Under The Corporate Umbrella

[King.]

May 27th 2001

Worldwide opened with Mike Tenay welcoming everyone to the show, and continued with Tenay delivering news of talent releases from World Championship Wrestling. To add to the “news” style show, Worldwide debuted graphics to go along with the news reports, and also featured a scrolling news ticker across the bottom of the screen featuring “On Sale Ticket Dates”, “Appearances”, and “Upcoming Matches” for Worldwide.

Tenay announced that Kwee Wee along with Paisley, Road Warrior Animal, and Jim Duggan had been released from their contracts with World Championship Wrestling.

Mike Tenay then sent us to the arena where The Mamalukes, Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli awaited their opponents. Making their debut, The UnHoly Alliance of Mikey Whipwreck and Tajiri took on The Mamalukes. In a surprisingly amazing match which last well over fifteen minutes, The UnHoly Alliance picked up the victory. The Mamalukes briefly argued after the match as they made their way to the back.

Next up, Mike Tenay back in the studio announced that this coming week on Tuesday Night Nitro, former World Champion Booker T would address the current internet rumors regarding a forthcoming retirement. Tenay also announced a blockbuster eight man tag team match which would be the main event of Nitro. Triple H will be teaming with Scott Steiner, William Regal, and WCW World Champion Jeff Jarrett to take on Ric Flair, Sting, Randy Savage, and former World Champion Booker T.

In a non-title match, Tony Mamaluke, making his debut with WCW defeated Cruiserweight Champion Shane Helms after Little Guido, also making his debut with the company interfered. Afterwards, WCW Commissioner Paul Heyman was shown in his office smiling from ear to ear, declaring “That’s Entertainment!”

A video package highlighting the return of “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig to WCW played through. The video promised “Perfection” in one week.

Backstage, Tony Mamaluke was shown wiping himself down in the locker room, and resting. Just then, Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli appeared. Mamaluke stepped forward, ready for a fight. Vito challenged Tony asking him what made him think he had any right to call himself a “Mamaluke”. Little Guido appeared, informing The Mamalukes that things were going to change around WCW, and it was us to Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli where they stood. After thinking it over, Big Vito asked Little Guido exactly what he had in mind.

The Sandman made his way to the ring to challenge Don Harris to a match. Minutes after the bell rang; The Sandman ducked a clothesline attempt from the Harris brother, and spun him around for a DDT. The DDT ended it all with Sandman quickly picking up the victory. Ron Harris appeared, calling the win a fluke, and after briefly asking for the bell to be re-rung and the match to restart, Ron decided he’d take on Sandman. The bell rang again, and this time Sandman pointed to his chin, allowing Ron to get a punch in, before putting Ron Harris away in a similar fashion, and picking up the victory.

Backstage Terry Funk thanked Tommy Dreamer for giving him the opportunity to win the United States Championship. Rhyno appeared in the locker room, mocking the win, and mocking the team of Tommy Dreamer and Terry Funk. Rhyno called out Terry Funk to put his WCW Hardcore title on the line against him tonight, asking Funk if he was too senile to even remember himself being the Hardcore champion. Rhyno even invited Dreamer to team with Funk, only under similar stipulations to their last handicap match. Even if Rhyno pinned Dreamer, he’d be rewarded the Hardcore championship. Funk and Dreamer accepted the match.

The Hardcore title match began with a hardcore brawl of chairs, garbage cans, and tables. WCW under it’s new management definitely brought in a WWF style of Hardcore wrestling, which the fans seemed to appreciate. The ending of the match saw Rhyno GORE Terry Funk through a table which was perched in the corner of the ring. This left Tommy Dreamer alone in the ring. Amazingly, Dreamer managed to side step a GORE attempt from Rhyno, and quickly arm himself with a steel chair. However, before Dreamer could connect, he was attacked from behind by “The New F’in Show” Jerry Lynn. Lynn flattened Dreamer with punches to the back of the head, allowing him to set up for a cradle piledriver which put Dreamer out. As Lynn continued to beat on Dreamer, Rhyno hit a second GORE on Funk, to pick up the victory, and win the WCW Hardcore Championship!

Worldwide ended with a shot of Rhyno holding the Hardcore Championship, and Dreamer/Jerry Lynn battling on the outside.

Worldwide Match Recap

The UnHoly Alliance d. The Mamalukes

Tony Mamaluke d. Shane Helms

Sandman d. Don Harris

Sandman d. Ron Harris

Rhyno d. Terry Funk/Tommy Dreamer - WCW Hardcore Championship

[JStarr]

lol, america