Mello_Fox

WCW Monday Nitro

January 3rd, 2000

The first Monday Nitro of the "New Millenium" begins here tonight as the pyro explodes and we see clips of various World Championship Wrestling Superstars posing, fighting, or talking. We then cut to the announce booth who say they have two huge announcements. The first is our Main Event, which is Randy Savage taking on Ric Flair. The second announcement is that Bret Hart, the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, has announced his retirement from the ring. He will be here tonight to let everyone know what he plans on doing with his title. Before anything else can happen, the Extreme Championship Wrestling theme plays over the loudspeaker. The fans give it a mixed reaction. Some are aware of the buyout and some seem to be totally confused. A short, fat man with a ponytail walks out from the back wearing a plain, black hat that says "ECW" on it. He walks with a swagger towards the ring. He already has a microphone in hand.

Paul Heyman - Let me have everyone's attention for just a few moments. I am here to make the single biggest announcement in the history of wrestling! You all come here each week to see your stars. To see Sting, Hulk Hogan, Goldberg...well, that is all about to change. I won't take anything away from those guys, they are good. But I am here to introduce you to some people that are GREAT. An entire different group of guys that maybe some of you haven't heard of, but most of you have. It all began in Philadelphia. It was just a dream to be the biggest and best. Well, the dream was Extreme Championship Wrestling. It wasn't too much, but it did its job. ECW was going somewhere. Until I get a call. I get a request to have just some of these stars hop onto the WCW roster. Well, I couldn't do that. I knew what was best for me...and what was best for my wrestlers. So, I made a deal with the man upstairs, Ted Turner. I told Teddy we had a deal, if I could get some control of WCW. He was real reluctant at first, that's for sure. But with a guy like me, he really couldn't resist. So, I'm here to introduce you all to a new form of wrestling - the ECW form of wrestling! Tonight, you might not know some of these guys. But I can guarantee that you will go home with names like Rob Van Dam, Rhino, Sabu, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, and Jerry Lynn on your minds. And that's all you'll think about...all your care about. These guys are the legends of Extreme! And you all owe me nothing but grattitude. Because, honestly, you guys probably don't deserve half of these wrestlers. But I am here...not for you, but for me! And for every wrestler that has ever stepped foot in the ECW Arena! So...how exactly do I plan on making an impact? It's quite simple. You see, I have some booking power here in WCW, and I have a major match to make. Now, of course, everyone knows the Main Event is Ric Flair versus Randy Savage, and that's not going to change. But I have another huge match to make right here tonight! Tonight, two of my brightest stars will take on two of WCW's top performers. In one corner, we will have Rob Van Dam and Sabu......and they will take on......The Outsiders, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash! And if you think that is the only major thing happenning tonight, you are wrong. I want to warn everyone, if you aren't ready for Extreme, you might want to leave, because tonight is the first night of the ECW Revolution!

Paul Heyman now walks off to the back, leaving half of the fans in anticipation and the other half in worry over how things will turn out. He finally exits the view of the audience and we are then given Madusa's music as the WCW Cruiserweight Championship walks out from the back.

Crowd Reaction - 86%

Paul Heyman gained overness from this segment.

Triangle Matchup

WCW Cruiserweight Championship

Madusa © Vs. Super Crazy Vs. Yoshihiro Tajiri

Madusa is out first and she stands in the ring waiting on her opponents. Next out is an unfamiliar wrestler. It is the first glimpse of ECW on WCW television! Yoshihiro Tajiri comes out and he immediately starts yelling at some of the fans. This Japanese wrestler is strange in appearance to most passive fans, but he is sure to wow them once this matchup starts.

Super Crazy is the third and final competitor out. He gets the fans on his side by slapping some hands on the way down and showing a lot of charisma as he makes his way to the ring. The announcers point out that Super Crazy and Yoshihiro Tajiri know each other pretty well from ECW and that they have had some classic encounters. Maybe this match will show everyone what Extreme Championship Wrestling is all about?

The bell rings as the announcers point out that this is an Elimination Match so there will be two pinfalls. Super Crazy starts off going after Tajiri, but it doesn't last long. Yoshihiro Tajiri soon gets advantage on Super Crazy, eventually sending him to the outside of the ring. This leaves Tajiri and Madusa, who looks shocked, scared, nervous, and about everything else. She comes running at Tajiri and gets a huge kick to the gut. After bending over, she gets a kick to the back of the head. Tajiri looks like a hawk stalking his prey.

Before Tajiri can really dish out any punishment, Super Crazy is back in the ring and he hits a big dropkick on Tajiri. Tajiri rolls to the outside, and Crazy hits a baseball slide, sending Tajiri into the railing. Madusa then tries to attack Super Crazy from behind, but she gets bodyslammed for her troubles. Crazy follows this up with a trip to the top and hits a moonsault on Madusa that gets the fans into it. He stays on top to make the pin and eliminate Madusa in the process!

Tajiri is now back in the ring and these two go at it for a good amount of time. Neither of them can get much of an advantage until Tajiri hits a low blow on Super Crazy that actually gets some of the fans into the match. Tajiri then keeps Super Crazy down for a good amount of the match. But this couldn't last forever as Super Crazy ducks a clothesline and comes back with a flying crossbody. Crazy then goes to the top and hits a huge splash on Tajiri. He makes a pin, but Tajiri reverses it for a two count. Super Crazy then bounces off the ropes as Tajiri gets up and hits a hurricanrana that takes him right back down.

Super Crazy waits for Yoshihiro Tajiri to get back up and attempts another hurricanrana, but Tajiri reverses this and we see him somehow turn this into the Tarantula maneuver that uses the ropes. The referee breaks it up after about eight seconds. Super Crazy is down and Tajiri measures him up. He tosses him into the corner and hangs him upside down on the turnbuckle. He comes sliding in and hits him right in the jaw with his feet. Super Crazy rolls off and tries to stand up only to get the Kick of Death! Tajiri makes the pin and gets the three count to win the WCW Cruiserweight Championship!

Crowd Reaction - 55%

Match Quality - 74%

Overall Rating - 57%

Super Crazy debuted his new gimmick, it got a positive response.

The Beast!!

We now cut to the back where we see a huge group of security guards holding back two men who are attempting to brawl. One man is cleary Randy Savage, The Macho Man! He is shouting and yelling at the other one who is someone new. Those ECW fans would recognize him as Rhino! The announcers are begging for answers and make a big deal out of finally getting some information on how this occurred. We are still watching security hold back The Macho Man and Rhino as the announcers say that this somehow occurred because Savage accussed Rhino and the ECW wrestlers as being the small-time players that try to make it in the big time and fail miserably. Apparently, Rhino took some offense to this and wanted to show Savage just how "small-time" he was. We cut to the ring as the brawl finally dies down.

Crowd Reaction - 75%

Tag Team Matchup

WCW Tag Team Championship

Harlem Heat 2K Vs. The Filthy Animals

Harlem Heat 2K's music starts up as Stevie Ray and Big T make their way to the ring. The announcers point out that the Tag Team Titles have been vacated and we want to crown a new championship team tonight. Stevie Ray and Big T get hardly any heat but no one seems to be cheering them. They yell at some of the fans ringside as they finally get in the ring and await their opponents.

Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio, Jr. are out to a decent reaction, but nothing special. Misterio looks fired up and Kidman looks...well...like Kidman. They get in the ring as Misterio attempts to get the fans interested. Kidman starts out against Big T as the bell rings to start the match.

Kidman tries to fight Big T, but he can't get much offense in. This is a shame, too, as Big T uses his very basic brawling skills to keep Kidman down. For about two minutes, we see Kidman on the recieving end of the punishment. Finally, Kidman makes the tag and a hot Rey Misterio comes flying into the ring, bringing some charisma and speed to the matchup. Misterio goes right at Big T and eventually makes him tag out to Stevie Ray. Misterio goes against this bigger man with no fear, hitting some dropkicks to his knees to slow him down. He even hits a Springboard Moonsault to get a close two count.

The match is actually becoming interesting when we see two strange figures coming down to the ring. One is dressed in some red tights and the other is wearing blue jean shorts. The one wearing red tights looks clean cut while the other is bald and looks a little tougher. They get in the ring and go straight after both people there. Each hits a Superkick at the same time, one on Stevie Ray and the other on Rey Misterio, Jr. Kidman and Big T try to come in, but they get Superkicks as well. Misterio tries to come back in from the top rope, but he is caught by the man in blue jeans. His partner lifts him up and they hit a double-powerbomb on the fearless cruiserweight. They are actually getting some heat now as they finally clear the ring and all four of the match's competitors lay out on the outside.

Crowd Reaction - 67%

Match Quality - 69%

Overall Rating - 61%

Making An Impact!!

The two new wrestlers stay in the ring and get a microphone. By now, those ECW fans will know these two wrestlers as Justin Credible and Lance Storm, The Impact Players!

Justin Credible - W-C-W. What a place, huh? I've spent some time in here. And I was smart, I left! World Championship Wrestling is a place for those people to sell-out. This is a place for those who don't know what real wrestling is. You can come here, pull some strings, and get World Title shots. That's ridiculous! And that ain't gonna happen no more. Because we got Paul Heyman, and we got some power. So, Lance, what should we do? We have everything we need.

Lance Storm - I have one idea. How about we get our titles on Thunder? We can talk to Paul and make it an open invitation to any and all tag teams that want to try to beat the best in the business. And that is what we are. So, in just a couple of days the challenge will go out.

Justin Credible - But Lance, I really doubt anyone will show up. Look at us? These people might actually know who we are.

Lance Storm - Well, we can only hope that they do not know of us. If they know our history, they probably won't want to get in the ring with us. But if they have no clue who we are, they will ignorantly step into the ring on Thunder. Either way, we will walk out the WCW Tag Team Champions.

With that, we head to a commercial as some of the fans are actually starting to show interest in the ECW product by booing The Impact Players.

Crowd Reaction - 69%

[[[COMMERCIAL]]]

World Title - Vacated!!

We come back to Nitro to hear Bret Hart's music and see the World Heavyweight Champion make his way down to the ring. He is holding his strap on his shoulder and the fans get on to him a good bit as he slowly walks to the ring, wearing his leather jacket. He gets in the ring and is handed a microphone.

Bret Hart - Ya know...tonight may be the hardest day of my life. Honestly, I have given my entire life to this sport and it is so hard to come out here knowing that when I leave, I will be done. Love me or hate me, I ask that you all respect me right now. Coming into WCW, I was like a goldfish being fed to the sharks. I had no clue if I could really stand up and be something in this company. But I think I proved to myself and everyone else that I could. I attained my highest goal, the World Heavyweight Championship. You people might not know, but that is one of the greatest feelings I've ever had. But it has come at a price. Sometimes waking up in the morning is painful. It's painful to wrestle. It's painful to sleep at night and play with my kids. And I have to look at the grand scheme of things and realize that this isn't worth it. I want to be the father that can play with his kids. The way things are going, it isn't going to be like that. So, I have to look at the big picture. And what a better way to go out, on top of the business...I would like to vacate my World Heavyweight Championship. I think it is best for me...no, I know that this is for the best. And as of today, I am officially done with wrestling.

As if on cue, Chris Benoit's music starts and the fans erupt. They give him a great reaction as he walks into the ring.

Chris Benoit - Bret, I just want to say that I think you are making a mistake. After your entire career, I think I know you well enough to say that you aren't a quitter. You aren't the kind of guy that gives up something. You want to win or lose, nothing in the middle. And I want to give you that chance. So, how about instead of just giving up that title, you lose that title to me this month. Sin is coming up and I'm challenging you for a match. You are welcome to retire after losing that belt to me.

Bret Hart looks a little shocked at this, but the fans react with applause and cheer Benoit for his bravery.

Bret Hart - Chris, you really don't understand. You are just like me. You want to get out there and compete. But I can't handle that burden anymore. I really have to just give it up. You can try to win it from someone else.

Chris Benoit - So that's it? Maybe you don't understand, Bret. These fans want to see me and you in the ring one last time. Why do you think these fans tune in every night? Because of guys like me and you. We are the reasons people tune in every Monday night. We make Monday night wrestling. And it really hurts me to see you just walk away. You might not have the guts to continue, but I will be here for the fans every Monday night to show them grattitude for paying to see me.

Bret Hart - I really wish I could, Chris...but it just isn't possible.

With that, Bret drops the mic and walks to the back. He looks a little pained to be doing this, but the fans actually give him a great ovation even after the past where he hasn't been a fan-favorite. Benoit just stands in the ring, watching him walk to the back. After Bret disappears to the curtains, Benoit walks the same path to the back.

Crowd Reaction - 87%

Singles Matchup

Tommy Dreamer Vs. Terry Funk

We are then given Terry Funk's music as he makes his way to the ring. The fans react just a little less than they did with Benoit/Hart. He shows a bit of charisma, but the wear and tear on his body is evident. He makes his way to the ring and waits for Tommy Dreamer. When Dreamer's music starts, the fans give him a mixed reaction. He walks with a serious look to the ring. He stands across from Funk and looks at him for a bit. The announcers point out that these two are very close personally and that Dreamer views Funk as a father figure. Dreamer extends his hand to Funk, who takes it! The bell then rings to start the match.

These two lockup immediately and any friendship is now turned into a willingness to fight and show up each other. These two put on a pretty good brawling match, but it is nothing compared to what they could be doing in ECW right now. Just remember, TNT won't allow the bloody battles ECW is used to putting on. The match is getting hot and the fans are actually showing appreciation for their brawling abilities, something passive fans don't do too much.

The end of the match comes when Dreamer looks to be on top. He has a Dragon Sleeper applied, but Funk battles his way out of it. Dreamer then bounces off the ropes only to recieve a clothesline from Funk. Funk then picks him up and hits a vicious backbreaker. He waits for Tommy Dreamer to get up and then hits a huge DDT that plants Dreamer to the canvas. He makes the pin and gets the three count. After the match, Funk helps Dreamer up and hugs him. The camera shows Funk saying "Welcome to WCW" as they hug. Dreamer holds up Funk's hand before they both exit to the back.

Crowd Reaction - 68%

Match Quality - 71%

Overall Rating - 62%

Tag Team Matchup

Rob Van Dam & Sabu Vs. The Outsiders

The ECW theme starts up after Dreamer and Funk leave and out comes Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and Bill Alfonso. The manager, Bill Alfonso, blows his whistle and looks pretty excited to be there, but he is always like that. Sabu looks all business and Van Dam plays to the crowd a bit, doing his fingerpoint as some of the fans chant "R-V-D" on cue. They make their way to the ring and both competitors stretch themselves on the ropes as they await The Outsiders.

The legendary tag team of The Outsiders comes out and Hall and Nash look pretty cocky. Hall does his strut to the ring as Nash fixes his hair a bit. They look to have no worries at all. They get in the ring and do some finger-pointing of their own, except this is directed at the two wrestlers across from them. Hall is in first against Sabu as the bell rings.

Sabu and Hall get close to each other, and Hall does his famous toothpick flicking into Sabu's face. This sets off Sabu, who was just looking for a reason to explode. He goes right at Hall and really has him on the ropes. Hall can't get any offense in at first as Sabu delivers some of his great moves including a handspring elbow that gets the fans into the match a bit more. After Hall gets a decent beating from Sabu, Nash is tagged in and the fans are up to see this.

Kevin Nash toys around with Sabu to start, hitting a Big Boot and a decent clothesline. Sabu is down after selling the moves pretty well. Nash stomps on him for a bit and it looks like trouble for the former ECW star. Nash then bodyslams him and tags in Hall.

Hall continues the beating of Sabu. Sabu has multiple attempts to make the hot tag to Van Dam, but Hall cuts him off. This continues for a good amount of time with Hall and Nash switching a couple of times. Finally, Kevin Nash is in and Sabu is really hurt. After getting thrown into the corner, Sabu makes one last effort to tag in Van Dam. Van Dam is in and the fans are in anticipation. Van Dam looks at Nash for a bit, and then turns around. He nails a dropkick on Sabu, who is already in pain.

The crowd erupts in boos as we see Sabu get a vicious beatdown from the three superstars. Van Dam tosses Sabu to Nash as Hall goes to the outside for a chair. Nash hits the Jacknife Powerbomb as Bill Alfonso screams at the three men from the outside, afraid to get involved for his own safety. Hall gives RVD the chair and Van Dam proceeds to hit his famous Van Daminator! The fans are really onto these three guys, but the boos turn to cheers as two wrestlers come running from the back.

Crowd Reaction - 74%

Match Quality - 72%

Overall Rating - 65%

Rob Van Dam's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Rob Van Dam gained overness from this turn.

Sandman/Lynn To The....Rescue!?!

The Sandman and Jerry Lynn of ECW come running down to the ring on a mission! Sandman is wielding his trusty Singapore Cane! They get in the ring and Hall, Nash, and Van Dam all slide to the outside. This leaves The Sandman and Jerry Lynn to look at the hurt Sabu. Jerry Lynn helps him up and Sabu can barely stand on his own. Sandman and Lynn yell at the three wrestlers on the outside, but this changes quickly. The Sandman turns around and cracks Sabu in the head with his Singapore Cane! The fans erupt once again, but this time it is even louder! Jerry Lynn then hits the Tornado DDT on Sabu and he is busted open! Finally, these two wrestlers exit the ring and walk to the back with RVD and The Outsiders, leaving Bill Alfonso in the ring looking after his client as we head to a commercial break.

Crowd Reaction - 71%

Kevin Nash lost overness from this segment. Scott Hall lost overness from this segment. Jerry Lynn's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Jerry Lynn gained overness from this turn. Sandman's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Sandman gained overness from this turn.

[[[COMMERCIAL]]]

Benoit Attacked!!

We get back from the break to a still frame of Chris Benoit walking in the back, wearing the same clothing he was during the Bret Hart retirement segment. "During the Break" is written on the bottom of the screen. The scene starts to play and we see Benoit walking around. Suddenly, he gets a chair to the face. It is Rob Van Dam! With him is The Outsiders. Van Dam beats down on Benoit with the chair some more and he stands over the almost lifeless body. He does the "R-V-D" fingerpoint and then speaks.

Rob Van Dam - Dude, you think you are the reason people tune in every Monday night? I'm the Whole F'N Show! I'm Rob-Van-Dam! I'm Mr. Monday Night! Not you! Remember that!

He delivers one more chairshot to the back as Benoit lies there, motionless. The three wrestlers walk off as Nash and Hall laugh and point at Benoit.

Crowd Reaction - 71%

Chris Benoit lost overness from this segment.

MAIN EVENT

Singles Matchup

Randy Savage Vs. Ric Flair

Ric Flair is out first to the 4 Horsemen music. He gets a loud reaction from the fans who boo him with no mercy. He knows exactly how to play it, too. He gets them even louder as he walks to the ring and waits for The Macho Man.

Savage comes out with Miss Elizabeth and the fans are immediately behind him. Elizabeth shows him off to everyone as he does his usual entrance movements. He gets into the ring quickly and we start this match off as Miss Elizabeth looks on from the outside.

Savage takes it to Flair first. He hits some boring punches and slams, nothing too special. But Flair turns it up when he gets on offense. He hits his usual move on the turnbuckle where he flies to the outside part of the canvas. He then recieves a huge elbow from Savage, taking him down to the outside. Savage follows him out and looks to hit him, but Flair hides behind Miss Elizabeth. Savage shakes his head as Flair runs back into the ring. Flair then stomps on Savage as he follows him in. The Nature Boy is hot now and does his "Woooo" to the crowd. He gets a few "Woooo"'s back from his loyal fans.

Savage and Flair have a pretty basic brawling matchup for the remainder of the match. Savage finally is able to get back in his groove and goes to the top to attempt his Flying Elbow Smash. But someone is coming from the back, and Savage sees him from the top rope. It is Rhino! The announcers point out that these two had a confrontation earlier tonight, so no one knows what is going to happen. Rhino comes down to ringside and is way too close to Miss Elizabeth! Savage points at him and begins to yell at him. He then signals for him to get to the back.

Rhino just nods at Savage as Flair is still down in the ring. He turns to walk away, but how exciting would it be if he just left? He then stops and turns around. He launches himself at Miss Elizabeth and nails a spear, which the announcers point out is called the Gore! Fans are going nuts right now as Savage gets down. Rhino stares at the downed body of Miss Elizabeth as Flair hits a low blow on Savage. Savage falls down and Flair locks in the Figure Four Leglock! Savage immediately taps out as Rhino makes his way to the ring.

Savage is rolling around in pain attempting to get up. And when he does, he, too, falls victim to the Gore from Rhino. Flair celebrates for a bit and makes his way to the back as we go off the air with Rhino staring at Randy Savage as he rolls around in pain, selling the Gore very well.

Crowd Reaction - 91%

Match Quality - 66%

Overall Rating - 74%

OVERALL WCW MONDAY NITRO RATING - 71%

The world of wrestling was definitely at war. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was firmly on top of the North American industry. With such superstars as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, and Mick Foley, the WWF was a force to be reckoned with. Owned by Vincent K. McMahon, the company stood atop the Monday Night War battles and was not looking back.

World Championship Wrestling (WCW), owned by Ted Turner, was the other major player in the wrestling business. It was headlined by wrestlers like Bret Hart, Sting, Goldberg, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair. The WCW was plagued by backstage politics and issues, but it would come to a complete turn-around as the new millenium approached. January 1st, 2000 would prove to be a turning point in not only WCW's history, but wrestling's history....

January 1st, 2000 - Ted Turner calls a press conference in Atlanta, Georgia with news of a major announcement that will shock and aid the world of wrestling! The transcript from the press conference was released today.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me here today.  I have major news that should prove to be a turning point in the history of World Championship Wrestling.  It is no secret that the World Wrestling Federation has been dominating the Monday Night viewing audiences.  Also, the WWF's Pay-Per-Views have had much more success lately than we have.  But as the owner of WCW, I have taken it upon myself to make a drastic change.  Things have not been going nearly as well as they should be lately.  I have approached this with an open mind.  I am not only looking out for the business side of the company, but also the fans and what they would like to see.  I have indeed done a huge change that will hopefully renew interest in the World Championship Wrestling product and shake up the wrestling industry just a bit.  This change began about three months ago, when I began getting in contact with various wrestling promoters across the United States.  There were plenty of deals that fell through, but I did manage to make a deal with one of the major promoters in the US.  Paul Heyman, of Extreme Championship Wrestling, gave me a chance and listened to what I had to say.  This business venture could be the biggest in the history of wrestling.  Basically, I have completed a buyout of Extreme Championship Wrestling and its wrestlers.  But, I have also given a good amount of control to Paul Heyman, the former promoter.  He will have a major say in the storylines, angles, and gimmicks in the new World Championship Wrestling.  There have been a great deal of ECW wrestlers who were signed to WCW contracts, but some have decided not to take part in the New Era of WCW.  I would like to invite everyone here and around the United States to tune in to WCW to see the New Millenium of WCW!"

WCW Purchases ECW!!

Today, it was announced that WCW has purchased the rights to the ECW name, logos, wrestlers, and more!  The roster of WCW has grown quite a bit as many of the former ECW wrestlers have joined up with WCW.  But some have decided to stay on the independent scene.  Below is a list of wrestlers who are still available for independent bookings after the WCW/ECW merger :

Balls Mahoney

Bilvis Wesley

Elektra

Jack Victory

Jason

Judge Jeff Jones

Lou E. Dangerously

Roadkill

Scotty Anton

Spanish Angel

Tony DeVito

Vic Grimes

The World Championship Wrestling offices were not available for questions regarding the future storylines of the company itself, but many believe that the past storylines will be scrapped to make way for what is now being called The New Millenium of World Championship Wrestling!  It all begins Monday on Nitro at 8:00 PM!

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A little note from the author - Hope none of yall are too sad that the WWF 2000 Comedy Diary won't be continuing. I was already having second thoughts about it and the board switch didn't really help. I'm sure it won't be missed too much, and hopefully everybody will give this one a chance. Might give out a roster, or I might go straight to Nitro. Either way, I hope you enjoy and comments are always welcome.