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February 1998's SUPERBRAWL VIII

"Dr. Death" Steve Williams vs. Jimmy's Chosen One

Ultimo Dragon vs. Yuji Nagata w/Sonny Onoo & Villanos

Chris Jericho vs. Chavo Guerrero

Tyrone w/Raven vs. Booker T (WCW TV Title Match)

The Outsiders vs. Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko (WCW Tag-Title Match)

Buff Bagwell vs. Diamond Dallas Page (WCW US Title Match)

Bret Hart & Ric Flair vs. Steve McMichael & Goldberg

Sting vs. Randy Savage (WCW World Title Match)

Which Dungeon member will Jimmy Hart choose?

1. Arthur Dexter Bradley

2. The Fake "Dr. Death" Scott Montgomery

3. "The Shark" John Tenta

4. The Mysterious "Hangman"

2WRESTLING.COM REsults for WCW Thursday Thunder

February 12th, 1998

We are LIVE via tape on Thunder from the Cow Palace in California. Tony Schiavone was being excited even more than usual, if that’s possible, because WCW was only days away from SuperBrawl VIII. Main event for SuperBrawl is Randy Savage versus Sting, with the New World Order in tow.

Got back?

We were taken backstage, where Eddie Guerrero and Chavo were lacing their boots. Eddie sat up on a bench and looked across at Chavo, “You got my back tonight, holmes?”

Chavo looked back at him strangely and frowned, “What? Why?”

“What do you mean, why? I got my shot for the Cruiserweight Title tonight, essa. I want you in my corner, holmes.”

“Yeah, I am, Eddie. I’m there, man. You just play it straight and everything will turn out fine. You’ll see.”

“Yeah yeah. Don’t worry about the way I’m playin’ it. I got a plan,” Eddie replied.

Alex Wright vs Super Loco

We go straight to the ring, where Alex Wright was standing, about to be introduced. Amazingly enough, he snatched the mic and had a few words to say.

Wright took off his black, leather jacket first and then said seriously, “A couple weeks ago, I came back to wrestling after barely being able to move months before. I had a serious injury and I thought I was done in this sport. So I come out here in good faith for good competition, but I get squashed, beaten and humiliated. I’ll tell you what, I think people expected me to either go nuts or keep taking it. Well, I’m not doing either. I’m not gonna be some raving psycho and I’m not gonna lay down anymore either. I’m gonna put something on the line each and every match I have because I want true COMPETITION and I want every single one on one to mean something to you fans. You deserve it. So what I’m putting on the line from now on is my job! And if I can compete, then I’ll stay here but if I cant, then I blew it and I’ll leave. Just like that!”

Suddenly, some music erupted in the arena and SUPER LOCO came out for his announced match with Alex Wright. With Wright’s promise in mind, the mexcian Loco luchadore sprinted to the ring and slid in. Both men traded right hands, then Loco took an atomic drop and a backbreaker. Wright wrenched Loco’s back while on the mat, then went up top and clipped Loco with a missile dropkick. Loco was down and looked out, but as soon as Wright approached, Loco stopped playing possum and put his boot in the gut. Loco went to the top rope and hit a head scissors takedown that whipped Wright across the ring.

Wright kicked out forcibly at 1-2 and tried to hit a tiger bomb, but Loco blocked it. Wright pummelled the back with overhead forearms and then hit a double-arm suplex, using the arms as leverage to finally get him over. Wright went up to the top rope and hit a tremendous frog splash for the 1-2-3. Wright held up his hands and celebrated.

Result – Alex Wright by pin

Match Reaction = 39.5%

Match Quality = 71.4%

Overall Rating = 48.8%

Jimmy Hart with a plan

After commercial, Gene Okerlund hyped his phone hotline, then was joined by Jimmy Hart for an interview, “Jimmy Hart, just last week, your new team was beaten horribly by your old team, Meng and The Barbarian. Now how can you even show your face this week?”

“Mean Gene, this guy Steve Williams is the one who shouldn’t be showing his face! Hahaha! Yeah baby! Okay, so he pulled one over on me but lemme tell you somethin’ Mean Gene, there’s plenty of freaks in wrestling. Hahaha! And if you’re good at math like I am, you know that there’s just one Steve Williams, just one Meng and just one Barbarian but there’s dozens, there’s dozens of men who want to work for me.”

Just then Arthur Dexter Bradley walked up next to Jimmy Hart, wearing black trunks. His long hair was slick, wet and tied in a ponytail. Hart laughed and motioned to ADB, “The one who’s gonna pay is Steve Williams and the men who are gonna deliver are part of The Dungeon. Meet my new bodyguard, Gene.”

“This Steve Williams fellow is gonna get what’s comin’ to him,” ADB said.

Hart yelled now, “Later on, Mean Gene, you better pay attention like everybody else because tonight I’m gonna unveil the Dungeon and I’m gonna call out Steve Williams! Hahaha!”

Overall Rating = 49.0%

Hart hype

A video of Bret Hart played, replaying the feud with Steve McMichael and Goldberg. Early highlights of the tag-team with Ric Flair were shown.

Overall Rating = 87.1%

Brian Adams & Konnan vs. Public Enemy

Brian Adams and Konnan come out with dew rags in tow. Konnan went a step further and wore sunglasses plus a shirt that was emblazened with letters that said ‘The Posse’. Public Enemy came out second, waving their arms. The Public Enemy craze however, seems to have died down, if the crowd was any indication.

Adams stood in and started the match against Rocco, locking up with him. Adams slapped on a headlock and began the match in a traditional fashion, but then Rocco powered out. Rocco bounced off the ropes and tried to shoulder-block Adams to the ground, but he was an immovable wall. Adams pounded Rocco with overhead forearms, then clotheslined him down hard. He immediately followed up with an elbow drop and hit a hot tag to Johnny Grunge. Grunge summoned up the power of Dusty Rhodes and hit a series of elbows and right hands.

Adams retreated and then tagged in Konnan. Konnan and Grunge traded right hands, then Konnan kicked him in the gut. Konnan bounced off the ropes and hit a running clothesline. Adams was tagged in and helped Konnan put Grunge on the turnbuckle. They then double backdropped the large Grunge to the canvas, nearly dropping him on his head. Adams covered for the 1-2-3.

Result – Brian Adams & Konnan

Match Reaction = 59.9%

Match Quality = 54.9%

Overall Rating = 62.6%

Rick Steiner reads

Rick Steiner comes out with a bag over his shoulder. The crowd woof, woofs at him. He sets down the bag in the ring and then takes the mic, “Lemme get right down to it. I’m out here tonight ‘cause of one man, my brother, Scott Steiner. Some people have been callin’ him a loose cannon, a jerk and other junk. People have been sayin’ that we’re breakin’ up. We’re NOT breakin’ up. Well, there’s nobody, NOBODY, that works harder, works longer and tries harder than my brother. What I got right here is a bag full of fan mail that says just that.

Rick reaches down into the bag and pulls out a letter. Rick reads, “Dear Scott, my name is Mike and I’m a big fan. You’re my favorite wrestler and---“

Rick Steiner barely began when the Steiners music began again. Scott Steiner walked out on stage again, “Rick…Rick…Stop! I don’t wanna hear any fanmail. All the talkin’ the world isnt gonna help me get over the screwjobs, over all the pain, over all the blood we spilled tryin’ to get to the top as team. I’m sick of losing. We’re DONE!”

Rick Steiner shook his head, “These people that wrote you—they’re not just fans, Scott. They’re people that support you, no matter what. Like me, dude. Kids, adults, people from all over…listen…” he began, then pulled out another piece of mail.

Scott Steiner ran down to the ring and looked like he was in a frenzy. He snatched the mail from Rick and ripped it up. Scott took the bag and ripped that too, dumping all the mail from the ring. Scott kicked the remains from the mat. Rick turned Scott around suddenly and started yelling at him. Scott reared back and looked like he might hit his brother, but stopped himself. Scott shook his head and left the ring. He kept saying that he was quitting. Scott walked to the back depressingly.

Overall Rating = 67.5%

Disco’s Dance Challenge

Disco Inferno was in the ring, holding a gold, framed record. He held it up saying, “Lemme just say this---nobody’s better at entertaining you people than ME! I can dance…I can sing…here…look at the record! Look! A top forty hit! Hit my music!!!” he yelled loudly. Disco well….he disco’d around the ring, summoning up the power of John Travolta to ‘dance’ as it were. It took a good two or three minutes, which I was not enjoying. The crowd boo’d him.

Disco got up on the turnbuckle and pointed to his record again, “Now I challenge anyone in the back to do that---“

Just then, Bret Hart’s music came on in the arena and he came out. Wearing his jacket that said Hitman on the back, he grabbed the mic away from Disco and said, “You challenging anyone?”

Disco nodded, but only received a hard right hand from Bret Hart, dropping him solidly to the floor. Bret Hart grabbed Disco’s record and threw it down, busting it with a stiff boot. He kicked the broken pieces out of the ring. Disco got up using the ropes and tried kicking Bret, but the Hitman caught his boot. Bret spun him around and clotheslined him down. Bret stomped the knee of Disco until he was writhing in pain. Bret Hart then locked in the Sharpshooter to good cheers. Disco immediately tapped out.

Result – Bret Hart by submission

Match Reaction = 65.3%

Match Quality = 78.4%

Overall Rating = 73.2%

Benoit interview

Gene Okerlund was standing in the ring and hyped his hotline again before turning to Chris Benoit, “Chris Benoit, you’ve never heard a major championship in World Championship Wrestling, but you’ve got your chance now, at SuperBrawl! What would you do if you won that match?”

“Gene, I’m not thinking about what if’s. I’ll tell you this, Dean Malenko and the Crippler Chris Benoit are gonna walk into SuperBrawl and prove something. We’re gonna walk out Tag-Team Champs and I don’t care what anybody says about the Outsider mystique or the New World Order---it doesn’t matter! There’s nothing those guys fear more than people like me who work the hell outta them---because after we’ve gone ten minutes, twenty minutes, even thirty minutes, I’ll still be standing there asking for more.”

Overall Rating = 52.1%

“The Militant” Ray Traylor vs Curt Hennig

Like he was straight out of the NRA, Traylor whipped off his sunglasses and bounded to the ring with much energy. Hennig came in a more calm method, just chewing his gum and smirking all the while. He tossed his towel over his shoulder and caught it, giving Traylor a smirk next. Traylor rushed Hennig and attacked, giving him some straight right hands. Hennig kicked him in the gut, used a quick go-behind and pushed him into the turnbuckle. Hennig slapped his gum at Traylor, but that only seemed to enrage the monster.

Traylor clotheslined Hennig down, then picked him up and hit a huge belly to belly suplex. Hennig kicked at the ankles and in a sneaky method, almost rolled up Traylor for the victory. Traylor pounded him again, but when he went for the suplex, Hennig slipped out. Hennig hit a standing dropkick, but didn’t quite get all of it. Traylor helped himself up and came out of the corner like a locomotive, destroying Hennig with a vicious clothesline, worthy of Faarooq.

Suddenly, the New World Order ran down to the ring and slid in, attacking Traylor. Adams, Konnan, Scott Norton, Hall and Nash all pummelled Traylor. Norton and Adams both sidewalk slammed Traylor, then allowed Nash to powerbomb him. Nash shook a spray can and sprayed the N…W…O letters on his back. He pointed at the camera and promised more for Sting.

Result – Ray Traylor by DQ

Match Reaction = 66.4%

Match Quality = 69.2%

Overall Rating = 70.6%

Chris Jericho interview

A pre-taped interview with Chris Jericho was shown. He was holding a mic when he smirked at the camera and said, “Chavo, you better not be overlooking Chris Jericho, because I’m just as much a ‘crippler’ as another Chris in this company. You’re always whining and complaining about how to play things fair, well lemme tell you something, if /I/ were your half…cousin…borther’s….nephew, then I’d tell you to shove your advice! If I were part of your disgusting family, you’d already be on the shelf for being such an arrogant jaaaackaaaass! You AND Eddie are the REAL troublemakers in WCW. You took my match with Rey Mysterio and at SuperBrawl, you’re gonna PAY.”

55.3

Rick Steiner vs. Kevin Nash

Rick Steiner doesn’t look like he wants to be there, as he stood in the ring, waiting for The Outsiders to come down. Kevin Nash was all smiles however as he took a mic and said, “Hey hey hey! What do we have here? Hey Rick, your dog die or somethin’? Haha! C’mon Rick, buck up. There will be other ‘roid ragin guys for you to buddy with. Hell, you can be our buddy!”

Hall took the mic and laughed, “Yeah, that’s right. You can be our buddy, chico. Now go get me a beer! Haha!”

Rick Steiner walked forward and nailed Hall with a stiff uppercut, then as Nash came over, another uppercut was thrown. Rick threw Hall out of the ring and then put the boots to Nash. Nash worked back to his feet, blocked a right hand and then used his big boot to topple Steiner. Nash whipped Rick off the ropes and used the big boot again. He was tossed over the top rope and Hall worked over Steiner while Nash distracted the ref. When Rick was rolled back in, the match was all but over. But Rick Steiner kicked out impressively. Nash put him in a strong hammerlock.

Rick reached for the ropes and cried out for help, calling for his brother. No help came. Gritting his teeth, Rick broke the hold but it took all his strength. He went down in a heap. Nash picked him up again and powerbombed him hard into the mat. Nash covered for the 1-2-3.

Result – Kevin Nash by pin

Match Reaction = 68.2%

Match Quality = 60.8%

Overall Rating = 69.5%

Jimmy promises revenge

After commercial, Jimmy Hart stood in the ring with the huge “Shark” John Tenta, “Dr. Death” Scott Montgomery, Arthur Dexter Bradley and a new masked man. This masked man was introduced as the “Hangman” and carried a rope, thrown over his shoulder casually. This man was large, although nowhere near as large as John Tenta, if you catch my drift. His dark eyes peered through his black hood and revealed nothing of his identity.

“Steve Williams! You’re outnumbered, outclassed and out-matched! Hahaha!” Jimmy Hart cackled, “At SuperBrawl, I’m going to pick one of the Dungeon and if you have the guts, show up and we’ll see---“

Suddenly, the music of Dr. Death Steve Williams came on. The grizzled veteran came out on stage and glared at Jimmy from his position on the stage, “You can bring anybody you want to SuperBrawl, Jimmy and I will take them on, one on one. I wont have a chance to prepare, I wont know what’s coming. All that bullcrap will be in your favor. But if I win…Jimmy…if I win, I want five minutes in the ring, WITH YOU!” he shouted.

Jimmy Hart cackled and said agreeably, “Yeah right! You aint got a chance, Stevie! Haha!”

52.6

Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero for the Cruiserweight Championship

Amazingly enough, the cruiserweight belt was put up for a main event on a WCW show. Dean Malenko came out with much ceremony, but no emotion showed on his face. He was as cold and as unreadable as ice. Eddie Guerrero however, was not surpringly, energetic. But what was a surprise was that he came out with Miss Elizabeth! Unbelievably, Eddie had his arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders as he winked and teased her on their way to the ring. Malenko raised a curious brow and just shook his head.

Oh and where was Chavo? Chavo ran down, probably having been forgotten by Eddie and frowned, getting into an immediate argument. Eddie blew him off and slid into the ring. Chavo stewed on the outside as the match began, eyeing Elizbeth as she waved. Eddie kicked Dean and asserted himself early on, hitting a back heel kick and then tried to beat Malenko at his own submission game. Eddie began with a boston crab, then tried to cross the legs in some sort of cloverleaf variation, but Dean rolled through.

Eddie wrenched the arm to slow Dean down, but Dean summoned up the power of the Undertaker to walk the top rope and club Eddie with a forearm. Dean now showed everywhere what work on the mat looked like, moving from a front face lock, to an armbar, to a series of other moves. When Eddie wouldn’t submit, Dean regrouped. Elizabeth handed something to Eddie under the ropes! It was powder! Eddie stood up to use it but Chavo grabbed his arm, causing the powder to fly up into the air. Chavo fell from the ring apron. Eddie slapped the turnbuckle in disgust, allowing Dean to slip up from behind and hit a fisherman’s suplex for the 1-2-3.

Result – Dean Malenko by pin

Match Reaction = 70.3%

Match Quality = 80.4%

Overall Rating = 80.2%

After the match, Chavo slid in and started arguing with Eddie Guerrero! Elizabeth entered, but Chavo cornered her and started yelling at her too. Suddenly, RANDY SAVAGE ran down and slid in, grabbing Elizbeth by the wrist. He tried to take her away, but Eddie attacked! Eddie clobbered Savage and knocked him from the ring. Savage shouted some insults from the outside, flipped over chairs and went nuts with anger. Chavo just left, unbelievably mad at Eddie.

63.6 Overall

10,903 Attending

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 613,211 viewers for WCW Thunder (increase of 23,955 viewers from previous show);

Chapter Five: That's One Syxx Deal

Arriving early in California was no easy task, but Bischoff accomplished it in order to get things done. One thing actually. To check up on his main eventers. Backstage at the Cow Palace, crews were already setting up for Thunder and SuperBrawl. Bischoff looked around in the darkened backstage corridors, but very few people were around. There *were* no main eventers. Arn Anderson was giving orders to some of the lowly grips as they set up the ring. Brian Adams was jogging up and down the corridors, quietly keeping to himself. Bischoff didnt know he was so diligent.

And lastly, Sean Waltman was lounging near the curtain, watching the numerous monitors already sitting there, displaying almost all corners of the Cow Palace. Bischoff put his bag down on Waltman's table and looked across at him. Waltman pulled his feet off the table, smirked a little at Bischoff, then reached across for the bag.

"Hey Eric, whatcha got there? Somethin' for me?" Waltman asked jokingly.

Bischoff snatched away the bag and tucked it under his arm. Little did Waltman know, Bischoff had stored a perticular yellow book inside.

"No Sean, geezus. You already got what you wanted. Your new contract," Bischoff answered sourly.

Waltman laughed a little and grinned, "Oh yeah! Thanks Eric. I didnt actually think you were gonna come through. I did have an offer on the table from Vince, you know. You heard about that, didnt ya? I'm wondering who told ya?"

Bischoff clutched the bag. He knew it alright, thanks to "How to end the nWo in One Year or Less."

Bischoff eyed Waltman with a stern expression, "Does it really matter?"

Waltman chuckled again as he slouched back down in his chair, "Nah, guess not."

Bischoff glanced around again, "Is Terry here?"

"Terry? Eric, my man, I heard you ran him off. He's not here, man."

Bischoff sighed defeatedly, "What's it gonna take?" he asked pointedly.

"What?" Waltman asked coyly, "Whatcha mean?"

"What's it gonna take, Sean? You can convince him."

"Why? Just cause I know him?" Waltman asked sarcastically, "Why dont you ask Nash or Hall? Oh I get it, the guy who's most hated can do the best convincing."

"Nobody hates you, Sean. Geezus. It's just that you're not on board very often."

"Well dunno where you heard that. I can be 'on board' Eric," Waltman laughed, "With your little plan to end the nWo? Why sure. All I need is a little something extra."

"What? Aw c'mon," Bischoff muttered.

"Don't *aw c'mon* me. Gimmie a storyline and I'll convince Hogan to come back."

"Fine."

"I know you'll come up with something good for me," Waltman chuckled, "See ya, Eric." He got up and walked off.

Bischoff slumped into the empty chair and sulked, having been conned by Sean Waltman, of all people. If Bischoff didnt like Waltman before, he was really a pisser now. Bischoff just hoped that was the end of the bargaining. Once Hogan was back, things would stabilize because Vince was killing him every time this new guy, The Rock, appeared! Bischoff took out the yellow book and started to read it again, to see what it said about The Rock, but then cursed himself. He forgot to arrange Hogan's return date. I guess the inmates will have to run the asylum on this one.

2WRESTLING.COM Results from WCW MONDAY NITRO

February 9th, 1998

We are LIVE from deep in the heart of Vancouver! We’re taken immediately backstage to where Ultimo Dragon was warming up for his match. Amazingly, REY MYSTERIO was standing there, using a crutch to stand up. He said a few words in support of the masked Ultimo Dragon, just before Tony Schiavone and Larry Zybysko were shown. They hyped SuperBrawl for a few minutes. The backstage area was shown again, where Los Villanos were standing, looking menacing.

Ultimo Dragon and Lizmark Jr. w/ Rey vs. Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis

Ultimo Dragon and Rey Mysterio came out in grand form, to a good response. Mysterio stood at ringside while Psychosis locked up with the Dragon. Dragon whipped Psychosis off the ropes and forced him to eat a hard elbow. Dragon summoned up the power of Hayabusa, bounced off the middle rope and hit a moonsault onto Psychosis. Cover for a 1-2. Psychosis wasn’t about to go down that easily, so he delivered some right hands and kicks to battle back. Psychosis was lucky to tag in Juvi.

Juvi reared back and charged like raging bull, but Dragon stepped aside and let him flop into the turnbuckle. Tag to Lizmark. Lizmark kicked Juvi while he was trapped in the corner, then backdropped the smaller Juvi from the top turnbuckle. Juvi flopped around like a dead fish. Lizmark was suddenly caught by a clothesline by a raging Psychosis. That wasn’t very nice, or fair. He was forced out.

Suddenly, Los Villanos strode down to ringside, led by the reluctant Yuji Nagata. Mysterio yelled at them, but Nagata merely crossed his arms and stood there stoically. Juvi kicked Lizmark in the gut, but one of the Villanos tripped him up and stopped the momentum. Lizmark reached out for the tag, but Psychosis prevented it. Mysterio went nuts on the outside and waved his crutch menacingly at Nagata. Psychosis hit a tornado DDT on Lizmark for the 1-2-3. Dragon jumped down and went nose to nose with Nagata. The Villanos wanted to fight, but Nagata merely walked off.

Result - Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis by pin

Match Reaction = 54.2%

Match Quality = 81.6%

Overall Rating = 67.9%

JJ Dillon announced the SuperBrawl Main Event

After our first commercial break, the program returned and guess who was shown in the ring? That’s right, JJ Dillon was back. He was standing dead center in the ring, with a mic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I have the dubious honor of announcing some rather New World Order centered business. In the interest of keeping the backstage content, I’ve decided to disqualify Hollywood Hogan from competing for the World Title at SuperBrawl. But…but…now listen, I will allow a replacement from the nWo. I’m going to name Randy Savage as that replacement.”

Overall Rating = 66.6%

Bill Goldberg & Steve McMichael vs. The Giant & Lex Luger

Lex Luger came out and announced that this would not be a singles match but a Tag-Team competition. He then introduced his partner: THE GIANT! The Giant walked out with a fierce expression on his face. The Giant patted Luger on the shoulder all-friendly like as the devious Steve McMichael was introduced, coming to ringside. He waited for Bill Goldberg, who walked right past McMichael, entered the ring and went toe to toe with Luger and The Giant both! The Giant pushed him away.

Luger and Goldberg locked up, then Goldberg pulled Luger’s legs out from under him, taking him down. Goldberg just picked Luger up like a rag doll and threw him to the turnbuckle. Luger no-sold it for some reason and tagged in The Giant. The Giant stared down at Goldberg, then kicked him in the gut. McMichael made the blind tag and entered, swiping The Giant from behind. McMichael kicked at The Giants legs. McMichael tagged in Goldberg and ordered him to finish off The Giant.

Goldberg reared back and speared the Giant, sending him down with a huge crash. Goldberg went sprawling. The Giant went sprawling. Goldberg shook it off and stood up, signalling for the jackhammer! Whoa! Goldberg pulled up the Giant, but couldn’t lift him! Luger entered and attacked Goldberg from behind. Goldberg barely sold it, turned around and kicked Luger. Luger football tackled Goldberg right into the Giant, who was trying to get up. There was some miscommunication there. McMichael dragged Luger out, where they brawled on the outside. Goldberg covered for the 1-2-3. The brawl continued for several moments more.

Result - Steve McMichael and Goldberg by pin

Match Reaction = 72.9%

Match Quality = 56.8%

Overall Rating = 68.7%

Bret Hart and Ric Flair for president

After the match, Goldberg and McMichael doubleteamed Luger, then dragged him into the ring for more abuse. Goldberg mule kicked Luger, then was about to set him up for the jackhammer, but then suddenly BRET HART and RIC FLAIR ran down, sliding in for the save. Hart almost caught McMichael from behind, but Goldberg helped him escape.

Overall Rating = 84.3%

Savage and Nash make peace

More New World Order music came on and Kevin Nash came out, along with good buddy, Scott Hall.

“Alright, listen up,” Nash began, “Last week, I promised Hollywood Hogan would be here to set things straight…whelp…guess what folks? No Hollywood. Guess we’re flyin’ solo again tonight, boys! And you know what, as things just keep getting’ piled up, we keep breakin’ down. I know Hollywood would probably come out here, say that he’s the best, he’s the best, and that Randy Savage sucks…well hell, why listen to the absent guy, right? So I’ll tell you what, Randy Savage, you’ll get no argument from me about this title shot. I’ll even go one further, you come on out here and we’ll shake on it.”

Randy Savage then came out and looked at Nash skeptically. He then looked at Hall skeptically. Nash offered his hand to Savage, wanting to shake and make up, apparently. Savage reached out tentatively and shook hands with each of the humble looking Outsiders. The announcers hailed it as a reunion.

Overall Rating = 79.7%

Chris Jericho vs. Davey Boy Smith

The crowd really seemed into hating Chris Jericho, especially as he taunted them while waiting for the British Bulldog. Smith walked down the ring sternly and slid in, eyeing Jericho. Jericho walked right up to him and looked the oversized Bulldog in the eye with an evil smirk. Jericho pushed him, but it had little to no effect. Jericho was stunned. Bulldog pummelled him with right hands, then hefted him up in the air, pressing him like so many weights. Bulldog released him, throwing him down to the mat hard. Jericho had to use the ropes to get up.

Jericho used Smith’s momentum against him and stepped out of the way of an avalanche attempt, then pummelled Smith with elbows. Jericho tied up Smith in the ropes, then worked the body with blows. As the ref tried to free Smith, Jericho used the opportunity to hit a low blow. Smith doubled over on the mat and barely managed to kick out of a 1-2. Jericho went to the top rope, but Smith caught him in his arms as he attempted a crossbody. Bulldog hit a t-bone suplex, nearly dropping Jericho on his head. Both men were down. Jericho crawled over and used the ropes for leverage as he pinned Smith for the 1-2-3.

Result – Chris Jericho by pin

Match Reaction = 70.2%

Match Quality = 66.2%

Overall Rating = 73.1%

The blackmail of Booker T

Raven and THE FLOCK slowly come out to the ring. Van Hammer swats a fan’s sign and puts on his best glare at ringside. The large man known as TYRONE stands next to Raven vigilantely. His dark shades reveal nothing about his inner feelings.

Raven takes a mic and says, “Today is the day of redemption, for the birds of the Raven and of the one man who seeks their help against his enemy. That enemy is you, Booker T. This man, Tyrone, was your friend in another time and in another place, destroyed by your betrayal. You started a hate feud Booker T, between this former friend of yours and it will not be ended until we expose you for the fraud you are. You’re not who you say you are, Booker T. I know this now, thanks to this man,” he says, motioning to Tyrone, “And not only that—“

Suddenly, Booker T’s music hit and out he came. He stood on the stage and pointed toward the ring, “Yo Raven, whatcha know about me, huh? You can preach all you want, it ain’t gonna change a damn thing, sucka. You drag out one, two, and three of Booker T’s former pals who want what he wants and I’ll send ‘em home. Whatcha guys know? You don’t know nothin!”

Tyrone snatched the mic and frowned, “You ain’t gonna send me nowhere, punk. Things are already rollin’ in my favor, bro. Your friends are droppin like flies, if you aint been paying attention and now we arranged it so you gotta face me at SuperBrawl. And after I beat you, after I destroy you in the ring, I’m gonna take your dignity, boy. After I win that match, I’m gonna tell the world just how much of a fake you really are!”

“The only thing you’re gonna be talkin’ about is how good the ceiling looks, laying on your back after I pin you 1-2-3, suckaaaaaaah! Now can you dig /that/?”

Overall Rating = 69.4%

Faces of Fear vs. Blue Bloods

The Faces of Fear came out sans Steve Williams, but no less enthusiastic. Meng summoned the power of a headbanger and shook his head savagely at Steven Regal. The Barbarian started the match, using overhead forearms to pummel David Taylor, until Taylor was sprawled out on the mat. Taylor used a quick legsweep and a series of knife-edged chops to work back the momentum in his favor.

Taylor tagged in and out with Regal as the worked over the large Barbarian, trying to stretch him. Regal locked in an abdominal stretch and pulled back on the arm. The Barbarian used emmense strength to pull back and reached with one arm toward Meng. Hot tag to Meng and the brawl was on now. Meng left his feet and summoned the power of Wahoo McDaniel, chopping both Blue Bloods. Meng lifted Regal on his shoulder and toppled him over the top rope. Taylor snuck up behind, but Meng used his Tongan senses to turn around in time to block a right hand. Meng locked in his death grip and things were all over. Taylor tapped. The Faces of Fear were now faces, so the crowd was happy to see them win.

Result - The Faces of Fear by submission

Match Reaction = 50.4%

Match Quality = 66.4%

Overall Rating = 56.2%

Flair destroyed

We were taken immediately to the back, where there Ric Flair was yelling at Goldberg, right up to his face. Ric Flair waggled his finger at Goldberg threateningly and that was the last straw. Goldberg football tackled Flair and the two went tumbling over a table. Goldberg got up first and stomped Flair, then threw him into the wall. Goldberg grabbed a chair and smacked Flair with it hard. It didn’t look like Flair was getting up. Bret Hart came around the corner and ducked a chairshot, then hit Goldberg with a right hand. Security flooded the area and broke up the melee.

Overall Rating = 78.6%

Steve Williams vs. Buff Bagwell

Buff Bagwell and Madusa walk out to the ring, all smiles. Bagwell has on this fuzzy hat and annoying grin. He takes a mic, “Hey hey, look who’s here! WCW’s newest poster boy and NEXT United States Champion! And lemme tell you fat people something else, I’m gonna win alright because I’m buff…and I’m the stuff---“

Music came on in the arena and out came Steve Williams, carrying a chair. He slid into the ring. Bagwell backed into the corner until the ref confiscated the metal chair. Bagwell and Williams locked up, jockeying for position. Bagwell used a quick go-behind and slapped the back of Williams’ head. Dr. Death didn’t take to kindly to that and dropped Bagwell with a stiff right hand. Bagwell begged off, but then suddenly cheapshotted Williams in the gut. Bagwell DDT’d Williams, then showboated, goosestepping around the ring like a boxer.

Bagwell delivered some stiff jabs like he was a sothpaw until he pinned Williams in the corner. Williams suddenly grabbed Bagwell and reversed the situation, then threw Bagwell right out of the ring. Bagwell writhed in pain, then hid behind Madusa as Williams slid out, threatening to take the fight to him there. Bagwell caught Williams with a right hand, then grabbed a chair. Suddenly, DDP ran down to the ring! He grabbed the chair from Bagwell and defended Williams from further harm. Madusa jumped on DDP’s back, scratching at him. DDP threw her down hard, then looked guilty about it. DDP then attacked Bagwell, throwing him into the steel steps. The ref called for the bell in this ugly brawl.

Result – Steve Williams by DQ

Match Reaction = 69.0%

Match Quality = 64.3%

Overall Rating = 72.5%

Brawl in the Back

We were taken directly to the back, where a bunch of security and backstage officials were between Sonny Oono’s group and Ultimo. Rey Mysterio was also standing there, yelling at the Villanos and Yuji Nagata. He started swinging his crutch and the security backed off suddenly, moving in order to avoid being hit. Ultimo used the distraction to break through and jump on both Villanos. Security quickly separated them.

Oono yelled some insults, “You’re going to lose Dragon! Lose! You hear me? I made you and now I’m gonna unmake you! Haha!”

Nagata just stood there stoically, then walked off, leaving the others to argue amongst themselves. The camera zoomed in and showed Nagata, distinctly disinterested.

Overall Rating = 56.6%

Any reaction from Piper or Sting?

After commercial, Gene Okerlund was shown in the back with Sting and Roddy Piper. Gene said, “Roddy Piper, you’re never one to mince words or pull punches, but those men out there seem to be united against you AND Sting! What are you going to do about that?”

Piper pointed at Gene and said, “Mean Gene, I think these guys could talk ‘til the cows come home. Then there’s Kevin Nash. Hell, the last time I seen a mouth that big, it had a hook in it. But I heard what he said earlier and I gotta tell you, I didn’t believe a lick of it! Not a word! Lemme tell you something, the minute one of ‘em gets pinned, they’re gonna come apart at the seems. Tonight I’m gonna summon up by best Sting impression and do just that. Without the facepaint.”

Piper walked off. Gene Okerlund tried to raise the mic to Sting in order to get some comment, but the Champ just walked off stoically and followed his friend to the ring.

Randy Savage vs. Roddy Piper

Roddy Piper was introduced and walked out with Sting in tow. Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx were standing in the ring chuckling at Sting. Sting pulled out his bat and pointed it at Nash and Hall. Hall wiggled his fingers at Sting mockingly. Randy Savage was introduced next and came out with a stern expression.

Piper pointed at Savage, but waited until the Outsiders left the ring. Piper locked up with Savage, but Syxx jumped up on the apron and motioned to his crotch, as if we needed that in that match. I dont think there's been a move thrown yet. Anyway, Piper went over to Syxx and Savage used the distraction to attack from behind. Sting was fed up two minutes in and walked over with his bat, causing the feeble heels to scatter like flies. Sting caught Syxx from behind and then clobbered him over the back.

Savage powerslammed Piper, then couldnt follow up. They traded right hands, until Savage took charge with some body blows. Savage went to the top turnbuckle, but Piper moved out of the way and the flying elbow hit only canvas. Piper tried to get up but Nash snuck over and tripped him up. As Sting circled the ring to attack again, Savage rolled up Piper for the quick 1-2-3. Sting was really mad now and went to town on the Outsiders, cracking his bat on Nash and Hall. They quickly ran off together. Is the nWo /really/ a solid unit?

Result - Randy Savage by pin

Match Reaction = 71.8%

Match Quality = 55.5%

Overall Rating = 67.8%

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 730,829 viewers for WCW Monday Nitro (decrease of 195,893 viewers from previous show); WWF recieved 752,737 viewers for WWF Monday RAW (increase of 189,346 viewers from previous show);

WWF Main event: Rocky Maivia beat Chainz (83.6%)

I couldnt renew Dibiase's contract so I had him turn on the Steiners so to not make them look so weak in the loss versus Chris Benoit/Dean Malenko. Unfortunately, Dibiase left for the stupid WWF.

2WRESTLING.COM MONDAY NIGHT PREVIEW

The countdown to SuperBrawl VIII begins! With Hollywood Hogan absent and his future uncertain, Commissioner JJ Dillon and the executive committee announce the World Title match this Monday Night for SuperBrawl.

Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko achieved a matter of success this Thursday night, but at the expense of The Steiner Brothers. The Steiners broke down in a literal way, with their manager turning on them and the internal stryfe destroying any chance they had to meet The Outsiders at SuperBrawl.

Chris Jericho and Chavo Guerrero are set to collide at SuperBrawl, each having a very different point of view. The family oriented Chavo Guerrero believes in his brother, but almost blindly, as he promised the Guerreros would be united against anyone through SuperBrawl.

The Faces of Fear recently received good reviews by fans at House Shows, showing up with none other than Dr. Death Steve Williams. Jimmy Hart looked poised to take down his former Faces with a brand new group of wrestlers, but was all but squashed by Williams. Look for Jimmy Hart to run in shame.

SuperBrawl will be chalked full of champions, feuds that are boiling over and surprises galore!

Monday Nitro Preview:

The Faces of Fear vs. David Taylor & Steven Regal

Lex Luger vs. Steve McMichael

Davey Boy Smith vs. Chris Jericho

Randy Savage vs. Roddy Piper

RECAP CENTRAL:

WCW WorldWide

February 7th, 1998

Curt Hennig beat Alex Wright (67.0%)

Damian 666 beat Bobby Walker (26.3%)

Greg Valentine beat Louie Spicolli (36.5%)

The Faces of Fear beat Van Hammer and Scotty Riggs (47.3%)

BACKSTAGE NOTES:

-John Nord was released

-The Renegade was released

-Glacier returned to The Power Plant for retooling

-Meng has been getting backstage heat recently at WCW events, as other workers see his new friendship with Bob Ryder, a member of the booking team, as an example of trying to gain backstage power. This could account for the recent push.

-Scott Hall has re-signed for another year with WCW

-Gene Okerlund has renegotiated his contract, staying with WCW

-Ted Dibiase has left WCW, unable to reach a new contract agreement

-Steve Williams signed on with WCW, terms unknown.

2WRESTLING.COM Results from THURSDAY THUNDER

February 5th, 1998

Thunder is LIVE via tape from Nebraska. When it comes to lively crowds, middle-of-the-road Nebraska is not the place you wanna be. After this show, WCW might never be returning there, because the crowd was just dead. Fact is, attendance has been pretty good for Thursday Thunder, but viewers have dropped off since the beginning of the month. Not a good sign for Eric Bischoff. Where was Hollywood Hogan? Well, not here either.

A Guerrero Statement

The first segment was Eddie Guerrero coming out with Chavo Guerrero to address the crowd. The crowd responded at first, but overall, I think the address was too long. Eddie spent a few too many moments getting cheap heat by insulting Nebraska.

Then Eddie said, “So I want to take the rest of /my/ time to address one little thing. You people have been boo’in me, people in the back have been dissin’ me—hell everybody’s out ta get me but Chavito over here. So listen up Chris Jericho: I did /not/ attack Rey Mysterio, essa. Dean Malenko, you gotta nerve embarrassin me in front of everybody, chico. Next week, it’s gonna be you and me, essa. We’re gonna headline Thunder and I’m gonna beat you in that ring, then there will be nobody…and I mean NOBODY that will doubt me ever again. I’ll be cruiserweight champion, essa. And what will you be, eh? A big fat loser and the guy who tried to make Eddie Guerrero into something he wasn’t. All people are gonna remember Dean-o, is how much better and how much greater, I was than YOU!”

Chavo took the mic and shook his head as the crowd boo’d, “Alright, alright! Eddie…hey, don’t boo him okay? He’s got a right to be upset, ya know? This guy Chris Jericho comes out here and whines that he’s not getting’ his match at SuperBrawl cause of Eddie. Well, it’s not cause of Eddie. Eddie just said so and I say so, too. But Jericho, like I said on Monday Nitro, you’re not gonna come out here and push us around. You might have won our match on Nitro, but Jericho---you got a cheap win and that means nothin’ to nobody. At SuperBrawl, we’re gonna go one on one and nothing’s gonna stop me from taggin’ you 1-2-3, bro. Because Eddie Guerrero is gonna be in my corner. We’re family, chico. Loyal to each other, even through the tough times when people try to bring us down. You got that?"

Overall Rating = 55.0%

Norman Smiley vs. Chris Adams

The opener was “the Brit” Chris Adams versus the happy-go-lucky Norman Smiley. I wonder what a darker version of Smiley would be like. I guess we’re never know, because once he slid into the ring, he did the “wiggle” and Adams smirked. You could hear crickets in the arena. Adams and Smiley locked up, but Adams used a quick headlock and snapmare to takedown Smiley. Adams used some amateur moves to work the back and then the arm, as the slow match plodded along.

Smiley worked to his feet, pushed Adams off the ropes and clotheslined him down. He then bobbed and weaved like Ali, punching Adams. Adams tried to punch back, but Smiley ducked, blocked and countered. Smiley got kicked in the gut, but then countered a suplex attempt, with a brainbuster of his own. Smiley then set up a groggy Adams for what was called The Big Wiggle and hit it, covering for the 1-2-3.

Result – Norman Smiley by pin

Match Reaction = 13.7%

Match Quality = 71.2%

Overall Rating = 32.9%

Outsiders made the main event

After a commercial, the nWo music hit in the arena and there was a great reaction for The Outsiders, who came out to the ring. Nash was wearing all red leather for some reason. Scott Hall was carrying a lawn chair and set it up in the ring, then had a seat. He also had a lemonade, which he sipped on. Grinning arrogantly, he lifted his drink and toasted the crowd as they booo’d.

Nash took a mic, chuckled at Hall and then said, “Alright, listen up. I think we all know by now who wants a shot at us and who deserves a shot at us. To me, there’s a difference. First, we got these guys Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko, who’ve come outta nowhere thinkin’ they’re the next big thing. Whatever. I guess they’re something. Better than the Flaming Mexicans or something. Then we got the Einsteiners, the guys with the big muscles and the bigger mouths. So I dunno, I cant decide. Scott cant decide. Hell, who’s gonna face us at SuperBrawl? At this point, I don’t care. So what we’re gonna do is flip this silver dollar I just…happen…to have. How bout that, huh? Alright, Scotts…heads for Benoit and Malenko. Tails are definitely the Einsteiners----“

Suddenly, The Steiner Brothers music came on and Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner and Ted Dibiase came out. Of course Scott had the mic. He was loud as he said, “Nash! You gotta flip a damn coin to figure out who you’re facing at SuperBrawl? You’re a bigger chump than I thought! Why don’t you just be a man and pick us. Or guess what, you know, maybe instead of waiting, we can do this….right here….right now!” he yelled.

“Whoa whoa whoa! Big guy! Relax. This is the SuperBrawl flip, my man. Now if I up and picked you guys, Benoit would strut on out here and tell me how fat I was or something like that. Now we don’t wanna cause a conflict, so this is the way we’re doin’ it. How many times I gotta explain this, huh?”

“Hey Kev, how bout this? I flip /you/ off and I come down there to kick your butt!” Scott yelled. Dibiase shook his head disapprovingly.

“Alright, you know what? I tried bein’ reasonable. But whatever. You Einsteiners think you got everything figured out? Fine. YOU can take on Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko, TONIGHT! And me and Scott will just sit back in our nice little lawn chairs and watch you guys beat each other’s brains out! Oh, of course, winner gets us at SuperBrawl!”

Rick restrained Scott, then they walked to the back.

Overall Rating = 73.7%

Disco Inferno vs. Fit Finley

Disco hit the ring with his new gold album, under glass. He climbed up the turnbuckle and held it up for everyone to see, then jumped down to show it to the ref. He forced the ref to hold it up. Finley then came down to the ring sternly and looked disapprovingly at Disco. They locked up, jockying for position. Finley locked a headlock, threw Disco off the ropes and kicked him down. Finley hit gut-wrench powerslam, then bounced Disco’s head off the turnbuckle a few times.

Disco elbowed Finley in the jaw, then bulldogged Finley to the mat. Disco purposefully stomped the fingers of Finley, then did it twice. Cover for a 1-2. Disco told the crowd to take a hike with a colorful gesture. Finley took the opportunity to come up with an uppercut, a right hand and another right hand. Finley liked the right hand. They call it the Belfast Cross. After a few more moments, Finley put it away with a piledriver and a 1-2-3.

Result – Fit Finley by pin

Match Reaction = 57.8%

Match Quality = 72.2%

Overall Rating = 68.5%

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis & Super Loco vs. Silver King & Hector Garza & Ultimo Dragon

This energetic match was brought to you by the plancha. Yay! The mysterious, masked Air Juvi led his team to the ring. The elder Silver King high-fived fans and gave the nod to Ultimo Dragon to start the match. Dragon and Juvi paced the ring, traded takedowns, then traded hiptosses. Dragon bounced off the middle rope and splashed onto Juvi for a quick 1-2. Juvi reversed an arm wrench, flipped and then tagged in Psychosis.

Psychosis was in and then was down as King flattened him with a right hand, after being suddenly tagged in. King threw him out and hit a plancha on his melon. Juvi reared back and summoned up the power of Superman, flying over the top rope, down onto both men. Psychosis and Dragon went toe to toe. Garza flew off the top rope and used a headscissors on Psychosis. Loco went over the top and flopped into the melee, plancha style.

Dragon hit a kick to the gut, then tagged in Garza to help him double-team Pyschosis. Double-team suplex from both Dragon and Garza. Garza hit a sidewalk slam on Juvi as he climbed to the apron. Juvi fell back down onto King and Loco on the outside. Dragon climbed to the top and hit an Asai DDT for the 1-2-3.

Result – Silver King & Hector Garza & Ultimo Dragon by pin

Match Reaction = 47.0%

Match Quality = 74.4%

Overall Rating = 62.5%

Stevie Ray destroyed by Tyrone

In the back, Stevie Ray was standing with Bobby Heenan as he prepared to be interviewed. Stevie could barely get a word in edgewise when suddenly he was attacked. The big man introduced on this past Nitro, TYRONE, destroyed Stevie Ray. Tyrone, formerly Ice Train, threw Stevie Ray over a table and down onto the ground. Tyrone collapsed some boxes onto Stevie Ray, then pummelled him with some vicious stomps. He finally grabbed a chair and went to town on Stevie until security arrived.

Overall Rating = 42.0%

“The Militant” Ray Traylor vs. Rick Martel

You know, I never thought Traylor could put on two decent matches two weeks in a row, but he did it. People really like his new militant bossman gimmick, whatever that may be. He remembered the mirrored sunglasses this week. With the black t-shirt, that looked good. He just needs to loose a few pounds and he’d be in the money again. After Rick Martel slid into the ring, he pointed to his abs and taunted Traylor. That earned Martel a hard, right hand.

Traylor pounded Martel in a what could be described as a backwoods whoopin. Traylor absorbed blows into his belly, then blocked a final few punches, then hit a DDT. Traylor dropped the elbow into Martel’s moosh and then hauled him up for more abuse. Martel reversed an irish whip, but Traylor came off the ropes like a train and collided with Martel, sending him down. Traylor pounded on Martel with right hands, then threw him off the ropes again. Traylor caught him amazingly enough, then hit the Traylor Trash for the 1-2-3. Martel was handcuffed to the ropes. Traylor walked off with a smirk, leaving him there.

Result – Ray Traylor by pin

Match Reaction = 61.4%

Match Quality = 75.6%

Overall Rating = 67.6%

Jimmy Hart statement

Gene Okerlund is backstage for an old-school reunion. It was Jimmy Hart time! Okerlund raised the mic and said, “Jimmy Hart! I’m, for one, surprised you’re out here tonight. You’re not managing so what’s the big surprise?”

Jimmy leaned over, saying loudly, “Mean Gene, you’ve got it all wrong! I /am/ managing, baby! But I’m not managing just anyone….oh no no no…I’ve got with me two of the biggest…brightest…most dangerous men in the whole business, baby!” he let out. With a purpose, the camera panned over and JOHN TENTA and some other guy stepped up. John Tenta was wearing his SHARK outfit, sans the facepaint and the younger gentleman was dressed up like a doctor, stethoscope and all.

“This right here, this man is the biggest, baddest man in wrestling, Mean Gene. There’s nobody out there, nobody big enough or bad enough to knock this man down,” Hart said as he motioned to John Tenta.

Hart then motioned to the much younger, much slimmer man in the doctor’s labcoat, “Then there’s this guy right here, Mean Gene. This guy is Dr. Death, baby! Yeah! Dr. Death! He’ll grind em up and spit em out! This guy didn’t get his name washing no cars! Yeah baby, look at em! Now we’re goin’ out there and Dr. Death is gonna teach two guys I just happen to know, a big, fat lesson! Hahaha!”

Gene smirked a little and said, “Jimmy, now you’re talking about Meng and The Barbarian arent you? Those two wrestlers worked and sweated for you for years. What happened?”

Jimmy Hart frowned and yelled, “Those two losers don’t deserve me baby! They don’t hold a candle to The Shark and Dr. Death. Don’t let this man’s size and this man’s age mislead you, Mean Gene. They’re gonna run right over these so-called Faces of Fear and make em’ afraid! Hahaha!”

Corny? Cheesy?

Overall Rating = 79.1%

John Tenta and Scott Montgomery turned and are now heels.

The Faces of Fear vs. The Shark & Dr. Death

Dr. Death was played by Scott Montgomery, the rookie signee. He wrestled in his doctor’s labcoat, but thankfully handed over his stethoscope to the ref like it was a prized belt. John Tenta leaned against the ropes and rested, as if the walk down the ramp had just been a marathon. The Faces of Fear were introduced and got a good reaction. The match, however, did not.

Luckily, Scott….err…Dr. Death began the match against The Barbarian. Death used some kicks, attacking the legs of the Barbarian, trying to club him down. He flung the Barbarian into the corner, then tried clubbing him again, but the big guy no-sold it. The Barbarian slugged the gimmicky Dr. Death in the mouth, then picked him up and slammed him down, sidewalk style. Hard tag to Meng! Meng went absolutely berserker on Dr. Death, kicking, punching, slamming. Death’s only escape was to poke the eye and tag in The SHARK!

John Tenta absorbed blows like a mattress, then just clubbed Meng with a blubbering overhead forearm. Tenta flinged Meng into the corner, then squashed him with a running avalanche! Ouch! Jimmy Hart celebrated that one on the outside. Tenta tossed Meng to the ground and covered, but amazingly, there was a kickout! Meng growled and fought back, blocking Tenta’s right hands. Meng jumped and hit Tenta, then used a shoulder to plow into him. Tag to the Barbarian as they tried to work Tenta over. Dr. Death got a blind tag and hit a great looking dropkick over the ropes in one of the best moves in the match. Cover for the 1-2. Death cheered and celebrated as he signalled for the end of the match.

Suddenly, someone came out from the back and in one of the only reactions of the entire match, the crowd stood up as STEVE WILLIAMS came out from the back. The grizzled Williams came out and was recognized by some but others had to cheer the wicked chairshot to Dr. Death. Two chairshots. Three chairshots. Williams ripped off Dr. Death’s labcoat to a good reaction, then tossed the youngster from the ring. Jimmy Hart jumped up on the apron and was knocked off by a Williams right hand! John Tenta attacked from behind. Boo!

Tenta crushed Williams with right hands, overwhelming him. Meng and The Barbarian helped out Williams! Unbelievable! The Faces of Fear took Tenta and Double-DDT’d him! They flopped Tenta from the ring and celebrated with Williams. These fans were shocked. Who’s the real Dr. Death? Steve Williams!

Result – The Shark and Dr. Death by DQ

The Faces of Fear turned and are now faces.

Match Reaction = 38.8%

Match Quality = 62.9%

Overall Rating = 48.9%

The REAL Dr. Death

“Dr. Death” Steve Williams shook hands with The Barbarian and took a mic, saying, “You know, I was watching this bullcrap from the back thinking….what the hell are they feeding you people?? This horsecrap has got to STOP. Jimmy Hart, every time you come out here with your painted freaks and your costumed jokers, you give another fan a reason to groan. But tonight, this was the last straw. You come out here with some freakin’ rookie dressed up like a dentist and call him “Dr. Death.” I’m Dr. Death, you piece of crap! I bled and sweated for that nickname…and I don’t use it like some sort of costumed gimmick to get cheers from these fans. People know me as STEVE WILLIAMS, the hardest workin’ man in wrestling, Jimmy. Like this man Meng and this man, The Barbarian. Like these men, you abandoned them for the next gimmick that comes up and bites you.

“Tell you what, Jimmy. The next time you step out here with one of those bright ideas, I’ll have this chair waiting. Waiting to bend over your head! And to all the guys in the back, Steve Williams has some advice, young and old alike----be yourself. Else you might find yourself as the next Dr. Death. And hell, you wouldn’t want that. Wouldn’t want to get my chair dirty again.”

Williams dropped the mic and shook hands with The Faces of Fear again. They walked to the back. Bold statements.

Overall Rating = 55.9%

Eddie Guerrero vs. Booker T

Booker T came out and grabbed a mic, saying, “Yo, I wanna take a minute to say something to Eddie Guerrero. Yo suckah, you can add another name to that list of people callin’ you out. So why don’t you get yo’ jacked-up motor mouth out here so we can hook up and I can bust yo’ ass! Suckaaaaahhhhh!”

Eddie Guerrero literally ran down the ramp and slid into the ring, attacking the TV Champion. Eddie blasted Booker T with right hands, but Booker blasted right back. Booker kicked Eddie in the gut and went for the kick to the back of the neck early. Eddie however, avoided it and planted Booker with an implant DDT. Cover for the 1-2.

Eddie used his pattened triple suplex to devastate Booker T, but couldnt hit the third. Booker T used a hard elbow, then whipped Eddie off the ropes and hit a hard clothesline. Booker with a spin kick, then a snap suplex. Eddie slid out and slapped the ring apron in frustration. He pushed the ring announcer, kicked over the table and pointed up at Booker T. Booker wasnt about to be intimidated, so he climbed out and a brawl erupted on the outside. Eddie threw Booker T into the steel steps. Eddie grabbed a chair and with a THUD, smacked Booker T with a hard chairshot. Mickey Jay immediately called for the bell. The show went to COMMERCIAL.

Result - Booker T by DQ

Match Reaction = 55.4%

Match Quality = 70.9%

Overall Rating = 62.7%

Kevin Nash & Hall setup lawn chairs

Kevin Nash and Scott Hall walked to the ring, taking their time. They looked like they were ready to sun on the beach, carrying lawn chairs and a cooler. Nash and Hall sat at ringside comfortably, drinking lemonades. Nash put on a baseball cap, then smirked at a ring at ringside.

Overall Rating = 71.2%

The Steiner Brothers vs. Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko for the #1 Contendership for the Tag-Team Titles

Scott insisted that he start this match. Ted Dibiase stood on the outside, looking pensive. He eyed Scott Hall. Scott Steiner locked up with Dean Malenko, then overpowered the shorter man, backing him into the corner. Hard CHOP! Three, four times against Malenko’s chest. Scott kicked Malenko, then hit a t-bone suplex from the far side of the ring. Malenko played possum and kicked at the ankle as Scott approached, then hit a stiff uppercut that staggered him. Scott tagged in Rick.

Rick bulldogged Malenko, no pun intended. They jockeyed for position on the mat, in an amateur showdown. Malenko ended up on top, literally, then locked in one of his 1,000 holds applied to the leg. He put a foot down on the mat and stretched Rick. Dean stood up and tried to lock in the Texas Cloverleaf. Scott had to run it to break it! He was forced out.

Dean was down and Rick took advantage, pummelling him first with some right hands and then a vicious belly-to-belly suplex. Dean was out of breath and barely escaped a 1-2. Scott was tagged back in, chopping at Dean again. Scott picked him up into a bearhug, but Dean clapped the ears to escape. Hot tag to Chris Benoit! Benoit chopped Scott’s chest, over and over. Benoit clotheslined Scott, then clotheslined an oncoming Rick. Benoit and Scott hit a double clothesline at the same time, sending both men down and out.

Suddenly, Ted Dibiase walked over and was slipped something by Kevin Nash. Ted Dibiase and the Steiners were in league with The Outsiders! Unbelievable! Dibiase walked over and clocked Scott with brass knucks while the referee was counting on Benoit. Dibiase laughed at Scott as Benoit collapsed again, covering for the 1-2-3. Dibiase, that traitor.

Result – Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko by pin

After the match, Scott Steiner went nuts. He pushed his brother away and couldn’t believe what Dibiase had done while the match still hung in the balance. Scott slid to the outside and grabbed Dibiase by the collar, throwing him into the guardrail. Scott Hall had to stand up for that one, getting in Scott’s face. Hall and Scott traded right hands, until Nash joined the frey and kicked the Steiners down. The Outsiders walked off. All remaining men were down and out. Would any be left to face The Outsiders?

Match Reaction = 69.3%

Match Quality = 72.0%

Overall Rating = 72.7%

57.6 Overall

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 589,256 viewers for WCW Thunder (decrease of 14,677 viewers from previous show)

To be honest, I almost believe that in 2 pages worth of diary writing, you could get a Japanese wrestler like Muta or Kimono Whatsit over in the US. Almost.

I hate to be the grammar nazi but please proofread. Your sentences arent sentences and some dont even make sense. I also noticed you tend to use the word then too much.

Then Daniels after hitting the Last Rites for the victory.

What does this have to do with TEW or EWR? Or wrestling at all? I just read the last 'segment' and I have to tell you, if I wanted melodrama, I'd go read a Dukes diary. Geezus.

2WRESTLING.COM Results from Monday Nitro

Nitro was LIVE from New Jersey. There were three dark matches:

Arthur Dexter Bradley d. Scott Montgomery

Bobby Eaton d. Kidman

Michael Wallstreet d. Larry Destiny

Jericho was upset at the Mysterio injury

Yes it’s whining time and that means Chris Jericho was introduced, then came out to the ring. He grabbed a mic and sneered, “Oh shaddup, I know you love me!” as the crowd boo’d him.

“Last week, I got the chance of a lifetime but then in a matter of seconds that was all taken away from me. Now…how in the heeeeeeeeeeell am I supposed to show off my insane wrestling ability if I’ve got no Rey Mysterio to wrestle, huh? I’m not going to accept any second-tier chump, so I say, somebody owes me an explanation. Yeah, that’s right! /I’m/ the one who was supposed to put Rey Mysterio on the shelf and that just burns me up. Eddie Guerrero, you stole my SuperBrawl match!” he yelled.

“Oh I forgot, a ‘mysterious attacker’ put Mysterio out. Excuuuuuse me. Eddie, you piece of filth, you may have fooled everyone else but not me. While you’re out attacking people, cheating people, lying to people and worse, I’m out here in front of all these fans putting on the best wrestling matches in all of WCW! I’m the best! I’m the best, Eddie! You hear me? I’m the best!” he shouted.

Just then, Eddie’s music hit in the arena but CHAVO GUERRERO came out. He frowned deeply, disturbed and angry by what Jericho was saying.

“Jericho, that’s my family you’re talkin about there, so shut your mouth and start listening. Eddie would never, ever ambush anybody and kick them down from behind. Never! Okay okay, now listen, he’s done some stuff but who hasn’t, right? I don’t hold it against him anymore. That’s why we’re tight, essa. Not like you, runnin your mouth, thinkin’ your better than everybody.”

“Oh yeah? Oh yeah?? Well, you better pull those rose colored glasses off, taco. Because as far as I’m concerned, the way you’re letting him run around, you’re just as much to blame as he is!”

“Shaddup Jericho! If you got a problem with me, then let’s settle it in the ring! Tonight!”

“Bring it, baby! You’re on!” Jericho shouted angerly.

Overall Rating = 70.8%

David Taylor & Steven Regal vs. Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart

The announcers then hyped and hyped the main event. Team nWo versus Sting and Roddy Piper. Did you get that? Well, they repeated it again through analysis as the Blue Bloods walked out. Roddy Piper was then shown in the back, walking. WALKING. So he’s here. Yes, he’s here for the match. Yay for that, I suppose.

Anyway, I think there was a match. Smith locked up with Taylor, threw him down and summoned up the power of Lex Luger for a flex. What a ripoff. Smith whipped Taylor, but the blue blood british wrestler ducked a clothesline and delivered a punch to the gut. Taylor delivered some elbows, then whipped Smith into the turnbuckle. Taylor tagged in Regal and they tried to double-team Smith for a couple of minutes. Taylor and Regal tagged in and out.

After a whip off the ropes, Smith hit a double-clothesline, knocking both men down. Smith collapsed after those few minutes of abuse and crawled to his corner, hitting a hot tag to The Anvil. The Anvil clubbed Regal with forearms, then tossed him out. Anvil clotheslined Taylor as he snuck up, then picked him up and hit a piledriver for the 1-2-3. Regal was outside wondering what went wrong.

Result – Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart by pin

Match Reaction = 60.3%

Match Quality = 68.2%

Overall Rating = 65.1%

Perry Saturn vs. Alex Wright

After a commercial, we were shown Ultimo Dragon walking in the back. He was by himself. Then the camera panned over and the twin VILLANOS were standing around the corner, looking dubiously evil. Uh oh.

In the ring was Alex Wright! Yay! Back from injury, Wright smiled and raised a fist in celebration of his return match. He was wearing a leather jacket to celebrate his newfound coolness. Wright shrugged it off as THE FLOCK were introduced, with Raven and Perry Saturn leading the way. Saturn slid into the ring to begin his match, but as the same as last week, Raven walked over to bully the ring announcer.

“Uhh…ladies and gentlemen…substituting for the ailing Perry Saturn….RAVEN!” he explained.

Saturn blinked in surprise and slid out to confront Raven this time. Raven stood fast and just slid into the ring. Saturn slapped the ring with his hands and left ringside, walking to the back. Raven locked up with Wright, then kicked him down and put the boots to him. Raven was vicious, slapping the kid around a bit, then hit a series of DDTs. Raven worked the neck of Wright, pummelling it with blows and moves. Wright only had one good spot in the match, coming off the ropes with a flying forearm. Wright knocked Kidman off the apron and then walked straight into an Evenflow DDT. Raven covered for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Raven tossed out Wright to the Flock. The ring bell rang furiously. Suddenly, someone came out from the back and walked down to ringside with a chair. This muscled, African American man was obviously Ice Train in civilian clothes and sunglasses, but the announcers apparently forgot this character. Anyway, the Man pushed the Flock away from Wright. At first, it looked like the Man was helping Wright, but then he stepped forward and smacked Wright with a chairshot. Then another. The Man shook Raven’s hand.

Result – Raven by pin

Match Reaction = 52.6%

Match Quality = 66.7%

Overall Rating = 65.1%

Raven’s new Enforcer

“Yo! This is The Man who can make things happen!” the large man shouted over the mic, “Next week, he’s gonna make things happen for ME. And I guarantee him, that I will make pleased to have hired me!”

Raven took the mic and said, “The Corporate Machine in which I have been placed cannot contain me. I will not be held back by the rules of this corporate machine, of this corporate program and these corporate matches. This man…this new soul that has come into the nest, has a vendetta against this machine as well, more specifically, toward one cog in that machine. Next week, Raven and Tyrone will take that cog and RIP IT OUT! Quoth the Raven, NEVERMORE!”

The announcers speculated if this large man was a replacement for Perry Saturn. The show went to another commercial after this short promo.

(49)

Goldberg vs. Prince Iaukea

SuperBrawl was hyped. Prince Iaukea was shown in the ring. His bland expression reminded me of the goat in the original Jurassic Park, just before it was eaten and devoured whole. Goldberg’s pounding music came on over the arena and he came out with Steve McMichael. McMichael was carrying a Canadian flag. Iaukea wisely vacated the ring as the two men slid in. McMichael RIPPED the Canadian flag! Then he stomped on it! Oh, Bret Hart wouldn’t like that. Goldberg kicked the flag from the ring, then motioned Iaukea in.

After McMichael vacated the ring, Prince Iaukea slid in. He locked up with Goldberg, but was forced to his knees by pure power. Goldberg pumelled him with right hands, over and over, until the right hand became commonplace. Iaukea was whipped off the ropes, but bounced off with a running forearm. Goldberg was staggered! He growled and snarled. Iaukea blinked.

Goldberg kicked Iaukea in the gut, pressed him over his head then threw him down like a sack of meat. Goldberg stomped him, picked him up and delivered the jackhammer for the 1-2-3. After about seven minutes, the whole thing was over. McMichael laughed at Iaukea, then slid in to raise Goldberg’s arm in celebration.

Result – Goldberg by pin

Match Reaction = 59.4%

Match Quality = 66.0%

Overall Rating = 57.4%

Savage took charge

Savage was in the ring and took a mic, “Last week, some people around here were gunning for the Maaacho Man. More than one, I think. That includes you, Hollywood. Now this guy skipped out and I don’t think he understands what the New World Order is really about. It’s not about being the biggest icon in wrestling, all day, everyday. It’s about being a team. And the Machooo Man is gonna lead that team into the main event tonight! Ohhhhh yeah!”

Suddenly, the nWo music hit in the arena and THE OUTSIDERS came out. Kevin Nash smirked at Savage from the stage and said, “Yo madness, you wanna be in the main event, you go right ahead. Hell, I thought it’d be you and Hollwood anyway. But since he’s not here tonight, I’ve already got a replacement in mind, partner. I’m glad you’re not upset that your woman left you high and dry. Other men might have been too upset to compete.”

Nash smiled mischeviously and bowed out. The Outsiders walked to the back.

Overall Rating = 85.3

Mortis & Damien 666 vs. The Steiners

After some brief analysis about who the replacement partner was going to be, Moris and Damien 666 came out, led by their handler, John Vandenberg. Damien summoned up the power of Gene Simmons and waggled his tongue at the camera. The Steiner Brothers came out with Ted Dibiase, walking with a purpose toward the ring.

Scott and Rick slid in and attacked immediately, pounding Damien and Mortis with overhead forearms. The referee forced Scott out, but he wanted to start, over Rick. Scott slapped the turnbuckle in frustration and called for the tag, but Rick wouldn’t oblige. Rick turned to address Scott, but got caught by a cheapshot by Mortis. Mortis slammed Rick down, then dropped the elbow.

Rick tried to fight off Mortis and Damien as they tagged in and out. Damien went downstairs with kicks and stomped a mudhole in Rick while he was trapped in the corner. Scott forced his way into the ring and broke a pin, then clothslined Damien hard. Scott was forced out again. Rick and Damien crawled toward their partners and tagged them in. Mortis and Scott went toe to toe. Scott kicked him in the gut and then powerbombed him to the mat hard. Scott put the boots to Mortis, then picked him up and hit a t-bone suplex. When Damien charged in, Scott threw him out and then posed arrogantly. Scott powerbombed Mortis again and covered for the 1-2-3.

Result – The Steiner Brothers by pin

Match Reaction = 43.6%

Match Quality = 60.0%

Overall Rating = 49.7%

Scott challenged Outsiders

Scott took a mic and yelled, “Kevin Nash! Scott Hall! You want to overlook us, huh? Well, I got news for you. The Steiners are coming to Thunder this week and we’re gonna get our shot…if we have to beat it out of you!” he exclaimed. Throwing the mic down, Scott left the ring. Rick frowned and Ted looked shocked at such a bold statement.

Overall Rating = 63.3%

After a commercial, DDP was introduced and came to the ring before his match. He had some comments first. DDP smirked a little as he said, “You know, last week I said we were goin’ to war and I was right. Sting stepped up. Roddy stepped up. Now it’s time for me to step up. There’s just one man I want to face and that’s Buff Bagwell. Buff, you think you’re better than me, well I think different. At SuperBrawl, let’s decide this once and for all. You got the guts to accept, huh?”

As if on cue, Buff Bagwell and Madusa came out on stage, “Hey D-D-P! Buddy!” he laughed, “You’re putting the crowd to sleep, guy. These people don’t want to hear you talk. But they DO want to see me kick you around the ring and take your belt. Hahaha! So I accept your little challenge, DDP. See you at SuperBrawl, chump. Better bring your a-game because Buff the Stuff is on top of the world, baby! Haha! You wanna meet some new friends of mine?”

Just then, Yuji Nagata, the Villanos and Sonny Oono walked past Buff and toward the ring. Sonny paused to smile and shake hands with Bagwell. The group walked right toward DDP.

Overall Rating = 73.2%

DDP vs. Yuji Nagata

Nagata paused stoically on the outside of the ring, but Sonny came running up and screamed for him to attack. Nagata slid in and exchanged right hands with DDP. Nagata then surprised him with a side kick, martial arts style. Oono yelled and screamed on the outside, as if it might be encouraging. Nagata picked up DDP and slowly worked him over, first hitting a neck breaker, then stretching him on the mat. DDP got to the ropes and hauled himself up, then kicked at Nagata to drive him back.

Nagata grabbed DDP and hit a snapmare take down, then pummelled some kicks into DDP’s back. Nagata bounced off the ropes and did the same. DDP cried out in pain, but did get back to his feet eventually. DDP ducked a spin kick and suddenly grabbed Nagata by the head and hit the Diamond Cutter! He covered but The Villanos pulled out the referee and clobbered him. The Villanos slid in and Oono ordered him to stomp DDP. Nagata got up wobbily and stood back. Oono tried to order him in, but Nagata just stood there stoically.

Suddenly, ULTIMO DRAGON ran down and made the save on DDP. He slid in and threw out both Villanos. Oono and Nagata had both fled. Oono berated and yelled at Nagata on the outside, really giving it to him verbally. Oono threw down his sunglasses as he talked, so everyone knew he was serious.

Result – DDP by DQ

Match Reaction = 60.0%

Match Quality = 68.4%

Overall Rating = 57.9%

Chris Jericho vs. Chavo Guerrero

This was easily the best match on the card. The crowd was getting used to seeing these youngsters in the ring and they delivered. Fortunately, Eddie Guerrero walked out with Chavo to add some more heel heat to the match. Chavo and Jericho locked up without any more talking, jostling around the ring for position. Chavo used a quick go-behind, then kicked at the back of Jericho’s legs, putting him down. Jericho rolled over and the big elbow missed. Jericho whipped Chavo off the ropes and delivered a very nice looking standing dropkick.

Jericho now gloated and incited the crowd with a few jeers. Eddie smirked and just stood on the outside. Jericho bounced off the ropes and kicked Chavo in the ribs, over and over. When Jericho tried it again a few minutes later, Eddie tripped him up! Eddie chuckled and stood back, raising his hands innocently. Jericho slapped the ropes and turned around, straight into some sweet chin music! Chavo went to the top rope and delivered a frogsplash, but Jericho kicked out. Chavo got up and pointed to the outside, telling Eddie to stop helping. Jericho suddenly rolled him up for the 1-2-3! Friggin unbelievable.

Result – Chris Jericho by pin

After the match, Eddie grabbed a chair and slid in to attack Jericho, but he had already vacated. Chavo slapped the mat in frustration and yelled at Eddie. Eddie raised his hands innocently again and pointed toward Jericho. Both of them continued to argue as the show went to commercial.

Match Reaction = 66.0%

Match Quality = 80.5%

Overall Rating = 74.1%

Bret Hart and Ric Flair joined forces

Ric Flair was introduced and the announcers hyped this as a big announcement. Some fireworks went off on the stage and Bret Hart came out next. Flair and Hart shook hands in the ring.

“Bret Hart! There’s nobody I’ve been in the ring that I’ve respected more than you, but let me tell you something else. There’s nobody that’s more arrogant than Steve McMichael and his human lummax, Bill Goldberg. You two listen to me! I saw what you did to Arn Anderson! I saw what you did to the Horseman name…to the traditions and to me! That’s right. I’m gonna say it, right here, right now, you’re not gonna run over anyone else because at SuperBrawl, two legends are gonna run right over you! Woo!”

Bret Hart took the mic and looked stern as he said, “I’m not a betting man, but if I were, I’d bet that the two of us were better than the two of you, Steve McMichael. Because we’ve got something that you don’t. Experience and the brains to use that experience. Well, you’ve got my attention and you’ve got the attention of Ric Flair too, McMichael. Bu that’s what you’ve wanted all along, isnt it? You attacked Arn Anderson, destroyed my friends, ripped my flag, all to get us in the ring. Isnt that right? Well what you’re gonna get at SuperBrawl is two men who are the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.”

Overall Rating = 89.5%

Roddy Piper & Sting vs. Randy Savage & Mystery Wrestler

Well, it was finally time for the main event. Roddy Piper and Sting came out first, each with separate entrances. Sting shrugged off his coat, handed over the WCW World Championship, then stood there stoically. Randy Savage came out next and slid into the ring. And the mystery wrestler was…SYXX!! Syxx came out energetically, but Savage was shocked. This small guy was the partner to take on Sting and Roddy?

Savage shook hands with him nonetheless and decided he would have to start the match. He locked up with Piper. They jostled for position, then traded right hands. Piper was flung off the ropes and clotheslined down. Savage’s new take-charge attitude was working. He tagged in Syxx. Syxx exploded like a jackrabbit on steroids and stomped Piper, then wound up and hit Sting with a right hand. Oh that wasn’t good. Sting grabbed Syxx over the ropes by the scrawny neck and bounced a right hand off his jaw. Syxx went down. Sting and Savage were tagged in nearly simultaneously! Sting charged, clotheslining Savage, once, twice, three times. Savage suddenly reached for another tag but Syxx wasn’t there. He had jumped down and was waving it off.

Savage looked shocked. Sting pulled him from the corner and locked in the Scorpion Deathlock. Savage cried out in pain as his back was stretched. Syxx just paced the outside. Savage shook his head over and over, but he was near the breaking point. Suddenly, The Outsiders came down and slid into the ring to interfere. Nash gave Sting the big boot from behind and Hall tossed out Piper. Syxx entered again and raised his arms as if in celebration, then knelt down and yelled at Randy Savage.

Nash took a can of spray paint and shook it. He then took a microphone and said, “Randy Savage, you come out here and you think you can lead this so-called team. Think again. YOU are the weak link in this /team/. You talk about teamwork, well I got some teamwork for you. Actually, a team statement: you’re a loser. Next week, I promise you Hollywood Hogan is gonna be here, then we’ll see who’s in and who’s out. Get me? I dont like you Savage, so if The Man says you’re out, guess what? I’m gonna make sure your back is permanently sprayed Black and White. Now that…that will just be toooooo sweet.”

Result – Sting and Piper by DQ

Match Reaction = 75.0%

Match Quality = 63.8%

Overall Rating = 74.2%

66% Overall

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 926,722 viewers for WCW Monday Nitro (increase of 9,875 viewers from previous show)

2WRESTLING.COM Monday Night Preview

Just about everyone is watching Eddie and Chavo Guerrero, waiting for things to explode.  Eddie wants his cruiserweight title back, but Chavo wants him to reform his ways for the good of their family.  What will Eddie do next?

Miss Elizabeth disappeared last Monday night and hasnt been seen since.  It seems to be a bitter pill for Randy Savage to swallow and he seems to be on his last legs emotionally.  Savage might snap at any time, but at who?  The rivalry with Hollywood Hogan continues, with neither man willing to help the other.

But this Monday Night, Team nWo HAS TO come together in order to face both Sting and Roddy Piper in the main event.  Who will be the nWo's chosen competitor's? The Outsiders? Hogan and Savage?  Nash and Hogan?

Speaking of Hollywood Hogan, rumor has it that Hogan will not be appearing on Nitro this Monday night, leaving the nWo in the lurch. 

Chris Jericho continues to try to "show off" his talents to Konnan and Brian Adams, in order to run with their "posse."  It seemed there was no better test than against rival Rey Mysterio, but now that may not be possible, thanks to a mysterious attacker on this past THUNDER.

More STORIES, more ACTION continues LIVE, on Monday Nitro.  Yuji Nagata and the Villanos continue to haunt Ultimo Dragon, Bret Hart and Ric Flair speak, DDP makes a challenge and more. 

RECAP Central:

WWF’s Royal Rumble

The New Age Outlaws beat Chris Youngblood and Greg Kulka (53.5%)

John Bradshaw beat Barry Windham (62.4%)

Doug Furnas beat Carl Pierre Oulette (63.1%)

Brian Christopher beat Mosh (56.6%)

Sgt. Slaughter beat Animal (65.8%)

Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble (90.9%)

WCW WorldWide

January 31st, 1998

Arthur Dexter Bradley beat El Dandy (40.2%)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan beat Bobby Walker (62.2%)

Brian Adams beat Jim Powers (68.9%)

Villano V, Villano IV and Nagata beat Eaton, Grunge and Rocco (48.7%)

Interview with Lex Luger (78.5%)

The Faces of Fear beat High Voltage (48.5%)

WCW recieved 566,756 viewers for WCW WorldWide (increase of 33,806 viewers from previous show);

BACKSTAGE NOTES:

-Steven Regal and Kevin Nash have become good friends recently.

-Both Villanos recently re-signed to per show appearances.

-Goldberg appeared on The Tonight Show.  He confirmed that he would be competing at SuperBrawl. 

-It has been leaked that Alex Wright has been backstage, ready to compete.  He has been on the injured list for some time.

-Word has circulated that Hollywood Hogan is deeply upset at the storylines.  This leaves the world title picture and an opponent for Sting at SuperBrawl, in doubt. 

This Monday Night:

David Taylor & Steven Regal vs. Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart

Goldberg vs. Prince Iaukea

Mortis & Damien 666 vs. The Steiner Bros.

Roddy Piper & Sting vs. Team nWo (??? & ???)

2WRESTLING.COM's Results for WCW THURSDAY THUNDER

January 28th, 1998

THUNDER is live via tape (sic) from the Big Apple! New York, New York.

The Survey and The Crippler

The music of the nWo came on over the arena. Like we needed to start the program this way, but oh well. The Outsiders, Hall and Nash, walked out together and to the ring. Nash was wearing a t-shirt that said, “The REAL Giant.”

Scott Hall took the microphone and smirked at the boo’ing crowd, “Hey yo,” he began, “Hey…hey yo, listen…I guess you all heard by now, we’re out here cause we’re takin’ a lil’ survey. Yeah, a survey. So you know, I was just wonderin’ if you’re here to see….dubbya cee dubbya?” he asked. Hall laughed at the cheers and shook his head, “OR…or…OR…are you all here to see the N……W…………O??” he asked. The crowd boo’d

“Alright,” Hall said with a smile, “Chalk another one up for the good guys,” he said and handed the microphone to Nash.

“You know, me and chico over here were sittin’ in the back tryin to think of two guys good enough to take us on for our tag-team titles tonight. So first we thought, hey let’s give the Eisteiners Rick and Scott another shot. Well, then Hall reminded me that we were lookin for good teams! Haha!” Nash laughed.

“Okay, so then I thought to myself ‘Self…you know who you havent kicked around in a while?’ The Giant! Yeah, the big dumb guy who’s tall. But who’s gonna partner with him, right? Haha! So hell, I’m outta ideas! Scott, you got any ideas?”

Scott Hall shook his head and looked oblivious. He then laughed, trying to keep a straight face.

“Yeah, no ideas over here!” Nash said and shrugged, “So no match. Sorry, I guess we---“

Suddenly, the music of the CRIPPLER CHRIS BENOIT came on over the arena! Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit walked out together and down to ringside. Benoit took a mic and pointed up toward Hall and Nash, “I’ve just about heard enough of you two runnin your mouths. If you want opponents, The Cripper and The Iceman will take you on, right HERE, right NOW!” Benoit said loudly.

“Whoa whoa whoa, shortie. You want a shot so bad, you gotta wait until later tonight. Alright, go to commercial! Go to commercial!” Nash shouted and then laughed, “We’re in charge around here, didn’t you hear?”

(62.2%)

Jim Neidhart vs. Louie Spicolli

The Anvil walked out to greet nWo flunkie, Louie Spicolli. Spicolli was wearing a shirt while he wrestled, because he’s a big man, as they say. The Anvil stroked his goatee and motioned the younger Spicolli on. Louie walked right into a stiff right hand. You could see that one coming. Neidhart clotheslined Spicolli down to the mat, then pounded him with right hands. Spicolli scooted away and hid between the ropes like the coward he was. The ref called for a break.

Spicolli caught The Anvil in the gut as he backed away, but that only angered the beast. The crowd ooo’d as Neidhart nearly totally no-sold it, stroked his goatee and hauled up Spicolli to his feet for a beating. He slapped Louie! Spicolli tried to run! Neidhart grabbed him and hit a spike piledriver, driving Spicolli’s head into the mat. Neidhart covered for the 1-2-3. Yay!

Result – Jim Neidhart by pin

Match Reaction = 52.6%

Match Quality = 58.6%

Overall Rating = 36.6%

The Lock-Up

We were next taken backstage to the locker room. Hugh Morris was standing with Gene Okerlund, about ready to be interviewed, when Disco Inferno flew into the picture all of a sudden. Disco put the boots to Morris, attacking him viciously. Morris was thrown into one of the lockers, kicked and punched. Morris tried to fight back, but Disco broke a map handle over his back to halt any comeback. Disco tossed Morris into what looked like a closet, then slammed the door closed. Disco propped a chair up to lock in Morris. The scene faded out and went to commercial.

Overall Rating = 48.0%

Disco Inferno vs. Hugh Morris (?)

When the program returned, we see why Disco locked up Morris and that is because he didn’t want to wrestle, he wanted to blab. I can tell that because he’s standing front and center with a mic, in the ring. Get out.

“Alright alright!” Disco shouted, “Quiet down, I’m talking. Now I’ve got this time because my opponent…well, he’s a little pre-disposed right now. So what we’re gonna do is talk about my new record. Yeah shaddup, you’ll like this! It’s hip…it’s----“ he began and then was cut off by some music.

Ray Traylor came marching out. He was dressed in a miliary uniform. Traylor had a couple gloves on, some sunglasses and had a look ready to kill Disco with. He also had a billy-club and a referee! Traylor slid in, gave his club and glasses to the ref and proceeded to kick around Disco like the latest inmate at the asylum. Traylor whipped Disco off the ropes and clotheslined him down. Disco fought back with right hands, then a kick to Traylor’s gut. Disco hit a DDT, but Traylor dropped him on the ropes to break the momentum. Traylor collided his knee with Disco’s back, then hit a massive sidewalk slam for the 1-2-3. After the match, Traylor decided to break out the billy-club. He jabbed Disco in the gut and tossed him from the ring.

Result – Ray Traylor by pin

Match Reaction = 54.5%

Match Quality = 64.4%

Overall Rating = 58.0%

The Cruiserweight Contender

Dean Malenko was walking down the hall when he was suddenly stopped by Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero put his finger to Malenko’s chest and said, “Yo jefe, I seen what you did at Souled Out. You came out on top and I got the shaft. You get to move on to better things, I get shackled to my family conscience.”

Malenko pushed away Eddie’s hand, “I didn’t ask,” he muttered coldly.

“Yeah? Well, I’m /telling/ you. Chavito might be annoying as all hell but he’s still twice the man you are. Hell, who isnt. I’m gonna show you both how a real man competes in the ring, chico. You’re gonna give me a rematch for that title you got there.”

“Sorry. Already got a contender. Rey Mysterio. Next week,” Dean said and smirked. He walked off.

Eddie stewed angerly just as Chavo walked up with coffee. Chavo handed Eddie the cup, “Hey Eddie, what was that about? Eddie?” he asked.

“Nothin. C’mon,” Eddie said. They walked off.

Overall Rating = 74.8%

Cruiserweight 4 Way: Psychosis vs. Atlantis Jr. vs. Hector Garza vs. Silver King

This cruiserweight match looked like they were hyping to be the highlight of the night, but the crowd just seemed bored. They brought out Mike Tenay and The Brian to commentate, gave the cruiserweights separate fireworks, but nothing got these people off their feet. Hey, there’s Silver King, but yawnsville for these people. Anyway, I believe this was Atlantis’ debut. He high-fived people, which was nice. Psychosis didn’t, so we boo him. It was actually Atlantis and Psychosis in control for most of this match, until Garza hit a blind tag on Atlantis and finally got a turn against Psychosis.

Garza hit a rolling clothesline, then climbed the turnbuckle and hit a crossbody for a 1-2. King made the save. King and Garza hit a spinning flapjack on Psychosis, driving his head into the mat. They argued over the pin. Psychosis slid out. Atlantis jumped off the apron but missed the plancha and hit the guardrail. Psychosis rolled in Atlantis, but Garza was waiting. Garza hit standing heel kick, but Psychosis grabbed the leg and spun him off his feet. Psychosis went to the top rope and hit a senton on both Atlantis and Garza. Psychosis covered for the 1-2-3.

Result – Psychosis by pin

Match Reaction = 29.9%

Match Quality = 76.1%

Overall Rating = 42.7%

Scott Steiner had a meltdown

Scott and Rick came out to blue blood music, led by their gold-plated, truth-wielding manager, Ted Dibiase. However, there was anything but blue blood this time.

Dibiase was actually about to say something, but Scott Steiner took the mic and told him to back off, “I’m sorry. Listen, I’m sorry. I gotta say something here. Kevin Nash! You come out here and say we don’t deserve a shot. That we don’t deserve anything. Well, I got a joke for you. We’re gonna get that shot, then I’m gonna take pleasure in kicking the living crap outta you!” he shouted.

Rick Steiner reached over and tried to calm Scott, but Scott pushed him away, “No! Get off me! We been treated like crap! We should be tag-champs, NOT them! Don’t you guys care?!”

Suddenly, BUFF BAGWELL and Madusa came out on stage and laughed, “Yo muscles, settle down there. Them’s fighting words. You wanna fight somebody? Well, why don’t you fight me in the ring, huh? You think you got the time?”

Scott rushed up the ramp and attacked Bagwell on the stage, going absolutely ballistic on him. Bagwell tried to fight back, but he was just too much. Scott pulled up Bagwell and powerbombed him on the steel stage. Scott pulled him up and readied him for another powerbomb, this time off the stage. Rick and Ted both pulled Scott away, restraining him. Madusa handed Buff a chair, allowing Buff to LAY out Steiner! That hussy.

Rick and Ted got shots of their own, over the head. Buff powerbombed Scott off the stage into some power equipment. The officials FINALLY rushed out and broke up the melee. Buff laughed and laughed, as he was dragged off. What a sadistic guy.

Overall Rating = 70.7%

Steve McMichael vs. Greg Valentine

GOLDBERG’S music started pounding in the arena. People stood up as Steve McMichael and Goldberg came out together. Goldberg slapped away a fan’s sign as McMichael laughed. Goldberg stood at ringside with his arms as McMichael slid in to meet Greg Valentine. Valentine was leaning against the ropes looking unimpressed.

McMichael and Valentine locked up, jockeying for position. Valentine caught McMichael with a stiff uppercut. It was a sloppy match and looked it, mostly because of the slow pace. After a few hold spots with Valentine in control, McMichael finally reversed a hold. He tossed Valentine from the ring. Goldberg put the boots to Valentine, then dropped him on the steel steps. The ref went nuts with warnings, like that did any good. McMichael distracted the ref, grabbing his shirt. Goldberg speared Valentine against the guardrail, then rolled him in. McMichael reversed a move and slammed Valentine down, then covered for the 1-2-3.

Match Reaction = 65.0%

Match Quality = 53.8%

Overall Rating = 42.9%

Mysterio attacked

What else could happen? Well, you guessed it, another backstage brawl. This time, it was over by the time the cameras got there. Mysterio was flat on his back, not moving. Suddenly, the medics rushed in and slid up to Mysterio. They began loading him on a gurney.

The camera panned around and showed the wrestlers standing there. La Parka, Hector Garza, the Villanos, Eddie Guerrero, Chavo and others were standing there. Suddenly, Dean Malenko busted through the crowd and came at Eddie, but had to be restrained. Dean grinded his teeth, “I hope you’re happy,” he said.

Eddie laughed, “Iceman huh? You’re losing your cool, chico.”

Dean lunged at Eddie, but was restrained by the wrestlers nearby. Dean shrugged off Eddie’s arrogant reply and walked off.

Chavo glared at Eddie, “What’s going on?”

“I think a spot just opened up for a shot at that title,” Eddie said mischeviously.

Overall Rating = 68.8%

Steven Regal vs. Norman Smiley

Steven Regal and David Taylor came out together. Taylor was carrying a British flag, waving it to many boo’s. Norman Smiley came out next, wearing a hockey jersey. Smiley had a lot of energy, bouncing off the ropes. Regal merely peered at him in a confused manner. Regal tried to lock up with him, but Smiley ducked it and bounced off the ropes. Smilely clothselined Regal, then bounced off the ropes, did a wiggle and tried to elbowdrop Regal, but missed. Regal kicked him to get him stop being such an idiot. Regal raked the eyes and choked Smiley.

Smiley got up using the ropes, but took a few knees in the gut in the process. Regal tossed him off the ropes and used a knee lift to send Smiley down again. Regal stomped Smiley and stretched him by pulling the arms. Ironically, Smiley wiggled out. Smiley reversed another try by Regal to get control and rolled him up for a 1-2. Regal kicked out and found a new found energy, crushing Smiley with some forearms, then a snap suplex. Regal rolled over and stretched Smiley again, this time with an STF. Smiley tapped out.

Result – Steven Regal by submission

Match Reaction = 43.0%

Match Quality = 68.3%

Overall Rating = 49.1%

The Giant vs. Scott Norton

The nWo music came up over the arena again and Scott Norton, escorted by Curt Hennig. Hennig slapped some gum into the crowd as Norton stood in the ring, blandly looking out at the crowd. The Giant was then introduced, stalking down toward the ring. As the Giant climbed into the ring, Norton surprisingly attacked en masse, pounding him with forearms. Giant shrugged them off and pushed Norton half-way across the ring. Norton looked shocked.

Norton charged again, but Giant was unable to be budged. Giant pounded Norton with right hands, then overhead chops. Giant lifted Norton up! Amazing! Giant scoop slammed him right down to the mat with a tremendous bang. Hennig jumped up on the apron and said some to the Giant. Giant came over and clocked Hennig, pulling him into the ring too! Giant picked up Hennig over his head and threw him from the ring. Norton pushed Giant out over the top rope awkwardly. Ouch. The Giant crashed hard.

Norton and Hennig pushed the Giant into the guardrail, then both stomped a mudhole in him. Norton returned to the ring to await the count out but amazingly enough, The Giant crawled back to the ring. The Giant crawled under the ropes and looked hurt, clutching his leg. Norton stomped that leg and dropped an elbow on it, over and over. Norton then covered for a 1-2, but The Giant kicked out with authority! Norton grabbed the leg again, but The Giant pushed him away with a boot to the gut. The Giant worked to his feet and as Norton came up, clutched him by the throat. He CHOKESLAMMED Norton, then covered for the 1-2-3.

Match Reaction = 58.2%

Match Quality = 60.8%

Overall Rating = 61.4%

After the match, Hennig entered, but got a clothesline for his efforts. Suddenly, the whole of the nWo on hand that night, rushed the ring. Buff Bagwell, Madusa, Brian Adams, Konnan, led by Hall and Nash, beat on The Giant and stomped him, looking strong. Nash kicked The Giant in the gut and hit a stump piledriver on him. They broke out the spraypaint.

Suddenly, Lex Luger hit the ring with tremendous courage in tow! He hit a forearm on Nash, knocked Brian Adams clean out of the ring and kicked Hennig. But numbers were too many. The CRIPPLER’S music hit in the arena and the crowd went absolutely bananas. Was this WCW’s future? Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko ran out to make the save! Benoit and Nash went at it, toe to toe until Benoit gained some help to knock him from the ring. The faces cleared the ring to a good pop.

The New World Order were about to go to the back when Chris Benoit grabbed the microphone, “Hey! Hey Nash…Hall…where the hell you guys goin’, huh? Get back here, RIGHT NOW! We got a match and I’m callin’ you out!” he said rather directly.

Scott Hall & Kevin Nash vs. Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko for the WCW Tag-Team Titles

Hall and Nash summoned up what courage they had left and returned to the ring. Luger checked on The Giant on the outside while the match began. Or should I say brawl, because just as it began, we got a glimpse of Nash versus Benoit again. Nash was driven back by the pure ferocity of Benoit, as he was pounded with kicks, over and over, until he was slumped in the corner. Only Hall could break the momentum by rushing in. Nash took advantage and came back, hitting a running clothesline as he exploded from the corner. Nash whipped Benoit off the ropes and gave him a big boot.

Nash covered for a 1-2, but Benoit was too resiliant for that. Nash and Hall tagged in and out now, as they worked over Benoit in the corner. Hall hit a snap suplex and for a few minutes, it looked like another squash masquerading as an equal match-up. But Benoit summoned up his second wind, used a quick go behind and hit a huge german suplex that nearly dropped Hall on his head.

Hot tag to Dean Malenko! Malenko clotheslined Hall, then bounced off the ropes and hit a front-face double-legged drop kick into Hall’s pretty face. Malenko tried to lock in the texas cloverleaf, but Nash rushed in and cheapshotted him. Malenko wasn’t about to stand for that, so he went right up to Nash and gave him a right hand! Nash pulled him out of the ring and the brawl started on the outside. Benoit slid out and traded blows with Hall. Nash tossed Malenko over the guard rail and it spilled into the crowd. Nash picked up a chair and dropped it over Dean’s back. Benoit tossed Hall over a mass of chairs. Since WCW wasn’t supposed to imitate ECW, the referee called for the bell and the officials broke it up.

Result – Draw

Match Reaction = 71.6%

Match Quality = 67.4%

Overall Rating = 78.8%

Last night's WCW Thunder show got an overall rating of 59.2%.

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 603,933 viewers for WCW Thunder (decrease of 26,605 viewers from previous show)

Steven Regal and Kevin Nash have become good friends recently.

Chapter Four: Terry and Hogan

Eric Bischoff walked up the hallway of the latest WCW venue and paused a moment at a door. He was about to enter the room, talk to Terry Bollea and try to convince him to go along with the storyline to end the nWo. It was like asking a magician to stop doing tricks. Bischoff didnt even have any idea what to do with the Hogan character after the end. He hadnt thought that far ahead. Right now, he was completely stuck on this one moment.

Bischoff slipped a piece of paper out of his jacket and glanced at it. Notes from The Book were written on it. After reading again for the third time, Bischoff was astounded by the amount of garbage written about Hulk Hogan. Rants and raves abounded. The Book said that Hogan would regain the title, squash everyone in his path and be one of the causes of the demise of WCW. Bischoff smirked a little at such broad-sweeping generalizations. He happened to like Hogan and his current program with both Sting, Randy Savage and the nWo. It was good, wasnt it?

Bischoff slipped the secret paper back into this jacket and wawlked into the room. Terry was putting things from a bag into a locker. The scene was simple, unassuming and plain. Not one would expect from a legend like Hulk Hogan. Terry wore a plain, gray t-shirt and faded jeans. He looked a little pale, exhausted perhaps tired from the quick turnaround between shows or perhaps from something else. Physically drained, Terry turned and looked at Bischoff as he walked up.

"I'm taking off early tonight, Eric. I really need the rest," he told Bischoff.

"Alright---" Eric said agreeably, "Listen, Terry...I have something I need to go over with you."

"What? More storylines? Listen Eric, I think I can do it. I'm upset with Randy and want my title. We dont need to go over it."

"No, not that," Bischoff explained quietly, "I'm going to end the nWo by the end of the year."

"What? Eric, the nWo is the best thing that ever happened to this company. Why would we want to end it?"

"Well uhh...well I think we should start something new next year. Maybe it's becoming a little stale."

"Maybe?" Terry asked curiously.

"Listen, you on board for this or what? I'm going to do this."

"Well....alright...but if you're going to end the nWo, you're going to need someone strong at the top by the end of the year. Give me the title. I'll help you out."

"Terry, I said things are getting stale. We've done you with the title for a couple years now."

"Only one year as Hollywood," Terry reminded him.

"Fine, whatever. Let's just do something else."

"Yeah alright. I'll do whatever. Just let me know. I just need a couple weeks to get some rest. I wont be at Nitro."

"What? A couple weeks? You cant. You've got a program with two people going. What about the tag-match? The Pay Per View?"

"I'm really sorry. I'll call you."

Hulk Hogan walked out. Bischoff was ready to pull his hair out. If only he could separate Terry from Hogan, he'd be able to get things done. Without Hogan, would SuperBrawl even fly? Now what?

Golden Boy Wrestling didn't neccesarily have a point or goal. connip started a diary with an interesting, fresh premise and then just ran shows and just ran with it. The criticism of the diary having "no direction" is a downright bizarre one to me, to be quite honest.

GBW had a direction and that was to create funny, backyard shows. It's unique. Is this diary? Anyway, he said he was going to create an ECW to compete with WWF, so I guess he has a goal after all. That's fine.

I think Glacier jobbing twice on a b-show just about ends his career. And to Disco. Almost makes me feel sorry for him.

Top five new gimmicks for Glacier:

1. Ray Lloyd - Glacier ditches the gimmick and goes with his real name.

2. Johnny Cage - In another attempt to rip off Mortal Combat, Glacier puts on sunglasses.

3. Ray Arnold - Glacier ditches the gimmick and comes out as a pro golfer. He beats on people with clubs. Barry Darsow takes lessons on how to make a golfer gimmick work.

4. The Curse - Glacier gets infected with Brad Armstrong's curse to forever job.

5. The Lethal Weapon Glacier - Glacier begins carrying nunchucks and shit.

Now here's an interesting premise. A diary that focuses on a single wrestler, who moves through multiple genres of wresting, through multiple shows, through multiple opponents, and possibly even through multiple gimmicks. How will an indy use a Dark Horse as opposed to a national fed? It could go in a variety of directions and be very good. My advice would be get to the goods and stop fooling around with posts dealing with his drunkenness, comedy, his angst or endless words about him searching for work. Put him in a wrestling situation and tell us how he reacts.

I dont quite see the point of this diary. Is it to compete with the WWF? Is it to elevate Lance Storm and give joy to all smarks? Is it to do something new within ECW? Your diary has no direction. Shows seem well-written, however.

There's not enough matches for Uncensored! Other than that, a decent card.

2WRESTLING.COM Results for Monday Night Nitro

January 26th, 1998

Nitro was LIVE from Louisiana, home of wcw/nWo Souled Out, which was attended by over 17,000 people. Tonight’s show was quickly introduced by Tony Schiavone and Larry Zybysko, then sent straight to the ring where Roddy Piper was standing!

Roddy and Sting joined

Roddy got a large pop that caused him pause, but then he said, “Alright alright, let’s get down to business here. Last night, I think we tied up all loose ends and we came to a good conclusion to a great, big mess that’s been running through WCW lately. Well anyway, they wanted me to come out here and blather on about how Sting is champ, how we’re entering a new era and blah blah blah. Well let me tell you people something, sometimes talk is cheap and doing is all the better for ya. What I mean to say is-----STING get on down here and celebrate with me!! Yeah!!” he shouted.

The arena darkened and music for STING erupted. The crowd went absolutely bonkers as he came out down the ramp and to the ring. He stood there stoically, with the WCW World Championship on. The crowd applauded him again as Piper smiled.

“Sting! Stinger, as they used to call ya, I’m very proud to be out here with the WCW World Champion! I’m glad we put to rest all disputes last night, Stinger because now we’re gonna start all new disputes, get all riled up and watch you kick through everybody all over again. Nah, I’m just kidding, Stinger. But there’s one person you are gonna kick through…next week and god bless me, I almost forgot to annouce that, didn’t I? Next week, live on Nitro, Sting will be action. Oh yeah. That should be something---“ Piper began.

Sting reached over and snatched the microphone from Piper. Sting was going to speak. He raised the microphone and WAIT---nWo music erupted in the arena. Eric Bischoff came out on stage and pointed up toward the ring.

“Piper! Your job is done around here. Why don’t you stop flapping your lip and start walking your little legs instead, huh? I was listening to what you were saying backstage and something struck me like a Hollywood Hogan right hand---and that was…you think you’ve put everything and everyone to rest? You think you’ve put all disputes behind you? Well, think again PAL!! There’s no WAY Hollywood Hogan got a fair shot the month before, this month or ever! You two are perpetually screwing with him, me and the entire New World Order! Why? Well, I’ll tell you why. Because you cant beat us in a fair fight, that’s why.”

Piper was given the mic and shouted angerly, “Listen to me Eddie Munster, I don’t think fair is in your vocabulary. I’ll tell you what, next week you bring two of your best guys to the ring and we’ll give you a fight! You want a fight? Let’s go! Roddy Piper and the WCW World Champion versus the N….W……O!! And you step in the ring, I’ll be happy to toss you right on your ear, chum!”

The crowd popped as Bischoff walked off. Next week Piper and Sting versus Team nWo!

Chris Jericho vs. Arthur Dexter Bradley

After commercial, Jericho’s music was played and he came to the ring. ADB was waiting for him there, smirking. ADB motioned to his pecs and Jericho did some smirking too. ADB summoned up the power of Buff Bagwell and posed dramatically. Jericho walked up, kicked him in the gut and hit a DDT. He covered for a 1-2. Jericho stomped wildly on ADB, then choked him on the ropes and put a boot into the kidneys. Jericho scoop-slammed ADB, then hit a lionsault off the middle rope for a 1-2. ADB reversed a sleeper and hit a few right hands, but Jericho came back and whipped him into the corner. ADB was placed on the top turnbuckle, allowing Jericho to deliver a hard hitting back body suplex from the top rope. ADB kicked out of that too. Jericho stomped him some more, then summoned up the power of Curt Hennig, hitting a fisherman’s suplex for the 1-2-3.

Result – Chris Jericho by pin

Match Reaction = 30.2%

Match Quality = 84.4%

Overall Rating = 49.1%

Jericho whined again

After the match, Jericho threw ADB from the ring and grabbed a mic, “Last night, I was embarrassed to participate in the silliest….stupidiest…suckiest…most annoying match in the history of matches. I cant believe MY team was beaten by a bucha runt cruiserweights that are about as big as second graders. I think that---“ he began but was interrupted by KONNAN’s music.

Konnan came down to the ring with his pal Brian Adams and Curt Hennig. Hennig was wearing a black New World Order t-shirt. “Yo yo yo, why you complain’ Jericho? Man, you’re lucky just to be running with us for one match, dawg. You got your chance to beat Rey Mysterio and you blew it, tough guy. So quit runnin’ your lip.”

Chris Jericho chuckled and raised a hand, “Whoa Konnan, no offense or anything, but that wasn’t a fair test of my supreme talents in the ring. Did you see what I did to this kid right here two minutes ago? I can personally guarantee I can beat Rey Mysterio or any cruiserweight, anytime.”

Konnan nodded, “Okay, I hear that. If you can beat Rey Mysterio, then you can run with us in bigger matches on a bigger stage, dawg. You do that and there’s nothing you wont be able to do….with us. But dont get me wrong, we're watching you, jefe. Deal?”

Konnan and Chris Jericho shook hands.

(78.3)

Dragon rejected Oono

Ultimo Dragon was lacing up his boots in the locker room when Yuji Nagata entered. Nagata walked right up to Dragon and crossed his arms, trying to look intense. Ultimo dropped his foot and stood up to the bigger Nagata, glaring right back at him. Sonny Oono suddenly rushed in and got between the two men, then grinned toothily at Dragon.

“Hey whoa, Dragon. You remember me, don’t ya? Alright alright, don’t look at me like that, all I want is friendship, a clean slate between us. If you recall, I’m the one who broke you into this place. You wouldn’t be so popular if it werent for me, you know! I figure, you owe me at least a share of some of that popularity you got now. And if you join up with me again, I think I can guarantee the best matches, the best advice and the best…protection…” Oono grinned, looking at Nagata, “….in WCW.

“So whattya say, let’s let bygones be bygones and go at everybody together. Just like old times! C’mon, I’m not so bad, am I? Dragon?”

Oono reached out and offered his hand to Ultimo Dragon. Dragon slapped it away and stalked off without saying a thing. Oono gritted his teeth in anger and exchanged glances with Nagata.

“What are you lookin at??” Oono shouted at Nagata.

Suddenly, Los Villanos, the two masked wrestlers, walked up alongside Oono and both crossed their arms in a menacing away.

“C’mon!” let out Oono. They all stalked off.

(63)

Bret Hart vs. Perry Saturn

Perry Saturn and THE FLOCK came out to the ring, with Raven in tow. Perry Saturn slid into the ring and warmed up, but then Raven walked around the ring. He grabbed the ring announcer and started shouting something to him.

“Ladies and gentlemen…uh…substituting tonight for the ailing Perry Saturn…is RAVEN!” he said.

Raven slid into the ring and nodded his head. Saturn looked confused. He didn’t look sick. Raven stepped closer to Saturn and glared at him. Saturn shook his head and slid out of the ring and joined the Flock on the outside. He stewed there angerly. Suddenly, Bret Hart’s music erupted in the arena and he came out in his classic garb. As he tried to give his glasses to a young boy, Scotty Riggs ripped them away and put them on. Hart attacked Riggs! Van Hammer, Kidman and Sick Boy all restrained Hart, then threw him in the ring. Saturn stood there blandly and did nothing.

Raven put the boots to Hart immediately, then knelt down and delivered some hard, right hands. Hart worked his way back to his feet and reversed an irish whip, delivering a shoulder. Raven went down in a heap, but got up energetically. Hart grabbed hold of the match and kicked Raven, taking the brawl to him until both men were in the corner against the turnbuckle. Hart bulldogged Raven to the mat and locked in a painful looking armbar. Raven struggled to the ropes. Hart bounced off the ropes and clotheslined Raven down, just as he was standing up. Hart pulled up Raven and slinged him into the ropes, then clotheslined him down again. Hart locked on a one-legged cloverleaf. Suddenly, KIDMAN pulled on Hart’s boot and then jumped up on the apron to yell at him.

Hart walked over and clocked Kidman, knocking him to the ground. Van Hammer climbed up and grabbed Hart’s neck, choking him across the ropes. Raven attacked from behind. Soon enough, the whole Flock was attacking him in the ring. The bell rang furiously.

Suddenly, RIC FLAIR ran out from the back and slid in, taking the fight to the Flock. Flair threw out Kidman and Sick Boy, going crazy with right hands. Van Hammer and Raven bailed from the ring as the tide seemed to turn against him. Saturn just stood there. Raven argued with him. Bret Hart glanced at Ric Flair, then patted him on the back in thanks.

Result – Bret Hart by DQ

Match Reaction = 76.5%

Match Quality = 82.7%

Overall Rating = 81.6%

Bret Hart and Flair were ready to exit the ring when GOLDBERG's music suddenly erupted in the arena. Steve McMichael and the monster himself walked out from the back and smirked.

McMichael had a mic and pointed toward the ring, saying, "Hey Hart, you call that a match? You call that excellence of execution? That wasnt anything but a big embarrassment, Bret Hart. Just like everything you've ever done in your career. I came out here to prove a point, Hart. Because when compared to you, the monster Bill Goldberg doesnt just look like the biggest thing in the business...he looks like the BEST there IS and the best there ever will be! Hahaha!!!"

(88.1)

Mortis vs. Booker T for the TV Title

Some dark, pounding music started in the arena. Mortis came out with his “handler” James Vandenberg, who accompanied him to the ring. The masked Mortis looked back and forth and then stood in the middle of the ring. Things picked up a bit as Booker T was introduced. He high-fived fans on his way to the ring. Mortis jumped out and attacked Booker on the outside, throwing him into the side of the ring.

Vandenberg went to grab a chair, but Booker caught him in the stomach before he could hit him. Booker was thrown into the ring by Mortis. Mortis put the boots to him and locked on a headlock. Booker fought out with some stiff elbows, then whipped Mortis off the ropes and delivered his pattened sidekick. After a few more moments of jockying for position, Vandenberg got up on the ring apron but he too received a side kick! Mortis was kicked in the gut, doubling him over. Booker hit the overhead kick to the back of the neck for the 1-2-3.

Result – Booker T by pin

After the match, Vandenberg rushed in and started shouting at Booker T. Booker walked over and got up in his face. The crowd actually showed a little life for violence against Vandenberg. Mortis suddenly attacked from behind, driving Booker to the mat, with repeated forearms. He stomped him, over and over. Mortis slid out to get a chair, but suddenly FIT FINLEY ran out from backstage and attacked him in the aisle. Finley and Mortis went toe to toe, exchanging right hands until Finley lowered the shoulder and plowed Mortis into the ring post. He wrenched at the mask! Mortis slipped away and escaped. Finley and Mortis exchanged glares.

Match Reaction = 31.4%

Match Quality = 75.0%

Overall Rating = 53.0%

Chavo played the family card

The youngster, Chavo Guerrero Jr., came out to the ring. It wasn’t so much his presence that inspired the crowd, but what he said, “Hey…I want to apologize for interrupting the show…but I’ve been sitting in the back watching a disgrace going on around here. And well…I’ve been sitting in the back, holding my tongue about it. I’m talking about my cousin, Eddie Guerrero! Eddie! You tried to cheat and scheme out of every single match you’ve been in. For the first time in my life, I’m ashamed you’re family. If you’ve got any guts, you’ll come out here and face me right now!”

Eddie Guerrero walked out apprehensively and then frowned, snatching the microphone from Chavo, “Whoa whoa, I ain’t got no beef with you, chico. You and me are blood alright, but you aint gotta like me and I aint gotta like you. You know, you gotta a lot of nerve, chico. You think you’re a big shot now, huh? I do what I want, WHEN I want and that includes busting you wide open if I feel like it!”

Eddie laughed arrogantly at Chavo and tossed the mic at him, “Eddie, don’t you have any respect at all? For me? Huh? For our family? If you do, then you’d change, man. You really want to be enemies with your own cousin? Listen…listen Eddie, I want to tell you something. We grew up together and I want to stand WITH YOU, Eddie…but listen, you have to do things the right way…c’mon, whattya say?”

Surprisingly, Eddie backed down and calmly nodded. He walked over and hugged his cousin. Eddie raised Chavo’s hand to a good response, then they walked out of the ring.

(70.7)

The Steiner Bros vs. Brian Adams & Konnan

The Steiner Bros came out first, accompanied by Ted Dibiase. There’s no greater blue blood wrestlers than these guys. Rick Steiner had on yellow headgear and Scott had his black hair tied back in a ponytail. Brian Adams and Konnan came out next, each with bandanas that supposedly made them look cool.

Adams started the match against Rick. Adams couldn’t gain an advantage over the quicker Rick Steiner, who used a few go-behinds to avoid making it into a brawl. Adams tried to squash Rick back into the corner, but Rick slipped out and tagged in Scott. After a gut-wrench suplex, Scott discarded any strategy and pounded Adams with right hands. He threw him to Konnan, who tagged himself in. Rick cried out in frustration, wondering what was going on. Adams grabbed the referee’s shirt as he got up, allowing Konnan enough distraction to throw some powder into Scott’s eyes.

Scott staggered around until clotheslined down. Konnan put the boots to him as Scott tried to shake off blindness. Dunno how that works. Konnan hit a DDT and an elbow drop, then signalled for a rolling clothesline. Konnan bounced off the ropes but Scott threw himself out of the way and blindly reached for the tag. Konnan flopped on his face. Suddenly, CHRIS JERICHO ran down to ringside and distracted the ref. Adams entered, picked up Scott and hit a stunning brainbuster, dropping Scott hard. Rick and Dibiase ran off Jericho, but Konnan rolled over for the 1-2-3. Damn!

Result – Brian Adams and Konnan by pin

Match Reaction = 66.1%

Match Quality = 59.3%

Overall Rating = 67.4%

After the match, Jericho celebrated on the stage while Konnan applauded him from the ring. Rick and Dibiase couldn’t believe it. Scott was livid and shook his head. He said nothing to his team-mates, disgusted with the result.

Brawl Backstage – Where’s the Love?

Tony Schiavone quickly became livid and sent it backstage, where apparently a backstage brawl was about to erupt. We were shown the New World Order locker room, where Curt Hennig, Randy Savage, Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash and Eric Bischoff were all arguing. Savage was the focal point, as he pushed and shoved, trying to get through Nash, Hennig and Bischoff to get to Hogan.

Savage was livid, out-of-control and shouted at Hogan, asking where she is. Savage asked Hogan where she was again. Hogan replied that he didn’t know and told Savage to get out. Hogan kept pointing at Savage threateningly. The show had to go to commercial.

(74.1)

Davey Boy Smith vs. Eddie Guerrero

Davey Boy Smith came out, carrying a British flag. Guerrero came out with Chavo. The two family members walked out together, in unisen. Eddie slid into the ring and smirked at Smith, then avoided a lock-up and went low with a shoulder tackle to take his opponent to the mat. Eddie pounded some fists into the forehead of Guerrero. Eddie got up and laughed arrogantly, unable to help it. Chavo yelled from ringside, telling him to focus. Eddie pulled up Smith and tried to suplex him, but couldn’t get him up.

Smith lifted Eddie clean over his head and pressed him, then dropped him to the mat forcibly. Eddie rolled out to the floor and slid something from under the ring into his hand! Chavo ran over and caught him, yelling at him some more. Chavo grabbed the foreign object from Eddie angerly. Smith reached over and grabbed Eddie by the hair, pulling him back in. Smith suplexed Eddie and then dropped an elbow. Smith picked up Eddie and whipped him off the ropes, but Eddie ducked the clothesline. Eddie knocked Smith from the ring.

Eddie pushed Chavo aside and tried to get that foreign object, but Chavo wouldn’t let him cheat. Eddie blew by and tried to get a chair, but Chavo rolled Smith back into the ring, to safety. Eddie threw down the chair and was livid! He rolled back into the ring and climbed to the top rope, but Smith got up in time to catch Eddie with a punch to the gut. The Bulldog put Eddie on his shoulder and hit a running powerslam for the 1-2-3.

Result – Davey Boy Smith by pin

Match Reaction = 71.6%

Match Quality = 69.0%

Overall Rating = 74.7%

After the match, Eddie shook his head and glared at Chavo. Chavo tried to remind him about family and doing the right thing.

Hogan called for unity

The music of the nWo came up over the speakers. Hollywood Hogan and Eric Bischoff came out together. Hogan did a little bit of a strut, but slid into the ring and didn’t look in a very good mood.

Hogan took a mic and said, “You people shut up,” he began as the fans boo’d him, “I’m out here in the name of unity, so you better listen to me, everybody who’s been mouthing off lately. Especially, you Randy Savage. You should stop worrying about Miss Elizabeth and start worrying about your match tonight, brother. If you really wanted to find out where your woman went to dude, you sure as hell better start looking somewhere other than our looker room.

But Savage, when you’re nWo…you’re nWo for life, brother. So if we have to drag you along like a dead weight, then that’s what we’re gonna do. Lemme tell you somethin’ else dude…we’re gonna both walk into SuperBrawl brother. We’re both gonna walk in as a team, as a group…and you’re gonna support me as I reclaim my title belt. You know, Easy E was right when he said it wasn’t over because….Sting…you got my belt and until I have it back, everything else is secondary, brother. I’m still here, Sting. Next week, we’re gonna be a team and we’re gonna walk all over you, Roddy Piper and whoever else gets in our way, dude. So I only got one question…WHATCHA…gonna do…?”

(86)

Buff Bagwell vs. Ultimo Dragon

The smaller Dragon waited for Bagwell in the ring. However, Bagwell didn’t come out next. Sonny Oono, Yuji Nagata and Los Villanos came out and stood with him. Oono joined the announce team. Bagwell was introduced next, who came out with Madusa. She hung all over him and made gestures at the crowd.

Dragon avoided a lock-up and paced the ring. Bagwell swiped at Dragon, but received only a kick to the knee for his efforts. Dragon hit a dropkick on Bagwell, then another knocked him clean from the ring. Madusa patted Bagwell on the back and encouraged him. Bagwell got back in the ring and pounded Dragon with right hands, then slammed him down. Bagwell choked him. Dragon fought to his feet and hit a sweeping spin kick to level Bagwell.

Dragon climbed to the top rope, but Madusa jumped up and jostled with him. He tossed Madusa off the apron! Dragon had used too much time and Bagwell caught him mid-air. Bagwell hit an overhead fallaway slam for a 1-2. Bagwell rubbed his face into the mat, then hit a Falcon Arrow Suplex that was stunning. Bagwell choked Dragon again. As the referee scolded Bagwell, Madusa came over and choked Dragon some more, using a wire of some type. Suddenly, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE ran down and grabbed Madusa by the hair, pulling her away from ringside. Bagwell blinked in surprise, climbing from the ring. DDP and Bagwell pounded on each other! Dragon signalled for a plancha! Yay! Oh no! Nagata and Los Villanos ran away from Oono and attacked Dragon in the ring. The referee called for the bell.

Result – Ultimo Dragon by DQ

Match Reaction = 63.5%

Match Quality = 70.2%

Overall Rating = 65.7%

DDP threw Bagwell over the guard rail. Bagwell and Madusa ran away. After the match, DDP was so embroiled in fighting Bagwell, Oono’s group was able to decimate Ultimo Dragon. Los Villanos ravaged Dragon with double-team moves and slams. DDP finally returned to the ring, but Oono’s group bailed, escaping away.

DDP picked up a mic and shouted, “You all think you can take advantage of me…of Dragon…of WCW? Well Buff Bagwell…Sonny…anybody. You got one week of peace until DDP declares war on you.”

(76.2)

MAIN EVENT: Randy Savage vs. Lex Luger

After a short commercial, we were shown Lex Luger, who patiently waited for his opponent. Randy Savage walked out in a paranoid type way. He wasn’t escorted by anyone. Savage slid into the ring and yelled something at Luger. Lex only shook his head. Savage stood back and wouldn’t lock up. It looked like Savage wasn’t going to wrestle Luger. Savage climbed from the ring and walked back up the ramp.

Eric Bischoff and Hogan came out from the back and argued with Savage on the ramp. Savage pointed at Hogan and Hogan pointed at Savage. Savage returned to the ring. Savage ran at Luger and got knocked down with the big forearm. Luger picked up and knocked down Savage several more times, until Savage finally summoned up some legs and delivered hard, right hands. Savage put an elbow to Luger’s chin and kicked him to the mat. Hogan tried to tell Savage what to do from ringside.

Luger ducked a clothesline and Savage tasted a big boot for his efforts. A few more minutes passed with Luger in charge, each time with Savage unable to gain any momentum. Luger worked on Savage’s back and then signalled for the Rack! Savage was able to wiggle out, but then he exitted the ring and tried to take a breather. Hogan came over and yelled at him, then pushed him! Luger reached over and grabbed Savage, pulling him onto the apron. Luger suplexed Savage back into the ring and covered for the 1-2-3.

Result – Lex Luger by pin

After the match, Hogan and Bischoff shoke their heads and left, walking up the ramp. Savage slid back into the corner by himself, just sitting there with his head down. He refused to leave. No Miss Elizabeth in sight. The show faded out on poor Randy Savage.

Match Reaction = 73.0%

Match Quality = 55.6%

Overall Rating = 70.2%

70.0% Overall show

The TV viewing figures for last night are now in: WCW recieved 916,847 viewers for WCW Monday Nitro (decrease of 80,004 viewers from previous show)

2WRESTLING.COM MONDAY NIGHT PREVIEW

Monday Nitro is LIVE from the Louisiana Sports Arena.  WCW officials have put out an official statement in support of WCW World Champion, Sting, congratulating him on his win.  All loose ends from Sting's past were tied up at Souled Out and WCW officials have promised that they are happy that he is leading them into the future.

Although the WWF is entered a new "Attitude," WCW also today said that they are entering a "Fresh, New Future" with new storylines, new characterizations, and new action. 

Randy Savage has already challenged Lex Luger to a rematch on Monday Nitro, in order to gain revenge.  Savage tried to use Miss Elizabeth to gain the cheap victory, but she was not as reliable as he thought.  Look for this to be addressed Monday Night.

The nWo seem to breaking down as a group, despite the Outsiders working together at Souled Out.  Nash, Hogan, Savage and Hall all look like they are on pins and needles around each other, but nWo spokesman Eric Bischoff has promised that Monday Night, all differences will be resolved.  Can this group rise above the dissention?

Although brand new feuds are on the horizon, will Hollywood Hogan try to insert himself in the World Title picture once again? 

Raven, Bret Hart and Ric Flair have all promised to speak!  What a packed Nitro!

Confirmed Matches for Nitro 1/26/98:

Chris Jericho vs. Arthur Dexter Bradley

Bret Hart vs. Perry Saturn

Mortis vs. Booker T for the TV Title

The Steiner Bros vs. Brian Adams & Konnan

Randy Savage vs. Lex Luger

BACKSTAGE NOTES:

-WCW has signed Mexican star Atlantis Jr.

-Backstage, everyone was pleased with the showing of Bret Hart and Ric Flair.

-It has been leaked that Ultimo Dragon might get a push.

-Davey Boy Smith and Greg Valentine are not happy within the company, having been promised a push.

-SuperBrawl VIII will be at the Cow Palace, in San Francisco

Chapter Three: Smackdown your WCW

Eric Bischoff pulled at his tight collar, feeling the heat in the small waiting room of the CNN Center grow more and more with each passing second. He was supposed to the calmest, coolest guy in pro-wrestling, but being on the verge of a big change like the end of the nWo, was a big pressure. As he waited for his meeting with Ted Turner, he wondered if he should bring up the end of the nWo at all. Would Ted care? Bischoff always assumed Turner never watched WCW and in part, that was correct. However, Turner was interested in one thing: business. And the nWo had been good for business. Hell, Bischoff hadnt even made up his mind himself if he would end the nWo. Why should he?

The elderly secretary raised her chin and told him he could go in. Bischoff pealed himself out of the chair, then adjusted his tie. He took a deep breath and headed toward the door.

The secretary stared at him through her thick glasses and stated, "Mister Bischoff, you forgot your book."

Bischoff nearly slapped his forehead. He quickly smiled and nodded politely to the secretary, then walked back to the waiting chair and retrieved his book. He had discarded the ugly, yellow bookjacket off of "How to End the nWo in One Year or Less" but it still haunted him. The hardcover under the jacket was yellow too. Dammit.

Bischoff tucked the book under his arm and proceeded into the huge office. It was a secret he never wanted to reveal, but he needed to keep it safe, even if it was tucked under his arm during a Ted Turner meeting.

"Ahhh, Eric, thanks for comin," Turner said with a smile. He reached over and shook Bischoff's hand, then sat down again, "Won't keep you long," he added.

"No problem, Mister Turner. Glad to come by," Bischoff replied simply. He sat down.

"How's things?" Turner asked plainly. Turner looked calm, composed and almost whimsical in his tone, as if business was the farthest thing from his mind. What a lie that was, Bischoff thought.

"What? Oh fine," Bischoff replied, "Gotta be in New Orleans in a few weeks. We got the Pay Per View down there."

"Is that where it is?" Turner asked amusedly.

"Yes--uh, so what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well, I just got a letter from Jim Ross--" Turner began calmly.

"Wait---what? The WWF's Jim Ross?"

"Calm down Eric," Turner began, like a father berating a son, "He had enough respect to tell me up front and wish us luck in competing on Thursdays. You see, they're putting on a new show up against Thunder. Next year. They're calling it Smackdown."

"Oh c'mon--" Bischoff fumed, then calmed upon remembering Turner's tone, "Well they're not gonna find it very easy to compete on Thursdays. We're getting good ratings."

"I know. I like the numbers. So anyway, that's news for you, Eric. Keep up what you're doing. Now, here's the second thing I wanted to tell you. And I think it's more important. Some of your guys called the office. Here."

Bischoff swallowed a bit and grated his teeth at the same time, "They went over my head? Who called you?"

Turner leaned back in his chair in a relaxed fashion, "Well, names arent important, let's just say that I've never heard more disgruntled people in all my time. I dont think I've ever heard of anybody goin over your head before, Eric. Maybe that's a warning sign, huh?"

Bischoff nodded a little, "Well---yeah, you're right. I do plan on making some changes---it's just I'm not sure it'll be good for business. I mean, down at WCW we've got a good thing going. If I go changing things, people might get even more upset."

Turner rubbed his chin and said, "Well Eric, I'll leave the decision up to you. Personally, change can be positive. To be honest with you, changing the attitude of the show might change the attitude of the guys you're always trying to control. That's the kind of thing you should be focusing on, no matter how good the show is. Flex your creative muscle, Eric. "

Bischoff smiled a little and then chuckled, "Good idea---hey Mister Turner, how about YOU make an appearance?"

Turner stared across the table a moment and then said deadpan, "Very funny."

Bischoff tugged at his collar again, "Sorry," he muttered.

Turner stood up and motioned to Bischoff, "Well, we'll see how it goes. Honestly, I thought you'd already have a plan, Eric. You always do."

Bischoff stood up too and felt the meeting come to an end, "I do. I'm going to end the nWo. In one year or less." Bischoff tucked the book away.

"Sounds like a plan," Turner said agreeably.

"Now all I gotta do is tell Hogan..."

"You havent told him?" Turner asked.

"I've told everyone else BUT him..."

"Good luck..."

Bischoff didnt like the sound of that.

wcw/nWo Souled Out part 2

Buff Bagwell & Curt Hennig d Booker T & DDP

The faces came out first, to pep things up a bit. Booker T and DDP came out together, to show that they’re a solid unit. Booker hobbled a bit on that bad leg but wasn’t using a crutch at least. You cant wrestle with a crutch, they say. DDP stood in the ring and demanded Buff Bagwell, literally pointing to him. Buff tagged himself in and charged DDP, allowing the two to lock up. DDP used a quick go-behind to get position, but tasted only elbow for his efforts. Buff pulls DDP’s head under his armpit and locked in a painful looking headlock, then bulldogs him to the mat. Buff rolls him over for a 1-2. DDP worked out of another submission and clobbered Buff with some right hands.

DDP’s offense was ended quickly enough with Buff’s rake to the eyes. Buff tagged in Curt and he went to work on the lower back. Summoning up the power of David Carradine, Curt hit a palm strike to DDP’s kidneys. Curt tagged in and out with Buff, isolating him. Suddenly, someone came out from the back unannounced and everyone stood up to see who it was. MADUSA came out to ringside and looked on while the match continued. She was wearing some mean looking sunglasses.

Curt Hennig was choking DDP on the ropes when he noticed Madusa, allowing Booker to slip free due to the distraction. Hot tag to Booker T got a big pop! Booker T clotheslined Curt and stomped him, then bounced off the ropes but wait----Madusa tripped up Booker T! Booker T went down facefirst, thanks to her interference. Buff used the advantage to drop the elbow to Booker T’s back. DDP exitted the ring and chased Madusa, but was surprised by Curt Hennig, who took him down. Curt and Madusa threw DDP into the guardrail. Meanwhile, in the ring, Booker T reversed an armlock and took down Buff with his patented sidekick. Madusa jumped up on the apron, yelling and screaming. Booker T turned around to address her, but Buff took advantage, rolling up Booker T for the 1-2-3. He was holding the tights! Unbelievable!

After the match, Buff quickly slid out and posed on the outside. Madusa hung all over him like some sort of groupie. The two embraced, smiling and laughing at DDP and Booker T.

Result – Buff Bagwell & Curt Hennig by pin

Match Reaction = 64.2%

Match Quality = 69.0%

Overall Rating = 65.9%

Madusa turned and is now a heel

Lex Luger vs Randy Savage

This match was a grudge match between two old rivals. First out was Lex Luger, to a good response, followed by Randy Savage, with Miss Elizabeth. Luger and Savage stared each other down, then locked up in a test of strength. Luger backed him up all the way to the corner. The referee called for the clean break, but when Luger obliged, Savage raked the face and poked the eye. Savage delivered some kicks downstairs, then some punches upstairs. Savage clotheslined him down and stomped on his hand. While Savage distracted the ref, Miss Elizabeth came over and choked Luger on the ropes.

Savage came over and hauled up Luger, then delivered a snap-suplex. Savage climbed the top rope and tried to deliver a big axe-handle, but missed. Luger kicked Savage and showed momentary offensive life with a belly-to-belly suplex. Miss Elizabeth got up on the ring apron to make a distraction but Luger ignored her. Luger picked up Savage and scoop slammed him down again. He signalled for the rack!

Savage was in the rack but there was no referee. Luger dropped him down and now pointed at Elizabeth. Liz begged off and dropped down, running away. Luger slid out and caught Liz from behind, then turned her around and said something to her in a surprisingly calm way. Savage suddenly attacked from behind! Savage ordered Liz to get a chair, but she wouldn’t! She just stood there. Savage yelled at her, pointing at her threateningly. Savage rolled Luger back in the ring. Savage walked over but Luger was playing possum and hit him squarely in the head, staggering Savage. Luger belted Savage with the Forearm Smash, then lifted him up into the rack! Savage tapped! No one came to help him, not even Liz!

Result - Lex Luger by submission

After the match, Miss Elizabeth slid in to check on Savage, but he erupted in anger. He grabbed her wrist and led her from the ring controllingly.

Match Reaction = 75.4%

Match Quality = 63.4%

Overall Rating = 72.8%

MAIN EVENT: Scott Hall vs. Hollywood Hogan vs. Sting (w/ Larry Zybysko as referee)

Sting’s entrance was actually the longest, but who’s counting. Anyway, Hall pushed Zybysko in the shoulder as he was waiting and smirked at him. Zybysko pointed to his referee shirt and shouted something back. Hogan stood stoically in the other corner, away from Hall and said nothing. When Sting slid into the ring, Hogan attacked, pounding him with fists. With Hall’s help, they threw Sting into the ropes and clotheslined him down. Just as they were showing signs of working together, Hogan cheapshotted Hall from behind and tossed Hall into the turnbuckle headfirst. Hogan pounded Hall’s head into the turnbuckle and then turned around and walked into a Sting right hand.

Sting lifted Hogan and dropped him on the knee. Hogan reversed a whip and clotheslined Sting down. Hall came up behind and raked the back of Hogan, then pounded him with some right hands. Hall unrelentlessly kicked at Hogan, until he was down on the mat. Hogan begged off and scooted into the corner. Sting rose up and charged Hall and Hogan, but Hogan escaped. Sting splashed only Hall in the corner. Sting covered for the 1-2, but Hogan made the save. Hogan elbowed Sting, then picked him up and slammed him down on the mat. Hogan bounced off the ropes to deliver the ledrop, but Hall clobbered him with a clothesline. Hogan and Hall went toe to toe with punches, until Hall went downstairs with a kick. A little too downstairs.

Zybysko stepped in and yelled at Hall, shouting a warning at him. Hall shoved Zybysko and threw him from the ring! Hall taunted him. Sting came up behind Hall and locked in a dragon sleeper, but turned it into a reverse DDT. Hall was tossed! Sting turned and returned to taking on Hogan. On the outside, Zybysko picked up Hall and clobbered him with a right hand! Hall went down in a heap. Suddenly, someone reached out from the ropes and ambushed Zybysko, pulling him down into the guard rail hard. It was Louie Spicolli. Zybysko was out cold!

In the ring, Hogan had regained the advantage and after another low blow, Hogan delivered the legdrop. But there was no referee. Nick Patrick ran down and counted fairly 1……2….kickout! Sting kicked out and now no-sold Hogan’s blows, screaming and yelling as he gained a second wind. Louie Spicolli rolled Hall back into the ring, but that was a mistake. Sting whipped Hogan into the corner and hit the Stinger Splash! Sting hit the Stinger splash on Hall in the opposite corner! Both Hall and Hogan fell down. Suddenly Kevin Nash ran down and pulled Hall from the ring, saving him from further harm.

Sting covered Hogan for the 1-2. Amazingly enough, Hogan kicked out. Hogan clawed away from Sting and called for help from the Outsiders. They walked away! Hall collapsed and Nash ignored Hogan! Sting pulled Hogan back to the middle of the ring and put the boots to Hogan. Sting pointed at Hogan, but Hogan begged off again. Hogan got up and poked Sting’s eye. He removed the belt and went to hit Sting, but Nick Patrick confiscated it! Hogan was livid. Nick Patrick was supposed to be on his side. A groggy Hall broke away from Nash and Spicolli, but Sting knocked him from the apron. Sting turned around and kicked the oncoming Hogan in the gut, then delivered some shoulders in the corner. Sting reared back and delivered the Stinger Splash, then covered for the 1-2-3. The crowd went nuts! The referee presented Sting with the belt.

Sting held the belt up. He was the World Champ.

Result – Sting by pin

Match Reaction = 78.7%

Match Quality = 67.1%

Overall Rating = 72.9%

The End.

Souled Out 1998

from New Orleans, Louisiana

January 24th, 1998

Chris Jericho, Konnan & Brian Adams & Scott Norton vs. Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon, Super Calo & Chavo Guerrero

Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon, Super Calo & Chavo Guerrero came out first. Dragon stared at the camera, then showed a fist and said a few unheard words. Chris Jericho, Scott Norton, Konnan and Brian Adams also came out as a group, with Chris Jericho carrying a steel chair. After showing the chair to the camera, Jericho followed the group to the ring. Scott Norton stood around.

This match was wrestled under Lucha Libre rules, which meant that if one person exitted the ring, another could immediately come in. Jericho started against Chavo Guerrero. They tied up and exchanged chops, then Jericho hip-tossed Chavo. Chavo slid out and Ultimo Dragon jumped the ropes, but walked right into the powerslam. Mysterio went to the top rope and dropkicked Jericho, then rolled out. Calo hit a flying crossbody on Jericho. Jericho kicked out and escaped the ring. Konnan jumped in and exchanged moves with Ultimo Dragon.

Konnan hit a drop kick, but missed a follow-up. Dragon hit a head-scissors takedown, then hit an amazing cork-screw suplex. Konnan was sent straight to the floor. Ultimo Dragon hit a plancha over the top rope and took out Konnan and Jericho both. Norton jumped in the ring with the remaining Super Calo, hitting a huge powerslam on the smaller Calo for a 1-2. Super Calo was whipped so hard, that he fell clean over the ropes. Jericho strutted over to Mysterio and Calo, then put the boots to them on the outside. Norton and Chavo exchanged blows in the ring. Chavo hit a dropkick, knocking Norton backwards over the ropes. It was down to Chavo and Brian Adams. Adams was fresh and ran at Chavo while the chaos continued on the outside. Mysterio and Calo double-teamed Jericho. Adams summoned up the power of Faarooq and hit a devastating clothesline, then hit a sit down powerbomb for the 1-2. Dragon climbed on the apron and hit a surprising top rope dropkick on Adams. Chavo rolled him up for the 1-2-3!!! What an assist.

After the match, Adams went nuts and tried attacking back. Chavo and Dragon helped each other toss Adams out! Dragon kicked Jericho from the apron and baseball slid into Konnan. Chavo and Dragon both then hit a double suicide dive on everyone, except Jericho, who ducked. Jericho took his chair and destroyed everyone, even his own team. Jericho clocked Adams over the head, then Konnan, and then flattened everybody else who was standing. He jumped up and down, having another hissy fit.

Result – Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon, Super Calo & Chavo Guerrero by pin

Match Reaction = 44.6%

Match Quality = 77.4%

Overall Rating = 53.2%

Raven vs. Chris Benoit (Raven's Rules Match)

The first grudge-match of the night was hard-fought. The Flock sat in the crowd, as usual, prompting the announcers to speculate on their involvement later on. Raven took a mic and said a few short words. Raven basically said he doesn’t fear pain, he feeds on it and it is all he lives for. Chris Benoit was then quickly introduced, thankfully.

To be honest, this was a great match, but Raven looked a little slow compared to Benoit. Raven summoned the spirit of Mick Foley and clotheslined himself and Benoit out of the ring, starting the match on the outside. Raven whipped Benoit into the guard rail, then over the steel, ring steps. There wasn’t much offense from Benoit on the outside, with only one reverse of a whip a few minutes in. Raven took a folded chair and tried to use it, but Benoit kicked him in the gut and used the chair against him. Benoit rolled Raven back in the ring, covering for the 1-2.

Benoit turned it up, hitting a snap-suplex, then retrieved the chair and then friggin suplexed Raven on the chair. Benoit set up the chair, but didn’t sit in it---he bulldogged Raven on the chair! The chair was bent. Benoit covered for the 1-2. Raven raked the back, but Benoit worked his way back to dominance and chopped at Raven again. Benoit ripped the shirt off of Raven and chopped the bare chest, over and over. Raven fought back with right hands and threw Benoit out. They fought up the ramp, then fought down the ramp. Raven speared Benoit into the ring apron. Raven grabbed a table out from the ring, but Benoit attacked first. Benoit threw in Raven and tried to lock in the crossface! Raven escaped.

Raven reversed a whip and clotheslined Benoit, then hauled him up and tried to DDT him. Benoit reversed that and hit a northern lights suplex that looked real good, for a 1-2. Loud “Benoit” chants erupted from the crowd. Benoit signalled the match over and went to the top rope! However, Raven disturbed the ropes and then bulldogged Benoit from the top. Raven covered for the 1-2. Raven hauled up Benoit and hit the DDT, but again only got a 1-2. Raven tried for yet another DDT, but Benoit reversed it, knocked Raven down and locked in the crossface. Raven was in the middle of the ring and couldn’t escape. Raven started laughing. He was enjoying it! Raven passed out and Mickey Jay awarded the match to Benoit.

Result – Chris Benoit by submission

After the match, THE FLOCK rushed the ring and attacked both Benoit plus the referee. Kidman and Van Hammer pounded on Benoit, putting the boots to him. Perry Saturn tended to Raven, but suddenly Dean Malenko ran out! He slid in and made the save, knocking down Saturn, Kidman and Van Hammer. Riggs and Sick Boy ran like scared cats. Benoit was able to get up and even the odds, helping Malenko clear the ring. The crowd cheered for both men.

Match Reaction = 71.4%

Match Quality = 86.7%

Overall Rating = 80.1%

Bill Goldberg vs. Arn Anderson

We were shown a video recapping the feud between these two. We were shown Goldberg standing over the fallen Steve McMichael. We were shown Goldberg destroying Greg Valentine, then Davey Boy Smith. This led immediately into Goldberg’s pounding introduction. The camera zoomed in on Goldberg as he emerged from some smoke and pyro on the stage. Arn Anderson came out to a good response. He simply walked to the ring and with little emotion, entered.

Anderson stood in the corner as Goldberg stared him down from afar. Goldberg suddenly charged, but Anderson showed a little quickness and sidestepped at his age. Anderson kicked and then pounded Goldberg in the back as he was squarely trapped against the turnbuckle. Goldberg elbowed Anderson and then turned up the energy level, colliding a flurry of punches with Arn’s jaw. Goldberg picked up Anderson and pressed him over his head, then threw him down like a rag doll. Anderson used the ropes to claw to his feet, not giving up. Goldberg pounded some forearms into the back of Anderson, each one devastatingly reagravating Arn’s injury from earlier in the year.

Suddenly, STEVE MCMICHAEL ran down to ringside! He was out to help his Four Horseman friend! He climbed up on the ring apron and distracted the referee. Goldberg got up from the mat and stalked over to McMichael, arguing with him. McMichael dropped down to let the match continue, but slipped a foreign object into his hand. Brass knucks! The referee didn’t see them. Goldberg walks into a straight right hand by Anderson, but they were reversed. McMichael tried to coordinate with Anderson and jumped on the apron again. What was he doing now?? Anderson reversed an irish whip but McMichael didn’t use the brass knucks on Goldberg! McMichael started laughing at Anderson and just dropped down to let the match continue. Goldberg and Anderson went toe to toe, exchanging blows, but Goldberg’s strength was just too much. Goldberg kicked Anderson in the gut hard, then delivered the jackhammer for the 1-2-3. McMichael screwed Anderson.

Result – Bill Goldberg by pin

McMichael laughed arrogantly and slid in, to help put the boots to Arn Anderson. He was directing traffic. Goldberg hit the jackhammer on Anderson, then tossed him from the ring. Goldberg had a sick, twisted smile on his face as he shook hands with McMichael.

McMichael took a mic and laughed, “Arn Anderson! You think I need some stale group of old men to keep me in the spotlight? Huh? Well I don’t need the Horsemen legacy anymore. I got myself a legitimate threat now and I just proved that Steve McMichael was better than Arn Anderson! That threat is BILL GOLDBERG! The monster that just destroyed you. You got out of here easy, Arn Anderson. Some others…WON’T BE...so lucky! Hahaha!!”

Match Reaction = 73.8%

Match Quality = 61.8%

Overall Rating = 65.7%

Steve McMichael turned and is now a heel

Dean Malenko. vs. Eddie Guerrero for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship

Eddie Guerrero comes out, smiling arrogantly and looks quite cocky. He takes off the belt and raises it himself, mouthing the words that he’s the man. The icy, unemotional Dean Malenko came out and slid into the ring. Malenko and Eddie immediately locked up, jockying for position. Malenko used a go-behind to gain leverage and take down Eddie in an amateur wrestling type way. Malenko quickly locked on a front-face lock and then turned that around into an armbar submission.

Eddie worked out and whipped Malenko off the ropes, then hit him straight on with a dropkick. He went to the top and hit a flying crossbody for a 1-2. Eddie clotheslined Dean from the ring and the match spilled out onto the outside. Malenko tried to push Eddie into the guard rail, but Eddie raised the leg and hit a low blow. Eddie rolled in Malenko and went to lock on a figure-four, but Malenko grabbed the ropes. Eddie walked over and put his boot on Malenko’s neck, until the referee forced him to break the choke.

Eddie hit a series of suplexes on Malenko, but the last of three was reversed into a victory roll for a close 1-2. Eddie pinned him again and put his feet up on the ropes for leverage, but still got a 1-2. Eddie did it again and got caught by the ref. What a cheater! While Eddie argued with the ref, Malenko recovered and used his second wind to duck a clothesline. Malenko bounced off the ropes and hit a dropkick right on Eddie’s knee. Eddie went down in a heap. Malenko signalled for the end, walked over and locked in the Texas Cloverleaf. Eddie reached for the ropes but couldn’t make it. Eddie tapped out.

Result – Dean Malenko – NEW Cruiserweight Champion

Match Reaction = 72.2%

Match Quality = 81.2%

Overall Rating = 81.7%

Kevin Nash vs. The Giant

Nash came out first and smiled confidently to the camera. No Scott Hall in sight. Nash slid into the ring and leaned against the ring ropes. The Giant came out next and stood outside for a moment, yelling something up at Nash. The Giant slid into the ring and Nash immediately attacked, putting the boots to the big man. However, The Giant couldn’t be kept down and reared up to his feet despite the blows. He grabbed Nash by the throat, then tossed him into the corner. The crowd was really into this match by this point. The Giant ripped Nash’s tights and slapped him across the bare chest with his big paw.

Nash knee’d him in the gut. Nash pummelled him with forearms, elbows and for a few minutes, tried to knock him off his feet with some clotheslines. Nothing was working. Nash bailed to the outside and looked to the back, but no help came. The Giant suddenly came out and the brawl erupted on the outside. Nash ducked a clothesline and pushed Giant into the steel ringpost. Nash picked up the steps and dropped him on the leg of the fallen Giant.

Nash climbed back into the ring and waited for the count-out. Unbelievably, The Giant scratched and clawed back to his feet and into the ring again. Nash had just about enough of his and signalled for the Powerbomb! He tried to hoist The Giant up but couldn’t! He was too big. The Giant reared up and clobbered Nash with a big right hand, then grabbed him by the neck. He signalled by the chokeslam. Suddenly, Scott Hall came running out to ringside with a chair, sliding in. He looked at The Giant, then looked at his good buddy, then reared back and smacked the crap outta the Giant. The ref called for the bell but Hall tossed him out. Hall smacked The Giant down until he could push him out of the ring. Nash shook off his grogginess and looked up, seeing Hall there. The two friends shook hands, putting their differences behind them. The Giant lurched back into the ring with a second wind, but The Outsiders bailed.

Result – The Giant by DQ

Match Reaction = 74.5%

Match Quality = 60.3%

Overall Rating = 71.4%

Bret Hart vs Ric Flair

Bret Hart came out first, dressed to the nines. It’s like he was sucked up out of the WWF and placed in WCW without any changes. Hart gave his glasses to a kid at ringside. Ric Flair, on the other hand, came out with two lovely ladies. They took off his robe at ringside and then proceeded to the back. Afterward, Flair was so pleased with himself, he smiled and motioned to himself then went WOO!

In the ring, Hart and Flair stared each other down. Hart raised his hand and Flair obliged by locking fingers. Hart won the test of strength and wrenched the hand and arm of Flair, then kicked him in the gut and sent him down. Hart stomped on Flair, then bounced off the ropes and delivered a knee to the midsection. Flair used the ropes to get up and pulled them down as Hart charged, pushing him out over the top. Flair jumped from the apron and delivered an axe-handle to the back, then rolled him back in. It was time for Flair to dominate and he worked the leg in an attempt to limit Hart’s mobility, kicking at it and dropping the elbow on it. Flair strutted and went WOO!

After another strut, Flair went to the top again, but Hart expectantly caught him in the gut with a punch and tossed him from the turnbuckle flat on his back. Hart covered for the 1-2. After a few more minutes of jockying for position, Hart again regained the advantage. Hart pulled Flair to the corner and looked to be going for a figure-four around the ring post, the same move that Flair used to devastate Jim Neidhart. He locked it in, but the referee forced an early break. Hart walked over and right into a victory roll for a close 1-2. Hart reversed and got a 1-2. Flair reversed that and got himself a 1-2. Hart kicked out. After more jockying for position, Hart and Flair went toe to toe, slapping each other across the chest. Back and forth it went, for at least ten minutes. Hart then kicked down Flair, pulled down the strap off his shoulder and raised his fist to the crowd. They cheered him.

Hart kicked at the leg of Flair, then tried to lock in the sharpshooter. Flair rolled around and tried to not let him lock it in. Hart overpowered him and locked in the sharpshooter. Flair screamed in pain, over and over. He reached for the ropes and got them! Hart pulled him away and back to the middle of the ring. What an amazing show of strength. Flair again clawed toward the ropes but couldn’t make it. Flair tapped. What a great match.

Result – Bret Hart by submission.

After the match, Flair didn’t lay in the ring for very long, instead hobbled up to his feet and tried to show that he was still strong. Flair whinced in pain. Hart put his hands on his hips, looked at Flair, then offered his hand! Flair looked at Hart a moment, then stepped forward and they shook hands. Hart raised Flair’s hand. They walked out together, showing the respect they now shared.

Match Reaction = 83.6%

Match Quality = 84.0%

Overall Rating = 89.2%

end of part 1

wcw/nWo Souled Out pre-show

January 24th, 1998

WCW WorldWide

Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart beat Brian Adams and Scott Norton (56.9%)

Perry Saturn beat Bobby Eaton (68.9%)

Interview with Chris Benoit (41.1%)

Scott Steiner beat Disco Inferno (56.7%)

Tony Schiavone and "The Brain" Bobby Heenan thanked everyone for watching WorldWide and hyped the pay per view by going over each match in turn.

Chris Jericho, Konnan & Brian Adams & Scott Norton vs. Rey Mysterio, Ultimo Dragon, Super Calo & Chavo Guerrero (8-Man Lucha Rules Match)

Jericho was dubbed "the whiner" by the announcers. Clips were shown of Jericho laughing when Mysterio was hurt by Konnan's group. Mysterio returns to action here, gunning for Jericho. Konnan looks to be establishing a posse all his own, especially with new friend, Brian Adams.

Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Title

This cruiserweight match will be for the Cruiserweight Title. The announcers said to expect techinical action from both men. Clips were shown of the aftermatch brawl between Eddie and Malenko. Close up on the Iceman Dean Malenko's cold, hard stare.

Raven vs. Chris Benoit (Raven's Rules Match)

Raven used his Flock to try to weaken Benoit for months, ducking him until now. Raven agreed to meet Benoit for real this time, but only in a Raven's rules match. No DQ and nearly anything goes here. Expect a vicious contest.

DDP & Booker T vs. Buff Bagwell & Curt Hennig

DDP and Booker T have a new friendship and Buff wants gold. Buff and friend Curt Hennig look to take down their new targets in order to take the next step up the ladder in WCW.

Bill Goldberg vs. Arn Anderson

Bill Goldberg has a change in attitude, to a vicious monster. He's injured Steve McMichael, Greg Valentine and Davey Boy Smith. Anderson wouldnt stand for that, so challenged Goldberg. Will Anderson be next? The announcers reminded everyone that Anderson has a bad back and is not an active competitor.

Ric Flair vs. Bret Hart

This is the battle to see who is "The Man" in WCW. Hart looks to make an impact in his first ppv match, against the dirtiest player in the game. Both men are going to give it their all in order to best the other.

Lex Luger vs. Randy Savage

This is a grudge match between two men who've hated each other for years. Luger hates Savage and Savage hates Luger. There's no way to predict this one, as it is more personal than any match on the card.

Kevin Nash vs. The Giant

Kevin Nash has guaranteed this match, but seems to be caught up in the middle of problems within the nWo. Will anyone come out to help Nash? Even his pal Scott Hall seems to be out for himself. The favorite has to be The Giant, thanks to this conflict.

Scott Hall vs. Hollywood Hogan vs. Sting for the vacant World Title (w/Zybysko as ref)

The belt was held up thanks to the screwy Starrcade 1997 match. However, Roddy Piper saved the day and lumped all loose ends into one match, to end all matches. This match will crown the WCW World Champion, a man who will undoubtedly lead WCW into the future. If that man is Hollywood Hogan, the nWo could become more powerful than ever. The winner of World War 3, Scott Hall is the wild card in this match.

A preliminary poster for Superbrawl VIII was revealed:

wcw/nWo Souled Out....next....!