WCW: April 2001

[KJE]

WCW Monday Nitro - March 26, 2001

Panama City Beach, Florida

Commentators:  Tony Shiavone & Scott Hudson

--Vince McMahon opens up Nitro, telling the fans that tonight there will be a special simulcast on TNN and TNT to tell all the fans and wrestlers what is going to happen with WCW, because the "fate of WCW is in his hands."

--Ric Flair comes to the ring.  He verbally blasts Vince McMahon, because there is too much talent to hold WCW in his hands.  He then challenges Sting to one more match.

--Unification Match:  United States Heavyweight champion Booker T defeated World Heavyweight champion "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner with Midajah in 5:45.  *1/2

--Number One Contendership:  Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr. - with Tygress) defeated III Count (Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore) and the Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi) in 3:20.  1/4*

--Cruiserweight championship:  Cruiserweight champion "Sugar" Shane Helms defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 5:35.  **1/4

--Booker T tells the fans and wrestlers around the world that tonight may be the end of a chapter, but there are many more pages left in the book, and will accept any and all challenges for his championships.

--Heavyweight Tag Team championship:  Heavyweight Tag Team champions Palumbo & O'Haire (Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire) defeated Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome) in 3:35.  1/2*

--Tatoo Match:  "Mecca of Manhood" Shawn Stasiak defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 1:20.  DUD

--Diamond Dallas Page thanks the fans as there is a video montage of all the former WCW champions.

--Cruiserweight Tag Team titles:  Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr. - with Tygress) defeated Cruiserweight Tag Team champions Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo in 4:00.  3/4*

--Sting wouldn't miss this night for anything, and the only thing that is certain for his future is:  "Nothing's for sure."

--Final Encounter:  Sting defeated Ric Flair in 7:15.  **

--Vince McMahon comes out on RAW for the simulcast in Cleveland.  He will only finalize the deal when Ted Turner himself walks down the aisle at WrestleMania.  But when he does have the deal, he can either make it a global media conglomerate like the World Wrestling Federation or he can bury it on the shelf.  He goes through many WCW stars to see who should be brought in the new WCW, including Goldberg, Scott Steiner and Booker T.  He then says that WCW is going on the shelf and every WCW star is fired.

--Shane McMahon's music plays, but he is in Panama City Beach, not Cleveland!  Shane tells Vince his ego has gotten the best of him, once again, but this time he has taken advantage.  The deal to buy WCW is final, and the contract does say McMahon... only it reads Shane McMahon.  Just like in the past, WCW will kick the WWF's ass, just like Shane will do to Vince at WrestleMania.  Shane then tells all WCW fans to tune into Spring Stampede on Pay-Per-View on Sunday, April 22, 2001.

Edited August 2, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[KJE]

MCMAHON DIDN’T LIE – WCW SPRING STAMPEDE WILL GO AHEAD AS PLANNED

To the surprise of many, it looks as if Shane McMahon’s “brand” of WCW will be a separate entity of the World Wrestling Federation, and will be going ahead with Spring Stampede on April 22, 2001.  Kevin Elliott was recently hired as the new general manager of the promotion in late March.

[KJE]

WCW Roster

Main Event

Booker T - United States champion, World Heavyweight champion

Diamond Dallas Page

"The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett

"Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner

Sting

Upper Midcard

Buff Bagwell

Lance Storm

Midcard

Big Vito

Billy Kidman - Cruiserweight Tag Team champion

Brian Adams

Bryan Clarke

Chris Kanyon

Chuck Palumbo - Heavyweight Tag Team champion

Hugh Morrus

Mike Awesome

Rey Mysterio Jr. - Cruiserweight Tag Team champion

Sean O'Haire - Heavyweight Tag Team champion

"Mecca of Manhood" Shawn Stasiak

Vampiro

Lower Midcard

Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Crowbar

Elix Skipper

Johnny The Bull

Mark Jindrak

Mike Sanders

Reno

Shane Helms - Cruiserweight champion

Shannon Moore

Openers

Air Paris

AJ Styles

Evan Karagias

Jamie Knoble

Jimmy Yang

Kaz Hayashi

Kid Romeo

Non-Wrestlers

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Shane McMahon

Development

Berlyn

David Flair

Jason Jett

Joey Abs

Lash LeRoux

Pete Gas

Rodney

[KJE]

Spring Stampede Preview

Spring Stampede is just days away and what a show World Championship Wrestling has for you!  Three rematches are on the card from the Night of Champions edition of Monday Nitro, and three big rematches they are.

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome have been told by WCW officials that they are being given their final shot at the WCW Heavyweight Tag Team titles, and this shot will be at Spring Stampede, challenging the reigning champions Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire.  There is no doubt that Awesome and Storm will be putting out their best match possible, and there is no doubt that this match will be one of the best of the night.

Speaking of good matches, speak about Chavo Guerrero Jr. going for his third reign as WCW Cruiserweight champion when he takes on the champ, "Sugar" Shane Helms.  Helms won the title from Guerrero on March 18th at Greed, and retained it on the 26th at the Night of Champions.

Finally, the big main event that everybody will be waiting for.  In November, "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner put the World Heavyweight champion Booker T on the shelf for three months in a vicious cage match, but Booker came back to win the United States title from Rick Steiner and later the World Heavyweight title from Scott.  Another rematch from the Night of Champions, and no doubt this one will rock the house.

What else does WCW have in store for you?  Not only will Booker T defend his World Heavyweight championship, he will wrestle Chris Kanyon for the United States title!  Booker T will no doubt have to spare his energy in the first match against Kanyon, because he will need as much as he can against the big bad Scott Steiner later that night.

The Magnificent Seven may have lost some key players since the ownership change, but they still have Buff Bagwell and "the Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett to team up to take on Diamond Dallas Page and Sting.  Four of the biggest superstars in wrestling all clash in one ring, setting the bar for the rest of the show to perform.

The Cruiserweight Tag Team titles will also be on the line when the Filthy Animals defend their newly won championships against III Count, Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo and the Jung Dragons.  But that's not all.  This match will be a double ladder match.  Eight high flying cruiserweights all battling in one ladder match!

It all happens this Sunday, April 22, 2001.

Confirmed Card

--World Heavyweight champion Booker T versus "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner

--Buff Bagwell & "the Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett versus Diamond Dallas Page & Sting

--Double Ladder Match:  III Count (Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore) versus Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo versus Cruiserweight Tag Team champions Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr.) versus Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi)

--Chavo Guerrero Jr. versus Cruiserweight champion "Sugar" Shane Helms

--KroniK (Brian Adams & Bryan Clarke) versus Mamalukes (Big Vito & Johnny the Bull)

--United States Heavyweight champion Booker T versus Chris Kanyon

--No More Rematches:  Heavyweight Tag Team champions Palumbo & O'Haire (Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire) versus Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome)

[KJE]

WWF RELEASES MANY DEVELOPMENT STARS, WCW CAPITALIZES

After a few weeks of negotiations, WCW has signed Doug Basham, Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway (all released on April 2, 2001) all to development deals.  Eric Angle and Russ Haas (both released on April 3, 2001) have signed developmental deals.  Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin (both released on April 4, 2001) have signed developmental deals.  Brock Lesnar (released on April 5, 2001) has signed to a developmental contract.

Edited August 2, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[KJE]

WWF BACKLASH REPORT

The World Wrestling Federation did approximately 648,000 (1.62) viewers for their pay-per-view Backlash, and had well over 16,000 in attendance.  This was a huge success, and WCW hopes that they will feed off of some of the energy.

[KJE]

WCW Spring Stampede

Sunday, April 22, 2001

Atlanta, Georgia

Commentators: Mike Tenay & Scott Hudson

Mike Tenay: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the return of WCW, welcome to Spring Stampede! I’m the ‘Professor’ Mike Tenay, here alongside Scott Hudson.

Scott Hudson: We are here, we are live on pay-per-view, we, WCW, are back, and we are back in a big way Mike. All five championships on the line tonight including three rematches from the Night of Champions.

MT: Yes, we have Booker T defending his World Heavyweight title against Scott Steiner, Palumbo and O’Haire defending their belts against Team Canada and Shane Helms defending against Chavo Guerrero Jr.

SH: And don’t forget, the WCW office has said this is Team Canada’s last chance at the championship, and it might be the last chance for Steiner and Guerrero as well.

“Here Comes The Money!”

Shane McMahon’s music cuts off the announcers as the new WCW owner makes his way to the ring. The crowd is going crazy for the man that saved their promotion.

Shane McMahon: Atlanta, Georgia, welcome to the rebirth of WCW! Vince, you under estimated me. You underestimated the power of WCW and these WCW fans. This gets a big pop. There is one reason and one reason only why we are here today, and that’s because these WCW fans want us here. World Championship Wrestling returns tonight for its fans, and that’s why tonight they will see all five championships defended. But tonight is also giving some wrestlers a new beginning, like Chris Kanyon. He’s worked too damn long and has never gotten his shot, so he will wrestle Booker T tonight for the United States championship. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the rebirth of WCW.

Overall=83%

=====

WCW Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire © versus Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome)

It was a good match for Team Canada, and since it was their last opportunity at the titles so long that Palumbo and O’Haire hold them, it was a good thing. Awesome knocked Palumbo and O’Haire down with some slams, and that set up Lance Storm’s superkick and Canadian Maple Leaf on O’Haire. However, as Storm applied the lock, Awesome beat him with a clothesline to the back of the head! Mike Awesome turned on Lance Storm! Awesome left the ring as Storm made his way to his feet, confused as he looked on at Awesome. Storm turned right into a jungle kick from Palumbo. Palumbo and O’Haire retained following the Seanton Bomb.

Winners: and still WCW Heavyweight Tag Team champions, Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire

Overall=76% Crowd=74% Match=78% **1/2

=====

WCW United States Heavyweight championships: Booker T © versus Chris Kanyon

Whoever thought that Booker T would take it a bit easier in this match to save energy later against Scott Steiner was wrong, as we quickly saw that Kanyon was able to pressure the champion enough into wrestling a very good match. He went light off the start with a Samoan drop on Booker, and later followed it up with a fireman’s carry into body slam. Booker was able to battle back, knocking Kanyon with a spinebuster. Booker went to the top for a missile dropkick, but Kanyon moved out of the way. Kanyon nailed a Flatliner for the win.

Winner: and new WCW United States Heavyweight champion, Chris Kanyon

Overall=80% Crowd=77% Match=83% ***

After the match, Ric Flair runs down and knocks Booker in the head with a chair.

=====

KroniK (Brian Adams & Bryan Clarke) versus The Mamalukes (Big Vito & Johnny The Bull)

Considering who was involved, this match was surprisingly good. Vito and Johnny The Bull kept up the pace of brawl that KroniK had set, but only for so long. Adams nailed a backbreaker on Johnny The Bull, and that took him out of the picture long enough for both members to hit the High Times on Big Vito for the win.

Winners: KroniK

Overall=67% Crowd=57% Match=78% **

=====

WCW Cruiserweight championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr. versus “Sugar” Shane Helms ©

There were some great matches on the card tonight, but none were as good as this one. Chavo Guerrero put on a clinic at the start, hitting a flying dropkick, Northern Lights suplex, and almost finished things with the brainbuster. Helms, the fighting champion that he is, was able to battle back. He had knocked Guerrero through the ropes onto the floor, and hit a hurricanronna – jumping from the top rope to the floor! When Helms finally brought Chavo into the ring, it was too late, and he kicked out. Guerrero later brought Helms to the top rope, but couldn’t hit a superplex. Helms held him on the top rope and nailed a top-rope Nightmare on Helms Street to retain his championship.

Winner: and still WCW Cruiserweight champion, “Sugar” Shane Helms

Overall=76% Crowd=60% Match=93% ***1/4

=====

Introducing the Doulbe A Team

“Above Average” Mike Sanders came to the ring with a microphone.

Mike Sanders: Now, I wanna introduce to you the team that will take the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team championships, I wanna introduce to you the Double A Team.

Alan Funk, the man formerly known as Kwee-Wee, walked to the ring.

MS: Ladies and gentlemen, Alan Funk and “Above Average” Mike Sanders, the greatest Tag Team in the Cruiserweight division. Next month, we will prove it, because I just got word from Shane McMahon backstage, we are the number one contenders to whoever wins tonight’s ladder match! But I can’t wait until next month at Slamboree, I need a match right now. So anyone in the back that wants to challenge an “above average” opponent, step on out.

Goldberg comes to the stage.

Goldberg: Mike Sanders: YOUR NEXT!

Goldberg comes to the ring. He gives a huge boot to the face to Sanders as Funk challenges Goldberg. Goldberg elbows him out of the ring as Sanders makes his way to his feet. Goldberg slams him down with the pump handle slam. Funk gets in the ring as Sanders gets to his feet. Spear to both men at the same time. Jackhammer to Sanders for the win.

Winner: Goldberg

Overall=69% Crowd=75% Match=57% 1/2*

=====

Cruiserweight Tag Team championships Ladder Match: III Count (Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore) versus Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo versus Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman w/ Torrie Wilson & Rey Mysterio Jr. w/ Tygress) © versus Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi)

This was more of a spotfest than a match itself, but it turned out to be very well organized as most of the spots were set up with prior moves, but it was hard to watch due to all of the commotion. Evan Karagias could have won the match easily, but when he was on top of the ladder, jumped and hit a flying cross body on Billy Kidman on the ground. Jimmy Yang and Elix Skipper were on the ladder at the same time, but Rey Mysterio (Yang) and Billy Kidman (Skipper) each dropkicked them off the ladder. Kid Romeo was on the top turnbuckle and went for a dropkick, but as he was mid-air Yang dropkicked him. After all of the pandemonium seemed to have took place, Rey Mysterio Jr. hit a Merry-Go-Round on Kaz Hayashi (the last man standing) as Kidman climbed and grabbed the titles.

Winners: and still WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team champions, Filthy Animals

Overall=69% Crowd=53% Match=85% **3/4

=====

Buff Bagwell & “the Chosen One” Jeff Jarrett with Ric Flair versus Diamond Dallas Page & Sting

Before the referee even rang the bell there was a big brawl with all four men battling it out for a couple of minutes until Page and Sting knocked both heels out of the ring to a crowd pop. After that it was your standard tag team match with Bagwell and Jarrett making quick tags to keep Sting grounded, until Sting clubbed his chest and used his last bit of strength to fight off both Bagwell and Jarrett, and make the tag to Page. Page battled back, but Ric Flair was able to distract the referee, allowing Jarrett to hit the guitar over the head of Page. Bagwell hit a Blockbuster on Sting and Jarrett hit the stroke on Page to finalize the match, but would have been a much different outcome had Flair not got involved.

Winners: Buff Bagwell & “the Chosen One” Jeff Jarrett

Overall=78% Crowd=82% Match=71% **

=====

WCW World Heavyweight championship: Booker T © versus “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner with Ric Flair

Booker T, for the first time since the Night of Champions, walked out to the ring with just one championship around his waste. “Big Poppa Pump” received a big chorus of boos as he and the “Nature Boy” walked out to the ring. Steiner punished the fatigued Booker early on in the match, driving him into the corner and smashing his shoulders into the abdomen of Booker. As Booker dragged himself from the corner he was hit with a thunderous belly to belly suplex. Steiner whipped Booker into the ropes and went for the Steinerline, but Booker T bounced back and nailed a flying forearm, though Steiner was able to wind the champ too. Both men got up at the same time and Booker hit a spinebuster which was basically one hand. Flair gets on the apron but Booker hits a Harlem Sidekick, knocking him down. Booker then kicked Steiner in the gut and hit a Ghettoblaster. Spinaroonie! Booker goes for the Book End, but Steiner elbows out. Steiner hits a low blow out of the referee’s site. Steiner hits a powerbomb, but Booker kicks out. Steiner and Flair argue with the referee Nick Patrick, and when Steiner turns around Booker hits him with a Book End to retain his championship!

Winner: and still WCW World Heavyweight champion, Booker T

Overall=78% Crowd=88% Match=55% 3/4*

[KJE]

WCW SPRING STAMPEDE REPORT

World Championship Wrestling’s return from a short hiatus did approximately 316,000 (0.79) viewers for Spring Stampede.  The attendance was much lower than expected, however, with lots of sections tarped off and just over 8,500 in attendance.  From pay-per-view revenue and ticket sales, WCW made over $2-million, but it is unsure if that will be enough to pay the costs of workers.

[KJE]

BURNING HAMMER OF THE WRESTLING GODS SIGNINGS

Vince Russo, Ken Shamrock, Vader, Ricky Steamboat and The Road Warriors are the big names that will head BHOTWG.  This is among many smaller names.

[KJE]

Slamboree Card

May 13, 2001

Las Vegas, Nevada

*Cruiserweight championship #1 Contender:  Chavo Guerrero Jr. versus Crowbar

*Cruiserweight Tag Team championships:  Double A Team (Alan Funk & “Above Average” Mike Sanders) versus Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr. w/ Torrie Wilson & Tygress) ©

*Heavyweight Tag Team championships:  KroniK (Brian Adams & Bryan Clarke) versus Palumbo & O’Haire ©

*Lance Storm versus Vampiro

*United States championship:  Chris Kanyon © versus Mike Awesome

*Six Man Tag Team:  Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page & Sting versus Buff Bagwell, “the Chosen One” Jeff Jarrett & “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner

Edited August 10, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[JaYo]

That was a good read. Very detailed and well written. I'm looking forward to see where you will go with wCw.

[Thatz]

Not bad, I'd like to see more news reports (like what ROH does) that detail WHY the matches were signed. The Slamboree card just looks like it was randomly thrown together.

[KJE]

Not bad, I'd like to see more news reports (like what ROH does) that detail WHY the matches were signed. The Slamboree card just looks like it was randomly thrown together.

←

[KJE]

WCW Slamboree

Sunday, May 13, 2001

Las Vegas, Nevada

Commentators: Mike Tenay & Scott Hudson

Mike Tenay: Welcome to WCW Slamboree, welcome to the second pay-per-view of WCW since Shane McMahon has bought this great promotion. I’m Mike Tenay, here again with Scott Hudson.

Scott Hudson: And for the second straight month, WCW presents an amazing wrestling card to you tonight. The Double A Team that introduced themselves last month – Alan Funk and Mike Sanders – will take on the Filthy Animals for the Cruiserweight Tag Team titles, not to mention the big main event Mike.

Mike Tenay: The World Heavyweight champion Booker T will team up with Diamond Dallas Page and the man they call Sting to take on the former Magnificent Seven stable, Buff Bagwell, Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner.

Scott Hudson: Speak of the devils…

Introducing the Fabulous Four

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair leads former World Heavyweight champions “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner and “the Chosen One” Jeff Jarrett, and Buff Bagwell down to the ring. Midajah has accompanied Steiner to the ring. Flair takes a microphone.

Ric Flair: You know …. Woooo! You know, Shane McMahon knew we were a threat. Shane McMahon knew that the Magnificent Seven was a threat to his company, so he only brought in four of us. Shane, you may not have taken the Magnificent Seven, but you sure did take the Fabulous Four! Woooooooooooo!

Flair hands the microphone to Steiner.

Scott Steiner: Booker T, you may have got me last month at Spring Stampede, but I just got out of Shane McMahon’s office, and I can tell you that tonight’s six man tag team match is for the number one contendership to your World Heavyweight title. Whichever one of us wins tonight, we get a shot at your belt at the Great American Bash. And I know that all freaks out there wanna see me kick your ass one more time. Booker T, “Big Poppa Pump” is your hook up … HOLLA if ya hear me!

Jarrett then takes the microphone.

Jeff Jarrett: Diamond Dallas Page, Sting, I guess you guys just don’t understand. Me and Buff kicked your ass last month, now we get to do it one more time. Booker T, be aware, because it just might happen that I’m taking your championship next month at the Great American Bash.

Buff, Flair and Steiner look at Jarrett and before he gets to continue, Flair tells the group that they are leaving.

Overall=93%

==========

Cruiserweight campionship #1 Contender: Chavo Guerrero Jr. versus Crowbar

Chavo Guerrero was quite upset when he lost his third straight decision to Shane Helms for the Cruiserweight title, however his petition to become the number one contender was granted by Shane McMahon, should he defeat Crowbar here tonight. The match was nothing memorable, but it was a solid contest of good wrestling that saw Crowbar slip out of the brainbuster and hit the Mindbender for the win.

Winner: and new number one contender, Crowbar

Overall=70% Crowd=58% Match=83% **½

==========

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team championships: Double A Team (Alan Funk & “Above Average” Mike Sanders) versus Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr. w/ Torrie Wilson & Tygress) ©

Alan Funk and Mike Sanders re-debuted as a team last month at Spring Stampede, telling the crowd that they were the number one contenders to the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team titles, and that they were ready to take on anyone at that time. Goldberg came out and squashed Sanders, but tonight they still get their chance in tag team action. The team displayed some good moves, however it was a miscommunication in the end where Sanders accidentally clotheslined Funk, allowing Kidman to hit the Kid Krusher for the win.

Winners: and still Cruiserweight Tag Team champions, Filthy Animals

Overall=71% Crowd=61% Match=82% **½

==========

WCW Heavyweight Tag Team championships: KroniK (Brian Adams & Bryan Clarke) versus Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire ©

Palumbo and O’Haire retained their tag team belts against Team Canada last month when Awesome turned on Storm while KroniK managed to get past the Mamalukes in a tough tag team contest. This match wasn’t strong as Bryan Clarke no sold most of the match, even on the simple little punches that were thrown at him. KroniK did show some power in the match, but it was a Chuck Palumbo jungle kick that ended things.

Winners: and still Heavyweight Tag Team champions, Palumbo & O’Haire

Overall=61% Crowd=62% Match=62% ¾*

==========

If He Could Be Serious For A Minute

Lance Storm comes to the ring.

Lance Storm: If I could be serious for minute… At Spring Stampede, Mike Awesome turned his back on my nation. And you guys love him again. If I remember correctly, it was Mike Awesome that turned his back on you guys last year. Oh right, stupid Americans forgive and forget. But Mike Awesome, I don’t. When you turn on me, I turn on you. Tonight you have your shot at Chris Kanyon, but by the end of the night, I guarantee you that the real Team Canada will come alive. All rise for the playing of the Canadian National Anthem.

“O Canada” plays before Storm’s opponent, Vampiro, comes to the ring.

Overall=71%

==========

Lance Storm versus Vampiro

This is Vampiro’s first action with the new World Championship Wrestling, and Lance Storm is still very angry after last month’s happenings with Awesome. Vampiro hit many moves – belly to belly, Northern Lights suplex and a flying dropkick, but he wasn’t able to take down Storm who eventually won the contest with the Canadian Maple Leaf.

Winner: Lance Storm

Overall=74% Crowd=71% Match=77% **¼

==========

Awesome Interview … NOT

Mike Awesome then comes to the ring before his match in front of a cheering crowd.

Mike Awesome: Lance Storm! I turned on you because Canada sucks, man! Lance you promised a lot of things that were all broken – higher paychecks, more babes … nope. A ton a more babes in the US. But now look at me, Lance. I wrestle Chris Kanyon for the United States championship. Where’s your title shot? Oh right, you don’t get one! Bring on Kanyon!

WELL THAT WAS TERRIBLE.

Overall=57%

==========

WCW United States Heavyweight championship: Chris Kanyon © versus Mike Awesome

Chris Kanyon is riding a high after winning the United States title last month against Booker T, but so is Awesome for his turn against Storm. This was another solid match, with each man getting in offense. Kanyon kicked out of an Awesome Bomb and an Awesome splash, but Awesome himself kicked out of two flatliners. Awesome wins by disqualification, however, when Lance Storm leads out Steve Corino and Test! All three men attack Awesome.

Winner: by disqualification through interference, Mike Awesome, however, still United States Heavyweight champion, Chris Kanyon.

Kanyon doesn’t get involved in the attack, however, he also doesn’t stop the new Team Canada. Corino hits a superkick and then Test hits the pump handle slam. Lance Storm locks on the Canadian Maple Leaf for good measure.

“One of a Kind!”

All three members of Team Canada clear the ring when former ECW superstar Rob Van Dam runs down to the ring and saves Awesome! Canada goes back to the stage and through the entrance way, the damage was done. Van Dam bad mouths the new stable… Lance Storm and Mike Awesome is really just beginning!

Overall=72% Crowd=68% Match=77% **¼

==========

WCW World Heavyweight champion Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page & Sting versus The Fabulous Four (Buff Bagwell, “the Chosen One” Jeff Jarrett & “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner – with “the Nature Boy” Ric Flair)

Booker T retained his championship over Scott Steiner at Spring Stampede, but Jeff Jarrett and Buff Bagwell defeated Diamond Dallas Page and Sting at the same show. A huge six man brawl erupted to start the match off, but to the delight of the fans, Booker, Page and Sting all knocked out the Fabulous Four wrestlers to the floor. Diamond Dallas Page started off with Jeff Jarrett in the ring, but due to dirty tactics, Jarrett had the advantage. Bagwell and Jarrett double teamed Page for a while and made some smart quick tags to keep Page grounded. However, DDP ducked a double clothesline and laid both men out at the same time with two of his own before making the hot tag to the Stinger. Bagwell had no choice but to tag in Steiner as two fresh men were in. Neither man had the advantage until Steiner decked Sting in the gut with a knee, and clotheslined him down. He hit the Steinerline and an elbow drop before doing his customary push ups. Steiner followed it up with a belly to belly and a pin, but Sting kicked out. Steiner then went for a powerbomb, but Sting got out and went for a clothesline. Steiner ducked and Sting hit referee Nick Patrick! All hell breaks lose as Bagwell, Flair and Jarrett all get involved. This brings in Booker T and a revived Page. As the carnage unfolds, Page and Sting are down. Booker hits Flair with a flying forearm; hits the Harlem sidekick to Bagwell, knocking him down; kicks Jarrett in the gut and hits the Ghettoblaster; and then hits Steiner with the Book End. Patrick, barely revived, makes a slow count. 1…………..2………………….Steiner kicks out! The crowd boos, but Booker goes back to work. He calls for a second Book End, but Steiner elbows his way out of hit and hits a sickening powerbomb, but can’t capitalize. Booker crawls to his corner and tags in Page. Page goes to hit Steiner with the Diamond Cutter, but Steiner pushes him away. Steiner hits a Steinerline and locks on the Steiner Recliner. Page taps as Booker and Sting can’t break it up, as they are being taken care of by Bagwell and Jarrett.

Winners: The Fabulous Four

It really was a clusterfuck, but the crowd was very hot for the whole thing.

Overall=79% Crowd=85% Match=68% *¾

Overall=70%

[KJE]

XPW GROWS AND FALLS

XPW has risen to cult level, but XPW TV has been dropped by KTLA due to poor ratings.

[KJE]

SLAMBOREE RESULTS

304,000 viewers bought Slamboree for a final buyrate of 0.76.  This is slightly down from Spring Stampede, but still considered to be very well.  Attendance was again, over 8,500.  With this, it is expected that the company made around $2.2-million from revenue (PPV and gate).

Edited August 10, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[KJE]

Primal Urge Preview

At Spring Stampede, Booker T thought he defeated "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner for the last time to retain his WCW World Heavyweight championship.  Shane McMahon told Scott Steiner that should he win the six man tag team match, he will take home the #1 contendership to the WCW title.  Steiner did just that at Slamboree by forcing Diamond Dallas Page to tap out to the Steiner Recliner.  What will Booker T, the champion, have to say to the new number one contender?

A few short weeks ago at Slamboree, Crowbar defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to become the number one contender to "Sugar" Shane Helm's WCW Cruiserweight championship.  Tonight, Helm's will take on Crowbar for the title!

Shane McMahon has a huge announcement to make regarding the Great American Bash, which takes place on July 17 in Washington, DC!  Who knows what this could be?

Everybody remembers what happened at Spring Stampede.  Mike Awesome attacked his own partner Lance Storm, much to the fans delight.  But Storm got some revenge against Awesome Slamboree, having his new cahots Steve Corino and Test attack Awesome, only to see Rob Van Dam save the day.  Mike Awesome and Rob Van Dam will take on Corino and Test on the first edition of Primal Urge.

Confirmed Matches

WCW Cruiserweight championship:  Crowbar versus "Sugar" Shane Helms ©

Mike Awesome & Rob Van Dam versus Team Canada ("King of Old School" Steve Corino & Test)

Edited August 10, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[GA!]

Sweet federation. I love how you have decided not to cheat and to skip the process of trying to find a TV deal just to have two shows a week. WCW Primal Urge should be a great show and at least you didn't call it WCW Hot Box.

[KJE]

WCW Primal Urge

June 4, 2001

Orlando, Florida

Commentators: Mike Tenay & Scott Hudson

Mike Tenay: There is no war tonight, but WCW returns to Monday night television here on the USA Network. Welcome to Primal Urge, I’m Mike Tenay, here as always alongside Scott Hudson, and Scott there is no better way than to return to television with Mike Awesome teaming up with his new-found friend Rob Van Dam to take on Lance Storm’s Team Canada – the “King of Old School” Steve Corino and Test.

Scott Hudson: It is Mike, but the amazing thing is that is not all the action we have for you tonight! Crowbar is the new number one contender to the WCW Cruiserweight title, he will get his shot tonight against Helms.

Mike Tenay: But fans we don’t have any time to waste, Booker T has a new challenger for his WCW World championship, and he is coming out here to speak to you fans and to Scott Steiner!

“Don’t Hate the Playa’, Hate The Game!”

Booker T does come out to the ring to the delight of the fans in his dressy Hawaiian shirt with his championship draped around his shoulder.

Booker T: Boo yah! Booker T is in the house dawg! And it looks like the Bookerman has got a little challenge from “Big Poppa Pump!” Steiner, it looks like I’m on top of you. Since I won the title, I beat’choo at Hallowe’en Havoc, Night of Champions, Spring Stampede and you … you beat me at Mayhem. So I got NO PROBLEM kickin’ your ass one more time, but when you are on your back looking up at the lights, and when the smoke clears and I walk out as WCW champion … I want you to SAVE THE DRAMA FOR …

Sirens blare through the arena as Scott Steiner wastes no time and walks out to the ring.

Scott Steiner: Booker T, you may think you know what you’re getting into, but the truth is you have no clue. “Big Poppa Pump” is a reenergized man, and that’s not a good thing considering I’m the man with the largest arms in the world … and I’m the man that put you on the shelf for three months because you can’t handle a little pain.

Steiner, wearing his black shades shows no emotion on his face as Booker looks to the crowd.

Booker T: You think that’s so, don’tchya Scott. Well I have news for you. You see, this is why I’m here. I’m here to tell you that in 13 days we will have a rematch … from last November at Mayhem. It’s gonna be Caged Heat Steiner. It’s gonna be a straight jacket hanging from the top of the cage … and when you’re sittin’ at home this time after I put you out, DON’T HATE THE PLAYA’, HATE THE GAME!

This prompts Steiner to attack Booker T, but security are right on them before they have any chance to do anything.

Overall=90%

==========

WCW Cruiserweight championship: Crowbar versus “Sugar” Shane Helms ©

Crowbar is the number one contender after winning a match against former champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. Shane Helms defeated Chavo for the title at Green in March, retained it at the Night of Champions and at Spring Stampede before Crowbar defeated Guerrero at Slamboree. The cruiserweight division delivered another solid match as Shane Helms retains his championship with the Nightmare on Helms Street.

Winner: and still WCW Cruiserweight champion, “Sugar” Shane Helms

Overall=68% Crowd=54% Match=83% **½

==========

WCW United States Heavyweight champion Chris Kanyon & the Double A Team (Alan Funk & “Above Average” Mike Sanders) versus WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team champions Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman w/ Torrie Wilson & Rey Mysterio Jr. w/ Tygress) & Vampiro

From the looks of things it looks like we have two more matches for the Great American Bash pay-per-view. Mike Tenay confirms it, saying that Kanyon will defend his championship against Vampiro and the Double A Team will get their second chance at the Cruiserweight Tag Team champions Filthy Animals. Hence, we have a six man tag team match to build for the event. The crowd wasn’t too high on the match as the Double A Team are still new for them to adjust to as a team, but they should be taken seriously as Mike Sanders nails the 3.0 on Rey Mysterio Jr. for the win.

Winners: Chris Kanyon & the Double A Team

Overall=67% Crowd=62% Match=72% *½

==========

Team Canada are backstage. No interviewer, but Lance Storm has a microphone.

Lance Storm: I told Mike Awesome at Slamboree that there would be the real Team Canada showing up by the end of the night, and I … we, did not disappoint. Rob Van Dam wants to mess with our business, so tonight, the real Team Canada makes our debut. Steve Corino, the “King of Old School,” and my personal bodyguard, Test, will teach Van Dam and Mike Awesome what it costs to stick your nose in our business.

Overall=82%

==========

And this brings us to Shane McMahon in his office with some announcements to make.

Shane McMahon: What’s up WCW fans? I’ve somewhat kept in the dark over the last month or so, because I feel that it is up to the wrestlers to put the show on, after all, this is WCW, not the Shane McMahon show. However, I do feel the need to step into for certain situations, such as this. Next week, Goldberg will make his return to the ring!

The crowd roars in appreciation to this comment.

Shane McMahon: But that’s not all. Since Bagwell has left, Jeff Jarrett is without a partner to challenge his current enemies Diamond Dallas Page and Sting. Instead of a handicap match, we will be putting the three wrestlers in one triple threat match at the Great American Bash, with the winner becoming the number one contender to Booker T’s WCW championship … assuming he holds onto the belt passed Steiner in 13 days. For now, I do not have any more announcements, but stay tuned to Primal Urge tonight and next week for more!

Overall=81%

==========

Mike Awesome & Rob Van Dam versus Team Canada (“King of Old School” Steve Corino & Test – with Lance Storm)

Before Rob Van Dam even gets out to the ring, Awesome goes to attack both Corino and Test. Test and Corino take the advantage early as Van Dam gets to the ring to even the odds. But with a big boot from Test, Van Dam is taken down quickly himself. Corino tosses Awesome out of the ring and Test punishes Van Dam in the corner. Test nails Van Dam with a superplex. Test tags in Corino. He and Van Dam go at it for a while, but Corino ends up nailing a superkick right to RVD’s face. Awesome begs for a tag as Corino waits and hits a Northern Lights bomb on Van Dam! Awesome breaks up the pin and this is when the chaos happens. Awesome and Test go toe to toe as Van Dam hits the Van Damninator on Corino. Awesome knocks Test down and kicks Corino in the gut and hits an Awesome Bomb. Storm gets on the apron and distracts the referee, and no pin happens. Awesome knocks Storm off the apron as Van Dam goes to the top and hits the Five Star Frog Splash on Corino. He can’t make the cover and Storm and Awesome are verbally fighting. Test attacks Awesome from behind as Hugh Morrus runs in and throws Storm into the barricade! Van Dam hits a flying dropkick to Test, knocking him down as Awesome covers him for the win.

A six man brawl erupts right as the match ends. Within moments, Awesome knocks Corino out and Van Dam whips Test over the ropes. The two Canadian members can’t go back inside, or will be attacked, and can’t pull out Storm! Awesome hits Storm with the Awesome Bomb. Van Dam is on top and nails the Five Star Frog Splash, and finally Hugh Morrus hits the No Laughing Matter moonsault on Storm and the three faces celebrate as the show comes to an end.

Winners: Mike Awesome & Rob Van Dam

Overall=69% Crowd=63% Match=76% **

Overall=75%

Rating=1.8

Attendance=3,009

Ticket Sales=$90,270

Edited August 12, 2005 by Kevin Elliott

[KJE]

PRIMAL URGE RESULTS

The first edition of Primal Urge drew a great 1.8 rating, a number that both WCW and the USA Network are extremely pleased with.  With the announcement that Goldberg will be at the next show, WCW hopes that the rating will stay at the same level.

Attendance was just over 3,000 and ticket sales were over $90,000.