WCW in '99- Fixing a Hole (repost)

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, May 13th:

Thunder!

*As the show begins, the fans are shown another black and white video chronicling the ending of this past Monday's Nitro. The ECW attack on Goldberg and Eric Bischoff is shown, along with Raven painting Bischoff's forehead with Goldberg's blood, spelling out ECW. From there, the picture changes back to color, showing some of the other great action that took place on Nitro, including the announcement of Eddie Guerrero's opponent for Slamboree, Jushin "Thunder" Liger; the three way brawl between Booker T, Chris Benoit and Bret Hart, the debut of Jamie Knoble, and Kurt Angle's "Angle Invitational" victory over Perry Saturn.Before the video ends,a nother shot is show briefly in color of Goldberg down on the floor of Eric Bischoff's office, with ECW hovering overhead...*

*A BOOM! from the pyro welcomes everyone to another edition of WCW Thunder. After a quick pan around the crowd, we got to ringside with our hosts, "The Professor" Mike Tenay and "Bulla Bulla Bulla" Dusty Rhodes. The two briefly go over what happened this past Monday, with Dusty's opinion being "Them ECW boys is sticking they noses wheh they don't belong Iron Mike. And when big Goldberg gets back to um, they's gonna be in a world of hurtin if ya weeeell." Tenay agrees and states that they'l be discussing more about that subject later, but that it's now time for our first match of the evening.*

**Yoshohiro Tajiri vs. Jamie Knoble**

As the two men make their way to the ring, our announcers discuss the impressive showing Knoble made on Monday against Eddie Guerrero, even though he ended up losing the match under less than fair circumstances. They mention how Tajiri is also relatively new to WCW, and how this match could go a long way towards advancing either mans career. The match gets underway quickly, and keeps up a fast pace throughout. The two men exchange holds on the ground as well as highflying moves. The end comes when Tajiri is able to catch Knoble coming off the ropes with what appears to be...green mist! With Knoble down, Tajiri is able to pick him up into a Spinning Brainbuster and cover for the 1-2-3.

*As on Monday, Knoble tries to offer a sportsmanlike handshake to Tajiri, despite the way in which Tajiri won. However, Tajiri merely looks at Knoble before spitting MORE mist into his eyes and rolling out of the ring. As he makes his way up the aisle, Tajiri motions to the camera as if to say "That's one!"*

(69/38/100 ***3/4)

Tenay and Dusty talk about how that's twice now that Jamie Knoble has ben close to gaining his first WCW victory, only to have his opponent cheat and take it away from him. As Tenay puts it "Let's just hope this young man doesn't get frustrated and give up, because I can tell you that he's got all the physical, mental, and emotional tools to be a big star in WCW." Dusty agrees but states that he thinks that Knoble might need to develop a little more killer instinct in order to make it through some of the "shenanigans" that go on inside the ring. Tenay states that Dusty might be correct, but reminds him that the same thing was said about Chris Daniels when he joined WCW "...and coming up at Slamboree, he has another shot to take the TV Title away from Chris Jericho. So there's something to be said for the clean cut attitude and lifestyle." Tenay then segueways (always the king) into a taped interview with the aforementioned Daniels.

**Jericho's destiny awaits**

*We cut to an interview that was taped in the arena where Nitro had been on Monday. An obviously upset Chris Daniels stands looking into the camera, before beginning to speak*

Chris Daniels: Before I get started with what I was ORIGINALLY going to say, I want to apologize to all of my fans for my absence here tonight. And I want to apologize to Dean Malenko also, because I wasn't here to help him out when he needed it. See, when I got the airport to fly here to Nitro, I was told my ticket had been canceled. So I had to get a later flight, and I just got here. And what's the first thing I hear when I step into the arena? "Hey Chris, did you hear what Jericho and Bagwell did?" I should have known that you and your "helpmate" were behind this Jericho. Because you see, I know something about you. I know that you, are a scared, scared little man. You're scared about facing me one on one, you're scared about getting embarrassed in front of thousands of fans, and most of all, you're scared about losing that Television Title. And I know why you're scared Jericho. You're scared because at Slamboree, you won't be able to hide behinds Bagwell anymore. You won't be able to cheat your way to a DQ loss and hold onto your Title, because you'll LOSE that title if you try anything. And the reason you're scared the most? Because you know you can't beat me by yourself. Jericho, we've already been down this road before, the two of us. And yeah, you've beaten me, and I've beaten you. But at Slamboree, it'll finally come down to who the better athlete is. And Jericho, you know it, I know it, and the fans know it: You don't stand a chance. Your destiny is waiting at Slamboree Jericho. And it doesn't look pretty.

*With that said, the camera fades out on Daniels, who merely stares intensely into the lens*

(82%)

Before Tenay and Rhodes have a chance to discuss what Daniels has just said, the camera cuts back to the back where a confrontation seems to be getting very heated...

**2+2= Good odds**

*As the camera cuts to the back, we see Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, aka The Outsiders involved in a shouting match with the Tag Team Champions, Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Kidman, The Young Daredevils. A group of referee's seem to be trying to hold the two teams apart. Over the other shouting we can hear...*

Kevin Nash: Kidman, Mysterio, you two punks better take a good look at those Title belts. Cause here in a few minutes, they're coming back to where they belong: around my sexy sexy waist.

Scott Hall: Hey, you two chico's better recognize something mang. The Outsiders beat the crap out of you two last time, but we got cheated by those ECW guys. Well this time, we're gonna do the job quick and easy. So you two boys better be ready, cause me and Big Kev don't just LOOK better than you two, we ARE better.

*As he says that, Hall flicks a toothpick in the general direction of Kidman. This causes Kidman to become enraged, allowing him to break free and attack Hall. After a brief skirmish, the referee's are able to seperate the two teams again, this time pushing Nash and Hall away. As they go, The Outsiders mockingly wave "Bye bye" to the champions as the Young Daredevils watch in frustration and anger*

(79%)

As we rejoin our announcers, both men seem to be concerned over the mindset of the Tag Team Champions. As Dusty says "Them two boys ain't in their best frame of mind Iron Mike. And They're gonna need to be at the top of theyu game to beat Big Nash and Scott Hall." Tenay seems to think that the recent attacks by ECW are the main reason for the extreme (no pun intended) reaction of the two men. And as he points out, "Obviously Kidman and Mysterio are still concerned about ECW, as we've been told that their manager Stacy is not in the building with them tonight. Who knows how long it will be before she's back at ringside." Both Tenay and Dusty agree that THAT part is a definite shame, and is just one more reason to want ECW out of WCW for good. With that, Tenay throws it to ringside for the next match.

**Kurt Angle vs. American Dragon; Angle Invitational Match**

As the American Dragon makes his way to the ring, Tenay goes over a brief history of the young mans career, focusing especially on his technical ability. Angle makes his way out as usual, seeming full on himself. The match begins when Angle enters the ring, and soon proves to be nothing less than a technical wrestling clinic from both men. The two exchange holds and counters on the man and standing, leading to a variety of pinning combo's from both. In the end however, Angle is able to catch the Dragon in the Figure Four, and after another Ric Flair "tribute" whoo, picks up another submission victory.

*As has become the norm for Angle lately, he refuses to break the hold even after the bell. This time however, the Dragon is able to make his way out himself, rolling over to the ropes and pulling himself outside of the ring, forcing Angle to break. As Angle gets to his feet, he looks down at the floor to where the American Dragon is trying to get back up and says "It's nothing personal kid. I'm just better than you." Angle seems ready to celebrate another win, but before he can...*

(78/57/100; ****)

**Whooooooooo is coming back?**

*...the video screen above the entrance comes to life, showing none other than the legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. The crowd explodes at the sight of the "Nature Boy", who has to wait for several moments until he is able to be heard above the crowd. Whent hey finally quiet down, he begins to speak*

Ric Flair: Whooooooooo! Kurt Angle, allow me to introduce myself. My name, is Ric Flair. And don't act like you don't know who I am, because I know you do. I've seen you come out here the past few weeks and try to be the man, try to BE "Slick Ric". I've seen you try to style and profile and I've seen you get some wins with the move I made famous. But that's not what I'm here to say tonight. You see, I've been hearing things about...Kurt Angle. And not all bad. I've heard that Kurt Angle is the future of this business, that he's one of the best pure technical wrestlers to ever set foot inside the ring. And I've watched the tapes, and let me say, Angle, those people saying that? They're right. I haven't seen somebody do the things you do in as little an amount of time, in a long, long time. I'll give credit where it's due. Angle, you're one of the very best of the best, and I can respect that.

*Angle can be seen nodding his head, agreeing with what Flair is saying, while the crowd seems less appreciative*

RF: Whoa whoa whoa there. I'm not done. But you see, I've heard some OTHER things about Kurt Angle. Things I don't like. Things like: Hey Ric, Angle's been bad mouthing you backstage. Angle's been saying that he took your move and made it better. Angle's been saying that you're an old has been, that it's a good thing you're not around, because he'd break your leg. And Angle, I know you're young, I know you're a rookie, but I DIDN'T know you were stupid. You want to come into MY FEDERATION? The federation that I helped make famous, and talk about ME? Talk about "The Naithca Boy"? The "Wheelin' dealin', kiss stealin', limousine ridin', jet flyin' son of a gun"? I'll give you a little credit Angle. At least you weren't stupid enough to come out here in front of these fans and try that garbage. Because they know, just like YOU know, that you don't want any of this "old has been". Ask Bret Hart what happened when he pushed Ric Flair too far.

Kurt Angle: *grabbing the mic from the ring announcer* Wait a minute, hold on just a second there Ric. Don't have a heart attack or anything here. I know when you get old, things can start to blow pretty easy. You see Ric, you were talking a few minutes ago about how you respect me? Well you know what? You had BETTER respect me, because I AM the best pure wrestler this place has EVER seen. Ever since I joined WCW, I heard about "The great Ric Flair", and to be honest, after watching some of your matches... Well, it's a darn good thing you had the Four Horsemen to look after you, because otherwise you'd be making $25 a night working in some bingo shop in Philadelphia or somewhere. The fact is Flair, like I tell everybody, it's nothing personal. I'm just better than you. And if you'd like to try to prove me wrong, why not sign up for a match? that way, I can show all of these moronic fans of yours the fraud you really are.

RF:*smiling* Angle, I know you'd like nothing better than for me to come down there right now and get in that ring with you. But Ric Flair isn't stupid either. I've been off the road for the past few weeks, and I'm not in my best shape. And I know, as much of a snot nosed punk as I think you are, that when I get in the ring with you, I'm gonna need to be at my best. But since you mentioned something about the Horsemen...*The crowd pops for the mere mention of the name* let me let you in on a little secret. You see, since I need some time to get myself back into shape, and since you want a piece of action so bad, I'm gonna let you have it. And the man who's going to do it, is standing right here with me.

*The camera pulls back to show Dean Malenko standing beside Flair, his face blank except for the small bandage on his forehead*

RF: This man right here is Dean Malenko. The "Man of 1,000 Holds". And thanks to a call I made to Eric Bischoff, at Slamboree, you'll get a chance to feel every one of those 1,000, live and in person. And Angle? When you get done with Dean, then WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That's when it's my turn. So remember this Angle: To be The Man, you've gotta BEAT The Man. And until you can prove me different, Ric Flair is STILL THE MAN. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

*The screen fades as the fans cheer this announcement excitedly. Angle stares at the screen for a moment as a sick smile spreads across his face*

(95%; Kurt Angle gained overness)

As we go back to the announce booth, both Tenay and Dusty seem as excited about the matchup just announced as the fans. Tenay states "That's another match that could be a match of the year contender. Those two men are both technical masters, and should both be able to come counter anything the other man can come up with." Dusty agrees, but also throws in that "That guy Angel just wrestled, Mr. American Dragon came real close to doing the job for Slick Ric himself." Tenay agrees with THIS, and makes the observation that there seems to be a large number of extremely gifted young athletes coming into WCW at the same time."And speaking of gifted athletes, it's time for the main event of the evening, as The Outsiders for for the Tag Team Titles against the young Daredevils."

**Young Daredevils vs. The Outsiders; WCW Tag Team Title match**

As is customary, the challengers enter first, making their way slowly to the ring, playing to the fans as they do. The fans respond with boos however, and seem especially glad when the Champions come running down to the ring, getting even louder when both Kidman and Mysterio vault in with stereo springboard dropkicks. The match gets underway after that, with Kidman and Mysterio using their speed to try to keep away from The Outsiders. Eventually, Hall is able to catch Kidman with a clothesline off the ropes to give The Outsiders the advantage. Hall and Nash focus on using power moves to wear down the champs, and continue making quick tags in and out. Finally however, Nash misses a running (!) charge into the corner, which enables Kidman to make the hot tag to Rey. Rey vaults in with a swandive that catches both Nash and Hall, who was entering the ring, by surprise. Rey continues to knock both men down using springboard moves, and looks set to put the match away. Before he can however, the by now all too familiar sight of Paul Heyman and ECW can be seen coming down the aisle. They reach the ring, with The Dudley Boys and The Impact Players sliding in to break up the match and assault both teams. With all four men under attack, the referee has no choice but the throw the match out and declare a no contest.

*As soon as the bell rings, the rest of the ECW wrestlers jump in the ring to continue the assault, as Heyman grabs a mic to speak... *

(83/81/85; ***3/4; Tag Team Titles gained image)

**An Extreme challenge**

Paul Heyman: *Raising the mic* Boys boys boys. You just couldn't do things the easy way, could you. Now Nash, Hall, I have to apologize for our actions against you tonight. You see, rest assured, we would have gotten to you two eventually, but tonight was supposed to be reserved for the so called "Young Daredevils". You two just happened to be unlucky enough to be in the way as well. Boys, escort the two gentlemen out.

*As Heyman says this, several of the ECW wrestlers push Nash and Hall outside the ring, before taking them back up the ramp and out of the arena*

PH: Now that we've got THAT out of the way. let's turn our attention to two things. First off, Goldberg. Now, in case you hadn't notice, this past Monday on Nitro, YOR WORLD CHAMPION Goldberg got carried out of here, after being physically destroyed AGAIN by ECW. I hope this served as a lesson to Bill Goldberg, and that he gives serious thought to what Raven has been pleading with him to do the past several weeks: Surrender. Raven, do you have anything to add?

Raven: *Taking the mic from Heyman* My words have already been spoken in the spilt blood that has poured from Bill Goldberg. Goldberg, the pain you feel coursing through your body at this moment is but a shadow of the pain I feel in every fiber of my being. My life has been one of torment, of anguish, and of pain. I have offered you a chance to to join my pain, and by joining, to ease your own. Goldberg, you have but one option: Surrender to me. Surrender to Raven, and our combined pain will take us both to greater plateaus than have ever been reached. For so it is written, and so it shall come to pass. Quote the Raven, Nevermore...

PH: What an eloquent statement. I am honored to be standing in the same ring with such a selfless, generous man as Raven. Goldberg, I hope you were listening, wherever you are. Now let me turn my attention to the two men, and I use that term loosely, in the ring here. Kidman, Mysterio, it's been no secret that you two have been a target of ECW since we came here. And why is that? Because you both have something we wanted: Stacy. As Shane Douglas put it so well a few weeks ago, we need, at least the men, and a few of the women, need STRESS relief. And since you had Stacy, we had to do whatever was necessary to get her. But it went beyond that. Because you two are the WCW Tag Team Champions. That means that you two are supposed to be the best tag team in the world today. And when I told that to The Dudley Boys, and to the Impact Players, and the other great tag teams in ECW, you know what they did? They laughed in my face. Becuase they know that you two don't measure up, in any way shape or form, to any SINGLE member of ECW. But you two just had to fight back, didn't you? You couldn't do the smart thing, oh no. You had to be hero's. Well this is what hero's get. Because tonight, in front of these thousands of people, you get a chance to step into the ring with legendary ECW tag team...The Dudley Boys. Now, rest assured that The Impact Players want a piece of you too, but their time is coming. So boys, if you will...

(84%)

**Dudley Boys vs. Young Daredevils?**

As Heyman speaks, a man wearing a shirt stating "ECW referee" steps out from the crowd of wrestlers. They then break apart to form a circle outside the ring, obviously trying to keep anyone from getting in. The Dudley's immediately go on the attack, pounding away on Rey and Kidman. The Champions try to fight back, even managing to get some offense in, but soon find themselves too worn out from their previous match to offer much resistance. The Dudley's proceed to mock the champions, even going so far as to place Kidman outside the ring and let Rey get a "hot tag" to come back in. Finally, the beating is over, as the Dudley's catch Kidman with the Dudley Death Drop, aka. the 3D, as the "referee" covers for the bogus three count.

*As the beating continues, a roar goes up from the crowd as none other than World Champion Bill Goldberg comes jumping over the barrier before spearing Rob Van Dam to the ground and sliding into the ring. He goes right after the Dudley Boys, taking both men out with a huge double clothesline. The rest of the ECW wrestlers pour into the ring, as Goldberg tries to fight them off. Soon however, he is met by a GORE GORE GORE from Rhyno that puts him down on the mat. As soon as he is down, the swarm of wrestlers resume their assault, this time victimizing all three men equally.*

(86/76/96; ***1/4; Young Daredevils lost overness, Dudley Boys gained oveness)

The last shot as the show goes off the air is the ring filled with ECW wrestlers and the crowd sitting in shock at the sheer violence of another attack...

Overall: 82

[Commander Sheepard]

Friday, May 14th:

*Well, changes abound around this place. Sophie had a great idea: Let her go ahead to where Nitro will be this week and start working on the preliminary advertisement, while I stay in "the home office" and get things ready for the show itself. I told her we'd try it this week, and see how it goes. Fortunately, this IS the 20th century, and she was able to send me a fax with all the info from last night. To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to it. Last night was ok, but it just was lacking something, storyline wise. Not wrestling wise. Heck, Dragon and Angle and Tajiri and Knoble put on some of the best pure wrestling matches I've seen, and the Tag Title match went really well too. And Flair's challenge to Angle was awesome, as usual for "The Nature Boy". And the ECW stuff at the end went well...So maybe it's just me. Let's see what Sophie has to say...*

Fans opinion best match of the night: Angle vs American Dragon (though all the matches got a  good overall approval rating)

Best overall segment: Flair's challenge to Angle (a 95% approval rating from the fans on this one)

Worst overall segment: Outsiders and the Young Daredevils (Kris, we've GOT to get Kidman some kind of acting lessons, though it wasn't TOO bad last night)

Overall approval rating: 82 (Not bad, considering the fact that two of the advertised matches featured wrestlers the fans aren't that familiar with)

TV rating: 2.10 (Good enough for the network to stay happy, and Mr. Turner as well)

10,044 people in attendance, so a lot of people saw the show, and enjoyed it. Overall, I thought things went well. Some of the angles were really pushed along, though I AM curious as to why no mention was made of Bret/Benoit/Booker. Thought we were going to have the announcers say something about Bischoff's "ban" from the arena? Also, I was thinking, we need to have Heyman explain why ECW doesn't show up for most of the show, and then all of a sudden is there for the main event. WE don't want it to seem predictable, because if it is, then the angle is dead. But I know you've already thought of that. Things are going fine here, and I think (based on your preliminary plans) that Nitro should be solid. I'll see you when you get here.

Sophie

[Trey]

I just got done reading all of this, it was a GREAT read. I hope you keep it up.

[B-Wood]

I read through this and think it is a great diary (I love WCW diaries).

A few things:

I don't think you should get rid of the Sophie segments, at least not entirely. Even if the writing of them was a little "junior high," it gave this diary something unique.

Also, I don't think you've had Angle say "It's true, it's true" once! You got to throw that in there for old times' sake.

Did you actually buy ECW or did you just steal all the top wrestlers?

And lastly, I know it's a lot to ask, but if it at all possible, a list of the roster would be pretty nice. Just for the simple fact that every time I thought I knew everybody you still had you'd mention Savage, Luger, or Hogan still being on contract, or have La Parka or Saturn appear out of nowhere.

[Commander Sheepard]

Monday, May 17th:

Nitro!

**What a way to start an evening...**

*Before anything can happen to being the show, we are shown a fan-made video with the words: "Moments ago", running across the bottom. As the video begins, WCW World Champion Goldberg is seen to be arriving at the arena. The damage done by ECW on Thursday is evident, as bruises are visible on his entire face and head. Before he can make his way into the building however, the invading "force" of ECW makes itself known again, as three men step out from the shadows of the building, showing themselves to be RVD, Mike Awesome, and the man who seems to be behind the entire thing, Raven. Goldberg stares at the three for a moment before throwing his gear down and charging right at Raven. Awesome and RVD intercept him however, and the two men begin brawling with the champion. Goldberg is momentarily able to break free and goes right after Raven again. Raven though manages to catch Goldberg coming in with a right hand covered in some sort of chain. This stuns the champion long enough to allow Awesome and RVD to catch him again, and continue the assault. Van Dam puts Goldberg down on the concrete with a series of kicks, before Awesome picks him back up. After a signal from Raven, Awesome hoists Goldberg up onto his shoulders and delivers a huge AwesomeBomb right into a stack of pallets that had been placed outside the door. As Goldberg lies motionless on the pallets, Raven looks down, making the sign of the crucifix. The final image on the video is of Awesome coming after the fan with the camera...*(76%; Mike Awesome gained overness, Goldberg lost overness dammit )

With that out of the way, we go immediately to ringside with our hosts for the night, Mike Tenay and Dave Meltzer. Both men of course want to discuss what we just witnessed, but Tenay in particular seems to be rather excited about something. As he puts it "As you're all no doubt aware, we have a HUGE main event this evening. Eric Bischoff has ordered both Raven and Sabu, who are under WCW contract, to compete here this evening. Joining them will be Tommy Dreamer, as the three men take on our Tag Team Champions, The Young Daredevils, as well as the man you just witnessed being brutally attacked, World Champion Goldberg. And you can bet that Goldberg will be looking for some revenge after everything that's been going on between him and ECW lately." Meltzer agrees, and states that the Young Daredevils have their own score to settle with ECW, though "They won't be getting their hands on who they REALLY want, which is the Dudley Boys or The Impact Players." Tenay quickly goes over the rest of the show, before throwing it to ringside for the first match of the evening, which is a return match from this past Thursdays Thunder.

**Jamie Knoble vs. Yoshohiro Tajiri**

As both men make their way to the ring, the crowd reacts with polite applause for the relative newcomer Knoble and a more negative reaction for Tajiri, thanks to his cheap victory on Thunder. The match gets underway quickly, with both men trying to take it to the mat to begin with. Knoble quickly gets the advantage after a series of reversals and locks on a side headlock. Tajiri reverses back out by turning it over into a pin, causing Knoble to break the hold. When he comes back up, he is met with a big kick to the ribs from Tajiri, who continues on the assault with several more stiff kicks, including a dropkick that catches Knoble right on the chin. Tajiri tries to press his advantage by picking Knoble up for an apparent attempt at a Brainbuster, only for Knoble to slip out the back way and turn it into a nicely done bridged German Suplex! Tajiri barely is able to get his shoulder up after a two count, but can't get back to his feet before Knoble continues the attack. He keeps Tajiri grounded using a variety of fast paced moves, though he manages to mix in a big powerslam for another two count. Tajiri tries to comeback with another kick series, but Knoble catches his foot, before spinning him around and locking his hands into a full nelson position. As Tajiri struggles to escape, Knoble lifts him up over his head and takes him down with a wicked Dragon Suplex, holding onto the bridge and picking up the 3 count, and his first victory in WCW.

*As Knoble celebrates his first win, Tajiri slowly gets back to his feet, obviously unhappy at the upset loss. He waits until Knoble turns back his way before spraying Green Mist right into Knoble's face! As the young man drops to his knees in pain, Tajiri delivers a HUGE Bizzsaw Kick to the back of his head, knocking Knoble down and out. As the referee tries to make sure Knoble is ok, Tajiri leaves the ring, ignoring the fans who are booing his actions.*

(73/46/100!; ***3/4; Tajiri lost overness, Jamie Knoble gained overness)

As we cut back to the announce position, Meltzer makes the observation that "Jamie Knoble may have just won his first match here in WCW, but I doubt he FEELS much like a winner right now." Tenay seems to feel that Knoble just took a huge step forward in his WCW career, but worries that it might be cut short thanks to that mist by Tajiri. As he says, "There's no telling what Tajiri used to make that mist, and there's ALSO no telling what kind of effect it might have on Jamie Knoble's eyesight" Meltzer tells him to relax, as apparently the green mist is temporary only. "It's not like he used red, or god forbid, BLACK mist on him." Tenay looks to be glad of that, for Knoble's sake. Both men seem to agree though, that the post match attack by Tajiri sets up the possibility of another match for these two down the road, which as Tenay states "...would be great news for anyone who enjoys watching two great athletes compete. Both men can certainly get it done inside the ring, and I wouldn't mind watching them again myself." With that, Tenay throws us to a video detailing the career of Jushin "Thunder" Liger...

**Ligeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!**

*As the camera fades out, some fast paced japanese music begins to play. Shots of a man wrestling begin to flash across the screen (some of which were seen on Liger's debut video) as the music picks up. Finally, it hits the chorus, and as the singer sings "LIGERRRRRRRRR! the screen becomes filled with shots of Jushin "Thunder" Liger performing many of his most famous moves on some of his most famous opponents. Liger is shown wrestling (and in many cases defeating) such men as Chris Benoit and Black Tiger, along with a host of others. His famous (or infamous) Palm Strikes are shown, along with the move named after him, the LigerBomb. The shots speed up as the music continues, finally ending with a huge explosion, which leaves only one word on the screen: Thunder.*

(69%)

**Still not happy...**

*Before anything else can happen, we are taken backstage, to where Eddie Guerrero has apparently been watching the preceding video on a monitor. As the video ends, he turns to face the camera and begins speaking...*

Eddie Guerrero: So that's it, huh essa? That's IT Bischoff? That's who you went out and got to try to take ME down? Hey listen, Eric, man, I'll give you a LITTLE credit. At least you TRIED to find somebody who's on my level. But come on essa, this Liger hombre? I've been there, done that, and done it again man. I beat him before Bischoff, and come Slamboree, I'll beat him again. See Eric, Liger USED to be the top Junior wrestler in the world. USED to be. But now it's Eddie Guerrero man. You know it, HE knows it, even these fans have to know it. I've beat everybody you've put in my path essa. And Liger won't be any different. But Bischoff, you better listen up, and listen good man. When I get through with Liger, that's it. I'm gonna grab all my mamacitas, and I've heading up north. Because to be honest essa, I'm BORED with WCW. And there's nothing you can do to stop me.

*With that said, Eddie sneers at the camera before walking off, oblivious to the boos filling the arena on his behalf*

(87%)

As we rejoin our announcers, both men seem concerned about what Eddie Guerrero plans to do should he indeed win against Jushin "Thunder" Liger at Slamboree. Meltzer says "If Eddie carries out his threat, that would really be a death knell for WCW's cruiserweight division. I just hope that he changes his mind, as he's not gonna find anyplace with any better talent than right here in WCW." Tenay agrees, but adds that he wouldn't mind seeing Eddie lose the Title and STILL leave, as "...WCW needs everybody to be united right now. And with Eddie making these kinds of threats, it's obvious he's not a true part of WCW." Meltzer doesn't seem to be sure about that, but states that nobody will know for sure what Eddie will do until he actually does it. With that in mind, he also announces that it's time for our next match, which will feature Chris Jericho defending his Television Title against Hardcore Hak.

**Chris Jericho vs. Hardcore Hak; WCW Television Title match**

Hak enters the arena first to a modest, but positive reaction from the fans. The greeting Jericho receives however is just the opposite, as the fans come to their feet in unison to boo and jeer the TV Champion. Jericho plays to the fans as he makes his way to the ring, before charging in and going right after Hak. As the bell rings, Jericho manages to take Hak down with a tackle, only to have Hak fight back with a series of left hands. Hak goes on the attack (hey, a rhyme) immediately afterwards, using his brawling skills to keep Jericho off balance. He even manages to catch the champion with a spinebuster after a whip to the ropes that gets him a near fall. Hak tries to finish the match off, but Jericho catches him with a low blow that sends him down to the canvas. Once he has him injured, Jericho goes to work on Hak, using his quickness and superior technical ability to wear Hak down. The fans seem restless as the match goes on, with Jericho not letting Hak get any offense. He uses his "Japanese style" wrestling as he alternates between working on Hak on the mat and coming off the ropes. He hits Hak with a Lionsault that almost secures him the victory, but Hak manages to get a shoulder up after a two count. Seeming confident of his near victory, Jericho starts to celebrate and taunt the fans, which allows Hak to get back to his feet. He goes back after Jericho and catches him with a big left hand as Jericho turns back around. With Jericho stunned, Hak begins to unleash a comeback, using his brawling skills to get Jericho off-balance. He looks to be close to an upset, when the crowd suddenly begins to boo. The cause for this soon becomes clear, as Buff Bagwell sneaks out of the crowd and jumps up onto the apron. This distracts Hak, who goes over and nails Bagwell with a left hand, only to be met with a kick to the stomach from Jericho when he turns back around. With Hak stunned, Jericho is able to pick him up onto his shoulders and twist him around, delivering a picture perfect Lion's Roar, before covering Hak for the victory.

*Before Jericho's hand can even be raised, Chris Daniels comes running from the back. Before he can reach the ring however, security is able to stop him, pulling him back behind the curtain as Jericho watches with a smirk on his face. As Daniels is taken back to the backstage area, Jericho asks Bagwell for a mic. When he is given one, he begins speaking...*

(71/55/88; ***)

**No chance in hell...**

Chris Jericho: Aww, what's wrong Daniels? Did somebody spoil your party? Well guess what jerky? It's MY party, and YOU'LL cry if I want you to. You see Christopher Robin, there's something you don't seem to realize. And that is, that Chris Jericho, is the Television Champion. And the REASON Chris Jericho is the Television champion isn't because he's the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah. It isn't because he's stunningly good looking. It isn't even because he's got Buff Bagwell making sure punks like you are taken care of. Even though all of those things are true, Chris Jericho is...I AM the Tleevision Champion because I am the best wrestler this company has ever... EEEEEEEEEEEEVER seen. Ask Booger T what happens when you try to take MY TITLE away from me. And that's why Christopher Robin, at Slamboree, it doesn't matter if you bring Eeyore, it doesn't matter if you bring Winnie the Pooh, it doesn't matter if you bring little bacon boy Piglet. At Slamboree, you're going to face the Lion's Roar. And there's no chance in HELL that you're taking MY TITLE away from me.

*With that, Jericho throws the mic down, posing as the crowd rains down boos on him. Jericho motions to Bagwell and the two leave, seeming to not care (or notice) the fans reaction*

(91%; Jericho gained overness)

Both Tenay and Meltzer seem to be disappointed in Jericho's actions as we cut back to the announce position. As Tenay puts things "Jericho shouldn't have to have Buff Bagwell help him win his matches. And while I'm sure we're ALL glad that security is stepping up and trying to keep order, I have a feeling that it's just going to make things worse for Jericho when Daniels DOES get his hands on him." Meltzer reminds Tenay though that Daniels has a reputation for fair play, and that it could get him in trouble in the match at Slamboree. "I think you have to be willing to stretch things a LITTLE in order to compete at the level where Jericho is at this time. Of course, if either man stretches TOO far, they'll get disqualified, and in Jericho's case, lose the title, so we'll just have to see." Before Tenay can formulate a response, the all-too-familiar music of Kurt Angle fills the arena, as the self proclaimed "Best pure wrestler in the world" makes his way to the ring.

**No challenge at all**

*As Angle enters the ring to the jeers of the crowd, he pulls a mic out of his tights. Before beginning, he walks slowly around the ring in a circle, before shaking his head and leaning on the top rope*

Kurt Angle: You know something? I'm really tired. In fact, I'm SICK and tired. And what am I tired of? I'm tired of having to do this same speech every single time I come out here to wrestle. I mean, come on people, can't we all just agree that I'm better than everyone else and get on with our lives? Look at it this way: In any other sport, someone who's obviously as superior as I am would have been named MVP or Player of the year, but here in WCW? What do I get as a reward for my excellence? I get moronic fans like you people booing me every time I get into the ring. I get hopeless no talent freaks coming out of the back to try to challenge me. And worst of all, I get dinosaurs like Ric Flair, a man who SHOULD be convalescing in a freaking nursing home somewhere and drinking his lunch through a straw, thinking that HE could even take me on. Flair, let me tell you something: In your PRIME, you couldn't last 5 minutes in the ring with me. And now that you've just had your 101st birthday? Don't make me laugh. And as far as Dean Malenko goes? Hey, Dean, I know you're just doing what Grandpa Ric tells you to. But it doesn't matter to me, because at Slamboree, you're going to get humiliated just like everyone else. But Dean, just remember: It's nothing personal, I'm just better than you. Now, since it looks like I STILL have to convince you people of the superiority of PURE wrestling, the Angle Invitational will continue. And as I understand it, my opponent for tonight is a little hispanic jumping bean named Juventud Guererrerrerrerrea. So come on out here kid, so I can get out of this sewer.

*The fans boo loudly as Angle drops the mic, bouncing around to warm up. Juventud doesn't make Angle wait long, coming down to the ring to a good sized pop from the crowd. As soon as he makes it in the ring however...*

(77%)

**Kurt Angle vs. Juventud Guerrera; Angle Invitational match**

...Angle attacks, going after Juvi with a knee that lands right on the back of his neck. As Juvi tries to get to his feet, Angle goes back after him with a firemans carry takedown, before locking on a grapevined chinlock. He doesn't keep this hold on long, as he transitions to another amateur style hold, shifting around and working to wear down Juventud's entire body. Finally, as Angle picks Juvi up for what appears to be an attempted German Suplex, Juvi is able to fight back, delivering several elbows to the side of Angles head. This forces Angle to break the hold, which allows Juvi to run the ropes and slide between Angles legs, delivering a dropkick to Angles back as he pops back up. This knocks Angle through the ropes to the floor, where he seems slightly dazed. Before the referee can begin his count though, Juvi goes to the ropes ,obviously looking for a plancha or other highflying move, only to have the referee remind him that this would result in a DQ, thanks to the Angle Invitational rules. This slight distraction enables Angle to get back in the ring behind Juvi's back and pick him up to complete his earlier attempt at a German Suplex. Angles goes back to the ground based assault, but is unable to put away Juventud, who keeps trying to get back to his feet, despite his pain. He manages to get back to his feet after Angle goes for, and misses, an Olympic Slam, swinging Juventud over his shoulder, only to have Juvi reverse the momentum and roll Angle up for a quick 2 count! Juvi goes right after Angle, who again seems stunned, using his quickness to deliver multiple dropkicks, as wel as a big spinkick that puts Angle down hard. Juvi takes this chance to go to the top rope, before coming off with a big splash. Before Juvi hits him however, Angle ducks out of the way, causing Juvi to land hard on his knee. This proves to be a mistake on Juvi's part, as Angle quickly wraps him up in the Figure Four Leglock, leaving Juventud no choice but to tap out.

*Angle keeps the hold on as normal, wrenching in the Leglock while Juvi desperately fights to get out. As the camera focuses on Angle, he yells "YOU SEE FLAIR? THIS IS THE WAY TO MAKE SOMEBODY TAP!" Finally, as security again makes their presence known by entering the ring, Angle lets go of the hold, delivering a final stomp to Juventuds knee before exiting the ring*

(71/65/78; **1/4)

Before either of the announcers has a chance to comment, the crowd is back on their feet, booing louder than ever, as what appears to be the entire ECW contingent is seen coming down the aisle. They push their way past Juventud, who is being helped back up the ramp by two members of security, only to turn and attack both men, beating them down and leaving them out. As the rest of the security teams attempts to stop them, ECW begins to lay them out as well, leaving a mass of bodies down on the ramp as they continue to make their way towards the ring. When they reach the ring, Heyman, Raven, Sabu, and Tommy Dreamer all enter, while the others "stand guard" outside. As could be expected, Heyman has a mic, which he proceeds to use.

**Quote the Heyman**

Paul Heyman: What I want right now is for everyone in this arena to sit down and shut the hell up.

*This statement causes the fans to boo even louder, which seems to agitate Heyman*

PH: I SAID SHUT UP! What you see standing before you are three representatives of the very best that professional wrestling has to offer. These three men represent ECW here tonight, as we take WCW to the extreme. But it wasn't by our choice that Raven, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu are wrestling here tonight. Oh no, you see, what WE wanted was for Eric Bischoff to finally do, the RIGHT THING. And what is that you may ask? Well, allow me to turn this microphone over to my esteemed collegue Raven to answer that question.

Raven:*taking the mic from Heyman* Eric Bischoff, you've been known to the world as many things. A genius, a madman, a liar, a fornicator, a thief. But never had I heard you to be a coward. All of my life Eric, I've been denied simple pleasure. All of my life, my pain has consumed me from within, without surcease of my sorrow. While others were given the fatted calf, I lived on bare bread and water. While others were robed in crimson and gold, I wore tatters. While others were given a seat of honor, I was kicked and thrown to the outside like an animal. But when I was coerced by you, Eric Bischoff, into leaving ECW and join your group of performers here in WCW, I was given a promise of golden opportunity. I was told that I would receive glory, honor, and a chance to buy with my blood the pleasure I had never known. But you lied to me Bischoff. I was pushed aside for others. Others like Bill Goldberg. You pushed Goldberg forward at my expense, ignoring my pleas for mercy. And tonight, when you had ample opportunity to right these wrongs, to deliver to me the very prize that would end my pain for good... You chose the easy path, the cowards road. You chose instead to place those who follow me and myself against three of your so called "superstars". And you Goldberg. Many times in the past you have felt a minute portion of the pain that consumes me. Tonight you felt it again. And in mere moments, you will come face to face with it once more. But you have the chance of your entire lifetime before you Goldberg. Surrender to me, and your pain will end. It will join with mine and become a stronger force than was ever dreamed by Eric Bischoff. Surrender to me. If not...

PH:*taking the mic back from Raven* If not, then what Raven has done to you so far will look like a damn Sunday school picnic. And as for those two little punks who call themselves the "Young Daredevils"? I notice your "manager" isn't in the building again tonight. Maybe it's because she finally realized that you two don't stand a CHANCE at protecting her against any ONE member of ECW. So you three, get your asses down to the ring. Because right now, ECW is about to once again take WCW to a whole NEW level...of extreme.

*Heyman straightens the cap he's wearing before exiting the ring. Raven signals for Dreamer to start the match, as he and Sabu go to the outside apron. Before long, the crowd has reason to come to their feet, as The Young Daredevils come running down the aisle, followed by Goldberg. The wall of ECW wrestlers part, allowing them to hit the ring, where Kidman is attacked immediately by Dreamer, signaling the start of the match...*

(93%; Heyman gained overness)

**Raven/Tommy Dreamer/Sabu vs. Goldberg/Young Daredevils**

Dreamer begins the match be beating on Kidman, using his brawling skills to their full advantage. He tries a whip into the ropes, only for Kidman to reverse and catch him with a dropkick. Kidman quickly tags in Mysterio, who uses ANOTHER dropkick to take Dreamer down again. He then tags in Goldberg, as the fans explode for the entrance of the Champion. Goldberg waits until Dreamer is standing, before spinning him around and nailing him with a big superkick. This knocks Dreamer back into his corner, where Sabu quickly tags in.

He seems to fair no better against Goldberg however, as the Champion ducks an attempt at a clothesline before picking Sabu up in a military press slam. He slams Sabu down, before quickly tagging Kidman, who re-enters the ring with a slingshot elbow onto Sabu for a two count. Kidman then picks Sabu up, before setting him in the corner. He tags in Mysterio again, then proceeds to whip him right into Sabu. Rey continues on the attack, using a variety of quick flying moves, including a nicely executed Run-up-the-ropes Hurricanrana to try to keep Sabu off balance. His attempt at a cover is broken up by Dreamer though, which causes Kidman to springboard back into the ring with a flying bodypress. The four men all start brawling in the middle of the ring, before a cheapshot to the eye by Dreamer slows down Mysterio enough to allow Dreamer to take the advantage.

Obviously trying to slow the tempo of the match, Dreamer drags Rey to his corner, tagging in Raven for the first time. Raven stands over Mysterio as he struggles to get to his feet, only to catch him with a kneelift to take him back down. From there, the ECW group takes total control of the match, using quick tags to keep Mysterio down and in their corner. They mostly use brawling to keep the high-flier from getting going, though Sabu does work in a moonsault off the second rope. Kidman and Goldbergs concern can be seen as Raven is tagged in again by Tommy Dreamer. He allows Mysterio to crawl about halfway across the ring, before grabbing his foot. Rey continues to try to get free, pulling himself back up to his feet and hopping around to face Raven. Raven smiles sadistically before Spinning Rey around, going for a clothesline to put him away. Rey manages to duck however, and runs off the far rope, springboarding off into a Flying tornado DDT! As the crowd comes to their feet, Rey begins to crawl across mat to his corner, while Raven does the same.

Rey manages to reach the corner first though, and tags in World Champion Goldberg! The crowd explodes as Goldberg enters the ring, charging Sabu, who has just received the tag from Raven. He nails Sabu with a huge Spear, sending him back outside the ring. Dreamer attempts to halt Goldberg's rampage, but gets caught by another Spear, kncoking him off his feet and down onto the mat. As Raven struggles back to his feet in the corner, Goldberg puts himself into postion, obviously wanting to complete the trifecta of Spears and take Raven out as well. Before he is able to do this however, Raven grabs the referee and pulls him in the way, causing Goldberg to nail HIM instead. With the referee out, the recovering Dreamer and Sabu re-enter the ring at the same time as The Young Daredevils, as all six men begin to brawl in the center of the ring. After several minutes of this, Sabu and Kidman roll out of the ring, as do Raven and Mysterio, who continue their fight on the floor. With the other members of his team gone, Dreamer can't control Goldberg, who uses his strength to dominate the ECW member, taking him down with a big powerslam. As the referee tries to get back to his feet, Goldberg sets up for the Spear again, only to be caught from behind with a chairshot from Rob Van Dam! RVD then places the chair on Goldberg's face, before hopping up to the turnbuckle and delivering a Split-Legged Moonsault that causes his knee to slam into the chair. Despite the pain form this move, he is able to roll out of the ring as the referee pulls himself over to where Dreamer has now covered Goldberg. As the crowd erupts in boos, the referee counts 1,2,3, giving the ECW invaders another victory over WCW.

(80/76/84; ***)

**It's NOT Vader time**

*As Dreamer staggers back to his feet, the rest of the ECW contingent proceeds to attack Goldberg and the Young Daredevils, looking to inflict serious injuries on their beaten foes. The crowd briefly comes back alive as Vader lumbers down the aisle and attempts to help out, but the reaction is brief, as Dreamer rolls out of the ring and goes after the big man along with Sabu. The two are able to catch Vader as he tries to fight off Mike Awesome and Shane Douglas, and proceed to take him down to the ground. They kick at Vader until he is unable to fight back, at which point they grab a nearby chair and begin to use that on him, blasting him in the back and head area repeatedly. Soon, blood can be seen coming from the back of Vader's head, as the two men continue their vicious assault*

(74%)

As Tenay and Meltzer scramble from the announce booth for their own safety, the crowd continues to boo and jeer the actions of the ECW group. The final shot of the evening shows Kidman, Mysterio, and Vader being rolled into the ring alongside Goldberg as the ECW group, prepares to continue their attack.

Overall: 78%

OOC: Yeah, I know this probably wasn't my best show. Had a little writers block, so it was hard to get focused, but I knew if I didn't get something done, I would NEVER get it done. Hopefully it's not TOO bad though

[Commander Sheepard]

Tuesday, May 18th:

*What a day. I mean, WHAT A DAY. First Nitro last night was...well, it was, then my wife and I get into an argument, and now it's Sophie's turn for the less than great news. Of course, I probably should be paying a little closer attention to what she's saying...*

Sophie: ...so like I said, our TV rating is still ok, but the network isn't jumping up and down over it either.

Me: Um, yeah, you're right. Hey, tell me what it was again.

Sophie: *sighs* You have GOT to start paying closer attention. The TV rating was a 4.51. It's an increase over last week, so THAT'S a good sign. And like I said, it's nothing bad, but it would be good if we could increase that even more going forward.

Me: Well, of course, I mean, we wouldn't want to go BAKWARDS, now would we? What about the approval rating?

Sophie: Well, that slipped some. 78%. Again, not bad, but not good either, considering that's the lowest we've been in a while. There just didn't seem to be any matches that really caught the crowds attention and stood out. I DO think though that Jamie Knoble and Tajiri would have BEEN one of those matches, if they were a little more well known. It was an awesome match from a wrestling standpoint.

Me: Yeah, I know. And hopefully, they'll KEEP putting on those kinds of matches so they DO get more noticed. The whole show to me felt ok, but I DO agree that something was missing.

Sophie: As far as I'm concerned, last night was a good build-up show, but not really anything great on its own. Hopefully people come back next week.

Me: don't see why they wouldn't. Like you said, it wasn't a BAD show. Just kind of off a little bit. I'll talkt o the guys, let them know how important the next few shows really are.

Sophie: Yes, they are, because we've got to build up the PPV more. I mean, the main event hasn't been officially announced yet, Kris.

Me: I know Sophie, I know, believe me. But you know the plan, and you know when the announcement will come. I'm pretty confident in how we have things set up.

Sophie: I hope you're right. We don't need this thing to fail right now.

Me: Sophie, BELIEVE ME, I understand. If you were concerned about how things were going, I wish you'd said something sooner.

Sophie: Look Kris, I think you're on the right track with how the company is going. But you can't blame me if I get worried. I mean, we've talked before about how it's not just your job on the line, it's mine too. I don't want to be associated with a failure.

Me: And that's what you think this is gonna end up as? A failure? Sophie, I tell you what. Go on back to your office, and let me handle this. You don't have to have your name anywhere around it. Just send in the reports through e-mail on Tuesdays and Fridays and after the PPV's, and that's it. I'll handle the rest.

Sophie: Wait a minute...

Me: Bye Sophie.

*She stares at me for a minute before standing and walking (kinda shakily) away. I hated to say all that, but I need everybody on board with how things are going. Especially now.*

WCW.com, in conunciton with WCW: The Magazine, are please to bring to you the following preview for Thursday Night's edition of WCW Thunder:

-Kurt Angle takes on his first ever WCW opponent when The British Bulldog answers a challenge for an Angle Invitational Match; Can the Bulldog beat the odds? And will Ric Flair have anything to say about this match?-

-Yoshohiri Tajiri takes on another WCW newcomer when he battles the American Dragon; Can the Dragon use his mat skills to pick up an upset? Or will Tajiri mist his way to another win?-

-Eddie Guerrero takes on Hector Garza in what he has dubbed a "warm-up match" as he prepares to Face Jushin "Thunder" Liger at Slamboree; Can Garza surprise everyone? Or will Eddie prove him to not be "suitable competition"?-

Plus:

-Kevin Nash and Scott Hall (aka. The Outsiders) issue a challenge to the World Tag Team Champions-

-And Eric Bischoff makes a special announcement concerning the card for Slamboree-

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, May 21st:

Thunder!

*As the show begins, the usual recap video of events of this past Monday's Nitro are shown. Short clips show the attacks on various wrestlers by ECW, mixed in with shots from the matches that took place. The video ends with a shot of the ring filled with ECW wrestlers attacking Vader, the Young Daredevils, and World Champion Goldberg*

*BOOM goes the pyro! as another edition of WCW Thunder gets underway. A quick pan of the crowd reveals over 10,000 fans who all seem ready for some great WCW action. As the camera settles into place, we immediately go to the ring, where Kurt Angle is standing with a microphone*

**Tap out**

Kurt Angle: Alright, I'm going to make this short and to the point, because I don't want to be around you people any more than I have to be. Tonight, I have the "honor" of facing the British Bulldog in my specialized Angle Invitational match. And you know what? That makes me SICK. In case you people can't remember back that far, my first opponent when I CAME to WCW was the Bulldog. And what was the result? I beat him in the middle of the ring. And why did I beat him? Because I'm a better WRESTLER than he is. And why will I beat him tonight? Because I'm STILL better than he is. Let's fact it, the Bulldog is almost as washed up as Old Man Ric Flair. Which brings me to my second point. Flair, I've been doing some thinking the past few days. And you know what I've decided? I'm going to do you a favor. You see, I know that when you get to be as old as you are, that your mind starts to go, and you have a hard time remembering things. So I figured that you probably need a good reminding every week about just how good I am. Maybe that way, I won't have to remind you in PERSON. You see Ric, I don't dislike you. Not at all. As a matter of fact, I PITY you. Because you know deep in your heart that Kurt Angle is a better wrestler than you could have ever HOPED to be. You know that you fit into the same category as the rest of the WCW so called "wrestlers". You come out, throw a few chops, give that stupid little "whooo" a few times, put on the figure four, get it reversed, and poke somebody in the eye to win. Wow, what skill that takes, huh? So like I said Ric, I'm going to do you a favor. I'm going to give you a reminder, first tonight, and then at Slamboree against Dean Malenko when I make him tap out to what USED to be YOUR signature move, of just why I'm here in WCW: To prove that pure WRESTLING is what it's all about. And nobody, and I mean NOBODY, does it better than Kurt Angle. And Ric, like I always say, just remember: It's nothing person, I'm just better than you.

*With that, Angle drops the mic as the Bulldogs music fills the arena. Angle stretches as the Bulldog makes his way down to the ring for the match*

(85%)

**Kurt Angle vs. British Bulldog**

As the Bulldog enters the ring, our announcers, Mike Tenay and Dusty "yadda yadda" Rhodes introduce themselves and quickly go over the card for the evening. The match gets underway as soon as the Bulldog gets into the ring, with Angle dominating on the mat as usual. Bulldog manages to use his strength to make a short comeback, but soon finds himself caught with an Olympic Slam, followed by a Figure Four Leglock (with another mocking WHOOOO by Angle) which forces him to tap out.

*Before Angle can keep the hold on long and inflict more damage, a small cheer comes up from the crowd as Dean Malenko comes racing down the aisle. Angle sees him in time however, and is able to break the Figure Four and escape through the crowd before Malenko can get to him. Malenko stands on the ropes and gestures for Angle to get back in the ring, but Angle seems to be content with waiting for Slamboree and merely smirks at Malenko as the camera cuts away*

(86/83/90; ***3/4)

We quickly cut back to Tenay and Dusty, who go over the recent war of words between Ric Flair and Kurt Angle. Both seem to agree that the match between Angle and Flair's "proxy" Malenko at Slamboree should be a classic technical wrestling clinic. they then tal briefly about the troubles the Tag Team Champions, the Young Daredevils have found themselves in, especially with ECW lately. According to Tenay though "Coming up next, we're going to hear from two men who have had their OWN problems with Kidman and Mysterio, Jr. in the past few weeks, in Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, the Outsiders.

**Four big men...**

*We cut to the back, where The Outsiders stand with mics in their hands. Hall smirks at the camera while Nash begins*

Kevin Nash: Hey yo...

*A look from Hall causes Nash to back away in mock fear*

KN: Oops, sorry bout that Scott. Hey listen, I'm gonna be really honest tonight. Me and Scott here are normally pretty laid-back kinda guys. But the past few weeks, we've been pretty pissed off. See, while all this ECW crap has been going on, ol' Uncle Eric has been letting a few things slip. Things like, the most dominant tag team in the history of WCW, The Outsiders. Now, hey, I'll give Kidman and Mysterio credit. They've been a great pair of midget Tag Team Champions. But compared to me and Scott, well, et's just say they don't measure up.

Scott Hall: Hey yo, Kev, according to what that manager of theirs told me the other night, they don't measure up in ANY way.

KN: Ooh Scott, that's harsh. I mean, you gotta look out for your safety man. There's no telling WHO'S passed her around. But that's not the point. See, me and Scott have gotten a chance to try to take back our Tag Team Belts from the two munchkins a couple of times, but thanks to ECW crap, we got screwed. So what we're out here to do is make a challenge...

*Before Nash can finish, the camera pulls back to show that Scott and Rick Steiner have arrived on the scene. As Nash and Hall drop their mics, Scott grabs one and begins yelling...*

Scott Steiner: NASH, DID I JUST HEAR YOU RIGHT? DID YOU JUST SAY THAT YOU AND THAT GREASEBALL OVER THERE ARE THE MOST DOMINANT TAG TEAM EVER? I GUESS YOU FORGOT ABOUT ALL THE TIMES WE BEAT YOUR ASS HUH? WELL LET ME TELL YOU TWO BOYS SOMETHING...YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS. ME AND RICK, WE CAN TAKE OUT BOTH OF YOU, PLUS THE TWO LITTLE BOYS WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHAMPIONS. AND IF YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THAT, THEN COME SAY IT.

*As soon as he says this, Nash and Hall charge the Steiners and begin brawling back and forth, destroying the backstage area where they were standing. As security floods onto the scene, the camera cuts away back to the announce position...*

(80%)

...where Tenay and Dusty both can't stop talking about the scene just witnessed. Tenay seems to have an announcement, as he says "Apparently Eric Bischoff is here int he arena and was watching that whole scene. And in the kind of quick decision making we've come to know and expect from him, he's made a match here tonight featuring The Outsiders against the Steiners,with the winner receiving a shot at the Tag Team Titles at Slamboree." Dusty seems to be very excited about this match tonight as "It's gonna be a real clubberin' kinda match if ya weel Iron Mike." Tenay agrees, and state that we'll see that match in a few moments. But coming up next is a match featuring two of WCW's young superstars in action.

**Yoshohiro Tajiri vs. American Dragon**

Tenay quickly runs down both mens relatively brief careers here in WCW, focusing on how Tajiri may have the advantage due to his slightly longer tenure. The match begins quickly, and keeps up a fast pace, though American Dragon keeps taking Tajiri down to the mat using his technical skills to try to ground the high-flier. In th e end though, Tajiri catches Dragon with a spray of Green Mist out of the referee's line of vision, which allows him to nail a Spinning Brainbuster and pick up the (cheap) victory.

*Tajiri looks to try to inflict even more damage on the blinded Dragon, but is stopped as Jamie Knoble comes form the crowd, nailing Tajiri from behind with a dropkick that knocks him outside of the ring. Tajiri looks to be angry as Knoble checks on American Dragon*

(67/35/100; ***3/4; The crowd was still pumped from the last match which caused the reaction for this one to suffer;)

Our announcers talk briefly about the bad blood there seems to be between Knoble and Tajiri before the camera cuts back to the ring for another matche.

**Eddie Guerrero vs. Hector Garza; Non-title match**

As Garza makes his way to the ring, Tenay reveals that EDDIE requested this match in order to "warm up" for his match against Jushin "Thunder" Liger at Slamboree. When he reaches the ring, Garza looks around for Eddie, who sneak attacks him by sliding out from under the ring, obviously trying to show Liger that he won't be afraid to use any means to secure a win. The match is dominated by the Cruiserweight Champion,a s he keeps knocking Garza down with fast paced moves, including a beautiful Hold-the-hand-and-run-up-the-ropes-Hurricanrana. In the end, Eddie is able to put Garza away with a Frog Splash from the top rope.

*Despite his win, Eddie doesn't seem to be satisfied, and continues to beat away at Garza, stomping him until the referee is finally able to get Eddie to back off. He sneers at Garza and the fans as he exits the ring, strolling cockily up the ramp and into the backstage area*

(74/67/81; **1/2; Cruiserweight Title gained image)

As Dusty and Tenay talk about what Dusty has dubbed "Eddie Guerro's attitude problems Iron Mike", the crowd can be heard to boo as the Steiners make their way out for the main event. Before they can get settled in the ring, the music of The Outsiders is heard, and Nash and Hall step through the curtains, looking more focused than is normal for them. Tenay quickly cuts Dusty off and announces that evidently these four couldn't wait any longer, as they're out for our main event, now!

**The Outsiders vs. The Steiners; number one contender match for the Tag Team Titles**

As could be expected, all four men go right at it as the match quickly becomes a power based brawl. Even after the referee separates the four, the action continues back and forth, with both teams hitting big power moves, and neither unit able to maintain an advantage for long. Before long, the match has broken down again, with all four men in the ring brawling back and forth. As this happens though, the crowds attention is taken away as ECW members The Dudley Boyz hope from the crowd holding steel chairs in their hands. They slide into the ring and begin to nail all four wrestlers repeatedly with the chair, causing the referee to throw the match out.

*The Dudley's continue to beat down on The Outsiders as well as The Steiners, not letting any of the four get off the ground. Soon, Nash and Hall seem to be bleeding from the forehead, while, both Steiners are covered in bruises. Before much more of this can be shown however, the camera suddenly cuts backstage...*

(79/81/77; **1/2)

**The Boss**

*...to where Eric Bischoff is shown sitting behind a desk. He looks into the camera, obviously upset about something.*

Eric Bischoff: First off, let me reassure all of you WCW fans that at this very moment security is breaking up the cowardly assault by the Dudley Boys. And let me FURTHER reassure you that I'm not about to stand by and watch ECW ruin ANOTHER match of this type and not have anything done about it. So, since I'm not going to let ECW ruin my show OR my product, allow me to make an announcement right here and right now: At Slamboree, the Tag Team Titles will be decided in a Three Way match, between the Young Daredevils, the Outsiders, and the Steiners. So ECW, your little "plan" to try to ruin my PPV? It didn't work. Not this time, and not EVER. Now, moving on to other business. As some of you may have noticed, this week on Thunder, this past Nitro, and LAST week on Thunder, Bret Hart, Booker T, and Chris Benoit have been conspicuous by their absence. This was NOT by their decision, let me assure you. You see, I decided that in order to keep the three from killing each other, it was best to separate them for a little while. But since Bret Hart doesn't seem to want to defend his U.S. title against EITHER Booker T or Chris Benoit, I had a decision to make. You see, much like what we just witnessed, Bret Hart decided to try to ruin my PPV by ensuring that neither Booker nor Chris Benoit were able to get a fair win in a number on contendership match. So what can be done about that? Well, since I'm in the mood for a "Threesome", Bret Hart is going to get his wish. He will NOT have to defend his title against Booker T or Chris Benoit. Instead, he will have to defend his title against Booker T AND Chris Benoit, in another Three Way match. And the way I see it, if Bret Hart truly Is "The Best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be" then he shouldn't have a problem defending against two tough competitors. Now Bret, you may not be happy with my decision, but you know what? I don't care. There's too many other things going on in WCW that need to be dealt with. And speaking of which, let me tell you ECW mutants something...

(90%)

**Wrong place, wrong time**

*Before Bischoff can finish his sentence, the door to his office slams open, revealing ECW members Mike Awesome and Rhyno. They quickly enter the room and grab Bischoff, holding him down in his chair as Paul Heyman and Raven slowly enter the room, each man with a sick smile on his face. Heyman walks over to Bischoff and looks down at him, before leaning back and SPITTING right in Bischoff's face. Heyman steps aside as Raven walks up, holding what appears to be...a can of gasoline? He stares down at Bischoff also before turning the can over, pouring the gas all over Bischoff's clothes and face. Heyman motions for Tommy Dreamer, who has entered the room and has been standing by the door, to get the camera out of the room and shut the door. Just before the door closes, Heyman can be seen pulling a lighter from his pocket, as he starts to head back to Bischoff...*

(78%)

The last sound we hear as the show ends is screaming coming from Bischoff's office, while Tenay and Dusty yell for someone to get back there IMMEDIATELY...

Overall: 79

[Commander Sheepard]

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:

-Scott Hall takes on Scott Steiner and one half of the Tag Team Champions, Rey Mysterio, Jr. of The Young Daredevils, as they prepare to meet in a three team match at Slamboree. Can Rey overcome the huge odds stacked against him, or will Hall or Steiner gain an edge for the PPV?-

-Chris Benoit squares off against Chris Daniels in a match between two men looking to also get ready for Slamboree, with Benoit looking forward to Booker T and Bret Hart, while Daniels readies himself for Chris Jericho. Will this match end cleanly, or will their opponents interject themselves into the contest?-

-In a somewhat surprising move, Vader faces not one, but two men, as he takes on Alex Wright and the Disco Inferno (aka. The Dancing Fools) in a handicap match. Will Vader reveal the reason for his request? And can he overcome the two men on his own?-

Plus:

-Kurt Angle issues yet another challenge in the Angle Invitational. Will anyone in WCW accept? And will Ric Flair and Dean Malenko have anything to say or do about it?-

-Bret Hart speaks on his Title defense at Slamboree against both Booker T and Chris Benoit-

-And finally, Eric Bischoff reveals not only the main event for Nitro, but the main event for Slamboree as well. Sources close to Mr. Bischoff indicate that this match will have huge implications for WCW as a whole, and that the match involves ECW in some way. Has Bischoff finally given in? Or does he have a plan to rid WCW of the "invaders" once and for all?-

[Commander Sheepard]

Monday, May 24th:

Nitro!

*Instead of the usual pre-show video, we are taken directly to ringside, where our announcers Mike Tenay and Dave Meltzer are sitting. They explain that due to the events of this past Thursday's Thunder, specifically the events that closed the show, that no video footage will be shown. Tenay does inform everyone however that security was able to reach Eric Bischoff's office before anything serious happened, and that the ECW members involved had all been taken into custody by the local police. "After what they tried to do to Eric Bischoff, after apparently trying to burn him alive, they deserve whatever happened to them in jail" sums up Tenay's thoughts on the matter. Meltzer agrees, but reminds Tenay that not only is Bischoff ok, but that he'll be here tonight with a major announcement on the final card for Slamboree, and that it apparently involves a "deal" of some sort with ECW and Paul Heyman! Tenay can't imagine what kind of deal would be possible with "...that group of misfits", but admits to being excited to finally hear about the main event of Slamboree. "However, before we get to that, lets head to the ring for our first match of the night."*

**Kurt Angle vs. ?; Angle Invitational match**

As we cut to the ring, Kurt Angle can be seen already standing in the middle, doing stretches to warm up while he waits for his opponent of the evening. After a few moments, the music of Norman Smiley hits, followed by the man himself, who "Big Wiggles" his way to the ring. Angle stares at him in disgust as he steps into the ring, before charging him and taking him down from behind with a huge German Suplex! Angle never lets Smiley get into the match, keeping him grounded with his vast array of technical holds and counters (tm Conniption), focusing mainly on the knee and leg of Smiley. Smiley tries to fight back with some counters of his own, but can't get a handle on the Olympian, who escapes from each attempt and manages to reverse to a move of his own. Finally, Angle takes Smiley down with a vicious chop block, before locking in the Figure Four Leglock. Smiley attempts to reverse the hold, but only manages to hang on for a few seconds before he is forced to tap out.

*As has become the norm lately, Angle doesn't releae the hold after the bell rings, obviously trying to inflict more damage on Smiley's knee. However, before too MUCH damage can be done...*

(74/73/76; **1/4)

**Guess WHOOOOOOOOOO's back?**

*...Ric Flair comes jogging down the aisle. As he reaches the ring, Angle spots him and releases the hold, only to find himself on the receiving end of a barrage of chops to the chest. As the crowd goes crazy, Flair chops Angle right out of the ring, before rolling out himself to continue the assault. Angle fights back briefly with an attempted takedown, but Flair is able to dodge out of the way, causing Angle to run himself head first into the guardrail. Flair picks him back up and continues laying in the chops and punches as they go up the aisle, only relenting when Angle throws himself off the side and runs through the concession area to the back. Satisfied for the moment, Flair makes his way back to the ring, where he demands (and is given) a mic from the ring announcer.*

(92%; Kurt Angle gained overness)

**To be the man...**

Ric Flair: KURT ANGLE! KURT ANGLE! WHOOOOOOOOOOOO! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT PUNK! *Trying to calm himself down* Angle, the past few weeks I've seen you come out here for your little "Angle Invitational" and try to do one thing: Be just like "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Well guess what punk? You'll NEVER BE, Slick Ric. Angle, you might be a great technical wrestler. And you might can go all night... inside the ring. But one thing you're not NOW, and never will be, is "The Man". Because like I've always said, To be the Man, you've got to BEAT the Man. And whether you like it or not, Ric Flair is STILL the man. I proved it to Harley Race, I proved it to Ricky Steamboat, I proved it to Terry Funk, I proved it to Randy Savage, I proved it to Hulk Hogan, I proved it to Bret Hart, and now I'm gonna prove it to YOU TOO. At Slamboree, Dean Malenko gets to take you on, one on one. But I told Dean to take it easy on you, because Angle, when he gets done, it'll be time for you to come face to face with the REAL 60 Minute Man. And it won't be a ride on Space Mountain punk. It'll be time, WHOOOOOOOO, to go to school. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHOOOOOOOOO!

*As the fans react strongly to what they've just heard, Flair continues to strut around the ring, soaking in the cheers and echoing "Whoooooooo's"*

(94%)

Tenay and Meltzer both express great excitement at the events of the past few minutes, especially because, as Meltzer puts it "I haven't seen Ric Flair that fired up in a long time. It looks like Angle might have brought out the old Ric Flair one more time." Tenay agrees and wonders if Angle will be ready for Flair "...if he gets past Dean Malenko at Slamboree." And speaking of Slamboree (via a patented Tenay segueway) Meltzer reveals that it's already time for Eric Bischoff's announcement. As he says this, the music of the man in question fills the arena, as the fans wait expectantly...

**Bischoff explains it all**

*As his music continues to play, Eric Bischoff makes his way out from the back with a serious look on his face. He strides purposefully to the ring as the fans settle down for his announcement. After making his way into the ring, Bischoff pauses briefly before pulling a mic from his pocket. As he looks around, he begins to speak*

Eric Bischoff: Alright, let's get this over with. I have to say, I don't much like being out here right now, as I'd much rather be in the back getting everything ready for our PPV extravaganza this weekend, Slamboree. But since what I need to say concerns Slamboree, I'll be out here and be brief. For the past few weeks, a group of wrestlers... No, make that a group of ANIMALS have been doing their damnedest to ruin WCW and everything it stands for. As a matter of fact, this past Thursday on Thunder they tried to go way PAST that and attempted to burn me alive. Now, I'm not gonna lie to you people out here and say that I wasn't scared when that happened. But I hope all of you ECW rejects are watching right now, because as you can see, I'm NOT scared right now. I'm out here with no backup, no security, just me. And what I'm out here to say, I have a feeling some people aren't going to like. You see, part of my job here in WCW is to ensure the success of this company. And one of the ways I go about doing that is to guarantee only the highest quality when it comes to each and every show, and especially on our Pay-Per-Views. Now, this coming weekend is Slamboree. And I'll admit, I haven't done my very best to make sure that all of you fans know just what to expect from Slamboree. Hell I haven't even revealed the main event yet! But that changes here tonight. You see, thanks to that little "attack" this past week by ECW, I was able to come to a decision about how to not only make Slamboree the usual top notch event you've come to expect from WCW, but also how to get ECW OUT of WCW once and for all. First off though, I have to respond to a request from my personal enforcer, Vader. It seems like he wants to get his hands on Tommy Dreamer and Sabu thanks to a recent attack after a match. But you see, Vader can't decide which one he wants to beat up more. So he requested, and I agreed, that at Slamboree, Vader will take on BOTH Tommy Dreamer AND Sabu in a handicap match. Now, for most people, this wouldn't be a fair fight, and in a way it isn't fair here either... For Dreamer and Sabu. Now Heyman, I know you didn't want this match, but since you wormed your way into getting a contract for both of your guys, there's not a damn thing you OR them can do about it.

*Bischoff pauses briefly while the crowd reacts to this announcement with an excited buzz*

EB: Which brings me to my second, and even BIGGER announcement. Now, as I'm sure you people have seen, Paul Heyman is nothing but a greedy, slimy, low-life piece of scum... And frankly, he's not NEARLY as good at it as I can be. *Bischoff gives a half smile as the crowd pops slightly for this statement* But as I've said many times, I'm a businessman, and when it come right down to it, I have to do what's best for business. And that means giving people what they want to see. And I know, that what all of you out there want to see, is Raven and the rest of the ECW idiots getting their collective ASSES kicked all over the country. Now, Vader's taking care of part of the trash already, which leaves me to make this announcement: In the main event of Slamboree, it will be WCW contracted wrestler Raven teaming up with Paul Heyman's "chosen one" Rob Van Dam, and they'll be taking on none other than The Franchise of WCW, Sting, and World Champion Bill Goldberg. But before you start cheering, let me explain some things about this match. Heyman drive a hard bargain. In order to get what I wanted out of this match, I had to give him what HE wanted. And that involved two things: First, allowing a non-contracted wrestler in RVD into the match. And secondly, granting Heyman and ECW a "favor". If RVD and Raven somehow manage to win at Slamboree, then ECW can have any ONE MATCH of their choosing at any time. However, WHEN ECW loses, they will be GONE from WCW PERMANENTLY. Not only Tommy Dreamer, not only Sabu, not only Raven, but each and every one of those so-called "superstars" that can't seem to keep their nose out of my company. So Heyman, Raven, Van Dam, get ready. Because after this Sunday, you'll never be setting foot onto MY show, in MY company, EVER again.

*As the fans cheer the blockbuster announcement, Bischoff drops the mic, staring purposefully into the camera for a moment before exiting the ring*

(83%)

As Tenay becomes VERY excited about the possibilities of the matches Bischoff just announced, Meltzer does his best to calm things down and introduce the next match for the evening. However, he soon becomes as excited as Tenay himself, commenting that "Maybe now we'll see if ECW can REALLY measure up to WCW in a face to face battle". Both men seem to agree that both matches just announced have HUGE implications for the future of WCW as a whole, though Meltzer does seem to be worried about Bischoff staking so much on the outcome of one match. "If ECW manages to beat Sting and Goldberg, who KNOW'S what kind of match they'll request. Paul Heyman is a demented, devious genius, and you know he'll have something up his sleeve". As Tenay agrees, he also lays forth the two main events for this evening, as Vader will be taking on the Dancing Fools in a "warm up" match for the PPV, while Sting and Goldberg will ALSO be teaming up to take on Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon, who will be returning tot he ring after recoverinf from some minor injuries they had both suffered. After he is done with this announcement, the scene cuts to the ring for our next match, which Tenay explains will be a three way match between one member of each team competing in the three way Tag Title match at Slamboree. As he puts it, "This could be very interesting, as it will be Rey Mysterio, Jr. taking on Scott Hall and Scott Steiner. That's a lot of size for Rey to overcome." With that, the music for the first competitor begins...

**Rey Mysterio, Jr. vs. Scott Hall vs. Scott Steiner**

...which proves to be Scott Steiner. He makes his way to the ring in his usual fashion, stopping to taunt the fans while showing off his muscles. As he gets about halfway down the aisle, Scott Hall comes out behind him, taunting him to the fans. Steiner turns and sees this, before charging after Hall. The two men immediately start brawling in the aisle, as the referee jumps out and tries to herd them to the ring. As they reach the ringside area, the crowd comes to their feet as Rey Mysterio, Jr. comes jumping out of the crowd before sliding into the ring. He sizes his two opponents up on the outside, before bouncing off the ropes and delivering a Tope Con Hilo over the top rope to both men on the outside! As the crowd chants for Rey, he gets back to his feet, stomping away at both Hall and Steiner as he does so. They finally manage to fight him off, throwing him into the ringside barrier to do so. The two them roll back into the ring, where they continue brawling back and forth. Hall seems to get the advantage with a series of big right hands, but is quickly stopped from doing anything with his advantage as Mysterio springboards back into the ring with a dropkick to his back. Rey ducks back before Steiner can catch him, using his speed to avoid the bigger man. The match continues along these lines, with Hall and Steiner trading power moves in the middle of the ring, while Rey uses his quickness and highflying moves to keep from being caught. He manages at one point to knock both men back outside the ring following a split legged dropkick, which he then follows up by springboarding onto the outside again with a plancha. Unfortunately though, Hall is able to catch him, and throws him back over his head with a vicious Fallaway Slam onto the concrete! With Rey out, Hall manages to throw Steiner head first into the guard rail, taking him out as well. He tosses Rey back into the ring, and covers him, pulling on the tights to ensure the victory.

*As Mysterio and Steiner try to recover, Hall makes his way back up the aisle, celebrating as he goes. He is met at the top by his tag team partner, Kevin Nash, who holds (as per usual) a microphone*

(80/80/81; ***)

**Just a few more days**

Kevin Nash: Hey Scott, congrats man. I know you said you wanted a little workout, but that was almost TOO easy, wasn't it? I mean, Steiner's a big boy, but Rey-Rey kinda looked like a flying squirrel out there when you tossed him around. Speaking of which, if I remember correctly, this coming Sunday, there's a little PPV taking place. Now, the obvious point aside, that being that The Outsiders belong in the main event and not having to wrestle The Steiners and "The Pre-School Daredevils", it's looking like it might be time for Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to prove to you people one more time why WE are the most dominant force in WCW today, and EVER. These ECW guys come in, and yeah, they've done a pretty fair job of making waves around here, but I guess everybody forgot who the BEST "invasion force" had as it's members. So that's why, at Slamboree, me and big Scott here have gotta come out one more time and beat the Steiners, and one more time beat up the Oompa Loompa's, and take back the Tag Team Titles. Scott?

Scott Hall: Hey yo...Kidman, Mysterio, Steiners, you boys ain' got wha' it takes to beat me and Big Kev. That's why, at Slamboree, it'll be 1,2,3. And those Tag Team Titles will be back where they belong. With the nW..

KN: *grabbing the mic from Hall* Whoa whoa whoa, easy there. Don't want any rumors starting. Boys, we'll see all of you this Sunday.

*Nash drops the mic, and motions for Hall to leave. As they do so, the crowd lets them have it for their arrogant attitude*

(78%)

Before either of our announcers can say much, we cut back to the ring, which has finally been cleared of all wrestlers from the last match. As Tenay and Meltzer quickly introduce the upcoming bout, the music of Chris Daniels begins to play.

**Chris Daniels vs. Chris Benoit**

Daniels makes his way to the ring in his usual fashion, slapping hands with the fans and acknowledging their cheers, though he does seem focused on the upcoming match. The same can be said for his opponent, Chris Benoit, as he enters the arena, walking straight to the ring to begin the match. After a quick handshake between the two men, the bell rings, and the match gets underway. Both men immediately go into a fairly lengthy series of reversals, obviously trying to get the quick upper hand. Benoit is able to do so by reversing an attempted whip into the ropes by Daniels, catching him with a big back elbow as he comes back. This allows Benoit to take control of the match briefly, which he does by going to work on Daniels shoulder and neck, looking to soften him up for the Crippler Crossface. Daniels is able to reverse out of an armbar by somersaulting into an armdrag of his own, before going to work on BENOIT'S neck. He switches holds over the next several minutes, not letting Benoit have enough time to counter any one certain hold. Finally, Daniels tries again to whip Benoit, this time into the turnbuckle. When he charges after him however he meets nothing but turnbuckle, as Benoit manages to move out of the way. From there, Benoit takes control again, this time with a series of suplexes that leave Daniels down and hurt. Satisfied that he's close to victory, Benoit goes up top, looking for his patented Flying Headbutt. Daniels though, is able to move at the last second, which sends Benoit crashing to the mat. Before either man is able to get back to their feet, the CROWD is on THEIR feet, as Chris Jericho comes sauntering down the aisle holding a chair. He casually rolls into the ring, ignoring the referee's attempts to stop him, and proceeds to nail both Benoit and especially Daniels in the head and neck area with the chair. As he continues his assault on BOTH men, the referee has no choice but to throw the match out, declaring it a draw.

*As the crowd boo's Jericho's actions heavily, he throws the chair down, turning to "celebrate" and taunt the fans. He takes too long doing this however, as Benoit and Daniels are able to struggle to their feet after a few moments, and attack Jericho from behind. Benoit grabs Jericho from behind with a HUGE Release German Suplex, before Daniels climbs to the top rope and comes off with a big Guillotine Legdrop. As the fans chant his name, Daniels is able to shake off the attack with the chair, and pick Jericho back up into a Double Underhook Powerbomb. With Jericho out, Daniels covers Jericho, with Benoit counting to 3, giving Daniels the moral victory for the moment.*

(85/76/94; ****)

**Meanwhile...**

*As Daniels and Benoit celebrate in the ring, the camera switches to a backstage area set up with a few chairs and a television set. Standing looking at the monitor is none other than U.S. Champion, Bret "The Hitman" Hart. He stares at the TV for a moment more, before turning and addressing the camera*

Bret Hart: Pretty sad, don't you think? I mean, come on Benoit, do you think what you just did makes you a big man? Getting a little rookie nobody to help you sneak attack another wrestler. A wrestler who, unlike YOU, actually managed to WIN his match when he had a chance at a title. Actually, I guess that goes for TWO people Benoit: You, AND Booker T, my two "challengers" at Slamboree. See Benoit, Booker, I'm not happy that I have to put my belt on the line against you two. Benoit, I already beat you, and I don't have any reason to do it again. And Booker, you LOST your last title match, but somehow you're buddy buddy enough with Eric Bischoff to get a shot at ANOTHER title? I guess it's just another example of Bret Hart getting screwed over by upper management. And putting me in a match against BOTH of you losers, well... Let's just say, it's beginning to feel like '97 all over again. But it's ok, really. And you know why? Because I AM the Excellence of Execution. I AM The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be, and at Slamboree, it doesn't matter if it's a three way, four way, 6 man, or battle royal. Because nobody can touch the Hitman. Nobody. And Benoit, Booker, I guess you two are going to find out the hard way, what it feels like to be excellently executed.

*As he says this, Hart reaches down and turns the TV off, before slinging his U.S. Title belt over his shoulder and walking off*

(92%; Bret Hart gained overness)

As we cut back to our announcers, Tenay seems irritated at the "lack of respect Bret Hart is showing his challengers, both of whom are world class athletes.", while Meltzer admires the confidence Hart is showing, despite knowing that both men are going to be gunning directly for him come Sunday. Tenay agrees that Hart has the confidence necessary to gain the victory, but also wonders if he's giving his challengers enough credit. Meltzer adds "I guess we'll find out on Sunday". With that, Tenay throws us back to the ring, where Vader has requested a "warm-up" handicap match to prepare himself for Sunday.

**Vader vs. The Dancing Fools**

Vader makes his way into the arena first, slowly stalking down the aisle with an intense look on his face. As he makes his way into the ring, the music for his opponents hits, bringing out Disco Inferno and a rather reluctant looking Alex Wright. Wright seems upset at having to face Vader, while Disco keeps trying to reassure him and calm him down. As they enter the ring, Vader attacks, taking both men down with a big Avalanche. He then proceeds to dominate the opening minutes of the match, using stiff punches and slams to keep both men down. Disco and Wright finally manage to get some offense in when Wright hits Vader with a low blow behind the referee's back, followed by a dropkick to the chin. This manages to stun Vader long enough for the two to take him to the ground with stomps and punches, before settling down into a rear chinlock by Wright. From there, Wright and Disco use fast tags in and out to try to keep Vader on the ground and immobilized. After several minutes of ground based offense from the pair, Vader is able to regain his feet after a missed attempt at a big elbowdrop from Disco. This allows Vader to get his vertical base, where he is able to catch Disco with a big slam, followed by a clothesline that knocks him back into his corner. Disco tags out to Wright, who proceeds to argue with Disco about coming in before finally charging into the ring, only to be caught with another Avalanche. With both of his opponents hurt, Vader begins to move in for the kill. He pulls Disco to a standing position, before slamming him back down on the mat, following up by doing the same thing to Wright. He then climbs to the second rope, where he begins to bounce up and down. As he points out to the fans and yells "It's VADER BOMB TIME" he comes off with a HUGE Vader Bomb, nearly flattening The Dancing Fools. Vader proceeds to cover BOTH men and pick up the victory in his "warm up" match.

*As Disco and Wright slowly roll out of the ring and stagger down the aisle, Vader stands menacingly in the ring, and can be heard yelling at Tommy Dreamer and Sabu to "Come get some" right now...*

(73/70/76; **1/4)

As Meltzer puts it "I think Vader is ready for ANYTHING Tommy Dreamer and Sabu can dish out. That was a very impressive showing against two skilled opponents." Tenay doesn't seem so sure however, stating that "Members of this ECW group have shown themselves to be much more vicious and ruthless than Disco or Alex Wright have ever been. They won't stop at just trying to defeat Vader. They're going to try to HURT Vader." As this discussion is going on, they are interrupted by the music of The Triad, who begin to make their way to the ring. Tenay reminds everyone that this will be not only Sting and Goldbergs' only chance to team together before the PPV, but also a chance for the returning Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon to show Eric Bischoff that they deserve a shot at the Tag Team Titles. "If DDP and Kanyon can defeat two legends like Sting and Goldberg, there's no telling WHAT that might do for their futures here in WCW". As Meltzer is agreeing with this, we cut back to the ring for our main event...

**The Triad (Diamond Dallas Page/Kanyon; accompanied by Bam Bam Bigelow) vs. Sting/Goldberg**

Before Page and Kanyon are able to get themselves ready, the music of the World Champion hits, followed soon by both Goldberg AND Sting, who seem to want to enter as a team. The fans come to their feet to cheer their hero's as the make their way to the ring, seemingly intent on the match at hand. Before they are able to enter the ring, Bigelow attacks from the side, distracting them long enough to allow Kanyon and DDP to slide out of the ring and attack as well. They quickly throw Sting and Goldberg into the ring, before rolling in to continue the beating. Page and Kanyon show their superior teamwork as the match officially begins, trading back and forth between both of their opponents, managing to keep them both off their feet. Before very long, DDP signals to Kanyon it's time to go for the finish, which Kanyon does by attempting to whip Goldberg into Page. Goldberg manages to reverse the whip though, causing Kanyon to crash into DDP, who is then caught by a dropkick from a recovered Sting. As DDP hits the mat, Goldberg charges Kanyon, nailing him with a Spear that puts Kanyon outside of the ring. As DDP rolls out also to regroup, Goldberg and Sting high-five to huge cheers in the middle of the ring.

After gathering themselves for a moment, DDP and Kanyon decide to try again, this time with Kanyon entering the ring to face Sting, as the match settles into a regular tag match. The two men exchange basic moves back and forth for several minutes, with Kanyon trying to work in some of his "innovative" offense. Sting however sticks to the basics, nailing Kanyon with big right hands, karate chops, and another dropkick that sends Kanyon back into the corner. He quickly tags out to DDP, who enters the ring and is immediately able to take Sting down with a low-blow while the ref struggles to get Kanyon out of the ring. DDP takes over the offense for the next several minutes, keeping Sting down with more basic wrestling, before tagging back out to Kanyon. This process soon begins to happen quicker, as The Triad use their tag experience to cut the ring off, leaving Sting in their corner and not letting him get Goldberg involved. DDP even manages to hit Sting with a Rotation Powerbomb at one point, which Sting barely escapes after a close two count. Finally, as the fans begin to clap and become more and more vocal for Sting, he begins to try to fight back. As Kanyon attempts to throw him into the corner, Sting reverses and sends Kanyon in instead, following up with a Stinger Splash that puts both men down. As the crowd get to their feet again, Sting begins to crawl towards his corner, looking to tag Goldberg. As he finally reaches his corner however, the camera pans over to show that Goldberg isn't waiting for the tag! As Sting pulls himself to his feet with a confused look on his face, Kanyon manages to tag DDP, who sneaks into the ring. As Sting turns around looking for Goldberg, he is caught by Page with a Diamond Cutter! With Sting out, DDP quickly covers, picking up the 3 count and the (surprising) victory.

*As DDP and Kanyon rolls out of the ring, gesturing to Bigelow to follow, the reason for Goldberg's "disappearance" is revealed. While Sting struggles to get back to his feet, ECW's Rob Van Dam, and Raven roll from under the ring, pulling Goldberg's lifeless body with them. The fans are soon able to see that Raven and Van Dam evidently grabbed Goldberg while everyone was focused on Sting's comeback, and that they also managed to injure the Champion, as blood can be seen running down his forehead. Raven signals for RVD to grab a chair, which he does before rolling back into the ring. As Raven holds the chair, Van Dam proceeds to spinkick it right into Sting's face in a vicious Van Daminator. The pair then proceed to do the same to Goldberg, leaving both men knocked out in the center of the ring. As Raven and Van Dam taunt their fallen foe's, a video begins to play...*

(87/89/83; ***1/4; Triad gained overness)

**A new level...**

*As the video screen comes to life, the by now all too familiar sight of Paul Heyman can be seen. He seems to be standing outside of a house, with the name on the door reading "B. Goldberg". Heyman stares into the camera for a moment, before breaking out into a sinister laugh. He then begins...*

Paul Heyman: Hello Bill Goldberg, and welcome to your own personal hell. I'm sure you recognize where I am, if you're conscious at this point anyway. *Laughing again* Which, given what Raven and Rob had planned for you, probably isn't very likely. But I know that you'll see this tape sooner or later. I just wanted to let you know, Bill, that this is what happens to people who DON'T give ECW, and Raven in particular, what they want. You see Bill, Raven offered you the chance to surrender to him. And if you'd had the brains to do so, you'd have spared yourself, AND WCW, what's about to happen. You see, at Slamboree, I finally get what I want. I get a chance to show the entire world that ECW is in all ways superior to WCW. I get the chance, WE get the chance, to take WCW to a whole new level of EXTREME. And frankly Bill, you and Sting can't do a damn thing to stop it. Thanks to Eric Bischoff giving in to my request, which, by the way, you'll find out about in just a moment, WCW has had it's fate decided. And that fate is this: WHEN Raven and RVD BEAT you and that so called "Franchise" Sting, the same man who doesn't hold a CANDLE to the REAL Franchise Shane Douglas...WHEN that happens Bill, and I get my one match of my choosing, here's how it's going to work: It'll be you, Bill Goldberg, against the man responsible for all of the pain you're currently feeling, and all of the pain you'll be feeling come Sunday, RAVEN. And it won't be any ordinary match, oh no. It'll be a Raven's Rules match. And it'll be for YOUR World Championship. But before that can happen, Raven and I thought it was time to teach you a little lesson. Raven has talked about his pain, and that failed to move you. He talked about YOUR pain, and still nothing. But about the pain of someone you love, Bill? What about the pain of someone you love, who at this very moment is inside this house. What about that, Bill? Allow me to show you what can happen when you don't do the right thing. Boys?

*As Heyman says this, he gestures at someone off camera, which is soon revealed to be several ECW wrestlers: Mike Awesome, The Dudley Boys, Rhino, Shane Douglas, and New Jack. As Heyman watches on, they proceed to slam into the door of the house, finally pushing it inwards. A voice can be heard from inside saying "Bill? Is that you? BILL!" before the door is slammed shut behind them. As Heyman turns back to the camera, he says...*

PH: Wherever you are Bill, I hope you're having fun. Because I know that I am.

(93%; Heyman gained overness)

*The final shot of the evening is of Heyman smiling a sick smile, as he turns and begins to walk towards the house...*

Overall: 85

[Commander Sheepard]

Tuesday, May 25th:

Here's my report from last night's Nitro:

Best Match: Benoit and Daniels (Fan's didn't appreciate the draw ending though)

Best non-match segment: The ending (Very controversial, might get YOU in trouble)

Worst segment: Outsiders interview (Both seemed like they were phoning it in a little, and it was much too short)

Overall approval rating: 85% (Highest in several shows)

T.V. Rating: 4.39 (.12 drop from last week-What happened?)

Attendance: 10,016 (About the same number as last week- Not good heading into a PPV)

Overall, the show can be rated a succesful build to the PPV, but the lack of ratings and attendance increase is not a good thing-that needs to be worked on.

Sophie

[Commander Sheepard]

Thursday, May 27th:

Thunder!

*As the show begins, instead of a video recap of Nitro, we are taken immediately to ringside, where Mike Tenay and Dusty Rhodes are sitting, looking very comber and serious. After welcoming everyone to the show and giving a brief rundown of what to look forward to on Thunder, Tenay addresses the closing shots of this past Monday's Nitro. According to him, "Apparently what you all saw as Nitro went off the air was staged by ECW. We don't know how they got access to that house, we don't even know for sure if that WAS our World Champion Goldbergs' house. What we DO believe is that thankfully, there was apparently no one in any real danger. It seems as if ECW was playing mind games with Goldberg and WCW as a whole. At least, that's all we HOPE was going on. Either way, fans, we apologize for the disturbing ending to Nitro this past Monday." Dusty echo's these sentiments, but adds that "Them ECW boys is treading on some mighty thin ice by gettin' in big Goldberg's personal life Iron Mike". Tenay agrees, but reiterates that thankfully nothing happened to any of Goldberg's loved ones on Nitro. With that, he turns our attention to the ring for the first match of the evening.*

**Rick Steiner vs. Billy Kidman vs. Kevin Nash**

As the three men make their way to the ring, Tenay reminds everyone that this is another "warm-up" match for the big three way Tag Team Title match on Sunday at Slamboree. As Tenay and Dusty discuss the possible outcomes for that match, this one gets underway. As with the match on Nitro, The Outsiders representative and the Steiner representative use their power to try to wear down the Young Daredevils rep, with Nash and Steiner hitting several big moves on Kidman and each other, while Kidman uses his speed to hit and run. The end comes when Nash catches Kidman coming off the top with a Jackknife Powerbomb, only to be knocked out of the ring by a big Steinerline from Rick Steiner. With Kidman still out, Steiner is able to cover and pick up the victory.

*As Steiner celebrates and Nash fumes, Kidman leaves looking devastated, as this leaves his team 0 and 2 against their opponents on Sunday*

(73/74/72; * 1/4)

As Tenay and Dusty talk about the possible implications this match and the one on Nitro have for Sunday, we are taken to a backstage area, where Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero apparently has something to say.

**This Sunday...**

*The camera fades in on Eddie as he stands somewhere in the back, his Cruiserweight Title belt over his shoulder, and a cocky smile on his face. He begins to speak...*

Eddie Guerrero: Hey losers, I guess you're all wondering what I'm doing back here, eh? Wondering why I'm not in the ring getting ready for Sunday? Well, besides it being none of your damn business, I'm gonna GO out to that ring in a few minutes and have a little warm-up match against the Disco Chump. But you know what holmes? I don't really NEED to do any warm-up for Sunday. Because Sunday, at Slamboree, I've got the next best thing to a night off. Now, I know what you're thinking right now, Eric Bischoff. You're thinking "What's Eddie talking about, I gave him Jushin "Thunder" Liger. He's a legend." And you know something Bischoff? You're right essa. Liger IS a legend. But what you didn't think about holmes, is that I already BEAT Liger. Back in '96, I beat him. Back when I was still wearing a mask and wrestling as the "Black Tiger" I beat him. I beat him in Japan so many times, I found out he finally refused to wrestle me anymore. So it's no problem to beat that loco punk on Sunday. But Bischoff, I'll give you this: You tried. So after Sunday, I'm gonna give you one more chance. Next Monday, on Nitro, after I've beat Liger, I'm gonna come out to the ring and I'm gonna let you have anybody in the world you want come out to wrestle me. It can be Liger again, it can be anybody in WCW, it can be Grandma Guerrero for all I care. Because after I beat them, and prove that NOBODY is as good as me, that's it. I'm done, and I'm gone. So this Sunday, I guess you could call it my "last call" on PPV for WCW. And Eric, you know what? I hear, up north, they got some FINE mamacitas. I guess I'll be finding out, up close and... VERY personal.

*With that, Eddie smirks at the camera again, before walking out of view, apparently heading towards the ring for his upcoming match*

(88%)

**Eddie Guerrero vs. Disco Inferno; Non-Title match**

While Disco makes his way to the ring, Dusty and Tenay both express their disgust at Eddie comments, and worry about what will happen if Eddie DOES manage to win at not only the PPV but also on Nitro. Before they can go much further, the music for the Cruiserweight Champion hits, followed soon after by the man himself. After entering the ring, Eddie quickly charges Disco, getting the match underway. Most of the match is dominated by the Cruiserweight Champion, with Disco managing only brief spurts of offense. Finally, Eddie gains the victory when he reverses and attempted piledriver with a lowblow, followed by a Brainbuster and Frog Splash to pick up the 3.

*Before Eddie has a chance to celebrate his "hard fought" victory, his opponent for Sunday, Jushin "Thunder" Liger comes out of the back and sprints down to the ring. Despite his comments earlier, Eddie seems to want no part of the Japanese superstar, and quickly rolls out of the ring, making his way to the back while Liger motions for him to get back in the ring.*

(86/84/88; ***3/4)

After discussing how excited he is to see that match on Sunday, Tenay informs everyone watching that coming up next is the first of three special video looks at some of the matches for this Sunday's PPV, Slamboree.

**3 men + 1 Title= And explosive situation**

*The video fades in on a shot of U.S. Champion Bret "The Hitman" Hart, with his U.S. Title belt over his shoulder. It then cuts to shots from his title defense last month on PPV against Chris Benoit, including his dubious victory. From there, the video begins to show pieces of the many matches Chris Benoit wrestled against Booker T in an attempt to determine a new number one contender for that title. Shown prominently are the times when Bret Hart interfered, trying to keep himself from having to get in the ring with EITHER man. Finally, a piece of the interview with Eric Bischoff where he revealed the Three Way match is shown, with a small close-up on Bret Hart's face from his follow-up interview. Pictures of all three men begin to twirl around the screen, getting faster and faster before ending in an explosion. The final shot is of the U.S. Title fading into the background...*

(79%)

**American Dragon vs. Jamie Knoble**

As the video ends, we cut back to the ring where the two young men are already waiting for the match to begin. Tenay and Dusty explain that this is a match set up for the two rookies to show their stuff and prove to the fans what they can do. The two set out to do just that, as they go into an extremely fast paced technical match that sees the advantage swing back and forth several times. As the fans begin to get more into the brilliant exchange of holds and counterholds, Yoshohiro Tajiri (who Tenay explains has had problems with both of these young men in the recent past) slides into the ring, delivering a spray of Green Mist to both combatants, causing the referee to have to declare a No Contest.

*After a brief period of recovery, Knoble and Dragon both attack Tajiri, as all three men spill out of the ring and begin brawling up the aisle*

(64/28/100; ***1/2, The crowd was pumped from the last match, which caused this one to suffer)

Before moving on to our next video segment, Dusty breaks in to inform everyone that he just got word from the back that Eric Bischoff has decided to give all THREE men a chance to impress management and the fans, as the three will meet in a Three Way Dance at Slamboree. As both of our fearless announcers talk about how that match should be a pure wrestling masterpiece, another video begins to roll...

**Two on one may not be fair for the TWO**

*This time, the video focuses on the big handicap match between Vader and Tommy Dream/Sabu. Shots of Dreamer and Sabu's actions since coming into WCW are interspersed with clips of Vader's absolute domination over his many opponents over the years. As the video moves forward in time, much attention is placed on Dreamer and Sabu's attack on Vader from Nitro a few weeks ago, as the two men combined to take Vader down. As before, shots of all three men begin to swirl around the screen before fading into the words "Can two overcome one?"*

(66%; UGH)

After a few minutes spent hyping up that match, Tenay throws us back to ringside for our main event of the evening.

**Chris Jericho/Kurt Angle vs. Chris Daniels/Dean Malenko**

As all four men make their way to the ring, Tenay and Disty remind everyone about the match between Jericho and Daniels for the TV Title (including the loss of said Title if Jericho cheats) and Malenko's match against Kurt Angle that will be taking place at Slamboree. The four men go at it immediately, with the referee having to fight hard to keep things under control. As in the last match, the two teams exchange technical wrestling holds and counters, though Daniels and Jericho do take it to the air several times, including a beautiful twisting sumersault senton by Daniels onto Angle. The end comes when Angle is able to get Malenko outside the ring, distracting the referee long enough for Jericho to hit Daniels with the Television title belt. As the ref turns back around, Jericho pins Daniels and picks up the 3 count for the cheap victory.

*The end of the match doesn't cause the end of the fight however, as Malenko and Angle continue to go at it on the outside, though each man seems to be grappling with each other more than out and out fighting. Meanwhile, on the inside, Jericho continues to taunt Daniels, only to have his challenger on Sunday spring back up and take him down with a big tackles. As all four men go at it, Tenay reminds everyone to order Slamboree on Sunday, before we fade out to one last video...*

(91/84/98; ****1/2)

**Quote the Raven...**

*This time, the video begins differently, showing scenes of darkness and vague shapes flitting in and out of the shadows. This eventually fades into shots of Raven throughout his career, focusing mainly on his time in ECW and his recent career in WCW. Mixed in are shots of a man performing some extremely high risk and athletic moves, before pointing to himself and saying his name "Rob Van Dam". After several moments of this, the video moves to the recent past, showing the attacks of Raven and his ECW followers on WCW superstars, especially World Champion Goldberg. The music begins to move to a harder beat as shots of both Sting and Goldberg bloodied at the hands of ECW fill the screen, with more and more shots of RVD and Raven standing triumphant over their fallen foes. After this, the following words appear on the screen: This Sunday, live on PPV, WCW presents Slamboree. Two men, Raven and Rob Van Dam, representing a new Extreme in wrestling, meet two men who stand as the last hope for a tradition years in the making, as the WCW franchise Sting teams with World Champion Bill Goldberg. If Goldberg and Sting are victorious, Raven and his ECW brethren are gone forever. But if they lose, Raven and his demented cohorts, including the sadistic Paul Heyman, will finally get what they want: A piece of Goldberg's soul. Who will win? And will WCW ever be the same? Find out, this Sunday... the final shot is of all four men, superimposed over each other as the word Slamboree appears int he center of the screen*

(74%)

Overall: 77

[Commander Sheepard]

WCW.com, on conjunction with WCW: The Magazine, is pleased to bring you the following preview for this Sunday's Pay-Per-View extravaganza, Slamboree!-

-In a special Free For Everyone match, Eric Bischoff has invited four of the top women's wrestlers competing around the world to "show their stuff" here in WCW. Angelica, Jazz, Mona, and Madusa will look to prove to WCW fans and management alike that they deserve to be a part of the WCW family. Which of these four women will come out on top?-

-Young superstars Jamie Knoble, the American Dragon, and Yoshohiro Tajiri look to prove their superiority in a fast paced Three Way Dance. Tajiri has shown disrespect to both Knoble and Tajiri over the past several weeks, and has cheated his way to victory over both men. Can they overcome his cheating ways to gain a victory on the big stage? Or will Tajiri sneak by with another cheap victory? And how will this all affect their standing in WCW?-

-In another Three Way Dance, Tag Team Champions The Young Daredevils defend their Titles against two of the most legendary tag teams of all times, The Steiner Brothers, and The Outsiders. In matches the past two weeks, Kidman and Mysterio have been defeated by their larger opponents. Can they use their teamwork and speed to overcome the size and experience advantage of their opponents?-

-Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guererro looks to finally have "suitable competition" as he gets set to face Japanese Junior Heavyweight legend Jushin "Thunder" Liger. Eddie seems to want to dismiss Liger dues to "beating him so many times before" but didn't look anxious to face him when Liger came to the ring on Thunder. Will Eddie be able to defeat his long-time rival? Or will Liger prove to be more competition than Eddie can stand?-

-Kurt Angle takes on Dean Malenko in an "Angle Invitational" match. This match came about because of Kurt Angle's insistence on mocking Ric Flair, as well as comments made by Angle regarding Ric Flair's in-ring ability. While Flair gets back in shape to face Angle, Dean Malenko looks to take Angle down a few notches in this match. Can Malenko use his technical skills to ground Angle? Or will the Olympian's OWN Mat talents be too much for Malenko to handle?-

-In another exciting Title match, Chris Jericho tries to hold onto his Television Title against frequent opponent Chris Daniels. A stipulation added to this match means that if Jericho cheats to retain his Title, he will be automatically stripped and the Title awarded to Daniels. Can Jericho overcome the talented and popular young man without resorting to tricks? Or will Daniels take advantage and win his first Title here in WCW?-

-In the first of two matches featuring members of the ECW "invasion", Tommy Dreamer and Sabu team up to take on Eric Bischoff's personal enforcer Vader, in a big handicap match. At Vader's request, this match will feature him alone trying to overcome two of the vicious ECW members. Has Vader bitten off more than he can shew? Or are Dreamer and Sabu being set-up by the big man for a big fall?-

-In our fourth and final Title match of the evening, Bret Hart tries to hold onto his U.S. Title against two of the most talented men in wrestling today, as Chris Benoit and Booker T look to wrest the belt from his grasp. Hart was not succesful in denying these two men the opportunity to challenge for the Title, but can he be succesful in keeping them from winning?-

-And in the main event, four men meet to decide the fate of WCW. ECW members Raven and Rob Van Dam take on the WCW "Franchise" Sting, and WCW World Champion Goldberg in a tag team match with huge implications. If Goldberg and Sting are victorious, Raven and the rest of his ECW cohorts are gone from WCW for good. But if Raven and RVW come out on top, ECW owner Paul Heyman (who is sure to be around ringside for this match) is allowed to choose one match for any of his men. And with Heyman making it clear that he will choose Raven against Goldberg for the World Championship, the intensity on both sides of the match will be high. Can WCW finally step forward and defend itself? Or will ECW take Sting and Goldberg to a whole new Extreme?-

The answers to these question, plus all the great action and excitement, can be found live, only on Pay-Per-View, this Sunday, May 30th. The name of the event is Slamboree, and it can be ordered by contacting your local providers. The fate of WCW hangs in the balance this Sunday. Don't miss a minute of the action!

[JStarr]

lol, america