WCW 2006

[Chasing Lamely]

WCW - A Brief History (2001-2006)

2001

2001 was a torrid year for WCW - and almost its last. Following a year 2000 in which the company reported shock record losses of $62.5 million, AOL-Time Warner executive Jamie Kellner decided that enough was enough, pulling the plug on the company and it's two TV shows, Monday Nitro and Thunder. On Monday 26th March, 2001, the final episode of Monday Nitro aired on TNT, ending with the shock announcement that Eric Bischoff, long-time WCW figurehead and Chairman of the Fusient Media Group, had purchased the company. Things had been rocky for the Fusient group. But losing Nitro & Thunder was just the tip of the iceberg.

After a brief hiatus - known to the internet wrestling community as the "Reset Period" - WCW returned on May 6th with the Big Bang Pay-Per-View. Immediately, the poor state of the company was obvious. Many of the top stars of WCW, including Sting, Ric Flair, Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett and Hulk Hogan were under contract to Time Warner, not specifically WCW. In other words, they weren't a part of the deal and Fusient couldn't afford to buy them out of their contracts.

As a result, Big Bang featured a weak card, headlined by a World Title match between champion Booker T and the only man to voluntarily make the jump from Time Warner to WCW - Diamond Dallas Page. The babyface versus babyface confrontation lead to Booker T turning heel after retaining the gold - the spark that would ignite the only major feud WCW would present in 2001. This feud escalated when DDP interfered to help Hugh Morrus take Booker T's United States Title in the main event of the Great American Bash. Morrus would go on to hold the belt for a year and a half.

At Mayhem 2001, DDP lost an I Quit match to Booker T, ending their feud with Booker retaining the title. After the match, Booker laid a beat down on DDP that would leave him on the injured list for three months, but may have done for a lot longer if it weren't for the return of a long-time WCW loyalist - "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. This brief confrontation was the set up for the feud that would lead WCW into 2002, with the first match happening at Starrcade. Flair was able to successfully end Booker's run as champion, capturing his 17th World Title in the process.

Edited September 30, 2006 by Chasing Lamely

[Chasing Lamely]

2002

Although Ric Flair reclaiming the World Title was ill-received by internet critics, it lead to many WCW viewers to return. The January PPV, Syn, saw a paid live audience of 8,000 - the highest domestic crowd the company had drawn for over a year - alongside a 0.35 buy rate. They were treated to a classic re-match between Flair and Booker that ended in a one-hour time limit draw and a great Cruiserweight title match between Shane Helms and his former tag team partner Shannon Moore.

Because of the success of Syn, Bischoff was able to secure a deal to bring back Monday Nitro on Fox. Although it was only initially a 12-week trial of an hour long show, it was more than enough for the limited WCW roster. The WCW fans returned to watch Nitro and Bischoff took the opportunity to develop and introduce the next generation of new stars. Within weeks, Bischoff had made stars of new signings like CW Anderson, Christian York and The Ballard Brothers, as well as Power Plant Graduate Sonny Siaki. But the biggest success of the 'New Generation' was a man who had been buried by the old WCW regime.

The fastest-rising star in WCW managed to make his big impact at Spring Stampede by winning a Battle Royal and number one contendership to the WCW World Title. Though many never gave him a chance, Mike Awesome defeated Ric Flair at Slamboree and became the new World Champion.

Awesome was quickly written off as nothing more than a freak transitional champion, but he has proved everyone wrong with his 4+ year title reign. Awesome has taken on all-comers, but nobody has been able to get the better of him.

June 2002 saw the landscape of professional wrestling changed when the gap left by ECW's closure was filled by former WCW Champion Jeff Jarrett's new promotion, NWA: Total Non-stop Action. Originally berated as being nothing more than a group of WCW cast-offs and indy stars, TNA has grown to become a legitimate challenger to the Big Two. It was also the month in which Sean Waltman returned to WCW, making an instant impact by winning the Cruiserweight Title from Shane Helms. It wasn't long before the WCW crowd turned against him, however, prompting Waltman to strike out on his own. He turned his back on the people and began to make trouble for all around him, making many enemies among the WCW stars. He managed to maintain enough momentum to retain the Cruiserweight Title until the end of the year, however, but would lose the belt to Christian York at Starrcade.

With the return of Nitro, the WCW Television Title was resurrected in a tournament won by Mike Sanders. He would lose the belt to Rey Misterio Jr.

The feud was ignited after the two former partners lost their Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles to the Ballard Brothers. Misterio was able to capture the Television Title from Mike Sanders but Kidman was overcome with jealousy of his friend's success, turning against him and administering a horrific beat down in the process. Their feud culminated at Starrcade in a brutal Title vs. Career ladder match, which Kidman won with the help of Torrie Wilson. Misterio would later resurface in the WWE and capture the Light Heavyweight Title.

Also at Starrcade, Hugh Morrus' run as United States Champion came to an end in an epic triple threat match that also featured Lance Storm and eventual winner Sean O'Haire. O'Haire's victory saw a change in attitude as the cocky youngster matured into a dark, maniacal character who enjoyed playing devil's advocate.

[Chasing Lamely]

2003

As 2003 rolled around, WCW was thriving once again. The new blood was holding most of the gold with Mike Awesome, Sean O'Haire and Christian York all holding singles titles and the Ballard Brothers and Jung Dragons holding the Cruiserweight and World Tag Titles respectively.

But despite the successful resurrection of the company, WCW still found themselves in second place in the Monday Night Wars. The WWE had taken advantage of WCW's poor financial position and signed up the majority of the former stars, including Nash, Hall and Hogan. Things only got worse when Scott Steiner finally agreed terms with the McMahons and made a spectacular debut by winning the Royal Rumble match.

Desperate to fight back in the ratings war, and unable to sustain a second hour of TV with such limited resources, WCW appeared to be losing their grip on the number two position. But there was a second war about to begin on Monday nights.

Ric Flair, seeing that the old heads were losing their grip on WCW, reformed the Four Horsemen alongside his son David, CW Anderson and Shawn Stasiak. Though many agree that it was the weakest line-up in the group's history, it was enough to keep the WCW audience interested in the product.

Ric Flair waged war on the heavyweight champion, coming close to winning the belt at Greed, only to be foiled by his stable mates turning against him. David Flair and Stasiak, rechristened The Next Generation, have remained a team to this day, with many agreeing that they may be one of the strongest teams in professional wrestling today.

They found themselves in the middle of the war between the Jung Dragons and the Ballard Brothers which culminated in a TLC match at the Great American Bash. The Jung Dragons would win the match, unifying the World and Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles in the process.

But Flair and Stasiak, alongside CW Anderson, had bigger problems to deal with. "The Nature Boy" wanted revenge for their betrayal, and put his World Title aspirations to one side to get it. Still desperate to re-establish the old stars of WCW, he joined forces with DDP, determined to rid the company of the cocky young upstarts. They waged war on everyone in their sights, but kept coming up short against the three turncoats. But it was an event in the WWE that changed everything.

The WWE made an announcement that many thought would be the final nail in WCW's coffin the day after Wrestlemania, when they told the entire world that they had secured the contract of Bill Goldberg. Thrown into a panic, it was this deal that made WCW sign the man who would help Flair's old stars regain their place in WCW.

After months of intense negotiations, WCW halted a ratings slide when Flair and Page finally defeated the Next Generation at Bash At The Beach with help from the returning Sting, who descended from the rafters to help them. A 6-man tag team match was signed for Uncensored, with the stipulation that Sting, Flair and Page would have to retire if they lost. However, the veteran team was successful and the old stars were back on top. But their alliance wouldn't last.

Predictably, it was the World Heavyweight Title that came between them. They agreed to work together to try and take the belt away from Mike Awesome, but when all three men fell short in their title matches they turned against one another, leading to a brutal three way match at Starrcade.

Also at Starrcade, WCW Cruiserweight Champion Mike Sanders, who captured the belt from Christian York at Fall Brawl, lost his title to the first man to defect from the WWE to WCW under the new regime - Sho Funaki. After years as a comedy opener in New York, Funaki came to WCW with a change in attitude, bringing his 'A' game with him and delivering a much-needed boost to the cruiserweight division.

The Television title changed hands several times during 2003, with Kidman trading it back and forth with the returning Juventud Guerrera throughout the year, before finally losing it to Hugh Morrus, now known as Bill DeMott, at Halloween Havoc. DeMott would lose the title to Lance Storm at Starrcade, before announcing his retirement the following night. He is now assistant trainer, alongside Paul Orndorff, at the Power Plant.

Starrcade also saw the Jung Dragons' Tag Team Title reign come to an end when they lost the belts in an excellent contest to the Ballard Brothers.

Sean O'Haire managed to retain the United States Title until November, but lost the gold to Chris Kanyon at Mayhem. Their rematch at Starrcade saw O'Haire regain the gold before they brawled all the way out of the arena.

[Chasing Lamely]

2004

The New Year began with the start of a tag team war that would define the year. Following the split of the Jung Dragons, Jimmy Yang would team with Shannon Moore to dethrone the Ballard Brothers at Syn, igniting a tag team feud with their former tag team partners, Shane Helms and Kaz Hayashi. They would battle each other for most of the year as the Ballard Brothers went on a forced hiatus when Shannon broke his leg, putting him on the shelf for 8 months.

It was the beginning of great things for Shane, as he took the opportunity to establish himself as a singles star and captured the Cruiserweight Title from Funaki at Greed. His reign was short-lived, however, as he would lose the title to Elix Skipper in April at Spring Stampede. After retaining the title in their rematch at Slamboree, Skipper would go on to feud with fellow Power Plant graduate Sonny Siaki, a feud which culminated in a brutal Cage match at Fall Brawl.

Sean Waltman returned from a self-enforced hiatus in August, having been unseen in WCW since June 2003 and would form a short-lived allegiance with Marcus "Buff" Bagwell. Together they captured the WCW World Tag Team Titles from Yang & Moore but the two egos would flare up, leading to a feud that forced them to vacate the titles in the run up to Starrcade. The titles would be won in a four-team TLC match at Starrcade by the Next Generation, who conquered Yang & Moore, Helms & Hayashi and The Ballard Brothers in a match that would win several Match of the Year awards.

The TV Title was defended proudly by Lance Storm until April, when he would lose the title to Chris Kanyon at Spring Stampede. Kanyon, who was still feuding with Sean O'Haire, would lose the title to Fit Finlay at the Great American Bash. The Belfast Brawler would retain the title until Starrcade, when Storm once again won the belt in a Career vs. Title submission match. Finlay would retire and become a road agent for WCW.

But the Kanyon-O'Haire feud was one of the big stories of the year. Following their match at Starrcade 2004, O'Haire spent the year ducking the challenge of Kanyon, preferring to take on lower card challengers to maintain his title run. He would lose the United States title at Uncensored, after foolishly agreeing to take on a 'mystery challenger' of Kanyon's choosing. The challenger turned out to be a man who had just defected from the WWE, former Intercontinental Champion D'Lo Brown. The shock defection happened so suddenly that D'Lo was being advertised in an Intercontinental Title match on Raw the following night. Instead, he was successfully defending his United States Title against Booker T. Booker had slipped down the card in recent times, several failed attempts to defeat Mike Awesome had forced him to question his abilities, with his wife Sharmell joining him at ringside in an attempt to spur him to victory. They would form a heel alliance that exists in the company to this day.

The Kanyon-O'Haire feud would last until Mayhem, when Kanyon would defeat O'Haire in an Iron Man Match to win the number one contendership to the World Title. Kanyon went on to Starrcade, where he became yet another unsuccessful challenger to Mike Awesome. Awesome had successfully overcome the challenges of Ric Flair, DDP, Booker T and Sting, as well as such obscure challengers as Mike Sanders, CW Anderson and Fit Finlay.

Sanders would reclaim gold though, winning the Cruiserweight Title in a Power Plant 3-Man Elimination Table Match against Skipper & Siaki. The match was widely slated by critics, but Sanders would go on to prove himself worthy of his reign in 2005.

[Chasing Lamely]

2005

As 2005 came around, the WCW crowd were beginning to turn against Mike Awesome and his World Championship reign. They had seen him defeat everyone in the company already and they could see the only way forward was for him to do it again. Despite the best efforts of the WCW creative team to mix things up with various stipulations, handicap and multi-man matches, by the Autumn Awesome was attracting the infamous 'wrong kind of heat' - perhaps better known as 'X-Pac heat.' Ironic then that in the run-up to Halloween Havoc, he found himself embroiled in a bitter and bloody feud with Sean Waltman. Waltman had spent most of the year on another self-imposed hiatus following his loss to Buff Bagwell at Starrcade, but returned spectacularly in October on an episode of Nitro to demand a shot at the World Title. Awesome duly obliged him and was taken to a time limit draw on the Pay-Per-View. The aggression of Waltman seemed to take Awesome by surprise and he wasn't the only one. The WCW fans had been expecting Awesome to squash him quickly and easily, but they found themselves with a new hero in Waltman. They started to believe that he was the man who would be able to dethrone the champion. Their rematch at Mayhem saw Waltman once again looking like a major threat to the Champion, with Awesome forced to sneak out through the backdoor via a DQ. The tension was building as they headed into Starrcade for a main event match that was signed as a Last Man Standing match. It was a brutal contest that went all over the arena, with a mass of weapons used. But it was Awesome who took the victory after brutalising Waltman with a barbed wire baseball bat and finishing him off with an Awesome Bomb through a flaming table covered in barbed wire and thumbtacks.

The Cruiserweight Title would find itself in safe hands throughout 2005, as Mike Sanders took on all-comers and managed to retain the belt throughout the year, the most notable feud he would have would be against Juventud Guerrera. The feud would last for most of the year, producing many exciting matches, but Guerrera was unable to claim the title.

D'Lo Brown would lose his United States title early on in 2005 when he was defeated at Superbrawl by the newly-defected Andrew Martin. The wrestler formerly known as Test would hold the title for three months, losing it to another ex-WWE superstar. Matt Hardy, recently fired by the company following his split with Lita, came in to win the US Title at Slamboree. His momentum and newly-found never say die attitude have lead the Angelic Diablo to remain unbeaten for over a year, with the fans sympathetic to his cause and the ratings spiked by his signing.

The Tag Team Titles would be won by Helms & Hayashi at Greed, allowing them to resume their feud with Yang & Moore. Yang & Moore would win the titles at the Great American Bash, but their alliance was on its last legs and they would split while still the champions. The two of them feuded over possession of the belts and Yang would win control of them in a ladder match at Fall Brawl and choose Funaki as his partner. They would lose the belts to the Ballard Brothers at Starrcade and drift apart.

The TV Title would be traded back and forth by Lance Storm and Ric Flair in one of the shock feuds of the year. It may just have been a simple rehash of the USA vs. Canada feud, but it produced a series of excellent Pay-Per-View outings. Flair won the title in July at Bash At The Beach, and managed to post a surprise match of the year in his first defence at Uncensored. But the match wasn't against Storm, who was nursing a minor injury at the time, but against CW Anderson. The match made the WCW fans finally begin to accept Anderson. He went on to have a great hardcore outing against Christian York at Halloween Havoc that made both of them stars.

In other news, the November 13th death of Eddie Guerrero would lead to a rare moment of co-operation between the 'big two' as they joined forces to present a live simulcast match between Rey Mysterio & Chavo Guerrero Jr. The match won critical acclaim, being heralded as the perfect way to honour the memory of a legend.

[Chasing Lamely]

2006

The current year kicked off with a new talent initiative that lead to the opening of a new developmental territory, WCW Europe, opened to coincide with the announcement that Nitro would be gaining a second hour in the autumn and supplement a heavily depleted roster. On screen, Sean Waltman would find himself on the injured list as a result of a concussion he suffered at Starrcade, while Lance Storm would once again find himself beginning the year as Television Champion.

Storm would find his reign as champion short-lived, losing the TV title to Juventud Guerrera at Superbrawl, but it was the springboard that would lead him into a feud with Matt Hardy over the United States Title. After months of dancing around one another, Storm fired the first shot when he attacked Hardy during his title defence against Shannon Moore at Uncensored.

Cruiserweight Champion Mike Sanders continued his strong run into 2006, defending successfully against Jimmy Yang before losing the title to Funaki at the Great American Bash in a strong outing that is an early Match of the Year candidate. Funaki has since found himself successful in a feud against Kaz Hayashi which ended at Uncensored and fans are eagerly anticipating his next feud.

The Ballard Brothers lost their Tag Team titles on the first defence against Ric Flair and Sting at Syn, but were able to regain them at Bash At The Beach. They currently find themselves in a feud with The Next Generation, who won the belts at Uncensored.

In the World Title scene, Mike Awesome again has the fans on his back. After the feud with Sean Waltman ended, he's found himself against the same rotation once again and his reign is growing stale. But ever since Goldberg left the WWE after Wrestlemania 22, the WCW crowds have been desperately chanting his name. As yet, WCW haven't opened negotiations with him, but it is rumoured that they may do very soon.

With Nitro due to gain a second hour from the start of September, WCW have signed two men who have recently left TNA - Ron Killings and Monty Brown - to bolster the roster and more signings are expected after the WWE made several releases.

[Chasing Lamely]

Title Histories

World Heavyweight Title

26/03/01 - Booker T beat Scott Steiner

30/12/01 - Ric Flair beat Booker T

26/05/02 - Mike Awesome beat Ric Flair

United States Title

24/06/02 - Hugh Morrus beat Booker T

29/12/02 - Sean O'Haire beat Hugh Morrus and Lance Storm

30/11/03 - Chris Kanyon beat Sean O'Haire

28/12/03 - Sean O'Haire beat Chris Kanyon

29/08/04 - D'Lo Brown beat Sean O'Haire

27/02/05 - Andrew Martin beat D'Lo Brown

29/05/05 - Matt Hardy beat Andrew Martin

World Tag Team Titles

26/05/02 - The Jung Dragons beat Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire

28/12/03 - The Ballard Brothers beat The Jung Dragons

25/01/04 - Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore beat The Ballard Brothers

30/05/04 - Kaz Hayashi & Shane Helms beat Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore

26/09/04 - Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore beat Kaz Hayashi & Shannon Moore

31/10/04 - Sean Waltman & Marcus "Buff" Bagwell beat Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore

13/12/04 - Title Vacated

26/12/04 - Next Generation beat Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore, Kaz Hayashi & Shane Helms and The Ballard Brothers

27/03/05 - Kaz Hayashi & Shane Helms beat The Next Generation

26/06/05 - Jimmy Yang & Shannon Moore beat Kaz Hayashi & Shannon Moore

25/09/05 - Jimmy Yang won control of the tag titles against Shannon Moore, naming Funaki as his partner

18/12/05 - The Ballard Brothers beat Jimmy Yang & Funaki

29/01/06 - Ric Flair & Sting beat The Ballard Brothers

30/07/06 - The Ballard Brothers beat Ric Flair & Sting

World Television Title

04/02/02 - Mike Sanders won a tournament to win the vacant title.

26/05/02 - Rey Misterio Jr. beat Mike Sanders

29/12/02 - Billy Kidman beat Rey Misterio Jr.

30/03/03 - Juventud Guerrera beat Billy Kidman

27/04/03 - Billy Kidman beat Juventud Guerrera

27/07/03 - Juventud Guerrera beat Billy Kidman

28/09/03 - Billy Kidman beat Juventud Guerrera

26/10/03 - Bill DeMott beat Billy Kidman

28/12/03 - Lance Storm beat Bill DeMott

25/04/04 - Chris Kanyon beat Lance Storm

27/06/04 - Fit Finlay beat Chris Kanyon

26/12/04 - Lance Storm beat Fit Finlay

31/07/05 - Ric Flair beat Lance Storm

19/12/05 - Lance Storm beat Ric Flair

26/02/06 - Juventud Guerrera beat Lance Storm

27/08/06 - Mark Jindrak beat Juventud Guerrera

Cruiserweight Title

30/06/02 - Sean Waltman beat Shane Helms

29/12/02 - Christian York beat Sean Waltman

28/09/03 - Mike Sanders beat Christian York

28/12/03 - Funaki beat Mike Sanders

28/03/04 - Shane Ballard beat Funaki

25/04/04 - Elix Skipper beat Shane Ballard

26/09/04 - Sonny Siaki beat Elix Skipper

26/12/04 - Mike Sanders beat Sonny Siaki and Elix Skipper

25/06/06 - Funaki beat Mike Sanders

[Chasing Lamely]

September 4th 2006

Nitro kicks off with the usual welcome from Tony Schiavone and Kevin Kelly. A brief rundown of the card tell us we can expect three title matches tonight, including Mark Jindrak's open challenge for someone to try and take his Television Title. We're also expecting a huge announcement from WCW President Eric Bischoff tonight.

WCW World Tag Team Titles

The Next Generation © vs. Al Magz & J.D. Smith

A basic squash match for the Tag Team Champions as they quickly crush two poor challengers in a match that only serves to highlight how limited the tag team division in WCW is right now. David Flair makes Al Magz tap out early to the Figure Four Leglock and the champions celebrate the win, only to be attacked by the Ballard Brothers. It looks like their rivalry is about to be rekindled.

Winner: The Next Generation

(38/37/39)

Backstage, we find ourselves in the offices of WCW President Eric Bischoff.

Bischoff: "For four long years, Mike Awesome has held the World Heavyweight Title. For four years, he's beaten challenger after challenger after challenger. That's why tonight I have the great pleasure of announcing a tournament to crown the number one contender to the title at Fall Brawl. But this isn't just any tournament. Oh no. This is a four man round robin tournament that features the four top-ranked contenders to the WCW Title: "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Sean O'Haire, Booker T and the man they call Sting. The first two matches take place tonight, as Sting will face O'Haire and, in our main event, Ric Flair will go one-on-one with Booker T. The rules for this tournament are as follows... Each match has a 30-minute time limit. The winner of each match will receive 3 points; there will be one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. Whoever accumulates the most points after facing all three of their opponents will go on to face Mike Awesome on the pay-per-view."

(74)

-Commercial Break-

10-Man Cruiserweight Battle Royal

Schiavone tells everyone that the winner of this battle royal will become the number one contender to Funaki's Cruiserweight Title. The entrants into the match are: Shannon Moore, Christian York, Billy Kidman, Juventud Guerrera, Shane Helms, Elix Skipper, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Jimmy Yang, Mike Sanders and Kay Hayashi.

Elimination Order:

Jimmy Yang by Shannon Moore

Kaz Hayashi by Elix Skipper

Elix Skipper by Juventud Guerrera

Shannon Moore by Juventud Guerrera

Shane Helms by Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Mike Sanders by Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. by Christian York

Juventud Guerrera by Billy Kidman

The match ended following a brief brawl between York & Kidman, when Kidman hit Christian York with the BK Bomb and threw his limp body over the top rope.

Winner: Billy Kidman

(64/60/68)

After the match, Billy Kidman grabs a microphone.

Kidman: "Funaki, get your ass out here and face me!"

Funaki's music hits and he comes out onto the stage in street clothes.

Kidman: "I know you just saw that. I just beat 9 other guys to get a shot at that title. I called you out here because I wanted you to look straight into the eyes of the man who is going to take that belt from you at Fall Brawl. So take a good look at this face and take a long, hard, look at that belt, because at Fall Brawl, they're gonna be leaving together."

(54)

-Commercial Break-

United States Title

Matt Hardy © vs. Marcus "Buff" Bagwell

A clash of styles and personalities was always going to lead to a fiery contest as the popular US Champion Matt Hardy found himself nose to nose with the egomaniacal 'Buff Daddy.' There was no question as to who's side the crowd was on as Hardy took an early, if short-lived, advantage only to be foiled by a thumb to the eyes that put Bagwell on top. Bagwell managed to maintain his advantage, hitting Matt Hardy with a Blockbuster that only found a two count and the start of Hardy's fight back. As the 'Angelic Diablo' gained momentum and the crowd rallied behind him, Lance Storm ran down to the ring and hit Hardy with a blatant Superkick, ending the match with a DQ win for Hardy. Storm them continued to pummel on Hardy as Bagwell argued with the referee.

Winner: Matt Hardy

(74/75/74)

-Commercial Break-

Mark Jindrak made his way to the ring accompanied by Stacy Kiebler.

Stacy: "Last week, the 'Reflection of Perfection' laid down an open challenge to anybody in the locker room who felt that they were man enough to try and take the Television Title away from him. I know as well as all of you that there truly is no man capable of beating the champion, so let's see who wants to get their ass beat."

Jindrak: "That's right Stacy. Everyone in this arena and around the world knows that there is no professional wrestler... no professional athlete in any sport that can go toe to toe with Mark Jindrak and survive. So I don't care who you are, or how tough you think you are... Just get down here and get your ass kicked so I can get paid and go home."

Some unfamiliar music fills the arena and a similarly unfamiliar figure comes out to the entrance ramp. Kevin Kelly is quick to identify him as "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown.

Brown: "Jindrak... I've been sitting at home watching Nitro these last few weeks and listening to you run your mouth about how pretty you are. Well, Princess, that's no ring you're standing in, that's my Serengeti. You claim that there's no professional wrestler and no professional athlete that can beat you? How about both? Two Super Bowl rings and an NWA World Heavyweight Title say I'm more than you can handle, so you better get ready to feel the pooouuuuuuuunce. PERIOD!"

(77)

World Television Title

Mark Jindrak © vs. Monty Brown

The two men brawled back and forth as the Alpha Male was a ball of energy in the ring, dominating the champion. His momentum was only broken periodically by the outside interference of Stacy Kiebler, who was eventually sent to the back. Jindrak got in a brief comeback, but the momentum switched when Jindrak missed the Mark of Excellence. Having the wherewithal to roll through the move when Brown moved wasn't advantageous in this case, though, as he got to his feet again and turned right into the Pounce! Three seconds later it was over, and Monty Brown is our new Television Champion.

Winner and NEW World Television Champion: "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown

(69/66/73)

-Commercial Break-

We return from the break to see a video package featuring several shots of 1980s Harlem, New York overlaid with the Sugar Hill Gang's "Rappers Delight."

Voice Over: "Harlem, New York. 1981. These are the real streets, home of all of the finest breaks and beats. This isn't just 110th Street. This is where it all began. This is the road to The Truth."

Caption: "Coming Soon"

(85)

Tournament Match

Sting vs. Sean O'Haire

The crowd was crazily into this match, a wild brawl in which Sting made the already exceptionally talented O'Haire look every inch the up and coming star he has proved to be in recent times as the two-time United States champion threw Sting around like a rag doll, thwarting comeback after comeback. Eventually Sting was able to gain a little momentum but took a big risk by attempting to hit the bigger man with a Stinger Splash before he was even nearly ripe for the picking. O'Haire moved, leaving Sting to wind himself on the turnbuckle before hitting the man in the face paint with a Stinger Splash of his own, adding insult to injury by following up with a Scorpion Death Drop and going up to the top rope to hit the Seanton Bomb for the win.

Winner: Sean O'Haire

(83/89/72)

-Commercial Break-

As we return to Nitro, Ric Flair is in the ring ready to address his Charlotte fans.

Flair: "After seventeen World Heavyweight Championships, you'd think all Ric Flair would have to do to get a title shot is turn up. After 30 years of being a styling' and profiling, of limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling' dealing sun of a gun, I've seen it all and done it all. I've stepped into this ring with all of the true greats of this sport. Harley Race, the Brisco Brothers, the Funk Brothers, Hogan, Savage and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. I've held titles all over the world. I've headlined at Wrestlemania and Starrcade and sold out Madison Square Garden and the Georgia Dome. But there's one thing I haven't done in my career. One thing nobody has done in their career. I have never beaten Mike Awesome for the World Heavyweight Title. So if I have to go through Eric Bischoff's little tournament to get my hands on Mike Awesome one more time, that's what I'll do. I paid my dues in this business back in the days where the size of your pay check wasn't based on how many steroids you used. I learned my trade from the very best, Verne Gagne, at a time when all the muscles in the world meant nothing if you couldn't wrestle. And when it comes to wrestling, 'The Nature Boy' is the very best in the world. So Sting, O'Haire, Booker T... You're all great competitors, but Mike Awesome's ass... and Mike Awesome's title... Are mine. Woooooooo!"

(99)

Tournament Match

Ric Flair vs. Booker T

A great match between two wily ring veterans that excited the crowd, truly earning its place as the main event of Nitro. They slogged it out between them, with Flair grounding Booker regularly. Sharmell tried to interfere after Flair hit Booker with a crafty low blow, only to find herself in a Figure Four Leglock that she had to be saved from by her husband. Booker and Flair resumed their brawl, but even with Sharmell at ringside Booker was fighting a handicap match against Flair and the Charlotte crowd. Flair seemed to feed off of the energy of the crowd and sent them into raptures when he made Booker tap to the Figure Four Leglock to gain himself three points in the tournament.

Winner: Ric Flair

(84/91/68)

Overall Rating: 73%

TV Rating: 5.41

Attendance: 6,012

RAW Rating: 6.46

RAW Attendance: 7,050

[Chasing Lamely]

September 11th 2006

Funaki vs. Lance Storm

Nitro kicks off with a match pitting Cruiserweight champion Funaki against the self-proclaimed 'All-Canadian Hero' Lance Storm. The action was fast-paced and really got the crowd on their feet as the Japanese fan favourite stood toe-to-toe and went blow-for-blow with the much-hated Canadian. A contest this even naturally had the crowd on their feet and nobody could've picked a winner. Someone else could, however, as Billy Kidman came running down the aisle, taking advantage of a downed referee to attack Funaki and give Lance Storm the win. After the match, Matt Hardy ran in to bail Funaki out by clearing the ring.

Winner: Lance Storm

(74/71/95)

Suddenly the music of Eric Bischoff hit and the Chairman of WCW made his way to the ring.

Bischoff: "Whoa, whoa, whoa... Stop! If you two guys want to get in the ring so badly, I'll make it official. That's right. Matt Hardy versus Billy Kidman, tonight. Hell, why wait? We're gonna do this right now!"

(86)

-Commercial Break-

Matt Hardy vs. Billy Kidman

A group of referees finally manage to clear the ring and the bell rings to begin the match. The two launched into it at full pace, still fired up from the end of the last match, and laid into each other hard. As the two men worked the aggression out of their systems they looked to be on the verge of literally tearing each other apart. Matt Hardy looked to have taken the win after countering the Shooting Star Press with a DDT on Kidman in mid air. Lance Storm ran in to distract the referee from making the count while Kidman recovered to hit a low Blow on Hardy and turn him into the BK Bomb for the win. This brought Funaki back out and a mass brawl ensued.

Winner: Billy Kidman

(72/69/92)

Once again, Eric Bischoff came out to the ring.

Bischoff: "Since apparently you guys can't keep out of each others matches, I'm going to make it easier for you. Next week on Nitro, we're going to have ourselves a tag team match. Lance... Kidman... you guys are going to team up to take on Matt Hardy and Funaki. Now get the hell out of my ring so we can get on with the show."

(67)

Al Snow vs. Mike Awesome

Al Snow made his WCW debut in a tough match against a man who hasn't been beaten in over FOUR years. World Heavyweight champion Mike Awesome is a tough opponent for any wrestler, but posed an almost impossible mountain to climb for a newcomer to WCW like Snow. Snow put up a valiant effort, looking at times like he might actually be able to topple the champion. Unfortunately for Snow - and the fans - the big man was just too much for him, finally putting him away with the Awesome Bomb.

Winner: Mike Awesome

(64/70/74)

-Commercial Break-

We return to see to a video package...

Voice Over: "In the slums of San Juan, only the strong can survive. A world where the meanest, toughest men in society have all the power. Now, two of those men are coming to WCW. Two four hundred pound behemoths collectively known as the Headhunters."

Caption: "The Headhunters debut next week - Only on Nitro."

(26)

David Flair vs. Shannon Ballard

As a continuation of the tag team war between the Ballard Brothers and Generation Next, these two men went one-on-one in a match that was nowhere near as good as most expected it to be. With their tag team partners circling on the outside, Flair and Shannon locked up in a mismatch of styles as Ballard's strategy of focussing on the high-flying aspects of his game backfired and he found himself grounded by the technical expertise of David Flair. As they battled in the ring, their partners began to fight on the outside and Shane levelled Stasiak with a hard chair shot that caused the ref to leave the ring to help him. Shane slid into the ring with a chair and hit Flair with it to break the Figure Four Leglock then ran, thinking he'd gotten away with it. But referee Nick Patrick saw the entire thing from the outside and called for the bell, awarding Flair the win by DQ.

Winner: David Flair

(61/68/69)

-Commercial Break-

Monty Brown made his way to the ring with the Television Title belt over his shoulder.

Brown: "Last week, the Alpha Male made his debut in WCW by taking this TV Title belt from Mark Jindrak and leaving the world in awe. So now, with the Alpha Male on a roll, I find myself with no scheduled opponent for tonight..."

There is a commotion amongst the audience as Sean Waltman jumps the barrier and runs into the ring. He lays into Brown with a series of lefts and right, before flooring him with a spinning heel kick. As he struggled back to his feet, Waltman hit him with the X Factor on the TV Title belt. Waltman picked up the belt, spat on Brown, before leaving the way he came in, through the crowd.

(75)

Tournament Match

Sting vs. Booker T

In the first match of the second round of the round robin tournament Sting and Booker went hell for leather. Having both been beaten last week, they both desperately needed the win to keep the title shot within their reach. The two veterans worked hard and managed to pull out a decent match, but sadly for Booker, Sting was more than he could handle and he succumbed to the Scorpion Death Drop, effectively eliminating him from the tournament. As Sting celebrated after the match, Booker T threw a tantrum and started destroying the ringside area as referee Charles Robinson ran for his life.

Winner: Sting

(77/91/75)

-Commercial Break-

Another promo video starts to play, showing shots of 1980s Harlem and transitioning inside a club, where we see some grainy 8mm footage of a young black man rapping along to a break beat. We only hear one line of his rap.

Man: "So you can feel free to raise the roof and tell all your friends that you've heard The Truth"

We see a freeze frame then...

Caption: "The Truth is coming"

(78)

Tournament Match

Ric Flair vs. Sean O'Haire

Our main event kicks off with the two men who already have one win in the tournament going one-on-one, with Tony Schiavone explaining that currently, Flair, O'Haire and Sting all have three points, but the winner of this match will top the table. Many saw it as a mismatch of styles, but Flair went to the ring and did what he does best - he took O'Haire to the ring and made him look like a million dollars in a match than went to a thirty minute time limit draw.

Winner: Time Limit Draw

(74/90/69)

Overall Rating: 69%

TV Rating: 5.48

Attendance: 6,001

RAW Rating: 6.47

RAW Attendance: 7,047

WWE Unforgiven Buy Rate: 1.49

WWE Unforgiven Attendance: 15,624

[Batista06]

Great show. I wanted Flair to win the tournament match but oh well.

[Chasing Lamely]

September 18th 2006

As Nitro opens, Tony Schiavone and Kevin Kelly run through some of the things in store for us on Nitro, including the debut of the Headhunters, the final round of tournament matches and Eric Bischoff has a special announcement about the TV Title situation.

Matt Hardy & Funaki vs. Lance Storm & Billy Kidman

The challengers started out by going full-on at the champions, cutting off the ring and keeping Funaki trapped in their corner. Funaki managed a comeback after catching the leg on a Superkick attempt, before getting to Hardy for the hot tag. Hardy and Kidman traded blows as Hardy regained control of the match. He traded tags with Funaki a few times before getting Kidman set up for the Twist of Fate. But while Hardy played to the crowd, Storm made the blind tag and got in the ring to surprise Hardy by breaking the Twist of Fate with a Superkick. As Kidman cleared Funaki away from the ring, Storm made the cover to steal a victory for his team.

Winners: Lance Storm & Billy Kidman

(72/73/90)

-Commercial Break-

After the break, Eric Bischoff made his way to the ring.

Bischoff: "Before I get started here, I'd like to ask Monty Brown and Sean Waltman to come to the ring."

Monty Brown makes his way to the ring, then the arena goes dark and a spotlight picks out Sean Waltman in the crowd.

Bischoff: "Last week, the two of you had an altercation that leaves me with a problem. Monty... You're the WCW Television champion, but you don't have the belt. Sean... You have the belt. My job, as chairman, is to find a way to get the belt back to the champion. So here's what we're going to do. This Sunday, at Fall Brawl, the two of you will compete for the WCW Television Title in a ladder match. But in the meantime, we've got a television show in progress, so I'm going to schedule a title defence for tonight. Confused? Let me clarify... and this is where it gets interesting. You two are going to have to learn to work together tonight, because since you have the belt, Sean, you will be the one defending the title. If Sean loses the match, Monty, you will lose your Television Title and their will be NO ladder match this Sunday. Are we clear? Good. Now get out of my sight because I have other problems to attend to. Our next match on Nitro is a singles match between Shawn Stasiak and Shane Ballard. Or it was a singles match. Because you interfered in your partners' match last week, I'm going to make sure these fans see a clean finish tonight. So you two will be competing inside a steel cage. So if the boys in the back will please lower the cage, I've got a show to run."

(88)

Cage Match

Shawn Stasiak vs. Shane Ballard

With their tag team partners useless to them, these two men were forced to go it alone and they brutalised each other. They used every inch of the cage as a weapon and were both bloody, battered messes by the end of it. The end came after Stasiak hit a huge Superplex on Shane from the top of the cage and covered for the three count.

Winner: Shawn Stasiak

(60/66/69)

-Commercial Break-

After the break, some unfamiliar music hits and a man in a suit makes his way to the ring.

Man: "For those of you naive enough not to know who I am, my name is Josh Lazie, agent to sports stars from all over the world. Tonight, I have the great pleasure of introducing you to my new clients. I first discovered these men in San Juan when I saw their wanted posters in a police station. What was I doing in the police station? That's none of your concern. So I hired a bounty hunter to track them down. These are the two most dangerous men in Puerto Rico, and they're now the two most dangerous men in WCW. Ladies and Gentlemen, without further ado, please welcome the Headhunters."

(49)

Headhunters vs. Ace Steel & Matt Sydal

The Headhunters came to the ring and made short work of their opponents, finishing them off when Headhunter A hit Ace Steel with a Moonsault. After the referee counted three, they beat down on their opponents before leaving as Josh Lazie sang their praises.

Winners: The Headhunters

(51/36/78)

A video package plays, where we see a tall black man standing in modern day Times Square surrounded by a large group of people. It's a rally of some description with placards being held up everywhere.

Man: "Remember everything I've just told you. One day, we will rise up. We will start a revolution. And when you spread the word of our cause, remember that these aren't just words. This is The Truth. And the revolution starts this Sunday at Fall Brawl"

(83)

-Commercial Break-

World Television Title

Sean Waltman (Competing on behalf of Champion Monty Brown) vs. Christian York

As Monty Brown watched on from ringside, Sean Waltman found himself faced with a tough opponent in former Cruiserweight champion Christian York. York looked to be very close to winning the belt on many occasions, but could never quite put Waltman away. Brown, agitated on the outside, pulled Waltman over to him to try and get him focussed, but Waltman pulled away and knocked down the referee, before turning into the Onion Buster. York got up to celebrate, but Brown was already in the ring and on the way for the Pounce! He pulled Waltman over the top of York and woke up the referee to count the three. After the match, Brown and Waltman came to blows, each trying to weaken the other man before Sunday.

Winner: Sean Waltman

(69/65/89)

Tournament Match

Sean O'Haire vs. Booker T

Booker T, already out of the tournament, had little interest in competing. He waited for the referee to ring the bell, then shook O'Haire's hand and went to sit down at ringside, where he was counted out.

Winner: Sean O'Haire

(69/69/85)

Booker T grabbed a microphone to address the crowd.

Booker: "You suckas are probably wondering why I did that. I did it for three reasons. The first reason, I got nothing to gain by competing, I can't win the tournament anyway. Second, I’m not gonna risk an injury when I don't have to just to entertain you. Third, I've proved to myself that I don't deserve to be competing at this level anymore. So this Sunday, at Fall Brawl, I'm going to have one last match - against anyone in the locker room - and if I can't win, I'm done. That's right. If I lose at Fall Brawl I'm retiring."

He throws down the microphone and walks out of the arena.

(91)

-Commercial Break-

Tournament Match

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Going into this match, Tony Schiavone points out that Sting can no longer win the tournament because of O'Haire's win, but if Ric Flair wins the match they will tie on points. These two men have so much history that there was no way that Sting was just going to walk away from the match, so both men went out and gave it their all, much to the delight of the fans. Though, with their advancing age, this match was nowhere near their classic bouts of the late 80s and early 90s in terms of quality, it still had the fans on the edge of their seats right up until the end, when Flair made Sting tap out to the Figure Four Leglock. After the match, the two men shook hands as Eric Bischoff's music played in the arena.

Winner: Ric Flair

(68/82/65)

Bischoff: "It seems to me that we have ourselves a problem ahead of Sunday. Since Ric Flair and Sean O'Haire finished on equal points... and since we're out of time on Nitro, my only option is to make the main event of Fall Brawl a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Title. So to you, Ric, and Sean and Mike Awesome in the back, I wish you all the very best of luck for Sunday. May the best man win."

(79)

Overall Rating: 71%

TV Rating: 5.43

Attendance: 6,028

RAW Rating: 6.01

RAW Attendance: 7,037

[Chasing Lamely]

Official Preview

World Heavyweight Title Match

Mike Awesome © vs. Ric Flair vs. Sean O'Haire

After four years as champion, Mike Awesome has assured himself of a place in the WCW Hall of Fame as the most dominant WCW World Champion of all time. But 17-time World Champion Ric Flair is also destined for the Hall of Fame and is gunning for his 18th title reign. Having gained a title shot as co-winner of the round robin tournament on Nitro in recent weeks, the Nature Boy has been telling anyone who will listen that he'll be taking the title home from Norfolk Scope Arena. But the other tournament winner, Sean O'Haire, is an ex-United States and World Tag Team Champion, pegged by many as a real star on the rise in WCW. To many, the World Title is just the next step on the ladder for a man who is hoping to join Awesome and Flair in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done.

World Tag Team Title Match

Next Generation © vs. The Ballard Brothers

These two teams have a longstanding rivalry over the tag team titles that will surely add spice to this title match. But with both teams weakened following the brutal cage match that took place on Nitro this week. Will the Next Generation's 2nd title reign continue, or will the Ballard Brothers become 4-time champions? This feud seems to be at its boiling point, but will passions boil over?

United States Title Match

Matt Hardy © vs. Lance Storm

Since winning the US Title on his debut sixteen months ago, Hardy has been on a roll, but in recent months, it seemed that defending the title night after night was taking its toll on the North Carolina native. Since then he's appeared to be just barely holding onto the belt by the skin on his teeth. Faced with a tough competitor like Lance Storm - a man who has held the US Title before, as well as the Cruiserweight and Television Titles - it's quite possible that Hardy's reign may be coming to an end.

If Booker T loses, he retires:

Booker T vs. Diamond Dallas Page

This past week on Nitro, Booker walked out of the number one contendership tournament and declared that he would retire if he lost at Fall Brawl. Well, DDP, a former World Heavyweight Champion, has accepted the challenge in this match. Booker's wife Sharmell has said that she is shocked by her husband's decision but will be powerless to help him as he has told her not to come to ringside with him. The former 5-time World Champion feels like he has everything to prove to himself and the fans and will be looking to bring his 'A' game to this match.

Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. Sonny Siaki

We've been seeing video footage of The Truth's past in recent weeks, but at Fall Brawl we get to see him in the flesh. The man who fashions himself as both a rapper and a revolutionary has a tough first match against the former Cruiserweight Champion that he'll be hoping to win to impress the fans.

World Television Title - Ladder Match

Monty Brown © vs. Sean Waltman

Two weeks ago, Monty Brown made an explosive WCW debut, answering an open challenge and beating Mark Jindrak for the TV Title. It was an entrance trumped only by Sean Waltman's return to WCW, where he beat down The Alpha Male and stole the title belt. The two have some pent up aggression after the two came to blows following Nitro this week, where they were forced to work together when Waltman defended Brown's title.

The Headhunters vs. The Rock n' Roll Express

The Headhunters were introduced t WCW last week on Nitro by their manager Josh Lazie and made an impressive debut, defeating WCW Europe stars Ace Steel & Matt Sydal in under two minutes. After seeing this, they received - and were quick to accept - the challenge of legendary former multiple time tag team champions the Rock n' Roll Express. Will they remain undefeated in WCW, or will the benefit of experience carry the veterans to their first WCW victory in nearly 14 years?

World Cruiserweight Title Match

Funaki © vs. Billy Kidman

Billy Kidman won his shot at the Cruiserweight Title in a battle royal three weeks ago on Nitro. Since then he and Funaki have found themselves drawn into the fray of the feud between Matt Hardy and Lance Storm, tearing up the ring in the process. As with almost every WCW Cruiserweight Title match, these two men will be looking to raise the bar ever higher in terms of match quality.

Pre-Show Match

Jimmy Yang vs. Kaz Hayashi

These two men are former tag team partners and, more recently, deadly enemies. Will this match kick their age-old rivalry back into action or can they keep it within the spirit of competition?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Predictions welcome

[Mx. Canadian Destroyer]

World Heavyweight Title Match

Mike Awesome © vs. Ric Flair vs. Sean O'Haire

I like Awesome as a champ. I don't wanna see Flair with it, or O'Haire really.

World Tag Team Title Match

Next Generation © vs. The Ballard Brothers

NG rule because of David Flair.

United States Title Match

Matt Hardy © vs. Lance Storm

C'mon Lance!

If Booker T loses, he retires:

Booker T vs. Diamond Dallas Page

He's not retiring. I'd bet on it.

Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. Sonny Siaki

A little obvious. He's not losing his debut match, especially after the videos.

World Television Title - Ladder Match

Monty Brown © vs. Sean Waltman

Who cares...

The Headhunters vs. The Rock n' Roll Express

A big win over the legends could do wonders and get themselves higher up in tag division.

World Cruiserweight Title Match

Funaki © vs. Billy Kidman

I've always liked Funaki as champ, so give him the win. Funaki > Kidman!

Pre-Show Match

Jimmy Yang vs. Kaz Hayashi

I like Hayashi better than Yang.

[Guest ajcrible]

Love the backstory catching us up through five years of wrestling. Perhaps a roster with overness and tag teams would help clarify who is still there and who is gone!?!? Great start...keep it up.

[Hailtothechimp]

Read through everything. Good stuff, just a quick thing. I know your tag team divison is small, but I am wondering where the hell is Kronic? Big help for you tag division there if you can get them. On to the predictions!

World Heavyweight Title Match

Mike Awesome © vs. Ric Flair vs. Sean O'Haire

All Awesome, I haven't seen anybody that could really end his 4+ year reign, besides the thought of Goldberg.

World Tag Team Title Match

Next Generation © vs. The Ballard Brothers

Better than the Ballard Brothers

United States Title Match

Matt Hardy © vs. Lance Storm

I think Lance should be getting a shot at the Heavyweight title soon, but until than, I guess he can help get Matt over with a nice feud.

If Booker T loses, he retires:

Booker T vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Unless you got that unfortunate email, I don't see him losing.

Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. Sonny Siaki

Truth wins the debut, but I really think Siaki should be getting a TV title shot here soon.

World Television Title - Ladder Match

Monty Brown © vs. Sean Waltman

Hopefully, this is that start of a push that will give Monty a good World Title shot down the road.

The Headhunters vs. The Rock n' Roll Express

Tag divison needs some help, heres a way to give them another big team.

World Cruiserweight Title Match

Funaki © vs. Billy Kidman

... FUNAKI #1!

Pre-Show Match

Jimmy Yang vs. Kaz Hayashi

Yangs pwns Hayashi anyday.

[Chasing Lamely]

Read through everything. Good stuff, just a quick thing. I know your tag team divison is small, but I am wondering where the hell is Kronic? Big help for you tag division there if you can get them. On to the predictions!

[Chasing Lamely]

Official Preview

Monday 25th September 2006

Fall Brawl Fallout

Fall Brawl has been heralded as one of the best Pay-Per-Views in WCW history but how will the dust settle as we head forward to Nitro?

World Heavyweight Champion Mike Awesome successfully defended his title, making it 52 Months since he beat Ric Flair for the title. Having once again pinned Flair last night he finds himself once again without a challenger, but WCW.com has received word that a very special and highly decorated competitor will be in Norfolk tonight to lay down the gauntlet for the challenger.

Also, Booker T overcame a crisis of confidence to beat DDP at Fall Brawl. Can he make it two in a row on Nitro as he faces the challenge of D’Lo Brown?

Sean Waltman won the World Television Title in an epic ladder match, but who will be his next challenger? We’ll find out in a special fatal four way match as former champions Mark Jindrak, Mike Sanders, Juventud Guerrera and Monty Brown.

The Headhunters have been on a roll of late, defeating the legendary Rock n’ Roll Express to find themselves at 2-0 in WCW. Rumour has it that they’ll be facing the challenge of another legendary team at Halloween Havoc, but who? Tune in to Nitro to find out.

The fallout from Fall Brawl will continue as Nitro sees six man tag team action as Matt Hardy teams up with the Next Generation to take on Lance Storm and the Ballard Brothers. This is a classic battle between the USA and Canada and both teams are sure to be fighting for national pride.

We’ll also see cruiserweight tag team action as Jimmy Yang and a mystery partner look to gain revenge on Kaz Hayashi and Yoshihiro Tajiri following their encounter on yesterday’s pre-show.

We’ll also have choice words from Ron “The Truth” Killings, Sean O’Haire and Ric Flair tonight, only on Nitro!

Edited October 23, 2006 by Chasing Lamely

[Chasing Lamely]

Monday 25th September 2006

Al Snow vs. CW Anderson

The recently debut Al Snow was looking to notch up his first win in WCW but found himself faced once again with stiff competition as the former Enforcer of the Four Horsemen looked to get himself back into the frame for a title shot. They found themselves brawling wildly through the crowd before coming back to the ring, where Al Snow found himself on the receiving end of a massive Spinebuster.

Winner: CW Anderson

(70/63/77)

-Commercial Break-

We cut backstage, where we see Sharmell and Sonny Siaki flirting with each other. Booker T comes around the corner, but has his back turned to them because he's talking to someone else, so Siaki runs off before he's seen.

(73)

We go back to the arena where Kaz Hayashi and Yoshihiro Tajiri are awaiting their opponents in the ring. Jimmy Yang comes out and stands on the ramp while his opponents try and intimidate him, but he's not worried. Why? Because his partner is the World Cruiserweight Champion, Shoichi Funaki.

Jimmy Yang & Shoichi Funaki vs. Kaz Hayashi & Yoshihiro Tajiri

Jimmy Yang was out looking for revenge after the sneak attack of Tajiri at Fall Brawl and there was no better partner he could've chosen than the World Cruiserweight Champion. Yang got injured, so the match ended up with him never getting a chance to get in the ring with Tajiri, so it was Funaki who got covered, following interference from Billy Kidman.

Winners: Kaz Hayashi & Yoshihiro Tajiri

(71/57/86)

-Commercial Break-

We return to Nitro to find Memphis legend Jerry "The King" Lawler in the ring being booed by the crowd, who believe he's been sent by Vince McMahon.

Lawler: "Ladies and gentlemen, do not adjust your sets. Yes, I am Jerry "The King" Lawler, and this is WCW Monday Nitro. I've heard that you've got a problem... a big, big problem... that only royalty can fix. Mike Awesome.... I want you out here right now!"

Mike Awesome makes his way to the stage.

Lawler: "I know you've held that belt for a long time. Four years. That's impressive. But that's just one title. I've been wrestling for over thirty years. You think one title is impressive? I've held fifty. Five-zero. I'm the most decorated champion of all time, but I want just one more. Just one. I want to be the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. So here's what we're going to do. At Halloween Havoc, you and I are going to go one on one for that title. Any questions?"

Awesome: "Why should I give you a title shot?"

Lawler: "Because you have no choice. I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. Just like I'm telling you that next week, you're going to face an opponent of my choosing. Now I suggest you go and train, because I'm not going to go down without a fight, and neither is your opponent next week."

(72)

Before the next match, we have a special announcement from ring announcer Pamela Paulshock

Pamela: "Due to an injury he sustained earlier today, Juventud Guerrera is unable to compete. As a result, he will be replaced in tonight's match by a WCW Hall of Famer... Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL!"

TV Title Number One Contendership Match

Mark Jindrak vs. Mike Sanders vs. Road Warrior Animal vs. Monty Brown

The introduction of the legendary former tag team champion seemed to put a buzz amongst the crowd. The three former TV champs all looked determined to get a shot at the belt, while Animal was just happy to be in front of the WCW crowd once again. These guys battled all around the arena, but eventually things had to come to an end, and did so when Mike Sanders left himself vulnerable to Monty Brown, who knocked him flying with a well aimed Pounce. Three seconds later it was all over and Monty Brown was going to get a rematch against Sean Waltman.

Winner: Monty Brown

(70/68/72)

-Commercial Break-

We return to find Ron "The Truth" Killings backstage.

Killings: "Forty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that 'We, as a people, would rise up to get to the promised land.' Well, tonight I'm saying the same thing. But our promised land is not civil rights, because Dr. King achieved his goal. Our promised land, my brothers, is the Heavyweight Championship of the world. We have a destiny. Our destiny is to rise up and take over WCW. Our destiny is to start a revolution. We can change WCW. We are the future and we will be noticed. And that, my brothers, is The Truth."

(79)

The Headhunters vs. Christian York & Caprice Coleman

Most were expecting another squash for the Headhunters but Caprice Coleman, making his WCW debut, was determined to put up a fight and make a name for himself. While former Cruiserweight Champion Christian York was easily taken out by the Puerto Rican team, Coleman refused to stay down and the crowd loved him for it. It wasn't enough, however, and eventually he fell to a Moonsault from Headhunter A. After the match, they were attacked by a team that the crowd instantly recognized and the reaction was huge. The Headhunters found themselves beaten down by Demolition.

Winners: The Headhunters

(61/45/78)

-Commercial Break-

Sean O'Haire is backstage with Gene Okerlund.

Okerlund: "Sean O'Haire... Last night you were unlucky not to win the World Heavyweight Title. Your thoughts?"

O'Haire: "Gene, last night was a travesty of justice. Last night, Mike Awesome stole the World Title from me. I had Ric Flair right where I wanted him and he took advantage of it. Then he gets mad at me for breaking up the pin attempt. So what do I get for my trouble? What do I get for doing all the hard work for him? I get powerbombed from the ring, through the announce table. Impressive, yes. Impressive that he threw me 15 feet through that table. But it was cheap, and it was cowardly. Mike Awesome, you stole the World Heavyweight Title last night and you know it. But hey, I'm not telling you anything that you didn't already know."

(91)

Booker T vs. D'Lo Brown

Booker T came to the ring alone once again and stepped into the ring with the ever-popular D'Lo Brown. During a great match, we cut backstage to see Sonny Siaki coming out of the shower in Booker's locker room wrapped in a towel. We then hear Sharmell's voice calling him back. Back in the ring, Booker T managed to win a tough battle with D'Lo by hitting him with the Axe Kick.

Winner: Booker T

(87/86/89)

-Commercial Break-

We return to find Ric Flair with Mean Gene.

Okerlund: "Ric Flair, once again you came up short against the monstrous Mike Awesome. Now he's been challenged by your old friend and rival, Jerry "The King" Lawler. Any thoughts?"

Flair: "You know, Mean Gene, last night, the best man won. It's not often you hear me say this, but Mike Awesome outsmarted the Nature Boy. To be the man, you gotta beat the man... And I gotta tell you, Gene Okerlund, he beat the man. He really beat the man. But make no mistake about it; I will get my title back. But for now, Mean Gene, it's Jerry Lawler's time to step up to the plate, and I don't know what he has planned, but I'll help him in any way I can. But remember this: He might be 'the King,' but there's only one Space Mountain. And it's a limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling dealing... Woooooooooooooooooooo... son of a gun. And one day, very soon, I'm gonna be styling and profiling with that belt once again."

(88)

Matt Hardy & The Next Generation vs. Lance Storm & The Ballard Brothers

It was the USA vs. Canada and Champions vs. Challengers in the main event of Nitro and the crowd were right behind Team USA. As every combination of the teams fought, no advantage could be taken, but the match ended in a technical master class as David Flair and Lance Storm did battle. Storm stole a victory after reversing the Figure Four Leglock into the Canadian Maple Leaf, forcing Flair to tap out.

Winners: Lance Storm & The Ballard Brothers

(73/68/78)

Overall Rating: 75%

TV Rating: 5.43

Attendance: 6,032

RAW Rating: 6.01

RAW Attendance: 6,543

[Chasing Lamely]

Monday 2nd October 2006

Christian York & Caprice Coleman vs. The Ballard Brothers

Coleman and York have now become a regular team in WCW following their excellent showing last week and they found themselves up against the former World Tag Team champions in a tough match. They looked good against their more experienced opponents, although their inexperience as a team showed at times. They managed to pull out a win, however, courtesy of interference from The Next Generation which gave Caprice Coleman the opportunity to hit the Comatoser for the win.

Winners: Christian York & Caprice Coleman

(61/56/81)

-Commercial Break-

Jerry Lawler is backstage and he walks into Mike Awesome's locker room. He reminds him that he promised him a match tonight and told him that he will be facing a Memphis legend - Kamala.

(81)

Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. Shane Helms

This was a quick match in which The Truth dominated his opponent. Helms tried desperately to put up a fight, but Killings is on a roll at the moment and it doesn't look like anything can stop him.

Winner: Ron "The Truth" Killings

(72/73/90)

Backstage, we see Chris Kanyon knock on the door to Booker T's locker room before entering.

(76)

-Commercial Break-

Shoichi Funaki & Jimmy Yang vs. The Headhunters

This match presented the first real challenge to the Headhunters, as Jimmy Yang and the World Cruiserweight Champion gave it everything they had to try and become the first team to beat the massive Puerto Ricans, but their efforts were rendered useless by interference from Yoshihiro Tajiri, Kaz Hayashi and Billy Kidman, who joined them for a post-match beat down.

Winners: The Headhunters

(61/50/86)

Eric Bischoff meets Booker T in a corridor backstage...

Bischoff: "Booker T, just the man I was looking for. As a reward for the way you've regained your interest in performing recently, I want to give you a chance to challenge for the World Tag Team Titles. I'll even let you pick your partner. How does that sound?"

Booker: "Sounds great, Eric, but I'm gonna pass. I've got more important things to deal with right now."

Bischoff: "This is a one-time offer Booker. If you pass, it might be a long time before I offer you this kind of opportunity again. So I'm telling you to go find yourself a partner. Now."

(75)

-Commercial Break-

Matt Hardy vs. CW Anderson

The United States Champion came to the ring looking to redeem himself after the loss in the main event last week but was always up against a tough challenger in fellow North Carolina native CW Anderson. The Angelic Diablo and The Enforcer may have different styles, but they still made for a decent match as Anderson made himself into a credible challenger for the US Title, a claim that was certainly helped by him stealing a victory with the help of Lance Storm. As they double teamed Hardy, D'Lo Brown came running to the ring to save Hardy, clearing house before helping the champion to his feet.

Winner: CW Anderson

(65/71/76)

Booker T is going around backstage looking for a partner when he's approached by a cocky-looking Sonny Siaki, who offers his services. Booker is wary but he doesn't have time to argue.

(86)

-Commercial Break-

World Tag Team Titles

Booker T & Sonny Siaki vs. The Next Generation

An excellent match that was sure to steal the show was won by the World Tag Team champions when Booker turned on Siaki, beating him down and leaving him for dead before leaving the ring. Sharmell tried to persuade him to return to the ring but was dismissed by her husband as he walked away. David Flair took the easy cover and after the match he and Stasiak were attacked by the Ballard Brothers.

Winners: The Next Generation

(73/83/81)

Sean Waltman is backstage with Gene Okerlund...

Okerlund: "Sean Waltman, at Halloween Havoc you are set for a rematch with Monty Brown for the World Television Title. After the hellacious ladder match you both went through at Fall Brawl, what can we expect on October 29th?"

Waltman: "At Fall Brawl, Monty Brown and I fought the toughest match of my career. We battered each other and we took each others blood. He and I found ourselves laughing in the face of danger and staring at the gates of hell itself. Now..."

Out of nowhere, The Alpha Male attacked Waltman and beat him down before leaving a scared looking Gene Okerlund with a bloodied Sean Waltman at his feet.

(67)

-Commercial Break-

Mike Awesome vs. Kamala (w/Jerry "The King" Lawler)

Mike Awesome made quick work of the Ugandan Giant, hitting him almost instantly with the Awesome Bomb for a quick three count. He was then attacked after the match by Jerry Lawler, but disposed of him quickly to stand tall as the show closed.

Winner: Mike Awesome

(58/69/56)

Overall Rating: 69%

TV Rating: 5.42

Attendance: 6,003

RAW Rating: 6.07

RAW Attendance: 6,547

[Pyroflame]

Um... Mike Awesome giving the Awesome Bomb to KAMALA? Is he really strong enough to do that? Other than that, nice job with this diary!