WCW 1999, The Wrestling Suicide Way

[Nick Adams]

I LOVE THIS! RAVEN! RAVEN! PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKE RAVEN! Or hate him, your call.

Hogan is gone, the nWo is...absentee, to say the least. I don't know what to say...I could cry for joy. No fingerpoke of doom, no G-Berg in the way, no Terry Bollea...Kanyon inexplicably getting over...what more could we want, except for Chris Jericho (I have to get used to not calling him Y2J...) winning the WCW title?

But that's a ways off. Nice show reports, PPVs rock...damn good diary that I had passed over until now, simply because I like to see diaries develop before I truly judge them...unless they look fantastic - or really confuse me. Either way.

Thumbs up.

[El Vampiro Canadiense]

Just wanted to say this diary f'ing rules. Any diary with angle writing like this is a must read!

[wrestlingsuicide]

Thanks for the replies and words of encouragement guys. It means a lot.

"Eric, the staff and I have finished most of the rough drafts for the storylines for the next couple of months. We need your approval?"

Rick Suicide said has he popped his head from behind Bischoff's door. Bischoff nods and waves him off.

"I'll check on it tommorow. I've got other things to attend to."

It had been a very hectic week for him. Scott Steiner had just been given his release from WCW. Borden, Rick Rechsteiner and Luger all gave him a piece of their mind. Bischoff didn't mind them, they were, afterall, HIS employees.

Bill Goldberg was also given his walking papers. Bed-ridden for the past couple of weeks Goldberg soon-after announced his retirement from wrestling. He said something about probably running a wrestling company in the future. Bischoff had laughed. Hard.

Later in the week, Fleihr walked into his office, and told him in simple terms that he didn't want to work a rough schedule... and that despite what they've talked about him going back into the ring for extended periods of time, he certainly didn't want to perform at that level again. Bischoff had no other choice. He hated Fleihr, but undeniably, he was a locker-room leader and great with the fans. He gave Fleihr an additional clause in his contract, just to shut him up. Fleihr would only be wrestling in Big Events, and no longer on TV.

And of course, there was Bollea. After the incident in Atlanta, Bischoff and Bollea hadn't talked. Sure, they had their sercretaries exchange messages, but no, they have not talked with each other... nor do they care to do so. Bollea was talking about a lawsuit, Bischoff laughed it off and made a lawsuit threat as well. So far noone's done anything drastic, although Bischoff feels Bollea will probably be asking for a buyout soon. Bischoff certainly wasn't going to allow that to happen.

Eric Bischoff was a powerful man... but even the most powerful men feel drained once in a while.

"When all this is over, I'm going to take a loooong vacation." Bischoff whispered to himself. He then presses the comlink to his secretary.

"Sophie, could you please ask Rick Suicide to come back? I'd like to see the writing team's proposals. Thanks."

Edited March 10, 2005 by wrestlingsuicide

[wrestlingsuicide]

"How much longer?"

"A couple of months, maybe three."

"That long?"

"The paperwork's already being done. There's a lot of red tape to get through."

"You do know that if this doesn't push through, Bischoff will get all the credit... and he'll be in complete charge of WCW for a long time."

"Yes. I am completely aware of that. That's why I've convinced all my partners to get this done as soon as possible."

"It's funny though. How could you even pull this off?"

"I've got a lot of interested financial backers. Most of them would choose to remain anonymous."

"But this is still one ambitious plan."

"You do your job right, and you'll be the top man when the deal falls through."

"I'd never expect Turner to be able to stomach something like this."

"He knows the company's a drain on cash-flow. Bischoff's trying to negate all that money pouring out. He won't be able to save it in time."

"Two to three months?"

"Yes. I expect the sale to be signed sealed and delivered. In a couple of months, you're going to be the head booker."

"That's definitely something to look forward to."

"Play you cards right on this one."

"I will."

Edited March 11, 2005 by wrestlingsuicide

[Steve Corino]

I love the way that Bischoff is on top of the world, while other forces are conspiring to take him down.

[B-Wood]

I love this diary, WCW diaries have always been my favorite, and this is a good one.

I would like to say that the Flatliner isn't a DVD. It's The Stroke, and I think the Complete Shot, etc, etc.

[kempay]

Ooo, somebody's buying WCW...and taking down Bischoff at the same time?

Interesting,can't wait for the next one.

[wrestlingsuicide]

I love this diary, WCW diaries have always been my favorite, and this is a good one.

I would like to say that the Flatliner isn't a DVD.  It's The Stroke, and I think the Complete Shot, etc, etc.

←

[Steve Corino]

The Flatliner/Downward Spiral/Complete Shot isn't the Stroke. It's like it, but different. Your body is on the side facing the opponent rather than beside and behind them.

Just trying to help.

[Ace]

I am gonna take a wild guess and say that the new WCW commisioner is none other than...RANDY SAVAGE!!!

[SyxXtreme]

This diary is FANTASTIC. The best i have ever read, i was a huge WCW fan during its prime and this is definetly the best WCW diary i have ever read.

Astounding!

[wrestlingsuicide]

[WCW MONDAY NITRO]

May 3, 1999

Atlanta, Georgia

Nitro opens with fireworks and all that jazz, as Tony Schiavone informs us that tonight, the newly appointed Commissioner of World Championship Wrestling is going to make his debut! Schiavone says that Ric Flair's tyranical reign over WCW is over, and that better things are coming in the future of the company. Bobby Heenan says that Ric Flair was sideswiped by this decision and that Schiavone is complete moron. Brilliant.

~

Tony Schiavone is inside the ring.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I know you've waited the entire week to find out who the new Commissioner of World Championship Wrestling is going to be. Without further ado, please welcome, the new WCW Commissioner..."

Schiavone reads off a card.

"...Mr. Michael Sanders!"

The Monday Nitro theme starts playing, and out walks a clean-cut white guy, average build, dirty blond hair, small beard. He's wearing a black tee and a pair of black pants. The crowd doesn't know what to make of this guy, this is the first time they've ever seen him, and they certainly don't know who the hell Michael Sanders is.

The New Commish

Sanders walks down the aisle, and up the steps into the ring. He walks on over to Schiavone, who hands him the microphone.

"Thank you Tony. Good evening everyone, and welcome to WCW Monday Nitro. Right now, you're asking yourselves, who in the world is Michael Sanders? And I'm going to tell you exacty I am. I, am the man who is going to take WCW straight to the top. I'm going to be the man who gives anyone, and I mean ANYONE who works his butt off and does what he does best night in and night out, a chance to become a star. The time when a handful of people were actually in contention for the top titles in WCW is OVER. There will no longer be any Hogans... no more monopolization... because to me, EVERYONE backstage, ANYONE who's put his heart into this business... who's put their bodies on the line to please you, the fans... they're ALL superstars. I am the man who's going to make things happen for the hard-working guys backstage. You prove yourself to me, you prove yourself to WCW, and most importantly, you prove yourself to the fans... I guarantee you, you're going to have a shot at greatness."

At this point, Flair's music starts playing. The fans start booing. Ric Flair walks out with Arn Anderson, he's got a microphone, and he starts talking as he walks towards the ring.

"What... do you know... about greatness? What... do you know... about being... THA' MAN!? I don't know who the hell you are, but I beg to differ... you... are not... THA' MAN! Why do I know it? Because there can only be one MAN!"

Flair steps into the ring. He walks over to Sanders and goes face to face with him.

"There is only one MAN in Dubya...See...Dubya... and that's ME! THA' NAITCHA' BOY! WHOOOO!"

The fans boo. Flair continues.

"I've been in this business longer than you've live on God's green earth! Boy, you are nothing compared to THA' NAITHCA' BOY! If you think that you can come out here, and step into my shoes... then you're sadly, sadly mistaken. Because my shoes are the biggest ones to fill in this business! And frankly, I don't think that you have big enough FEET to fill those shoes! I have had MORE World Championships, than you've had women! WHOOO! So you'd better realize that YOU... are not in charge... RIC FLAIR... THE ALLIANCE... is in charge!"

Sanders smiles a bit.

"So this is the illustrious and legendary Ric Flair. I'm a bit disappointed... I expected you to be a bit taller."

Some oohs and aahs from the crowd as they sense that this new guy has the balls to go toe-to-toe with Flair. Flair slowly fumes inside as Sanders continues to talk.

"Let me get this straight. You're the guy who's been running WCW the past couple of months, eh?"

"You're damned right I am an-"

"No wonder WCW is in the crapper."

Flair gives Sanders an 'oh you didn't just say that' look. Sanders returns the stare. Arn Anderson just stands behind Flair, ready for anything. Sanders raises the microphone to his mouth and talks in a low, deep voice.

"I suggest that you and grandfather time over there get out of this ring, this instant. Otherwise, I will personally have you and your so-called Alliance escorted out of the building. Flair, let's get one thing straight. You ain't THA' MAN anymore. I am. And my name is Michael Sanders. MISTER Michael Sanders to you. Now get the hell off this ring."

Flair stares Sanders down before backing off and heading back. Sanders goes back to talking to the fans.

"As I was saying... tonight is going to be a big night. The 10-man battle royal will push through, and next week... we are going to crown a NEW WCW World Heavyweight Champion!"

The fans cheer.

"Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the show."

~

Kamikaze vs. Mikey Whipwreck and Psychosis

Whipwreck and Psychosis are already waiting for their opponents when we come back from the commercial break. This is the debut of a team called Kamikaze. Schiavone informs us that they are Shinzaki and Akiyama, two big japanese stars who have signed with WCW over the weekend. Apparently, Commissioner Sanders brought them into WCW, to improve relations with the Japanese wrestling community. Shinzaki and Akiyama walk out carrying a big-ass Japanese flag, which basically draws the ire of everyone in the arena. Shinzaki is wearing white wrestling pants similar to his 'Hakushi' days. Akiyama wears his good old all-blue motiff tights, kneepads and boots. When they hit the ring, Akiyama is handed a microphone and goes into a tirade in Japanese. The fans start booing, and this only pushes Akiyama to go into another indecipherable Japanese tirade.

Whipwreck and Psychosis were good opponents for Kamikaze's first match. They were all on high gear for the entire match, hitting several good spots that had the crowd amazed. Shinzaki hit a tightwire moonsault on Whipwreck, and that wowed the crowd. Akiyama finished things off with his patented "Exploder", an over-head release T-Bone suplex, deftly executed on Psychosis. He covers for the three count. Kamikaze wins their debut match, with crowd already establishing them as heels.

Winner: Kamikaze via Pinfall

Match Rating: ***3/4

~

Eddie Guerrero is backstage, and he is being interviewed by Mike Tenay. Tenay asks if Guerrero is at all worried about keeping the Cruiserweight Title around his waist, now that Ric Flair is no longer in charge of WCW.

"What you can't see, by not looking past my being a member of the Alliance, is that I'm a talented wrestler, Mike Tenay. Orale. I work my butt off inside that ring, and the fact of the matter is, I deserve to be the Cruiserweight Champion! At Spring Stampede, I not only defeated my nephew, Chavito... I also beat Rey Mysterio! I beat two men in one night, vato!"

"That's true, Eddie... but tonight, you're going to have to defend the title against a very game former champion, Billy Kidman. Do you think you're going to be able to walk out of Nitro as the Cruiserweight Champ?"

Eddie gives Tenay a look of disbelief.

"Are you kidding me, esse? I'm Eddie Guerrero! I wasn't hand-picked by Ric Flair, The Nature Boy, for nothing! I'm going to defend this Cruiserweight Title against anyone, anywhere at any time, vato! If Kidman think's he's got the bambolias to take my title tonight, then let him bring it on! Orale!"

~

:Cruiserweight Title Match:

Eddie Guerrero vs. Billy Kidman

Good match, both men showed why there were competing for the Cruiserweight Title. Eddie hit a couple of nice spots, including a top rope plancha to ringside. This went back-and forth. Kidman hit several good spots and was on a roll when Eddie lept out of the ring. Kidman chased him and the fight poured into the crowd. They managed to make it back into the ring before the ref could count them out. Kidman hit a powerbomb and went for the Shooting Star Press, Guerrero rolls out of the way, and grabs the stunned Kidman's tights while holding the ropes to grab the pinfall win. The fans boo Guerrero, who walks back with a big grin on his face.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero via Pinfall

Match Rating: ***3/4

~

Coming back from the break, Eric Bischoff walks into the Commissioner's office, Michael Sanders is sitting down. He looks up, acknowledges Bischoff's presence, and allows Eric to speak.

"So, you're the wonderkid that the board sent to 'make things right'. Do you have any idea what you're doing? Do you realize that you are filling HUMUNGOUS shoes! You're filling not only Ric Flair's shoes... you're filling MY SHOES! WCW isn't a playground for untested rookies... it needs mettled leadership! Someone with MY talents! Som-"

"I'm going to have to cut you off right there, Eric. I know why you're here. And yes, Kevin Nash is indeed in the Battle Royale tonight. In fact, you can also name one more wrestler to be a participant in tonight's main event. Same goes for Flair. He only sends two superstars who will be entered into the Battle Royale. The other six will be hand-picked, by me of course."

Bischoff pauses. And then smiles.

"I like the way you do business, Sand... Mr. Sanders. In fact, you can put it in there... alongside with Kevin Nash representing the nWo, STING is going to be in the Battle Royale!"

The fans erupt into cheers. The show goes into another commercial break.

~

Television Title Match: Curt Hennig vs. Rick Steiner

Curt Hennig successfully defends the Television Title and wins over Rick Steiner in a short match. Hennig dodged a shoulder-tackle from Steiner and hit a Hennig-plex to grab the pinfall.

Winner: Curt Hennig via Pinfall

Match Rating: *1/2

~

The Wolfpack's music starts playing and Konnan walks out. The fans cheer slightly, they hadn't seen Konnan in well over a month now. K-Dogg looks the same, still wearing his baggy pants, his red and black nWo tank-top. Also still wearing the bandana. He heads into the ring and quickly grabs the microphone.

"Orale! K-O--double-N-A-N in da..."

He raises the mic to the crowd who entuhsiastically responds. "HOOOUSE!"

"I ain't gonna' lie to you people. It's been a tough couple of months for me. I've been in and out of Nitro, no thanks to FORMER WCW President Ric Flair. The nWo is just a shell of its former self... heck, I can barely name a handful of people who have remained loyal to the nWo! The fact of the matter is, that I'm rowdy rowdy tonight, and someone is in the fixin' for an ass-whoopin! Not only do I get to compete in a match tonight, but thanks to Eric Bischoff, I have a shot at vying for the WCW World Heavyweight Title in tonight's BATTLE ROYALE! Arriba la rassa!"

Someone cuts Konnan off, however, and out walks Juventud Guerrera. Last week, he interrupted Nash, this week he interrupts Konnan.

"Ooooh. The K-O-double-N-A-N! You run your mouth like you own the place. You want an ass-whoopin' tonight? I, Juventud Guerrera, am ready, willing and able to lay some down for you!"

Guerrera starts walking down the aisle. Konnan smirks.

"After Big Sexy made you his personal crash-test dummy last week, I would think that you've got to have some brain cells left in that stubborn noggin of yours, esse. But if you want to fight a man's a fight... we can do it, right here, and right now! ORALE!"

~

Konnan vs. Juventud Guerrera

Decent match. Konnan seems to have lost a step or two, maybe it's the ring rust. We'll never know. Juventud did a great job of making up for it, though, hitting a guillotine legdrop off the top rope, and hitting a corkscrew dive to the outside. Konnan took over towards the end, hitting his pattented sitting dropkick, rolling clothesline and then locking in the Tequila Sunrise to grab the win.

Winner: Konnan via Submission

Match Rating: **1/2

~

Ric Flair barges into Mike Sander's office, his face flushed red. He starts waving his hands and screams at Sanders.

"Sanders, what the hell is this!? I had every single member of The Alliance put in that Battle Royale tonight! And now, everyone's telling me that you're only going to put in two!? This is a joke! A sham! This is a slap to MY face! You realize that you are dealing with THA' NAITCHA' BOY!?"

Sanders just smirks.

"Well, Naitcha' Boy. It's true. you're only sending two guys in that Battle Royale. In fact, I've already hand-picked your two guys."

"WHAT!? WHAT!? YOU CAN'T DO THIS! I'm Ric Flair! What the hell is this!?"

Sanders says in a calm manner, perhaps just to piss off Flair.

"Listen, Ric... you WERE the WCW President. You blew that. Now, I'm in charge. I call the shots. I make the matches. I do everything. I am the end all and be all of WCW. I know you think I won't do a good job, but I'm telling you this, right here... right now... I know what I'm doing. Tonight, the two members of the Alliance to be entered into the Battle Royale are... Diamond Dallas Page... and Kanyon!"

Ric Flair decides it would be useless to go into another tirade. Flair and Sanders then exchange mean glares, as the show goes into commercial break.

~

Chris Jericho vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Great match. Jericho played the heel perfectly, as Chavo went as the gutsy underdog. After wowing the crowd with a series of high-flying moves, Jericho goes for the finish and makes Chavo submit to the Lion-Tamer.

Winner: Chris Jericho via submission

Match Rating: ****3/4

~

10-Man Battle Royal: "COUNTDOWN MELEE"

Michaels Sanders walks out again, to announce the rules of tonight's Battle Royale.

"Ladies and gentlemen... tonight's match will be no ordinary Battle Royale. This is a WCW Countdown Melee! Two competitors will start it off in the middle of the ring, with a competitor entering the ring at one minute intervals. A competitor is elminated when he is thrown off the top rop and BOTH FEET touch the floor. I have presonally selected all of the men who are involved in the Countdown Melee...the order of entrance has been determined randomly. The last two men remaining inside the ring after all ten competitors have entered will be in a match for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE next week RIGHT HERE ON NITRO! And so... without further ADO... LET THE MELEE BEGIN!!!"

The crowd cheers and Sanders walks out of view. A voiceover booms from the PA System.

"K-K-K-K-K-KAAAAAANYOOOOOOOOON!!!!" And then a heavy grunge/rock music starts playing with a steady beat. And out walks Chris Kanyon, who last week defeated Bret Hart in singles competition. The fans immediately boo. Kanyon steps through the ropes, and taunts the crowd with a cocky, confident look.

Curt Hennig's music starts playing, and that wipes the smirk off of Kanyon's face. The fans start cheering, as Hennig walks out with the WCW Television Title Belt wrapped around his waist. Hennig has that cocky little smile of his own. He hands the belt to the referee outside and steps into the ring.

The two wrestlers face off. The bell rings, and we are on our way! Kanyon and Hennig fight to a complete stalemate for the first minute, exchanging blows, counters and moves... noone able to take advantage.

BUZZ!

"SELF HIGH-FIIIIVE!" the intro riffs to Smells Like Teen Spirit starts playing and the crowd boos. The only two members of the alliance involved in the Melee are now in the ring! bad luck on the draw, probably. Hennig is now double-teamed. DDP and Kanyon hit a double clothesline and they flapjack Hennig. They position Hennig on the ropes, but Curt refuses to go over and hangs on for dear life.

BUZZ!

"Wolfpack is back causing mass destruction..." Konnan runs out, and the crowd pops! He jumps into the ring and starts throwing lefts and rights at Page and Kanyon! Hennig rests a bit as Konnan explodes, ending his run with a big 'ORALE' to the crowd! Page is the first one to recover from Konnan's attack, and soon Kanyon is up as well. Both men now turn their sights on Konnan. K-Dogg soon falls to the double-team of Page and Kanyon. Hennig slowly recovers.

BUZZ!

Mexican music starts playing, and out runs Juventud Guerrera! Big boos from the crowdHe's all psyched up! He's ready for this, his BIG CHANCE! Guerrera dives in through the ropes and runs full speed against Hennig, who uses the latter's momentum to toss him out over the top rope! Juventud Guerrera has been eliminated! Juventud goes ballistic as the refs make him head back to the locker room. The crowd cheers, only for a moment as Kanyon leaves Konnan with Page and attacks Hennig from behind! They soon work into the corners... Page and Kanyon toss their opponents into each other, but they reverse... Page and Kanyon smash into each other! Hennig goes after Page.

BUZZ!

Lex Luger walks out to no music, he's wearing a pair of jeans and a really cocky look on his face. He walks down the aisle and is greeted by boos from the crowd. Luger steps into the ring and is greeted by Konnan's fists. Kanyon rests in a corner, while Hennig and Page try to toss each other over the top rope. Konnan obviously has no love for Luger, specially after Luger attacked Sting last week. Konnan throws Luger into the ropes, and Luger comes back with a running forearm that nearly takes off Konnan's head! Hennig has DDP cornered, and starts hammering in punches! Luger grabs Konnan and puts him on the Torture Rack! Konnan starts screaming in pain, and ends up flat on his back as Luger tosses him over the top rope! Konnan has been eliminated! Hennig is concentrating on Page in a corner and he doesn't see Kanyon sneak up from behind him and grab his legs! Kanyon tosses Hennig over the top rope! Curt Hennig has been eliminated! The three men left inside the ring, Page, Luger and Kanyon seem to have agreed to a stand-off! They wait until the clock counts down.

BUZZ!

BRET HART'S MUSIC STARTS PLAYING! Kanyon, Page and Luger are all confused! Schiavone says that Commish Sanders has given Hart the green light to participate in tonight's match! OH MY! Kanyon starts screaming 'NO! NO! I BEAT HIM! I BEAT HIM!'. All three men wait for Bret to arrive, but he doesn't show up! The all stare at the entranceway, Bret's not there... but wait! Someone's jumped the barrier from the audience! It's Bret! Hart dives into the ring and starts attacking all three men from behind! Bret starts unleashing fists! Luger, Page and Kanyon are all reeling! The crowd cheers for the Hitman as he takes his opponents to school! Hart finally decides to go after one man, the man who beat him last week, Kanyon! Bret grabs Kanyon and throws him across the ropes... and hits a clothesline! Bret starts stomping on Kanyon, and doesn't see Page who hammers him with a fist from behind! Hart is soon swarmed by the three men. He receives blows from all three. Hart collapses on the mat after a strong fist from Page! Kanyon grabs Hart and hits the FLATLINER! Hart is down and out! Page proceeds to go through the motions of tossing Bret out...

BUZZ!

It takes a while before the enxt entrant walks out. "Disco Fever, Disco Fever, Disco Fever, Yeah Yeah Yeah!" The crowd is surprised, and so are the men inside the ring. Disco Inferno!? Tony Schiavone then says that Sting was nowhere to be found, and that Disco Inferno was the immediate substitute fielded in by the Commish! He walks out, does a little dance and shimmy, and then runs into the ring! Inferno goes after all three men as well! The crowd seems to like it, and he soon draws the attention of the heels inside the ring. Hart crawls into a corner, completely drained, while Page, Kanyon and Luger take turns on Inferno! Inferno is outnumbered and outclassed as he reels back from this triple assault. Inferno won't last long from this attack. They take turns on Inferno... and Page hits a DIAMOND CUTTER! Luger then hits Inferno with a RUNNING FOREARM!

BUZZ!

"Wolfpack is back causing mass destruction..." Kevin Nash walks out! And the crowd goes WILD! He heads for the ring... and starts belting everyone with huge fists! Luger falls! Kanyon falls! Page falls! Nash is cleaning house! Nash goes after Disco Inferno! Nash grabs Inferno, and throws him over the top rope! Disco Inferno has been eliminated! Nash sets his sights on Luger! Nash throws Luger across the ropes, BIG BOOT! Luger topples over the top rope! Lex Luger has been eliminated! Nash sees Kanyon and Page in a corner! Kanyon is in front of Page and now he's begging for mercy from Nash... jeez. Page starts waving at the entranceway! Kanyon is still pleading, and Nash slowly walks towards them with a smile on his face. Page shoves Kanyon into Nash! Nash grabs Kanyon... he sets him up for a JACKKNIFE! BOOM! Nash hits it! He grabs Kanyon and tosses him over the top rope! Kanyon has been eliminated! Hart is still a bit woozy in a corner and is slowly getting up. Nash goes after Page... but wait a minute... The Giant and Bam Bam Bigelow have entered the ring! They assault Nash! The Giant and Bigelow proceed to haul Nash over the top rope! Kevin Nash has been eliminated! Nash is battling with The Giant and Bigelow outside, and they fight all the way backstage! It's Page and Hitman left in the ring with one more entrant to go! Page starts going after the woozy Hitman.

BUZZ!

"WHAT ABOUT... RAVEN!?" Freak On A Leash starts playing... and Raven runs out! Page and Hart exchange punches. Raven jumps in and starts attacking both Page and Hart! Raven and Page then decide to isolate the Hitman! Raven grabs Bret and hits a body slam. Page follows it up with an elbow drop! The crowd boos. Bret is brought to his knees by Page... and Bret hits a punch! Raven goes in with a punch of his own... and Bret blocks it! He punches Raven! Hart unleashes fists against Raven and Page! Hart runs across the ropes, CLOTHESLINE ON PAGE! Raven then drops Hart with a clothesline! Page gets up and he signals to Raven... they're going to toss the Hitman... Raven nods and agrees... they grab Bret and try to hoist him on the ropes. Bret proves to be a hard man to eliminate. Page back off a bit, letting Raven do the work... and Page gets a wierd grin on his face. Page grabs Raven from behind and attempts to toss him over! Raven goes over the ropes, but lands on the apron.... Page runs at Raven, but it tripped by Bret Hart! Raven pulls down on the top rope... and Page spills outside!!! Diamond Dallas Page has been eliminated! DDP can't believe it! He's completely in shock! The refs and several stagehands lead him backstage so as to avoid any conflicts.

Bret and Raven are the last two men! Bret slowly gets up inside the ring, while Raven jumps off the apron and stands at ringside. The fans are cheering! Bret and Raven engage in a staredown, Bret inside the ring, Raven outside! Schiavone informs us that these two men will face each other for the World Title next week, here on NITRO!!! The show closes with a shot of an exhausted Hitman raising his hands to the crowd while keeping constant eye-contact with Raven, who's just staring him down!!!

Winners: Bret Hart & Raven

WCW Nitro TV Rating: 6.85

WWF Monday Night RAW TV Rating: 7.35

Edited March 28, 2005 by wrestlingsuicide

[Steve Corino]

Oooo, Bret and Raven, that should be good. Could we see the ultimate upset, and get RAVEN with the WCW World title?! I kinda doubt it after all the build that Hart had running up to this point, but only you know for sure.

I'm not really sold much on Sanders as the Commissioner. I mean, I love Mike Sanders's work and that's especially on the mic, but in 1999 he wasn't even out of the Power Plant yet I don't believe. If he was, he was jobbing on Saturday Night. No one would have ANY clue as to who that is and WHY he's getting such a high role in the company. Personally, I would have expected someone like Steamboat coming in to be the new boss.

But again, it's your universe and not the known universe, I'm just here to enjoy it. And aside from that little thing, I am still enjoying this as much as I did when I started reading it.

[wrestlingsuicide]

Oooo, Bret and Raven, that should be good. Could we see the ultimate upset, and get RAVEN with the WCW World title?! I kinda doubt it after all the build that Hart had running up to this point, but only you know for sure.

I'm not really sold much on Sanders as the Commissioner. I mean, I love Mike Sanders's work and that's especially on the mic, but in 1999 he wasn't even out of the Power Plant yet I don't believe. If he was, he was jobbing on Saturday Night. No one would have ANY clue as to who that is and WHY he's getting such a high role in the company. Personally, I would have expected someone like Steamboat coming in to be the new boss.

But again, it's your universe and not the known universe, I'm just here to enjoy it. And aside from that little thing, I am still enjoying this as much as I did when I started reading it.

←

[Renegade]

Politics, politics

Great few shows, battle royal was good and I can't wait for Bret vs Raven.

[kempay]

Mike Sanders...Totally out of nowhere... But I LOVE IT! It's somebody else, different.. a man who's neutral to both Flair and Bischoff.

As for Hart/Raven... I AM REALLY HOPING FOR RAVEN TO WIN! RAVEN! RAVEN! a win for Hart is nice, but to upset the world, and to shock the world.. would be Raven winning the title.. And a new road paved in WCW as well.

[wrestlingsuicide]

Augh. Work is getting in the way again. I am half-way through Nitro, although the Championship match is yet to be written. That and it's nearing Holy Week, which means we have to go visit my relatives in the province. I'll be out from Thursday to Sunday, so I won't be able to post Nitro. I will have it up sometime next week.

As a sidenote, I'd like some feedback regarding the diary. General appearance, the way storylines are shown, the presentation. I'd definitely want to hear what's on my readers' minds. Do you guys think that the show format is alright? Do you think I should change the way I write my interviews/matches? I'm basically concerned about the readability of my diary.

I was thinking about putting in the show and segment ratings along with the shows, so you guys have a general idea of what they are like.

Thanks for reading, guys. :thumbsup:

[Steve Corino]

I love this diary. It's not one that jumps right out and punches you in the face, but once you get into it, it's a great read. I also wouldn't say it's the greatest diary I've ever read. But the way it has gone, with your writing style and your top-notch storylines (which, the way you write everyone, even a subpar storyline would be good), it's just solid.

[LucaBlight]

Yesterday, I was looking through all the diaries here for a good, early to mid 90's diary. Late last night, I came across this one. I got half way through, and I was very impressed. I finished what's done so far today, and I got to tell you, this is one of the few times I've anticipated an EWR game's next show. I did at first have a problem with the fact you just did Nitro's and PPV's, without Thunder or Saturday Night, but I realized that's probably for the better. Anyway, case in point, great diary. Top five I've ever read, easily.

[Renegade]

I like the diary a lot, nothing I'd recommend u change, I like the star ratings as opposed to match ratings, nice touch. Only thing I would say is DEFNITELY stick with the font u were previously using, not the one u used in the last show, the previous font just makes it look good.

Edited March 28, 2005 by Renegade