarrett beat The Cat & Big Vito after Steiner made the Cat submit to the Steiner Recliner

9. Goldberg defeated Buff Bagwell & Lex Luger after he pinned both men with the Jackhammer

Athens, TN

01.05.01

1. Evan Karagious & Jamie Noble beat Yung Dragons(w/Leia Meow) when Noble pinned Yang after the swingblade

2. Meng beat Crowbar & Mike Awesome in a hardcore rules match

3. Lance Storm & Elix Skipper (w/Major Gunns) defeated Billy Kidman & Rey Misterio (w/Tygress) when Storm caused Rey to tap out to the Maple Leaf

4. The Cat pinned Rick Steiner after the Feliner

5. Reno pinned Big Vito after the roll of the dice

6. General Rection & A-Wall beat Shane Douglas & Bam Bam Bigelow when Rection pins Bigelow after the No Laughing Matter

7. Sean O;Haire pinned DDP after the Seanton Bomb

8. Sting defeated Jeff Jarrett after the Stinger Death Drop

9. Goldberg beat Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell after Goldberg pinned both men

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WCW Nitro Preview

01.08.01

credit: www.wcw.com

It is one of the most anticipated WCW Nitro main events of all time as Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner squares off with the phenom, Goldberg, in a non title war. Both men have absolutely huge PPV matches this Sunday at WCW Sin. Tonight, they must focus on each other as they meet in this rubber match. Steiner scored a victory over Goldberg at Fall Brawl this past September, than Goldberg won in a rematch inside a cage. This contest could truly prove who is the most dominate force in WCW. Though if Goldberg loses, he will be fired from WCW. Will Totally Buff stick their noses into this match in hopes of cancelling the PPV bout? Where is Steiner’s mind at after being pinned for the first time since winning the title on this past Thunder against Sting? Are Steiner & Jarrett on the same page after the accidental guitar shot that caused Steiner’s loss? It will be an absolutely explosive and unforgettable contest.

On Thunder, we saw the return of Sting! He scored huge on his return night as he pinned the WCW World Champion. He was able to battle back the forces of Jarrett & Steiner on Thursday but will he be able to do it on Sunday for the title? Sting will most definitely be in the house tonight and it should be an exciting affair. What will happen with all 3 Sin main event participants being in the same arena? Will Steiner try to exact his revenge tonight?

Ric Flair promises to have a major announcement tonight. No word on exactly what it pertains to. If Flair promises something huge then it will be an earth shattering revelation. Will it pertain to WCW Sin? Is yet another obstacle to be thrown at the reckless World Champion? Only way to find out is to tune into Nitro tonight!!!

Plus David Flair has challenged Rick Steiner to a one on one contest after Steiner made a pass at David’s girl Stacy.

A big mixed tag battle will take place between Lance Storm & Major Gunns against Konnan & Tygress. Lance Storm scored the cheap win on Thursday and Konnan will be out for revenge tonight. It should be an exciting chapter in the ongoing Filthy Animals and Team Canada war.

Be sure to tune into TNT tonight at 9:00pm for what will be the most explosive 2 hours of wrestling action anywhere on Monday nights!!!

WCW Wildside

01.06.01

Announcers: Scott Hudson & Larry Zbysko

Station: TBS

Time: Early Evening

Location: Kingsport Convention Centre - Kingsport, TN

A quick video package is played to showcase various highlights over the last several months. The focus appears to be on Cruiserweight stars. The farther into the package the faster the shots appear. Finally, the video package closes with a shot of Scott Steiner with the WCW World title firmly around his waist. The scene changes to a shot of the Kingsport Convention Centre and 4048 rabid WCW fans ready for some excitement. The necessary fireworks and pyro go off to elicit the expected responses. Announcers Scott Hudson and Larry Zbysko go over the scheduled card for the evening.

Yung Dragons (Yang & Kaz Hayashi) (w/Leia Meaow) v. Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Misterio) (w/Tygress)

Animals get a really solid pop when they come out. Yung Dragons play the de facto heels because of how over the Animals are at this point. Leia Meaow is wearing a much more modest leather assemble probably due to the earlier TV time slot. Crazy high-flying action as would be expected from these four being in the ring together. Lots of fast tags between the two teams and the action was a lot to keep up with. Unfortunately, the fans weren’t as into this match as they probably would have been if Filthy Animals went against more over opponents. The Dragons definitely took it to their more over opponents especially after Yang took out Misterio with a stun gun. The Dragons took control over Misterio with a variety of martial art kicks and aerial attacks. Kaz seemingly took Misterio’s head off with a top rope spin kick. Despite the amazing offence of the Dragons, they were not able to take Misterio out for good. Misterio finally was able to make the tag after he tripped both members onto the ropes with a drop toe hold then took them out with a double 619. Kidman was super pumped and took down both members with head scissors. Finally, Kidman finished Yang off with a Kid Krusher and shooting star press combo. The Filthy Animals with Tygress celebrated their big win but also made sure to shakes hands with the Yung Dragons after.

Winners: Billy Kidman & Rey Misterio

70/60/96

COMMERCIAL BREAK – TBS promises you’ll love to watch Big Daddy tomorrow night. Everyone needs to get them a copy of Halo for the PS2. Konnan says something about Pepsi.

Hype –O – Rama

A rather slick video package is put together which highlights the major events that transpired on Nitro and Thunder this week. The main focus is on Flair/Sting/Apocalypse, Thillers/Insiders and Goldberg/DeBruce/Totally Buff. All the major plot points from this past week get covered on the three stories. The production is very high quality and could probably rival a WWF video package. It’s about time WCW made use of Turner’s resources.

94%

Sean O’Haire gained 1 point of overness due to reminding the fans that he indeed did beat a big player in DDP

COMMERCIAL BREAK – stuff gets shilled

MI Smooth v. Reno

Not much more then a squash for Reno. MI does get some power offence in but quickly gets cut off by Reno before any rally can be made. The fans don’t care about MI thus no hope spots ever worked with the audience. The end game, sees MI make a charge at Reno but he moves out of the way thus causing Smooth to smash his shoulder into the turnbuckles. Reno follows up by hitting the Roll of the Dice for the easy victory. Reno doesn’t get much of a celebration as Big Vito comes from the back with a stickball bat in hand. Vito delivers several hard shots over the back of Reno with the stickball bat. Reno realizes that tomorrow would be a better day to fight and retreats from the ring. Vito shouts out to Reno that he accepts his challenge for Sin and will be finishing him off once and for all.

Winner: Reno

48/53/56

Harris Boys (Don & Ron Harris) v. Norman Smiley & Glacier

Right after the announcers show the replay of the finish of Smooth v. Reno, we cut right back to the ring for this contest. Unfortunately, the crowd doesn’t perk up much for the entrance of the Harris Boys. Norman Smiley gets a decent pop from the fans and even gives them a complimentary Big Wiggle, which gets even more cheers. Though, once Smiley enters the ring he is jumped by the Harris Boys. The announcers remark on the absence of Glacier and ponder where he could be. The match is rather plodding as the Harrisses basically kick and punch at Smiley. Once Smiley starts his comeback the match begins to pick up and so does the crowd reaction. Smiley deliver the swirling slam to one Harris and the other receives an atomic drop variation where he lands directly on the mat. Norman continues to keep the crowd into it with another complimentary wiggle. Eventually, two becomes too much for one and the Harris resume their advantage. Suddenly, the lights dim in the arena, snow falls from the ceiling, blue spotlights shine upon the entrance and the semi familiar music of Glacier plays over the loud speakers. Finally, to absolute dead silence, Glacier appears on the top of the entranceway and rather than rush to the ring to assist Norman, he begins to strike karate poses for the crowd. The entire production of lights, music and effects remain as Glacier continues to strike many poses. The Harrisses are temporarily distracted by this presentation but eventually return to the mugging of Norman. After a few more stomps, kicks and punches the Harris Boys whip Norman into the ropes and deliver the crushing H Bomb. The three count is completely academic. As the Harris Boys make their leave, Glacier finally arrives to the ring and starts to check up on Smiley. The battered Smiley doesn’t seem to be impressed with Glacier and can be heard screaming questions of why Glacier wasn’t there sooner. Harris Boys walks away with a smirk on their face while the lovers spat commences in the ring. The fans more or less could care less.

Winners: Harris Boys

54/56/66

Scott Hudson: What is up with Glacier? He totally caused his team the loss here?

Larry Zbysko: Simply said, Glacier is a moron, Scott. He proved that more then ever tonight.

Scott Hudson: This has to break Smiley’s heart as he was so excited to be able to team with his hero.

Larry Zbysko: Smiley looks up to a poor video game knock off. H would be best to start hanging out with Ralphus again.

COMMERCIAL BREAK – The DVD for Starrcade will be released courtesy of Turner Home Entertainment on January 29th! A nice big Nitro ad hypes the Steiner v. Goldberg match. Some propaganda about Pepsi and it’s drinking goodness.

Let’s Be Serious

Mean Gene: Fans, welcome back to this exciting debut edition of WCW Wildside. As you all know, there has been a certain faction in WCW that hasn’t taken kindly to all you great American fans. This stable has not shown much favour to this great country. Right now, they are at war with some very popular WCW stars such as Konnan [crowd gives a pop] and newly returned patriot Hacksaw Jim Duggan [scatter of ‘Ho’s from the crowd]. Fans please give these guys a warm American welcome, Team Canada!

The crowd delivers hearty boos as Team Canada makes their way to the ring. The entire entourage consisting of Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, Major Gunns and Elix Skipper enter the ring. The faction surrounds Mean Gene while Storm steps right next to the veteran announcer.

Mean Gene: Lance Storm, in recent weeks you have. . .

Lance Storm: Gene, if I can be serious for a moment.

Scott Hudson: He’s always serious, that fuddy duddy!

Lance Storm: I do not appreciate the introduction you gave us. You failed to mention the amazing attributes and accomplishments this group of spectacular athletes have. You seemed to enjoy to put us in a negative light. It isn’t our fault that this country is in dismal shape. It isn’t our fault that amazing wrestlers like Mike Awesome want to defect from it. We should not be booed for speaking the truth. Definitely not be jeered for proving our superiority over the sub par American competition and making all your fat, worthless Americans feel inferior. Don’t blame Canada. . . blame yourself!

Mean Gene: Lance, my question was. . .

Lance Storm: I don’t care what your question was. I don’t care for you. Gene, you can leave this ring right now because you don’t deserve to be in our presence.

Mean Gene: Well, I’ve never in my. . .

Mike Awesome towers over Gene and give him an intimidating glare. Gene passes the mic over to Lance Storm and he quickly bolts from the ring.

Lance Storm: Right now, I want to address that sad sack of Americana, Konnan, I beat you fair and square at Thunder. I proved my Canadian superiority. You, like a typical American, whined and cried and moaned about your fair loss. You blamed it on everything but your sad self. So, you and your tramp now want to take me and the beautiful, athletic Major Gunns on in a mixed tag match on Nitro. We have accepted the challenge. We will prove our own supremacy over you two pieces of street trash. This war with the Filthy Animals will be put to rest. We proved to the Misifts and we will prove it to you. Team Canada is the number one faction in the entire wrestling world.

Mike Awesome: Hacksaw Jim Duggan, you cross eyed moron. You think you can just walk away from Team Canada and not pay the consequences? Do you realize what a gift it was for you to even be accepted among these National heroes? Now, you try to attack me with a weapon. That stupid piece of American lumber? Well, Duggan, I’m calling you out. Me and you, one on one at WCW Sin. I’ll make an example out of your for all the other sub par wrestlers in this flea ridden country!!!! Jim Duggan, consider your career on life support because the Canadian Career Killer is after you!!!!

Elix Skipper: What time is it? [according to the crowd it’s ‘Canada sucks’ time] That’s right, it’s Prime Time baby. I’m calling out one wannabe Cruiserweight star. I’m about to prove, I should be getting a title shot. Get out here, punk,

Lance Storm: [pats Skipper on the shoulders] Make us proud, Elix.

Major Gunns gives a good luck kiss to Skipper. As Skipper bounces around the ring and the other members start to head to the back.

Scott Hudson: It’s Skipper versus Helms, next!!!

78%

COMMERCIAL BREAK – Buy stuff. Make corporate America happy.

Elix Skipper (w/Major Gunns) v. Shane Helms

Unfortunately, the crowd is absolutely dead in this contest. Probably due to the fact that both wrestlers are still seen as heels at this point even though Helms has been playing a face lately. The fact that Helms still comes out to the annoying 3 Count pop song and is aligned with definite heel Shannon Moore makes it hard to completely get behind him. Sadly a fantastic match gets played out to complete fan apathy. Helms starts out the match fast with a high impact offence consisting flapjack, shining wizards, hurricanranas and TKO type move. The attack is finally stopped with Major Gunns pulls down the ropes and Helms flies out to the arena floor. When Helms returns to the ring, Elix Skipper is ready and takes the kid down with a swinging neckbreaker. When Helms returns to his feet, he is greeted by the vicious high kicks to the head that Skipper if known for. Skipper knocks Helms down to the mat with his patent leg sweep. Sensing it’s time to finish Helms, Skipper rushes across the ring and springs off the ropes for a moonsault. The moonsault does hit Helms but unfortunately for Skipper, it hits the knees of Helms. Both competitors lie on the mat in pain while Major Gunns tries to cheer her man on. The two both get to their feet and exchange several blows with each other. Helms tries to clothesline Skipper but Elix avoids the blow using his Matrix duck. Skipper rams his knees into Helms and sets him of for the ‘Play of the Day’ (rocker dropper position but then swings opponent onto his back). Before Skipper can execute the move, Helms quickly slips behind Skipper and grabs both his arms lifting him into the air. No more reservals happen, as Helms puts away Skipper with the Vertebreaker. Helms celebrates his win in the ring to a completely dead crowd. It’s obvious they want to cheer him but they aren’t sure if they are supposed to because he is still playing up his Boy Band gimmick.

Winner: Shane Helms

55/37/87

Scott Hudson: A very gutsy win for the rising star, Shane Helms. He just pinned a former Cruiserweight champion there.

Larry Zbysko: The true test will be if he can pin the current Cruiserweight champion. Only then will he be able to be the top Cruiserweight in this company.

Scott Hudson: Fans, there has been a mystery going on the last several months regarding Stacy Keibler and who is the father of her baby. Right now, Pamela Paulshock is standing by with Stacy.

Don’t Rub Another Man’s Rubarb

Pamela Paulshock: Thanks Scott. I am here now with the lovely Stacy Keibler. Stacy, many have wondered exactly who is the father of your unborn child. It has caused your current boyfriend to go temporarily crazy and has resulted in some chaos here at WCW. Stacy, let me ask you, who is the father?

Stacy Keibler: [seems to be very nervous] Well, Pamela, this wasn’t what I really wanted to be talking about. My concern right now is only about my fiancé and he is my fiancé by the way not my boyfriend. I love him. This past Monday he was brutally attacked by that jerk, Scott Steiner. I feel. . .

Rick Steiner comes onto the set and starts to eye Stacy up and down. He licks lips in a disgusting manner and even sniffs the hair of Stacy.

Rick Steiner: Aren’t you the prettiest little thing. Quite the hottie if you ask me. What do you say, Stacy? Why don’t you ditch that loser and join up with a real man. DFG, knows how to show a lady a good time.

Steiner continues to make both ladies feel very awkward. As Steiner starts to close in on Stacy, David Flair jumps into the scene. He gives Steiner a giant shove. Steiner responds by going right into the face of Flair.

David Flair: What do you think you’re doing?

Rick Steiner: I was about to ask the same thing, boy.

David Flair: I’m tired of being the company punching bag. I’m tired of not being taken seriously. I get beat up just so people can get to my dad. Your brother roughed me up on Monday just so he can get under my father’s skin. You ended up betraying my dad and beating him up on Nitro. Now, my dad can fight his own battles. But this battle [waves his hand between Steiner and Stacy], this is my battle. I will not be used as a pawn anymore. I will not be taken for granted. I will definitely not allow a man to try to shack up with my girl.

Rick Steiner: What you going to do about it, boy?

David Flair: I’m calling your ass out, Rick. WOOOOOOOOOO!!! No more little Davey just taking it. I want you and me to get it on at Nitro. I’m taking you to school. I am going to make an example out of you. No more Mister Nice Guy from David Flair. I am taking a stand and it starts with you. Nitro, I’m taking you out!

Rick Steiner: Ha ha. Welcome to the dog pound, boy, and it’s nothing like a Sunday School Picnic. You’re about to be torn to shreds.

David Flair: WOOOOOOOOOOO!!! We’ll see about that.

David and Steiner continue to glare at each other menacingly. Meanwhile, Stacy looks on with much worry.

67%

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Order WCW Sin and watch WCW rise back to greatness!!!!

WCW Cruiserweight 4 Way Elimination

Chavo Guerrero © v. Corporal Cajun v. Jamie Noble v. Shannon Moore

Chavo gets a mixed response as the fans sense that he is about to go heel but he’s still the most over guy in the match. Chavo plays a slight cowardly side by opting out of starting the match and instead, Cajun begins things with Moore. Cajun puts down Moore with a series of clotheslines and dropkicks. Moore comes running at Cajun but instead is greeted with a flapjack slam. Moore has enough and tags out to Noble. After a quick exchange of holds between Noble and Cajun, Jamie takes the New Orleans native down with a spinning bulldog. Noble continues his offence with a swinging neckbreaker and keeps Cajun down by planting a knee drop. Noble tries to finish off Cajun by plating him with a brainbuster but Cajun is able to slip behind the Southerner then land a knee into the back of Noble. Chavo is tagged in by Cajun and he seems less then impressed to be in the match. Chavo takes advantage of the situation and pounds the hurt Noble to the mat. Chavo tries to finish off Noble with a swinging DDT but instead is thrown off onto the mat. Noble senses it’s time to rest up and tags out to a fired up Moore. Moore hits Chavo with a springboard dropkick but only is able to score a two count. A Russian leg sweep leads into a surfboard stretch but only wears down Chavo rather then finishes him. A powerbomb is attempted by Moore but Chavo is able to reverse that into a face plant. Both competitors eventually tag out and the reenergized Cajun & Noble go at it. Noble claims the advantage after a series of bodyslams and suplexes. The offensive flurry of Noble is cut short when he goes off the rope and is met with a harsh knee into the lower back courtesy of Moore. The momentum of Noble is stopped and Cajun is given the chance to eliminate Noble with the Whiplash 2000 (flatliner/stunner combo). Moore mocks Noble while he is rolled out of the ring and sent packing to the showers.

Moore doesn’t hesitate to get back into this match and catches Cajun with a crossbody block off the top rope. Unable to score the win, Moore awaits Cajun to rise so that he can plant him with a superkick. A jumping legdrop allows Moore to continue to keep Cajun on the mat. The fans start to perk up as Moore scales the ropes and unleashes a tumbleweed leg drop from the top. Unfortunately for Moore, they were too close to the ropes and Cajun is able to put a foot at right before the three. Moore argues with the ref but it is to no avail. Moore rescales the tope rope and attempts a moonsault but the not so out of it Cajun is able to move out of the way. Moore quickly tags out to a Chavo who quickly takes advantage of the hurt Cajun with a pinfall attempt. An attempt is all it becomes as Cajun is able to barely kick out. Cajun is able to pull off a desperation move and hits Chavo with an over the shoulder belly to belly suplex pinning combo. Chavo is too fresh to be elimanted here. Sensing that Cajun has too much fight left, he tags Moore back in the match. Moore sets Cajun up on the top ropes for a superplex but Cajun start to battle back . Evenutally, Cajun is able to hoist Moore on his shoulder and delivers a rolling Samoan drop (Lambua Leap) from the top rope. This amazing move not only pops the crowd but eliminates Moore from the match. Cajun has now caused both eliminations in this contest.

The fatigued Cajun gives Chavo the ‘just bring’ motion with his hands. Chavo doesn’t quite seem so open to such an action. The Champion tentatively enters ring and examines the fiery Louisiana star. Despite his exhaustion, Cajun brings it to the champ and unleashes with a powerful huricarana. What follows is several elbowsmashes and a dancing knee drop. Cajun even busts out three continual German suplexes, which get a pop from the crowd. Both men go to the outside after Cajun delivers a follow through clothesline over the top rope. Cajun slings the champion back in the ring and uses the ropes to slingshot himself in for a cross body block. Chavo expects the move and is able to use the momentum to bring himself on top. Using a handful tights, Chavo is able to claim the quick three count. The Champion slides out of the ring grabbing his title while Cajun remains inside rather shocked over the events. Cajun is yelling at Chavo asking why he grabbed the tights while the champion decides to ignore him while strutting up the aisleway.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr.

63/59/84

Scott Hudson: It appears that Cajun may finally have seen the true, Chavo.

Larry Zbysko: Let’s be honest Scott, in the end all that matters is if you win the match. Chavo right now is a winner.

Scott Hudson: Yes, but Cajun was real close. He was very close to taking the title tonight. I really believe he could have done it.

Larry Zbysko: But he didn’t.

Chavo continues to celebrate up the ramp while the commentators hype up the upcoming Nitro with all it’s already signed matches. The screen fades to the new WCW logo.

OR: 65

Thunder v. Smackdown Ratings Results

01.05.01.

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

The Thursday ratings war scene isn’t much different then the Monday scene. It’s another massacre win for the WWF. Though WCW is disappointed with yet another spanking they do have some consolation in knowing that they did get another ratings increase in this episode of Thunder.

WCW Thunder scored 5.10 overall. The show actually peaked with the main event, which is a positive sign as they increased viewers during the show. The attendance figures for the in-house attendance was at 4035 which is also respectable. The gate revenue was close to $161400. An interesting note, all these numbers are higher then Nitro, which is supposed to be WCW’s premier show.

WWF’s Smackdown scored a big 6..41 which is one of it’s highest ever rating on UPN. They got an attendance of 7023 and a gate revenue of close to $280920. WWF handily wins this week with a show that saw a Smackdown main event angle of The Rock doing the Rock Bottom on Vince McMahon. It also saw a very hot match up with Kurt Angle beating Chris Jericho after Beniot interference. It’s obvious WWF is trying to put on shows that will pop ratings into order to keep back the WCW renaissance.

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Backstage Notes fron WCW Thunder

01.05.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

- Apparently, the backstage consensus was that they were fairly happy with the performance that A-Wall and Douglas put on. WCW realizes that A-Wall is fairly green but they felt he kept up with Douglas fairly well. Despite this, Douglas was complaining backstage that A-Wall really ruined the match and doesn’t deserve the push he’s getting. What push?

- Rumours are that Terry Taylor and other main forces behind WCW where very unimpressed with Douglas’ complaints backstage and this may result in a de-push. Which would come at a bad time as it was rumoured Douglas would be getting the WCW US Title at Sin.

- The Cat was complaining backstage that Scott Steiner was being unprofessional during his match with him and was working way too stiff. Word was that the Cat did have some bruising after his match. Scott Steiner on the other hand seemed to be unresponsive to questions regarding his stiffness.

- Word is that WCW agents were all around pretty happy with how Thunder came off. They realize that they have a lot of green talent and talent that isn’t quite over yet. All in all, it was considered a successful show.

- Apparently, the appearance of Sting was a very last minute decision and he was called to come over the night before the show. Word is that Terry Taylor intends on calling back all talent that is on ‘leave’ at this point. He feels WCW needs all the star power they can get. The trick is being able to find a place for them.

- WCW is apparently very happy how the Ric Flair & Scott Steiner interaction is coming off. Rumours persist that they are wanting to build to eventual big match between the two. Word is, Flair is working hard to get back in ring shape.

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Ted Turner To Appear On Monday???

01.05.01

credit: [color=#3333FF]www.grapplefanatics.com

Rumours persist that WCW is hoping to involve Ted Turner in a big angle on Monday. Probably something to set up the main event for WCW Sin. If this is true, this would be the first time Ted Turner has appeared on WCW television since 1994 for the Hulk Hogan v. Ric Flair match signing. The apparent hope is that it will not only pop a quick rating but it will add to the anything can happen feel that WCW is trying to get back.

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Friday Night Ratings

01.06.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

ECW Hardcore TV scored a .47 rating on America One. The in arena attendance was 2504 while the gate revenue was $75120. The currently financially struggling ECW was very happy with this rating. The television show saw the TV debut of Curt Hennig and Road Warrior Hawk in a show closing angle. The show was headlined with CW Anderson & Jerry Lynn beating Tommy Dreamer & Steve Corino when Anderson pinned Dreamer after hitting him with a cinder block. Yes, you read that right, Anderson hit Dreamer with a Cinder block. Yeesh.

XPW scored a .10 on KJLA. The show was headlined by a tag team bloodbath of New Jack & Lester beating Mustafa & Kronus when Jack pinned Kronus after a guitar shot. The show also saw the return of Tammy Sytch who ended up cat fighting with Lizzy Borden. I wonder how long Sytch will be able to stay with XPW now that her hubbie is signed to ECW? The attendance for this show was 211 and the gate revenue was $3165.

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Old AWA Head Takes Over JCW!!!!

01.06.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

If you thought Ted Dibease joining JCW was shocking then wait until you find out the new owner. Long time head of American Wrestling Association and wrestling legend, Verne Gagne, has become the owner of the most controversial and hardcore wrestling federation in North America. How will this traditionalist run such a company? I have a feeling that Juggalo Championshit Wrestling may be in for a big change.

Already, Tom Dub and Fat F**k Barrel Boy have left the promotion due to the management change. Verne Gagne actually replaced this departures with two rather big names in wrestling Lodi and Johnny B. Badd. Both these wrestlers are signed to open contracts and are scheduled for monster pushes within a company whose biggest names are the Insane Clown Possee & Vampiro.

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WCW Tentative Sin PPV Line-up

01.06.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

Here is the confirmed matches for WCW Sin, so far.

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Scott Steiner (w/Midajah) © v. Jeff Jarrett v. Sting

Goldberg Will Be Fired If His Team Loses

Goldberg & Wayne Debruce v. Totally Buff (Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell)

WCW United States Title/First Blood Match

Gen. Rection © v. Shane Douglas

WCW World Tag Team Titles

Insiders(Kevin Nash & DDP) © v. Natural Born Thrillers (any combination)

WCW Hardcore Championship Match

Terry Funk © v. Crowbar (w/Daffney)

WCW Cruiserweight Title

Chavo Guerrero Jr © v. Shane Helms

Animal Fight

The Cat (w/Miss Jones) v. Rick Steiner

Unconfirmed but possible matches due to WCW television:

Family Feud

Reno v. Big Vito

Country Pride

Mike Awesome (w/Major Gunns) v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Faction Warfare

Konnan (w/Tygress) v. Lance Storm (w/Major Gunns)

The last two matches might become a tag or maybe they’ll be blown off on Nitro or Thunder. There is a mixed tag scheduled for Nitro though it seems more like storyline advancement then a big pay off. The Big Vito v. Reno should be confirmed considering Reno made the challenge on Nitro but the WCW website hasn’t given Vito’s ‘response’. Rumours persist that Meng may be thrown into the mix for the Hardcore match and the way he has been pushed, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.

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WCW Sidelined Wrestlers Status

01.06.01

credit: www.grapplefanatics.com

With WCW not at full star power, here is the status of WCW wrestlers that haven’t been on television lately. With the surprise return of Sting, it’s very likely we will be seeing many more names soon.

Booker T – Probably the biggest name that is being held off TV. He has been off TV since his ‘injury’ at the hands on Scott Steiner. The word is that he was giving some time off to rest some long time nagging injuries and to recharge his batteries. He was talked about being put in Sting’s current position but in the end, it was obviously decided to be held off. Rumour is that WCW wants to make his return a really big impact and is waiting for the perfect opportunity. When he is back, WCW wants to resume his program with Scott Steiner.

Chris Kanyon – Kanyon took some time in the summer and never decided to come back. He was apparently very disgruntled with how he was being used in the company and was willing to sit out until his contract ended. Now, things seem to be patched up with WCW and he has been promised a main event type run. Word is, they want to return him for a feud with DDP once the Insiders v. Thrillers program is done.

Dustin Rhodes – Believe it or not, Rhodes has not been injured or disgruntled. He was taken of TV for repackaging back in April but was never told to return. Taylor thinks it is absolutely idiotic that Rhodes has been unused for so long. Word is, WCW is planning on bringing him back shortly after Sin. Thoughts about a possible US Title program, which may mean Douglas is taking the strap afterall.

Jimmy Hart – He has been airing ads on WCW program about challenging DJs to matches. Though WCW has decided that is stupid and is no longer doing the ads. Word is, they are planning on bringing Hart back on TV once Hail is ready for prime time. Hart is rumoured to be the planned mouthpiece for the large athlete.

Johnny the Bull – He isn’t really a big name. He has been off TV since a rather serious injury in October. Word is that he is pretty much healed and ready for a big return. WCW is trying to decide if they want him back with the Thrillers or turn him face to team him back up with Big Vito. There is also word they may just repackage him entirely considering he wasn’t that over to begin with. One thought, is that they want to give Douglas a bodyguard and the Bull may be perfect for the role.

Sid Vicious – He has only been gone since Starrcade but people are still wondering about his disappearance. Apparently, he was only kept off to sell Steiner’s attack. The plan is to have him return as soon as WCW Sin. There was thought that he may align with Duggan to battle Team Canada. Ugh, that could be possibly the worst tag team combination known to mankind.

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WCW Wildside Preview

01.06.01

credit: www.wcw.com

WCW returns to early Saturday evening on TBS. WCW has a long tradition with great Saturday wrestling programming and it all starts again this weekend. WCW will be showcasing some great cruiserweight action along with some other amazing young talent. It should be a fantastic show for wrestling fans of all ages.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. put out the open challenge to any 3 cruiserweights that want a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight title. Corporal Cajun was the first to step up to the open invitation and made his desire for gold very clear on Thursday. WCW.com has learned that the other two entrants in this 4 way elimination bout will be Jamie Knoble and Shannon Moore.

You’ve seen the video packages hyping the return of Glacier and seemingly nobody is taking this return seriously except for one man. Norman Smiley is ecstatic about the re-debut of Glacier and has even requested to be his tag team partner for tonight. This evening, you will see the return of Glacier as he teams up with the one and only Norman Smiley.

Shane Helms was told that he couldn’t compete in the elimination 4 way tonight. He’ll have to wait for his title shot at Sin. Tonight, he will still be in action as he takes on former WCW Cruiserweight champion, Elix Skipper. It should be an unbelievable contest.

Also tonight, Reno, the Filthy Animals and Team Canada will be in action!!! Do not miss the sure to be thrilling debut episode of WCW Wildside. It will start at 6:05pm and only on TBS!