WCW in '99- Fixing a Hole (repost)

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, April 22nd:

Thunder!

*As we fade in, scenes from this past Monday's Nitro flash across the screen to a hard rock soundtrack. We see images of all of the men who will be wrestling at the upcoming PPV, Spring Stampede, focusing especially on the members of the main event 6-man tag team match. The final shot of the video shows Raven pulling himself slowly off of the canvas, a sick smile spread across his face as he stares at his adversary, World Champion Goldberg*

*As the PYRO! hits, the cameras zoom back and forth across the screaming crowd of 10,047 before finally settling in on our ringside announcers, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and " The Bull of tha woods, if ya weeeeeellllll" Dusty Rhodes. The two talk briefly about what went down on Nitro this week, also running down the card for the evening. With that settled, Tenay throws us to the ring for our first match of the evening*

**Chris Daniels vs. Chavo Guerrero, Jr.**

As both men come down to he ring, Tenay reveals that Daniels asked for a match tonight in order to gain momentum going into his match at the PPV against Kurt Angle. As the match begins, the two men exchange holds on the mat before switching to a more high-flying style of attack. After several minutes of this action, none other than Kurt Angle comes sneaking down the aisle, with a chair in hand. As Chavo goes to whip Daniels into the ropes, Angle swings, trying to nail Daniels in the back. Unfortunately for Angle, Daniels reverses the whip, causing the chair to slam into Chavo's back. This gives Daniels a chance to pick Chavo up with the Double Underhook Powerbomb, covering him afterwards for the victory.

*As soon as the referee counts three, Daniels slides out of the ring, just in time to avoid Angle charging in with the chair in hand. As Angle yells after Daniels, Daniels simply points to his head, and as the camera focuses in on him, yells at him "I'll see you at Spring Stampede"*

(85/79/92; ***1/2)

Tenay and Rhodes discuss how Daniels managed to outsmart Angle this time, but as Tenay puts it " I doubt Kurt Angle is going to let that happen again, especially in front of a Pay-Per-View audience". They then go on to talk about the match between the Steiner Brothers and The Outsiders at the PPV, with the winning team becoming number one contenders for the Tag Team Championship. Tenay reviews the history between the two teams, and notes that the match may not feature a lot of "clean" action since neither team is known for being law abiding as of late. He then informs us that coming up next, one member from each team will be facing off, as Scott Steiner takes on Scott Hall.

**Scott Hall vs. Scott Steiner**

The crowd seems unsure as to who to cheer for in this match, but seem to be slightly more behind Scott Steiner, as Hall does everything in his power to tick the crowd off on his way to the ring. The match gets underway, and soon degenerates into a stiff brawl with some power moves from both men mixed in. After a few minutes of this, the referee is forced to call for the bell, as Kevin Nash makes his return to WCW by "running" down the aisle to nail Scott Steiner.

*As The Outsiders continue beating on Scott Steiner, we switch to a camera in the back to show that the Steiner's dressing room is blocked by what is apparently a forklift. Rick Steiner is evidently inside, as a banging on the door can also be heard. Inside the ring, The Outsiders just smirk and continue to beat Scott Steiner down, while a group of referees try to separate the men.*

(79/81/77; ***)

We re-join our fearless announcers as they both are speculating that Kevin Nash probably trapped Rick Steiner in the dressing room during the match to ensure that he couldn’t help his brother. Rhodes makes the statement that "I been around those Outsiders before jack. And they ain't nothing but snakes in the grass Iron Mike". Indeed. Tenay next directs our attention back to the ring, where Bret Hart is going to be speaking on the challenger for his U.S. Title, Chris Benoit.

**The Best There Is?**

*The strains of Bret Hart's music, as "The Hitman" struts down the aisle. The crowd expresses their displeasure for his attitude, although he doesn't seem to notice, or care. He pulls a mic out from his pocket as he enters the ring, and raises it to speak*

Bret Hart: The reason I came out here tonight, is very simple. You see, this past Monday night, on Nitro, I gave Chris Benoit a chance to avoid making the biggest mistake he's ever made. I gave Chris Benoit a chance to forfeit his shot at my U.S. Title on Sunday at Spring Stampede. But I guess that Chris Benoit didn't get the message, or maybe his hearing is starting to go, I don't know. So I decided that tonight, I'm going to give Chris Benoit another chance. So Benoit, I know you're in the back, probably already on your way out here. I'm gonna just wait here until you come out and do the right thing.

*Before Hart can finish talking, Chris Benoit's music hits, bringing him out to the ring. Unlike Bret Hart, Benoit makes his way directly to the ring with no hesitation. He walks up to Bret Hart and grabs the mic from him*

Chris Benoit: Bret, I guess you didn't hear me Monday. I said it then, and I'll say it now. I'll see you at Spring Stampede.

BH: *Grabbing the mic back* Wait a minute Benoit. Now I know that you might think that you're being a brave guy, coming out here and standing up to me. But I just want you to know something. If you show up Sunday for the Pay-Per-View, I'm gonna prove to you why I'M "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be".

CB: Bret, you might be partially right. You may BE "The Best There WAS". But Sunday, I'm gonna PROVE that you're NOT "The Best There Is", when I beat you for that U.S. Title.

BH: Listen Benoit, listen Chris. I'm just trying to save you from embarrassing yourself on Sunday. Hey listen though, no hard feelings. Good luck, ok?

*Hart reaches out a hand to Benoit, offering to shake. Benoit looks tentative, but begins to reach for Hart's hand. As he does so though, Hart tries to nail him with a right hand. Benoit is too quick for him though, and doges under the punch, before grabbing Hart's arm and taking him down into a Crippler Crossface. As the fans go crazy, Hart begins to tap furiously. Finally, Benoit lets go of the hold, staring down at Hart for a moment before exiting the ring to the cheers of the fans*

(77%)

Tenay and Rhodes both agree that Hart may have a good reason for wanting Benoit to drop the match, based on what everyone just saw. Tenay then informs us that coming up next will be the second part of the special sit down interview with the participants in the upcoming Television Title match. Because Chris Jericho went first on Monday, tonight we’ll be hearing from t he CURRENT Television Champion, Booker T.

**Get ready, sucka!**

*We cut to a pre-taped interview that was evidently conducted in the same location as the earlier Chris Jericho interview. Scott Hudson sits off camera, with the focus entirely on the Television Champion, Booker T*

Scott Hudson: Booker, let me start of by saying thank you for agreeing to this interview, and good luck on your upcoming Title match against Chris Jericho.

Booker T: Hey, no problem Scott.

SH: Booker, let me ask you the same thing I asked Chris Jericho. What are your feelings on the structure devised for your match for your Television Title this Sunday?

BT: Man Scoot, lemme tell you something dawg. When I saw the video showing that cage, I gotta admit, I didn’t like it. When I thought about what me and Jericho could do to each other in that thing, man, it made my hair stand up. But Scott, lemma say this. NO matter what Jericho does to me in that cage, it ain't gonna be NOTHING compared to what I do to HIM.

SH: Booker, I know you saw Jericho's comments about why he wants the Television Title so much. How do you respond to that?

BT: Scott, I can dig what Chris Jericho's saying. Cause just like him, man, I feel like I gotta prove myself each and every time I get into that ring. Ya see, when I first broke in this business, I was part of a tag team , with my brother, Stevie Ray. But folks were always coming up to me and saying, "Yo Book, when you gonna break out on your own man?" "Hey Booker, don't you think it's time to break the team up? Man, you can make it BIG by yourself". Hell, even my BROTHER said he would back off if I wanted him to. So I always thought I could be big on my own. But I didn't want to break the team up. Well, when my brother joined up with that nWo a few years ago, I didn’t HAVE to make a choice. I had to go out, on my own, and make a name for myself. And that's just what I did. And that's what Chris Jericho's trying to take away from me. See, when I get in that cage with Jericho on Sunday, it's not gonna be just me and him fighting for a belt. It's gonna be me and him fighting for our careers, our futures. And I'm not gonna let a sucka like Jericho take MY future away from me.

SH: Booker, one last question. What's your strategy against Chris Jericho inside the cage?

BT: My strategy? Hell Scott, what do you think my strategy is? I heard Jericho talking about some brand new move or something he's gonna bust out on me, but look me in my eyes when I say this. Inside that cage, all I'm gonna do, is break Chris Jericho down, and beat his punk ass from one side of that cage to the other. THAT'S my strategy. Can you dig THAT?

SH: I can dig it Booker, and I'm sure that Chris Jericho will be digging it as well. Guys, back to you.

*The camera fades with Booker T staring straight at the camera*

(93%; Booker T gained overness)

Tenay talks about how intense both men are for the TV Title match, and how that intensity may cause some serious injuries inside the cage on Sunday. Rhodes cuts in and announces that it's time for the next match, featuring two of the participants in Sunday's main event, as Sabu takes on Vader.

**Vader vs. Sabu**

As Vader makes his entrance, Tenay and Rhodes discuss how important the 6-man match at Spring Stampede is, as Raven's group that he has assembled is more dangerous and unpredictable than anything WCW has seen in a long time. When the music for Sabu hits, he comes out accompanied by Tommy Dreamer. The referee tries to make Dreamer leave, only to be reminded that the match is under Raven's Rules, meaning that anything goes. With that, both Sabu AND Dreamer attack, taking it quickly to Vader. Vader tries to fight back, but manages only brief moments of offense, as the other two men are able to take him down with a series of chair/Kendo stick shots. Finally Sabu finishes Vader of with a top rope, chair assisted Arabian Facebuster. He covers and the referee has no choice but to count the 3, giving Sabu the victory.

*Dreamer and Sabu gloat as Vader lies motionless in the ring*

(79/74/84; ***)

Rhodes reiterates that none of Raven's group can be trusted, and that it was proven just now. He goes on with this for a few minutes, before Tenay interrupts him, stating that he just received word that something is going on in the back (surprise, surprise).

**Too bad, essa**

*As the camera switches to a backstage view, we see Arn Anderson and Dean Malenko lying bleeding on the floor. A pair of boots appears in the picture, and as the camera scans upwards, we see Eddie Guerrero standing there, holding a bloody tire arn in his hand. Eddie smirks and kisses the weapon before walking slowly off camera*

(86%)

Tenay and Rhodes wonder aloud what this means for the six man match tonight, as The Young Daredevil's partner for the evening has been laid out in the back. Rhodes states that we'll find out soon, because that match is coming up right now.

**The Triad vs. The Young Daredevils/Dean Malenko?**

The Triad enters first while Tenay reminds everyone that DDP and Kanyon will be facing The Young Daredevils for the Tag Team Titles in a No-DQ, no count out match this Sunday. Kidman and Rey make their entrance tentatively, trying to decide the best way to approach the match. Finally, they decide to just go for, sliding in the ring and going on the attack. As could be expected, The Triad uses their numbers advantage to dominate the match, keeping Kidman and Rey off their feet. Suddenly, the crowd comes to THEIR feet, as Dean Malenko comes staggering down the aisle. He slowly pulls himself up onto the apron, reaching his hand out for the tag. DDP who is in the ring with Kidman, looks amused and actually let's Kidman go, while at the same time Bigelow goes around and pulls Rey off the aisle. Kidman has no choice but to tag Malenko, who gets into the ring…only to be taken out with a Diamond Cutter by DDP. Kanyon runs around and takes Kidman out while DDP covers for the 1-2-3.

*The Triad celebrates in the ring as their three opponents are laid out inside and outside the ring*

(76/69/84; ***)

Tenay wonders again if Kidman and Rey will be able to make it to Sunday for their Title defense, not to mention that now Dean Malenko's future has to be in question. Dusty has a feeling that all three men will find a way to be there for "The Stampede in the Spring, if ya weel." As Tenay goes to respond to this, music begins to play, which sounds like…Raven. As the lights dim, Raven enters, walking slowly with his head down to the ring, where he slumps in a corner and pulls a mic out of his pocket. He begins to speak…

**Nevermore**

Raven: When I was a child, I first learned what it was like to be alone. I learned what loneliness felt like. I learned what solitude can do to a mind. And that feeling is what has brought me to this moment. This moment, where I stand on the brink of a new beginning. A new beginning for WCW…a new beginning for those who stand with me…And a new beginning for me. For when I look out at this sea of humanity, I see signs proclaiming your hero's. Sting, Booker T, and most galling…Goldberg. WHAT ABOUT ME? WHAT ABOUT RAVEN? For too long I've stood alone, surrounded by others not able to comprehend my vision, my dream. But soon, very soon, my dream will become a reality. For this Sunday, at Spring Stampede, my master plan will reach fruition. But the future has not arrived. What we have tonight, is the present. And tonight, I come here with a surprise. A surprise, for the World Champion, Goldberg. Goldberg, I invite you to enter this ring with me tonight. Come into my parlor.

*The fans turn expectantly, waiting for Goldberg to enter. They aren't kept waiting long, as the music of the World Champion fills the arena, bringing out DA MAN, Goldberg. He stalks down to the ring, getting right into Raven's face. He waits expectantly*

Raven: Goldberg, you surprise me. I didn't expect you to accept my offer of hospitality.

Goldberg: *grabbing the mic* Cut the crap jackass. You said you had a surprise for me. Well go ahead Raven, gimme your best shot. Cause I can guarantee that at the PPV, I'm gonna take your ass out. Raven, YOU'RE NEXT!

Raven:*taking the mic back from Goldberg* Goldberg, I did call you out here for a surprise. And if you look behind you, you will see what is waiting for you.

*Goldberg goes to turn, only to be blindsided by Raven with the mic. He begins to beat on Goldberg, driving the mic repeatedly into Goldberg's head, finally busting him open. Raven continues to nail Goldberg with the mic, not letting him get up from the mat. Raven finally relents, only to go one step further, by pulling a paid of HANDCUFFS from his back pocket. The crowd begins to buzz as Raven handcuffs Goldberg to the top rope, before sliding back outside and grabbing a chair. He rolls back into the ring and begins to beat Goldberg with the chair, bringing the crowd to their feet in outrage. Raven appears to be going crazy as he nails Goldberg with shot after shot with the chair, knocking him completely unconscious. Referee's and other WCW officials flood the ring, including Eric Bischoff, who yells at security to "TAKE HIM AWAY!" They finally manage to pull Raven off of Goldberg, but not before the damage has been done. Goldberg lies slumped on the canvas, with only his handcuffed arm keeping him from falling on his face. Blood drips from his head onto the canvas as the fans pelt Raven with garbage*

(84%)

Tenay and Rhodes seem to be in shock, wondering again and again what this means for the PPV? As Tenay puts it "Will there be anything LEFT of Goldberg for Sunday night?" They continue to discuss as the show comes to an end.

*The final shot of the night is of Goldberg's bloody, unconscious face as he attempts to pull himself up*

Overall: 82

[Commander Sheepard]

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: The Magazine has released the following preview for this Sunday's Pay-Per-View extravaganza, Spring Stampede:

-Special Free for Everyone pre-PPV match, featuring Juventud Guerrera taking on Psicosis in a match to determine the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title-

-The Outsiders collide with the Steiner Brothers, as their legendary feud is resumed. This time however, a shot at the Tag Team Titles is on the line-

-Two of WCW's hottest young talents face off, as Kurt Angle and Chris Daniels meet in the ring for a rematch from Nitro several weeks ago-

-Eddie Guerrero looks to retain his Cruiserweight Title against Dean Malenko, as Malenko finally gets another shot at the belt-

-The Young Daredevils try to overcome a savage beating on Nitro at the hands of their opponents, The Triad, in defense of their Tag Team Titles-

-Booker T and Chris Jericho look to settle their blood feud, in one more match for Booker T's Television Title. But this time, the match will take place in the confines of the

"Ultimate Cage"-

-Chris Benoit challenges Bret Hart for the U.S. Title, with Benoit's pride and honor also on the line-

-And finally, in the main event, the fate of WCW may hang in the balance, as 6 men face off in a huge tag team match. On one side stand Raven, Sabu, and Tommy Dreamer. On the other, three men represent WCW, as Vader, Sting, and the World Champion, Goldberg, ready themselves to do battle. Who will win? And will WCW be the same?-

Remember, the only way to see this great action is by ordering WCW: Spring Stampede, live, only on Pay-Per-View. Contact your local service providers for ordering information. WCW: Don't miss a minute of the action!

[Commander Sheepard]

Part 1 of 2

Sunday, April 25th:

Spring Stampede!

*As the crowd of 20,272 file in, they are treated to a running video on the various screens around the arena showing previews of the card for the evening. After everyone has finally made their way to their seats, Scott Hudson announces that it's time for the Pre-PPV Free for Everyone match, which will be for the number one contendership for the WCW Cruiserweight Title.*

**Psicosis vs. Juventud Guerrera**

Both men make their way to the ring to positive reactions, though Juventud enjoys a bigger response from this packed arena. The referee goes over the rules with both then, then the bell rings, signaling the start of the action. The two circle each other for a few moments, neither one wanting to make a mistake and cost himself the match early on. Finally, they hook up, only to go into a nice series of reversals that ends with Psicosis taking Juvi down with a roll-up for a quick one count. Guerrera looks to be upset with himself for almost getting pinned, and quickly goes back on the attack, surprising Psicosis with a dropkick right to the chest. He continues his offense with a series of chops and kicks, before taking Psicosis down with yet another dropkick. Juvi decides to go for a quick win, as he jumps up to the top rope, only to be caught when Psicosis staggers to his feet and falls on the rope. Juvi crotches himself on the rope, bringing a groan from the male members of the crowd.

Psicosis goes up top to attempt a big move himself, and manages to get Juvi in position for a suplerplex. Juvi tries to fight out, but cannot, and is soon taken over by Psicosis hard to the mat. Juvi manages to kick out at 2, but can't get back to his feet before Psicosis is back on the attack. Psicosis looks to be attempting to keep Guerrera grounded, locking into a series of submission holds, finally ending with a modified crossface/body scissors that has Juvi screaming in pain. As he fights for the ropes, the crowd starts to get behind Juvi, urging him to break the hold. He is finally able to do so as he just manages to catch the bottom rope, although he cannot stop Psicosis from continuing his offense. Psicosis watches as Juvi rolls to the outside to try to recover, before following him with a nice suicide dive through the middle ropes. This seems to energize Psicosis even more, as he rolls Juvi back inside before coming in himself. After a few stomps to Juvi's back, Psicosis picks him up for what appears to be a powerbomb attempt, only to have Juvi reverse into a sunset flip for a fast two count.

This time, Psicosis looks to be upset with himself, as he quickly goes back after Juventud again. He miscalculates though, as Juvi dodges out of the way, sending Psicosis into the ropes. Juvi catches him coming off with a spinning heel kick, which puts both men down on the mat. The referee doesn't get far into his count, as Juvi seems to re-energize himself, popping up to his feet. He goes right after Psicosis before he can get up from the mat, nailing him with a jumping knee drop, followed by a leg-drop for a close near-fall. With the momentum on his side, Juvi feels confident enough to head back up top, which serves him well in this instance, as he catches Psicosis with a HUGE flying dropkick right to the chin. Juvi signals to the crowd before picking Psicosis up and dropping him right back down with a nicely executed Juvi Driver. Juvi covers for the academic 1-2-3 and becomes the new number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship.

*As Juvi celebrates, Psicosis struggles to his feet, obviously upset about the loss. He holds the back of his neck as he falls against the ropes, before stumbling back to the middle of the ring where Juvi poses for the fans. Psicosis extends his hand, and like a true gentleman, Juvi takes it, which brings a show of appreciation from the fans in attendance.*

(73/66/81; **3/4)

*With the free match out of the way, Scott Hudson announces that the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here, as Spring Stampede is officially underway!*

*As the fans pop like crazy for the announcement, the lights dim and a video begins showing on the screen. Vague images flit around to the strains of beautiful violins. Men such as Booker T, Chris Jericho, Bret Hart, Chris Benoit, Kidman, Rey Mysterio, Jr., DDP and Kanyon, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko are shown staring into the camera, looks of grim determination on their faces. Finally, after several minutes of this, the image changes to reveal a new set of faces. On one side of the screen stand the men who will be looking to make their presences felt in WCW tonight: Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and Raven. Standing opposite them are the three men who will try to prevent this from happening: Sting, Vader, and the World Champion Goldberg. As the music swells, the 6 men's faces become superimposed and begin spinning around each other, until finally…*

A HUGE explosion of pyro draws yet another roar from the capacity crowd of over 20,000 WCW fans. The cameras pan back and forth over the crowd, showing signs of support or derision for the various WCW superstars, before finally settling in on our announcers for the evening, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "No Nickname Given" Dave Meltzer. The two men quickly run over the card for the evening, making note especially of the various titles matches, including the enormous Ultimate Cage match between Booker T and Chris Jericho for the TC Title. And of course, the main event is discussed in great length, as both men are of the opinion that "Sting, Vader, and Goldberg better keep one eye on the ring, and one eye on the crowd, because there's no TELLING what Raven and his cohorts may have up their sleeves". That said, Tenay announces that it's time for our first "official" match of the PPV, as The Outsiders take on The Steiner Brothers in a renewal of a long time rivalry. And as Meltzer reminds everyone "They both want to win, because if they do, they have a shot at adding another Tag Team Title reign to their already lengthy resumes".

**The Outsiders vs. The Steiner Brothers; Number one contendership match for the Tag-Team Titles**

The two teams enter in their usual manner, and the crowd doesn't seem to be particularly thrilled to see any of them, thought the Steiner's manage to get a more positive response by at least not throwing a toothpick in a fans face, as Scott Hall did. Nash let's the camera know that "It's a disgrace that I have to wrestle in the opening match" before turning and nailing Scott Steiner as he enters the ring. With that, the bell rings and the match is underway. All four men take turns clubbing each other in the middle of the ring to begin with, as Nash squares off with Scott Steiner, leaving Rick for Scott Hall. Some stiff punches and forearms follow as the referee struggles to get them separated. Finally, the extra wrestlers are cleared, leaving only Scott Steiner and Scott Hall. They continue to fight, though Hall looks to be almost mocking Steiner, as he ducks under a punch and "playfully" slaps Steiner on the back of the head. This proves to be a mistake however, as Steiner LEVELS him with a huge Steinerline, before picking him back up for a big belly-to-belly suplex. A quick cover yields only a two count, as Scott Steiner tags in Rick to continue the punishment.

Rick keeps the pressure up with a series of submission type holds interspersed with a few "ground and pound" type moves. He finally makes a mistake, as he releases an abdominal stretch to try to nail Kevin Nash, who apparently said something to him. This allows Scott Hall to make a comeback with some hard right hands, followed up by a spinning clothesline. He gets the Tag to Nash, and the big man steps over the top rope into the ring, nailing Rick with a shot to the head as he does so. Nash takes over with his usual offense, slowing the match down somewhat, but managing to make everything he does very crisp and impactful. The Outsiders begin to work over Rick in the corner, making several quick tags in and out, focusing mainly on his lower back, obviously setting him up for either the Jackknife Powerbomb or the Outsiders Edge. Risk tries to fight back with some right hands and elbows, but gets tripped by Hall as he attempts to head to his own corner.

After several minutes of good tag team action between the Outsiders, Hall decides it's time to go for the win, as he picks Rick up and flings him backwards over his head with a vicious Fall-away Slam. He doesn't go for a cover though, instead choosing to pose and point towards Nash, who stretches way out for the tag. This momentary lapse of concentration is all that Rick Steiner needs; as he pulls himself forward and just manages to tag his brother. Scott Steiner enters the ring at the same time as Nash, and immediately takes him down with a big clothesline. He grabs Hall before he can leave the ring, taking him down and out with a T-bone suplex that shakes the ring. Steiner continues his rampage, nailing both Nash and Hall with huge clubbing blows to the back. Finally, after another big Belly-to-Belly on Hall, Steiner turns to Nash, who has just gotten back to his knees. He steps over Nash and lock his hands under his chin, pulling his neck back as he settles into the Steiner Recliner, looking to make Nash submit.

Steiner pulls back as hard as he can on the hold, and the fans seem to be starting to get behind the Steiner Brothers. However, Hall proves his true colors again, as he has rolled to the outside of the ring. He looks around under the ring for something, and comes back up with his handy "Cattle Prod". Before Rick Steiner can react, Hall has zapped him with it, taking Rick out of the match. Seeing this, Scott Steiner releases the Recliner and runs to the ropes to try to bring Hall back in. With his view being blocked by Steiner's body, the referee can't see Scott Hall use the Prod on Scott Steiner, knocking HIM out in the process. With both Steiner's out, Hall rolls back in the ring, and pulls Nash on top of Scott Steiner for the pinfall, and the victory.

*Hall begins to celebrate in the ring, doing the ME ME ME ME YEAH! dance as Nash manages to get to his feet. They both play to the crowd, who respond and booing heartily at the manner in which Nash and Hall "earned" their victory. Their celebration is short lived however, as Rick Steiner grabs a chair and rolls back into the ring, apparently recovered somewhat from the cattle prod attack. Hall and Nash "run" for their lives as Rick swings the chair, hitting nothing but the canvas. The Outsiders stare back up at the "Dog Faced Gremlin" who seems to be beckoning for them to get back in the ring and keep fighting*

(85/89/76; ***1/2!?!?)

Our announcers go over what happened in that match, specifically the ending. Tenay wonders how the Steiner's feel knowing that "They got screwed out of a title shot that most likely would have been theirs". Meltzer adds "You have to think that The Steiner's aren't gonna be happy until they get a chance for some payback" to which Tenay agrees. And speaking of payback, Tenay segues into a discussion of our next match, featuring two of the top young superstars in WCW, in Chris Daniels and Kurt Angle. Tenay reminds everyone that not that long ago, Daniels was defeated by Angle thanks to "Some less than honorable actions by Angle", and asked for this match as a way to prove himself to the fans. Both announcers agree that the talented Daniels has to be very careful, because not only is Angle himself very talented, but has already proven that he'll do ANYTHING that it takes to secure a win.

**Chris Daniels vs. Kurt Angle**

Angle makes his way to ringside to boos and jeers from the crowd, though he doesn't really seem to care, or even to notice. Once in the ring, he drops down and looks to be going through some last minute warm-ups while he waits for his opponent. Crowd reaction is MUCH more positive when the music of Chris Daniels hits, bring the young man down to the ring. Although he has a more intense look on his face than usual, he still takes time to slap hands with the fans on his way down the aisle, even taking time to hug one young girl as she reaches up for him. Upon seeing this, Angle sticks his finger in his mouth in the universal "gag me" sign, before deciding to take matters into his OWN hands. He rolls out of the ring and charges Daniels from behind, nailing him with a clip to the knee that has Daniels rolling around on the outside, already in great pain. Angle picks him up and pulls him back to the ring, tossing him inside as the bell rings.

Once inside the ring, Angle keeps up the assault on Daniels leg, dropping several elbows on it before turning him over and slapping on a single leg Boston Crab, going for the quick submission. Angle seems to be relentless on focusing on Daniels knee, as he release the crab but continues to try to weaken the leg and knee of Daniels. He slaps on several more submission holds, finally getting Daniels with a cross knee-breaker that has Daniels screaming in pain. He fights for the ropes and JUST manages to hook one, forcing Angle to break the hold. Angle doesn't let up on the pressure however, going right back after Daniels with a pair of suplexes, followed by a leglock. This time, Daniels is able to actually roll over onto his stomach, causing Angle to break. As Angle leans down to pick up Daniels, he is surprised by a quick small package, from which he barely manages to kick out at two.

Seemingly upset by this mistake, Angle quickly goes after Daniels again, only to be taken down by a drop toehold that send him crashing face first to the mat. Seeing his opportunity, Daniels goes on the attack with his OWN set of submission holds, including a cross knee-breaker of his own. His own injured knee doesn't allow him to keep the hold on for long, but he manages to slow Angle down long enough to roll outside the ring to try to recover. He doesn't get a chance to rest for long, as Angle reaches through the ropes and grabs him by the hair, attempting to pull him back in. Daniels is able to block though, and drops straight down, snapping Angles' throat against the rope. With Angle down, Daniels look to seize the opportunity, springboarding over the top rope, bad leg and all, into a nicely done elbow drop, which earns another two count. Daniels uses another high risk move, jumping (on his good) leg onto the second rope, springing off with a splash into the prone Angle for yet another two count. He keeps the pressure up by going back after Angle, only to be tripped and taken back down to the mat again by the former amateur champion.

Angle locks on a crossface variation, before reaching back down and grabbing Daniels leg. He then rolls over onto his back, bridging Daniels up into a version of a bow-and-arrow. The crowd seems unsure of how to react to this kind of offense, but soon starts to get behind Daniels, who can’t get back on track. Angles keeps locking in various submission maneuvers to keep Daniels on the mat, always coming back to the knee and leg that was injured early on. He finally manages to get Daniels down right in the center of the ring, and looks around to the crowd, who try to urge Daniels to fight back. Angle again doesn't seem to listen, and locks on a Figure Four Leglock, adding a WHOOOOO before he does so. The crowd explodes, not only for the pain of the move, but also for the perceived mocking of Ric Flair by Kurt Angle. Daniels screams in pain, and tries to fight out of the hold, only for Angle to clamp down harder, wrenching on the knee repeatedly. Daniels again attempts to claw his way towards the ropes, but has to drop the attempt as Angle applies even MORE pressure. Finally, as the crowd starts to get behind him even more, Daniels is able to roll over, putting the pressure back on Angle, forcing a break.

With Daniels in great pain, Angle looks very confident in his chances at winning the match. He mocks Daniels before turning to play to the crowd. As he does so, Daniels struggles up to his feet, catching Angle with a big right hand when he turns around. Daniels begins to go crazy on Angle with punches, bringing the crowd to their feet. With Angle dazed, Daniels decides to go for the win, using his good leg to jump and catch Angle with a one-legged enziguri. He reaches down, picking Angle up for what appears to be an attempt at his patented Double Underhook Powerbomb. As he lifts Angle up though, his knee seems to buckle, obviously not able to support the weight of both men. Daniels collapses to the mat with Angle on top. Angle rolls over and grabs onto another cross knee-breaker, locking the hold perfectly in the middle of the ring. Although he tries to fight it, Daniels cannot escape, but will not submit to Angle's hold. However, his body soon gives out, as he seems to pass out in the middle of the ring. Seeing this, the referee has no choice but to call for the bell, giving Kurt Angle the victory.

*Angle begins to jump up and down, seemingly ecstatic about his win. The fans boo relentlessly, though once again Angle doesn't notice. As he continues this celebration, Daniels hobbles to his feet, reaching out with one hand in a show of sportsmanship. Angle looks at Daniels, then down at his hand. He then motions for the ring announcer to hand him the mic. He speaks…"Daniels, don't take this personally. I'm just better than you". He then grabs Daniels hand, only to pull him into a huge Angle Slam. Angle cockily walks out of the ring as the fans boo even harder than before*

(89/86/92; ****)

We cut back to our announcers, who both seem extremely impressed with the previous match, specifically how well Kurt Angle was able to negate a large portion of Chris Daniels offense by injuring his leg. As Meltzer puts it: "Chris Daniels found himself one place you DON'T want to be with a man of Kurt Angle's capabilities-on the mat." Tenay seems equally impressed with the fact that Angle won the match basically cleanly, with no cheap tricks. They both wonder how this loss will affect Daniel's from a psychological standpoint, as it's now three big losses in recent weeks for the young man. From there, Meltzer informs us that coming up n ext we have out first title match of the evening, as Kidman and Rey Mysterio, Jr. (aka The Young Daredevils) defend their tag team titles against DDP and Kanyon in a No-DQ, no Count Out match. Both Tenay and Meltzer feel like this stipulation gives an advantage to the challengers, because as Meltzer states: "DDP and Kanyon have proven over the past few weeks that they're not afraid to INJURE the champions". Tenay questions if Stacy, Kidman and Rey's new manager will be at ringside for the match. Meltzer seems to hope so, as we go back to the ring…

**The Young Daredevils© vs. DDP/Kanyon; World Tag Team Title match, No DQ and No Count-Out**

As is traditional, the challengers enter first, drawing a negative reaction from the crowd. DDP and Kanyon do their best to make the fans even madder than before by taunting them. As they reach the ring, the quickly roll inside and turn towards the entranceway to wait for the champions. The music of The Young Daredevils plays, but the only one who comes out is…Stacy? She looks very flirtatious as she makes her way down to the ring, pausing on the outside. She blows kisses to both Kanyon and DDP, who seem to be totally focused on her long shapely legs. As they drool over Stacy, neither seems to notice that the fans have started to buzz. Soon enough, they realize the reason for this, as Stacy points behind them. When the pair turns around, they are met by stereo dropkicks from the champions, knocking them both down and starting the match!

Kidman and Rey immediately continue on the attack, diving onto DDP and Kanyon with punches and kicks, trying to give back some of the punishment they've suffered in the past few weeks. The Triad members try to fight back, but can't seem to get on track, as the champions control for the first few minutes of the match. Finally, after ducking a desperation clothesline attempt by DDP, Kidman backdrops him out of the ring, followed by Rey doing the same to Kanyon. The Triad tries to re-group on the outside, but don't even get a chance to do THAT, as Rey runs off the opposite ropes right into a HUGE backdrop from Kidman that send him flying over the top rope onto both men on the floor. Kidman then follows this with his OWN dive over the top, this one nailing DDP and Kanyon as they lay ON the floor. The fans rightly cheer this display of offense form the tag team champions, who seem to be just getting started. As Stacy cheers on from a safe distance, Kidman and Mysterio go back to brawling with The Triad, who still seem in shock after the opening minutes of the match. Soon however, the tide begins to turn, as DDP reverses a Kidman whip into the barricade, following this up with a spinning clothesline that puts Kidman over the barricade and into the crowd!

DDP follows Kidman amongst the people as Kanyon keeps Rey at bay by tripping him up, rolling him inside the ring, and slapping on a seated abdominal stretch. Meanwhile, on the outside, DDP begins to take it to Kidman with punches and kicks, using his obvious size and strength advantage to overwhelm Kidman. He grabs a chair and looks to use that as well, only for Kidman to dodge the swing and push DDP down face first into the chair himself! With DDP temporarily out, Kidman heads back to the ring as Rey fights to get out of the submission move he's in. He is finally able to do so, although Kanyon immediately takes him back down with a snapmare. Before Kanyon can capitalize though, Kidman comes flying back into the ring, using the top rope as a springboard to catapult him into Kanyon with a beautiful dropkick. Kidman covers, but only manages a 2 count before Kanyon kicks out. As Kidman goes back on the attack, Stacy tries to help Rey up by lightly slapping his face. As she does so, she is suddenly grabbed from behind by DDP, who seems to have recovered somewhat from earlier in the match. He tosses her aside and rolls into the ring, picking Mysterio up as he does so. Just as Kidman goes to dropkick Kanyon again, DDP shoves Rey in the way, causing Kidman to nail his own tag team partner!

Kidman looks stunned at what has happened, allowing DDP to kick him in the stomach and go for a powerbomb. But, as everyone knows, YCPK, who reverses into a face buster. Kanyon makes the save before a pin can be attempted, hitting Kidman with a high knee to the back. Kanyon then rolls out of the ring and grabs a couple of chairs, throwing one back inside and setting the other up, open, on the outside. He re-enters the ring just as Rey Mysterio struggles back to his feet. Kanyon goes after the chair, but Rey manages to cut him off, and the two begin to exchange blows, finally leading into a low-blow by Kanyon. He then grabs the chair and proceeds to brutalize both Mysterio AND a recovering Kidman with it, going so far as to bust Kidman open slightly. DDP has gotten back to his feet meanwhile, and begins to put the boots to the champs, as the Triad looks close to winning the match. Kanyon signals for DDP to pick up Mysterio so that he can nail him with a big chair shot, which DDP manages to do. However, as Kanyon swings, Mysterio does a front flip, grabbing DDP's head with his feet, which pulls him straight into the path of the chair!

With DDP knocked out cold from this move, Kanyon is faced with a 2 on 1 situation. He tries to take Mysterio out again with the chair, only to be stopped by a recovered Kidman, who dropkicks it out of his hand. Kanyon turns to confront Kidman, but gets taken down from behind by a Victory Roll from Mysterio, which gets a close 2 count. As Kanyon gets back to his feet, Kidman runs the ropes and catches him with a flying headscissors. Seeing that Kanyon is hurt, Kidman goes up top, obviously looking for the Shooting Star Press. Rey dropkicks DDP as he attempts to get back to his feet, which knocks him out of the ring. Unfortunately for DDP, he is knocked right into the open chair on the outside, folding it up as his full weight drops right on top of it. After this happens, Kidman comes off the top with the Shooting Star. Unfortunately for HIM, Kanyon manages to move, sending Kidman crashing hard to the mat. Kanyon looks around, obviously trying to find a weapon to use, only to be caught with a chair that has been DROPKICKED right into his face by Rey Mysterio, Jr. Rey looks to be about to cover, but before he does so, a strange look comes over into his eyes. He looks back outside the ring and makes up his mind, sprinting out and rolling DDP back in. He then searches under the ring for something…coming up with a TABLE!

The fans begin to buzz in anticipation of what's going to happen next, as Mysterio rolls back into the ring and begins to set the table up in the middle. Once this has been done, he picks DDP back up and places him on top of the table, before grabbing Kanyon as well. Kanyon attempts to fight back with a few weak punches, but a shove to the corner puts a stop to that. Rey struggles, but manages to lift Kanyon up to where he is seated on the top rope, before climbing up himself. Rey looks around at the crowd, then back at DDP, before performing a perfect Top-Rope Hurricanrana, flipping Kanyon off of the turnbuckle and onto DDP and the table, which then crashes to the mat. The fans pop hugely for this move, as Rey finally covers, gathering a 3 count and a victory to retain the Tag Team Titles.

*As Rey picks up Kidman to celebrate, the referee tries to begin clearing the ring of the debris and help The Triad up. Before this can be accomplished though, the fans cheers turn to huge boos, as The Outsiders, victors earlier in the evening, "run" down to the ring. Kidman and Rey, who is being held up now by Stacy, are in no condition to fight off an attack, and are not able to prevent Nash and Hall from reaching the ring. As they do so, Nash shoves Stacy aside, before leveling Rey with a big clothesline. Hall does the same to Kidman, and the beating begins. Nash and Hall tear the worn-out champions up, nailing them with huge power move after huge power move. Finally, Nash and Hall deliver a simultaneous Jackknife Powerbomb/Outsiders Edge to the tag champions and walk smugly out of the ring, ignoring the fans who are now pelting them with garbage*

(85/86/85; ***1/2; Tag Team titles gained image; All 4 wrestlers gained overness from the feud ending)

Cont'd in next post...

[Commander Sheepard]

Part 2 of 2

Tenay and Meltzer seem to be perturbed by The Outsiders actions, but strongly put over the Tag Team Champions and their win tonight, with Meltzer stating: "After everything The Triad has done to them, it's amazing they even MADE it to the match, much less WON it". Tenay wondered how Kidman and Rey would handle having to take on the much larger duo of Nash and Hall, especially since neither of those men is known for following the rules all that well. "And speaking of not following the rules"…Before Tenay can finish his statement, Meltzer cuts him off to admonish him about playing favorites in the next match, which will be for the WCW Cruiserweight Title. Our commentators both are of the opinion that Dean Malenko has a great shot at winning this, but that it won't be easy for EITHER man. Tenay reminds everyone of the history between these two men, going back to their Japan day, all the way up to recent weeks here in WCW, as Eddie Guerrero accused Dean Malenko of "sticking his nose into his business". Tenay notes that fans of either technical wrestling OR high flying should be happy with this next match, as is should feature plenty of both. With that, he throws us to the ring…

**Eddie Guerrero© vs. Dean Malenko**

The music of the (former) 4 Horsemen plays, as Arn Anderson accompanies Dean Malenko out onto the stage, before patting his back and walking back out past the curtain. Malenko enters the ring with his usual "Iceman" demeanor, testing the ropes and bouncing up and down while waiting for the champion to enter. When Eddie Guerrero's music hits, the fans begin to boo mercilessly, though Eddie seems to encourage this as he makes his way from behind the curtain and down the aisle. Before getting in the ring, he takes the Cruiserweight Title from around his waist, kisses it, lays it on the timekeepers chair, and slides into the ring, going right after Malenko. Seeing this, the referee signals for the bell, and the start of the match.

The two men go at each other quickly, exchanging counters at a furious pace, neither man wanting the other to gain an early advantage. Dean is finally able to catch Eddie in an arm-wringer, only for Eddie to flip out into one of his own. Malenko goes to flip out, but takes Eddie down with a drop toehold instead, floating over to a front facelock. Malenko works on that hold for a few minutes, before Eddie is able to make the ropes and force the break. He looks livid at himself, and goes right back after Malenko, only to be dropped down again, this time with a simple leg sweep, followed with a single leg Boston crab. Again, Eddie is able to reach the ropes, but this time rolls outside, shaking his leg to try to lessen the pain. He gets back up on the apron, taunting Malenko to draw him over, then nailing him in the stomach before flipping over the ropes with a sunset flip. Malenko is ready though, and rolls through into an attempt at a Texas Cloverleaf, which Eddie is barely able to resist by AGAIN grabbing the rope. The fans begin to heckle Eddie at his obvious reliance on something OTHER than pure skill to keep him in the match.

Ignoring the fans, Eddie looks to lock up again, but surprises Malenko with a thumb to the eye, followed by a series of chops and a vicious European uppercut that puts Malenko in the corner. Eddie follows with another series of strikes, this time punches and kicks, as he tries to wear the challenger down. Eddie keeps up on this assault for several minutes, whipping Malenko back and forth between the corners several times, always following in with a clothesline. After the 4th time of this, Malenko is able to duck out of the way, sending Eddie crashing into the corner himself. Dean rolls him up from behind with a schoolboy roll-up, but is unable to hold him down for any longer than a 2 count. Dean attempts several more covers, causing Eddie to expend more and more energy. Finally, Eddie reverse a pinfall attempt, flipping Dean over into his back, with both men then kipping back up into a ready position.

The two men quickly lock up yet again, but this time it's Eddie Guerrero who gets the best of the exchange of counters, reversing a Malenko armwringer into one of his own, before running to and UP the ropes, coming off with a nicely executed hurricanrana takedown for a count of 2. Eddie continues his offense, stomping away at Malenko to keep him grounded, before heading up tope for an attempt at a big move. Malenko manages to roll out of the ring, but Eddie rolls through and pops up to his feet, before running the ropes to nail Malenko with a baseball slide dropkick. He then follows this up with a pescado over the top rope and down onto Malenko, who is trying to get back to his feet. Eddie still doesn't let up, pulling Malenko to his feet and rolling him back in the ring, before catapulting himself inside with a slingshot plancha, which earns another 2 count. Eddie looks to be growing irritated at not being able to put Malenko away, and almost gets pinned, as Malenko is able to grab him and roll him up with a small package. Eddie kicks out before three though, and renews his attack on Malenko, this time going after him with a series of elbow-drops, followed up by slipping back out side and going for another slingshot plancha.

This time however, Dean is able to roll out of the way, causing Eddie to hit his back hard on the canvas. The two men lay on the canvas as the referee begins to count. He doesn't get past 5 though, as Malenko seems to have gotten a second wind. He grabs Eddie as he rises, slamming to the mat, before dropping 5 straight knees right to his head. Malenko then moves back down Eddie's body, dropping more and more knees until Eddie entire body is writhing in pain. Once he reaches his legs, Malenko goes to work on them in a major way, using several extremely painful looking holds to try to weaken Eddie for another attempt at the Texas Cloverleaf. Finally, Malenko seems confident enough to lock in the hold, slapping on his patented Texas Cloverleaf, as Eddie Guerrero instantly screams in pain. Malenko cinches back on the hold as much as he can, trying for the submission victory. Eddie tries to fight the pain, but soon realizes that he's close enough to the ropes to grab them. After a few more moments of struggling, he manages to do so yet again, which seems to frustrate "The Iceman" for the first time.

As Malenko looks to go back after Eddie, the referee grabs him and pulls him back, as Eddie is signaling the ref that something is wrong with his neck. As the referee bends down to check, Eddie "spasms", causing his foot to nail Malenko in the groin, which drops him straight to the ground. Eddie makes a "miraculous" recovery after this has happened, and signals that it's time to end the match. He picks up Malenko and delivers a brutal Brainbuster, covering for the 1,2…kickout by Malenko! Eddie seems to be amazed, and unsure of what to do now. He picks Malenko back up, and delivers ANOTHER Brainbuster, covering afterwards. Again, Malenko is able to kick out, proving his desire to win the match and the title. However, Eddie also seems determined to end the threat to his title, giving Malenko yet ANOTHER Brainbuster, before heading up top. He poses momentarily on the top turnbuckle, giving the fans the "kiss my ass" pose, before coming off with a nice Frog Splash. He covers again, and this time, Dean Malenko can't kick out, giving the win to Eddie Guerrero.

*After the three count, Eddie quickly rolls out of the ring, grabs his belt, and hurries down the aisle, stumbling as he goes. He obviously seems relieved to has escaped with the Title still in his possession.*

(89/86/95; ****; Cruiserweight Title gained image; Both men gained overness from the feud ending)

Our announcers both are of the opinion that Dean Malenko might have gotten cheated out of a win, as Eddie used a fake injury to deliver a low blow, which helped set up his win. Tenay notes that Malenko has nothing to be ashamed of though, as Eddie DID have to cheat to beat him, and it still took 3 brainbusters AND a Frog Splash to keep him down. Meltzer wonders: "What's next for Dean Malenko? After a disappointing loss like that, it makes you wonder if he'll be able to bounce back". Tenay speculates that Dean Malenko has never been known as a quitter, and is of the opinion that he'll be right back at the top before very long. He also reminds everyone that tomorrow night on Nitro Juventud Guerrera gets HIS shot at Eddie Guerrero and the Cruiserweight Title. They then switch focus to the next match on the card, which is yet ANOTHER title match, this time for the U.S. Title, currently held by Bret Hart. As Chris Benoit won a match to earn the shot at the title a few weeks ago, much of the talk is spent on the two men's similarities, including the fact that both were trained by Bret Hart's father Stu, in the legendary "Dungeon". Tenay makes the statement that: "Bret Hart might have said otherwise, but I highly doubt that Stu Hart made the statement that Chris Benoit can't handle being in the ring with Bret Hart". Meltzer states that there's only one way to find out, and that's in the ring, next!

**Bret Hart© vs. Chris Benoit**

Benoit enters the arena first, as the fans applaud in respect of his abilities. Benoit enters the ring, briefly raising his arm to show that he hears the fans support, but seems to be concentrated on the upcoming match. As he waits, the music of Bret "The Hitman" Hart fills the arena, followed soon after by the man himself. He pauses at the top of the ramp, seeming to not understand why the fans aren't cheering for him also. He slowly makes his way down to the ring, pointing at Benoit and mocking him the entire way. When he enters the ring, he hands the belt to the referee, who holds it up to show both men what they are fighting for today. Benoit extends his hand in a show of respect, only to have Hart slap the hand away. With that, the match begins,

The two men circle each other for the first few seconds of the match, finally tying up, only for Hart to immediately grab an arm-wringer, forcing Benoit down to one knee. Benoit gets back to his vertical base and reverse to a hammerlock, which leads into a short reversal series that ends with Hart in a headlock. He tries to whip Benoit into the ropes, but Benoit holds on and takes Hart over to the mat. From there, Hart again attempts several escapes from the headlock, only for Benoit to hold on, trying to wear Hart out. Bret is finally able to escape when he gets back to his feet and nails Benoit with a few elbows to the side, before picking him up and dropping him back down with a backdrop suplex. Hart covers, but only manages a one count. With Benoit stunned, Bret begins to work him over on the mat, focusing especially on the leg. He drops several knees to the leg of Benoit, along with a legbar that Benoit is forced to grab the ropes to break. Benoit keeps trying to reverse Hart's offense, but can't get Bret in a position to force him to break.

Hart keeps up the pressure on Benoit by letting him get back to his feet, and then repeatedly kicking at his leg, trying to make Benoit expend his energy. His plan isn't totally successful though, as Benoit fights back with some stiff chops that almost immediately turn Hart's chest red. Bret begins to fight back with right hands, and the two men are soon engaged in a brawl in the middle of the ring. The fans come to their feet as Benoit begins to gain the advantage, chopping Hart back onto the ropes. He follows up with a whip of "The Hitman" into the opposite ropes, and catches him with a big back elbow. He follows this up with some stomps and a running elbowdrop, covering afterwards for a count of 2. Benoit picks Hart back up, delivering a snap suplex, followed up with a legdrop right into Bret's throat. Benoit slightly hurts his leg with this move, which allows Hart a chance to recover enough to roll out of the ring. Benoit goes to follow him out, but gets caught by Bret, who grabs him from the apron and pulls him down right onto the already injured leg, causing it to buckle under the pain.

With Benoit down on the outside, Bret begins to turn on the pressure, slamming Benoit's leg down onto the concrete repeatedly, before rolling him back inside to beat the count. Once inside, Hart goes after Benoit again, this time, alternating punishment to the knee and leg with some of the FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, including a vicious DDT that almost gets him the victory. Benoit keeps kicking out, but seems to be fading. Bret gets Benoit down again with a big suplex, before going up to the second rope for an attempt at a Driving Elbowdrop. He takes too long however, and plays to the crowd, which gives Benoit a chance to move out of the way. Bret hits hard, hurting his arm, which Benoit, when recovered, ounces on, pulling back on it in brutal fashion, before trying for a Crippler Crossface! Hart is able to block it by raking Benoit in the face. The respite is brief, as Benoit goes right back to try for the Crossface, this time actually hooking the hold on The U.S. champion! Benoit looks to have the hold locked in extremely well, as Bret's head is pulled backwards while his shoulder looks to be about to separate. Bret begins to scream as Benoit pulls back even more on the Crossface, but seems to be trying to fight out of the hold. He actually manages to do this by pulling himself towards the ropes, just hooking his left arm under the rope. Benoit releases the hold after the referee reaches the four count, but continues on the attack, pulling Hart back to his feet, before grabbing him around the waist and throwing him over backwards in a huge German Suplex! Benoit bridges up into a pin, but can't hold Hart down for three, thanks in part to the earlier injury to his knee..

Seeing that he's close to victory, Benoit goes right back to the German Suplexes, this time the Rolling variety, as he takes Hart up and over three more times, before attempting another pin. Hart still manages to kick out, but this time BARELY before three. Benoit sees this, and decides to take advantage, going up to the top rope. He makes the "slashing the throat" motion, before coming off with a big Diving Headbutt. He nails Hart hard with the move, but this time doesn't go for the cover. Instead, he signals for the Crippler Crossface, indicating that he wants to make Hart tap-out. As he reaches down to try to slap on the hold, Bret catches him with a back elbow, knocking him backwards. This gives Bret a chance to get back to his feet, where he begins looking around the ring for something. Finally spotting it, Hart scrambles over and grabs…The U.S. Title belt? He turns and tries to catch Benoit with the belt, only for Benoit to duck. Benoit goes to pick him up with a backdrop suplex…and Bret smashes the Title belt into his head in mid-air. He makes no move to disguise this, and the referee has no choice but to signal for the bell and declare Chris Benoit the winner, but by DQ.

*The fans immediately begin to boo, as they (rightly) feel screwed out of an ending to what had been a great title match. Hart pays no attention, grabbing his belt and rolling back out of the ring, while Benoit kicks the ropes in disgust at the lost opportunity*

(88/83/93; ****; U.S. title gained image)

Both of our announcers seem to be less than happy with the result of the last match, as they feel like the fans got cheated out of the kind of match they deserve by Bret Hart's actions. As Tenay puts it: "Chris Benoit proved that only does he belong in the ring with Bret Hart, but that he can BEAT Bret Hart given the right chance". Meltzer agrees, but gives Bret credit for managing to hang on to his title. They then turn to our next to last match of the evening, which will be "A culmination of a rivalry months in the making". They talk about the history between Chris Jericho and Booker T, and the great matches the two have had. As hey discuss this, clips of these matches flash on the screen, from their first meeting, their matches as members of tag teams, and especially the I Quit match at the last PPV. After this, another video airs, showing once again the structure they will be fighting in, which is The Ultimate Cage, a reinforced cage on all sides, designed for one thing only: To end a blood feud in the most violent way possible. Meltzer reminds everyone of the new move, the "Lions Roar" that Jericho promised to debut tonight, but Tenay wonders if he'll get the chance as: "Neither man may be in any shape to finish this match". Before sending us to ringside, they remind us of the rules: When one man is knocked down, the other must call for a count. If the referee, who is on the outside, reaches ten without the downed man rising, the match is over. As Meltzer puts it: "The match continues until one man physically can't continue". With that, it's time for the match, one last time, for the Television Title: Booker T and Chris Jericho.

**Booker T© vs. Chris Jericho; Ultimate Cage match for the Television Title**

As the cage (which is off to the wide of the regular ring in a cleared out section) lowers, the crowd quiets to a hush. The structure appears huge, and well capable of causing a huge amount of injuries. Chris Jericho's music hits first, and he enters the arena, though not with his usual swagger. He somberly walks down the aisle towards the cage, pausing briefly to stare up at it before hesitantly entering. He walks around testing the walls of the cage as he waits for the music of the Champion. He doesn't have to wait long, as soon Booker T comes through the curtains, his music causing the crowd to "raise the roof" along with him. Despite his usual high energy, Booker also seems to be less pumped than usual, walking intently towards the cage. He stops only long enough to hand the referee the T.V. Title belt before entering the cage himself. The referee shuts and locks the door, before signaling for the bell. Booker and Jericho stare at each other for a long moment, before simultaneously charging each other to begin the match!

Jericho and Booker collide in the middle of the "ring", bring the fans to their feet as they tear into each other with pure brawling, neither man able to get an advantage. Right and left hands are exchanged, along with chops and kicks. Both men seem to be trying to take out all of their aggression with the other in the opening moments of the match. Jericho finally knocks Booker back with a couple of vicious chops, staggering the champion. He goes after Booker, only to be caught in a backdrop that puts him down hard on the reinforced steel cage floor. The fans "Oooh" for the first sight of the cage in action, and seem very impressed with how little the cage gives. Booker drops down and continues to pummel Jericho with right hands, before moving back and dropping a series of knees right to the chest of Jericho. Booker signals for the referee to count, but Jericho only stays down for 1…2…3… before getting back to his feet. Booker goes back after him with an attempted double axehandle, but this time Jericho is able to sweep his feet, sending Booker back first onto the cage floor. Jericho stands up, and looks to be trying to lock in a Liontamer, but can't seem to do so, as Booker reverses, flipping Jericho over and into the side of the cage. Booker tries to press this advantage, as he goes to pick Jericho back up. This time though, Jericho gives him a thumb to the eye, before sweeping the legs again. Booker again hits hard on the cage floor, bouncing painfully as he does so.

Jericho begins to kick Booker while he's down, apparently trying to drive him through the cage. Finally, he backs off, waiting for Booker to get back to his feet, before running behind him and throwing him head first into the cage, which again doesn't give. He picks Booker back up and rams him into the cage again, and again, trying to bust him open. Before he is able to do this though, Booker blocks another attempted throw to the cage, this time sending Jericho in face first. Jericho recovers quickly, and the fans are on their feet, as now BOTH men seem to be taking turns ramming each other into the side of the cage. After several shots on either side that grow increasingly vicious, Booker and Jericho both collapse at the same time, obviously spent after that burst of brutal offense. After a few seconds of struggling, both men get back up to their feet, though Booker is up first. He kicks Jericho in the stomach, before taking him up and over with a suplex down onto the cage. He picks him up to deliver another one, but Jericho slides out and over, pushing Booker from behind into the cage again. With Booker stunned, Jericho is able to run up from behind him, slamming him down with a facebuster right into the cage floor. He yells for the ref to start counting, and he gets 1…2…3…4…5…6… before Booker can stagger back to his feet.

Jericho goes back on the attack, slamming Booker back onto the cage, before delivering a running dropkick to Bookers head, driving it down onto the cage again. He then proceeds to grab Bookers head and slam it repeatedly backwards into the cage floor. He follows this up with more stomps, ordering the referee to count again. This time, the count reaches 1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8… when Booker rolls over and up to his knees. Jericho goes to kick Booker again, only to be met by an uppercut right to the groin, followed by another to the jaw, which puts Him down on the floor. Booker now returns the favor to Jericho, ramming his head backwards into the cage floor, not letting up until Jericho is seemingly unconscious. Booker gets back to his feet, pulling Jericho up with him, ramming him headfirst into the cage again. He then whips Jericho HARD into the side of the cage, with Jericho hitting so hard that he actually manages to dent the steel wall. This time, when Jericho falls, Booker doesn't call for the count, instead getting Jericho into position for a slingshot. Jericho tries to fight, but can't resist, and gets catapulted into the cage face first. As the camera sweeps across his face, we can see that Jericho is busted open, blood streaming down his face. As he slumps down against the cage wall, Booker continues on the attack, hammering away at the cut, causing Jericho's blood to pour out even faster.

Looking to try to finish the match, Booker picks Jericho up again, delivering a big Harlem Sidekick, which outs Jericho back down again. Booker tells the referee to count, and he gets 1…2…3…4…5…6…7…, when Jericho gets back up to one knee. Booker goes for an Axe Kick, only for Jericho to pull back, causing Booker to miss. Jericho counters by dropkicking Booker's knee, putting him down on one knee again. Looking to turn the tide of the match, Jericho begins to…climb the side of the cage? He gets to about the middle of the cage, carefully places his feet for maximum stability, and launches himself off, twisting in midair into a splash that lands right on Booker T! Jericho can't capitalize though, because he's down along with Booker T. The fans are on their feet, cheering along with both men, as they fight to get back up. They reach a vertical stance together, and begin to slug away at each other, trying to make the other hit the floor again. This time it's Booker who gets the edge, pushing Jericho back with a flurry of blows. He charges after Jericho but gets caught in a backdrop that slams him upside down into the cage wall. Jericho begins to climb the cage again, this time going even higher up. He continues to climb, and the crowd begins to buzz. Jericho soon reaches the top, and begins to actually pull himself along the top of the cage. As he hangs there, Booker staggers back up to his feet. He looks around for Jericho, finally turning and looking up above him. As he does do, Jericho swings off of the top of the cage, trying to crash down onto Booker. He takes too long to do this however, and Booker moves out of the way, sending Jericho HARD into the steel. Booker signals for the count, and the referee begins…1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…

Jericho JUST manages to grab onto the cage wall and pull himself up enough to break the count. Booker stares in disbelief, but goes after Jericho again. Jericho ducks and takes him down with a drop toehold that slams Booker's head into the cage wall again. This time, the camera reveals that Booker is also bleeding heavily, meaning that both men will need stitches after the match. Again, Jericho and Booker lay on the floor, as the fans don't seem to want to sit down, afraid that something will be missed. It has become obvious that being slammed into the cage time after time has started to tell on both men. After a few moments, Booker gets back to his feet, seeming to be somewhat unsteady. He gestures for Jericho to get back up, waiting to deliver a big move when he does. As Jericho rises, Booker goes for another Harlem Sidekick. Jericho ducks however, sending Booker crashing into the side of the cage. As he stumbles back, Jericho ducks down, and picks Booker up onto his shoulders, looking as if he's about to hit him with a Death Valley Driver. Instead though, he yells out "Lion's Roar", before tossing Booker's feet over his head, twisting as he does so to slam Booker down face first into the cage with all the force of an ->F-5<- tornado! He is barely able to signal for the referee to count, and the fans stay on their feet as he does so. 1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10…! Jericho collapses with blood pouring down his face as the referee unlocks the cage door, entering to hand Jericho the Television Title belt.

*Jericho stands unsteadily to his feet, holding aloft the TV Title, as the fans show their appreciation for the match they just witnessed, and the end of the feud between these two men. Booker is finally able to stand as well, and walks over to Jericho, holding out his hand in a show of respect and honor. Jericho…takes Bookers hand to cheers form the crowd, pulling him into a hug! Jericho then raises Booker's arm with one hand, while holding the Title up with the other. As Booker lowers his arm and goes to leave, Jericho taps him on the shoulder. As Booker turns around, Jericho nails him right between the eyes with the Television Title belt, laying in a few more stomps before the referee gets in between them. The fans cheers quickly turn to jeers, as Jericho stumbles back down the aisle, blood dripping onto the floor form his head, with the Title belt slung over his shoulder*

(95/97/93; **** ½; Television Title gained image. Both men gained overness from the feud ending)

Tenay and Meltzer both can't believe the match they just witnessed, with Meltzer calling it: " A early Match of the Year Candidate". Tenay goes even further, saying that it was: "One of the best matches I've seen in all of my years of watching this sport". They talk about some of the highlights of the match, and both admit that Chris Jericho earned his win and his Title the hardway. Tenay can't seem to get over the new move Jericho debuted, The Lion's Roar, especially since "this gives Jericho 3 big moves that can end a match at any time". After a few more minutes of talk about the previous match, the mood of both Tenay and Meltzer turns more somber. They begin to talk about the story that has lead up to our main event, covering Raven's actions since his return to WCW, his bringing in his former hated enemy Tommy Dreamer and the maniac Sabu, and their attacks on the World Champion, Goldberg. Clips are shown of various fights between the men involved, mixed in with Bischoff's announcement of the main event. As he names off the participants, a picture is shown of each one. These pictures separate, showing 3 men on each side of the screen, while in the middle, a graphic appears that reads: "Who will survive in the battle for the future of WCW?" As we cut back briefly to the announcers, they remind is that this match, due to Eric Bischoff's orders, will NOT be conducted under Raven's Rules. They ALSO reveal that if Raven and his "friends" lose the match, they will be kicked out of WCW. With that, Tenay tells everyone that the time for talk has just ended, and that the main event…is NOW!

**Raven/Tommy Dreamer/Sabu vs. Goldberg/Sting/Vader**

The crowd seems to be pumped for this one, as a buzz spread through the entire arena. As the music of Raven hits, the fans strain to see, as suddenly the lights dim, with only strange random flashed of light showing anything. As the music reaches a climax, a huge EXPLOSION is seen and heard, and suddenly the trio of Raven, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu are standing in the ring. The fans seem confused as to how they got out there, but the confusion soon turns to boos, which the trio seems to not hear. Raven sits in the corner with his head down, while Dreamer and Sabu stand "guard" over him. As they wait, more music is heard, this time bringing out the first of their opponents, Vader. The fans reaction grows even more as Sting comes out to join him, and they EXPLODE and come to their feet when the World Champion Goldberg comes out. The three men look at each other, nod, and charge the ring. Raven pulls himself to his feet, and stands alongside Dreamer and Sabu as they await their opponents. When they hit the ring, the match officially begins!

For the first several minutes, the entire ring is the site of a huge brawl. All 6 men battle whoever is closest to them, with no regard for safety or order. Raven battles with Sting, while Dreamer takes on Goldberg, leaving Sabu to be pummeled in the corner by Vader. The brawl soon spills outside the ring, as Raven takes Sting over the top rope with a clothesline. They are soon followed, as Vader catches Sabu on an attempted cross body block, and tosses him over the top rope, right on top of Raven and Sting. Vader turns around just in time for Dreamer get nailed with a Goldberg Spear that knocks him right back and into Vader, which knocks him THROUGH the ropes. Goldberg goes to finish off Dreamer, but Dreamer is able to bring his arm up into Goldberg's "inner thigh" area, which takes him down to one knee. On the outside, Sabu and Raven seem to have recovered more quickly than their counterparts, and begin to lay into them again. Seeing this, Dreamer tries to hit Goldberg with his finishing move, the Death Valley Driver, only for Goldberg to slip off his back, nailing him with a nice standing sidekick. About this time, Sabu pulls off of Vader on the outside and jumps up in the apron, using it to springboard inside with a dropkick to the back of Goldberg.

With everyone but Sabu down or on the outside, the referee manages to get control of the match, finally getting everybody on the apron except the two men chosen to start the match, Vader and Sabu. The two circle each other momentarily, before hooking up. Vader immediately begins punching away again, knocking Sabu off his feet. Sabu backs away for a minute, and then tries again, with similar results. He backs away again, but this time comes back in with a dropkick right to the knee, followed by another, then another. This knocks Vader down to one knee, which allows Sabu to bounce off the ropes with a dropkick right to the head, which takes Vader down to the mat. Sabu quickly tags in Dreamer, who enters with some stomps on the big man, before picking back up and whipping him into the ropes. This proves to be a mistake, as Vader meets him in the middle of the ring with a big Avalanche, which knocks Dreamer backwards right into Raven. Raven make a blind tag, and officially enters the match for the first time. Vader goes right after him, and the two brawl once again, this time with Raven getting an advantage thanks to a missed Vader punch, followed by a knee to the stomach. He keeps on Vader, punching him repeatedly in the head, before Vader comes back with some stiff shots of his own. Finally, Vader fights back to his feet, catching Raven with a big bodyslam. Obviously still groggy, Vader goes to his corner and tags in Sting, who enters to a huge pop form the crowd.

Sting hoooooowwwwwllllsss upon entering, before going after Raven, who has backed into the corner. Sting goes up on the ropes, delivering the standard 10 punches. Before he can land the final shot though, Dreamer grabs him by the hair and pulls him down throat first across the rope. With Sting down, Raven tags Dreamer back in. He charges into the ring, only to be met by Sting, who delivers an inverted atomic drop followed by a big clothesline, which gets him a near 2 count. Sting keeps up the offense, sending Dreamer from one corner to the other, following him each time with a clothesline. Finally, Dreamer is able to retaliate, bring his foot up as Sting charges in. Dreamer then takes over the match, controlling Sting with mostly more brawling, mixed in with some blatant cheating, before tagging Sabu back in. Before he leaves, Dreamer grabs Sting by the legs, placing his chest on the middle rope. With sting in this position, he makes a perfect target for Sabu, who comes off the tope rope with a big knee right into the back of Sting. With Sting no injured, Sabu goes to work on the back, using strikes to the back, mixed in with some actual submission based holds, before tagging Raven back in. Raven enters, staring down at Sting for a moment, before stepping over him and spitting right at Goldberg, who has been pacing the ring apron, anxious to get in. Feeling Raven's spit hit his cheek, Goldberg jumps in the ring, only to be held back by the referee. As was no doubt intended, this gives Sabu and Dreamer a chance to come in for some triple teaming on Sting, beating him down in the corner until the ref turns back around.

The next several minutes of the match continue in this fashion, with Raven's team making quick tags in an out, each man getting in a few shots on Sting, focusing primarily on his back. Both of Sting's partners are now pacing on the apron, wanting to get the tag and get in the match. Goldberg in particular seems about to go crazy, obviously wanting to be involved in the match. Raven's continual taunts to Goldberg don't help matters, as he seems to be doing everything in his power to enrage the Champion. Finally, after more punishment, Sting looks to be almost out. Sabu tags into the match and immediately slaps Sting in his version of the Camel Clutch, pulling back on it to go for the submission. Sting won't give up though, and begins to try to fight out of the hold, pushing himself up off the mat. Sabu fights back, but the crowd begins to get behind Sting, giving him the energy to push back up to his feet, with Sabu still on his back. Using the ring to his advantage, Sting falls a few steps backwards, slamming Sabu into the turnbuckle. This causes Sabu to drop off of Sting, and both men fall to the ground. The fans come to their feet in support of Sting, as he begins to try to crawl towards his corner. Meanwhile, Sabu is doing the same thing, reaching out towards his partners. He reaches his corner first, tagging in Tommy Dreamer, who jumps after Sting to try to prevent the tag. He's too late though, as Sting manages to tag…Vader. Goldberg still seems frustrated that he hasn't been in the match, but looks on approvingly as Vader begins to dismantle Dreamer with stiff moves.

Vader beats on Dream all over the ring, with Dreamer playing defense the entire way. He pushes Dreamer into the corner, running in and giving him a big splash. He doesn’t let up, as he pushes Dreamer down onto the mat, before going up to the second turnbuckle, signaling for a big Vader Bomb. He can't complete the move however, as Raven rushes over to the corner and shoves Vader off onto the canvas. This time, Dreamer is able to get to his feet first, and goes right to his corner to tag out. Again at the same time, Vader begins to move towards his corner. Dreamer tags in Raven, who enters the ring to the boos of the crowd. Raven pauses to look around, a sick grin on his face. The grin fades soon, as he hears the boos turn to an explosion of cheers, and turns around only to find himself face to face with…GOLDBERG! The two men are nose to nose, as the fans go crazy. Neither man budges, but the intensity can be felt throughout the arena. Finally, Raven backs up a step, and looks to be turning around. He then turns and tries to suckerpunch Goldberg, only to have his punch blocked. Goldberg grabs Raven's hand, before using his other hand to pick Raven up over his head in a big press slam. He roars at the crowd, and begins to go back after Raven. He picks him up and throws him into a corner, and goes to follow him back in. Raven doesn't give him a chance though, as he comes out swinging, taking both men down to the mat with a tackle to Goldberg. The two begin brawling with each other on the mat, as the match breaks down again, with the four men on the aprons entering the ring to go at it again.

The referee has again lost control, as all six men are beating each other senseless in the ring, with no one gaining a clear advantage. Finally, the match begins to move towards an end, as Goldberg charges at Raven, looking to hit him with a Spear. Raven, however, moves just in time, sending Goldberg full force into the referee. This knocks the ref down and OUT, leaving no one to count when Raven grabs Goldberg and delivers an Evenflow DDT. Raven tries to revive the ref, only to have Vader grab him from behind and whip him right into Tommy Dreamer. The two collide, which sends Raven stumbling backwards, right into a Sting dropkick. Sting has managed to take Dreamer down, leaving no one on Raven's team on his feet. Sting signals for Vader to deliver the final blow, which he looks more than ready to do. Vader lifts Raven to his feet, before flipping him up in position for a big Powerbomb. He can't complete the move though, as Sabu cuts his legs out from under him, bring Raven down on top of Vader. While this is happening, Dreamer and Sting roll out of the ring and begin to fight on the outside. Raven stumbles to his feet, but turns around again to see that Goldberg is also on his feet and headed towards him. Raven tries to charge again, but gets met with a superkick that knocks him backwards. As Raven attempts to stand again, Goldberg looks ready to hit him with a Spear. He doesn't get the chance however, as suddenly, out of the crowd, an unknown man jumps the guardrail and leaps up onto the apron, before springing up to the top rope. As Goldberg charges at Raven, the man comes flying off the top rope with a big karate like kick to the chest. The crowd seems stunned as the man ascends back to the top rope. He pauses on the top rope, and "Points to Himself", before coming off with a huge Frog Splash type move onto Goldberg. The impact causes the man to bounce off of Goldberg and right out of the ring, but the damage has been done. Raven throws his body over Goldberg's as Sabu, who has kept Vader from getting to his feet by slapping a Camel Clutch on him, wakes up the referee. The ref sees the situation, and has no choice but to count the 1,2,3!

*The crowd reacts in shock at the scene they just witnessed, as Raven and Sabu call Tommy Dreamer into the ring. Dreamer helps the unknown man into the ring also, and the four stand, looking triumphant over their fallen foes. However, the evening isn't over yet…*

(79/81/77; ***)

**Welcome to a new era...**

*Suddenly, as the crowd responds with hatred, a stream of men begins to flood towards the ring, coming from the crowd in all directions. They all enter the ring and stand with the four already present. The last man to enter is a short, pudgy, possible balding man, who wears a baseball cap on his head. He has managed to grab a microphone on his way into the ring, and after pausing to catch his breath, begins to speak…*

Unknown: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and WELCOME to the NEW WCW. I'm sure some of you are wondering who I am, and who these men standing behind me are as well. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Heyman, who some of you may know from my previous work in WCW as Paul E. Dangerously. And these men behind me, represent the NEW ERA in WCW. These men are some of the most talented, most ruthless, most bloodthirsty, and most importantly, most EXTREME wrestlers in the world today. And these men came to WCW with me, to join THIS man, RAVEN, to achieve our ultimate goal: complete domination of World Championship Wrestling. You see, these men have come here to WCW to take things to a new level. They've come here to take WCW to a new HIGH. And more than all of that, they have come here, to WCW, to take this federation TO THE EXTREME. Because you see, these men represent the very best of my personal creation. These men represent the best of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Ladies and gentlemen, THIS IS…E…C…W!

*As the crowd reacts with shock to this speech, some unfamiliar music booms over the loudspeakers, stating THIS…IS…EXTREEEEEEEME!!! The wrestlers in the ring congratulate one another, before turning and continuing a beating on Vader and Sting. Raven however, is not in the ring, as he has dragged Goldberg out onto the floor, heading towards the Ultimate Cage, which has not been raised. He flings the door open, shoving Goldberg inside. As the crowd looks on with horror, Raven makes the sign of the crucifix, before picking Goldberg up and driving him down and THROUGH the cage floor with a brutal Evenflow DDT! Everyone can see that Goldberg is now busted open. Raven looks down at the carnage he has caused, then back at Heyman standing in the ring. As two of the ECW wrestlers run Mike Tenay and Meltzer out of the announce booth, we have no announcers to end the show. As we see Vader and Sting being beaten by the ECW wrestlers, the camera begins to fade. The final shot of the evening is of Raven and Heyman standing looking at each other, a sick smile slowly spreading across both of their faces.*

(80)

Overall: 85

Edited February 9, 2005 by bigsheep305

[Commander Sheepard]

OOC: Ok, as a warning, this next "Sophie segment" contains some rather...juvenile (read: stupid) humor, that I'm not really proud of. That said, this is what I wrote, so I'm reproducing it here.

Monday, April 26th:

*Whew. That's about all I can say. MAN do I feel better. I feel like a huge weight's been lifted off of my shoulders right now. I had been so concerned about last night's PPV, that I guess I hadn't realized how stressed out I was becoming. But now that it's over, or rather, just beginning, I can finally relax a little bit. And there's no one better to relax with than...*

Sophie: Hey, you look good.

Me: Huh? Oh sorry, Sophie, I didn't see you come in. What's that you said?

Sophie: Oh nothing, just saying that you look like you feel good today.

Me: Oh believe me, I DO feel good today. In fact, I feel better that I've felt in a couple of months. Seeing things go as well as they did last night was a HUGE relief.

Sophie: Are you so sure you want to be saying that, seeing as how you don't know the ratings for last night? Maybe the audience hated it. What would you do then, hmm?

Me: I'd probably bang my head repeatedly against my desk.

Sophie: Well then, I'm glad that they seem to be pretty good. I mean, I would HATE for you to mess up that face...

Me: Umm, thanks Sophie. Moving right along, how WERE the ratings for last night.

Sophie: VERY good. First off, we had 20,272 people there last night, which were only 377 LESS people than the WWF had at their PPV. And those 20,272 people, along with the PPV audience that we polled, gave it an 85% approval rating.

Me: 85%? Man, that's great. To tell the truth, I was REALLY worried that some of it wouldn't go over very well.

Sophie: Well relax. All of the matches went very well. I have to tell you, Jericho and Booker T stole the show again.

Me: I knew they would. In a way, I really hated to end their feud, but I just feel like it's time to move onto some new things for both of them. But man, what a match to go out on, huh?

Sophie: No kidding. And amazingly enough, no major injuries last night from that match, or any of the others. Only thing that happened was that Goldberg got a cut on his head form the DDT through the cage.

Me: Well, that's not great, but doesn't Goldberg cut his head sometimes just WALKING?

Sophie: Just about. Oh, I also have the preliminary buy rate, which came is at, let's see...Oh, here we go. 1.93. WWF got a 2.00, so we're still not QUITE there, but we're close. And I also found out that, interestingly enough, our image from a global standpoint is almost even with the WWF right now.

Me: Really? Man, never thought I'd hear THAT so soon. The fans must REALLY be getting behind the product.

Sophie: It would appear so. I just hope that we can keep things going in the same direction. Oh, by the way, while I'm thinking about it...

Me: Yes?

Sophie: Why did you change the ending of the Steiner and Outsiders match? I thought that we had both talked about it and decided that the Steiner's would get the win, kicking off that "thing" you wanted to do with Nash.

Me: You can blame Eric Bischoff for that one. See, when I told Nash and Hall about the planned finish, they BOTH balked at the idea of putting the Steiner's over. And since apparently Bischoff signed them to contracts that give them "Creative Control" over their characters, there wasn't anything I could do about it. But I let them BOTH know I wasn't happy, and that when it came time for contract renewal, NOBODY would be getting a clause like that.

Sophie: I see. Well that explains that. Would have liked to see you go off on Hall and Nash though. I bet THAT was fun.

Me: Loads. Hey, did you get the sheet for Nitro tonight?

Sophie: I have it right here. I was just about to go distribute it to everyone, unless you need anything else first.

Me: No, I think that's it for now. So if you could just pass those out to...

*I trailed off because right as I was saying that, Sophie dropped something on the ground, and bent down to pick it up. Naturally, my eyes have a mind of their own, and gravitated downwards. And man, her shirt was cut much lower than I thought...*

Sophie: Kris? Hello?

Me: What? Sorry Sophie, I was just, um, thinking about ways to end tonight's show.

Sophie: *with a cute little smirk* I'll bet you were. I don't think you'll have a "hard" time coming up with something.

Me: Oh, I don't know. It seems to be "harder" than I thought.

Sophie: Well, let me know if I can help you out with it. *Blushing slightly as she thinks about what she just said* I guess I'll run. Bye.

Me: Bye Sophie...

*She exits quickly, closing the door, as I begin to do what I said earlier, and beat my head against the desk. What was all THAT about? I mean, "it's HARDER than I thought"? What the HELL?*

OOC: Witty and subtle, no?

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: The Magazine, is pleased to bring you the following preview for tomorrow night's edition of WCW Monday Nitro:

-Juventud Guerrera cashes in his shot at the Cruiserweight Title, as he takes on champion Eddie Guerrero. Will Eddie's hot streak continue, or will he prove what he has been saying backstage about having "No suitable competition"?-

-Chris Benoit, Booker T, and The British Bulldog face off in a 3-way match to determine who receives the next shot at the winner of tonight's main event and the U.S. Title. Can Benoit or Booker overcome their losses from Spring Stampede? Or will the Bulldog prove that HE deserves another shot at his relative and former friend?-

-And in the main event, Eric Bischoff rewards Vader for his (albeit unsuccessful) efforts at the PPV by granting him a match for the U.S. title against Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Will Vader be able to concentrate after the events at the Stampede? Or will Bret Hart continue to show that he can back up his claim of being "The Best There is, the Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be"?-

Also:

-Kurt Angle makes a special announcement concerning his future in WCW. The proponent of "pure wrestling" will not reveal the subject of the interview, but has told every "true wrestling fan" to be sure to watch Nitro-

-Per Eric Bischoff's orders, no discussion is allowed of the events that closed the PPV until Nitro begins. But in a major announcement, Bischoff will be at Nitro live to discuss exactly what happened, and what this means for the future of WCW-

[9 to 5]

OOC: Witty and subtle, no?

True nope, but to me it resembled a convo between two good mates so realistic. At least, I chat like that with of my girl mates.

[Commander Sheepard]

Monday, April 26th:

Nitro!

*As the camera fades in, we go immediately ringside with our announcers for the evening, Mike Tenay and Dave Meltzer. They both look shaken and nervous, continuously glancing around them to make sure they are safe. Tenay welcomes everybody to Nitro and informs us briefly of the planned events for the night. He also adds that he knows that everyone is wondering about what happened last night with the main event, but that those issues would be addressed later in the show, in a special video presentation. Meltzer breaks in and adds that: "If we seem to be nervous and unfocused, it's because we ARE." With that statement, Tenay informs everyone that the first match of the evening came about as a result of Juventud Guerrera's victory last night in the "Free For Everyone" match. Meltzer adds that this match, which WILL be for the Cruiserweight Title, should be a great one, as both Juvi AND the Champion Eddie Guerrero are coming off of big wins. As he puts it : "Eddie Guerrero is the best Cruiserweight in the world right now. But Juventud Guerrera MAY just be able to take that title from him tonight." With that, they throw us to the ring for our first match.*

**Eddie Guerrero© vs. Juventud Guerrera; Cruiserweight Title match**

As Juventud makes his way to the ring, it's obvious that even the wrestlers seems a little bit "on edge" tonight, as he doesn't seem quite as enthusiastic and energetic as is usual. This doesn’t prove true for the champion, Eddie Guerrero, though, as he makes his way to the ring in the same cocky manner he always uses, taking time to "polish" his belt before handing it to the referee. Once this is done, Eddie runs across the ring to cheap shot Juvi, and the match begins. The opening moments of the match are controlled by Eddie, as he uses his usual crisp offense, including a nicely done hanging vertical suplex, to take Juvi down to the mat, where he begins to put the boots to him. After the referee pulls him off, Eddie goes back to the attack, only to have his charge stopped by a spinning heel kick from Juvi. This stuns Eddie long enough for Juvi to recover and go on offense himself. Juvi can't keep the advantage for very long though, as Eddie keeps fighting back. Finally, Juvi gets a dropkick to take Eddie down and out to the floor. Juvi takes a moment to look around at the crowd, before leaping up to the top rope, jumping down onto Eddie Guerrero on the floor. The fans applaud the risk Juvi takes, although Juvi seems to have been hurt by the move as well. Finally, he is able to get back to his feet, rolling Eddie back into the ring as he does so. Juvi goes for another big move, springboarding over the top rope with a legdrop over into Eddie's chest. He covers, but can manage only a 2 count. Juvi keeps up the pressure with some ground based submission holds, before Eddie is able to counter by reaching back while in a body scissors and raking Juvi's eyes. This allows Eddie to get back to his feet, and go back after Juvi. The next few moments are filled with back and forth action between the two men, as both counter everything the other is throwing at them. Finally though, Eddie catches Juvi on an attempted dive onto him in the corner by lifting his knees. This doubles Juvi over, and allows Eddie to pick him up, and bring him back down with a vicious Brainbuster. This is enough to give Eddie the 3 count, and another victory.

*After the referee has handed Eddie his belt, Juvi gets up holding his head, and walks over to Eddie to offer his hand. Eddie merely looks at him, before blowing his nose on Juvi's hand and gesturing for him to leave "his" ring. Once Juvi has done this, Eddie asks for, and is given, a microphone…*

(85/86/84; ***1/2)

**No one left…**

Eddie Guerrero: Hey, hey, I want everyone in here to listen up, because YOUR Cruiserweight Champion has something to say.

*The crowd responds with vigorous boos, which Eddie does his best to ignore*

EG: I hope that all of you morons here in the crowd and all the morons at home were watching really closely just now. Because what just happened to Juventud Guerrera, is the same thing that's happened to each and every so called "number one contender" that I've had to wrestle since I won this Title. They got in the ring with ME, Eddie Guerrero, and they walked out of the ring as LOSERS. Just like Juventud Guerrera found out. And just like Dean Malenko found out last night. Hey listen Essa, I told you before. You're not in my league, and you need to keep your nose out of my business from now on. So, what's next? I mean, I already beat everybody in WCW, more than once. Where do I go from here? Well tonight man, I'm gonna go back to the back, get out of my working clothes, and into my best threads, and I'm going out on the town, to find some FIIIIINE mamacitas. And after I get done with three or four of them, man, I'm gonna go wherever WCW has me booked next, and I'm gonna beat whoever WCW has me booked against, and I'm gonna keep doing that each and every night, for as long as I want to. Hey look, I have great respect for some of the guys in the back, but let's get serious essa. There isn't ANYONE back there who can even hold my jock. So Eric Bischoff, WCW Board of Directors, whoever it is, I'm making a challenge to YOU. If you don't find me somebody who's WORTH my time, then I might have to go find someplace besides WCW to defend my Title.

*With that statement, Eddie drops the mic and exits the ring, making his way to the back amidst jeers from the people, who obviously don't agree with his assessment of WCW's talent*

(100%!!!; Eddie gained overness, and is now unique! )

As we rejoin our "fearless" announcers, Tenay makes the statement that Eddie Guerrero MAY be partially right about one thing: "He HAS beaten everyone that's he's faced SO FAR. But I have a feeling that some of the superstars in the back are going to take exception to the comments he just made". Meltzer states that is will be interesting to see who Eric Bischoff may bring in to face Eddie, as he's sure that Bischoff doesn't want Eddie to walk out on the company, especially at a time like this. Tenay agrees with this, and uses that statement to segue into a discussion of the events in, and following the main event last night. He talks about the feelings he had when he saw the ECW wrestlers coming out, and how they were run off by several of them, and thus couldn't finish the broadcast. Meltzer breaks in at this time, making the statement that he's heard people all day comparing this to when the nWo tried to invade WCW. But as he puts it: "Even the nWo couldn't match the level of extreme that these men are willing to go to. These are some VERY dangerous men." Tenay agrees, and advises everyone to watch their television, as we take a look at just HOW dangerous these men are, and just WHAT took place last night.

**This…is…EXTREEEEEEEME!**

As the screen fades, we begin to see images flicker quickly back and forth, briefly showing a clip of several men, some wrestling, some talking into a mic, some just glaring menacingly at the camera. After a few moments of this, the scene shifts to video of the events of last nights PPV, Spring Stampede, as the wild and chaotic main event came to a close thanks to the intervention of an invading force from ECW. The attacks on the various WCW superstars in the match are shown, with especial focus placed on the World Champion, Goldberg. From this, we segue into footage of various members of the ECW "invasion force" in action, as scenes of hardcore action fill the screen. As the footage continues to roll, the speed of the clips increases, with shots of last nights action mixed with the scenes from ECW's past. Finally, as the music reaches a crescendo, a final image of the ending of Spring Stampede fills the entire screen. With that, we fade to black, and back to the ring…

(83%)

**The Invasion ends NOW**

*…Where Eric Bischoff stands holding a mic. He pauses to let the fans calm down from the video before raising the mic and beginning to speak…*

Eric Bischoff: Thank you all very much for that show of support. But I have to tell ya, I don't feel real happy to be out here. You see, last night, something happened that, quite frankly, I was hoping would never happen to WCW again. As I'm sure all of you know, I was a part, a few years ago, of what was one of the biggest and most influential movements in professional wrestling. I'm talking of course about the nWo. But as dangerous as the nWo was, what happened last night could signal the beginning of something even worse. I know better than most people how desperate, how vicious, and how heartless the man you saw last night, Paul Heyman, can be. Because for the past several years, I've done my best, as part of the leadership here in WCW, to take Paul Heyman down and OUT. Because I recognized what Paul Heyman was trying to do. You see, Heyman was trying to change what wrestling in this country was all about. Instead of great athletes getting in the ring and actually WRESTLING each other, until one man either gave up or was pinned, Heyman wanted to turn wrestling into a bloodsport. He didn't care about the well being of his wrestlers. He didn't care about the well being of his FANS. All he cared about was pushing the envelope, seeing how far outside the lines he could go. And yeah, I'll admit, it was almost entertaining, in the same way that a car wreck is entertaining. But one thing that Heyman couldn’t' ever get over, is the fact that in the end, he got BEAT by me, and by WCW. I mean, look at the list of wrestlers that LEFT ECW to come and join WCW. So Paul Heyman decided that if he couldn't beat WCW from the outside, he would try to beat it from the inside out. It's become more and more obvious to me, that this whole thing has been planned by Paul Heyman and Raven from the very moment that Raven first entered WCW. And I'll admit, I fell for it. When I first contacted Raven about becoming a member of WCW, I thought that he really wanted the opportunity to join the fastest growing, hottest wrestling company in the world. I had a lot of faith that, given enough time, Raven would take his spot at the top of WCW. But apparently my faith was misplaced. Well Raven, Heyman, I want you and the rest of your "organization" to listen up, and listen good. There's no way in hell that I'm going to let you come in here and take over MY company. So what happened last night, happened for the last TIME. Heyman, if I see you or any of your wrestlers in any of MY buildings again, I'll have you personally escorted right back out…

*As Bischoff makes this statement, the lights suddenly begin to flicker, before going out. As the crowd begins to murmur impatiently, the lights suddenly flip back on, to reveal Raven standing in the ring behind Eric Bischoff. Also in the ring is Paul Heyman, while the rest of the ECW wrestlers stand nearby, surrounding the ring. Bischoff looks around nervously, as Heyman grabs the mic out of his hand, before speaking…*

Paul Heyman: Eric Bischoff. I have to say, I never thought I would be standing in a ring with you. Let me be the first of my group to say to you: Welcome.

EB: *Taking the mic back* Welcome? What's that supposed to mean?

PH: *Grabbing the mic again* You didn't let me finish Eric. As I was going to say, Welcome, to a new beginning for WCW. Welcome to a new ERA for WCW. Welcome to WCW, taken to the EXTREME. You see, Eric, let me make on thing clear to you. I didn't come here with these men that surround this ring, to listen to you talk about how WCW "beat" ECW. Because to be quite truthful Eric, all WCW did was CHEAT ECW. You tried to take my wrestlers. You tried to steal my ideas. You, and that OTHER organization up north tried to steal MY CREATION from me. But you see Eric Bischoff, NO one can do what I can do. No one has the same vision, the same creative genius, the same sheer brilliance necessary to revolutionize the wrestling industry like I do. And that's why I have led these men here to WCW. Because you see Eric Bischoff, they share in my vision. And together, with these men helping me, we're going to take over WCW, and re-shape it, re-mold it, into a NEW creation. A Paul Heyman creation. An ECW creation. And if you don't like it, I would suggest that you step aside. Because if you don't, well let's just say, things won't be pretty. Come on Eric, this is an easy choice to make. You know you want to say yes Eric. You KNOW you want to WELCOME ECW with open arms. You know you want…

EB: *Interrupting* Heyman, all I WANT, is for you, and all of your "followers" to go STRAIGHT TO HELL.

*As soon as Bischoff says these words, Raven attacks from behind, taking Bischoff down and beating on him. As he does this, the other ECW wrestlers fill the ring, each one taking a shot at Eric Bischoff. Soon, Bischoff's body can no longer be seen for the mass of wrestlers surrounding him. Finally, Heyman orders Tommy Dreamer and Sabu to hold Bischoff, who hangs limply in their arms, blood streaming from his face. Heyman looks down with a sick smile, before leaning down with the mic*

PH: You see Bischoff. I told you this wouldn’t' be pretty if you didn't cooperate. But I'm a forgiving man Eric. So I'm going to give you one last chance. Either give up and let ECW revolutionize WCW, or prepare for a war that you can't hope to win. What's it going to be Eric?

*Looking up at Heyman, Bischoff rears his head back, before spitting with all of his strength right into Heyman's face. Heyman merely shakes his head, before signaling to Raven. Raven stares down at Bischoff, making the sign of the crucifix, before grabbing Bischoff by the head and driving him down into the mat with an Evenflow DDT. With Bischoff bloody and broken in the ring, Heyman looks to be satisfied, and signals for his men to leave, adding a final kick of his own to Bischoff's body before he too exits the ring*

(88%)

As we cut back to ringside, Tenay and Meltzer appear to be in shock, and even MORE nervous than before, if that's possible. Tenay wonders if Bischoff is ok, as Meltzer notes that this makes THREE victims for ECW so far, counting the fact that both Sting and World Champion Goldberg were injured last night and thus unable to appear tonight. Tenay makes the statement that "If this keeps up, before too much longer there won't be anything but ECW wrestlers LEFT." Meltzer points out that just because ECW left the ringside area, that DOESN'T mean that they have left the building. He advises any of the wrestlers in the back who happen to be listening to lock the doors to their dressing rooms, and try to stay out of sight, because "There's no telling who they might come after next." With that said, Tenay states that " The show must go on"and throws us to ringside for our next match, which will be a first pin wins, three-way triangle match to determine the next challenger for the winner of the U.S. Title match later in the evening. The announcer's talk about how all three men can claim to be wortyh challengers, but that only one will be able to get the shot.

**Chris Benoit vs. Booker T. vs. The British Bulldog; U.S. Title number one contendership match**

The three men make their way separately to the ring, with both Benoit and Booker T receiving particularly loud reactions. Booker looks to be the most beat up of the three, as he is obviously still suffering the effects of the Ultimate Cage match from the PPV. Once all three are in the ring, the bell rings and the action begins. The opening minutes are filled with the three tentatively trying a few moves, not wanting to leave themselves open to a double team situation. Finally, The Bulldog nails Booker T with a clothesline, knocking him out of the ring, before going after Benoit to really get the action started. The Bulldog and Benoit trade some fast moves back and forth, with the Bulldog doing his best to keep up with the quicker and more technically proficient Benoit. Eventually, Benoit ducks an attempted clothesline, and spins The Bulldog around, grabbing his arm and taking him down into the Crippler Crossface as he does so. The fans jump to their feet at the thought of a quick win for Benoit, but soon sit back down, as Booker manages to make his way into the ring to break up the hold with a double axehandle. With the Bulldog now temporarily out of action, Booker T and Benoit begin to go at it, again trading moves back and forth, including a series reversals off of a headlock that ends with Benoit getting pushed into the ropes and NAILED with a Harlem Sidekick by Booker T. Booker doesn't go for the cover however, instead choosing to go back after the Bulldog, who is getting back to his feet. As he charges in, The Bulldog catches him with a big powerslam, quickly going for the cover. He only gets a 2 count, but keeps on offense, pounding away at Booker with some big forearm shots. The Bulldog backs Booker into a corner, going after him with a series of shoulders into the midsection. Before he can follow this up, Benoit comes up from behind and takes The Bulldog up and over with a big German Suplex. He holds on, and turns this into a series of ROLLING German Suplexes, which leaves The Bulldog stunned on the canvas. Benoit covers, only to have the pin broken up by a Booker T legdrop to the back of the head. Booker then attempts two covers, one on Benoit, and one on the Bulldog, only for both men to kick out after 2. Booker decides to go back after the Bulldog, picking him up and whipping him to the ropes. He misses on an attempted Sidekick, which allows Benoit to use The Bulldogs momentum to backdrop him over the tope rope. Benoit then moves towards Booker T, grabbing him around the waist in an attempt at a German Suplex. Booker manages to block the move, before nailing Benoit with a back elbow. He then bounces off of the ropes, catching Benoit with a big flying forearm to the head. By this time, The Bulldog has gotten back to his feet on the ring apron, only to be knocked right back off by another Harlem Sidekick. Booker turns back to Benoit, only to find him already back on his feet. The two look at each other for a moment, before going right back after each other, trading blows back and forth. The crowd soon comes to its feet, though it's not form the great action inside the ring. Instead, the crowd begins to boo, as U.S. Champion Bret Hart makes his way down to the ring, holding his Title belt. As Benoit and Booker fight back and forth, Bret hops up onto the ring apron behind the referee's back. As Booker goes to whip Benoit into the ropes, Bret begins to swing the belt, obviously trying to take Chris Benoit out. His plan backfires however, as Benoit reverses the whip, causing Booker to nail the Title belt. As Bret looks stunned, Benoit runs and nails him off of the apron right onto The Bulldog. He turns and looks at Booker, then decides to do the right thing and allow Booker to get back to his feet. When Booker does so, he tries to hit Benoit with a clothesline, only to have it reversed into a Crippler Crossface. With The Bulldog still down outside the ring, Booker has no choice but to eventually submit, making Benoit the number one contender again.

(89/84/94; ****)

Meltzer and Tenay go over what happened in the last match, with both men agreeing that it's very obvious Bret Hart doesn't want to have to defend his title against Chris Benoit. As Tenay puts it "Benoit almost beat Bret Hart last night, and Bret knows it. He doesn't want Chris Benoit anywhere NEAR his Title". Meltzer brings up the fact that in some ways, Booker T got an unfair shake in the match, as he came off of the devastating Ultimate Cage match at Spring Stampede. He adds "That, plus the attempted Bret Hart interference, really cost Booker T his shot at the U.S. Title. And I have a feeling that Booker won't be satisfied with the result of the match tonight." Tenay agrees that this is almost a certainty, but wonders how long it will be before Booker will be back in top shape. This segues into a general discussion of the Television Title match last night, with both announcers bringing up how brutalized both participants were. However, both agree that in the end, Chris Jericho deserved to win the match, as he was able to take Booker T down with the Lion's Roar, and keep him down for the 10 count. Tenay informs us that coming up net, we'll hear live from new Television Champion Chris Jericho. Meltzer wonders "What's next for Jericho? He's beaten one of the biggest rivals in his career to date." Tenay states that he doesn't know, but that perhaps we'll find out, as that interview is next…

**He is the champion, my friend…**

*As Tenay finishes this, some familiar music starts to play, and Television Champion Chris Jericho makes his way out to the ring. The fans respond by booing Jericho, which he responds to with a characteristic smirk. He appears to be moving slightly stiffly, and has a large bandage on his head. He pulls a mic out of his trunks, shifting his Television Title belt to his other shoulder, before gesturing for the crowd to quiet down. Even when this fails, he begins to speak…*

Chris Jericho: I want each and everyone one of you to take a good hard look at what's on my shoulder. That's right, it's the Television Title belt. The SAME Television Title belt that I told everyone I would be coming home with after I beat Booker T in the Ultimate Cage. The same Television Title belt that I never should have lost in the first place. And after what I went through last night, the same Television Title belt that NO ONE deserves more than me. Let me take just a minute to talk about the match last night. Booker T, last night, you and I beat the absolute living HELL out of each other. It was a bloody, brutal, classic of a match, and one that I'm proud as hell to have walked out of. But there was something funny about last night, BOOGER T. You see, at the end, when you thought that I was showing you respect by shaking your hand? I saw the look on your face. I saw that look of disappointment, that look of FAILURE. And that made me realize just how much of a failure you ARE Booger. THAT'S why I did what I did to you after the match. Because in the end, just like all of these idiots out here in this arena, you're nothing but a failure. And quite frankly, I'm GLAD that you got your ass beat tonight. Because that means that I won't have to watch you get embarrassed against Bret Hart anytime soon. But hey, Booger T is in the past. And I, Chris Jericho, am looking ahead to the future. You see, when I woke up this morning, the first thing I did, after waking up the 3 or 4 women around me and kicking them out of my house, was to call Eric Bischoff on the phone, and ask him what his plans are for Chris Jericho. And do you know what he said? "Well um, gee Chris, I kinda have a few other things on my mind right now." A few OTHER things on his mind? What could possible me more important than your own Television Champion? What could be more important than the BIGGEST star in your company? So, "Bitchoff", since you can't do your own JOB, I guess that I'll have to do it FOR you. Because tonight, in front of all of these Jerichoholics, Chris Jericho WILL defend his Television Title against the next man who comes through that curtain. So bring it on jerky, cause I'm ready for anything…

*Jericho throws down his mic, gesturing towards the back for someone to come out. His challenge is soon answered, as Chris Daniels music begins to play. The young man comes out with a mic to cheers from the crowd. Jericho looks disgusted, and grabs his mic again before Daniels has a chance to say anything…*

CJ: Wait a minute, wait a minute. What the hell do you think you're doing out here? I already BEAT you, MORE than one time. When I said that I would defend my Title against the next person to come through the curtain I meant the next person who isn't a complete and total LOSER. In case you forgot genius, you LOST to me the last, oh EVERY time we've faced each other. And not only that, but you lost again last night. SO, being the hugely generous person that I am, I'm going to give you a chance to turn around and head back to that lockerroom, and NOT beat the crap out of you in front of all of these people.

Chris Daniels: Whoa whoa whoa, hold on a minute Chris. You see, my purpose in coming out here was two fold. First, I wanted to congratulate you on beating Booker T last night, in the Ultimate Cage. I'll admit, you impressed me, and I think you impressed a lot of people in the back as well. But one thing that DIDN'T impress me, was what you did to Booker T after the match. That sneak attack was totally unprovoked, and completely uncalled for. I've teamed with Booker T before, and I know that he's an honorable, straight forward, PROFESSIONAL inside that ring. So it's only natural for him to try to put your past actions behind him and accept what appeared to be a show of sportsmanship. But you just spit on that sportsmanship last night Jericho. Which brings me to my second reason for being out here. Last night, at Spring Stampede, I lost a hard fought match to Kurt Angle. I'm not proud of the fact that I lost, but I AM proud of the fact that I wrestled a clean match, and went down fighting. Which is more than I can say for YOU most of the time Jericho. I've seen you use every cheap trick in the book to win a match. I've even experienced some of them up close and personal, so to speak. But what I didn't see from you, until last night, was the heart of a TRUE champion. I've always said that in the end, the best athlete will always come out on top. And, last night at least, that was you Jericho. So I thought that maybe you wouldn't mind proving it again, here tonight. I mean, according to you, I'm just a loser, a no-body. So really, from your perspective, what do you have to worry about. So why not give me a shot at your Title. Unless maybe you're not as confident in your abilities as you would have us believe?

CJ: Listen Christopher Robin, I don't really know what you just said, because I fell asleep about half-way through that long, drawn out monologue of yours. But I did hear you ask if maybe I'm not sure I can beat you? Listen junior, the day you beat Chris Jericho, is the same day that Hacksaw Jim Duggan wins a scholarship to Harvard. So since you're so "sassy" tonight, I'll give you a chance to get in the ring with me. But just so you know Christopher Robin, "Pooh Bear" won't be able to save you from the beating you're about to get.

*With that, Jericho throws his mic down again, as Daniels runs down the ramp and into the ring. A referee, who had arrived unnoticed, signals for the bell, and evidently we have a match on our hands…*

(86%)

**Chris Jericho© vs. Chris Daniels**

With Jericho already in the ring, he has the early advantage, as he attacks Daniels coming through the ropes. Jericho begins by stomping away at Daniels, trying not to let him get to his feet. Daniels is finally able to fight his way to a vertical base, and begins to retaliate against Jericho with shots of his own. The two men exchange blows for several minutes, before Jericho finally gets the advantage back with a thumb to the eye of Daniels. He grabs a side headlock, only for Daniels to lift him up with a backdrop suplex. With Jericho stunned form the move, Daniels goes on the attack, actually focusing more on his ground game, using a variety of submission holds to try to wear Jericho down. Daniels focuses especially on Jericho's legs, slapping on a legbar, along with a half-crab. Jericho doesn't give up though, and is able to reach the ropes. When Daniels goes back after him, Jericho grabs the tights and uses the leverage to toss Daniels outside the ring. After a brief moment of recovery, Jericho follows Daniels outside, continuing the punishment by whipping Daniels repeatedly between the guardrail and the apron of the ring. Daniels is finally able to halt this by jumping up onto the apron on an attempted whip, before spring back with a cross body onto Jericho, taking both men down to the floor. After a few moments of recovery, Daniels is able to get back to his feet, and roll Jericho into the ring. He then follows him back in himself with a springboard legdrop over the top rope. Daniels, covers, but is only able to secure a 2 count on Jericho. Seeing that Jericho is hurt, Daniels quickly tries to press his advantage, going for his Double Underhook Powerbomb. Jericho is able to block this by sweeping Daniels legs, leaving him in perfect position for the Liontamer. This is quickly countered into a small package by the challenger, with Jericho barely escaping after 2. As both men get to their feet, they go into another series of moves and counters, neither man slipping up until finally Daniels whips Jericho into the ropes and goes for a dropkick, only for Jericho to hold onto the ropes, causing Daniels to land hard on his back. Jericho seizes this chance to grab Daniels legs, flipping him over into the Liontamer! Daniels begins to scream in pain, but doesn't give up, instead clawing his way towards the ropes. Just as it looks as though he will have to give up, Daniels is able to hook one hand under the bottom rope, forcing the break of the hold. Jericho doesn't let up however, going right back after Daniels with shots to his back including a backbreaker over his knee that Jericho then holds, grinding the point of his knee into Daniels back. This abuse continues for several minutes, as the fans try to rally behind Daniels. Jericho won't let up the pressure however, continually pounding on Daniels back. He is unable to put Daniel away however, as the challenger manages to reverse every attempt at the Liontamer. Finally, Jericho begins to look frustrated, pounding on the mat after a near 2 count. This gives Daniels a chance to get back to his feet and begin a comeback, as he goes after Jericho with basic brawling, unable to rely on his high-flying thanks to the work done on his back. Jericho doesn't back off though, and the two men stand toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring, exchanging blows back and forth, back and forth, until…the bell rings? As both Jericho and Daniels stand in confusion, the referee speaks with the timekeeper, and then goes over to the ring announcer, who informs everyone that the time limit that was allotted for this match has expired, leaving this match, a draw.

*As the fans boo this decision, Daniels walks over to where Jericho is standing, and holds out his hand. Jericho stares at Daniels for a moment, before laughing right in his face. He puts out his hand as if to shake anyway, only to bring it up into a sharp SLAP right across Daniels face. This being done, Jericho rolls out of the ring, grabs his belt, and walks cockily up the aisle, with Daniels staring holes through his back the entire way.*

(91/88/94; ****1/4)

As we head back to our announcers, both men put over what a great match for the TV Title that was, and as Meltzer states it "It's a shame that SOMEONE couldn’t have come out on top after that one." Tenay agrees, but also brings up that once again Jericho showed a total lack of respect for his opponent, not only refusing to shake Daniels hand, but slapping him instead. They both wonder how much longer Chris Daniels will be willing to put up with that kind of treatment from his opponents, especially Chris Jericho. Meltzer then announces that coming up next is something he's been looking forward to all evening. After his victory last night, Kurt Angle informed Eric Bischoff that he wanted some interview time to come out and make a special announcement concerning some changes that he, Kurt Angle, would be making in WCW. According to Meltzer "Speculation has been running wild in the locker room all day regarding what Angle's announcement will be. Of course, a good majority of the WCW stars expressed their opinion that whatever it is, it's sure to be something that's good for Kurt Angle, but BAD for everyone else". Tenay speculates himself that this is probably true, but that the only way to find out is in the ring, where Kurt Angle is currently standing.

**Angle's invitation**

*As the camera's cut back to the ring, we find that Kurt Angle IS already standing there, holding a mic while he soaks up the jeers from the crowd.*

Kurt Angle: Thank you, thank. I'd like to say that it's great to be here tonight in front of all of you fans, but my mother always raised me not to be a liar. Because it's NOT great to be here. As a matter of fact, it's not so great to be ANYWHERE with WCW right now. You see, I've noticed a few things since I joined WCW. I noticed that for one thing, WCW has some of the stupidest, ugliest, and most disgusting smelling fans in the world. But hey, I could handle that. All great achievers have to overcome a little adversity. But what I CAN'T handle is the blatant lack of respect for true, pure WRESTLING that takes place here in WCW. I mean, what kind of company would let something like that Ultimate Cage match happen last night? What kind of company would have an entire PAY-PER-VIEW named "Uncensored" that features nothing but senseless brutality? What kind of company would let people like those ECW "wrestlers" even have a CHANCE? I mean, yeah, ok, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, whoo, great wrestlers there guys. Way to go Eric. And I'm sick of it. I'm sick of coming out here week after week and just TELLING you people about how much better TRUE wrestling is. So I've decided that I'm going to have to do something radical to SHOW you. And what I've come up with is known as: The Angle Invitational. Now, I know what you're thinking. Huh? Since that's about as many syllables as you can handle. But I'll explain. The Angle Invitational is my own way of bringing this company, this SPORT back to what it should be about and to what it COULD be about: Wrestling. What's going to happen, is that every week, I'm going to come out here and extend an open invitation to whoever wants to accept, to come out here and face me in an Angle Invitational match. But these won't be just any matches. Oh no. Angle Invitational matches have certains rules that MUST be abided by. If you will look up at the screen, you can see these listed.

*As Angle points towards the screen, it changes to a shot of the list of "rules" for the Angle Invitational. Angle reads along as the screen fills these in one by one*

1. No closed fist striking is allowed in an Angle Invitation match. Any use of a closed fist will result in an immediate disqualification.

2. If a participant in an Angle Invitation match  leaves the ring, he has a strict count of 10 from the time any part of his body touches the floor to re-enter the ring, or he is counted out.

3. Anyone performing any move on his opponent outside the ring during an Angle Invitational match will be immediately disqualified.

4. Anyone caught throwing his opponent over the top rope during an Angle Invitation match will be immediately disqualified.

5. No rope breaks will be permitted during any Angle Invitational match. If a wrestler is caught in a submission hold or pinfall attempt, that wrestler must work his way out of the situation using his basic wrestling skills. All attempts at using the ropes to break will be ignored by the referee.

6. All Angle Invitation matches will have a 20 minute time limit. Should the match reach the end of this time limit, the wrestler having performed the most pinfall attempts or submission holds will be declared the winner.

[Hajjhowe]

Man, I loved this diary on the old EWB. I don't think I was reading when you got here, as I don't remember the Invasion at all. Anyways, it's really cool and has a good "real" feeling. Also love the Kurt Angle Invitational. I'm interested to see who "defects" to ECW. My money is on Hardcore Hak

[Commander Sheepard]

I put this in the original diary, and feel that it still deserves to be posted here:

OOC post: Hi all. This is just a little post to explain a few things. I've been re-reading my diary over the past few days, and certain things have caught my attention. For one, some of the "historical inaccuracies" in the diary. For one thing, I know The Triad wasn't around back then, and that in fact DDP was a face. And I know that the Wolfpac was still kicking around, etc, etc etc. And I haven't necessarily explained why something are different. In my defense, this was only my second "real" diary back when I started it, and I was just getting used to how to work things. Not that that is an excuse, but just a reason. So I ask, if you've read this diary, and have thought, "Hmm, that's odd. I don't remember that happening", please excuse it, and pretend that it's been explained. J Hopefully, in the past few "months" of diary time, I've managed to create a new world for you to enjoy.

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: The Magazine, has released the following preview for tomorrow nights edition of WCW Thunder-

-Three of WCW's top cruiserweights square off in a match made by Eric Bischoff to demonstrate "suitable competition" to Eddie Guerrero, as Tajiri takes on Juventud Guerrera and Blitzkrieg. Which wrestler will come out on top and prove himself worthy of a shot against Eddie Guerrero?-

-Chris Daniels looks for a measure of revenge when he faces Chris Jericho's friend and sometime tag team partner Buff Bagwell. These two stars have faced each other before, and should have no problem with making this a match to remember. But will Chris Jericho leave Daniels alone?-

-Television Champion Chris Jericho defends his title against one of the best technical wrestlers in WCW today, as Dean Malenko looks to rebound from his loss at Spring Stampede. Can Malenko succeed this time?-

-And in the main event, The Outsiders receive the shot at the Tag Team Titles they "earned" at Spring Stampede, as they go 2 on 2 with tag team Champions The Young Daredevils. Can Kidman and Rey Mysterio, Jr. overcome the recent attacks made on them backstage to defeat their powerful challengers?-

Plus:

-Booker T speaks on his feelings and plans for his future career after his recent loss to Chris Jericho in The Ultimate Cage at Spring Stampede-

-Kurt Angle makes his first challenge in his "Angle Invitational". Which star will be the first to accept the proponent of "True Wrestling's" challenge-

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, April 29th:

Thunder!

*As Thunder begins, we see a video showing the events of this past monday night on Nitro. Scenes of Eric Bischoff getting eaten up, Vader getting choked out, and Paul Heyman laughing manically fills the screen. Interspersed with these scenes are clips of the other action Monday, the Eddie Guerrero/Juventud Guerrera match, Chris Daniels vs. Chris Jericho, and the three man match to determine the new number one contender for the U.S. Title. As the images start to swirl, the music begins to crescendo, until finally…*

*BOOM! The pyro explodes and 10,048 people come to their feet as they get ready for another edition of WCW Thunder. After the usual shots of the crowd (featuring several signs with the message: ECW=Extremely Crappy Wrestling). We join our hosts for the evening, "The Professor" Mike Tenay and "The 'Merican Dweem if ya weeeeellll" Dusty Rhodes*

They start off the evening with some quick discussion about what went down on Nitro, and both reveal that despite reassurances by Eric Bischoff, they're STILL nervous being in the arena, knowing that ECW could show up at any time. Dusty tells Tenay that if anything happens, he'll take care of him with some "bionic elbows". Tenay looks as brave as he can after a statement like that, before announcing that it's time for the first match of the night!

**Yoshohiro Tajiri vs. Juventud Guerrera vs. Blitzkrieg**

As the three men make their way to the ring, Tenay explains that this match, while not an "official" number on contendership match, should go a long way towards determining who gets a shot at the Cruiserweight Title in the future. The three men circle each other for the first moment of the match, fore getting it underway quickly. The match is, as could be expected, an extremely fast paced affair, with all three men exchanging moves back and forth, with no one able to hold onto the advantage for very long. The end comes when Juvi dropkicks Blitzkrieg off of the top rope onto the floor (!), before going up himself. When he goes to launch himself onto Tajiri though, he is met by a huge Buzzsaw Kick that lands right on his temple. After a quick Spinning Brainbuster, Tajiri covers for the 3 count and the victory.

(77/61/94; ***)

After the match, Tajiri says something into the camera that Tenay translates as "Only the beginning". Unsure about his meaning, Tenay instead talks about what a huge win that is for Tajiri, especially since he pinned the man who was the LAST number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title, in Juventud Guerrera. Dusty agrees, and also makes the statement that he hopes that Eddie Guerrero was watching, so what he can see "Some REAL competition baby". With that, Tenay segues into a discussion about the main event for the night, featuring The Outsiders against Champions The Young Daredevils. And apparently, coming up next, we have an interview with the challengers.

**Hey yo…**

*We cut to the back, where Kevin Nash and Scott all (aka. The Outsiders) stand holding a mic. Nash begins first…*

Kevin Nash: Alright alright alright, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. Tonight, me and Scotty here get a shot at the Tag Team Titles. Now don't get me wrong, because hey, Kidman and Rey have been just GREAT Champions so far, *Rolling his eyes*, but I think we all know what's gonna happen in that match. Kidman, Rey, Young Daredevils, let me just say it's a darn good thing you got a knockout blond with ya. Cause you're gonna need something to let out your frustration after we get through taking you two apart. Tell 'em Scott.

Scott Hall: Hey yo…Kidman, Rey Mysterius, Jr.? Since when did me and Big Kev get booked against middle schoolers, huh? Damn, when I saw who the champs were, I almost decided to take the night off and let Kev here handle things by himself. But then I thought, hey, why not, a little game of darts might be fun, eh chico?

KN: Hey, speaking of which. Rey, remember when the nWo, the REAL nWo first showed up here in WCW? Yeah, I bet you don't. Cause if I remember right, you were getting tossed head first into the side of a truck. But ya know what Rey? What me and Scott do tonight, is gonna make that night, like a day spent under the covers with your "manager". Scott, let's get outta here. We hafta "get ready".

SH: *As they walk off* Yeah, I here that it's Ladies night tonight. All girls get into my dressing room, FREE.

(78%; Nash lost overness )

As we re-join our announcers, Tenay and Dusty are just shaking their heads at the lack of respect shown by Hall and Nash. Tenay states that "The Outsiders are obviously overlooking their opponents tonight, as they completely ignored the possibility that they might be facing a challenge." Dusty makes note of the fact that while it's one thing to be confident, it's something else to take your opponents lightly, especially if your opponents are the Tag Team Champions. Tenay states that he hopes that Kidman and Rey were watching, because after seeing and hearing those comments, they're sure to be extra fired up tonight. Dusty breaks in to announce that coming up next, we're going to have a special interview with a man who has a lot on his mind after a couple of big losses recently, in Booker T. Tenay questions what's on Booker's mind, and especially wants to know how he's reacting after losing to Chris Jericho at Spring Stampede.

**Booker T digs that…**

*We go back to the back, as we see Booker T looking down at the ground, while holding a mic in his hand. He looks up at the camera and begins to speak*

Booker T: Ya know, like's funny, ain't it? Not that long ago, I was sittin down face to face with Mike Tenay, talking bout how much the Television Title meant to me. Talking bout how I was gonna beat Chris Jericho. Well things didn't work out like I planned. But there's one thing Booker T's not, and that's a cry baby. So I'm not gonna stand out here and complain about how Chris Jericho beat me. Chris Jericho beat me man to man, one on one, just like it should be. And hey, Jericho, congrats man. I hope you're happy. But you see, what that means for Booker T is this…

*Before Booker can finish his statement, an ominous group steps into view. Like everyone had feared, it's members of ECW, specifically Paul Heyman, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and a man wearing a "Franchise" T-shirt, who of course is Shane Douglas. Booker stares at the men as they surround him, with Heyman front and center*

Paul Heyman: What that means for Booker T, is that he gets the opportunity of a lifetime here tonight. You see Booker. I've watched your career form the very beginning. I remember when you were just starting out. I remember GI Bro. And I remember thinking, why is this man, this obvious talent, being mis-used so badly. You see Booker, I see something in you, that I don't see in everybody. I see hunger. I see desire. I see a THIRST for wrestling. You've got it Booker. In your heart, you've got the will to go places in this business. But for some reason, you haven't been able to do that yet, now have you Booker. Now why would that be, do you suppose? It couldn't be because these people here at WCW are stagnated, stuck in mud now could it? You see Booker, the reason that Raven and I brought ECW here, was to take WCW to places it has never been before. And we can do that on our own, don't mistake. But just like how Eric Bischoff tried to steal ECW's heart and soul by stealing our wrestlers, just like Eric Bischoff tried to bring in new faces, faces that I had created, just like Eric Bischoff did all of that…Now it's my turn. Now Booker, I don't want you to feel threatened by this, but I'm sure you saw what happened to Vader on Nitro. And I know you don't want the same thing to happen to you, now DO you. So why not do the RIGHT thing Booker. Why not come over "to the dark side". Whatta ya say, Book?

*Booker looks around at the men surrounding him. He looks down at the ground…and makes the same choice that Vader made on Monday, shaking his head no. The ECW wrestlers attack, but Booker tries to fight them off, even managing to send Dreamer into a set of CLANGY POLES nearby. In the end though, the numbers are too great, as Shane Douglas catches Booker from behind with a shot from his chain wrapped fist. With Booker down and out, ECW begins to lay the boots to him, in a scene already becoming too familiar to WCW viewers. Finally, Raven signals for the others to pull back, but show's no mercy for Booker. Instead, he lets Booker struggle back to his feet, before grabbing his head and dropping him with an Evenflow DDT. With Booker down and out, Raven and Heyman look at each other, the same sick smilep laying across both of their faces. As paramedics come running, the ECW wrestlers leave, having down what they obviously came prepared to do.*

(94%; Shane Douglas gained overness)

As we cut back to the announce table, Tenay and Rhodes are both in shock, as ECW has managed to take out yet ANTOHER WCW star. Both men state that in less than a week, ECW has already made a huge impact on the company, taking Eric Bischoff, Sting, Goldberg, and now apparently Booker T out of action. They wonder about who could be next, and if ANYBODY will be able to stop them. Speaking from experience, Dusty seems to be of the opinion that if WCW doesn't group together quickly, it could be all over "real, real soon." Tenay apologizes to everyone watching at home if they seem a little distracted, but "With ECW somewhere in the building, I think we all have a RIGHT to be distracted." However, according to Dusty, it's time for the next match, featuring Chris Daniels against Buff Bagwell.

**Chris Daniels vs. Buff Bagwell**

As both men enter, Tenay recaps the history of these two, going all the way back to Daniels first PPV match in January at Genesis. He informs everyone at home that this match was signed as a result of the time limit draw between Chris Jericho and Chris Daniels on Nitro, as Daniels apparently asked for a match with Jericho's close friend and tag partner to prove that he deserved another shot at the title. The match gets underway, with Daniels establishing a fast pace that Bagwell can't keep up with. The entire match is spent with Daniels hitting high impact move after high impact move, while Bagwell has to rely on cheap shots to briefly regain the edge. Just when it looks as if Daniels has Bagwell beat though, Television Champion Chris Jericho comes running down the aisle and into the ring. He has his belt with him, which he uses to nail Daniels in the head, giving Daniels the DQ victory.

*Jericho and Bagwell don't seem to care much that Daniels has won the match, as they proceed to beat the crap out of the young star in the ring, not letting him get back to his feet. After a brutal series of kicks and stomps, Jericho picks Daniels up, slinging him over his shoulder, before taking him back down with a Lion's Roar. Just as Jericho and Bagwell look to inflict even more punishment, the crowd begins to cheer, as Jericho's opponent for the night Dean Malenko is seen coming down the aisle. This clears Bagwell out, leaving Jericho just enough time to toss his belt and jacket out of the ring…*

(84/82/86; ***1/4)

**Chris Jericho vs. Dean Malenko**

With both men in the ring, the match gets underway immediately, as Tenay and Dusty remind us that this match IS for the Television Title. The two men prove why they are considered two of the best wrestlers in the world, as they engage in a display of technical wrestling, mixed in with some high-flying from Jericho. Like the other matches tonight, this one goes back and forth, with both men holding the advantage at various points. In the end, Malenko begins to dominate as Jericho misses a Lionsault. But before Malenko can continue and pick up the win…Jericho rolls to the outside of the ring, grabs his belt, and begins to walk back down the aisle. The referee has no choice but to count, while also keeping Malenko back. Jericho just laughs at Malenko as he continues to walk up the aisle. Finally, the referee reaches 20, and declares the winner of the match to be Dean Malenko.

*As he passes through the curtain, Jericho gives one more self-satisfied look back at Malenko, obviously pleased that he found a way to hold onto his title. Meanwhile, in the ring, Malenko is going crazy (for him) by kicking the bottom rope and looking back towards the referee. Finally, after he cools down, he exits the ring to cheers from an audience who appreciates his effort*

(90/85/96; ****)

As we go back to our announce position, Dusty in particular seems upset by Jericho's actions, as "That's not the way, a true champion gets things done daddy." Tenay also questions why Jericho left, as the match wasn't over, and though Malenko looked to have a momentary edge, it was still anyone's match. He speculates that it's all part of Jericho's plan to hold onto his belt, no matter what the cost. Dusty says that eventually, that might just get Jericho into trouble. Tenay then brings up another point in that, since Chris Daniels beat Buff Bagwell, does that mean that he'll get another shot at the Television Title? He points out that that is something to keep an eye on. But coming up next, as we are reminded, is going to be something a little…different. Tenay reminds everyone of what Kurt Angle had to say on Monday, specifically the part concerning the "Angle Invitational". Well, according to Tenay, true to his word, Kurt Angle is about to come out and make his first challenge…

**Who's it gonna be?**

*As he says this, Kurt Angle's music fills the arena, bringing out the arrogant young man himself. The fans boo as loudly as ever, but as usual, Angle doesn't seem to notice. He strolls down to the ring, grabbing a mic on his way past the ring announcers table, before getting into the ring to bask in the "cheers". After a few moments of this, he begins speaking…*

Kurt Angle: I'd just like to say, that I'm glad that all of you are here tonight. No no, wait, not because I LIKE YOU. Heck no, I can't STAND you people. Because not ONE of you have the proper appreciation for what I'm doing out here. Not ONE of you understand my reason for coming out here tonight. Well let me remind you why I'm here. I'm here to show each and every one of you, plus all of the other so called "wrestlers" in the back, just what TRUE wrestling is all about. Now this past Monday night, on Nitro, I introduced all of you to the rules for the Kurt Angle Invitational. Let's take another look at those, shall we?

*As Angle points to the video screen, the list of rules for the Angle Invitation appears:

1. No closed fist striking is allowed in an Angle Invitation match. Any use of a closed fist will result in an immediate disqualification.

2. If a participant in an Angle Invitation match is leaves the ring, he has a strict count of 10 from the time any part of his body touches the floor to re-enter the ring, or he is counted out.

3. Anyone performing any move on his opponent outside the ring during an Angle Invitational match will be immediately disqualified.

4. Anyone caught throwing his opponent over the top rope during and Angle Invitation match will be immediately disqualified.

5. No rope breaks will be permitted during any Angle Invitational match. If a wrestler is caught in a submission hold or pinfall attempt, that wrestler must work his way out of the situation using his basic wrestling skills. All attempts at using the ropes to break will be ignored by the referee.

6. All Angle Invitation matches will have a 20 minute time limit. Should the match reach the end of this time limit, the wrestler having performed the most pinfall attempts or submission holds will be declared the winner.

[Commander Sheepard]

Friday, April 30th:

*What a boring week. No, not boring, just…well, yeah, boring. Not on-screen of course. As a matter of fact, I'm REALLY excited about that. What's boring is that Sophie has been out all week. "Time-off". Which is fine, but after what happened between us the last time she was here…Let's just say I REALLY wish she was here. And it makes me wonder if she's not just trying to avoid me. But at least I've got a nice typed up list of how both shows did, ratings wise. Let's see now…*

Nitro-

87% approval rating

7.04 TV rating (WWF 7.48)

10,027 in attendance (WWF 10,035)

Best match of the night: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Daniels

Least popular non-match segment: Bret Hart's interview (80% approval)

Eddie Guerrero asked to be moved up the card

[Commander Sheepard]

Monday, May 3rd:

Nitro!

*As the show begins, we are shown a video detailing the events of the past few weeks, including first-time-on-free-TV footage from Spring Stampede. Clips of Chris Jericho battling Chris Daniels are shown, along with clips and sound bites of Eddie Guerrero's assertion that he has "No suitable competition". Interspersed are shots of Kurt Angle and his "Angle Invitational " challenged, including his win over La Parka. We also see footage from the three way match from last Nitro between Booker T, Chris Benoit, and The British Bulldog to determine the number one contender for the U.S. Title, along with Bret Hart's interference. The video soon shifts however, to a series of clips concerning the "invasion" of WCW by the Paul Heyman and Raven led ECW wrestlers. Shots of Sting, Vader, Booker T, The Young Daredevils, and of course World Champion Goldberg are shown, as a number flashes behind each picture, indicating the body count ECW has totaled in one short week. The final shot shows Raven and Heyman staring at each other over the bloody carcass of Vader, a sick smile spreading across both of their faces…*

*Instead of the usual pyro! Display to get things underway, we head straight to the ring after a few comments from Mike Tenay and Dave Meltzer about the man inside the ring, Kurt Angle. According to Meltzer, "Angle obviously couldn't wait to get out here and make another challenge for the Angle Invitational." With that, we head to the ring…*

**Angle's Invitation**

*As we cut to the ring, Kurt Angle stands in the center holding a mic. As usual, he ignores the boo's from the crowd, choosing instead to raise the mic and begin speaking…*

Kurt Angle: I'm not going to waste time out here tonight. Because personally, I can't WAIT to get out of this arena, and get away from the smell of 10,000 people who obviously haven't bathed yet this month.

*The crowd responds by booing even louder, finally drawing a small reaction from Angle*

KA: Oh what, did that hurt your feelings? Well guess what? I don't care about your feelings. Because you see, no one here cares about ME either. I come out here week after week, and give a demonstration on what TRUE wrestling is all about. I don't come out here and throw a bunch of chairs around and dive off of the top rope to put somebody through a table. I don't come out here and brawl around like some drunk guy in a bar. I come out here and WRESTLE. And I do it better than…well, everyone really. That's why I came up with the idea for the Angle Invitational. You see, it's a chance for me to PROVE to you why I'm better, and to prove to you why no one else in the WCW locker room has what I would call, "talent". And I proved that last week on Thunder, when I beat that chair swinging masked freak, La Parka. Hey, it was almost too easy to take that Skeletor wanna-be down. He never stood a chance. Just like whoever come through that curtain in a few minutes doesn't stand a chance. Because no matter who it is, I guarantee, I'm better. Hey, it's just like I always say after I beat somebody. It's nothing personal. I'm just better than you. So right now, I want whoever thinks they're worthy to get in the ring with the best TRUE wrestler in the world today, to come on down, and let me PROVE why you don't stand a chance.

*Angle drops the mic, but doesn't have long to wait. As the crowd continues to boo Angle's words, some…disco music fills the arena? And following behind it, one half of the tag team known as the Dancing Fools, Disco Inferno, comes dancing out to a small but positive reaction from the crowd. Angle merely shakes his head in disgust, before motioning for Disco to get in the ring. As Disco goes to do so, Angle jumps him early, pulling him to the ground with a double leg takedown…*

(82%; Disco Inferno gained overness)

**Disco Inferno vs. Kurt Angle**

With the match already unofficially underway, the referee steps back and lets the two go at it. For the first several minutes, Angle controls the action, keeping Disco grounded with a variety of amateur wrestling takedowns and hold. He seems to be focusing specifically on the leg of Disco, slapping on various submission holds, including a vicious looking heel-hook that almost has Disco submitting early. He is able to reach the ropes, obviously forgetting that rope breaks do not count in an Angle Invitation match. Finally realizing this, he is able to turn and kick Angle in the face, forcing the break. Disco rolls outside the ring, only to be met by an immediate count from the referee. Disco quickly rolls back in the ring, only to be met by a big belly-to-belly-suplex from Angle. Angle keeps up the pressure on Disco, varying his offense now to include several suplex variations, along with more work on the leg in the form of a dropkick right to the knee, followed by a leglock. Disco continues to try to fight back, going as far as managing to stun angle with a few elbows to the stomach, followed by a running (limping actually) swinging neckbreaker that earns him a two count. He tries to keep up his success, going to pound away at Angle, only to be reminded by the referee that it's an immediate DQ if he is caught using a closed fist. This distraction gives Angle a chance to chop-block Disco from behind, taking him right back down to the mat. With Disco back down on the mat, he's at the mercy of Angle, who immediately goes back after the leg. This time, he moves in for the kill, dropping a series of elbows onto the knee area of Disco. He gets back to his feet and looks around at the crowd, grabbing Disco's leg and giving a WHOOOOOOOO, before slapping on the Figure Four Leglock. As the fans boo this obvious rip-off of Ric Flair, Disco struggles to break the hold. The damage done to his leg though proves to be too much, as he is forced to submit, giving Angle another victory.

*Even though the match is over, Angle refuses to let go of the hold, showing his vicious side again. As he has done before, Angle keeps the Figure Four on until Disco apparently passes out from the pain. Only after he sees that Disco is out does Angle let go of the hold. As the ref moves to try to help Disco, Angle simply stares down at Disco, before looking around to the audience as if to say "I told you so". They show their displeasure for his actions, but again, Angle doesn't seem to care, as he leaves the ring and heads back up the aisle*

(84/81/87; ***1/4)

As we re-join our announcers, Tenay seems to be less than pleased with Angles actions after the match, stating that "Angle had already beat Disco Inferno. There was no reason to keep the hold on. Obviously Kurt Angle is out to do more than just prove his wrestling ability. He's out to HURT someone." Meltzer agrees that Angle might have gone too far after the match, but asserts that it doesn't take away from the fact that once again, Kurt Angle proved to be a superior pure wrestler than his opponent, as he used mat based move mixed with crisp high impact suplexes to keep Disco off balance. Both he and Tenay do agree that Angle has something up his sleeve, what with the recent "tributes" to Ric Flair, and Angle's use of the Figure Four. As Meltzer says, "This makes Angle more dangerous than ever. Not ONLY does he have the Olympic Slam to beat you with, but now he's added the Figure Four to his arsenal. With those two moves, missed with his natural ability. Angle might be almost unstoppable." Before Tenay can respond to this, Meltzer announces that we have to go to the back, as something has apparently just happened…

**Too extreme for the Young Daredevils**

As the camera cuts to the back, the scene seems to be filled with various people running back and forth, mostly referee's and medical personnel. The reason soon becomes clear, as we see the tag team champions, Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Billy Kidman, laid out on the floor, blood pouring from Kidman's head. Their manager, Stacy, stands over them, almost hysterical, as the EMT's try to assess the extent of the injuries. One of them picks something up from off the ground, glancing at it quickly before handing it over to Stacy. As she holds it up to examine it, we see that the shirt features 3 letters. E…C…W… Stacy throws the shirt against the wall, before going back to the side of her fallen charges. Before the camera switches back to the announce booth, it focuses in on the shirt crumpled against the wall, especially the blood that seems to have been transferred from Kidman's head wound…

(68% DAMN KIDMAN AND HIS LOW CHARISMA; Kidman lost overness )

As we rejoin Tenay and Meltzer, both express anger and also fear at the actions that were obviously perpetrated by ECW on the World Tag Team Champions. Both talk about how ever since Kidman and Rey won the tag titles, they've been a target for numerous attacks, but that the latest attack by ECW, added with the attack after their match on Thunder, seems to be more violent and brutal than anything they've faced in the past. Tenay comments that "Both Kidman and Rey Mysterio, Jr. are in the prime of their career, and have enough talent to become huge stars in this business. But with their track record as of late, I wouldn't be surprised to see at least ONE of their career's ended early." Meltzer agrees that something needs to be done to protect the safety of WCW wrestlers, especially against attacks from ECW wrestlers who "Aren't even a part of this show, or WCW for that matter!" Tenay speculates that Vader, Eric Bischoff's "enforcer" might be in for a lot of overtime in the near future. With that said, Tenay announces that it's time to go backstage again, this time for a (hopefully) calmer scene, as Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero speaks on his opponent tonight, Psicosis.

**Essa…**

*As we cut again to somewhere backstage, we see Eddie Guerrero pacing, holding a mic in one hand, and his Cruiserweight Title in the other. He looks to be agitated, and confirms this suspicion as soon as he begins to speak…*

Eddie Guerrero: What a joke, essa. What a joke. Hey, Eric Bischoff, in case you haven't figured it out, I'm talking about YOU holmes. I'm talking about the match you gave me tonight. I thought maybe my speech from last week might have gotten through man, but I guess not essa. You see, when I said that I didn't have any suitable competition left in WCW, I thought that maybe you would get the HINT, and find me a REAL challenger. So when I got the schedule for tonight, and found out I have to wrestle PSICOSIS, I was a LITTLE PISSED OFF. Hey Bischoff, I already beat Psicosis. In fact essa, I beat everybody in WCW more than once. So what I'm going to do tonight, is go out there and beat Psicosis one more time, to prove to you that there's nobody, and I mean NOBODY, who can beat me one on one. Listen Bischoff, essa, I mean what I say. If you don't find me something better to do…I'll take this Title up north, and find some REAL competition…

*With that, Eddie throws down the mic, walking off with a disgusted look on his face*

(89%; off night for Eddie on the mic)

Tenay seems to be upset as we go back to the announcers, stating that "If Eddie Guerrero can't see all of the talented wrestlers in WCW, he might need an eye exam" while Meltzer tries to calm him down. The two begin to talk about Eddie's statement about taking the belt "up north" and wonder if he could be serious about it? As Meltzer puts it, "That would totally undermine the credibility of the Title. I just hope that Eric Bischoff can find somebody that EDDIE thinks is suitable competition before it comes to that." Tenay agrees, but seems to still be of the opinion that Eddie needs to be taught a lesson in respect. "And Psicosis might be the man to teach that lesson, coming up next." With that, we go back to the ring for this match, for the Cruiserweight Title.

**Eddie Guerrero© vs. Psicosis; Cruiserweight Title match**

Psicosis enters first to a mild reaction from the crowd, who seem to be happy that SOMEONE might have a chance to take Eddie Guerrero's title from him tonight. The champions entrance is greeted with a huge amount of boo's and jeers, which he plays to by making the "kiss my you know what" motion at the top of the ramp before strutting down the aisle, playing to the crowd with heelish motions the entire way. When he finally makes his way into the ring, he hands his belt to the ref, before walking up and SLAPPING Psicosis right in the face, drawing an OOOOOHHHHHH from the crowd. Psicosis seems pissed of by this action, and lets Eddie know by slapping him right back. With that, Eddie goes after Psicosis and the match officially begins. They get things underway with a classic lucha sequence, as they both fly all over the ring ending with a big dropkick by Psicosis that knocks Eddie out of the ring. Psicosis follows this up by launching himself over the top rope with a nice plancha, taking Eddie down hard. Even though it appears he might have been injured in the fall himself, Psicosis hops back up, keeping up the attack on the champion. He goes to whip Eddie back into the ring, only to have it reversed by Eddie. Psicosis takes the opportunity to hop up on the ring apron, but can't get another big move, as Eddie grabs his feet, bring Psicosis down face first on the ring apron. This gives Eddie a chance to recover and roll Psicosis into the ring, before entering himself and getting down to business. He takes over on offense with his usual lucha/New Japan style junior offense, alternating fast action with some grinding mat work. Psicosis manages to keep himself in the match by countering some of Eddie's moves, including reversing a powerbomb attempt into a hurricanrana that almost earns him the Title. Eddie manages to kick out though, and takes Psicosis back with a huge lariat. Eddie then dumps Psicosis outside the ring again, sneering and showing his disdain for his challenger, as the fans get on his case. This gives Psicosis time to get back to his feet, and on the apron, as he jumps to the top rope to springboard in onto Eddie. The Champion catches this out of the corner of his eye, however, and avoids an attempted springboard dropkick, which sends Psicosis crashing down hard onto the mat. Eddie decides to go up top himself to capitalize on this mistake, but takes too long "playing to the fans", which allows Psicosis to once again stagger to his feet and catch Eddie on the top. Psicosis goes up with Eddie still there, and the two begin to fight on the top turnbuckle, with neither man wanting to back down and be subject to a possible huge maneuver. Finally, Eddie manages a poke to the eyes, before pushing Psicosis off, sending him back down hard to the mat, about mid-way across the ring. Seeing his chance, Eddie comes off with a picture perfect Frog Splash, covering Psicosis (with a pull on the tights) for the 1,2,3, and the victory.

*After the referee's hand hits for the three count, Eddie immediately rolls out of the ring, grabbing his belt, and walking up the aisle. He only pauses long enough to say into the camera "See what I mean essa? New York is looking real good Bischoff…", before exiting behind the curtain*

(90/87/93; ****)

Tenay and Meltzer don't get a chance to say much about the last match, though Tenay does note that "Eddie still had to resort to some less than clean actions there at the end to pull out the victory over Psicosis." Before he can go on, the fans begin to look towards the entrance, as coming out is…Stacy? She looks PISSED, and doesn't seem to hear the cat calls from the make fans as she gets in the ring and pulls a mic out of the pocket of her dress slacks(…).

**All alone…**

Stacy: Listen up you ECW freaks. I'm sick and tired already of the way you've been treating my boys, Rey, and ESPECIALLY Kidman. Those two men are the TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS of WCW, and you guys are nothing but a bunch of gangbanging street thugs. And though I may like gangbanging as much as the next girl , I'm not ABOUT to stand by and let another group come in here and beat up my boys. It was bad enough when Nash and Hall, or The Triad did it, but for a bunch of rejects to come in and do it…Let's just say, I've been with a lot of guys in my life, and NONE of you come CLOSE to matching up to Kidman, in ANY department. Just because there's a bunch of you DOESN'T mean that I'm going to back down. I've taken on lots of guys before and I've licked them all. And you guys won't be any different. Rey and Kidman are being taken to a hospital right now, but rest assured that when they get better, they're going to beat the crap out of whichever one of you it was that did this. And furthermore…

*Stacy doesn't get to finish her…interesting…promo, as suddenly the crowd comes to their feet, seeing the approach of the ECW wrestlers, led as always, by Paul Heyman and Raven. This time, the group seems to consist of most of the ECW group, though Shane Douglas and Rob Van Dam seem to be in the forefront, along with a large white guy wearing matching clothing and glasses to a smaller black guy. This group enters the ring, along with The Impact Players, Lance Storm and Justin Credible, while the rest of the group surrounds the ring. As always, Heyman grabs the mic, and begins…*

Paul Heyman: Well, well, well, what do we have here? A damsel in distress? And with no knight in shining white armor around to save her? Wherever could her hero be? Oh wait, that's right, I think I saw him loaded into a ambulance just a few minutes ago. Listen, Stacy, we're not out here to deny what you said. Hell no, we're out here to take FULL CREDIT for the attack on Kidman and little Rey. And these men right here, The Impact Players, the SAME men who attacked the so-called "Young Daredevils" on Thunder, are the same men who beat the living hell out of them backstage here tonight. Now don't get upset "sweetie", because really, you should be HONORED that we wiped the floor with your two little boys. You see, think back, in the short time that ECW has been gracing WCW with it's presence, we've aimed for the top. Booker T, Vader, Sting, Goldberg…and Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Billy Kidman. That's a select group to be a part of Stacy. Now, you may not appreciate the METHOD we used to honor Rey and Kidman, but quite frankly, I couldn't care less what you want. Because from here on out, it's not about what you WANT, it's about what you can DO. Specifically, what you can do for E C W. You see Stacy, most of the women who are a part of ECW, have very specific qualifications that enable them to take part in the ECW experience. Some are trained wrestlers, some are highly skilled managers. But what we DON'T have, is any woman who can play the part of "stress relief" if you catch my drift. And that's where you come in. In fact, I'm going to let one of the jewels of ECW describe this position to you. Stacy, I'm sure you'll be pleased to meet a man who many WCW fans should already be familiar with, Shane Douglas.

Shane Douglas: *taking the mic from Heyman, and beginning to walk around and around Stacy with a leer on his face* That's right Paul. You see Stacy, I'm a man, and like most men, I have needs. Needs that can only be fulfilled by a certain kind of woman. The kind who doesn't mind getting down and "dirty" so to speak. The kind who'll do anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, without asking questions. The kind who brings new meaning to the term "trashy". In short, a woman just like YOU Stacy. What we're offering out here isn't a hard decision. You saw what Lance and Justin did to those boys backstage. And that's not HALF as bad as what could happen to YOU, if you don't make the right choice. You see these men standing here? The two wearing the stupid glasses. Allow me to introduce them. This is Bubba Ray, and D-Von Dudley, and if you DON'T reach the right conclusion, hahaha, let's just say it's NOT going to be pretty. So what's it going to be Stacy? Do you want to get down to business in the back? Or do you want Bubba and D-Von to get down to business right here?

*By way of answer, Stacy halls off and slaps Douglas across the face. This proves to be a mistake though, as Bubba Ray Dudley immediately kicks Stacy in the stomach, taking her down to one knee. Heyman moves everyone else back, while D-Von and Bubba begin stalking Stacy around the ring. Stacy tries to escape, but every direction she turns she finds herself face to face with another ECW wrestler. Finally, her luck runs out, as D-Von catches her from behind by grabbing her hair, pulling her backwards into him. As Stacy fights to get free, Bubba delivers another shot to the stomach, doubling her over again. Stacy attempts to pull herself up to offer some sort of resistance, but can't do anything to stop what happens next. When she gets to her feet, D-Von grabs her around the waist, spinning her around and yanking her up into the air, before beginning to fall backwards. As he does this, Bubba Ray runs and meets him halfway down with a modified version of the Diamond Cutter, giving the WCW audience their first glimpse of a Dudley Death Drop, or 3D. The fans seem to be in shock as Stacy lays motionless on the mat, obviously severely injured by the brutal assault by the Dudley's. Douglas and Heyman can be seen just shaking their heads, before Douglas speaks again*

Shane Douglas: Stacy Stacy Stacy, it looks like you're just as stupid as the rest of these damn fools here in WCW. You couldn’t just do the right thing, could you? Well guess what Stacy? I hope you enjoyed what happened to you just now. Because it's only going to get worse from here on out. Come on boys.

*Saying that, Douglas makes a gesture, and Bubba pulls Stacy off of the mat, throwing her over his shoulder, before walking out of the ring, followed by Douglas and D-Von. The crowd is on their feet booing the actions of the three, but they all seem to be very satisfied with what they accomplished*

(79%; Stacy gained overness, Shane Douglas gained overness)

**Not over yet…**

*Once the three men have disappeared behind the curtain, Heyman begins to speak again…*

Paul Heyman: Now that THAT'S out of the way, it's time to get down to the REAL business we have facing us tonight. You see, I happen to be a man of letters, and among the many classic pieces of literature I peruse each and every day, I happened to glance on the internet and see an article posted on WCW's "fine" website. And this article stated that tonight, live on Nitro, World Champion Bill Goldberg would be making his return after the quote "heinous attacks" unquote perpetrated by yours truly and ECW. Well standing here with me is a man, a GREAT man, a leader among men. A man who coordinated the entire ECW movement into WCW from within their very walls. And this man has his focus fixed on Bill Goldberg. That man, is Raven…

*Raven takes the mic from Heyman, looking around blankly at the crowd before beginning*

Raven: Who's next? Who's next for Bill Goldberg? Who's next for the product of Eric Bischoff's all-powerful hype? Who's next for a man so consumed by his own egotistical ways that he fails to see the harm he has done to a once proud organization? Bill Goldberg, as a small child, I learned what it felt like to be alone. I learned what it felt like to be shunned. And I learned that pain was a part of life. I didn’t have the luxury of being a great athlete. I didn't have the luxury of being a popular jock that merely had to snap his fingers to be surrounded by admirers, flattering me with their empty words of praise. And as I grew, I learned that only through pain and loneliness can you come to a true understanding of your own existence. I learned that the filth of the flatteries of youth corrupted men as they became older. And I learned that through my own suffering, I could master the will of those corrupted men. I learned that by showing them their own pain, their own personal torment, I could own their very soul. For it is only by complete surrender to the pain that eats at your body and soul, that a man such as yourself can come to know your true potential. What I offer, Bill Goldberg, is a chance for you to join the dark revelries of my mind. A chance for you to rise above the pitiful being that I see. A chance for you to become the nightmare beast that you truly are. Surrender Goldberg. For if you choose to oppose my wishes, then only through fire and brimstone will you come to be cleansed, and to rise above. Surrender. Surrender to me. Quote the Raven…Nevermore.

*After this…interesting promo, Raven drops the mic, and the group of ECW wrestlers begins to slowly make their way back up the aisle. As they go, they are pelted by drink cups and other trash thrown by the crowd, who seem to have had enough of ECW already. Heyman can't seem to contain a grin, as he walks with his arm around an unsmiling Raven behind the curtain*

(88%)

As we go back to our announcers, they both seem a bit shaken and confused by what everyone has just seen and heard. As Tenay puts it, "ECW's actions against Stacy were despicable, and totally unjustifiable." Meltzer agrees, but wonders aloud as to what Raven meant by telling Goldberg to "surrender." Both men seem to be of the opinion that Raven is talking about the surrender of the World Title, although they also both fear that it could mean more than something that relatively simple. They also both wonder if ECW is through for the night, or if we can expect to see them later on. Tenay makes the comment "It doesn't exactly make you feel very safe when a group of men like ECW can come in and dominate the show without any kind of security resistance." Meltzer ask Tenay who he thinks on the security team would be ABLE to stop ECW. Tenay doesn't have an answer for that, so Meltzer turns to the next match at hand, which will be for the Television Title, and feature a renewal of a rivalry from the past, as Chris Jericho defends his Title against Dean Malenko.

**Chris Jericho© vs. Dean Malenko; Television Title match**

Malenko makes his way out from behind the curtain first, with his usual "Iceman" expression set on his face. He enters the ring quickly, and proceeds to stretch for a few moments while waiting for Jericho's entrance. However, when Jericho's music hits, the Champion doesn't seem to be coming out along with it. As Malenko and the referee look towards the entrance, suddenly Jericho sneaks in from the crowd, catching Malenko from behind with a shot to the head with the Title belt! As the match isn't "officially" underway, the referee can't do anything about it, except signal for the bell to ring. As soon as this happens, Jericho covers, trying to earn a quick cheap win. Malenko is able to kick out at two however, which seems to upset Jericho greatly. He begins to stomp on Malenko repeatedly, even working in a blatant choke in front of the referee. Jericho keeps up this pressure, trying to prevent Malenko from getting in the match at all. He makes a mistake though, as he picks Malenko up. He goes to whip him into the ropes, but ducks his head, allowing Malenko to capitalize with a small package roll-up. Jericho is able to kick out before three, but this slows his momentum enough for Malenko to get to work, which he does by taking Jericho back down to the mat, and going right after his leg. Jericho tries to fight him off with a series of kicks to the shoulder and chest, but Malenko keeps on the pressure, eventually slapping on a cross knee-breaker. Jericho is able to finally fight out of it by using his free leg to kick at Malenko's arm until he is forced to release the hold. Malenko doesn't let up the pressure though, choosing to go with a high impact move, specifically a double underhook into a backbreaker that puts Jericho down for another two count. Malenko looks to go for another big move, only to be low-blowed by Jericho. This puts him back down on the mat, while Jericho struggles to get up. As soon as he does, he runs the ropes, coming off with a Lionsault that…misses, as Malenko moves out of the way. Jericho is able to land partially on his good leg however, and goes to pick Malenko up for the Lion's Roar. He can't complete the move though, as Malenko slips off of his back, before dropkicking the knee, talking Jericho back down again. He looks to be about to attempt a Texas Cloverleaf, but can't put the move on, as Buff Bagwell comes jumping over the guardrail at the same spot as Jericho earlier in the evening. The referee and Malenko don't see Bagwell, as they both are concentrated on Jericho. He grabs the Television Title belt from the timekeeper, and jumps up on the ring apron just as Jericho pushes Malenko off with his good leg. This causes Malenko to spin, causing the title belt to nail him right in the head. As Malenko staggers backwards, Jericho hooks Malenko from behind, rolling him up for the three count, and another cheap victory.

*As Jericho celebrates in the ring, the crowd comes to it's feet, as Jericho's recent nemesis Chris Daniels comes sprinting down the aisle. He nails Bagwell with a clothesline as he runs by, before jumping in the ring. Thanks to Jericho's hurt leg, he isn't quite fast enough to get away before Daniels catches him. Daniels begins laying in the punishment as the fans cheer his actions. Finally, Jericho is able to skip out of Daniels grasp and slide out of the ring, grabbing both his belt and Bagwell as they begin to stumble back up the aisle. But first…*

(90/85/96; ****)

**2-on-2**

*Daniels asks for a mic, which he then raises and begins to speak into*

Chris Daniels: Jericho, Bagwell, don't leave just yet, because I have something to say. Jericho, I've watched how you operate. I've even been in the ring with you, and seen your tricks up close. But as I was watching tonight backstage, something inside of me told me that if I didn't come out here and do something about you, that nobody was going to. And Bagwell? I've beaten you more times that I really care to count at this point. But none of that matters right now. What DOES matter, is that this man right here, Dean Malenko, just got SCREWED by you two lowlifes. And as someone who's been in that same situation a few too many times in recent weeks, I know what it feels like. So that's why, if Dean here will agree, I've got a proposition for you. This Thursday, on Thunder, you two against me and Dean here, in a tag team match. But this match has got an extra special stipulation added to it. Because WHEN we beat you, I want one more shot at that Television Title. And I want that match to be, well, a match that I don't think you have a chance at winning Jericho. You see, back in "the old days", when a champion wasn't man enough to defend his title and beat someone cleanly in the middle of the ring, there used to be a stipulation where the Title would change hands if the result of the match was a DQ. And that's what I want Jericho. Because I want you to have to prove, not just to me, and not just to these fans, but to YOURSELF, that you're better than me. And Jericho, quite frankly, I don't think you have it in you. So what's it gonna be? Are you gonna be a man? Or are you gonna crawl away, like a rat?

*As the fans look towards Jericho, it seems that Bagwell is having to hold him back. The camera gets close enough to Jericho to catch him saying…"You want a tag team match, you son of a bitch? You got it!" Daniels and Malenko seem to have understood that Jericho accepted, as they pat each other on the back, with a smile playing across both of their faces*

(84%)

The announcers talk about the huge implication for that tag team match on Thunder, because "I'm not sure if Jericho can make THROUGH an entire match without resorting to some kind of underhanded tactic." They talk about how the match should also be a great match between four of the top wrestlers in the company, but wonder what Jericho and Bagwell will have up their sleeves by Thursday. The focus then switches to our next match, which will feature Booker T taking on Chris Benoit, with the winner becoming the number one contender for Bret Hart's U.S. Title. They go over the history between these two men, going back especially to the Best of Seven series when they were fighting over who got to wrestle Fit Finlay for the TV Title! Tenay states that this match came about due to the "less than clean cut" manner in which the three-way match ended last week. Since Booker and Benoit were the ones involved in the decision, Eric Bischoff decided to give them another chance to prove who deserved the shot more. Meltzer wonders how Benoit has to feel about that, since he won the match last week, but Tenay points out that Benoit probably didn't want to win in quite that fashion. They both also agree that Hart interfered in the match last week because he DIDN'T want to face Benoit, only to have it backfire, so it will be interesting to see what happens here tonight. With that, Tenay announces that it's time to go to the ring for that very match…

**Chris Benoit vs. Booker T; U.S. Title number one contendership match**

The two men enter separately, though the crowd gives appreciative responses for both. They shake hands as the bell rings, and immediately spring into action, locking up before going into a huge reversal series. The series ends after a duck of a clothesline by Booker, followed by Benoit dodging an attempted Harlem Sidekick. The crowd applauds the efforts of the two, but they don't seem to notice, as they go right back after each other, this time exchanging chops that echo through the arena. Benoit gets the better of this exchange, backing Booker into a corner, only to have Booker fight back out with some more chops of his own, followed by a big sidekick. Booker tries to press his advantage, only for Benoit to take him down to the mat, before jumping back to his feet. The action continues in this manner for the next several minutes, with neither man able to maintain an advantage over the other. Finally, Benoit takes Booker down with a snap suplex, before heading up top for what appears to be a Diving Headbutt. Booker rolls out of the way at the last minute though, causing Benoit to land hard face first on the mat. Booker goes right after Benoit, focusing now on his neck by pounding on it, mixing in some stiff kicks to the head and neck area. Booker even manages to work in a hanging neck vice that seems to be about to make Benoit submit before he is able to elbow his way out of the hold. Benoit takes the opportunity to grab Booker and take him over with a German Suplex, but can't bridge into a pin due to the injury to his neck. He looks to go for another suplex, but Booker blocks it, and reverses into a German of his own (!) which puts BOTH men down on the mat. As that happens, none other than Bret Hart comes strolling down the aisle to huge boos from the crowd. He gestures and yells at the referee that he's "just here to scout the match", before stopping a safe distance from the ring to do just that. Booker is up before Benoit, and tries to pick him up for another German Suplex, but this times Benoit is able to reverse it by grabbing Booker's arm, before spinning around and pulling him down into a Crippler Crossface! Booker immediately begins to try to pull himself towards the rope to break, as the pain is evident on his face. He is able to hook the rope, forcing the break, but Benoit keeps up the pressure, picking him up and whipping him into the opposite rope. Booker ducks the clothesline attempt, and comes back with a flying forearm that staggers Benoit backwards. This gives Booker the opportunity kick him in the stomach, before bouncing off the ropes with a big Axe Kick. Booker goes to cover, but Benoit makes it out at two. As Booker waits for Benoit to get to his feet, Hart swings into action on the outside. He grabs a chair from under the timekeeper, before rolling into the ring with it. As Benoit gets to his feet, Hart nails him with the chair, before turning and doing the same thing to Booker! With both competitors in the match down, the referee has no choice but to call for a no-contest.

*After the match is over, Hart chases the referee off with the chair, before turning back to the two men down in the ring. Hart nails Booker with the chair again, and looks to be about to do the same to Benoit, when Benoit suddenly begins to try to crawl to his feet, grabbing Bret's clothes to try to pull himself up. Bret smirks down at Benoit, before pulling the chair up, bringing it down to hit Benoit again. This time however, Benoit proves to be a step ahead, as he dodges the chairshot, grabbing Hart's arm on the way down and pulling him right into a Crippler Crossface! The fans react strongly to this turn of events, as Hart is now writhing in pain on the mat, unable to break the hold. Finally, a group of referee's is able to get to the ring, convincing Benoit to break the hold. As Hart lies on the ground, Benoit stares down at both him and Booker, slowly shaking his head…*

(87/84/94; ****)

As the referee's work to clear the ring, we cut back to Tenay and Meltzer, who seem even more confused as to what Bret Hart is doing. Both men are of the opinion that it's looking more and more like Hart doesn't want to defend his title against ANYBODY, which Meltzer speculates could be "…due to the loss he suffered against Ric Flair not that long ago. Going into that match with such confidence, only to lose, has GOT to be a bitter pill to swallow." Tenay seems to disagree, and is of the opinion that Hart has just gotten too content with the status of being a champion, and that he doesn't want anything to threaten that. As he puts it "Bret Hart may just have gotten lazy and complacent." While they may not exactly agree over the reasoning behind the U.S. Champions actions the past couple of weeks, both men DO agree that coming up next is a match that should be a GREAT one. Tenay especially can't seem to wait, as not only does STING make his return in teaming with Vader, but they take on two of the primary men responsible for what's happening in WCW right now, as they get their hands on Sabu, and the ECW wrestling leader, Raven. They talk about this being a re-match of sorts from Spring Stampede, and disclose the fact that Sting and Vader specifically requested a match with any of ECW's wrestlers. And since these two are both under WCW contract, they were forced to wrestle here tonight. Both Meltzer and Tenay also are excited about the fact that, according to Meltzer, "Goldberg has been reported as being SOMEWHERE in the building this evening. And I have a feeling that he's going to make his presence known before we go off the air tonight." With that thought in mind, Tenay announces that it's time for the main event, in the ring, NOW!

**Raven/Sabu vs. Sting/Vader**

As Vader and Sting enter, the crowd comes to their feet, obviously behind the two WCW wrestlers the entire way. Sting in particular receives a huge reaction, as the crowd seems to be especially happy to see him back and on his feet again. The cheers soon turn to huge boos however, as Raven and Sabu enter, surprisingly with no other ECW back-up. The two walk slowly down to the ring, ignoring the jeers from around them. After a brief glance at each other, they roll into the ring simultaneously, going right after Vader and Sting, who don't hesitate the fight back. The bell rings, and with that, the match is officially underway. For the first several minutes the match is one big brawl, with all four men exchanging blows back and forth in the middle of the ring. The match finally settles down somewhat after Vader catches both Sabu AND Raven with a pair of Avalanches, knocking both men back out of the ring. The fans go crazy as Vader and Sting celebrate inside the ring, while Raven and Sabu regroup on the outside. It is eventually decided that Sting and Sabu will start the match one on one, which they quickly do. Sting proceeds to dominate the next few minutes of the match, keeping Sabu on the ground with a variety of clothesline, slams, and a nicely executed dropkick right to the chin. Sabu manages to fight back with some basic brawling before tagging Raven in. Raven goes right after Sting with a clothesline, before beginning to stomp away at him, again relying on pure brawling to keep Sting from getting back on offense. Raven proceeds to pick Sting back up form the mat, taunting him before going tow hip him into the ropes. Sting reverse however, and takes Raven down hard with a big back bodydrop. Sting the tags Vader, who enters on fire, going right after Raven. Vader too goes with a brawling approach to the match, nailing Raven with several stiff body and headshots, before backing him into a corner. With Raven unable to escape, the two men bring the crowd back to their feet by proceeding to go at it one on one with brutal shots, as Raven tries to fight back against his larger opponent. He manages to knock Vader back, before charging and getting caught with a huge powerslam. Vader choose not to cover, instead tagging Sting back in. Sting comes in and charges at Raven, who is struggling to get to his feet. Raven manages to move though, sending Sting crashing hard into the corner. This gives Raven a chance to tag Sabu back in, who immediately goes to work on Sting's injured ribs with several dropkicks and stomps to that area. Sabu and Raven manage to keep Sting cut off in their corner for the next several minutes, making quick tags in and out, always working over the chest and ribs of Sting. Raven even manages to get Sting into an abdominal stretch, pounding away with fists into his side to increase the damage. The crowd tries to urge Sting into fighting back, which he tries to do, only to be caught by an interfering Sabu with another dropkick to the ribs. Raven puts the hold back on, but Sting continues to fight, as the crowd again comes to its feet. Finally, Sting is able to summon up his energy to hip-toss Raven up and over, breaking the hold. Sting begins to crawl across the ring to try to tag in Vader, but looks back to find Raven not even trying to prevent him. When Sting look back towards his corner, he soon sees why, as coming from the crowd are Tommy Dreamer and the same man who interfered at Spring Stampede, Rob Van Dam. Dreamer pulls Vader down from the apron while Van Dam springboards into the ring with a splash right onto Sting. Due to the interference, the referee calls for the bell, giving Vader and Sting the win by DQ.

*As the bell rings, Raven sends Sabu to the outside to help Dreamer deal with Vader, while he joins RVD in beating up Sting in the ring. Things are beginning to look back for Vader and Sting, until some very familiar music plays… As Raven slowly turns to stare at the entrance, coming down the ramp is none other than World Champion Goldberg! As Dreamer and Sabu continue to beat on Vader, RVD rolls Sting out of the ring and stands side by side with Raven, daring Goldberg to come in the ring. He stops at the bottom of the ramp, staring down the two men. After a moment of tension, Goldberg steps up onto the apron, entering the ring and immediately charging at Raven! Just as he gets close to him, Raven pulls RVD in the way, causing Goldberg to nail him with a huge Spear! As RVD rolls around on the ground in pain, Raven rolls out of the ring, walking backwards up the aisle. As Dreamer and Sabu fight over the rail with a recovered Sting and Vader right with them, Goldberg takes the opportunity to pick RVD up, giving him a huge Jackhammer, before staring the retreating Raven down again, pointing at him and yelling "You're NEXT!"*

(83/84/82; ***1/4)

As the show comes to and end, our announcers talk about how this is the first time WCW has managed to fight back against ECW, and that with Goldberg in the lead, ECW might have a battle on its hands. With that, Tenay reminds everyone to tune in to Thunder on Thursday, and to not forget to check out WCW.com for the latest news and previews! With that, he wishes everyone a good evening.

Before we close, we see one last shot of Goldberg in the ring, playing to the crowd and yelling for Raven…

Overall: 83

[Commander Sheepard]

OOC: No Sophie segment here, though I don't really remember why. Anyway, just a Thunder preview for now folks.

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: the Magazine,is pleased to bring you the following preview for tomorrow night's edition of WCW Thunder:

-Juventud Guerrera looks to prove Eddie Guerrero statements about "not having any worthy opponents" wrong, as he goes up against the Cruiserweight Champion in a big time match. Can Juvi succeed, or will Eddie come out on top again?-

-By Eric Bischoff's orders, Chris Benoit and Booker T square off again to determine the number one contender for the U.S. Title. With their two previous matches ending in controversial fashion, both men receive another chance to earn a shot at Bret Hart. But can Hart keep from getting involved yet again?-

-And in our main event, Dean Malenko looks for revenge as he teams up with Chris Daniels to take on Chris Jericho and his "good friend" Buff Bagwell, with Daneil's shot at Chris Jericho's Television Title at stake. Will Jericho be able to avoid having to face Daniels in a "DQ equals title loss" match?-

Plus:

-Kurt Angle lays out another challenge for the Angle Invitational. Will he be able to find any superstar willing to try their luck against the advocate of "True Wrestling"?-

-Finally, rumors indicate that ECW has made plans to once again make an impact on a WCW television show. But will they find "Da Man" waiting for them?-

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, May 6th:

Thunder!

*As the evening begins, a video is shown of the chaos caused by ECW at the end of last weeks show, as well as shots of ECW "in action" on Nitro. Mixed in with these are short clips of the various events from this past Monday night, from Chris Daniels and Dean Malenko staring down Chris Jericho and Buff Bagwell, to Kurt Angle defeating another opponent in the Angle Invitational. The final shot of the video shows Goldberg standing in the ring, ECW member Rob Van Dam down on the mat as a result of a huge Spear, and Raven walking back up the aisle, his gaze fixed on Goldberg*

*PYRO! Begins yet another edition of WCW Thunder, as the fans come to their feet, ready for some of the great action that only WCW can provide. We go to ringside with our announcers, Mike Tenay, and "I got clubbered, clubbered last week Tony, if ya weeeeeeeelllll" Dusty Rhodes. Tenay welcomes us to Thunder, and does a quick run down of the card for the evening, including the main event tag team match featuring Chris Daniels and Dean Malenko taking on Chris Jericho and Buff Bagwell, with a shot at the Television Title on the line for Daniels. Tenay also mentions what happened to Dusty as Thunder went off the air last week, and questions if Dusty feels up to broadcasting tonight after the beating he took from Shane Douglas. "I'm as ready as ever Iron Mike, to get funky like a monkey on those ECW boys if they stick their nose in my bidness agin." That said, Tenay announces that it's time for the first match of the night, which will feature Juventud Guerrera taking on Eddie Guerrero in a match for the Cruiserweight Title.*

**Eddie Guerrero© vs. Juventud Guerrera**

As the two men make their way to the ring, our announcers remind everyone of Eddie's recent continued statements of not having any "suitable competition" and how Eric Bischoff is trying to put the best cruiserweights against the champion to try to prove him wrong. As the match gets underway, the two men exchange some match based offense, obviously trying not to make a mistake. This soon degenerates into an extremely fast paced, high-flying contest, with the advantage being swapped back and forth several times. In the end though, Eddie picks up the victory when he catches Juvi coming off of the top rope with a low blow, followed up by a big Brainbuster and pin for the 3 count.

*Eddie doesn't even give Juvi a chance to get back to his feet, instead shoving him out of the ring with his boot. He then leans over the ropes and DEMANDS a mic, which is soon given to him. As the fans boo, he looks around with disgust before finally speaking…*

(86/88/84; ***1/2)

**Enough is enough**

Eddie Guerrero: Ok, Bischoff, I'm getting a little tired of this essa. In fact, I'm getting REALLY tired of this. Each and every week, I come out here, and have to wrestle the same LOSERS over and over again. And each and every week, I beat these same losers, one two three. But I guess you thought I was kidding, right holmes? I guess you thought I wasn't being serious when I said I would take this belt and walk out. Maybe you thought I was just playing around, huh Eric? Well guess what essa? If you don't come out to the ring this next Monday on Nitro and give me an opponent who's worth my time, then I'm gonna walk out of the building, find me some FINE mamacita's, and point my low-rider north. And if you don't think I'm serious Eric, if you don't think I mean every word, then just try me. You got 4 day essa. 4…days…

*With that said, Eddie stares into the camera for a moment, before shooting a look of disdain at the fans and leaving the ring*

(99%)

Tenay and Rhodes talk about Eddie's recent attitude about the level of competition in WCW, and wonder just how serious Eddie is with his threat about leaving with the Cruiserweight Title. Tenay states that "I hope Eric Bischoff can find someone who EDDIE thinks is suitable, because otherwise, we could be looking at losing a MAJOR talent from our organization." Rhodes seems to be of the opinion that Eddie is just full of hot air, but also hopes that Bischoff can find someone to "Close those flapping jaws of Mr. Guerrero's right quick." Tenay agrees, and reminds everyone to tune in on Monday to find out if Eric Bischoff has an answer for Guerrero's "challenge". He then begins to talk about the events of this past Monday concerning Dean Malenko, Chris Daniels, and the "team" of Chris Jericho and Buff Bagwell. While he speaks, clips are shown of the end of Malenko's match against Jericho, with Bagwell's interference and Daniels making the save. Tenay and Rhodes then remind everyone of the tag team match that will be in the main event slot here tonight, and the stipulation that goes along with it: If Jericho and Bagwell lose, Chris Daniels receive one more shot at Jericho's Television Title at the upcoming PPV, with a DQ loss by Jericho resulting in the loss of his title! Tenay then throws the camera to backstage, where Jericho and Bagwell have some words for their opponents…

**Not gonna lose…**

*The camera cuts backstage, where Scott Hudson is standing with Chris Jericho and Buff Bagwell. Before he can say a word, Jericho grabs the mic from him, while Bagwell pushes him off screen. With this done, Jericho begins to speak*

Chris Jericho: Alright you two piece of garbage LOSERS. Yeah, Daniels, Malerkle, I'm talking to you. Tonight, you two clowns get in the ring with myself and my good friend Buff Bagwell here. Which means that tonight, I get to beat the crap out of BOTH you one more time. Malenko, why don't you just give up? You couldn’t get the job done against Eddie Guerrero, you couldn't get the job done against me when we wrestled before, you couldn't get the job done against me this past Monday on Nitro, and you DAMN sure can't get the job done against me tonight. And as for Chris Daniels… Daniels, you think you can come in to WCW and get what you want just because you wrestle "clean"? You think your little "holier than thou" attitude is gonna get you to the top? Well let me clue you in on something jerky, the only thing that attitude is gonna get you, is BEAT one more time by Chris Jericho. And one thing that you're NOT going to get, is another shot at MY Television Title. Because you see Daniels, you need to learn, just like all of these Jerichoholics out here have learned, that nobody is eeeeeeever going to take this Title away from me, again. Buff?

Buff Bagwell: Hahaha, tonight, Daniels, Malenko, you're gonna learn that besides being great looking, besides having the body of a Greek god, that Buff Bagwell can take anybody on inside that ring. In other words boys, I'm Buff, and I'm tha stuff.

*With that, Bagwell tosses the mic off screen, before turning and slapping Jericho on the back. The duo walks off camera as the fans react accordingly *

(91%; Buff Bagwell gained overness)

Tenay and Rhodes both agree that Jericho and Bagwell might be underestimating their opponents for the evening, as both Daniels and Malenko are top-notch competitors. Besides, as Tenay adds, "Daniels is fighting for two things-pride, and a shot at the Television Title. And I know he's going to do anything legal to get one more shot at that belt." Rhodes interjects after this, stating that it's time to head back to the ring for our next match.

**Kurt Angle vs. Lash Leroux**

As Angle makes his way to the ring, Tenay informs everyone that Angle won't get a chance to issue a challenge for an angle Invitational match, as Lash Leroux actually went to WCW management and REQUESTED the match in order to try to earn a name for himself. Once Leroux enters, the match begins. As could be expected, Angle immediately takes Leroux down and works him over with mat based moves and holds, while Leroux desperately tried to fight back, nearly getting himself disqualified several times over an attempt at using a closed fist. In the end, Angle picks up the victory when he ducks and attempted Leroux clothesline and turns it into an Olympic Slam for the 3 count.

*Even though the match is over, Angle doesn't let up on Leroux, slapping the Figure Four Leglock onto him (complete once again with Ric Flair-esque WHOOOOO) while the referee tries to break things up. Finally, Angle let's go, but the damage has already been done, with Leroux unable to stand thanks to the damage to his leg. Angle merely stares down at him for a moment, before rolling out of the ring and heading back up the aisle.*

(78/74/83; ***)

The announcers talk about the total domination Kurt Angle has shown in his last several matches, which Dusty attributes to them being contested under rules that favor Angle's wrestling style. As Dusty puts it, "Ain't nobody gonna lay a clubberin' on Mistuh Angle in a one on one straight mat match baby." Tenay agrees, but wonders why Angle feels the need to attack his already beaten opponents after the match. Before Dusty can formulate a response, the camera cuts backstage, as Rey Mysterio is shown along with his partner Kidman sneaking up to a cleared out area backstage. When the peak around the corner, we see…

**Rey and Kidman to the rescue…**

*Stacy, still being tormented by D-Von and Buh Buh Ray Dudley, the same two men who attacked Stacy on Nitro, delivering a vicious 3D after stalking her around the ring. They seem to have Stacy once again backed into a corner, as she struggles to try to break away. Just as Buh Buh reaches out and grabs her by the hair, Kidman and Rey attack, sprinting up behind the Dudley's, obviously taking them by surprise. They use the surprise advantage to knock the two men off of their feet, before Kidman grabs Stacy by the hand, pulling her away. Before he leaves, Rey jumps up onto a pile of pallets stacked against a wall, and waits for the Dudley's to get back to their feet. When they do, he takes a running leap off of the top of the pallets, catching both men in a huge cross body. As the Dudley's lay on the ground hurt, Rey also takes off, pausing only long enough to look into the camera and state "I hope you all saw that ECW. The Young Daredevils aren't going to let ANYBODY push us around again." Just as D-Von gets back to his feet, Rey sprints off, causing the ECW tag team to stare after him, great anger burning in their eyes*

(76%; D-Von Dudley gained overness, Stacy gained overness)

Tenay and Rhodes both seem to be extremely happy to see Stacy taken out of harms way, but Tenay seems even MORE happy that "Finally WCW is starting to fight back. First Goldberg on Nitro, and now the Tag Team champions here on Thunder. It's about time we showed these ECW wrestlers that they're not going to have an easy time here in WCW." That being said, Rhodes seems to be of the opinion that, although the move to rescue Stacy was admirable, it might cause even MORE trouble for the Young Daredevils. But both he and Tenay also seem sure that whatever happens, Rey and Kidman have just proved that they're not going to back don form anybody, not even ECW. With that, Tenay announces that it's time for our next match, which happens to be a re-match…of a re-match…

**Chris Benoit vs. Booker T; U.S. Title number one contendership**

As the two men make their way down to the ring, Tenay explains the history behind this match, as not only have Booker and Benoit faced each other for the Television Title in a classic series of matches, but have also faced each other recently in an attempt to gain a shot at the U.S. Title. As Tenay reminds everyone, the first match ended in controversy, as Bret Hart inadvertently helped Benoit win the match, which forced a re-match. Hart then interfered in THAT match, causing a no contest. All of this eventually led to this math tonight, as the two men square off again for the shot at the gold. The match is a fast paced back and forth affair, with both men holding the advantage at various times. Benoit keeps trying for the Crippler Crossface, while Booker uses a variety of kicks to try to keep Benoit on the mat. The end comes when Benoit is able to catch Booker with a German Suplex, followed by another, followed by another, this time with a bridge into a pin. It looks as if Benoit will win before none other than Bret Hart AGAIN interferes, jumping over the railing and nailing Benoit with the Title Belt out of the referee's line of sight. This causes Benoit to drop Booker right on top of him, leaving the referee no choice but to count the pinfall, giving Booker T the tainted victory.

*Hart immediately rolls into the ring, nailing Booker T with the Title belt, before going back to work on Benoit. He takes turns using the belt on both men, eventually drawing blood on Benoit. Finally, after several minutes of this beating, Hart slowly backs away, a smirk playing across his face. He steps back out of the ring, and walks slowly up the aisle, ignoring the booing crowd as he does so.*

(88/83/94; ****)

Tenay and Rhodes again wonder what's going on with Bret Hart and the U.S. Title situation, as it appears that he doesn't want Chris Benoit to get another shot at the title. But as Dusty points out "I don't realla think he wants Booka T to get his hands on that big piece of gold either, and I think that's why he's going after BOTH men Iron Mike." Tenay points out that technically, if this was a best of three series to determine the number one contender for the U.S. Title, Benoit and Booker would be tied, with one win apiece, and a no contest. The two men speculate on what Eric Bischoff will do to determine who truly IS the number one contender, with both men stating that either way, it would be sure to be a great match. And speaking of great matches (via a classic Tenay segueway), They announce that's it's now time for the main event of the evening, featuring Chris Daniels and Dean Malenko against Television Champion Chris Jericho and Buff Bagwell.

**Chris Jericho/Buff Bagwell vs. Chris Daniels/Dean Malenko**

As both team enter, Tenay reminds the audience at home again of the stipulations involved with this match, as Daniels will receive a Television Title host against Chris Jericho, with the added "DQ causes the loss of the title" stipulation at the PPV. The match begins with all four men in the ring in a big brawl, before quickly settling down to a more standard tag team match. As with the previous match, the action is quick paced, with both teams trying to gain a pinfall using some high risk moves, especially on the part of Daniels, who at one point takes out both Jericho and Bagwell with a springboard twisting splash! The end arrives when Jericho low-blows Daniels, before pulling him into place for a Buff Blockbuster. Malenko manages to make the save just in time though, pushing Daniels out of the way, which causes Bagwell to slam into his partner! Seizing this temporary advantage, Daniels nails a Double Underhook Powerbomb on Jericho to pick up the 1-2-3, and a victory over the Television Champion!

*The duo of Malenko and Daniels don't get long to celebrate however, as some very familiar faces begin to come running down the aisle. Before long, the fans recognize the ECW wrestlers, who apparently can't stay out of the ring around main event time. They surround the ring as usual, with Heyman (also as usual) bringing up the rear along with Raven. He gestures for two of the men to enter the ring, and watches as Rhino and New Jack comply, charging in and attacking Daniels and Malenko, while Jericho and Bagwell manage to escape by running form the ring and through the crowd. Obviously tired from the match they just wrestled, Daniels and Malenko soon find themselves beaten down, especially after Rhino manages to hit a huge GORE GORE GORE on both men. New Jack reaches down into a pocket as Rhino does this, and pulls out…a cheese grater?!? The fans come to their feet, as they seem to know what's about to happen. Before it can however…*

(88/84/92; ****)

**Just business**

Paul Heyman: Whoa whoa whoa. Easy there big fella. Let's save a little bit for later on. After all, I think we'll need to send Thunder off the air with an image to remember. But right now, I have a few other things on my mind. First off, Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman. The so called "Young Daredevils". The WCW Tag Team Champions. I hope that you two are proud of yourselves for what you did to D-Von and Buh Buh a little bit earlier. But you see boys, I think you may have just made the biggest mistake of your career's, and maybe your entire lives. Because now, not ONLY are Justin Credible and Lance Storm after you, but now the psychotic Dudley's want a piece of you as well. Buh Buh and D-von don't take getting humiliated lightly. And rest assured, that they're not going to take getting their vengeance on you lightly either. But that's another subject, for another time. What I have to address tonight, is one man. And I'm sure you all know who that man is. A man who has been one of the fastest rising stars in the HISTORY of professional wrestling over the past two years. A man who currently holds one of the most prestigious titles in wrestling today. And a man who this past Monday night on Nitro, signed his own death certificate. That man, is none other, than Goldberg.

*The fans explode at the mention of the champions name, before breaking into a huge Goldberg chant*

PH: That's right, chant his name, go on, scream your damn lungs out. The fact of the matter is, Goldberg's not here tonight. You see, he realizes, just like all of YO should realize, that what happened this past Monday on Nitro, was a fluke. And I know that some of you may be saying, "Well, Raven pulled Rob Van Dam in front of him because he's scared of Goldberg. Raven backed down because he's afraid of what Goldberg is gonna do to him." I want you to look into the eyes of this man standing next to me, Raven, and tell me if you see any fear, even the slightest hint of it. Raven has never BEEN, and will never BE, afraid of Goldberg. And yes, it's unfortunate that RVD got brutally and senselessly attacked by Goldberg on Nitro. But rest assured that I have my own plan on how to take care of that situation. But as far as Raven and Goldberg are concerned…Well, let me hand things over to the REAL man himself to explain things better…Raven?

Raven:*taking the mic from Heyman* Bill Goldberg, this past Monday night, you showed yourself for the coward that I knew lurked in your soul. Your un-provoked attack on myself and those who follow me was the act of a pitiful, pathetic shell of a man. But that is to be expected form one such as you. That is to be expected from a man who has spent his entire life having the best things, the choice meats, handed to him on a silver platter. A man who gives nothing back to those who spend their existence to please him. When I looked into your eyes on Nitro Goldberg, I saw the emptiness that fills your soul. I saw the broken spirit that drives you to such acts of desperation and deprivation. I saw that same pain that consumes me, flooding your mind, your body, and your very soul. I can ease your pain Goldberg. I can join your pain with mine, and use it to drive you to a higher level of being that you ever believed possible. And all you must do Goldberg, is surrender. For if you do not surrender, then your pain…and MY pain, will consume you. Surrender Goldberg. Surrender. Quote the Raven…Nevermore.

*Raven hands the mic back to Heyman, as the fans respond to this…interesting monologue with confusion.*

PH: Thank you for that stirring speech. And I hope you listened Goldberg, because before much longer, you're going to run out of time. And when that time comes, there isn't anything that can save you. Now, boys, I believe we have some unfinished business to attend to in the ring. New Jack, if you don't mind?

*At this, Heyman points to New Jack, who has been holding the cheese grater during the preceding speeches. With a big smile on h is face, he brings the cheese grater down, first on Daniels forehead, and then on Malenko's, going back and forth, back and forth, grinding the grater deeper in, until both men's faces are covered with blood. He still doesn't let up, grinding and slashing back and forth with the grater, until finally both men seem to collapse form the blood loss. Tenay and Rhodes both seem to be speechless, and so the final shot of the evening is of Daniels and Malenko covered in their own blood, as ECW stands triumphant once again.*

(89%)

Overall: 87

[Commander Sheepard]

OOC: So there it is. The last show I wrote before this diary went on a (very long) hiatus. Looking back on things, I'm happy and proud of what I've done so far...which isn't to say that there won't be any changes made. That's what the purpose of this post is; Address the changes that will soon be forthcoming.

First off, I'll be using EWR 4.0 (4.2 to be totally accurate). When the diary left off, I was still using 3.0, so I was a liiiiiiitle behind the times even then. With the switch to 4/0 comes some changes in and of itself. As I'm sure most of you know, it's a little bit harder to get those ****+ matches in 4.0, as you can't just take two guys with one great stat each and pair them up. Having to match up wrestlers with SIMILAR stats should prove to be a little bit tougher challenge, but still doable. What that means for the diary though is don't be surprised to see that all of a sudden I'm getting ** (or worse ) matches on a more regular basis. I'll be using the given rating (probably by Dames) and putting that in the diary. Going along with this, I'll be adjusting my match writing style somewhat, just to take into account the fact that not EVERY match is a near classic anymore. Won't change the style or quality of the WRITING, just the style in which it's presented. Also as a result of the move to 4.0, expect more details about the "war" with the WWF. As we were neck and neck in P.I. at the time I left off, that should make for an interesting subplot to the whole experience.

Second, I'm going to take steps to ensure I don't get burned out writing this. I'm MAJORLY busy right now, as I'm working a retail job that doesn't have set hours. Thus, I'm going to have to make time to write when I can. To help things out, I'm gonna go back to how the diary was first done: Medium sized match write-ups for Nitro, and VERY short write-ups for Thunder. Things got longer and longer as the diary progressed,a and to be honest, it made things difficult. Interviews and angles will continue to be written out in full, and of course for PPV's everything will be blown out as per normal. I promise I'm not going to short change the diary by shortening things up a bit, but I would rather have slightly less written and be able to continue, than to get tired of it in 3 weeks and quit for good. Also going along with this, I'm going to keep the same style for the announcers as I had at the end. I.E. A summary of what they were talking about, along with snippets of their "actual conversation". Again, PPV's will be fully written out.

Finally, I want to address the main part of the diary that I'm NOT happy with: Sophie. Now, I like to write the Sophie segments...or I used to anyway. But for whatever reason, I started trying to create a subplot within the Sophie segments, and it really didn't work out. As was pointed out a couple of times, the whole thing came off as very "junior high" at times, and really took something away from the diary as a whole. I'm not sure if I'll continue to do Sophie segments after every TV show, as I may be cutting back to once a game week. However, I can promise that the focus of this diary will remain (and return) to where it needs to be: the in-ring product. I'll probably do something to "blow off" the Sophie stuff relatively soon, and then move on. I may still throw in some extras, like the "Insider" interview or things like that, but not in such a way that it distracts and detracts from the diary.

Now, with all that said, I hope anyone who has been reading, or who read this before, will continue on from this point. I'm really excited about some things I have planned. In fact, I've already mapped out several major storylines up through Starrcade, and have half of that PPV already set. :thumbsup: So hopefully this can continue on. I certainly plan for it to. I'm going to TRY to have the next show up tomorrow. It'll be a Thunder, and I'll be posting the preview (which was already put in the "old diary") either tonight or tomorrow morning. I may not be able to have the show up tomorrow, as I have to double check my scenario and make sure I've got everything where it needs to be. If anyone reading this wants, I can post a roster/champions/tag teams/stables list to clarify things. Just pm, or say so in the thread.

Anyway, enough said. I hope you've enjoyed this to this point, and will continue to enjoy it from here on out. Because this thing is about to take off (again)... I guarantee...

Edited February 23, 2005 by bigsheep305

[KDAWG]

I really like the concept and most of stuff going in with this diary. Great to see it coming back and a roster/title history thing would be extremely helpful to keep us aware of what you're working with.

Either way, good diary and I look forward to reading more of this

[Steve Corino]

Cool. Nice to see that we're out of reposts.

I'm thinkin that before long, Stacy will end up with ECW.

[Commander Sheepard]

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: The Magazine, are please to present the following preview for tomorrow nights edition of WCW Monday Nitro:

-Buff Bagwell looks for revenge against Dean Malenko following the events of this past Thursday's Thunder. Will Bagwell's "friend" Chris Jericho have anything to do with this one?-

-Eddie Guerrero defends his Cruiserweight Title against an un-named opponent of Eric Bischoff's choosing. Will Bischoff provide "suitable competition", or will Eddie take his Title and walk out on WCW?-

-Booker T faces Bret Hart in a non-title match, as Booker attempts to gain some measure of retribution on Hart for his recent actions against both Booker and Chris Benoit. Can Hart sneak out with a victory, or will Booker take advantage of his opportunity?-

Plus:

-Kurt Angle joins us for another Angle Invitation Challenge, as he looks to prove himself a superior pure wrestler to yet another WCW star-

-Chris Jericho speaks on his Television Title match against Chris Daniels at Slamboree-

-And in the "main event" of the evening, World Champion Bill Goldberg has promised to appear to make a special announcement concerning ECW, and specifically Paul Heyman and Raven.-

[Commander Sheepard]

Monday, May 10th:

Nitro!

*As the show begins, black and white footage of the disturbing closing events of this past Thursdays Thunder fill the screen. The action flips between general shots of the mayhem caused by the ECW contingent since their arrival here in WCW, the few shots of WCW retaliation, and the blood pouring from the foreheads of both Chris Daniels and Dean Malenko. The final shot is a closeup on both mens faces with Paul Heyman and the rest of ECW looming ominously overhead...*

*PYRO! fills the screen as the video comes to a close. Over 10,000 screaming fans come into view, as the camera zooms back and forth, before finally settling in on our broadcasters for the evening, Mike Tenay and Dave Meltzer.*

As the camera focuses in on the two men, Tenay welcomes everyone watching to another great edition of WCW Monday Nitro. Both he and Meltzer seem to be rather nervous though, which is soon explained by the "Professor". According to him, "WCW's ranks are pretty thin here tonight, thanks to some key absences by some of our great superstars." According to Meltzer, however, ECW can't take full credit for "...running WCW off." Apparently, the WCW tag team champions, The Young Daredevils, were given the night off by Eric Bischoff in order to attend to their recently rescued manager, Stacy. Meanwhile though, both Sting and Vader, who, as Tenay puts it. "...have been two of WCW's top front line troops" are currently in Japan, as they had previous wrestling engagements that they were unable to get out of. Most troubling of all perhaps, is that Chris Daniels hasn't been seen yet, despite the fact that he was supposed to accompany Dean Malenko to the ring for the first match of the evening. Tenay speculates "There's no telling what kind of damage was done to Daniels this past Thursday, but with Malenko here, I can't imagine Daniels deciding to take the night off, especially since Malenko will be taking on Daniels Slamboree opponent's "good friend" in Buff Bagwell". Meltzer doesn't know where Daniels is either, but breaks in to inform Tenay and the audience that the matchup in question is about to begin.

**Dean Malenko vs. Buff Bagwell**

Both men make their way to the ring quickly, though Bagwell stops to pose and let the fans "admire" his physique for a few moments on his way down the aisle. Despite the large bandage on his head, and the obvious pain he must still be feeling, Malenko maintains his usual icy expression. As the bell rings, he immediately goes to work on Bagwell, taking him down to the mat and tying him up with a leg submission. He works on the legs and back area of Bagwell the first several minutes of the match, obviously softening him up for the Texas Cloverleaf. Bagwell makes a comeback thanks to some underhanded tactics, including an uppercut that hits below the belt. Bagwell tries to take advantage of Malenko's injury by pounding away on his forehead, even going so far as to rip the bandage away and rub Malenko's face on the mat. This causes the cut to open back up and begin to bleed, though Malenko tries to fight through it by taking Bagwell back down into a half Boston crab. Bagwell manages to finally fight to the ropes after several minutes in the crab, but can't seem to manage to get to his feet. Dean seizes the opportunity and dropkicks Bagwell in the knee, taking him back down again. This time he manages to lock in the Texas Cloverleaf, causing Bagwell to scream out in pain. This doesn't last for long though, as Bagwell's "good friend" Chris Jericho comes sprinting down the aisle. Buff manages to pull himself into a position that places Malenko near the ropes. As Jericho reaches ringside, he pulls what appears to be a metal file out of his pocket, and proceeds to nail Malenko in the forehead, making him break the Cloverleaf. With Malenko down, Bagwell is able to distract the referee from what happened by feigning having powered out of the move. He staggers to his feet, before picking Malenko pack up and dropping him with a Double-Arm DDT. He covers, and picks up the tainted 3 count as the fans begin to boo.

*As the fans continues to boo, Jericho rolls into the ring with the file, going back to work on Malenko's forehead. Bagwell takes a moment to recover, and then begins to assist, holding onto the rope to support his bad leg. As the two men work over Malenko, the cut on his forehead continues to open back up, causing more and more blood to pour onto the mat. Finally, Jericho gives him one last shot with the file, before letting him drop to the ground. As the ring announcer comes in to give the "official" result of the match, Jericho grabs the mic and begins to speak...*

(78/75/82; ***)

**Deep in the Hundred Acre Woods...**

Jericho: *raising the mic as he begins* Listen up all you ignorant, inbred, white trash idiots, because your Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah has something to say right now. I know all of you were expecting to see little Christopher Robin come running down here to defend his little girlfriend Malerkle here. But I guess you could say, that flight 457 from the Hundred Acre Woods left without him today. Hey Buff, I forgot to tell you man, that was great the way you made yourself sound like that punk Daniels on the phone when you canceled the plane reservation, even if you DID have to make yourself sound like a little girl to do it. The only thing I hate, is that I didn't get to do to you what we just did to your girlfriend here. But you see Christopher Robin, at Slamboree, not only will I get the chance to make you bleed... Not ONLY will I get the chance to break your body with either the Lion's Roar or the Lion Tamer... But I'll get the chance to dangle that TV Title belt... MY Title belt, right in your face. And when you look up at that shiny gold belt, I want you to take a good, LONG look. Because that'll be the last time you'll see that belt, ever... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVER, agayne.

*With that, Jericho drops the mic, before slapping Bagwell on the back. The two make their way to the back, though Bagwell takes longer as his leg still seems to be injured slightly. The fans make their feelings known by booing the entire time until the two are back behind the curtain*

(81%)

Tenay looks to be extremely upset as we cut back from the ring, stating that "It's obvious that Chris Jericho wants nothing to do with Chris Daniels. Pulling a stunt like that does nothing but make Jericho look scared." Meltzer doesn't totally agree, stating that he thinks that Jericho is playing mind games with Daniels just like he did with Booker T. "And believe me, very few people are better at the mental side of wrestling than Chris Jericho." Tenay agrees with that, but wonders again what will happen when Jericho gets into the match at Slamboree "...since any act of cheating will cause a loss of his title." Both state that however things go between now and Slamboree, that the match in question should be a show stealer. Before they can go any further with their thoughts however, they are interrupted by the familiar sound of the Cruiserweight Champions music...

**Suitable or not...**

*Eddie Guerrero makes his way slowly down the aisle as his music continues to play, the fans booing him every step of the way. He finally makes it into the ring, grabbing a mic as he steps inside the ropes. He looks around with a sneer on his face before beginning to speak...*

Eddie Guerrero: Hey, all of you morons out there can kiss my ass. I'm not out here essa to make friends with you chumps. I'm out here to talk to the main man, Eric Bischoff. Hey holmes, I hope you got a good look at what I did last Thursday man, and I REALLY hope you took a good listen to what I said. See essa, one thing about Eddie Guerrero, is that I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. And what I say is that I'm sick and tired of coming out here week after week and having to put these same chumps down on their back on the mat. And Bischoff, you're the one that pulls all the strings around here essa. You're the one that can make it happen. So since I'm out here looking for some suitable competition, let's see what you got. Bring out the next punk ass wannabe so that I can get the hell out of this place and get back to all the mamacitas waiting for me in the back.

*Eddie tosses the mic out of the ring, before handing over his Cruiserweight Title belt to the referee. He doesn't have to wait long for an opponent, though it's probably not someone he would recognize...*

(87%)

**Eddie Guerrero vs. Jamie Knoble; Cruiserweight Title match**

Unfamiliar music fills the arena, as a serious looking young man makes his way out onto the stage. He plays to the audience for a moment before taking a running start down to the ring. The fans don't seem to recognize Eddie's opponent, but DO seem to be anxious to see Eddie get beat, which the newcomer Knoble attempts to do. Before he can get fully in the ring though, Eddie nails him with a kneedrop right into the small of the back, taking him down to the mat. As the match officially gets underway, Eddie seems to be toying with Knoble, letting him get almost back to his feet before knocking him down again. After another knee to the back, Eddie turns and taunts the crowd, which gives Knoble a chance to recover. As Eddie turns back around, he is met by a nicely executed dropkick that catches him square on the chin. Knoble continues on the offense, not letting EDDIE get up, as he uses a variety of mat wrestling moves to keep the Champion down and in pain. Eddie tries to fight back by reversing what appears to be a camel clutch variation by fighting to his feet and dropping Knoble jaw first onto his shoulder. Eddie goes back on the attack, this time focusing more on his own mat tactics, trying to take out Knoble's leg. Knoble doesn't give up though, and the two men soon find themselves involved in an intricate series of moves and countermoves. Knoble finally gains the advantage by reversing Eddies attempt at a powerbomb into a sunset flip for two. Eddie rolls out under the bottom rope to escape, only to be met by a baseball slide dropkick, followed by a nicely done pescado to the outside by Knoble. Seizing his advantage, Knoble throws Eddie back inside, before heading up to the top. He waits until Eddie stands up before trying a flying crossbody from the top rope! Before he can land however, Eddie pushes the referee into the way, causing Knoble to knock him down and miss Eddie completely. With the referee out, Eddie is able to sneak outside the ring and grab his Cruiserweight Title, before heading back in. Eddie swings at Knoble, only to have the belt shot ducked. Knoble spins Eddie around and attempts a backdrop suplex, but this time EDDIE counters, bringing the belt down hard onto Knoble's head. This knocks Knoble out, which leaves Eddie to fall on top of him. As he does so, the referee manages to pull himself up, and counts the pinfall, giving Eddie yet another victory.

*As the bell rings, Eddie grabs his belt and begins to leave, only to be stopped by Jamie Knoble grabbing his arm. The young man manages to pull himself all the way to his feet, and seems to be extending his hand in a peace offering. Eddie merely looks at him, before spitting right in his face. He then grabs Knoble's hand, pulling him into another belt shot!With Knoble out again, Eddie pushes him out of the ring, leaving the referee to try to help Knoble to the back. With another look of pure disgust on his face, Eddie motions for (And is given) another microphone...*

(81/62/100!; ****1/4 Cruiserweight Title gained image)

**Very suitable...**

EG: What the HELL man? Bischoff, is THAT the best you can do essa? You think some little no talent rookie punk is gonna keep ME from walking out of this place and heading straight to Connecticut? Who the hell is Jamie Knoble? Hey Bischoff, all I've got to say to you now holmes, is goodbye...

*Before Eddie can make another move however, the video screen over the entrance comes to life, showing none other than Eric Bischoff. He looks at Eddie with a slight smile on his face before speaking*

Eric Bischoff: Eddie Eddie Eddie. Hold on just a minute there "essa". Now, I know you said you wanted me to come down to the ring myself and provide you with some "suitable competition", but unfortunately, a few things came up here in the back, and I wasn't able to make it to the ring in time. But since I have your attention, let me say a few things to YOU, Eddie Guerrero: You're a great champion. You won the Cruiserweight Title, and you've defended it against every challenger that you've come across. And I'll admit, right now, you're at the top of the mountain in the Cruiserweight ranks. But don't you EVER make the mistake of thinking that the rest of the wrestlers in the back aren't worth your time. Because Eddie, what I see every night, and what I saw TONIGHT against a "no talent little rookie punk", was you having to resort to blatant CHEATING to hold onto that belt. Guerrero, those men in the back have taken you to your limit each and every night. And yeah, you've come out on top so far. But for you to say that you don't have any suitable competition... Well frankly Eddie, when I first heard that, I thought about fining, suspending, and stripping the title from you. But I realized that doing any of those things wouldn't prove my point. My point is this Eddie: You may be the best right now. But I can guarantee that you're not the only man who can hold onto that belt. I can guarantee that there's somebody out there who can take that belt away from you. And since you've come out the past few weeks moaning about "suitable competition", I decided to find someone that even YOU can't deny is worth a shot at your Title. Now, you may be blind enough not to recognize the talent here in WCW, but I think even you can recognize one of the top international superstars there is today, one of the men who helped make cruiserweight wrestling what is IS today. And some of these fans might even know who this guy is, because it's not his first stop here in WCW. So Eddie, allow me to introduce your opponent for the upcoming Slamboree PPV: Jushin "Thunder" LIGER!

*As Bischoff says this, the screen fades out on him, before coming up on a video set to Liger's Japanese music (LIGERRRRRRRRRRRRR!). The video shows scenes of Liger punishing opponents in a variety of ways, from high flying moves, to tortuous submission holds, all sprinkled in with a liberal dose of palm strikes and Ligerbombs. The footage shows him defeating various Japanese wrestlers, as well as his exploits as a former member of the WCW roster. It ends with a fast blur of him pinning his downed foes, before fading out with the single word: LIGER...*

EB: So Eddie, there you go. You versus Jushin "Thunder" Liger, live, on PPV. I hope you're ready for it. Because I know this man certainly is.

*The camera pulls back to show Liger standing silently beside Bischoff's desk. Eddie goes crazy at this, throwing his mic down and sliding out of the ring, obviously going to try to find his new found opponent. Some of the fans seem to remember Liger, and cheer the announcement of the upcoming match*

(86%)

As we cut back to our announcers, their excitement at Eric Bischoff's announcement can easily be seen. As Tenay puts it "Jushin "Thunder" Liger is one of the top cruiserweights the wrestling business has ever seen. And it looks to me as if Eddie Guerrero has finally found somebody that even HE can't argue is a suitable opponent." Meltzer seems to be more excited about the possibility of the match itself, as "...both men are still in the prime of their careers. This has all the potential to be a classic match for the ages." Tenay agrees, but isn't given the chance to say much more, as we suddenly cut to the back...

**Da man is here...**

*As the camera goes backstage, we see WCW World Champion Goldberg walking down a corridor towards his dressing room. The fans explode at the sight of the champ, but soon quiet down as a stagehand catches up to the big man*

Stagehand: Um, Mr. Goldberg sir, excuse me.

Goldberg: Yeah?

SH: Well sir, Mr. Bischoff needs to see you in his office right now. He said he has to talk to you about Slamboree.

Goldberg: Tell Bischoff I'll be there as soon as I drop my gear off.

SH: Yes sir, thank you sir.

*The stagehand walks nervously off as Goldberg continues on. However, as he walks out of the cameras view, a figure steps from around a corner leading into another corridor. He steps out of the shadows and reveals himself to be none other than ECW's Rob Van Dam. He gives a smirk before heading back down the corridor at a high speed*

(78%; Goldberg lost overness )

Tenay and Meltzer both wonder aloud as to what Eric Bischoff could want to discuss with the champion, but both seem more concerned with what Rob Van Dam was doing listening in on the stagehand and Goldberg's conversation, because, as Tenay puts it "As far as we've seen here tonight, ECW isn't in the building." Meltzer states that he hopes this to be true, but warns all the fans that you never know what Paul Heyman, Raven, and the rest of the ECW group may be up to. " I somehow don't think they're gonna let a Nitro go past without making some kind of impact, especially after what's happened between them and Goldberg the past week or so." Both men agree that it's certainly worth keeping both eyes open for the rest of the night, as "...there's no telling where ECW may show up." With that, Tenay segueways (still the king) into our next match.

**Another Invitational victim...**

*As the camera switches back to ringside, the music of Kurt Angle fills the air. The fans boo as the arrogant young man makes his way down to the ring, accepting the "accolades" from the fans as he does so. He makes his way into the ring and (of course) pulls out a microphone. After a brief pause, he looks around at the crowd and begins...*

Kurt Angle: You know, you'd think you people would have gotten the freakin' point by now. But it seems like every week I have to come out here and remind you of who I am, and what I can do. I guess maybe seeing the crap that passes for "wrestling" on this show has killed the few brain cells you all had left, because it seems like you STILL don't appreciate what I'm trying to do. I'm out to prove, again and again, that in this organization, the so called "professional wrestlers" are nothing but hacks and no talent losers. I've come out here the past several weeks with an open challenge for anyone to beat me in an Angle Invitational match. But what's happened? Each and every person that's accepted my challenge has ended up flat on their back after being tied up like a pretzel by my superior WRESTLING ability. Now, I know I don't have to keep doing this, because it should be obvious to everyone, even YOU people, that there's NO ONE in WCW that comes close to being able to match my skills. But since I'm such a great guy, I'm going to keep giving anyone in the back the chance to come out here and embarrass themselves by getting beaten by yours truly. So once again, if there's anybody back there who wants to come down here and get beaten by the best pure WRESTLER in the world today, come on down.

*Angle doesn't have to wait very long, as his challenge is answered by the former Flock member, Perry Saturn. The fans respond positively to Saturn's WCW return, and seem to be looking forward to watching him try to take down Angle. Saturn runs down the ramp and slides into the ring, only to be met by Kurt Angle, who takes him down with an drop toehold. Seeing this, the referee signals for the bell to officially begin the match...*

(73%)

**Kurt Angle vs. Perry Saturn; Angle Invitation style match**

As the bell rings, Angle manages to float over into a front facelock onto Saturn, obviously trying to keep him down on the mat. Saturn doesn't let Angle lock the hold in very tightly though, as he manages to reverse into a standing armbar. Angle tries to reverse again, only to e stopped as Saturn takes ANGLE down to the mat. The two men continue to grapple on the mat for the next several minutes, before Angle finally rolls out to the floor in frustration. As per the rules of the Angle Invitational, the referee immediately begins a count, forcing Angle back into the ring. He looks to take Saturn down again, only to be caught by Saturn and sent flying in a big belly-to-belly suplex. Saturn presses his advantage, going after Angle and picking him up with another suplex, this time a T-bone. Saturn attempts a quick cover, but only gets a two count. Angle attempts to fight back again, this time succeeding in taking Saturn down by grabbing his leg and rolling into a heel hook. Saturn fights to the ropes, only to be reminded by the referee that rope breaks do not count in an Angle Invitational. Finally, after struggling to turn the hold over, Saturn is able to twist out, causing Angle to break. This time Angle takes control using a variety of suplexes, before taking Saturn down again with a side leglock. Angle locks the hold in, keeping Saturn from being able to reverse into another hold. After several minutes in the hold though, Saturn is able to kick Angle in the side of the head using his good leg, before pulling himself back to his feet. As he rises, Angle charges, but soon finds himself on Saturn's shoulders in position for the DVD. Before Saturn can drop Angle to the mat however, his leg gives way as a result of the damage done earlier. This causes Saturn to drop Angle, who immediately chop blocks him, before slapping on his now customary finishing hold, the Figure Four Leglock, complete once again with a Flair-esque WHOOOOOOOO! Saturn is unable to fight the pain of the hold this time, and soon submits giving Angle yet another victory in an Angle Invitational.

*As has become the norm for Angle, he refuses to let the hold go, instead grinding it in even harder while Saturn frantically tries to pull himself out. Finally, Angle lets go of the hold, but adds a few stomps to the leg before jumping out of the ring. Before he leaves, he grabs a mic and says "Saturn, it's nothing personal I'm just better than you." The fans let Angle have it as he walks back up the aisle, seemingly oblivious to their hatred of him.

(87/79/96; ****1/4)

As we cut back our announcers, both men seem to be impressed with the previous match, though as Meltzer says "Angle proved again that he may be the best pure wrestler in this company, but he also proved that he can be ruthless with his post match actions. And I have a feeling that Ric Flair isn't please with the "tributes" being paid to him my Angle." Tenay states that he personally would love to see Flair confront Angle, but doesn't think it's very likely to happen, thanks to Flair's self-imposed indefinite leave. The two discuss this for a few more moments, before moving onto the main event for this evening: Booker T against Bret Hart. Tenay reminds everyone watching of the history the past few weeks between both of these men and Chris Benoit, as Bret Hart has done everything in his power to keep either man from earning a shot at his U.S. Title. Meltzer reminds everyone that the upcoming match is an non-title match, but he's sure that "Booker T isn't going to take it easy on Bret Hart because of that fact. I have a feeling he's out to prove something to Hart here tonight." Tenay agrees, and announces that before the match, we'll be hearing from Booker T himself.

**Can Bret Hart dig THAT...**

*We immediately cut backstage again, where Booker T stands next to Scott Hudson. Hudson holds the mic up as Booker begins to speak*

Booker T: Yo Hart, listen up man, cause I'm gonna make this short and sweet. The past few weeks, you been running around, getting in MY business, trying to start somethin' with me and Chris Benoit. Now me and Benoit ain't the best of friends most of the time, but we both agree that you ain't nothin' but a punk ass SUCKA who's afraid to put that belt on the line against me or him. And thats why I went to Eric Bischoff and told him I wanted YO ASS in the ring, tonight, on Nitro. But he said "Book, things ain't settle between you and Benoit. I can't give you a title shot on Nitro". But you know what Bret Hart? It don't matter if the match is for that U.S. Title or not. Cause Booker T is gonna go out there tonight and raise the roof with all the fans. And when I get done, I'm gonna beat'cho ass all the way around that ring and show everybody in this company who the real SUCKA is.

*With that said, Booker walks out of the frame and heads for the stage to make his entrance for the main event*

(79%)

**Bret Hart vs. Booker T**

As Booker makes his way out onto the stage, he is suddenly jumped form behind by the U.S. Champion, Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Hart begins beating Booker T down the aisle, alternating punches with throws into the safety rails. The referee frantically signals for the bell as Hart tosses Booker into the ring, and the match begins. Hart goes right back on the attack, stomping and punching away at Booker as he tries to get back to his feet. Booker does manage to fight up by driving an elbow repeatedly into Hart's stomach. He manages to knock Hart into the ropes and begins to hammer away with chops and punches, knocking Hart to the outside. Booker follows him outside, only to be caught by a shot to the mouth from Hart. The two men begin brawling back and forth around the ring, with neither able to gain an advantage. Finally, Booker is able to stun Hart with a big Harlem Sidekick Kick that puts Hart down hard. He throws Hart back into the ring, following him back in where he continues his assault. Booker uses his strength to his advantage, using slams and clotheslines to keep Hart down. He even manages to catch Hart with a big dropkick that puts him back down. After seeing Hart down, Booker heads to the top rope, obviously looking to finish him with a Missile Dropkick. Before he has a chance however, Hart stumbles to his feet and falls against the ropes, causing Booker to fall hard, crotch first.

Hart continues his assault by pulling Booker down from the ropes, before going to work on both his back and his leg. Hart uses a mixture of moves, including a backbreaker and his patented driving elbow from the second rope to soften Booker up for the Sharpshooter. He works over Booker's leg draping it over the rope and coming down hard with his full weight. He also manages to drop a series of alternating knees and elbows on Booker T's knee before turning him over and doing the same thing to his back. Hart attempts to put on the Sharpshooter at one point, only to have Booker manage to flip out of it, which puts Hart back on the floor. Booker pulls himself back to his feet just in time to catch Hart getting back on the apron. He tries to suplex him back in, only for Hart to float over the top and attempt a roll-up. Booker kicks out after a 2 count, and turns back around with another Harlem Sidekick Kick that flattens Hart again. Booker looks around to the crowd, before picking Hart back up. He kicks him in the stomach, before delivering a big Axe kick that puts Hart back on the canvas. Seeing his chance, Booker goes back up top, waiting for Hart to stand back up. However, Hart has other ideas, and staggers to his feet just long enough to throw himself out of the ring and onto the floor. He starts to walk back up the aisle, as the referee restrains Booker T while simultaneously starting a count. When he reaches 20, the referee has no choice but to call the match and declare Booker T the winner.

*Before Hart can get to the back, he is blindsided by the third member of the recent three way feud, Chris Benoit. As the fans cheer his actions, Benoit pummels Hart all the way back up the aisle and into the ring. Once there, Booker T and Benoit take turns in beating on Hart, with the crowd going crazy, until finally a group of referee's is able to separate the three men.*

(93/87/99; ****3/4)

Tenay and Meltzer don't have much time to discuss the previous events, as they tell everyone that Eric Bischoff has a huge announcement concerning World Champion Bill Goldberg and ECW. With that, they throw us back to Bischoff's office...

**Unfair odds...**

*The scene shifts back to Bischoff's office somewhere in the building. Bischoff is sitting at his desk, with the World Champion standing beside him*

Eric Bischoff: Alright, I'm going to get right to the point here. This man right here is the WCW World Champion. And as such, he represents the very best that WCW, and wrestling in general, has to offer. Which brings me to you ECW idiots. You so called "wrestlers" represent everything that's WRONG with this business today. You come in and talk about taking WCW to "a new level of extreme". Well let me tell you what lever WCW is going to in order to get rid of all of YOU...

*Before Bischoff can finish, the door bursts open, and a flurry of wrestlers fill the room. As the cameraman retreats to a relatively safe corner, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Rob Van Dam, and the Dudley Boys can be seen, with the leaders ECW, Raven and Paul Heyman, framed in the doorway. The Dudley's grab Bischoff and pin him up against a wall, while the others wrestlers do the same to Goldberg. Once both men are restrained, Raven walks slowly into the room, pausing to pick up a metal folding chair that had been leaning against the outside wall. He stops before Goldberg, looking into his eyes. Goldberg tries to break free, but is held back by the three wrestlers. Raven stares at Goldberg for a minute longer, before raising the chair, and bringing it down HARD onto the champions head. Raven then rears back and does it again, and again, raining chairshots down onto the head and neck of Goldberg. He is soon busted open, but this only seems to drive Raven further, as the pace of the shots increases. Finally, Raven stops, and the other ECW members let Goldberg slump to the floor. Raven leans down and runs his finger across the blood pouring down Goldberg's forehead. He then walks over to Bischoff and writes something on his forehead. As the camera fades out for the ending of the show, the final shows Goldberg's blood on Eric Bischoff's forehead spelling out: E C W...

(75%)

Overall: 81

[Commander Sheepard]

OOC: Due to the switch to 4.0, my TV rating dropped BIG time. But the "in game me" will just act like the rating is fine. May be a copout, but I don't know how else to explain it.

Tuesday, May 11th:

*Guess who's back...At least, I FEEL like I just got back from somewhere. Don't know why, but it feels like FOREVER since I sat in this office, even though I know it's only been a few days. But the best news is that Sophie is back with me, and that all of the...things, that have been going on between us are settled. I explained that I'm a married man, and that if we let thigns get too personal between us, it would ruin our working relationship, as well as MY home life. She agreed, so it's all business now. Speaking of which...*

Me: So, whatcha got for me today?

Sophie: Well, overall fairly decent news I think. There ARE a few areas of concern, but nothing TOO major.

Me: Well, let me hear it. And hey, is it just me, or does it feel like...

Sophie: Like forever since we did this? Yeah, I feel the same way. Weird, huh? anyway, the approval rating slipped just a little bit, down to an 81%. But that's still pretty good.

Me: Yeah, but I wonder what caused the drop? I mean, Thunder was one of our highest rated shows EVER, but we dropped like 6 points from then and Nitro. Any ideas?

Sophie: Well, personally, I think it's a period of adjustment. What happened at the end of Thunder, not to mention the end of Nitro, was pretty graphic and shocking. especially when you consider WCW's history with blood and extreme violence. Which is something else I need to talk to you about. The network was a little iffy on how graphic we got. Nothing TOO bad was said, but we need to be careful.

Me: Hmm, you may be right. But I can't just give up on that kind of thing. That's what sets ECW apart from every other "invading force" that's been brought in. That level of extreme violence is a major part of the angle.

Sophie: Well, we just need to make sure that it's not done gratuitously. Fortunately, Mr. Turner doesn't seem to have a problem with it at this point, so we're safe.

Me: Well, that's a relief anyway. Let me know if you hear that he's getting UNhappy with things, and I'll make some adjustments then.

Sophie: Will do. As far as the TV ratings go, we scored a 4.45. Not great, but not bad either. The network seems pretty pleased with that.

Me: Good, good. Sophie, let me ask you something. Do you think the ECW invasion is going well so far?

Sophie: Well, yeah, I do. Why, are you having doubts or something?

Me: Not doubts exactly, just...I always worry. I want to put on the best possible show and product I can. And I feel like we're doing that. But I also worry that I might get out of touch with what the fans want to see. You know?

Sophie: Well, that's what I'm here for. To make sure you stay "in the loop" about how the fans are reacting. Speaking of which, I have to go set up a few promo spots for our next show. Some of the guys want to get on some radio talk shows and promote the company, which I assume is ok with you?

Me: Sure. Just make sure they don't start swinging chairsin the studio or anything.

Sophie: *Smiling* Will do chief. If you need me, just call my cell. It'll be on all day.

Me: Bye Sophie. Thanks.

* As she walks out, I feel a little better. I'm still concerned about things, but she's right: She'll let me know if the fans start to react badly to what's going on. And so far, that doesn't seem to be happening. I just hope we can keep that trend going...*

WCW.com, in conjunction with WCW: The Magazine, is pleased to bring you the following preview for tomorrow night's edition of WCW Thunder:

-New WCW Superstar Jamie Knoble looks for his first win as he takes on another rising talent in Tajiri; Can Knoble overcome his less than fair loss to Eddie Guerrero on Nitro?-

-Kurt Angle takes on another debuting star in the "American Dragon" in another Angle Invitational; Will Angle make short work of another superstar, or can the American Dragon prove Angle wrong?-

-And in our main event, The Young Daredevils put their Tag Team Titles on the line in a rematch against Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, the Outsiders; Will Nash and Hall be able to secure the win this time, or will the champions come out on top? And will ECW involve themselves yet again with the Young Daredevils?-

Plus:

-A special interview with Chris Daniels concering Chris Jericho, his recent actions against Daniels, and the upcoming Slamboree match for the Television Title-