Godfatha does WCW 1996

[Guest Ringmaster]

Well, I think the show could definitely be a little longer and more elaborated. The interviews are also a tad too short. Just remember to take your time. The readers can wait forever for a great show. It's your first time, I'm sure you'll improve.

[Your Mom]

Done with the show and I like the style of it. You watching from backstage is a neat way to write it and I hope you keep doing that. I like your announce team. I do think you need alot more detail. Plus to be honest I hate the idea of an nWo guy losing the night after they formed. The original appeal was that they kicked so much ass and you wondered who could ever stop them. Well apparently that is Arn Anderson and some knucks Didn't care for that. Besides that take everyone elses advice and you are cool

[caucasianheat]

I think the write-ups being short made perfect sense. If you think about it, he's sitting in the gorilla position and just watching things happen, in keeping with the first person perspective. He calls all the important moves and spots of the matches, and sums up the interviews rather nicely. It seems less like a journal, and more like something that's been committed to memory, which I think is cool.

Awesome backstory, a great way to kick off the diary. I like the angle of being an uninteional drug runner and testifying against Vince. The incorporation of real-life events made it a lot better than "Eric Bischoff called me and made me booker". Thumbs up to that. The booking of the first show was a bit spotty, and a few matches seemed like throwaways for all intents and purposes. But it was good nonetheless. I'll be interested to see how some of your storylines and feuds pan out. I'll definitely check this out again.

[Godfatha]

Thanks for the feedback. I've been doing a lot of reading and I came to the conclusion that writing a long matchup would be for naught as people tend to skim it anyways. With that said, for PPV's it will have full match descriptions.

The interviews I agree with as they should have been longer.

As for the match lengths now, cauc hit it on the head, from a storyline perspective it's all about the main points.

And for the booking, it's building to something, don't worry.

WCW turning over a new leaf, but more work needs to be done.

With the biggest angle in recent wrestling history coming into fruition, most of the impact that the New World Order has made has already begun to fizzle. While Nitro wasn't a bad show, it wasn't a spectacular show that it should have been. Again, coming off a huge Pay Per View, viewers should have been kicking themselves for not ordering the Bash by watching this Nitro. Instead what happened was another ho-hum show which didn't really get over the effectiveness of the New World Order as much as it should have. Ironically, for someone like Hogan, he didn't spend enough time on the mic as he should have. As to who's decision that is, that was the wrong one.

I did however, like the angle with Mongo and the nWo along with Flair having to justify himself for his actions. It seems like something interesting is brewing there and I'm hoping that WCW takes their time with this angle and doesn't seem to fizzle out like the nWo has. Luckily, there is a way to salvage the damage done by the nWo and that's just to continue to make them out to be the destructive force they were when they first entered WCW. One little blip will mean nothing in the grand scheme of things as it's just the exception rather than the rule.

The Anderson vs. Hall match was a solid bout. I have mixed feelings about the ending though. Part of me is upset that Hall, a popular mysterious man of the nWo was jobbed out, but I'm not too upset considering AA had to do it with Knux and with Flair distracting the referee. It's a bit of a mixed bag considering that it was needed to set up Flair and Hall but it made Hall, and in turn the nWo, to look weak. But it can be fixed with a week or few of the nWo really dominating WCW.

Some people were criticizing the match of Eddie vs. Regal. I for one didn't have a problem with it as the crowd seemed to be pretty pumped up with Arn squaring off against Scott Hall. There needed to be something in there to take place in between that match and the main event. With that said, I don't feel it should have been at the expense of Eddie and Regal. Those two could be big some day and putting them may have worked against WCW by making the fans think that they shouldn't care about the masterpiece that those two put on.

The main event itself was another mixed bag for me. While it certainly gave fans incentive to watch the match (and God knows we had to hear Schiavone pimp it out so many times) it rips off the fans who pay out good money to see this match on Pay Per View. It just bothers me when these sort of things happen. While I see the need to hype Luger vs. Nash, I don't see the need to even have the match in the first place. It's not as if people will be ordering Road Wild just to see that match. Who made that decision anyways?! While it was a decent television match, there are other ways to start a feud between Luger and Flair.

And finally on a more professional note, it was extensively reported here on the Torch that Bret Hart would be the third man, we in this business can make mistakes. Sometimes my sources can be incorrect as sometimes we're working on third hand knowledge. We can confirm though that Bret Hart has just resigned a huge contract with Vince so it's unlikely we'll be seeing Bret Hart in WCW.

*RANDOM NEWS*

It appears that Steve "Mongo" McMichael may not return to WCW after his big injury angle with the nWo. We shall see if WCW acknowledges this to get over the brutal nature of the nWo or if they will just ignore it.

The WWF has recently released two of its most promising prospects in Christian Cage and Adam Copeland. My sources tell me that WCW might be interested in one or both performers.

Ric Flair has been heeling the crowds during house show tours. It's uncertain if there is a reason behind this or Flair was just riled up.

My sources tell me that Kevin Nash was complaining about his leg after his match.

Hollywood Hogan was also heard to be bragging about being the man to turn around WCW.

In an ironic note, Luger was also heard complaining that he may have torn a pectoral muscle while flexing while trying to will Sting for the hot tag. More on this as it develops.

Finally, in an odd note, there was word that a doctor was seen hanging around the gorilla position during Nitro. My sources tell me that he was not wearing the traditional white medical coat.

© Copyright 1996 by TDH Communications Inc.

Edited September 3, 2004 by Godfatha

[Godfatha]

WCW Nitro: B.T. Hardy Stadium, Atlanta Georgia. 5036 tickets sold, $201440 in ticket sales.

Well, after one week of booking WCW Nitro I wasn’t really making any impact. I mean, I don’t think anyone even knew what I was doing besides sitting in the gorilla position waiting to see if there were any injuries. I hadn’t really heard about any complaints from anyone really although I should have asked about WCW Saturday Night. I noticed Eric didn’t tell me about that. What he didn’t tell me and what Tony didn’t mention on air is that on TBS on Saturday Nights was a miniseries called Survivor’s of the Holocaust. It would be airing every Saturday night but it promised to have extra features as well.

But all that didn’t matter as I had been at home now for some time and now Nitro was coming home to Atlanta. This is great as I had been spending a lot of time with the wife in fulfilling her goal of having a child. Damn Sophie, damn her being attractive. Still, I can confidently say I was 100% focused on my wife….99%. I don’t have to defend myself to any of you.

The entrance music for Nitro began and the crowd began to cheer wildly. About 12 seconds into it, it was cut off. The screen went black. ”What the hell?” was the statement being heard from some people in the back. All of a sudden it started to flicker and you saw Hogan’s, Nash’s, and Hall’s face on the screen.

Hall:”Hey yo, we all know, no one tuned in to see WCW. They all tuned in to see us take out WCW. No one cares about the old geezers. So stay tuned, and watch as we step up our presence and take….WCW….out.”

The pyro hit in the arena and the lights showed an entirely different set. The WCW ring was still in place, but the somewhat miniature WCW statues that stood on either side of the entrance isle had been knocked over in a haphazard manner. The WCW sign on top of the ramp had been torn off and thrown on the ground. While the two signs advertising Nitro behind the statues had a giant “X” spray painted on it in black paint.

At the top of the arena ceiling if the fans were to look above in giant spray painted letters it stated ”n.W.o. is taking over, 1 by 1.”

As the camera began to pan the crowd the colour flickered from black and white to colour as it flickered. It certainly made for an impressive visual for the fan who is tuning in to Nitro 3 minutes before RAW started. And that’s what we wanted, the hook to grab the fan. He or she might not have stayed for the entire show but if we can consistently hook them like this then maybe they’ll be converted.

Tony: “Welcome everyone to WCW Monday Night Nitro! As you can see here, we’ve…had some changes here. Certainly this has to stop now before it gets out of hand. We’ve already seen one WCW superstar destroyed last Monday Night, who knows what the n.W.o might do tonight to step up their presence?!”

Heenan:”Well who knows Schiavone, this is certainly something that everyone in the back should take notice. I mean, look at this place! Quite frankly, I’m a bit nervous just sitting here. Everyone knows how delicate I am.

Tony:”Oh yeah, we all know. Well tonight folks we’ve got ourselves quite the match, despite the n.W.o’s little sabotage, we are still carrying on with WCW Nitro! Tonight, DDP will be facing Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit takes on Scott Hall, and in tonight’s MEGA event, Sting and the Giant take on Nash and Hogan! What a show, folks stay tuned, we’ll be right back!”

Nitro is on their first commercial break as Psichosis and Dean Malenko stand beside me waiting for their cue. I wished them good luck as Malenko nodded his head to me as he wiped his belt.

Malenko vs. Psichosis

Tony:”Welcome back folks, and wait a minute, here comes the WCW Cruiserweight champion Dean Malenko. Psichosis stands in the ring waiting for the opportunity to try and defeat the cruiserweight champion. Just as a note, the title is not being defended here, it will be defended against Rey Mysterio Jr. at Road Wild.”

The crowd was a bit quiet here, I’m not certain if it’s because they wanted to sit back and watch the action or because the cruiserweight champion is facing off a near jobber in WCW. In either case, it would be a tough sell to try and get the crowd interested here.

This match was pure Malenko as he showed the crowd why he is the “Man of 1000 holds.” The match started off with Malenko immediately going into a headlock. As Psichosis tried to whip Malenko in the ropes to counter it, Malenko dropped to his knees forcing Psichosis down with him. As Malenko spread his legs and put his feet on the ring canvas to give himself a wider base, Psichosis hit the mat rhythmically; not to tap out but to try and get the crowd behind him, it didn’t work.

After it was clear the fans weren’t going to get behind Psichosis from a mere headlock, Malenko released the headlock and went to work on the right leg of Psichosis.

Tony:”And look at Malenko go, he’s just vicious in the ring tonight. He’s wrestling with a purpose tonight Brain.”

Heenan:”Exactly, it’s rare I see a fire in his eyes, but tonight I see it. Maybe the threat of the n.W.o has made him realize he has to defend WCW as he is a champion. Maybe he wants to be a part of the Horsemen. Who knows?!”

Malenko released the single leg Boston crab on Psichosis’ right knee. After a few intense stomps on the knee, the crowd started to sympathize with the screaming Psichosis. Malenko lifted up the knee and slammed it into the mat as Psichosis screamed in agony. Malenko repeated it again, and again.

Tony:”You see how methodical the Iceman is? He is just working on that right knee.”

Heenan:”That’s right Tony, Psichosis’ kneecap could be shattered, but Malenko doesn’t care. All he cares about is winning. He’s a machine in the ring.”

Finally, Malenko decided he had enough of Psichosis and started to latch on the Texas Cloverleaf when the crowd really started to pop. Sensing that the crowd doesn’t love him that much, Malenko stopped what he was doing and looked up.

Tony:”It’s Mysterio! Rey Mysterio Jr. is standing outside the ring with the Cruiserweight title!”

Malenko stood at the ropes screaming for Mysterio to drop the belt as it was his. Psichosis crawled as best he could to reach Malenko. Mysterio wrapped the belt around his waist. You can hear Malenko scream “”Put that down, it’s mine!” Malenko was so focused on his belt that he didn’t notice Psichosis’ head was underneath Malenko’s legs looking up. In one quick motion Psichosis grabbed Malenko’s knees and proceeded to sit up thus forcing Malenko backwards. Psichosis could barely hold Malenko down for 3 seconds but he did.

Heenan:”Oh my, he just made the biggest mistake of his life. Malenko is gotta be beside himself!”

Mysterio dropped the title and motioned to his waist that he will be the new cruiserweight champion. Malenko was seething and kicked the bottom rope.

Tony:”Folks, we’ll be right back but stay tuned, Nash and Hogan take on WCW’s Sting and The Giant!”

**1/2, 63%, 45%, 81%

As Malenko, Mysterio and Psichosis walked back I wondered why no one was standing beside me getting ready to go out. I looked at my booking sheet and I saw why.

Horsemen with Rey

The camera cuts back to the three remaining Horsemen standing in their room discussing when a knock is heard on their door. All three members stared at each other wondering who would be knocking at this hour. In sync all three turned to look at the door with suspicion in their eyes. It was quite easy to tell that after what had happened with McMichael a week ago, the n.W.o. might want to finish the job.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

Flair took off his jacket and unbuttoned his cufflinks as he searched for a weapon. He settled on his plastic water bottle as he held it up with his right hand and cautiously opened the door with his left hand.

Flair:”Alright you n.W.o. pieces of scum. You guys wanna deal with the Naitcha Boy, come on and do it!!” He was shaking his water bottle about which still had some water in it so water landed on Flair’s face as he was shouting as his arms were flailing about.

Flair stopped speaking, the camera was zoomed in close on Flair’s face but there was no one at the door. Flair looked down and as such the camera went down. A diminutive Rey Mysterio Jr. stood at the doorway.

Flair:…….”What do you want?! No autographs!” He closes the door on Rey when banging is heard again. Arn Anderson opens the door again.

Anderson:”Rey Mysterio, what do you want?”

Mysterio:”Well, Mr. Anderson, as you know I’m facing Dean Malenko at Road Wild for the Cruiserweight Championship and I’ve been big fans of all of you when…”

Anderson:”Get to the point.”

Mysterio:”Uh yes. Sorry. Anyways, I saw what the n.W.o. did and I know you guys are down 1 person for the Horsemen and with the n.W.o. seemingly becoming stronger, I want to be a part of you guys and stand up to the n.W.o.”

Flair laughs a loud hearty laugh before patting him on the back.

Flair:”You fans always crack me up, thinking you’re wrestlers. Listen kid, this is the Four Horsemen. You think we care about the n.W.o? We’re the most dominant force in wrestling history! You’ve got the WOOOOO Naitcha Boy Ric Flair, the Enforcer ‘Double A’ Arn Anderson and Chris Benoit, the greatest technical wrestler. What do you think you offer us other than to decrease our average height?!”

Anderson:”What Ric is saying is, I don’t think you can cut it being a Horseman. We work hard son. Nobody gets rich working 40 hours a week and you’ll have to work your butt off with us. Bottom line is, you haven’t proven yourself. Maybe after you win the title we’ll consider it but not now.”

With that, Arn shoved Mysterio out the door as Flair put down the now empty water bottle.

93%

Randy Savage’s Encounter…

The camera cuts to a different dressing room as Randy Savage is adjusting the tassels on his boots. The crowd lets out a loud cheer as he’s in his room, of course Randy can’t hear this but the crowd still cheers as Randy gets ready.

A loud bang is heard nearby. Randy looks up and around his locker room but sees nothing. He goes through his duffle bag and pulls out his traditional sunglasses. ”Yeeeeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about” he says to himself as he puts on the sunglasses. He stands up and puts on his hat and as soon as he turns around Kevin Nash’s boot goes right into the face of Savage. The glasses shatter instantly as Savage crumples to the ground. Nash is beating on Savage with savage stomps to the stomach and to Savage’s right knee.

Nash:”How do you like that huh big boy?! This is where the big boys play right?! Come on Savage! You’re WCW’s hope and you’re looking mighty pathetic right about now!”

Nash stops his attack and looks around. Savage is crumpled over to try and prevent some of the pain from his ribs as he also clutches his right knee. The camera pans up to Savage’s face; his trademark glasses have been shattered and left cuts on his face. Savage’s expression turns from pain to fear as the camera pans up to reveal Nash standing above him with an aluminum baseball bats in his hand.

Tony:”Stop him! Stop this madness now, he can’t do this to Savage. There’s no way he can do this!”

Heenan:”He can do whatever he wants to Schiavone! Nash is standing, Savage isn’t. Savage is hurt, Nash isn’t. And Nash has a baseball bat, he can do whatever he wants to Schiavone and I’m not liking where it’s going.”

Nash laughs to himself as he swings the bat in his right hand. ”It’s time for this old horse to make his trip to the glue factory. Your time is over Macho Man, the n.W.o. is taking over and there is nothing you or the rest of your WCW losers can do about it. This is our show and it’s time to make an example out of you.”

Nash lifts up the bat and swings it down right on Savage’s knee. A loud scream exudes from Savage’s mouth after the first swing but Savage doesn’t beg for mercy. This of course infuriates Nash the point where Nash’s expression went from a mere sadist to that of psychotic as he began to smash Savage’s knee with the bad again, and again while not even heeding Savage’s cries of pain.

Tony:”My God, what has Nash done? What has the n.W.o done dammit?!”

Heenan:”I’ll tell you what they’ve done, they’ve taken out a key player in WCW! They know they’re outnumbered but if you take out key players there won’t be organization in WCW to fight the n.W.o. They’re not only telling us that we should take them seriously, but they’re telling us we should watch our backs as they could come out of nowhere! You can get your own ride home tonight Schiavone, I’m taking a cab!”

88%

Luger to the rescue…in whatever way he can…

Lex:”Nash! Drop…the bat!” Luger walks right up to Nash and stares him down. The crowd cheers as there’s a rescuer for Savage, but it may be too little, too late.

Tony:”Oh thank goodness, someone can finally end this madness.”

Heenan:”I never thought I’d say this, but I’m thankful for seeing Lex Luger on my screen.”

Nash is still grinning as he and Luger stare down. Luger has his television title wrapped around his shoulder but he drops it on the bench and keeps staring down Nash.

Nash:”Well, if it isn’t Flexy Lexy. What’s new there pal? Nash slaps his hand right on the deltoid of Luger, but Luger quickly shrugs it off.

Nash:”Whoa, Whoa, easy there Flex. You might tear a muscle.”

Luger:”You want me at Road Wild, you’ve got it.” Luger said this in his most serious tone possible and it actually came across as somewhat believable. ”It’s one thing to challenge the ‘Total Package,’ but it’s another thing to attack my friends. You’ll pay for that mistake Nash, make no mistake about it.”

Nash laughs as he doesn’t even seem to be concerned about the threat that Luger just uttered. Suddenly he stopped laughing and there was a dead silence between the two.

Heenan:”You could cut the tension with a knife Schiavone.”

Suddenly Luger rammed his shoulder right into Nash’s stomach and slammed him against the walls. The hooks for coats and miscellaneous equipment went right into Nash’s back which caused him to scream a bit. Luger began nailing him with forearms to Nash’s head and screaming with every single blow. Nash, still holding the bat, uses like a lever it to get in between him and Luger. With a single thrust Nash pushes Luger away long enough for Nash to climb over the fallen Savage and get out through the door way. He pointed at Luger with the bat.

Nash:”You’re dead Luger! At Road Wild, you’re DEAD! Do you hear me, DEAD!!!!”

The camera faded out as Luger began to tend to a fallen Randy Savage. Luger looked up and anger began to wipe all over Luger as the camera faded to black.

81%

There was a bit of a break in all of this so I went to the bathroom as there was nothing for me to watch over during those vignettes. As I walked by I saw Hollywood Hogan looking at a sheet of paper and making moves in the mirror. He waved when he saw me and I waved and I kept walking. I didn’t see any other wrestlers nearby. I kept walking and I came upon another area where the rest of the wrestlers were. I said hi to the group as a whole and I wondered why Hogan was by himself. Did they shun him? Were they taking the whole n.W.o. thing too seriously? I walked back to the position and still saw Hogan only this time he was fixing his “beard.” I always thought it made him look goofy in that his handlebar was still blonde but the beard was black. I guess he thought it made him look badass.

As the camera faded back on Schiavone, his faced looked quite somber. He was very quiet when he spoke as footage was replayed of what had transpired prior to the break. Heenan was also quiet and serious which added a nice touch to the effect.

Tony:”Well folks…there’s nothing more I can really say. That says it all. Randy Savage has been taken out to Atlanta General Hospital and, if there are any updates available on his condition we’ll be sure to inform all of you. Bobby, you were saying earlier that the n.W.o. was using this….this guerrilla warfare tactic to try and divide and conquer us. We just saw them take out Randy Savage now and I’m wondering why the hell didn’t anyone save him earlier!? Dammit, they’re taking us out. There’s only 3 of them but they’re slowly taking us out and there’s nothing we can do to stop them!”

Heenan:”Now calm down Schiavone. To all the WCW boys watching in the back, stand up. Take charge, this is our company, and there is no way we should let it fall to three men who think that by vandalizing our sets, we’ll back down. This is WCW and there is no way we’re going to lose this war before it even begins. They want a war, well boys, go give it to ‘em!.”

Tony:”Inspiring words by Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. Well folks right now we’ve got Diamond Dallas Page getting set to take on Eddie Guerrero.”

DDP vs. Eddie Guerrero

DDP came out to a few boos but for the most part, apathy ruled the audience during his entrance. When Eddie came out, it really wasn’t any different. These two men would have to work hard in order to win over the crowd. Eddie climbed on the top turnbuckle and slapped his chest to try and rally the fans behind him.

The bell rang and both men circled the ring feeling each other out.

Tony:”Well Brain, who do you see winning in this contest?”

Heenan:”Well it’s no contest, DDP is the man with the clear advantage. He’s got height, weight, size and power.”

Both men engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie up but DDP immediately kicked Eddie in the stomach. Eddie sold it well as DDP bounced off the ropes and delivered a knee to the face of the perched Guerrero. Eddie fell over and hit the mat. DDP pounced on Eddie as he picked up Eddie and delivered several elbows to the back of the neck of Eddie.

Tony:”You have to respect DDP here Brain. He’s already beginning to soften up Eddie for the Diamond Cutter. And you know how quickly DDP can hit that move.”

Heenan:”You know it, when he hits you, BAM! It’s over. 1, 2, 3.”

DDP delivered a scoop slam to Eddie as DDP ran to the ropes and dropped the elbow on Eddie’s collarbone. Page stomps on Eddie some more in the right shoulder/neck area while Eddie’s cries of pain can be heard. Page stopped only to taunt the crowd and deliver his “Bang” taunt. The crowd started to get into it and booed DDP. With Page’s back turned Eddie slowly gets up, turns Page around, and whips Page to the ropes.

Tony:”Reversal by Page! Eddie is sent into the ropes, Page goes under while Eddie goes over!”

After the leap frog, Eddie stops running, when Page turns around, Eddie hits Page with a drop kick which sends Page on the mat. Eddie begins stomping Page and hits a running elbow drop.

Tony:”Eddie, on the apron now, Eddie’s up and HITS DDP WITH THE SNAP SENTON SPLASH! He’s going for the cover…1, 2…Oh he just had it.”

Eddie slaps his chest and more fans are cheering with him now. Eddie begins to pick up DDP when DDP kicks Eddie in the chest, he’s about to lock on the Diamond Cutter when Eddie pushes him away. DDP turns around to face Eddie and levels him with a stiff lariat. DDP does another round at taunting when he picks Eddie up and whips him to the ropes. On the rebound Page picks up Eddie and is about to go for a spinebuster when Eddie reverses it into a spinning leg scissors. Eddie begins to quicken his offense as he delivers a running leg drop. Eddie climbs on the top turnbuckle as DDP starts to slowly get up and attempts to deliver a huge missile drop kick on DDP but DDP moved at just the right time and pulled Eddie down. DDP picks up Eddie and goes for a suplex.

Tony:”DDP now, going for the suplex, and wait a minute, swinging reversal and Guerrero hits him with a DDT!”

Heenan:”There’s something you don’t see everyday, a DDT on DDP!”

Eddie is fighting pain as he begins his climb up the turnbuckle. Page begins to rise as well so forgoing his original plan of the frogsplash Eddie leaps off, latches his legs around DDP’s neck and whips off a hurricanrana on Page. Eddie once again goes to the top rope and flies off. He flexes his entire abdominal cavity before stretching it out and he lands right on DDP’s chest.

Tony:”He nailed it! The frogsplash, 1, 2, 3!!! Eddie did it! Eddie Guerrer….what the hell is this? Oh no…”

Heenan:”I told you Schiavone, didn’t I tell you!? No one is safe!”

Scott Hall appeared from the crowd and entered the ring. As Eddie was celebrating on the turnbuckle Hall hit him in his back. Eddie’s music stopped as Hall began to stomp on Eddie. Hall picked up DDP and put his head in between his legs and outstretched his arms. It was clear Hall was going for the Outsider’s Edge. Some fans cheered this and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Hall managed to lift up DDP and he dropped DDP right on his shoulders, DDP sort of crumpled after receiving the bump.

Tony:”He’s folded up like an accordion!”

I stood up from my seat as DDP may have been injured, but this was no time to show my face in front of the camera. I would just hope he’s OK. Eddie began to fight Hall when Hall shoved him to the ground. Ric Flair came running to the ring as the crowd chanted “WOOOO.” Flair was livid as he took off his sports jacket and screaming at Hall. Hall laughed and backed off and walked away slowly through the crowd. The crowd began to pat Hall on the back just so the next day they can tell their friends they touched a sweaty wrestler. As Hall backed off, Flair tried to help Eddie up but he refused it. Eddie and Flair looked at each other before walking away in their respective directions.

During this time DDP was helped to the back. I asked DDP if he was feeling any pain as I put my stethoscope to his ribcage to see if there was a broken rib. Luckily there was none. He told me he felt stiff in his shoulder area and from my examination there weren’t any broken bones. I checked his neck for any irregularities but there was none.

”We should get him to the hospital just in case. If his neck and shoulders are hurting, we need an X-ray to see if there’s any damage, I can’t really do anything without further information.”

DDP was helped outside as some of the road agents told me they would take care of it.

***, 74%, 68%, 80%

Hogan comes out to the ring…

Tony:”Folks, we apologize for the actions of these rebels. Please note that we don’t condone action of this in any form. Stay tuned tonight for Sting and The Giant taking on Nash and Hollywood Ho….”

The screen began to flicker and the audio cut out. The lights in the arena went out and the crowd cheered. I didn’t know why, maybe they love the dark or just spontaneity. The screen flickered a bit more but was shown in grainy black and white. The n.W.o. porn theme played and out walked out the entire stable of the n.W.o. Hall did his traditional airplane walk while Nash held up one hand and walked with a smirk. Hogan tried to act as cool as a balding, middle aged man could.

As they got into the ring Hall took both of his arms, leaned his body over and pointed to Hollywood Hogan. Hogan did his best imitation of an air guitar while Hall grabbed the microphone.

Hall:”…..Heeeeeyyy yo…” The crowd cheered a bit as Hall adjusted his bandana. ”You people like the redecorations done to Nitro?” The crowd once again cheered for Hall. ”That’s just the beginning courtesy of the n.W.o. To all of you WCW wrestlers, you’ve got two options, you can join us, or one by one” Hall took his tooth pick out of his mouth and held it in his left hand, “we’ll cut….you….up.” Hall threw his toothpick right at the camera. ”This is just the beginning for WCW, you see what we did last week? You saw how we upped the ante this week? You saw what we did to the Nacho Man?! It’s just the beginning meng…it’s just the beginning.”

Hogan grabbed the microphone from Hall, it was clear that this was his interview and not Hall’s.

Hogan:”Thank you, thank you. Thank you for applauding your savior in the world of professional wrestling, the leader of the New World Order of wrestling, Hollywood Hogan.” The crowd was rabidly booing Hogan here. It’s quite a nice stable they’ve got. ”You know ever since Bash at the Beach brother, people came up to the Hulkster and asked me one question, ‘Why Hogan, why?!’ Well the answer to that is simple brother. WCW is dying, it’s weak and is just waiting to be captured. The fact that we can do what we please shows that there is no organization here. We came in last week and destroyed one of the Horsemen. A group that was the most dominant stable in the history of professional wrestling just had one of its members destroyed. What does this say about the industry? A bunch of rebels from up North can just come on down, walk through the crowd on a Nitro and interrupt everything.

You know when I first started in this business, I was the ultimate good guy. I told all of you to eat your vitamins and say your prayers. I went all across the country to help Vince make his company. I made that company, I AM that company brother. And for years you all worshipped me, I was a God to all of you. I couldn’t go anywhere without seeing red and yellow everywhere. Yellow…that’s the perfect description for Hulk Hogan. He was weak. All he cared about was pleasing everyone. Well Hollywood Hogan has realized something, you can’t please everyone all the time, so I’ve given up. In 1993 you people gave up on me. None of you cared when I left my former company. None of you cared when I came to WCW. It didn’t matter when I took on Ric Flair in what should have been the greatest dream match of all time. It didn’t matter when I did anything right for you people. But suddenly, I turn my back on all of you and I matter? What kind of BS is that?! If the fans are any indication of the company, it shows how backwards this company really is.

WCW is weak, it always has been. Ric Flair hasn’t done a damn thing in this business compared to me brother. No one cared about Sting or Dusty Rhodes, it was all about Hulk Hogan. I am bigger than this business, I’m bigger than all of you people.” The crowd resented that shot and let Hogan know it as a small “asshole” chant could faintly be heard. Hogan put down the mic and glared at the crowd. A new chant started, a “You Sold Out” chant. The entire arena was chanting it and directing it to Hogan. ”That’s right, Hollywood Hogan DID sell out brother. Was that the response you wanted? You people are so predictable in every way. It’s pathetic. I have a simple message for WCW and that’s this,” Hogan grabbed the camera and looked right at it. ”WCW is weak, there is no organization, and now it’s time for the three biggest draws from upstairs to take over this company and make it ours. While we were up North making boatloads of money, you people down here were insulting everyone with the Shockmaster and Robocop. It’s pathetic, and now look at you. WCW is already dead brother, and the only question is how long you want to prolong its death. So you have two choices, you can either step up to us and get knocked down, or join us. It’s just that simple. And the way we’re going to do kill WCW? We’re coming for all the champions. Lex Luger, you’ve tried your best to be me up north but you failed, now Big Sexy over here is going to take you on at Road Wild. And you better stay real close to the Television title, because after Road Wild, it’ll be the n.W.o Television title. Ric Flair, enjoy your moment in the sun you washed up has been. I’m not even going to waste my time wrestling you but Scott Hall wants your US title and at Road Wild, it’s ours. And finally, The Giant, you think you can intimidate Hollywood Hogan?! I beat your dad in front of 93,000 people and I will beat you at Road Wild brother. You can count on it. And to show how popular the n.W.o has been, at Road Wild, there will be some new blood in the n.W.o. coming directly from WCW itself. And after Road Wild? Heh, after Road Wild the first step of domination, will be complete….BROTHER.”

Hogan dropped the mic as they walked off.

The audio feed of the colour announcers came back on with Tony and Heenan both quietly muttering about what’s going to happen and who has already defected to the n.W.o.

Tony:”Folks, powerful words from the n.W.o. Road Wild is shaping up to be the most important show in WCW history.”

Heenan:”You got that right Schiavone, Road Wild will determine whether WCW survives, or whether it dies. This is a war Schiavone, and we’re losing it.”

Tony:”Well coming up is one man who represents a group who will continue to fight for WCW, and that’s Horsemen member Chris Benoit who takes on Scott Hall right after this break. Stay tuned tonight for Sting and The Giant taking on the other two members of the n.W.o, coming up…on WCW Nitro!”

89%

During the commercial break Page was sent to the hospital for tests on whether or not he was OK. Chris Benoit stood beside me waiting for his cue. He knew I was Canadian and I knew I had a bit of his respect as I was basically another local boy who had made good. I may not have paid my dues like he has, but I could tell there was some mutual respect for each.

Eric came over and called me over to the side as he wanted to speak with me. We would be coming back from commercial in less than 2 minutes so I had hoped he’d make it quick.

We walked over to a corner where no one was around. Eric leaned in real close to make sure no one heard what we were talking about and talked with a volume which was barely audible.

Eric:”So you got everything ready for Road Wild? I mean, for the new inductions to the n.W.o? You got everything sorted out?”

”Yeah, everything’s set, it’s on your desk Eric. You can read it over and tell me what you think.”

Sophie:”Hey doctor! Uh, Mr. Bischoff, I need to speak with you for a second.”

”Hey…Sophie. Did you need me too?”

Sophie:”No that’s OK, plus we’ll be back on in 30 seconds.” She smiled at me in that wonderful smile.

”Uh….ye….yeah, I should probably get back. You know to….uh…watch over…the….show.” Sophie giggled at that when I turned over to see my wife chatting with Hogan. I thought to myself ”Oh Jesus, did she see that?! Wait a minute, what am I ashamed of….she’s…my assistant. She assists me. Of course, that’s what she does. That’s her job. I’m…The Doctor.”

I walked over back to my position just as Chris Benoit was walking to the ring.

Chris Benoit fights for WCW against the n.W.o.’s Scott Hall

Tony:”And here he is, the Canadian Crippler. Hailing from Edmonton this man has had one heck of a career, and he can go with the best of them.”

Heenan:”That’s right Schiavone, this man is one superb wrestler and I do not want to be in the ring with him if I were Scott Hall.”

Even before Benoit hit the ring his music began to ripple as it filled with more and more static. It became slower and slower until it finally came to a halt. Benoit’s face showed an expression of anger and confusion.

A high pitched, yet male laughter reverberated throughout the arena until it eerily stated “Showtime.” The cameras which were filming this then filled with static as it shifted to a grainy image in black and white of the crowd in anticipation. The theme music of the n.W.o hit and out walked Scott Hall. Hall walked to the ring while Benoit calmly used the ropes to warm up for what was sure to be an excellent contest.

Tony:”And look how focused Benoit is, he knows what happened last week and he knows that with the attack on Savage, anyone, The Giant, Sting, even Flair could be next. You mentioned that this being a war Brain, this man, is here to fight.”

As Hall got in the ring Benoit rushed Hall but the referee got in the middle of the two just in time. Hall took off his vest and taunted Benoit as if he was scared by shrugging his shoulders, lifting up both of his arms and wiggling his fingers. Benoit pointed at Hall and shouted something to Hall which couldn’t be heard.

The referee signaled for the match to begin and the opening bell rang three times. In contrast to just 30 seconds ago, Benoit approached Hall with caution. Even though Hall was cocky, Benoit knew Hall was still a good wrestler. Benoit lifted up his right arm as if to feel out Hall. Hall looked at the crowd, gave a cocky shrug and decided to play along. Hall lifted up his arm as well and both were engaged in a Greco-Roman test of strength.

Heenan:”This is dangerous for Benoit, Hall’s taller and heavier, he’s got leverage over Benoit.”

Tony:”Don’t count out Benoit, he’s one of the best technical wrestlers on the planet and they don’t call him the Crippler for nothing.”

Hall used his leverage and overpowered Benoit. Hall kept pushing until Benoit was perched backwards with his back in an arch. His head was touching the ring when Benoit screamed and slowly lifted himself. His stance widened as he tried to push Hall down. The crowd cheered as he lifted himself up. Hall began to bend over backwards when Hall broke the hold with a kick to Benoit’s midsection. Both men backed off as Benoit did a quick shrug and bobbed his head side to side.

Tony:”Look how focused Benoit is. Look at the intensity in his eyes Brain.”

Both men approached each other when Hall released a knife-edge chop on Benoit. Benoit did not even appear fazed as he grinned and began a rapid fire of chops right on Hall’s chest. He kept chopping Hall to the turnbuckle when he immediately started kicking on Hall’s midsection. The referee broke it up and both men locked it up in the middle of the ring. Hall went for a right hand but Benoit dodged it and began elbowing Hall’s shoulder. After an arm ringer and an arm drag Benoit kept right on Hall on the ground. He did an elbow drop on the shoulder but Hall managed to dodge it.

Heenan:”He’s hurt Schiavone! Did you see how hard he hit the mat? Let me tell you, an elbow on the mat hurts.”

Tony:”You may be right Brain, Benoit is so intense that whatever he does will either hurt you or hurt him. This may have backfired.”

Benoit was rolling on the mat while Hall shook his right arm to gain some feeling back in it. Hall picked up Benoit and delivered a standing suplex on the mat. A few more stomps on Benoit’s back and Hall taunted the crowd with his old Razor Ramon taunt. He picked Benoit up and Benoit fought back with some hard chops, he tried to do an Irish whip to Hall but reversed.

Tony:”Benoit off the ropes now, and Benoit’s going for a crossbody!”

Hall managed to get his wits about him quick enough to catch Benoit. Their bodies formed an almost perfect “plus sign” when Hall walked around with Benoit for a bit. He looked to the crowd, flashed a cocky grin and did his trademark fall away slam. Benoit’s body writhed violently on the mat as Hall sat up and dusted his hands. He rolled Benoit onto his stomach as Hall began to slap Benoit’s head. Hall was shouting something to Benoit but it couldn’t be heard by the cameras. Hall picked up Benoit and delivered a body slam. The impact was hard enough for Benoit to be clutching his back.

Tony:”Hall now, has slowed down the pace as he slowly picks up Benoit and, oooh…backbreaker right on Benoit.”

Benoit let out a gasp of pain as his back hit Hall’s knee and the aftermath was Benoit clutching the small of his back. Hall signaled for his finisher, the Outsider’s Edge. He picked up Benoit and put him in position. Just as Hall was about to lift up Benoit, he grabbed both of Hall’s knees and took him down with a double leg take down. Like a pit-bull Benoit immediately went right to Hall’s shoulder and applied an arm bar. While holding it in, Benoit hammered Hall’s shoulder with huge forearms. He quickly released the hold and hooked up with Hall and delivered a quick snap suplex that saw Hall land on his right side. Benoit clutched his back as he took his thumb and slowly went across his neck with the thumb. Benoit climbed the top rope and did a swan dive right onto Hall’s shoulder. Hall bounced clutching his shoulder. He covered Hall.

Tony:”He’s got it! WCW has won the first battle folks! 1….2……”

Right before the hand hit the mat for the third mat Hall just kicked out. Some of the fans still chanted three then quickly booed as the referee explained to Benoit it was just a two count.

Tony:”And look who’s coming out now, surprise, surprise, it’s Kevin Nash.”

Heenan:”What do you think he wants?!”

Nash slowly lumbered down to the ringside area when Benoit saw him and went right to the ropes. He was gesturing for Nash to leave the area. Hall crept up behind Benoit and did a weak rollup.

1…2….

Hall couldn’t hold it; his shoulder was in such bad shape. Benoit kicked out and ran to the ropes when Nash pulled him down. He innocently walked away with his hands raised as if to say “I didn’t do anything!” The referee on the other hand did see what Nash did and told Nash to leave.

Nash got on the apron with a smile on his face.

Nash:”You want me to get out of here?” Nash stepped over the top rope as the referee pointed a finger at him when Nash put his hand on the ref’s head and pushed him aside. Benoit got in Nash’s face when Nash pushed Benoit through the ropes. Nash started slowly walking towards the referee.

Tony:”Folks, I don’t know what we’re going to see, but I don’t like it. Can we please send some help out here.”

The referee called for the bell right before Nash booted him in the stomach. He lifted the referee up for the Jackknife Powerbomb with ease and slammed to the mat as hard as he could. The ropes were violently shaking from the impact as the referee didn’t move one bit. Hall was now on his feet and they both went to the outside to confront Benoit. Even though the odds were against him, Benoit immediately went for Hall’s right shoulder to at least make it 1 ½ on 1 as opposed to 2 on 1. But the numbers game was too much for Benoit as Nash beat on Benoit’s back. They rolled him in the ring when both were stomping on Benoit’s body when Nash motioned for the Jackknife. He bent Benoit over and raised his right hand high in the air. The crowd cheered suddenly as Luger appeared from the crowd with a steel chair. Hall tapped on Nash’s shoulder as he jumped through the ropes. Nash threw Benoit’s body as he looked right at Luger and smiled. He laughed as he walked over the ropes and stood on the isle laughing and point at Hall. He mouthed the words “Road Wild” and gestured that he would have the belt.

Tony:”Where are the rest of the Horsemen?!”

***1/4, 79, 74, 84.

A Flair for talent…

The camera immediately went to the n.W.o’s locker room door. The camera focused on the door handle as it slowly turned. A figure walked out of the locker room. The camera panned up to the face….

Tony:”It’s Ric Flair! What the hell is he doing there?!”

Flair looked around suspiciously and began to slowly run to the ring when he was stopped by Arn. I made a mental note to myself to never have Flair run without a shirt.

Arn:”Where the hell were you?! Nash was beating on Benoit! I was lookin’ all over for you.”

Flair:”Me?! I was looking for you. We gotta stick together Arn, so don’t go accusing me of anything. I’m Ric Flair dammit!” There was some silence as they both looked at each other. ”Well, is Chris OK?”

Arn looked upset at Flair and licked his lips. He sternly said to Flair: ”Yeah, he’s fine now.”

The camera faded to black on Arn’s concerned face.

98%

During the commercial break I checked on Benoit. He was fine, he was doing one hell of a sell job during the match and I commended him for that. He smiled at me and thanked me. After I made sure he was OK, he walked off. I looked at my papers when I heard Booker T and Scott Steiner arguing in the back.

Booker”What you just say to me sucka?! You and yo’ dog faced bitch can get the hell out of my face!”

Steiner attacked Booker T after that comment and they were fighting in the back. Eric came running in and ordered that they go to the ring right now.

Booker T vs. Scott Steiner

Tony:”Folks welcome back. This match wasn’t even scheduled but here’s how it started.”

In a split screen, it showed the current action and what had happened during the commercial break. It showed Commissioner Eric Bischoff ordering them to go the ring right now.

Tony:”Folks we have a slight preview of Road Wild coming up later tonight as The Giant and Sting take on Hollywood Hogan and Nash, you’ll want to stay tuned for that. But right now we’ve got ourselves a little preview of the tag team title match at Road Wild as Booker T takes on Scott Steiner.”

Booker held Steiner to the corner as he began to chop Steiner and slap Steiner across his chest. Booker then pulled Steiner away from the corner and kicked Steiner repeatedly in the stomach. He dropped a jumping double axe handle right on the back of Steiner. Steiner screamed as Booker bounced off the ropes.

Tony:”Folks this could be over right now, Booker T with the scissors kick!!”

Steiner managed to get out of the way just in time as Booker landed right on his tailbone. Steiner stomped on Booker a few times as he tried to rally some fan support behind him. He slapped Booker across the face, ”Those titles are ours at Road Wild!”

He picked Booker T up and delivered a standing suplex right on Booker T. Steiner again went for more stomps but this time it was directed towards the shoulders of Booker T. Steiner picked up Booker and hit him with stiff forearms on the shoulders as he picked Booker up and delivered a back suplex. Steiner again went to try and get the crowd behind him and it was slowly working.

Steiner again picked up Booker up and tried to deliver a belly-to-belly suplex but Booker elbowed Steiner in the head three times to break it up. A kick to the midsection from Steiner sent Booker reeling as he whipped Booker to the turnbuckle. Steiner came running but Booker dodged the huge bullet coming towards him as Steiner bounced right off the turnbuckle and landed right on the mat. Pain was all over his face as he clutched his chest.

Tony:”Steiner was a bit slow during that exchange.”

Heenan:”And lethargic.”

Silence gripped the announcing team as I sort of chuckled to myself.

Booker picked up Steiner and went for a scoop slam. He ran to the ropes and dropped the running fist onto Steiner’s chest. Booker stood up: ”Who’s da man?!” The crowd booed at that question while not really answering it. Booker picked up Steiner and clubbed him on the back a few times before whipping him to the ropes. Booker then delivered a running leg lariat before again taunting the crowd.

Booker went to the top ropes and stood on it while Steiner began to slowly get up. He jumped off the top rope for a double axe handle but Steiner countered with a punch to the stomach. Booker reeled right over the fist of Steiner.

Heenan:”Fist! FIST!! Steiner used his fist! Disqualify him now ref!”

Steiner picked up Booker and successfully delivered a double underhook suplex. He stomped on Booker’s back again before once again picking up Booker T. Booker delievered a quick thumb to the eye to stun Steiner.

Tony:”Well now there’s an illegal move Heenan!”

Heenan:”No it wasn’t.”

Tony:”Yes it was!”

Heenan:”No it wasn’t, it was a Greco-Roman thumb to the eye!”

During this time Booker worked on Steiner some more before kicking Steiner four times in the stomach. Booker bounced off the ropes and successfully delivered a scissors kick on Steiner.

1…2….3!

Booker T raised his hand in victory before leaning over and trash talking Steiner.

***1/4, 78%, 73%, 84%.

Booker walked through the curtains before flashing me a quick grin and he was on his way. I wondered why everyone was being so nice to me. I don’t think they found out about my other role in WCW. Even still, Booker knew the outcome of Road Wild so there was no point in smiling unless he wanted me to keep pushing him. Steiner walked through the curtains next and the first words were that he was OK. I nodded my head as Sophie came over to me.

Sophie:”Hey you. So how are things looking so far?”

”Uh…well you tell me. I mean… I leaned in close to Sophie’s ear ”I did write this show.” I flashed her a quick wink when I saw Sophie look away with a concerned look on her face. I looked over and saw my wife looking right at us. Oh shit, this can only be bad news. From her vantage point it looked like I was flirting with Sophie when I was really trying to protect myself and my job. Good luck trying to convince that to my wife. ”Uh honey, look, it’s not what you think. I’ll explain after the show, I promise.”

When I put my headset on, Hall was already in the ring addressing the crowd and Ric Flair in particular, I had no idea how long the interview went on for. Time seemed to slow down when my wife “caught” me with my assistant. My…personal assistant.

Hall talks smack to Flair

Hall:”So at Road Wild, it’ll be you, and the bad guy, Scott Hall for the US title meng. You’re a 6 time US Champion?! It also means you lost it 5 times meng, and at Road Wild…heh…it’ll be no different. You think we’re scared by you Flair?” He went to the crowd with his mic in hand ”You people here in Atlanta think I’m scared of the Naitcha Boooy?!” He said that in a derisive tone to try and get some heat but people cheered, it could be because he mentioned their home town.

”You see, even your own fans have turned against you Flair. WCW fans are leaving and flocking towards us. Hey, look at the fans meng…I said look at ‘em.” He slapped the camera man and it shook before it scanned the crowd. The crowd cheered as some of them held up their n.W.o. signs. ”You see, these people know it that when you’re n.W.o, you’re n.Wo……4 life.” The crowd cheered as a new catch phrase and marketing idea was born.

”So Ric Flair, you think we’re scared of you meng? You think we’re scared of the Horsemen? We took out one last week, we just took out the Nacho Man, we took out Benoit for the night. And at Road Wild chico, you’re joinin’ them and with that, WCW will be at our mercy. At Road Wild, I will take….you…..out!” He threw his toothpick right at the camera at that last word. Hall spread his arms and walked out of the ring.

Tony:”Folks stay tuned, up next after our final commercial break, The Giant and Sting take on Kevin Nash and Hollywood Hogan, here on WCW Nitro!!”

Heenan:”Hoo boy! I can’t wait.”

86%

The screen went black as Hall walked back to the locker room. Hall walked right by me and he slapped his hand on my shoulder. ”Hey doc, what’s up?” He said it as mere formality as he kept walking by. It had been a busy day for him and I was worried about over exposure. But it didn’t really matter. The Giant came up and he talked to me for a bit. He’s really nice and he told me he’s working hard in the ring to justify this huge push he’s been given. I wished him luck. Sting came up to me and we talked for a bit, he had some ideas about his character. He stopped and shook his head:

Sting:”I’m sorry doc, you don’t need to hear this, it’s just that sometimes even for us big players, the people upstairs don’t listen and I get frustrated.”

”No Steve, it’s ok I understand, it can get frustrating. Don’t worry; I’m a doctor so I’m trained to listen. I did some work in psychiatry so anything you want to tell me about your character or whatever, it’s all good. Good luck out there alright?”

Sting:”Thanks doc.”

Edited September 11, 2004 by Godfatha

[Godfatha]

Nitro came back as Tony once again went overboard on the hyperbole as he welcomed us back to WCW Nitro.

The Main Event…

Tony:”Welcome back folks. We’ve got a huge main event in store for you. We thank you for joining and supporting WCW as the war on the n.W.o. has just begun. Tonight, The Giant and Stinger, take on Hollywood Hogan and Kevin Nash. We got ourselves a preview of the main event at Road Wild tonight. And here comes The Giant and wait a minute, look at this, Sting is coming out with The Giant. That’s what we’re talking about folks, WCW is united and we will not back down!”

The lights went out and over the sound system, clips of news casters played. There were too many of them to discern what exactly they were talking about but there must have been dozens chatting on at the same time. Men, women, of different ages, accents, and even languages are chattering as the fans had no idea what to even make of it. Gradually, the voices started to taper off. It was now a bit easier to discern what some were saying. In rapid succession these quotes were heard. The cameras began to flicker through the darkness as they played.

Newscaster A:”What’s clear is…”

Newscaster B:”What’s obvious is that…”

Newscaster C:”Well I think we can all see that…”

A noise started to slowly get louder and louder as these newscasters were saying these type of lines until:

All Newscasters:”Hollywood…is here to stay…”

The crowd cheered as the cameras finally started working and showing everything in grainy black and white. The crowd cheered as Nash walked out first but booed when Hogan came out. Hogan did his traditional Hulk Hogan poses as he walked down but did it in a mocking manner. He finally did his air guitar when he got in the ring. He took off his ridiculous boa and straddled the ropes.

The color came back on our TV screens as the bell rang three times. Sting was in the ring and Nash decided to square off against him. They tried a collar and elbow lock up but Nash overpowered Sting and pushed him away. Sting rolled backwards and finally stood up. He did his screaming “wooo” at the audience and they cheered him. Sting again went for the collar-and-elbow lock up and once again Nash pushed him, this time to the turnbuckles to the right of The Giant. Nash kneed Sting twice in the midsection as Sting crumpled over. Nash did a few more forearms to the back of Sting before the referee got in between Nash and Sting. Sting stood up and thumped his chest and motioned for Nash to keep bringing it.

Tony:”Look at Sting! Look at Sting! Yeah that’s right Nash, he can take it and he wants more!!”

Nash smiled at Sting and mouthed some words to Sting as Sting kept motioning for Nash to come over and bring it. Nash lumbered over to where Sting was. Just as Nash was about to get his hands on Sting, Sting dived right underneath Nash and tagged in The Giant.

Tony:”Hooo boy, how you feelin’ now big boy? WCW’s got the biggest one of them all!

Heenan:”The Giant’s in and he’s mad. The man’s like an elephant Schiavone. He’s as strong as one and twice as ugly.”

The Giant and Nash stared each other down as the crowd went wild. Nash grinned but it somehow was lacking its cockiness. The Giant had a stone cold face when suddenly both men ran to the ropes with full steam. Both of their chests collided and neither man budged. The crowd ate it up and wanted to see more. This time Nash ran to the ropes and threw the hardest clothesline he ever threw but it barely budged The Giant. The Giant screamed at Nash and beat his chest with both of his hands. He screamed at Hogan which stunned Hogan who was standing on the apron. The Giant ran off the ropes and tried to do a running boot but Nash sidestepped it and pulled The Giant down using his own momentum against him. The Giant was clutching his right hamstring after he hit the canvas.

Tony:”The Giant’s down and now Hogan enters. Of course he can take on a big man if he’s already been taken down.”

Hogan stepped in and started stomping on The Giant’s legs. It wouldn’t matter really since they’re like tree trunks. Hogan lifted up The Giant by his hair only to punch him right in the face. ”You want a piece of me Giant?! Huh? Hollywood Hogan doesn’t deal with losers dude.” Hogan lifted up Giant’s right leg and kicked the hamstring before he taunted the fans and Sting. Sting was trying his best to try and get the Giant to his feet by pounding on the turnbuckle. The Giant was slow to rise to his feet as Hogan motioned for him to get up. He kicked The Giant in the chest but it didn’t slow down the Giant in his slow rise to his feet. The crowd was now chanting the Giant’s name.

Heenan:”He’s up, my God The Giant is on his feet Schiavone!”

Hogan tried to go for a right hand but it was blocked by The Giant. He delivered a massive headbutt to Hogan and Hogan went down. The crowd made a “hooting” noise when The Giant hit Hogan. The Giant dragged Hogan to his corner and threw him to the turnbuckles. He put his giant boot right to Hogan’s throat and used the ropes for leverage. Hogan was coughing and spitting and kicking his legs as the referee began the 5 count.

1….2…..3…..4….

That five count seemed like an eternity to Hogan but The Giant finally let go right before the count of 5. He put his left hand underneath Hogan’s chin and lifted up Hogan’s head. The noise that was made from The Giant slapping Hogan was heard all around the arena and it drove the fans nuts. They were glad to hear that noise and to hear Hogan scream that the Giant did it again and this time his left hand was not holding Hogan up so he crumpled right to the ring. The Giant tagged in Sting. Sting began stomping on Hogan some more. He lifted up Hogan for a body slam and slammed him to the mat. Sting dropped a knee right on Hogan’s knee as Hogan clutched it in pain. He lifted up Hogan’s head and delivered a right hand across Hogan’s face. Again he picked up Hogan and whipped him to the turnbuckle.

Tony:”Oh my, I think we know what Sting has planned for us now! Here he goes, Stinger Splash!”

Sting ran as fast as he could to Hogan and jumped higher than he ever seemed to jump, but Nash pushed Hogan out of the way at the last possible second. Sting hit the turnbuckle hard and crumpled to the outside. The referee began his 10 count as Hogan went over and tagged in Nash. Nash crawled to the outside and whipped Sting right into the ring steps. The top part of the steps came off from the impact as the fans watched on. They were now booing Nash as he threw Sting in the ring. Nash lifted up Sting and delivered a huge sidewalk slam right to Sting. Sting was clutching his back after the sidewalk slam. Nash looked at the crowds and taunted them some more. ”For Life!” he said as he made the gesture with his hand. Nash tagged in Hogan again. Sting was slowly crawling towards The Giant as Hogan finally stepped in the ring. The Giant had the advantage of having long limbs so Sting was so close to tagging in The Giant but he had to fight the pain that was hitting him.

Heenan:”He’s so close Schiavone, he can feel it, he can taste it. I can taste it!”

Just as Sting was about to tag in The Giant, Hogan took off his belt. He whipped Sting right across the back and just as the fingers of The Giant and Sting were to touch, Sting had to pull it away due to the pain. Hogan smiled a sadistic smile as he whipped Sting across the back again and again. Hogan finally threw the belt away into the crowds as the fans fought for a piece of Hogan memorabilia. Hogan slapped on a sleeperhold on Sting as Sting was trying to fight and get up. Hogan tossed Sting’s head around like a ragdoll and shouting at the crowd while they booed him. The Giant started a clapping chant by beating the turnbuckle. The crowd was clapping for Sting as they tried to will him awake. The ref picked up Sting’s hand, and it fell. The ref picked it up again and it fell again.

Tony:”One more and this match is over, WCW will have failed.”

The ref picked up Sting’s arm while the crowd clapped harder than they did. The referee let it go and just as it was about to reach the very bottom of its journey Sting raised it. Sting was still alive and the crowd couldn’t be happier. Hogan had a look of shock on his face as he held the sleeperhold tighter but it couldn’t stop Sting as he stood up. Both men backed to one end of the ring and Sting pushed Hogan into the opposite rope. Hogan ran right into Sting and hit Sting with a hard lariat. Sting hit the mat and the crowd booed as Hogan taunted the crowd. He cupped his hand to his ear before picking up Sting. He whipped Sting into the ropes before lifting up his boot. Sting ran face first into Hogan’s boot. Hogan again cupped his ear with his hand before running to the ropes before dropping his famed legdrop.

Heenan:”It’s over! It’s over Schiavone! Nobody kicks up from the legdrop!”

The crowd was rabid as they had wanted Sting to kick out. Hogan went to cover Sting and hooked the leg. 1…2….

Tony:”The Giant! He saved Sting, WCW is still in this match! Thank goodness for The Giant.”

The Giant was escorted back to his corner by the referee as he and Hogan were arguing. Hogan went to turn his attention to Sting. He had Sting by the hair before Sting rolled Hogan up. 1….2…..Hogan managed to kick out. He was surprised when Sting used his last burst of energy to tag in The Giant.

The hot tag was made and the crowd was going nuts. The Giant easily climbed over the top rope. Hogan charged right at The Giant but he knocked Hogan down. Nash climbed over the top rope but he was taken down with a big boot. The Giant peeled down one strap and hoisted his arm high in the sky. The crowd screamed as they knew what this meant. The referee was helping Nash back into his corner and as The Giant was lifting Hogan up from the remnants of his hair, Hogan nailed The Giant with a low blow. The Giant was sent to his knees as Hogan stood up. The referee never saw a bit of this as Nash was distracting the referee and the crowd hated what had just happened.

Schiavone:”What a dirty, rotten move by Hogan. Despicable.”

Hogan flexed his muscles as the crowd booed him. Hogan ate it up before turning his attention back to The Giant. He picked up The Giant and gave him three right hands before sending him to the ropes. Hogan lifted up his boot but it only stunned The Giant. He was reeling but it wasn’t enough to take him down. Nash got off the apron and began walking towards the other corner.

Schiavone:”Watch Nash, watch out for Nash!”

Nash pulled Sting right off the apron. His head hit the apron and he collapsed to the floor. Nash lifted up Sting and delivered a standing clothesline to Sting. During this time Hogan had tried unsuccessfully to deliver a clothesline to The Giant but it still left him leaning on the ropes. Hogan looked at the crowds and mouthed the words, “You want it?!” Hogan put his right hand around The Giant’s neck and his left hand between The Giant’s legs. He squatted and proceeded to lift The Giant off his feet and delivered a powerslam right on The Giant.

Heenan:”Look at the strength of Hogan! He just lifted up The Giant! Has that even been done before?!”

Schiavone:”History is repeating itself here folks! First Hogan slammed Andre and now tonight in Atlanta, on July 15, 1996, Hollywood Hogan did the unthinkable. He slammed The Giant! Folks this truly is the most historic night of Nitro regardless of the outcome.”

Hogan clutched his back before running to the ropes and dropping the powerful legdrop. Hogan covered The Giant, 1….2….3! Hollywood Hogan and Kevin Nash are your victors in the main event. Nash threw Sting in the ring as Hollywood stepped outside the ring. Nash delivered a Jackknife powerbomb right on Sting. Hogan came back with the WCW World Title belt and a can of spray paint. He had the belt and went in the fallen Giant’s face. ”This is my belt at Road Wild, you hear me?! The n.W.o’s belt, and to help you remember, we’re gonna have a little reminder!” Scott Hall was now coming down to join his comrades in the ring as well with two more cans.

Schiavone:”I think I’m going to be sick. This is disgusting.”

Heenan:”Stop them, somebody stop them right now! There’s no need for this!”

Nash spray painted the words “WCW is dead” on Sting’s back while Hogan spray painted the words “the n.W.o is in control.” Hall and Nash moved Sting’s and The Giant’s lifeless bodies to expose the WCW logo on the canvas. All three men covered the WCW logo in black paint and above it they wrote “n.W.o. is taking over.” Hogan picked up the WCW title belt and spat right on it.

Schiavone:”The utter lack of respect by that man. He is spitting on all the tradition, all the history of this company. He turned his back on everything WCW stands for. This man is disgusting.”

Nash and Hall moved the Giant’s bodies back into position while all three men stood with their hands raised in the air while the fans threw garbage in the ring. It was being covered with beer cups, paper airplanes and other sorts of refuse.

Schiavone:”Folks that’s all the time we have for Nitro, join us next week where I’m told The Outsiders will be taking on Ric Flair and “Double A” Arn Anderson. Good night folks.”

The camera panned the shot on Sting’s and The Giant’s back so that it was read as a message from top to bottom. The spray painted words of “WCW is dead, the n.W.o. is in control” was the last thing seen on Nitro before it faded to black.

***, 85%, 89%, 76%

The crowd kept throwing their garbage at the three men standing in the ring. Eric came over to me laughing and smiling.

Eric:”This is big, this is gonna make us big man! We’re gonna be number 1! Congratulations man!”

I didn’t really feel like celebrating as I had things to work on with my wife. I got my coat, informed Eric that I had to go immediately. I got in my car and drove to my house.

Overall Rating: 83%, 5.68 TV rating.

[Godfatha]

WCW Nitro has taken the first step in being the number 1 promotion.

What a turn around week this was. It was clear that WCW went all out to try and sell the impact of the nWo. After their rather ho-hum debut last week, WCW really went all out with the destruction of the WCW set and even vandalism in the arena itself. Kudos to the production team, I also have to applaud the production for the impressive effort put into the nWo entrances to make sure it's something different. WCW is making the best out of what they can when they start 3 minutes before RAW.

I understand the reasoning of getting fans behind Mysterio-Malenko, but is there a reason that he lost to Psichosis? He's basically seen as a jobber and when I saw Malenko coming out I knew exactly where they were going with the match. Rather predictable booking with Mysterio interfering in the match, which is another thing that bothered me. I'll get to that later. I did like however the psychology used by Malenko in constantly going after the knee, but that's Malenko and how hard he works.

I loved the interaction between Ric Flair and Rey Mysterio. Ric Flair is hilarious on the microphone and last night he showed why. It also didn't hurt Mysterio despite the fact that Flair insulted him. He more than held up his own in that short little segment and I rather enjoyed as brief as it was. Anderson was good too in his role as the calm, serious member of the Horsemen.

Kevin Nash destroying Randy Savage. Well I liked it and hated it at the same time. On the one hand, I like how the nWo are targeting everyone for their attacks and not just lower card wrestlers. It shows that they're truly out to take over WCW. On the other hand, I wasn't a fan of the lack of logic behind this vignette. In the previous vignette, Mysterio had to knock on the door to get in, but in this one Nash somehow entered the room? I understand there was a loud bang but it made it look like there was some gap in the logic. And don't even get me started on Lex Luger trying to act. Seriously, the bookers of this guy should just make him shut up. He's not fooling anyone with his awful acting and I wasn't particularly glad to see him on my TV screen at all. This is the one match I'm not looking forward to at Road Wild yet it appears to be the one match they're hyping the most, why?!

I liked the DDP-Eddie matchup. They had a clash of styles and for what it was, it was a good match. I feared the worst in terms of a finish as I thought that there would be a screwjob of somesort but Eddie got the clean victory so that's one thing I can be grateful for. Eddie really showed off his talent in this match and when in the ring with Flair, he still managed to get some face heat which is a definate good sign.

Hogan's interview was what it should have been last week. It was a lot longer this time around and it got over what the nWo's purpose was. There wasn't much hype for his match with The Giant at Road Wild or the newest inductions in the nWo. There's still plenty of time however but even still, people want to see who else would be in the nWo and that should have had more time in his interview. I'm also uncertain as to how I feel by name dropping McMahon and constantly referring to the North. It makes WCW look second league as the second place competitor always take cheapshots at the number 1 guy, not the other way around. Now that we know what the nWo are here for, they should drop the WWF bashing.

The Chris Benoit - Scott Hall match was another match I enjoyed watching. Say what you want about Scott Hall, he can still go if he wants to. Chris Benoit was his usual excellent self and he did his best to sell for Hall to make him look as bad as possible. The psychology of the match was good, but it could have been better and it was ruined by the run in finish by Nash. I understand that they have to do it to get over that the nWo has to seem like a threat, but it was almost bordering on overkill here. Benoit did a good job of going after Hall's shoulder even when he saw he was double teamed just to try and even out the odds. It's the little things that he does that make him so interesting to watch.

I'm definately interested as to where they are going with Flair with respects to the nWo. It was certainly a shock to see Flair walking out of the nWo lockerroom so quickly and his interactions with Anderson, his closest friend, was near perfect. This is the sort of product where if WCW could copy and put out for the entire show, they'd be winning in no time.

I wasn't a fan of the lack of buildup or hype for Scott Steiner vs. Booker T. It just seemed rushed and put out there. They had a decent match but nothing to really hit home about. It just seemed there to kill time for the next nWo happening. I was waiting for them to run out but they didn't. Heenan's commentary certainly upped the rating for this match as he was on his game to keep it entertaining.

I'm not sure if it's because Hall was tired or exhausted or what, but man was Scott Hall's interview a let down or what? It wasn't anything good compared to Hogan's earlier and it didn't really get me that excited for their match at Road Wild. On the plus side (sort of) it appears that WCW might have something to market their nWo shirts on, the new catch phrase. Even still, I'd have to be a bit worried that this heel faction is already starting to get cheers despite its infancy.

The main event itself wasn't bad. I liked the interaction between The Giant and Nash but I didn't agree with Hogan whipping Sting with the belt. I understand that it would build up more support for the hot tag, but he could have done other things. Why didn't the referee disqualify Hogan? I mean, WCW hates the nWo so they should be looking for anything to disqualify the nWo, but why not there? The ending was a bit of a mess but it was still good in that it put over the nWo as they had beaten all of WCW's major stars (except for Flair) in just two weeks. Next week should be a dandy with Anderson and Flair taking on the Outsiders. I liked at the end the little message that was on Sting's and The Giant's back. Again, Kudos for that.

Finally, I have to say that I really enjoyed Heenan's commentary last night. He showed why he's one of the best colour commentator this business has ever seen. He went from funny, to serious, to funny again so many times and it was believable each time. I could see him playing a larger role in WCW if need be. Kudos to him

*RANDOM NEWS*

Diamond Dallas Page was sent to the Atlanta General Hospital last night to see if there was any neck or shoulder damage. An X-ray was taken and thankfully nothing was broken. My sources tell me he was told he should take a week or two off just to rest up.

Chris Benoit was just fine last night and he was just doing a tremendous sell job.

It has been confirmed that Steve "Mongo" McMichael has been released from WCW. There has been no word yet as to who will replace him in the Four Horsemen. My sources tell me that will be a major storyline soon.

It was also rumoured that Randy Savage is on thin ice. My sources tell me he hasn't been winning any fans behind the scenes and that many feel he is too old and can offer nothing to the company (I wonder if they'll say that about Hogan?)

My sources tell me that talks have begun between Christian Cage and WCW.

My sources also tell me that WCW is looking at ECW talent as well. No word on whether or not this is just speculation.

Lex Luger did indeed have a torn muscle last week which is why he was not in action this week. Despite not doing much last week he is rather injury prone.

Speaking of which, Kevin Nash was once again complaining about his leg problems. I wonder why The Giant doesn't complain?

Hollywood Hogan was seen in a completely different dressing room other than the rest of the talent. Normally they all share one or two dressing rooms and create the illusion of different dressing rooms for television. More on this as it develops.

My sources tell me that creative is wondering how the talent are doing in the WCW Power Plant. It may be possible that one or several talented wrestlers may be called up.

Finally, I was told that the doctor who was seen in the gorilla position last week was once again there this week. More on this story as we get it.

© Copyright 1996 by TDH Communications Inc.

[Guest Ringmaster]

I liked the show. It was a much better one than the first week. The commentating is great, the storyline is good and the match descriptions are fresh. I also think what you're doing the Keller reviews are very good so far. I'm looking forward to Road Wild.

[Godfatha]

OOC: I realize Hennig isn't supposed to be in WCW at this point in time but the scenario I got keeps sucking more and more the more I play and I can't change now. So I came up with some explanation later on."

WCW Nitro: Bartow Arena, Birmingham, Alabama. 5048 Tickets sold. $201,920 in ticket sales.

Well another Nitro has passed and here I am again in another Southern state of Alabama. Birmingham plays host to a new Nitro. People were talking about the n.W.o’s presence last week and that had me proud. I can’t keep overexposing them like this however, then it becomes monotonous really quickly, I have to find a way to keep them fresh while still making it interesting.

I sat down in my gorilla position while Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan walked their way to the announce table near the entrance. There was no vandalism this time in the arena. Everything was as it was two weeks ago, it’s as if the n.W.o even existed. The audio men did their checks for the show as time winded down to 7:57. When 7:57 finally hit, the men in the production booth rolled highlights of last weeks attacks and vandalism, Schiavone was narrating the carnage which occurred last night, the closing shot was Ric Flair walking out of the n.W.o locker room. The Nitro theme song began right after this little montage. The crowd was hot as the pyro shot off and the camera’s scanned the crown. The n.W.o shirts we recently began marketing were selling like hotcakes. More and more fans held up signs with the n.W.o logo on them and not those stupid signs that no one got like “John’s right here.”

Tony:”Welcome everyone to WCW Nitro. With me as always is The Brain, Bobby Heenan. And Bobby, what a show we’ve got lined up, Arn Anderson and Ric Flair, take on the Outsiders.”

Heenan:”Oh you can bet that right now we will see where Flair’s loyalty lies Schiavone. Like I said last week, we’re fighting a war here and the last thing we need, is for Flair to defect to the other side.”

Tony:”Also tonight we have the Steiners taking on Harlem Heat in a non-title matchup in what should be a preview for Road Wild, Eddie Guerrero tries to continue his winning streak when he goes against the veteran, Curt Hennig, and Chris Benoit and Steven Regal hook it up tonight. Of course tonight’s Nitro is headlined by the Outsiders taking on Arn Anderson and Ric Flair. Bobby, interesting to note that the n.W.o. has not yet arrived. Last week they arrived before anyone and destroyed everything around us but here, it’s nothing. Any thoughts?”

Heenan:”It’s mindgames Schiavone, they don’t wanna seem predictable. As I said, there’s only three of ‘em so they gotta do what they can to win. Now more than ever we should be on our guard, you know what they say, this is the calm before the storm. Something’s going to happen, I don’t know when, but when it does, we had better watch out. It could be right now, it could happen during a break, it could even happen during the main event! The main thing is Schiavone, we watch our backs.”

Schiavone:”Indeed, well folks, opening up Nitro is three men who will be doing battle in a triple threat match. Two of them will be battling one-on-one for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. Rey Mysterio Jr, Dean Malenko and Disco Inferno are about to get it on, here on Nitro.”

The Triple Threat match…

Disco Inferno first danced his way to the ring. People cheered for him, but it was more in a sympathetic, you’re sort of pathetic, sort of cheer. I kind of felt bad for Glen but he was weird backstage. I heard some of his ideas…wrestling an invisible man? Yikes. Once Disco was finally in the ring, the lights went to a dark blue. Smoke filled the entrance ramp so that you couldn’t even see it. Out walked Dean Malenko who was seemed to enjoy his new entrance. He walked to the ring with a purpose without showing any emotion. He stepped in the ring, and just stared at his belt.

Heenan:”Look at him Schiavone, that man is one focused individual. He doesn’t care about anything or anyone. All he cares about is that piece of gold. If Mysterio wants to take it from him at Road Wild, he’s going to have to bring his best moves because that is one man…one machine who will not let it go without one hell of a fight.”

Schiavone:”Very true Bobby, and here comes Rey Mysterio Jr.! Bobby, we saw him last week approach the Horsemen to be the fourth member, maybe after Road Wild, he’ll be wearing a Horsemen shirt.”

Heenan:”Well if Mysterio wants to be in the Horsemen he’s going to have to prove himself and winning the Cruiserweight title is certainly a start.”

Mysterio got in the ring while Malenko never took his eyes off Mysterio. He was still upset that Mysterio caused Malenko to lose to Psichosis, and he was looking for revenge. Disco Inferno served as the comic relief in this match as he basically just danced like an idiot. The bell rang and all three men circled each other, well, Malenko and Mysterio did, Disco literally danced around the ring. Malenko reached for a collar-and-elbow tie up with Mysterio. Instantly Malenko dropped to his knees, grabbed Mysterio’s legs and took Mysterio down. Malenko tried to go for a standing Achilles tendon hold but Disco kicked him in the back. Malenko stood up and stared at Disco who did a little disco jig. Malenko dropped his knee right into Mysterio’s ankle which caused Mysterio to scream. Malenko kicked Mysterio right out of the ring. Malenko and Disco would hook it up while Mysterio tended to his ankle.

Eric:”Doctor….Doctor…I need to see you about these Road Wild plans.”

”Uh can it wait Eric, we’ve got a cruiser match going on right now.”

Eric:”What?! That doesn’t really matter now.”

”Listen Eric, I’ll see you about that after the match OK?”

Eric:”Fine.”

I put my headset on only to hear Schiavone laughing. I heard through my right ear for Tony telling Bobby to stop with the jokes right now. Through my left ear I heard nothing so it looks like he privately told Bobby to stop. Now I’ll never know what he said to make Tony laugh.

Tony:”Folks I apologize for laughing at this man…”

Heenan:”Why, everyone laughs at Disco Inferno!”

Malenko threw Inferno shoulder first right into the steel post. As he turned around Mysterio did a leaping senton from the top rope. Malenko was down as Mysterio ran to the ropes and landed a running shooting star press. He covered Malenko…1….2…. Malenko just managed to kick out. The crowd booed slightly as they thought Malenko had been beated. Mysterio stomped Malenko twice before going to the top rope. The crowd was cheering as he was waiting for Malenko to get up. Malenko slowly rose to his feet as Mysterio was raising his right hand to try and get him up. Mysterio flew off the tope rope as he performed a picture perfect head scissors which threw Malenko to the outside. Mysterio used the time to shake his ankle even more to try and heal it.

Schiavone:”Mysterio is in charge right now and shows no sign of slowing down.”

Inferno was starting to get up clutching his right shoulder when Mysterio started running and nailed a dropkick right to the shoulder. Inferno went down as Malenko started to climb the ropes to get back in the ring.

Heenan:”He can’t fight both men at the same time now can he?! Look at Malenko, he’s like the Terminator!”

Malenko shook his head when he entered the ring, Inferno was shaking his right shoulder, and both men seemed intent on hurting Mysterio. The crowd was cheering as Mysterio stood in the center of the ring as both men were coming from each side. They slowly walked towards him with anger on their faces. Mysterio worridly looked from side to side when they both lunged towards him. Mysterio used his quickness to his advantage as he ducked and rolled right outside the ring leaving Malenko and Mysterio to lunge at each other. Inferno immediately went down clutching his right shoulder while Malenko just decided to attack Inferno. He dropped two knees right on the shoulder before slapping on a tight arm lock on Inferno.

Heenan:”You see that Schiavone? Malenko only cares about hurting people; he will take any chance he gets just to inflict some more suffering.”

Inferno was screaming before Malenko released the hold. He picked up Inferno by the hair and whipped off a quick snap suplex before kicking Inferno right in the shoulder. Again he picked up Inferno and instantly he hooked on the cross face chicken wing. Malenko grapevined his legs so there was nowhere for Inferno to go. Just as it appeared Inferno was about to tap out, Mysterio, standing on the apron, leaped onto the top rope before dropped a summersault legdrop right across Malenko’s neck to break the hold.

Heenan:”Mysterio is just flying everywhere!”

Inferno is lying there clutching his shoulder badly; Malenko is clutching his throat as the leg dropped right on his throat. Mysterio kicks Malenko out of the ring while Mysterio climbs the top turnbuckle. He motions for Inferno to stand up. Inferno begins to rise when Mysterio hits a flying hurricanrana on Inferno. Mysterio rolled through it and hooked the legs for the pin….1…..2…..3!!

Tony:”Rey Mysterio Jr. has beaten Disco Inferno! Bobby, you can bet at Road Wild, Malenko and Mysterio will raise the bar when it comes to cruiserweight action!”

The highlight video showed Mysterio’s moves throughout the entire match while Mysterio celebrated. Disco walked backstage and as soon as he got through the curtains he stopped favouring his shoulder. Guess he’s OK then. Malenko was coughing as he was walking backstage. I checked him out by feeling his neck to see if there was any damage to his trachea. He kept telling me he was fine but I wanted to double check. I felt his trachea to see if there was any damage to the cartilage but there was none, I guess he was telling the truth. I heard Tony say that he was going to commercial break so I ran over to see Eric about Road Wild.

73%, 67%, 79%

Hollywood Hogan walked in, I had no idea if he had arrived now or not, but all I know is that I hadn’t seen him all day. Eric handed him the script, he nodded his head and put on his glasses. He slapped my shoulder and grinned while I was hearing the countdown as we would return from commercial. Where the hell were the other members of the n.W.o?

Hogan takes the mic

Tony:”Folks welcome back here, what an amazing way to open up Nitro don’t you agree Bobby? What are you doing Bobby?”

Heenan was constantly looking around him with a worried look on his face. Schiavone had to put his hand on his shoulder to focus Heenan. When he saw the camera he jumped, when he saw Schiavone, he jumped even more.

Heenan:”What?! Oh, Schiavone, look, the n.W.o. haven’t arrived yet. You know what that means; they could come anytime and raise some hell. I don’t want them attacking me, do you want that?! I thoug….”

The audio of the commentators were cut out. The camera was still focused on the announce team with the ring in the background. Heenan was still talking but Schiavone motioned by saying he couldn’t hear him. Heenan stood up and took off his head piece. He looked around in a panic and as he was about to jump out of the announce booth the lights went out. The n.W.o. theme played and out walked Hogan. The camera followed Hogan in the grainy black and white picture but it had spliced images of the n.W.o. which could only be seen for a frame or two. Hogan was playing the air guitar when he finally took the mic. Hogan was walking around the ring in a cocky manner when he finally put the mic to his lips.

Hogan:”Put a sock in it Heenan. We’ve been in the same company for some time now and I am sick of you constantly bashing Hollywood Hogan brother. In the ‘80’s it was always you hating me, then when I came here, you still didn’t like me. I see why Heenan, you’re jealous, you’re jealous of my success. You’re jealous of my intelligence and ability to create this New World Order of wrestling. You’re jealous that I’ve managed to not only be a member of, but lead this group brother. I’ve taken the best and I’ve created this organization to take over WCW. And already I’ve had offers from WCW wrestlers who want to join us. They know that in either case, the end is the same; the n.W.o. take over and dominate the world of professional wrestling. So, they could both be run over and beaten, or join the winning team. And if you would only see the names of the wrestlers who came up to see me? Brother you would be amazed that WCW would be able to survive. We have gotten WCW champions to come to us and brother, it’s something else. At Road Wild, you will see the n.W.o. expanding to newer heights, and grow even stronger.”

Hogan put down the mic and absorbed all the boos coming his way. He flashed a cocky smile when he put the mic back to his face. He was about to say something but dropped his hand again. He glared at the crowd as the chant started to grow. "Looo-serrrrrr, looo-serrrr”

Hogan:”Oh so you think I’m a loser now?!” The crowd cheered. ”Well do you remember when you all worshipped this loser?! Do you remember when Hollywood Hogan was a God to all of you? I was on Sports Illustrated, I hosted Saturday Night Live, everywhere I went, I was mobbed. Hulkamania was a religion and I…was…GOD!! Well now Hollywood Hogan is here stronger, and better than ever. I am a God in the world of professional wrestling, I am YOUR God. Your God, and your God!” Hogan pointed to different members of the crowd during this point. A few crowd members in the front who could be seen through the main camera were bowing for Hogan.”These people know the score, they know and appreciate what Hollywood Hogan is, now all that’s needed is for the rest of you losers to bow before your Savior.”

The crowd was booing as Hogan did his old “cupping of the ear” taunt to the crowd. He held up the mic to his lips: ”The one person who I really want to bow before me, is you Giant. You have something I want, and last week I made it clear that I’m serious about that title. I picked you up in front of all these people, who didn’t even deserve to see Hollywood Hogan wrestle, and slammed you on the mat. Hollywood Hogan was the only man to slam you, and at Road Wild brother, there will be more than just that. You had better bring it brother, because at Road Wild, Hollywood Hogan is gunning for you. That WCW title is just as good as mine, so you better be counting the days before it’s mine. It’s time for you to pass the torch Giant, just like your dad did to me many years ago, things have come full circle. It’s time for Hollywood Hogan to once again rule the world of wrestling. And just like what happened last time I defeated a Giant, I will once again have a stranglehold on the entire world of professional wrestling. There’s nothing you can do Giant other than keep that title with you. After Road Wild dude, the title will be mine, and the n.W.o will get stronger. The n.W.o. is here to stay and all of you people know that. Because whether you like us, or hate us, it’s the best thing going on TV.”

Hogan dropped the mic and absorbed all the boos when the audio of the announcers came back. Hogan was walking back towards the back when the camera shifted back to the announcers.

93%

Tony:”Well folks, you heard what Hogan just told us, and you heard what the fans think. He can think he’s God but at Road Wild, I can tell you The Giant will be bringing his A-game. You better watch yourself Hogan, you’ve given a lot of talk but we’ll see at Road Wild if you can back it up against the biggest man in the game, The Giant. Bobby?”

Heenan was still looking around to see if he would be attacked. ”Whaa…oh, Hogan, you’re going to lose at Road Wild” he mutters to himself ”damn n.W.o, where are they?”

Steiners vs. Harlem Heat

Tony:”Up next, we’ve got a preview of what to expect at Road Wild, The Steiner Brothers are taking on Harlem Heat in a non-title match. What do you make of this match Bobby?”

Heenan:”Well I’ll tell you this Schiavone, I’ve always liked tag team matches, and I enjoy watching Harlem Heat, this will be one match that should be quite the match.”

Schiavone:”You saw what happened last week on Nitro, Booker T and Scott Steiner squared off, and here you see Booker T capturing the victory. Will history repeat itself? We’ll find out as The Steiner Brothers are heading to the ring.”

Harlem Heat walked out next with the WCW Tag Team titles wrapped around their waists. The crowd booed them as they were walking to the ring. They were walking with a purpose as a victory here would certainly make for excellent momentum heading into Road Wild.

Stevie Ray was decided to be the legal man for Harlem Heat while Scott Steiner was the legal man for the Steiner Brothers. Both men circled the ring before engaging in a collar-and-elbow lock up. While locked up they were pushing each other around the ring as if they were two rams engaged in a battle of superiority.

Schiavone:”Well Bobby, what do you see in this stalemate? We’ve got Stevie Ray with the obvious height and leverage advantage, but Steiner is the stronger of the two.”

Heenan:”Well that’s simple Schiavone, strength doesn’t mean anything when up against leverage, if you’ve got physics on your side, there’s nothing your opponent can do.”

Stevie Ray kicked Steiner in the midsection twice and started to hammer on Steiner’s back with his forearm. He set Steiner up for an Irish whip into the ropes before doing a leap frog over Scott Steiner. Steiner stopped running after ducking underneath Stevie Ray. Stevie Ray slowly turned around and was met with a stiff clothesline from Steiner. He was trying to get the crowd behind him when Stevie Ray stood up obviously shoken. Again the two locked up in a collar-and-elbow lockup when he locked Steiner in a headlock. The two men bounced off the ropes before Steiner sent Stevie Ray running into the ropes, Steiner tried to do another clothesline but Stevie Ray ducked underneath. After bouncing off the ropes Stevie Ray hit Steiner with a cross body. He stomped on Steiner a few times before dropping a running knee on Steiner’s face. Stevie Ray picked up Steiner and brought him to Harlem Heat’s corner. Stevie Ray began punching Steiner’s midsection as Booker T was holding Steiner’s arms. Rick Steiner immediately jumped in the ring before the referee caught him. On cue, Booker T took this opportunity to choke Steiner with the tag rope while Stevie Ray kept punching him in the stomach and kicking him in the stomach.

Schiavone:”Look at that, that’s disgusting. And these people are the WCW Tag Team Champions?! That’s despicable.”

Heenan:”It’s called teamwork Schiavone, plus who would you rather have, The Outsiders as tag champions?!”

Rick Steiner stepped back onto the outside before Stevie Ray tagged in Booker T. Booker T grabbed Steiner who was still leaning lifelessly on the turnbuckle and delivered a standing suplex on Steiner. Booker T did his breakdancing version of a kick up by lifting his legs, spinning his hips and legs and ended up on his knees in a vertical position. The crowd somewhat cheered the move as Booker delivered a running elbow drop on Steiner’s midsection. He stomped it a few times before taunting the crowd. Steiner was slowly dragging himself to the corner but Booker T stopped the escape by grabbing Steiner’s leg. He raised Steiner up and delivered two right hands before sending Steiner to the ropes. Booker extended his knee and it went right into Steiner’s midsection. Steiner was now clutching is stomach. Again Booker T pulled on Steiner’s hair to pick him up before delivering a stomach breaker on Steiner. Steiner bounced off the knee and was coughing heavily while clutching his stomach. Booker T picked up Steiner but Steiner managed to hit Booker T with a weak right hand; after shaking the cobwebs, Booker T hit Steiner with a right hand of his own which sent Steiner right to the ground. Steiner was trying to get up on his own strength but Booker kicked Steiner in the midsection. Steiner was coughing as he was bent over when Booker ran to the ropes. He tried to do his scissors kicked but Steiner literally just fell over which caused Booker T to miss his move. Booker T was holding his right hamstring while Rick Steiner was leading the crowd to try and will Steiner to make the tag.

Tony:”If Steiner can make the tag here, this match might be over. Booker T is down and he appears to be hurt. Here you see Steiner, reaching and clawing with every muscle fiber in his body. And now, Rick Steiner, trying his best to get his brother to tag him in is leading the crowd in willing Scott. Come on Scott, we’re all cheering for you.”

Heenan:”I’m not! Don’t try to associate me with the rest of these humanoids!”

Scott Steiner was too far away for Booker to try and grab so his only option was to tag in Stevie Ray before Steiner tagged in Rick Steiner. Booker was slowly making it to his corner but it was still faster than Steiner. The referee stood in the center of the ring with both hands raised ready to acknowledge the first tag. Booker T was in no condition to wrestle now as he had only one good wheel; Steiner’s midsection was not 100% and as such wouldn’t be able to perform his trademark suplexes. It was a race to tag in the fresh partner, Steiner was closer to his partner but Booker T was moving faster. The crowd was cheering for Steiner when all of a sudden….

SLAP!

Schiavone:”Rick Steiner is in! Scott made the tag! And here…comes….Steiner!”

As soon as Rick stepped in the ring in came Stevie Ray. The crowd was barking as Rick hit him with several right hands to the turnbuckle. It still didn’t satisfy Rick as he was still beating on Stevie Ray. After a series of right hands, Rick leaned back and threw one stiff punch which sent Stevie Ray over the top rope. Steiner turned around and saw Booker T who had managed to stand up before nailing him with a stiff clothesline. Meanwhile, Scott Steiner was on the outside stomping on Stevie Ray.

Schiavone:”Wait a minute, look out, there it is! The Steiner bulldog!”

Heenan:”He’s not the legal man!

Schiavone:”Yes he is, they both are…1…..2….3!”

The Steiner’s music began to play when Rick Steiner raised his hand in victory. Scott joined his brother in the ring as they celebrated. Booker T rolled out of the ring hurt, and stood with Stevie Ray watching the Steiner’s celebrate their victory. They watched the crowd cheer the Steiner’s when Booker T grabbed the WCW title belts. Instead of just walking to the back, Booker T threw the title to Stevie Ray when they both rushed the ring. The Steiner’s had their back to Harlem Heat which would be a mistake they would regret for the night. Both Booker T and Stevie Ray clocked the Steiner’s from behind with the title belt. Both men were stomping the Steiner Brothers while the timekeeper couldn’t do anything but ring his bell. The referee tried to break them up but they couldn’t. More referee’s came to the ring when the lights went out. The crowd was cheering.

”N……W…….O” was heard on the speakers.

Heenan:”They’re here! They’re here! OK, that’s it Schiavone, I’m gone.”

The lights came back on but there was no one but Harlem Heat, the Steiners and a bunch of referees.

77%, 77%, 78%

Schiavone:”More mindgames by the n.W.o. folks, it’s only a matter of time they show up as later on tonight, we’ve got the Outsiders facing Ric Flair and Arn Anderson. Speaking of The Outsiders, last night in Jackson, Mississippi, Kevin Nash…well, let’s just let this footage of the house show speak for itself.”

The footage began with Nash on the microphone when Luger came running through the crowd with a bat. The crowd was cheering as Luger jumped the barricade and went right into the ring. Nash heard it and managed to duck right before Luger swung the bat. With the microphone still in hand, Nash struck Luger’s head with it which sent Luger stumbling. When Luger dropped the bat, Nash quickly scooped it up. He swung the bat right at Luger’s midsection which had Luger screaming. Nash swung it again right in Luger’s stomach before dropping the bat. Nash set Luger up for the Jackknife powerbomb before dropping Luger backfirst on the baseball bat. Luger screamed as he clutched his back. Nash wasn’t done with him yet as he threw Luger to the outside. Nash stepped over the top rope and stepped to the outside. He picked up the ringsteps and dumped them on Luger’s back. Again Nash set up Luger for the Jackknife powerbomb, this time dumping him backfirst on the bottom half of the ringsteps. Luger did not make a sound this time. Nash went right in Luger’s face with the Television Title:

Nash:”At Road Wild Flexy, this is mine, you hear me?! I told you that I would get you back you muscled up freak! You don’t mess with the n.W.o. I’ll see you at Road Wild punk.”

There was a cut in the footage while the next piece showed EMT’s hooking up Luger to their stretcher, there was a neckbrace and they wheeled him out. The crowd cheered as Luger gave a small thumbs up when he was wheeled out of the arena. The footage ended and the view was back on the announcers faces.

Heenan:”The Outsiders are going to get theirs Schiavone, I can tell you that, they will get theirs.”

Schiavone:”You may be right Bobby, and it may happen later tonight as The Outsiders face Ric Flair and Arn Anderson here on Nitro! Stay tuned everyone!”

78%

During the commercial break Eddie Guerrero and I had a chat. He told me about his family and how wrestling was his dream. I told him about my dream and how I was basically living it. I never thought I’d be working in a company like this. He told me he had hoped to be at the top of the mountain one day but quickly shook his head.

Eddie:”It’s just a dream man, there’s no point in dreaming in the clouds when you’re living on the ground.”

Eddie told me more about his past in Japan and how Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko told him good things about me. He shook my hand and thanked me.

Eddie:”Thanks man, you have to watch your back here, but Chris and Dean told me you’re alright. I trust you man. I trust you to watch my back if I get hurt, and now I trust you to watch my back out here.”

”You’re a good guy Eddie. I can tell you’re really passionate about wrestling. You’re always on time, you stay to watch the matches, you’re really working hard. If it’s any consolation, I’ll talk to people upstairs about the dedication you show.”

Eddie:”Thanks man, but…I don’t know if it’ll do any good. But I appreciate that.”

Eddie Guerrero vs. Curt Hennig

Nitro came back from commercial as Eddie Guerrero’s music hit. The crowd somewhat came alive at that point as Eddie did a little strut to try and get the crowd behind him. Curt Hennig’s music played as he did the same towel gesture he always did in the WWF. He had a smug smile on his face as he was walking to the ring. After Wrestlemania 10, Hennig never appeared on a WWF program again. His back was just in horrendous shape but WCW offered him a lot of money to wrestle, so he decided to jump on the offer. Earlier I remember him telling me about his back and how he wasn’t sure how long it would hold up. I told him he should think about retiring before he hurts himself even further, he told me he would think about it.

Schiavone:”This has the potential to be a great matchup, how do you see this one being played out Bobby?

Heenan:”Well Schiavone, it takes a good man to beat Eddie Guerrero… it just won’t take him very long. I see Hennig going all the way on this one.”

Both men circled each other before locking up. Hennig pushed Guerrero down to the mat and hopped while smiling. Eddie got to his knees, grinned a bit and moved his head from side to side. Guerrero stood perched with his arms extended as both men locked up again. This time, fortunes were reversed as Eddie immediately whipped out an arm drag which sent Hennig down to the mat. Hennig got up immediately and charged at Guerrero. Guerrero dodged the charging Hennig and sent him to the mat with a drop toe hold. Hennig stood up again even more furious then before and threw a wild standing lariat. Guerrero ducked underneath and threw another arm drag. Guerrero jumped to his feet and slapped his chest while some of the crowd started to get behind him again.

Schiavone:”Guerrero is using his speed to his advantage, he’s waiting for Hennig to attack and he just counter attacks.”

Guerrero was now on the offensive and locked up with Hennig, the veteran in Hennig reversed it and hit a side suplex. He stood right up and began to stomp Guerrero viciously. He then went right on top of the fallen Guerrero and slapped Guerrero around before taunting the crowd. Hennig picked up Guerrero and whipped him to the ropes. Hennig did a dropkick right to Eddie’s knee when Eddie came running back. Eddie grabbed his knee as he was sitting on the ring. Hennig ran to the ropes, grabbed Eddie’s head and while holding onto it, did his trademark jumping neckbreaker. Eddie bounced back grabbing his neck right before Hennig went right into a guillotine choke on Guerrero.

Schiavone:”Hennig with the wear down move on Guerrero, the ref should be watching Hennig to see a choke is not being done.”

Heenan:”Oh come on now, Hennig wouldn’t need to stoop to something as low as a choke hold!”

The referee began the 5 count for Hennig to break his choke hold. Hennig released the hold and stomped on Eddie’s neck. He picked up Eddie and grabbed his right arm. Hennig delivered a standing lariat while having his knee behind Eddie and still grasping his arm so that Eddie leaned over on Hennig’s knee. Like a shark, Hennig quickly turned that into a dragon sleeper. Eddie’s boot was hitting the mat in a rhythmic manner and the fans started to clap with Eddie. Soon Eddie was able to gain enough adrenaline off of the fans and began to slowly rise out of the choke; sensing danger, Hennig released the dragon sleeper and did a chop block right on Eddie’s right knee which sent Eddie down on the ground again.

Schiavone:”There’s a method to Hennig’s intensity Brain, he’s attacking the neck and the knee of Guerrero to set up the Hennig-plex. He doesn’t want Eddie to kick out of it.”

A small Eddie chant came from the building but it was killed as Hennig played the crowd. Eddie was clutching his knee when Hennig came to do more damage to Guerrero. Hennig nonchalantly walked over to Eddie when Eddie did a double mule kick right to Hennig’s stomach. Eddie quickly got himself up but was still favoring his right leg as he delivered 3 quick right hands which sent Hennig reeling to the ropes. Eddie took a few steps back and hit Hennig with a clothesline which sent Hennig toppling over the top rope. Hennig’s back hit the mat with a hard thud. Eddie was walking around shaking his knee to try and reverse some of the damage when he saw Hennig starting to rise to his feet. Eddie ran to the ropes as fast as he could before diving through the top and middle ropes in a suicide dive which hit Hennig and sent him right back to the floor. Eddie’s head hit the steel barrier as the crowd was cheering. Some fan spilled some beer on Eddie’s head but was quickly pushed away by security. The referee began his 10 count.

Schiavone:”What a suicide dive! Eddie will do what it takes to win, even if it means sacrificing his own body. This is what dedication is folks.”

7…….8…….

The crowd was chanting with the referee as both men were slow to get to their feet. This was only half the battle as one of them still had to get in the ring before the referee said the magic number of 10.

9……

Hennig just managed to roll in the ring before the referee’s hand dropped signaling a 10 count. The referee started it up again for Eddie but he was not far behind in entering the ring. Hennig was clinching his back before hitting Eddie with a right hand to his head which sent Eddie back down to the mat. Hennig was flexing his back muscles as best he could when the referee went over to check on him. I was looking for my cue, but I saw none, as far as I could see, I wasn’t needed in this match. Eddie stood up again and engaged in a collar-and-elbow lockup but both the wrestler’s heads were down facing the ring. They were calling spots as far as I could see. Eddie kicked Hennig in the stomach and delivered a suplex on Hennig. Hennig screamed as the crowd cheered. Eddie was still hanging onto Hennig so he swiveled his hips and delivered another suplex on Hennig. Eddie nipped up and absorbed the fans cheering for him. Hennig was seen clutching his back with obvious pain in his back. Eddie kicked Hennig a few times before running to the ropes. He delivered a quick leg drop right across the chest of Hennig.

Heenan:”Hennig is hurt. Hennig is hurt, he’s taken all those shots to the back and he’s gotta be hurt!”

Eddie went outside to the apron, cheered on the fans and did a summersault senton right across Hennig’s chest. He went for the cover….1……2…..Hennig just managed to put his leg on the bottom rope. Eddie hit his hand against the mat as the crowd was cheering him on. Hennig was starting to stir as Eddie picked him up and tried to do an Irish whip to Hennig but Hennig reversed it. Hennig tried his best to do a backbody drop over the top rope but could barely do it. Eddie quickly landed on his feet on the apron and when Hennig turned around, Eddie drove his shoulder in the midsection of Hennig. This allowed Eddie to attempt a summersault rollup. 1…..2….Hennig just managed to kick out. Again, Eddie hit the mat in frustration.

Schiavone:”What must Eddie do to put Hennig away? He’s done everything short of the frog splash and I’m not even sure that will do it. Folks this is what athletic competition is all about and you’ll only see it here, on Nitro! Stay tuned as Ric Flair and Arn Anderson take on the Outsiders in our main event.”

Eddie walked to the ropes and leaned on them as he tried to gather his thoughts. He walked over to Hennig and grasped a chunk of Hennig’s hair. Just as he was about to pick up Hennig, Hennig grabbed Eddie’s right knee and twisted it so Eddie went down. Hennig tried his best to stand up while Eddie was rubbing his knee. He picked up Eddie and whipped him to the ropes; Eddie ducked underneath the clothesline and attempted a dropkick. Hennig sidestepped it and while clutching his back, Hennig picked up Guerrero. Before Eddie knew it, Henning grabbed Eddie’s right knee and clasped it in his hands, Hennig nailed Eddie with the Hennig-plex.

Schiavone:”Hennig-plex, 1….2…..NO! Eddie kicked out! My goodness brain, Eddie Guerrero just kicked out!”

Heenan:”Eddie Guerrero has earned some respect from me, it takes a lot of heart to kick out of the Hennig-plex.”

Hennig held his back with a shocked look on his face, Eddie Guerrero just couldn’t be put away even after the Hennig-plex. Hennig stood up and stomped Eddie a few times and tried to cover him again. 1…..2….Eddie still kicked out. The crowd was starting to get behind Eddie. Hennig was getting more frustrated as he picked up Eddie and slugged him in the face two times. He perched Eddie on the turnbuckle and prepared Eddie for a superplex. Hennig hooked Eddie’s arm, but shook his head. He stood Eddie up on the top turnbuckle and grabbed Eddie’s right leg. He flashed a cocky grin as he lifted Eddie up.

Schiavone:”My God! Hennig with a super Hennig-plex! Hennig took a lot of that blow too. There’s no way Eddie can survive this.”

Hennig was really holding his back so he had to let go of the leg before he could cover Eddie. There was pain all over Hennig’s face when he draped his arm across Eddie’s chest.

1……..2…………..

Heenan:”Look at this man, look at Eddie Guerrero! He kicked out of a super Hennig-plex. That’s it, there’s nothing more that can be done to this man. I am in awe of Eddie Guerrero.”

The referee began his 10 count to see if this match would end in a draw.

6…..

Schiavone:”It can’t end in a draw, there’s no way it should.”

8…….9……

Just then Eddie nipped up and slapped his chest. He was screaming to the audience as they were cheering him. Hennig was still down on the mat holding his back while Eddie went to the top turnbuckle. Eddie leaped off the turnbuckle and hit Hennig with the frogsplash. 1…..2…..3.

Eddie Guerrero celebrated while Hennig was helped to the back. As soon as he got backstage I tended to him immediately.

Hennig:”It’s over doc, I can’t wrestle anymore. This was my final match.”

”What? Don’t say that Curt.”

Hennig:”Doc, I felt something pop when I fell on that mat. I knew it was over from that point on. So I gave it my all and the whole time we changed the match so I would really make Eddie look like a million bucks. That’s why I did the suplex and the superplex and to even forgo the psychology. In some small way, I passed the torch doc, and I feel good about that.”

”OK well here comes Eddie.”

Eddie Guerrero walked through the curtains with tears in his eyes. He knew what Curt had done for him and he knew the extra sacrifice he put just to make Eddie look good. Without even saying a word, he hugged Curt and he cried in Curt’s arms. I couldn’t help but feel moved by witnessing this tremendous act. In a world where people stab each other in the back, it’s good to see some fraternal respect going on.

We weren’t in commercial break so I had to listen keep watching the program till commercial aired to check on Curt.

83%, 79%, 87%

The Giant awakens…

Hollywood Hogan is seen in his dressing room alone talking on his cell phone. They were still relatively new and thus it made Hogan look even more like a big shot. He wasn’t in his gear but just black jeans, a black n.W.o shirt and his bandana, his glasses were perched on his head.

Hogan:”Well you never know brother, that’s how we are man. For Life. OK well get here soon, your match is up any moment now. Look Kevin, it doesn’t matter, the n.W.o. doesn’t mean much if there’s just one guy so for now we have to stick together. Maybe after Road Wild when we have more guys you can party but not now….”

BOOM!

Hogan’s door was kicked in which sent Hogan jumping off the locker room bench.

Hogan:”Whoa whoa whoa, hold it there dude. I know what you’re thinking, but lemme tell you, you’ve got a future here in the n.W.o. if you want it.”

A loud scream is heard as the camera shows The Giant. The crowd cheers as he steps right through slowly marching towards Hogan. Hogan is crawling back looking for something to use as a weapon when he sees a clipboard in his bag. He takes a swing but The Giant clinches his fist and sends it right through the clipboard as he screamed. He took Hogan by the throat.

The Giant:”Hogan, you think because you slammed me you could beat me. Well you’re wrong, at Road Wild, it’s going to be me on top of your lifeless body, and crushing not only you, but the n.W.o. You think you can humiliate me, you’re wrong Hogan. You’re wrong.”

The Giant took a swing with his giant paw and hit Hogan in the face. It knocked off his bandana and glasses. The Giant slammed Hogan against the wall when referees and road agents came to split apart Hogan and The Giant. They grabbed his arms when in one fowl swoop he knocked them all over.

The camera faded to black as Nitro went on a commercial break.

91%

Bischoff has to intervene…

The camera fades back in as road agents, referees and security guards are trying to hold back The Giant but they weren’t successful. The Giant’s foot was right on Hogan’s throat while Hogan was choking.

Commissioner Bischoff came running down to try and diffuse the situation.

Bischoff:”Now hold on you two…stop it right now! It’s obvious right now that you Hogan can’t be controlled with your renegade group, but Paul? I expected better than to stoop to their garbage level. Now I can tell you two want to tear each other apart, and Hogan, there’s nothing I would want to see more than to see you get ripped limb from limb. But now’s not the time or place. Road Wild is the place and the time. Right now, 7 referees couldn’t contain you two, so one wouldn’t be able to do it at Road Wild…no…no this is going to take someone different. Someone with authority, someone who both of you will listen to…that someone….is ME! Commissioner Eric Bischoff. How do you like that…..Hollywood?!”

Bischoff walked away laughing with The Giant as the camera went back to Schiavone and Heenan.

Schiavone:”Well how do you like that, a little luck on WCW’s side.”

Heenan:”I don’t know Schiavone, something’s not right…I still don’t like it that the rest of the n.W.o. haven’t made their appearance.”

86%

Chris Benoit vs. Lord Stephen Regal

Schiavone:”Well folks, up next is a match that may rival our previous match in terms of quality as the Canadian Crippler, Chris Benoit takes on Lord Stephen Regal, your thoughts Bobby?”

Heenan:”Well for one thing, each men better not underestimate the other, both are technically proficient with the edge going to Benoit. Regal however is as tough as nails and he will bring the fight to you.”

Lord Stephen Regal came walking to the ring with a smug look on his face. He stopped, went to part of the isle to associate with the commoners, but pulled his face away in disgust pinching his nose. He stepped on the apron, wiped his feet and entered the ring when Benoit’s music started to play. Some fans cheered while others held up the 4 Horsemen sign. The camera panned the audience as they raised their four fingers.

Schiavone:”Folks this is why we love our fans, they are solidly behind WCW and the 4 Horsemen.”

Benoit stepped in the ring as the referee called for the bell. Regal was slumped over a bit as each man circled each other in the ring. Benoit lunged at Regal but Regal sidestepped Benoit and pushed his head down. Benoit quickly went behind Regal and clasped his hands around Regal’s waist. Regal dropped to his knees to prevent the German Suplex. Regal clasped Benoit’s left leg which Benoit twisted out of which led to a stand off between the two men. The crowd cheered a bit as both men relaxed a bit and circled the ring a bit more. Regal extended his hand and Benoit came in to shake it but at that instant Regal slapped Benoit right across the face. Regal booted Benoit right in the stomach before delivering an arm wringer. Regal let off of Benoit and let him stand up again as they both stared at each other.

Heenan:”Regal doesn’t need to prove anything to Benoit, he knows he’s better than Benoit and will just slowly annoy Benoit by countering everything he does then he’ll attack.”

Regal waved for Benoit to “come get some.” As soon as Benoit got close enough Regal hit him with another slap which echoed through out the entire arena. Regal stood in the center of the ring with a smug look on his face. Benoit delivered a hard knife edged chop right on Regal’s chest which had an even louder echo. Regal gave Benoit a chop of his own before Benoit retaliated with a chop of his own. Benoit’s intensity kicked in and layed into Regal with several chops in a row while he screamed delivering the chops. Regal’s chest was a bright red as he was whipped into the ropes by Benoit. Benoit hit Regal with a hard clothesline right across the face of Regal. Regal grabbed his lip to check to see if there was any blood coming out. He checked his nose to see if anything was broken.

Heenan:”He chipped Regal’s tooth, he wants to make Regal just as toothless as he is. Disqualify him!”

Regal stood up and both men engaged in a grapple. Again Regal went to his knees but Benoit learned and immediately went right behind Regal, grabbed his right arm and proceeded to do an arm bar to Regal. Regal stood up trying to alleviate some of the pain of the arm bar before clocking Benoit in the face with his left fist. He turned around and hit Benoit again with his left hand while shaking his right arm. Regal whipped Benoit to the ropes before delivering a drop toe hold. He extended Benoit’s right arm, lifted up his knees and dropped them on Benoit’s shoulder. Regal stood up and grabbed Benoit’s arm. As soon as Benoit was to his knees Regal alternated between elbows and fists in Benoit’s shoulder. The referee got in the middle of the two men and warned Regal about the fists. Benoit stood up during this time trying to get some feeling back in his right arm; he was standing near the ropes when Regal locked up with Benoit again. Again Regal quickly went behind Benoit, grabbed both of his legs and sent Benoit face first into the mat. Regal tried to hook in the Regal Stretch but Benoit immediately grabbed the ropes. Regal stood up and raised his arms as if he wasn’t going to do anything wrong.

Schiavone:”Oh yeah, now he’s acting real innocent, let’s wait to see how innocent he is when the ref turns his back.”

Benoit stood up holding his shoulder when both men engaged in a lockup again while the crowd went silent again. Any sort of action that was being built up in the early part of this match was now gone. Regal threw Benoit across the ring with an arm drag. Benoit got up immediately and grabbed the ropes. He stretched his arms while holding on to the ropes as he leaned backwards. Both men circled around each other before locking up yet again. This time Benoit went right for Regal’s legs and did a double leg take down. He flipped Regal over and tried to hook in the crossface, but it was too early for that as Regal easily managed to squirm his way out of it. Benoit stood up and immediately started to stomp Regal right in the head. He picked Regal up and hit Regal with another hard chop before kicking Regal in the midsection. He then hit a snap suplex right on Regal. Benoit rolled through right after the suplex and was now sitting on Regal. Benoit grabbed Regal’s right arm, grapevined his legs around the arm and was lying on the mat perpendicular to Regal bending the arm backwards. Regal had to sort of lean and stand up before hitting Benoit right in the face with a closed left fist. Benoit broke the hold as covered his face. The referee gave Regal another stern warning about his fist.

Schiavone:”Regal better not keep testing his luck or his next closed fist will be his last in this match.”

Regal was right on the ropes still arguing with the referee when Benoit charged at Regal with full steam. Regal noticed Benoit just at the last moment and ducked and used Benoit’s momentum against him as he sent Benoit tumbling over the top rope. Regal ordered the referee to begin a 10 count. Benoit clutched his shoulder as the replay showed Benoit crashing right on his shoulder.

8…….

Benoit barely managed to roll in the ring before the 10 count. Regal picked up Benoit and delivered a body slam to send Benoit to the mat. Regal looked at the crowd, put his left hand behind his back and gave a smug look to the crowd. The crowd booed a bit as Benoit was struggling to get up. Regal walked over to Benoit to try and pick him up but Benoit managed to get Regal in a rollup. 1….almost a 2 before Regal kicked out. He got up and his face was red as he started stomping Benoit right in his shoulder. He then dropped to his knees and started to slap Benoit right in the face. Regal picked up Benoit and whipped Benoit to the rope. Regal extended his arm for the clothesline but Benoit ducked it. He went right behind Regal and managed to hit a release German suplex. Both men were down as the referee began the 10 count. Both men started to rise to their feet at the 8 mark when Benoit kicked it into second gear and hit Regal with a few more chops before delivering another snap suplex. Benoit ran to the ropes and delivered an elbow drop on Regal’s right shoulder. Benoit stomped Regal’s shoulder a few more times before picking up Regal. Regal was looking lifeless as Benoit delivered yet another German suplex this time with a bridge. 1…..2…….Regal managed to kick out. Benoit again stomped right on Regal’s shoulder while the crowd was starting to cheer for Benoit. He took his thumb and streaked it across his neck before climbing to the top.

Schiavone:”Benoit’s going to the top rope, is he going to try the headbutt?!”

Benoit outstretched his arms and dropped his head right on Regal’s shoulder. Benoit went for the cover, hooked the leg and put all the pressure on Regal’s right shoulder. 1….2…..Regal managed to put his leg on the rope. Benoit stood up and gained some face heat while Regal slowly started to rise to his feet. He slowly lurched towards Benoit before Benoit managed to do a drop toe hold on Regal and immediately converted that into the Crippler Crossface.

Heenan:”See that Schiavone? He lured Regal to the middle of the ring!”

Regal was screaming as Benoit was leaning and pulling. You could hear Benoit scream ”Do it!!” Finally Regal couldn’t take anymore and he submitted. The referee rang the bell and declared Benoit the winner. He walked to the camera and flashed the 4 Horsemen sign.

74%, 69%, 80%

A mysterious arrival…

The camera immediately cut to the back as a limousine arrived. The camera focused on the wheels as the door opened. The camera focused on the shoes of this person and slowly began to rise to reveal the mysterious person. The crowd cheered but booed when it was revealed to be the chauffeur. He walked to the back of the stretch limousine before opening the back door. Two legs appeared which were in jeans while a toothpick fell to the ground. The camera panned up to show Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

Nash:”Here you go man…thanks.”

Nash held out an unknown bill and put it in the driver’s hand. As they continued to walk Nash showed the camera that he had some slight of hand skill as it was revealed he still had the bill to begin with. The camera faded to black as you could hear Schiavone say that the n.W.o. has finally arrived.

84%

During the break I went to check on Hennig. The rest of the medical team sent him to the hospital for observation. I walked in and checked on Eddie to see how he was holding up. He had his head in his hands when I arrived.

Eddie:”It’s all my fault man, I should have known about his back, I should have refused doc. I should have.”

”Eddie, it’s not your fault. Hennig did what he did. You didn’t tell him to do it, he did it on his own. You’re not to blame.”

I wanted to calm Eddie down some more but I was needed back at my post. Just as I was exiting Eddie asked me a question:

Eddie:”Hey doc, why are you sitting in the gorilla position anyways?”

”Well…Eddie….in case there’s an injury in the ring and immediate assistance is needed, I can be there in less than 30 seconds. I timed myself so this way we won’t have to worry about reaction time for the medical professionals.”

Eddie smiled as I had dodged a bullet there.

I got back to my booth as Ric Flair was being interviewed by Mean Gene Okerlund.

Ric Flair speaks…

Flair:”Don’t say anything Mean Gene, I know what people wanna ask Ric Flair. Everyone’s been looking at me, glaring at me since last week. And for what?! I was in the n.W.o. lockerrom. I’m also a 13 time World champion and everyone would think I would turn my back on this company I worked so hard to build?! I’m Ric Flair dammit. My blood is in that ring canvas, my sweat…WOOOO, are in all these titles, including this one right here. And my tears? They’ve been in every single one of those seats right here. I built this company Gene, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to destroy it.”

Gene:”But why were you in the lockerroom in the first place?”

Flair stopped looking at the camera and looked right at Gene in the eye. ”Haven’t you ever heard of knowing your enemy? Of course you haven’t. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re fighting a war here Gene. These n.W.o. thugs think they can just run this place into the ground. Well I for one will not let them, and neither will “Double A” here. The Horsemen will continue to ride high and so will WCW. Take that as a fact Hall, you will never….NEVER get this title off of me at Road Wild. Let’s go Arn.”

Both men walked off as Okerlund looked confused in the camera as the camera faded to black for their last commercial.

95%

The Main event….

We arrived back on Nitro as Ric Flair and Arn Anderson were making their way to the ring. Even before they hit the ring their music began to ripple and fade as it filled with more and more static. It became slower and slower until it finally came to a halt. A high pitched, yet male laughter reverberated throughout the arena until it eerily stated “Showtime.” The cameras which were filming this then filled with static as it shifted to a grainy image in black and white of the crowd in anticipation. The theme music of the n.W.o hit and out walked Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. They slowly strutted to the ring before stepping inside.

The bell rang as Nash decided to wrestle first against Flair. Flair tried to lock up with Nash but Nash hit Flair with a right hand which sent him straight to the mat. Flair got right back up and did a “woo” for the crowd, the crowd loved it and were really cheering on Flair. Nash locked up with Flair again and Nash threw Flair into the ropes before sending him for a huge back body drop. Flair landed on his side as usual and screamed in pain. Nash picked up the fallen Flair and threw him to the turnbuckle where he proceeded to knee Flair right in the stomach three times. Flair crumpled to the ground when Nash grabbed Flair’s hair and dragged him to the Outsider corner. Hall was tagged in and alternated between chopping and slapping Flair’s chest. He picked Flair up and delivered a fall away slam to send Flair in the middle of the ring. Nash got off the ring apron and the referee turned to see if Nash was up to no good. Hall walked towards Flair to pick him up but Flair nailed Hall with a low blow.

Schiavone:”Ric Flair with a low blow to Scott Hall. Folks, they don’t call him the dirtiest player in the game for nothin’.”

Flair was starting to crawl towards Anderson while Hall was trying to recover from the low blow. Flair managed to tag in Anderson while Flair rolled out of the ring. He walked around a bit to try and regain his composure. By the time Anderson was inside the ring, Hall was already up. Anderson tried to do a wild haymaker but Hall ducked it; Hall then set up and performed a back suplex on Anderson which sent him close to the Outsider’s corner. Hall tagged in Nash who climbed over the top rope. The crowd was booing Nash who raised his fist as he walked over the top rope. He perched Anderson on the turnbuckle while the referee was checking on Flair. This enabled Hall to start choking Anderson while Nash hit Anderson’s midsection. Flair tried to get in the ring and was violently shaking his head and arms while screaming. Finally he gave up and the double team opposite Flair ended.

Heenan:”What is up with Flair? He’s a veteran, he should know that the ref won’t let him in the ring to stop the double team.”

Nash put two knees in Anderson’s midsection before lifting him and slammed him hard with a sidewalk slam. Nash went for the cover….1…….2...Anderson kicked out shortly after two. Nash stood up and delivered an elbow drop right on Anderson. Anderson let out a groan of pain as Nash stood up and grinned. He tagged in Hall as the camera showed a shot of Flair licking his lips. He looked around and then screamed for Anderson to tag in. Anderson was still down when Hall went right on top of him and start to slap Anderson around. Hall was smiling while doing so.

Schiavone:”The absolute disrespect of that man. I can’t wait till Road Wild when Flair gets his hands on him.”

Heenan:”I don’t know Schiavone, something doesn’t click right.”

Hall picked up Anderson and kicked him in the midsection. He put Anderson’s head between the knees of Hall but didn’t go for the Outsider’s Edge. Instead he did a stump piledriver; Anderson sold the move well by grabbing the top of his head. Hall went for a cover….1……2……..Anderson still kicked out. The crowd was cheering for the Horsemen and trying to will Anderson to make the tag. Hall picked up Anderson and tried to whip him to the ropes but Anderson reversed it.

Schiavone:”Here comes Hall off the ropes now and….SPINEBUSTER! Anderson hit the spinebuster!”

Heenan:”Nobody does it better Schiavone!”

Both men were down as the referee began his 10 count. The crowd was counting along until the referee reached 7 when both men started to stir. Anderson was slowly making his way to Flair and the crowd was aching for him to tag in Flair. Hall was slowly going to Nash in what would be the slowest race for survival. Flair’s hand was almost touching Anderson’s hand. All Anderson had to do was one more thrust and he would be free. He was almost there when….

A sea of boos were heard….

Flair pulled back his hand and turned his head. This allowed Hall to tag in Nash and stop the tag from being made. He picked up Anderson and delivered another sidewalk slam on Anderson.

Schiavone:”What the hell did Ric Flair do that for?!”

Heenan:”I think he sneezed Schiavone!”

Nash picked up Anderson and set him up for the Jackknife powerbomb. He lifted his one arm which got a lot of boos. He lifted up Anderson and slammed him to the mat but instead of going for the cover he tagged in Hall. Hall now taunted the crowd with his “Razor Ramon” taunt. He set up Anderson for the Outsider’s Edge. Hall outstretched his arms before delivering the move. Anderson’s shoulders hit the mat hard before Hall went for the cover.

Schiavone:”No…no….not like this…..1…..2…..3….he got it…”

Flair was too late to enter the ring to stop the count but he was now arguing with Hall. More boos were heard as Hogan came walking down the ring with spray paint cans. Hall and Nash pushed Flair aside as they undid the caps on the spray paint can. They started to spray the “n” on Anderson’s back when the crowd started to cheer. Here came The Giant! The Giant was coming to the ring and he wasn’t alone, he brought Sting and Benoit with him. All three men were carrying chairs when the n.W.o. slinked out of the ring. Flair was now up and checking on Anderson while The Giant, Sting and Benoit were standing in the ring pointing at the n.W.o.

Schiavone:”Folks this is what WCW is all about, unity! We’re all out of time though folks, join us next week on Nitro where we’ll have an appearance by the n.W.o and from what I’m told, The Giant is taking on Kevin Nash and Sting is facing Scott Hall. For Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, this is Tony Schiavone saying goodnight everybody.”

The screen started to fade to black when you could hear Heenan scream: ”But what about Flair?!”

86%, 88%, 82%

Another Nitro was now complete, but what was more important, I managed to go the day without seeing Sophie.

Sophie:”Hey doc!”

Oh fuck beans….”Hey….Sophie….what’s up?”

Sophie:”Well, a few of us were going to get some drinks once everything’s been settled. Wanna join us….pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?”

Well, there’s nothing wrong with drinks right? I’m a grown man dammit, I can do what I want! ”Sure, come and get me, I just want to see if there’s an update on Curt’s condition so I’ll be at the Cooper Green Hospital. Page me.”

I then got in my car and sat there….staring at my steering wheel wondering why I wanted to be in this business. There was a lot more to deal with than I had ever imagined.

Overall Rating: 84%, 5.61 TV Rating.

Edited September 16, 2004 by Godfatha

[Godfatha]

WCW continues to make strides in the right direction.

By Wade Keller.

I popped in my tape of Nitro and the first images I saw were of the massive beatdowns done by the n.W.o. I was even more excited to see the final image of Ric Flair walking out of the n.W.o. Imagine my surprise when I don't see any n.W.o. anywhere until their main event match. They have some of the fans partially hooked and need to keep going with the spontaneity. With that said, the announcers did a good job of trying to keep the fans interested in the hopes that they'll appear at any time. They even rigged the lights to go out after the tag match. It was good for now but WCW better come up with something different next week or it's going to get very stale, very fast.

Luckily however, they made up for it with some great in ring action. The first match was the triple threat match. It was again predictable booking as I knew Disco Inferno was doing the job. But he did his job (no pun intended) well in this match. He provided the comedic element need for this match to succeed. Mysterio was a site to see flying around and I love Malenko's entrance. It was certainly a site to see and it added a lot of Dimension to the Iceman. He was on fire as he wrestled with both men. I look forward to their Road Wild bout. Kudos to Eric Bischoff for pushing the smaller men.  ***

Hogan ripping into the crowd and the Giant was exactly what it was supposed to be. He showed off a lot of cockiness and venom for his hatred of the fans. I especially liked how he compared himself as God. While it may have left a bad taste in some people's mouths, he didn't proclaim himself to be THE God, just the professional wrestling God. I wish it would have gone on a bit more but on the other hand it was probably best it didn't since there were fans actually cheering for Hogan.

Harlem Heat vs. The Steiners was a good bout. With that said however, I'm still not sold on seeing Harlem Heat vs. The Steiners at Road Wild when I just saw it for free. It hasn't been built up enough for me to pay money to see it. With that said, it was a solid bout as both teams worked hard and played to their strengths. I loved the n.W.o. tease as it kept the fans who were watching live interested and the ones who were watching on TV hooked. ***

Nash vs. Luger....AGAIN!! ARGH! Who books this constant crap? If they had put all this effort into Harlem Heat vs. The Steiners....I can only dream. Maybe they're hyping it because they know it'll be a trainwreck. With that said, the only way I want to see Luger wrestling is him being beatdown, whether I want Kevin Nash to do it, that's another story. On a related note, he should lose the leather, it doesn't make him look cool.

The complete opposite came from the Eddie Guerrero - Curt Hennig bout. Wow, that's all I have to say. It's amazing Curt even managed to wrestle (which I will get into later on) but what a match. It was a bit short but it's a TV match and did it what it was designed to do, whet our appetites. Both men really worked their tails off (Hennig especially) and I was cheering alongside the fans for Eddie. ***1/2

The two confrontations with the Giant and Hogan were well done. I don't like how Bischoff just threw himself in there. It seems way out of left field. Maybe they did it because people thought Hogan would win and thus WCW needed some advantage. Who knows, but in either case I'm still interested.

Chris Benoit vs. Stephen Regal was another solid bout. It may have been a bit slower for some but it played to both men's strengths. Regal's slow methodical style and Benoit's intense style. The one thing I will comment on is that it seems like the wrestler's didn't know whether to keep working the face or the arm as they sort of switched it up a bit during the match. Finally, I know Regal can't control this but man, how red was his chest after the chopping exchange with Benoit? ***

I won't comment on the Outsiders other than I thought it was sorta cool that Nash did that slight of hand trick with his $20.

Flair's interview was solid. It was short and to the point but Flair still dodged the main question about his allegances.

The Main Event was good and exactly what it should have been for a TV Main Event that was hyping a PPV and a major storyline. Anderson worked his butt off selling for both Hall and Nash and it showed. Flair's actions were great and the announcers did a decent job selling what just happened. I like WCW's attention to detail as you notice Flair didn't get knocked out by the n.W.o. but merely pushed aside. Makes you think huh? I'm also glad that WCW had a sort of "victory" night tonight as too many nights dominated by the n.W.o. would have made WCW look weak, especially considering it's just three men.  ***1/4

*RANDOM NEWS AND NOTES*

Curt Hennig seriously injured his back on Nitro. Sources tell me it happened when Hennig landed improperly after being clotheslined by Eddie. I was also told the match itself was changed during the match as Hennig did a lot of moves which most likely further injured his back but made Eddie look a lot better in the fan's eyes. It worked. While I appreciate the sentiment, was it worth risking the end of his career or life? It was obvious the amount of pain Hennig was in delivering the Hennig plexes. From what I'm told he is still undergoing tests. We here at Pro Wrestling Torch wish him the best of luck.

On a side note, Eddie Guerrero has been blaming himself for Hennig's injury despite numerous road agents and wrestlers telling him it wasn't his fault. His morale has dropped a bit since the match.

Lex Luger's torn muscle is now fully healed and he is slowly beginning his house show rotation. I guess we're all thankful for that one.

My sources tell me that the show had to be re-written almost from scratch as the Outsiders were late to arrive to the show. Most of the time when the wrestler's enter from a limo, they had arrived hours before hand. With Hall and Nash they didn't arrive until midway through the opening match. It was also heard that both men are starting to have a big ego which is rubbing their fellow wrestlers the wrong way. One wrestler was heard saying "those guys think they own everything."

My sources tell me that talks between WCW and ECW have come to a standstill. I haven't heard why exactly but my sources tell me "it's for a big reason."

Christian Cage is expected to sign a deal with WCW to enter the Power Plant. Adam Copeland has not signed a deal yet but my sources tell me it could happen "soon."

Diamond Dallas page has been officially cleared to wrestle and is slowly being phased in the house show circulation.

My sources tell me that a few wrestlers from the Power Plant will be called up very soon.

Finally, the mysterious doctor was seen running around the back during Nitro. He was seen several times with Eric Bischoff. More on this as it develops.

© Copyright 1996 by TDH Communications Inc.

[Godfatha]

Tuesday, July 23rd, 1996

I was driving home to Atlanta when I got a page. Waiting for the right oppertunity to check my pager while it was still safe, I wondered who it could be from. When I looked down I was a bit upset as to who it was. I love my wife a lot and we've been trying to have an addition to our family, but I'm not entirely certain what the deal is with Sophie. Lo and behold, the number was clear, Sophie's.

I pulled over to the nearest Shell as I saw an ad for Independance Day above me on a giant billboard. I picked up the payphone, pulled out my calling card and dialed Sophie's number. After two rings, Sophie answered the phone.

Sophie:"Hello?"

"Hey, Sophie. It's Doctor..."

Sophie:"I know it's you silly! Wow, didn't think you would answer my page so quickly. I guess I mean a lot to ya huh?"

"Uh well, I figured it was about work."

Sophie:"What? Oh...no. I just wanted to see how you were and how you're fitting in with us."

"Good, the roster's starting to open up to me. They don't know what I do though other than just being a doctor. A lot of them are turning to me as a psychiatrist. I just...I didn't think it would be like this in WCW. I guess it's because in the WWF I only heard good things from the roster. I don't know, but a lot of the wrestlers here just seem....upset."

Sophie:"Yeah, morale's been an issue for awhile with us but things are starting to pick up. I mean we're drawing larger crowds which always helps the roster in terms of performance energy. We've got the n.W.o. which has made us recognizable all over the States and not just the South. Which is what I was telling Eric, we should start holding more shows up North now. Stick it to the WWF and start to sell out arena's there. But wait, look at me. Talking about business." She giggled at this point. Goddammit, why did she have to giggle.

I kind of let out a hesitant chuckle "Yeah we're two wildcats alright. Well if you didn't want to talk about business, what did you want to talk about?"

Sophie:"Well, I set you up a meeting with Ted Turner tomorrow in Atlanta."

"Why?"

Sophie:"We'd be talking business then!" She giggled again. Goddammit, didn't I just say enough with the giggling?!

"Ah. Well. Is there anything else?"

Sophie:"Umm....there is. I had a really great time getting drinks with you last night but....I was wondering if you were free tonight to have some drinks with me."

Shit....I figured the best way out of this situation is to play dumb.

"Tonight?"

Sophie:"Yeah."

"...In Atlanta."

Sophie:"Where else?!"

"With you.

Sophie:"Yep."

"Alone."

She giggled again. "What is wrong with you, of course alone!"

So much for playing dumb. Fuck. I can't just bail out on my wife, but there's that meeting with Turner tomorrow morning. I can't just walk in there unprepared.

"OK, well, let me....*sigh* let me just...go home. And talk to my wife. I'll tell her about Turner tomorrow and whatnot."

Sophie:"OK, that's fine. Just...call me when you're about to leave."

"Yeah...."

Sophie:"Bye tiger..."

The dialtone was already being sounded through my earpiece as I stood there holding the phone. "Bye."

I went inside, bought a Coke and sat in my car. I pulled off my wedding ring and read the inscription inside:

Our love is constant and will continue to blossom.

Fuck....

Edited September 20, 2004 by Godfatha

[Godfatha]

Wednesday, July 24, 1996

I walked out of the meeting with Sophie a bit upset. She knew I was upset and asked me what was wrong.

"What do you mean what's wrong?! Bischoff is getting all the credit for WCW right now. It was my idea to turn Hogan heel after Hart re-signed with the WWF. It was my idea to highlight the cruisers every single Monday on Nitro. He even talked to me and he doesn't even care!"

Sophie:"Doc, relax. The reason why everyone is praising Eric is because they see him as the head booker, not you. Only us three know your true role. And we have to keep it this way otherwise we'll be the laughing stock of the wrestling community."

"I know but....Jesus I just wish I could make a difference. I'm sick of everyone thinking that he's the saviour of WCW. Prior to me what did they have? The Dungeon of Doom? The Shockmaster? ROBOCOP?!? And now what do we have, the hottest angle in professional wrestling. And I'm the driving force behind it."

Sophie:"I know I know it's frustrating. Just...maybe we should talk to Eric this Monday."

"What's that going to accomplish? It's not as if they can announce what I really do ."

Sophie:"Look, we'll talk with Eric, maybe we can convince him not to be so forward with the direction of the company."

"Yeah. What's the ratings like for Nitro compared to RAW?"

Sophie:"We're beating them, but slightly. We have to make Road Wild good to fully turn over a new leaf."

"Yeah, I talked to Eric about it. Here's hoping he finally takes my suggestions and doesn't take credit for my victory."

We walked out of there and grabbed some lunch together.

[Godfatha]

Monday, July 29th, 1996

I had paged Eric early Monday morning so I could meet up with him before the rest of the staff and the wrestlers would arrive to the building. It was 7:24am when I arrived at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. There was no one inside the building so I lit up a cigarette. Despite my life here in America, I could never get used to American cigarettes. Give me Players or DuMarier over Camel and Marlboro. Regardless, I was still a slave to my white sticked master. As I closed my Zippo I saw a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 convertible speed up in the parking lot. The car triple parked as I heard the growl of the engine shut off and the parking break was put in place.

Out stepped Eric, sunglasses still on his face. He pushed his hand through his hair as he took off his sunglasses and laughed as he saw me look at the car in an admirable fashion. He pressed a button on his key chain which immediatly sent the car lights to blink twice as the alarm was now enabled on the car.

Eric:"She's a beaut ain't she? Just got 'er! Normally I'm a Hog man, but when I saw her, I just had to get 'er. I had to be in 'er. Kinda like you and Sophie eh?" He laughed a bit as he nudged my ribs. I didn't reciprocate the joke as I just "inadvertantly" blew smoke in his face. "You should get one man, we're gonna be so fuckin' rich!"

"Well, I've already got myself a fast car Eric. First had a 1992 Porsche 968, a year ago I traded it for a Caravan..."

Eric:"A MINIVAN?!" He laughed at that.

"....and a Ferrari F355."

Eric:"Impressive, did you drive here from Atlanta?"

"No, I flew down. I'm assuming you drove?"

Eric:"Of course man! Shit there's nothing better than driving 75+ on the freeway with the wind in your hair. Tell you what, next Nitro, we race from Atlanta to Charlotte. Anyways, what the hell are we doing here at.....7:31am?!"

I wasn't sure if he was joking about the race, but I didn't care about that. Now was the perfect chance to talk to Eric about what he's been telling Ted. I took one last huff of my cigarette and flicked it away. I pulled out another one and flicked open my Zippo.

"I talked to Ted the other day. Just him, Sophie and I."

Eric:"What?! Why? What about? What'd you tell him?"

"Relax, you're still the head booker in everyone's eyes. But word has gotten back to him that you've been the driving force of everything that has made WCW successful; that it was all your ideas. You know that isn't true Eric. So why are you acting like it all is."

Eric:"Because for all intents and purposes it is all me. No one can find out about you. And the only reason you're even working with me is because I want to screw Vince. Right now we're winning, but only slightly. I want to beat the living shit out of that bastard. Once that happens, I don't need you anymore. Go back to being a doctor or fucking Sophie or your wife, I don't care. But right now you're here because of your relationship with Vince, that's it."

"So that's it? You think you can beat Vince just by constantly raiding his talent and then using their gimmicks? Sooner or later these guys are going to get too old to wrestle, then what? What're you gonna do then? You see what Vince is doing, he's building new people. What're we doing with our TV time? Nothing but the n.W.o. That's all well and good, but look to the future. We have the audience, they want to see the n.W.o. now, so they'll tune in and watch all of Nitro, so let's expose them to other people to be new stars in 2 or 3 years."

Eric:"What, so you think you know more about the wrestling business than me? The fact is, why waste time, TV time, my time on people who've never drawn a goddamn dime?! The fact is, we need to make money, that's what we're in for. Hogan, Hall and Nash draws a boatload of money. So let's use that, and make some money off of it."

"This is exactly what I'm talking about. What's going to happen in 3 years when Hogan can't wrestle and the fans are sick of Hall and Nash all over our screens? They'll turn to RAW that's what. Then what'll happen, we get killed because we're so focused on this and nothing else. Scratch that, you're so focused on this. You're consumed by this need to constantly beat RAW in the ratings, well, we're doing it. But stop living in the now and live for the future Eric. Come on."

Eric:"So what do you want me to do? Let you be a full ghost booker? Right now you book the shows, and I tweak them. Now you want me to totally step aside and just act the part?"

"No, I'm not saying that Eric. Since you're so keen on the n.W.o. you can still book them, but for God's sake we have to strike while the iron's hot. Listen, I've talked to some of the wrestler's, their morale is decreasing. They think they're just fodder for these latest imports. These guys are bursting with talent and we're not making stars out of them, instead we relied on foreign stars participating in a foreign storyline. Let me take full control of all the booking other than the n.W.o."

Eric:"And what happens if one of your "stars" faces off with the n.W.o? Who takes over then? Yeah, thought so. Look, you want to do this, fine, you have 1 month. Starting after Road Wild you have till Fall Brawl to make the fans care about something other than the n.W.o. And if they don't? Then you'll be demoted to a consultant position. I'll hand you the booking sheets, you make note of what you think needs to be changed, and I'll take that into consideration."

"But what if they're huge Eric? What if it's a success? Gonna take credit for that too? I was right about Hogan, I was right about the Cruisers, what if I'm right about this? Will you steal my idea for that too?"

Eric firmly held his sunglasses as he tightened his leather jacket. He leaned in real close and held his index finger right in front of my face.

Eric:"You watch your fuckin' mouth. Jesus Christ you ever think what would happen if that asshole Keller found out about this shit?"

"I know, this is why I suggested this location alright? Just, stop gloating about it OK? Can you at least do that for me?"

Eric:"Fine, fine, whatever. Just keep your mouth shut about this deal. Look, does Ted know about any of this?"

"No, like I told you, he thinks you did it all. He wanted to see me because he wanted to see how Curt was holding up. I told him it wasn't good and that he's most likely going to have to retire. He told me he loved the match he saw and wanted me to congratulate you. He also said he's looking forward to Road Wild and stickin' it to Vince."

Eric:"...Fine. I should meet up with Ted tomorrow then. I'll tell him about the progress we've been making. Is there anything else, or can I get some fuckin' sleep?"

"Yeah, I'm not fucking Sophie. So shut your damn mouth on that one too."

Eric chuckled at that one as he went back to his car and pointed at me as he hopped over the door and into his Corvette. He turned on the engine as it gave a low growl. Eric revved it up a bit as I got in my rental Honda Civic. Eric pulled a donut drove off to his hotel. I flicked my cigarette away and got in my car. The production staff will be here in a few hours, I should get back to bed for some sleep. Tonight's going to be a big night, the last Nitro of this month.

[EddieRuckus]

Curse you Godfather for not having a PPV-esque show when it was required! Just kidding, your TV shows I believe enough are to show me how your writing skills are so I went ahead with this journal.(Yes, I am a softie dammit)

Grammar/Spelling-Nothing I noticed that detracted anything from the shows. Good job on this.

10 Points

Storyline/Angles/Promos/Booking-Really great storylines you have building up. I for one like the freshness that you have with the nWo angles and the cruiserweight highlight matches. Also pushing Eddie Guerrero towards the top along with others is great in my mind, and is exactly what WCW needed to do. The promos had a couple of irks in them, but for the most part are accurate representations of what the wrestlers would say.

18 points

Match Writing-I loved how you had a segment of moves followed by some of the commentators talking about a particular spot or storyline going on. Kept the matches from going to boring. The matches are sometimes a little too short, but that's because I haven't seen a PPV match yet;) Great job here.

11 points

Layout/Color Use-Nothing spectacular about the layout, yet it was nice and easy on the eyes. Nothing wrong here.

5 points

Backstory/Diary Updates-I have to agree on one thing everyone is saying: that has been one of the best backstories I've ever read in any diary. Even though I knew it was going to lead you into become a booker in WCW, it was really refreshing to see how you built up the credibility of your character all the way from frickin 1988. The backstage segments are awesome as they happen during the show as well as after. Great job on all the updates, really keep me hooked to read the next show.

10 points

Total Score-54/60 points(or a 90% which translates into an A- letter Grade)

Overall I was very impressed with the diary. The matches were just right in lenth(only reason I didn't score higher on that was because I want to see how your PPV matches are.) The angles are great to read, and I believe this a definite must-read diary. Great job Godfatha, and if I remember correctly(which I highly doubt), did we ever square off in the old EDDL? Perhaps we were both in it? I can't remember for sure, but if it was you in the EDDL, I remember your WWF diary and how much I enjoyed it.

[Godfatha]

Monday July 29th, 1996, WCW Nitro: DeSoto Civic Center, Southaven, Mississippi. 5075 tickets sold. $203,000 in ticket sales.

5 minutes before Nitro….

Home Improvement was just about wrapping up when it was cut off. It was black a few seconds. When the picture came back on our television screens an ambulance took up the entire shot. It panned out and you could hear frantic screams from personnel in the back. Every single one of our road agents was shouting orders on top of one another while paramedics were starting to rush out of the arena.

Paramedic:”Get these fuckin’ fans out of here now! MOVE IT! Clear a path!”

I can only hope that the F-bomb was bleeped on TV. Two medics came running out of the building with a stretcher. I made my on screen debut standing right beside the stretcher talking with the man lying on the stretcher helping him through the ordeal. Road Agents, other staff, and wrestlers stood outside.

Paramedic:”OK, easy now. Lift him up gently. Everything’s going to be OK. Ready…1…2….3….lift.”

I stepped in the ambulance when Hollywood Hogan and the rest of the n.W.o. muscled their way past the road agents.

Hogan:”That’s what you get Bischoff, that’s what you get for messing with the n.W.o. You can’t referee my match if you’re in the hospital brother. Have a nice stay dude. Don’t ever stick your nose in our business again. Now, the offer still stands boys, join us, or fall like your beloved boss.”

Road Agents were containing several wrestlers trying to attack the n.W.o. while Hogan, Hall and Nash laughed as they walked back inside. The camera managed to show Eric Bischoff lying in the stretcher unconscious. He had a neck brace wrapped around his neck and the area surrounding his eyes were a deep purple. The camera faded to black as the theme song for WCW Nitro hit.

84%

The pyro was exploding as the fans were cheering and holding up their signs. The camera panned around the entire arena in one swoop before settling on the announcers sitting in their booth.

Schiavone:”Welcome everyone to the DeSoto Arena here in Southaven Mississippi. With me as always is the Brain, and Bobby, your thoughts on what just happened?”

Heenan:”There’s nothing I can really say Schiavonne. Actions speak louder than words, and every time I think the n.W.o. can’t screw around with us anymore, they surprise us with something new.”

Schiavone:”Folks we’ll get word on Commissioner Bischoff’s condition as soon as we get it and we can only hope that he’ll make a speedy recovery. As of now, we’ll….we’ll try and do the best we can folks, to try and call the match. But as you can imagine, things have definitely taken a turn for the worse here in WCW.”

Disco Inferno’s music hit as I made my way back to the gorilla position and put on my headphones. The ambulance could be heard speeding away with Eric Bischoff in it. I wondered how well things would go tonight without Eric around. Maybe I could get some peace and watch the matches. Dean Malenko stood beside me polishing his belt as he flashed me a quick smile.

”How’s Eddie doing Dean? How’s he been doing on the house shows?”

Dean:”Not so good man, he feels responsible for what happened to Curt. It really affected him hard. It’s a good thing he’s got the week off. He really needs it. I want to thank you for talking to Eric for giving him some time off.”

Just then his music hit when I said goodbye.

Dean Malenko vs. Disco Inferno

The lights all went out except for the dark blue lights. Every single light turned to face the entrance ramp which was quickly filling up with smoke; out walked Malenko through the smoke carrying his belt around his shoulder. The blue lights followed him as he entered the ring. During this time, he never showed any emotion on his stoic face.

Schiavone:”This is a non-title match folks as Dean wanted this match with Disco after what had happened last week.”

The camera went to a split screen as it showed highlights from last weeks triple threat match.

Heenan:”I talked to him earlier and he believes that if it weren’t for Disco, he would have beaten Mysterio. Well, now’s his chance for revenge.”

Disco danced a bit playing to the crowd. He noticed someone in the crowd actually holding up a “Disco Rules” sign and stared at it for a second. This allowed Malenko to quickly rush Disco as the bell rang three times. Malenko rushed Disco to the turnbuckle and began to hammer his back with forearms. Right after he immediately dropped to his stomach with Disco’s leg’s locked inside Malenko’s legs. Disco fell backwards and Malenko released the leg lock and quickly stood up before kicking Disco’s right leg. He stomped on the hamstring with such force but Disco didn’t really sell it too well. Malenko went for the cover but only it was broken up before the count of 1 as Disco draped his arm around the bottom rope.

Schiavone:”A rare mistake for Malenko as normally he has enough ring sense to move his opponent to the center of the ring before going for the cover.”

Malenko lifted up Disco and delivered a European uppercut. Disco reeled back as he delivered another one. Malenko tried to go for a third but Disco managed to duck it. He tried to kick Malenko but Malenko grabbed his leg. Malenko while still holding Disco’s leg, drove his shoulder to the stomach of Disco. He got underneath Disco and slammed Disco in a variation of a flap jack. Malenko then grabbed the leg and went for a single leg Boston Crab. Disco was screaming but the crowd wasn’t really getting behind Inferno so Malenko stood up and grabbed Disco’s knee. He lifted it high in the air before slamming it right into the mat. Malenko picked up Disco who could barely stand and delivered a gut wrench suplex. He went for the cover: 1…..2…. Disco kicked out.

Heenan:”Even though he didn’t get the fall, Disco has to spend a lot of energy kicking out. The end is near for Disco, I can smell it Schiavone.”

Malenko picked up Disco and delivered a quick snap suplex and immediately ran to the ropes. He dropped his knee right on Disco’s knee. He stomped the knee a few more times and mounted Disco. He slapped him a few times before getting up. Disco was really clutching his right knee when Malenko looked at Disco’s head. The camera showed Malenko’s face which had a crazed yet ice cold look on his face. He was really breathing hard before it cut to the usual shot of the ring. Malenko grabbed Disco’s head and twisted it a bit. He then stared at it again. Disco was on his side with the right temple facing the ring lights. Malenko was still staring with everyone wondering what’s going on. Malenko quickly raised his right leg and stamped it down right on Disco’s head….hard. Disco’s head bent downwards in a sick angle before bouncing right back up.

Schiavone:”Oh…my goodness. Malenko, has just lost it. Folks, I don’t know what just happened but this is something that has taken a turn for the worse.”

The referee held Malenko back and Malenko offered no resistance as he went to check on Disco. He wasn’t moving and immediately the bell was rung. Malenko had won the match but more referees came out to check on Disco while replays of the kick were being shown. Some medics came out but I didn’t as I was supposed to be in the ambulance with Eric. A neck brace was put on him but he said he could walk. Malenko was breathing as he grabbed the microphone.

Malenko:”Mysterio, this is nothing compared to the beating you’ll get at Road Wild. I will hurt you beyond belief and I will end your career Mysterio.”

Schiavone:”And…wait a minute, look who it is!”

67%, 60%, 75%

Mysterio flies in…

Mysterio was on the ring apron behind Malenko. He grapped the top rope and managed to spring board over the top rope and delivered a very fluid head scissors on Malenko. In the immediate after math from the head scissors, as Mysterio fell back down he grabbed the belt. He rolled right to the outside and took the Cruiserweight title. Malenko stood up and saw Mysterio flashing his belt right to the TV camera. He still had that cold, sadistic look on his face while Mysterio wrapped his title around his waist. Mysterio pointed at Malenko while saying “At Road Wild, it’s mine!”

67%

The camera went back to the announcers and just as they were about to speak….

New…….World…..Order…..

The crowd really cheered as a video was being shown on all our screens of the damage the n.W.o has done in the past few weeks before slowly tapering off and flickering. Hogan’s voice which was talking at the time was slowly slowing down until it was silent…The video tried to start up again but it again flickered off. It tried again for a third time before flickering and then the screen went black. There was no sound or picture for a few seconds. A huge boom was heard as the number “19” was on the screen. Another boom was heard and underneath the 19, the words “You will all pay attention, WCW and n.W.o, to what is going to come.” After a few seconds it quickly disappeared and the lights came back on the stage.

82%

Schiavone:”What was that?!”

Heenan:”I don’t know what it was, but did you see what it said?! It mentioned WCW and the n.W.o. I don’t know what any of this means Schiavone, but I can tell you this, it’s got our attention. We’ll be right back folks, stay tuned as Sting takes on Scott Hall, The Giant takes on Kevin Nash, and up next, The Road Warriors are taking on Harlem Heat!”

The commercial break was on and through my headset I could hear Schiavone and Heenan banter on. They were arguing about cutting each other off when I was interrupted by Sophie.

Sophie:”Hey you, looks like with Eric gone I’m in charge, which…I guess means, you’re also in charge.”

”Uh…yeah. It does. Heh. So what’s up?”

Sophie:”Oh…nothing really. Just wanted to say hi to my favorite doctor.”

”…Hi.”

Sophie:”What’re you doing after the show?” She started to put her hand on my thigh.

I coughed a bit. ”Oh…uhh…calling my wife. Yes…that’s what I’m doing.”

Sophie:”And after?” She looked at me with a coy look on her face.

”…I…Sophie, don’t you care what people will think? Eric thinks we’re fucking.”

Sophie:”They’re just jealous.”

”Oh hey…look, it’s Animal and Hawk. What’s going on guys?!” Hawk just glared at me. ”Okey dokey then, well, Sophie, the show’s about to come back on so, I gotta get back to work.”

The Road Warriors vs. Harlem Heat

Schiavone:”Welcome back folks to what has been…just an unreal episode of Nitro. Commissioner Eric Bischoff was attacked just before we came on the air by those thugs….those…punks the n.W.o. He’s now en route to the hospital as we speak and we’re all hoping for the best. Well, here comes The Road Warriors as they are set to take on Harlem Heat. Bobby, your thoughts?”

Heenan:”My thoughts, you’re asking for my thoughts Schiavone? You and the rest of the humanoids out there don’t deserve to hear my thoughts.”

Schiavone:”Bobby Heenan everybody.”

The Road Warriors stood in the ring stretching and pulling on the ropes as Harlem Heat made their way down to the ring. They were holding their WCW Tag Team belts in their hands as they handed it to the referee. This was a non-title match but they still had to prove their worth. Stevie Ray stayed in the ring while Hawk stayed in for the Road Warriors. The bell rang and the match was on. Both men locked up jockeying for position. This wouldn’t be a hold-for-hold match but just a match which had power and brawls. Hawk shoved Stevie Ray right out of the lock up. Hawk flexed as the crowd cheered. Stevie Ray stood up again and once again they both got into another lockup. This time Stevie kneed Hawk right in the midsection and applied a headlock. Hawk escaped by sending Stevie Ray to the ropes. He bounced off and Hawk hit him with a shoulder block which sent Stevie Ray down again. Hawk again flexed and tagged in Animal. Animal immediately went to work on Stevie Ray and began to hit him with some stiff forearms. Stevie Ray was sent reeling back to the ropes.

Schiavone:”Animal whips Stevie Ray with an Irish whip. Here comes Stevie Ray, and BIG CLOTHESLINE BY ANIMAL!”

Animal picked up Stevie Ray and delivered a body slam. He dragged Stevie Ray to their corner and tagged in Hawk. Hawk came in and stomped on Stevie Ray. He picked up Stevie Ray and hit his head on Animal’s boot. The crowd cheered as he placed Stevie Ray’s back to the turnbuckle. After a stiff chop Stevie fell right down to the canvas. Hawk picked him up and hit a suplex. Hawk went for a cover….1……2…..Stevie Ray was saved by Booker T stomping on Hawk’s back. Animal stepped in the ring and the referee had to hold back Animal. Hawk turned his back to talk to the referee while Booker T pulled Stevie Ray closer to the turnbuckle and stepped back on the apron before the referee turned around.

Schiavone:”Now that’s just cheating right there!”

Heenan:”What is?! My monitor wasn’t working!”

Stevie Ray was crawling towards Booker T and managed to tag Booker T before Hawk could drag him back. In came Booker and he hit Hawk with a kick to the stomach. Booker clubbed Hawk’s back with his forearms before delivering a suplex of his own. Booker ran off the ropes and delivered a running leg drop right across the throat of Hawk. Booker went for the cover…1…..2…Hawk just managed to kick out. Booker argued with the referee as Hawk was crawling towards Animal. Before Hawk could tag to Animal, Booker T pulled him towards the center of the ring. Animal was furious at the chance of not getting in the ring. Booker T picked up Hawk and as Hawk was standing up, he hit Booker T with a weak punch to the gut. Booker T was somewhat fazed but hit Hawk with some blows to the back of the head. Booker whipped Hawk to the ropes and as Booker was about to throw a clothesline, Hawk ducked it. He bounced off the opposite set of ropes. Hawk tried to deliver a running clothesline but Booker T side stepped it. He grabbed the extended arm of Hawk and twirled Hawk around to face him again. As Hawk was twirled around, Booker’s huge thigh was right in Hawk’s face as Booker hit him with a leg lariat. Booker T looked at the audience: ”I’m the tag team champion sucka!” The crowd started to cheer for the Road Warriors.

Schiavone:”Booker T now, wasting time now should go for the cover.”

Heenan:”You don’t know what you’re talking about Schiavone. These peons think that the Road Warriors are the better team so Booker T is reminding them who are the champions. Jeez, can I get a new partner next week? Anyone?”

Schiavone:”Booker T with the cover! 1……2……No I thought he had him.”

Booker T was furious as Hawk once again kicked out. This time instead of arguing with the ref, Booker T had Hawk in his grasp and tagged in Stevie Ray. Stevie Ray came in and the referee began his count before Booker T had to get back in. Stevie whipped Hawk to the ropes as he ducked down. Booker T stood on the opposite side of the ring. Stevie Ray lifted up Hawk as if he was going for a spine buster but he didn’t slam him to the ground. Instead Stevie Ray lowered his upper body as Booker T came running towards them. He jumped as high as he could before hitting Hawk with a huge leg lariat. Stevie Ray slammed Hawk down to the mat as Booker hit him with the leg lariat. Stevie Ray went for the cover as Booker T charged Animal to prevent him from breaking up the count.

1…..2……

Hawk still managed to kick out. The crowd was starting to feel it and Stevie Ray felt as if they couldn’t put Hawk away. Stevie Ray grabbed the referee by the shirt and demanded it be a three count but the referee was steadfast in his decision that it was indeed a 2 count. Stevie Ray picked up Hawk and propped him back-first to the turnbuckle. Stevie Ray backed up a few steps than charged at Hawk. Hawk ducked and Stevie Ray ran sternum first right in the turnbuckle. He dropped like a sack of bricks as the referee began his 10 count. 1…..2…….3…..There was some movement on Stevie Ray’s part as he was clutching his chest and Hawk was stirring but neither man moved in a significant amount to stop the count. 4……5……6…..

7….

8…

Hawk began to move and the referee stopped the count. He was crawling towards Animal while Stevie Ray was on his knees slowly crawling to Booker T. Hawk tagged in Animal first and the crowd let out a huge roar as Animal rushed in the ring. Stevie Ray didn’t manage to tag Booker T when Animal grabbed him. He picked up Stevie Ray and flung him to the turnbuckle. Booker T made a blind tag but didn’t enter the ring. Animal was pounding on Stevie Ray’s stomach. Booker T walked to the middle of the ring on the apron before slowly entering the ring. The referee saw the blind tag so there was no foul here.

Schiavone:”What the hell is Booker T doing in the ring?!”

Heenan:”Ain’t you ever seen a blind tag before Schiavone?!”

Booker T ran off the ropes as Animal turned around and was clocked by Booker T with a flying clothesline. The crowd was now booing as Booker T picked up Animal for a suplex. He held Animal in the vertical position for a few seconds before slamming him down on the mat. Booker T went for the cover….1…..2….Animal still kicked out. There was still some hope for the Road Warriors but Hawk was still recovering. Stevie Ray has composed himself on the apron as Booker T tagged in Stevie Ray. They both began to stomp on Animal before Booker T rolled out of the ring. Stevie Ray mounted Animal and began to punch Animal as Booker T headed over to Hawk who was still trying to regain his composure. Booker T pulled Hawk off the apron and his head hit the apron. Booker T hit Hawk with a few right hands before whipping him into the ring post. Hawk was down and lying on the mat outside the ring. Stevie Ray waved for Booker T to return to his position.

Schiavone:”Hawk is down. Hawk has been layed out by Booker T!”

Booker T ran back to his corner as Stevie Ray had delivered a big powerslam. He tagged in Booker T as he held Animal to the ring. Booker T climbed the turnbuckle. He stood on the turnbuckle and scanned the audience as they were booing him. Booker T jumped and hit the Harlem Hangover right on Animal’s throat. Stevie Ray went back outside the ring as Booker T went for the cover. 1…..2……3! Harlem Heat got the win.

Heenan:”See that Schiavone?! This is the future, this is the future of tag teams in professional wrestling! Kudos to you Harlem Heat.”

Schiavone:”Sit down Bobby.”

81%, 76%, 87%

Harlem Heat speak…

Booker T picked up the microphone as The Road Warriors were making their way to the back.

Booker T:”Hey…Steiner’s. You sucka’s see what we did? Them Road Warria’s were the best tag team in WCW history and we beat them. You know who we are? You people know who we are?! My name is Booka T! We’re the dub see dub CHAMPIONS sucka! So Scott, Rick, you wanna try and tag our titles from us? Try and do it at Road Wild, we’ll be waiting to kick yo’ butt.”

It was a short interview but people were beginning to lose interest towards the end so I told Schiavone through the headset to wrap it up quickly. He made a signal to the ref who relayed it to Booker T and he wrapped it up. The interview wasn’t scripted but Booker was beginning to ramble. He wasn’t very good on the microphone by himself, in a confrontation sure, but not by himself. It’s good we cut it off now before it got too late. As soon as Booker dropped the microphone we went on a commercial break.

71%

I took off my headset and I saw Hawk and Animal just standing there. They saw me relay the orders to Schiavone. They were not happy with them losing cleanly.

Animal:”What the hell are you doing here anyways? Aren’t you just a doctor?”

”Yeah I am, but if something happens in the ring where time is a factor, you want me to be on the other side of the arena?”

Hawk:”What were you telling Schiavone? Wrap it up?”

This would require some clever lying: ”Booker T seemed to be hyperventilating on the microphone. I told him to wrap it up because otherwise he might pass out. That wouldn’t be a good thing to show on live TV now would it? Yeah. That’s right.” They were still standing there. ”Well…what do you guys need? Are you guys ok?”

Animal:”No we’re not OK. Tell Eric that he can kiss my ass. This is bullshit that those two….people had to go over us.”

”People? What do you mean by that?”

Animal was about to speak when Hawk cut him off. They turned around and began to walk away to the lockerroom.

Hawk:”Tell Eric that we’re not happy about this bullshit.”

Sophie came up to me right afterwards.

Sophie:”You should be careful, those guys could really hurt you.”

”I’m not concerned about that right now. What can I do for you?”

Sophie:”I just wanted to tell you we’ve got a meeting with Ted on Thursday. It’s the first of August.”

”Great. We’ll talk about it after the show k?”

Sophie:”Oh…so you changed your mind eh?”

”….Hey Nitro’s gonna be back on in a few seconds gotta go!”

Flair talks to Sting

The scene opens up with Sting getting ready in the lockerroom all alone. Ric Flair approaches. He’s not wearing a Horsemen shirt as he’s shirtless this time. He puts his hand on Sting’s shoulder which startles Sting.

Flair:”Hey, relax man. It’s Ric. Listen, I just wanna say, good luck against Scott Hall. Go out there, and kick his butt.”

Sting:”No offense Ric, but those words mean nothing to me. How could you do what you’ve done to Arn?”

Flair:”Listen, I’ll tell you what I told him. It was dusty in that arena, allergies are goin’ around. I sneezed. OK, I choked.”

Sting:”You better watch yourself Ric. I saw you walk out of the n.W.o. lockerroom two weeks ago. This was the same Ric Flair who made WCW what it is. The same man who carried this company on its back when we were still the NWA. The same man who had legendary matches with Ricky Steamboat, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Vader and me!” The crowd was roaring as Sting mentioned those names. ”Listen Ric, you made me who I am. For that I thank you, but you’re going down a dangerous path. You join them, and you turn your back on everything you’ve ever done for yourself, and for everyone in our lockerroom. You represent WCW and if you leave us…I don’t even want to think about it.”

Flair:”Steve…listen. I went in the lockerroom to do some scouting. I sneezed. I’m sorry. Like I said, good luck tonight….you’ll need it.”

Flair walked out of the room while Sting continued to get ready.

96%

The camera cut back to Tony and Bobby sitting at their booth.

Schiavone:”What has Ric Flair been up to? I don’t believe a word he says. He sneezed….huh.”

Heenan:”Stinger is right Schiavone, he IS WCW. We need him and if he goes over, who knows what’ll happen next.”

Schiavone:”Well folks, it’s been quite a show so far and we’re only just halfway through as any moment now Sting will take on Scott Hall, and Bobby, in the main event, The Giant takes on Kevin Nash. I’m sorry if I’m a bit distracted but I can’t stop thinking about what Hogan did to Comissioner Bischoff.”

Heenan:”I can agree with you there. Hogan went too far and Flair, I know you’re watching this. If you want to ally yourself with a bunch of thugs like that, then you aren’t the Ric Flair that WCW has known. You’ll have destroyed the old Ric Flair.”

Sting vs. Hall

Heenan and Schiavone were still talking but the sound and picture became out of sync and the video was garbled. The lights went out and the crowd cheered. A high pitched, yet male laughter reverberated throughout the arena until it eerily stated “Showtime.” The cameras which were filming this then filled with static as it shifted to a grainy image in black and white of the crowd in anticipation. The theme music of the n.W.o hit and out walked Scott Hall. He did his airplane walk as he threw a toothpick at the camera. When he entered the ring Sting’s music hit. The crowd went to their feet as Sting walked out looking fired up. When Sting entered the ring the crowd was chanting his name. The bell rang and Sting did a high pitched “wooo” to the audience. He grabbed the rope and bent it to get ready for the match.

Schiavone:”This is an important match for WCW folks. This is the first time Sting is facing an n.W.o. member in a singles match. A win here, especially when we’re close to Road Wild will make all the difference in terms of momentum. And here we go…”

Sting and Hall locked up when they broke up after a virtual stalemate in the lockup postion. Sting went for another lockup but Hall saw it coming and raked his eyes. He bounced Sting off the ropes and sent him to the other ropes with an Irish whip. As Sting came running back Hall lifted up his knee and Sting took it right to the stomach. Hall taunted the crowd while waiting for the reaction he wanted. He got it as the crowd booed. Sting was holding his stomach when Hall came towards him. In a quick motion Sting tried to go for a quick rollup on Hall. 1…..2….Hall just managed to kick out.

Schiavone:”Sting was playing possum but it looks like he may pay the price as Hall is none too pleased.”

Hall stood up with a surprised look on his face and as Sting was getting up he got a boot to the back for his troubles. Hall was clubbing the back with forearms as he placed Sting’s back to the turnbuckle. He chopped Sting once and grinned. He looked around at the crowd while they booed him. He did it again and once again Sting clutched his chest and screamed in pain. Hall kicked him as Sting was falling towards the match. Hall concentrated the kicks on the stomach region until Sting was just crumpled in the corner and the referee had to separate the two men. Hall pointed to one end of the arena and the referee looked, Hall then just pushed the referee aside when he wasn’t looking. Hall went right for Sting and picked him up. Hall did a single arm hip toss which brought Sting to the center of the ring. Hall kicked Sting in the back as Sting grabbed his back. Hall picked up Sting and delivered a body slam. Hall went for the cover…1….2…Sting kicked out.

Schiavone:”You’re gonna have to do better than that to put away Stinger!”

Hall stomped on Sting some more and delivered a running elbow drop but he missed as Sting got out of the way. Sting was quick to get up but was holding his back. He quickly picked up Hall and nailed him with three right hands. He kicked Hall in the stomach and whipped him to the turnbuckle face first. The crowd chanted “ONE”. So Sting did it another 9 times with the crowd counting along. On the tenth time Sting let go of Hall’s greasy hair as Hall stumbled around the ring for a bit. Sting squatted and waited. The crowd was really cheering for Sting. When the perfect moment came, Sting exploded and hit Hall with a huge clothesline. Sting went for the cover, 1….2….No… Hall kicked out. He stomped on Hall before picking him up and delivering a scoop slam. Sting stomped on Hall’s knee before delivering a knee to Hall’s knee. He picked up both legs and appeared to be going for the Scorpion Death Lock but Hall sat up and rigged Sting’s eyes. Hall then grabbed both of Sting’s legs and pulled so he fell right over. Hall got up and shook some of the feeling back into his leg, while Sting was recovering trying to get his eyesight back. Both men had their backs to each other when the got up and so both men ran to their respective ropes and bounced off it. When they connected with each other, the forces of their clotheslines were so large that it sent both men crashing down to the mat. The referee began his 10 count when the crowd started to cheer and a few “woo’s” were heard.

Schiavone:”It’s…it’s Ric Flair. Do the right thing Flair, do it for WCW!”

Heenan:”I don’t trust him Schiavone, I don’t trust him at all.”

Flair was in his wrestling gear despite not being on the card tonight. He was standing outside when he was banging on the apron to get Sting back in the contest. The crowd was clapping along with Flair.

7…….8…….9……

Just then Sting stood right up as the crowd cheered. Flair was visibly overjoyed and Sting was fired up, until he saw Flair standing in the corner. He was confused as to why he was standing there and this allowed Hall to rollup Sting. 1….2……Sting just managed to kick out. Hall argued with the referee by putting up three fingers to his face but the referee remained steadfast that it was just a two count. Sting got up and turned Hall around. He hit him with three right hands and whipped him to the turnbuckle. Hall bounced right off it and Sting hit him with a bulldog. Instead of going for the cover Sting propped Hall agains the turnbuckle. Sting was on the opposite corner and he began to charge at Hall. The Stinger Splash appeared to be a success, and would have been had Hall not moved. But Hall moved and Sting’s chest hit the turnbuckle hard. He didn’t fall over but he was perched while still standing. This allowed Hall to deliver a back suplex. Hall forgoed the pin and taunted the crowd and then taunted Flair. Instead of acting livid, Flair just stood there aborbing the taunts. Hall picked up Sting and went for the fall-away slam. It was successful as Hall picked up Sting again. Sting hit Hall in the stomach with a weak punch and he kept hitting him in that area. Flair was bent over outside of the ring as Sting whipped Hall to the ropes. Flair turned around and didn’t see that Hall reversed it. Sting came running to the ropes and Flair hooked his leg and pulled so Sting fell right on his face. The crowd was booing immensely as Flair had cheated Sting.

Schiavone:”That dirty…Flair just hooked Sting’s leg!”

Hall grinned at Flair who had seen what he had done. Flair didn’t have a guilty look on his face but was very quiet. Hall picked up Sting and delivered a standing suplex. Hall extended his arms and called for the Outsiders Edge. The crowd was booing Hall immensely as he placed Sting’s head between his legs. He outstretched his arms and lifted up Sting.

Schiavone:”No…no…not Sting!”

Hall dropped Sting right on his shoulders and went for the cover.

Schiavone:”Do something Flair!! No….1…..2……3. Dammit…dammit.”

The n.W.o.’s music played as Hall left the ring. He waved to Flair as he was walking back. The camera then cut to the announcers.

84%, 85%, 85%

Schiavone:”What has gotten into Flair?”

Heenan:”I don’t know Schiavone but I don’t like it.”

Schiavone:”Well folks stay tuned because coming up, The Giant will be taking on Nash and…wait. We’re getting word that there’s a bit of a tuffle between the Horsemen. We’ll see if we can check it out.”

The Horsemen squabble…

Benoit:”What the hell was that?!”

Arn:”Calm down Chris. Look Ric. I wanna know what you were doing there last week. I may not 100% believe what you told me last week about the sneeze, but I did it regardless because you’re my friend Ric. But what was that out there? You’ve battled Sting many times and you two are good friends, what the hell happened?”

Flair:”I don’t want to talk about it Arn. I’m going home.”

Arn:”So that’s it? Ric Flair, the leader of the Horsemen, US Heavyweight Champion, thirteen time World champion, is going home?” The crowd cheered at the mention of Flair being a thirteen time champion.

Ric looked right at Arn’s eyes with a sad look on his face. He put his hand on his shoulder, and looked away. Flair picked up his bag and walked out of the room.

The camera focused on Arn’s face as he said “Dammit” before it faded to black for a commercial.

95%

During the commercial break there wasn’t much going on. Most of the people had left already which somewhat bothered me. I should talk to Eric…or Sophie..yeah Sophie about making sure talent stays until the end of Nitro. Kevin Nash was walking around getting ready for his main event match. I heard Tony and Bobby talk through my head phones and Sophie was running around like crazy. I approached her little makeshift desk with a note telling her where I wanted to meet her. It wasn’t anything dirty like a hotel room, just the nearest McDonald’s.

I walked back to my desk and Kevin Nash was already in the ring with a microphone in his hand.

Nash speaks…

Nash:”So Flexy, how’s life in the hospital treatin’ ya? Serves ya right big boy for messin’ with us. I just wanna say, get better real quick and be sure not to tear any more muscles, as I wanna get ya in the ring at Road Wild. Because at Road Wild baby, that TV title, is mine. But right now Lex, sit back, enjoy while I take on the fat tub of lard known as The Giant. This so called “Son of Andre” will be no match for Big Sexy over here. So while you’re watchin’, if you can without tearing another muscle, polish that title up real nice for me. At Road Wild, it’s mine baby and I don’t want any of your…”enhancements” tarnishing it up for me.” Hall dropped the mic and The Giant’s music hit. The crowd was really cheering for The Giant.

76%

The Giant vs. Nash

The Giant was slow in his approach to the Ring. He made the WCW belt look like a belt buckle when it was wrapped around his waste. The Giant made it to the ring apron and stepped over the top rope with ease. He took off his title and immediately the two big men went nose to nose as the bell rang. Nash slowly backed off grinning and chewing gum before turning to hammer The Giant right in the face. The right hands were fazing The Giant as he was reeling backwards but it wasn’t anything to hit home about. Nash tried to whip The Giant into the ropes but The Giant reversed it. Nash was sent to the ropes and both men hit each other with shoulder blocks. Neither man was fazed. The crowd was really eating this up.

Schiavone:”Neither man flinched! This is going to be one interesting match Bobby.”

The Giant let out a guttural roar as he kicked Nash right in the stomach. He slapped the back of Nash’s back with a giant slap which echoed through the arena. Nash held his back while walking around the ring and while showing pain on his face. Nash kept holding his back and walking around while The Giant followed him. When The Giant was in the right spot Nash stopped playing possum and pushed The Giant into the ropes. He bounced right back and got his face planted right in Nash’s size 16 boot. The Giant still didn’t fall but he was dizzy. Nash ran to the ropes and gave a big boot again but it just sent The Giant reeling. Nash again ran to the ropes with a clothesline but it just sent The Giant leaning on the ropes. Nash went to the ropes again and delivered another clothesline which almost sent The Giant over but not quite. Frustrated Nash tried again with all his might and finally clothesline The Giant over the top rope. He collapsed to the outside while Nash ordered the referee to begin the 10 count.

Heenan:Get up Giant! Get up! …Uhh….There’s a free buffet at Old Time Country buffet if you win!”

The Giant was slowly getting up when the referee was at the 7 count. I was starting to get interested in the match when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Son of a bitch.

It was Sophie…

”Sophie, you know I like these little surprises but we’re in the middle of the main event here.”

Sophie:”I can tell you if someone gets hurt.”

”It’s not as simp…what do you need?”

Sophie:”I got your note and I think we can do a bit better than McDonalds. Tell you what, we’re staying in the same hotel anyways. I’ll call their restaurant and book us a reservation. A….private reservation. See ya in a bit tiger.”

Damn her. Damn her seductive powers. Damn them to hell. I missed a big part of the match. But then again, from a workrate perspective how great of a match can THESE two have?! When I heard the crowd being hotter than they’ve ever been tonight I guess I was proven wrong as I put back on my headset.

Schiavone:”What a match we’ve had so far folks and it’s still going. The Giant just delivered a huge standing suplex to Nash. That shook the entire ring and I thought all he would break loose.”

The Giant removed the strap and raised his hand in the air as the crowd was going nuts. He picked up Nash and slapped his bearlike hand right around his throat. He picked up Nash high in the air as the crowd was roaring but then dropped Nash when he saw who was at the entrance ramp. It was Hogan and Hall. They were slowly walking towards the ring and as the crowd noticed, they were booing them and throwing their garbage at them.When they arrived at the ring they grabbed two folding chairs and sat right in front of the ring. This gave enough time for Nash to slowly stand up. With The Giant’s back turned to Nash, Nash walked up and tried to deliver a back suplex on The Giant. It worked as well as it could considering the weight of the recipient. Nash stood up holding his back. Hall and Hogan both stood up from their chairs and folded them.

Schiavone:”Oh no, I don’t like where this is going.”

Both men entered the ring and shoved the referee down. Hogan attached a chair to The Giant’s right knee while Hall attached it to his right ankle. Hogan went right to The Giant’s face and told him that at Road Wild, the title would be his and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it. The bell ringer was ringing his bell like crazy but it was no good. Hogan ran off the ropes and dropped his leg drop across both chairs. When it connected The Giant screamed in pain as the chairs compressed the patella and the Achilles Tendon of his heel.

Schiavone:”Somebody’s gotta stop these men! They’re gonna retire him permanently!”

Heenan:”Who, who’s gonna do it though?! Luger’s gone, Flair left, Savage is gone!”

Schiavone:”It’s Sting, here comes Sting!”

Sting came running down to try and save The Giant but like a pack of wolves, all three men rushed Sting and took him down quickly. They were stomping on him in the center of the ring. Nash picked up Stingand set him up for the Jackknife. He planted Sting right on the chair right on The Giant’s knee so the impact hurt Sting and The Giant. Both men screamed in pain after the impact. Hogan then ran across the ring and dropped his leg across Sting's chest which further aggrevated The Giant's huge tree-like legs. All three members of the n.W.o joined hands and were holding the WCW World title belt as Schiavone was heard speaking.

Schiavone:"Folks we apologize for the way the show is ending, we can only hope that someone can stand up to the n.W.o. We also apologize for no matches available at this time as Comissioner Eric Bischoff...Tune in next week folks where we'll have an update on his condition. The n.W.o. will be here as will Ric Flair ladies and gentlemen."

89%, 92%, 87%

Overall Rating: 81% TV Rating: 5.63

Another show was finished. Just had to clean up some items around here before I would meet with Sophie. As I was putting down my headset I realized that I had been here for 4 Nitro's and I feel as if I've already made a difference. But I also knew I had a lot of work ahead of me.

[Godfatha]

WCW is continuing to make the wait to Road Wild filled with anticipation.

By Wade Keller.

Well once again here we are with another Nitro and I must say, I'm surprised that the booking staff can still pull out one surprise after another. I think the important aspect is that it all makes sense from a storyline stand point.

Starting Nitro earlier than usual was a great step. It really elevated that the show is having this "this is happening now and it's unpredictable" feel to it. So it encourages people to watch the entire show. On top of that, I'm sure it brought in some great ratings for the end of Home Improvement.

The opening segment was well done with them not showing Bischoff until the very end. It had a very shootish feel to it which is great. As long as it doesn't become a staple in WCW I think it adds a bit of truth to the story and I liked it. From what I saw, the mysterious doctor was the doctor talking to Eric.

The Malenko match, well it was a squash basically but I can understand why they're having the match. It may not be Ultimo vs. Mysterio but they can't always be. The ending was a bit iffy as I wondered why it would end with a stomp to the head especially when it was used so often later on. But the way they did it, it looked sorta sick to begin with. The subsequent angle with Mysterio stealing the title right behind Malenko's back and Malenko's rage at that is great. From what my sources tell me, Malenko is very protective of his title by constantly shining it backstage so this adds a bit of truth to it. **1/2

I loved the little debut video. It wasn't big but it got people's attention by starting it off with the n.W.o. statement. I assumed it would be an n.W.o. debut but with the whole message that both WCW and the n.W.o. will be paying attention, it's certainly got my interest piqued.

The Road Warriors facing off against Harlem Heat was a solid matchup. It wasn't anything technical but it was a solid brawl fest that had a lot of moments. The selling was a bit spotty and I was certain that the Road Warriors would go over. Imagine my surprise when I saw that they went over the Road Warriors cleanly. There was a bit of some spotty psychology in it as well but nothing that really distracted me from the match. Booker T is definately impressing me with his work ethic in the ring. With that said though, I think he relies too much on his leg lariats. Saying that, his promo on the Steiner's was a bit too short but he was beginning to ramble. I think WCW at this point should use some of their talent who are great at speaking to help out the younger stars. Whether or not they'll do it is another question. ***1/2

The Flair and Sting confrontation was well done. I really enjoyed the two former bitter enemies try to be friends. The suspicion as to whether or not Flair is joining the n.W.o. seems a bit hard pressed at times as the announcers are really doing a hard sell. But then Flair comes back and then just manages to make me think that maybe it's not so obvious. I loved what they did with Flair to try and make him remember what he once was. The Horsemen squabble afterwards effectively tried to show that everyone in WCW needs a leader and they've chosen Ric Flair as their leader. Whether or not Flair wants to be that leader is another story.

The Sting-Hall match was good until the ending. The crowd was hot for it but the psychology was a bit spotty in it. I liked that Flair came down to try and help Sting but I'm starting to get a bit annoyed at the "accidental leg trip." Whether or not it's accidental remains to be seen. I love how Flair didn't do any of his over the top antics. Once you go without it it makes you remember why you enjoyed it in the first place. ***1/4

Nash gets on the microphone next to speak. Remember how I said that I liked some elements of truth in the storylines? Nash took it too far by constantly mentioning the muscle tear. I can't imagine how upset Luger must be feeling. Not that I really care.

The Nash-Giant matchup. Maybe it's me having my standards set so low that they impressed me. Maybe it's me liking The Giant. All I know is that this match really surprised me in how well booked and how well executed it was. It was overbooked but did you really think that since we're so close to Road Wild that it would be anything but a clean finish? Both men put in a hard effort and I liked how the announcers sold how desperate WCW was. With that said, where was Anderson or Benoit? ****1/4

*RANDOM NEWS AND NOTES*

The talks with ECW are still ongoing and while I don't know who the new debuting superstar is or who is being added to the n.W.o (at this point in time) my sources tell me it could be someone with a bit of an Extreme Nature.

Disco Inferno was OK after the show.

The Road Warriors were livid after their match and a scuffle almost broke out. Road Agents had to hold them apart from some staff members backstage.

Eric Bischoff was not backstage during the entire Nitro.

Ric Flair on the house show circuit has been telling fans that they can shove tradition up their...well you know what.

It has been confirmed that Christian Cage has been signed to a 3 year deal. He is now in the Power Plant brushing up on his skills. From what my sources tell me is that he wants his friend Adam Copeland in but I don't think he's in a position to be demanding what he wants.

Lex Luger was said to be livid at the remarks Nash made. He was indeed backstage and is 100% healthy.

DDP was also backstage as well.

Eddie Guerrero was given a week off to cope with his depression over the Hennig situation.

The mysterious doctor I've been reporting about made his onscreen debut talking to Eric Bischoff.

He's also been seen with a very attractive woman. From what my sources tell me, they are romantically involved. More on this as it develops.

© Copyright 1996 by TDH Communications Inc.

[Boulder]

Just read Nitro, enjoyed it a lot. I like the backstage add-ins during the show. Damn that Sophie, indeed.

[Your Mom]

I like the Flair stuff and your announcing is really good. Dont meet Sophie! GO HOME TO YOUR WIFE!

[Guest Ringmaster]

I really like the Ric Flair stuff. The Keller stuff with the Giant and Nash was also good, and I love the direction the Sophie/Doctor stuff is taking. All in all, it's great, keep up the good work and looking forward to Road Wild.

[Godfatha]

Thursday, August 1, 1996

I was standing in the elevator waiting to meet Ted inside his massive office. I had no idea what he wanted but he wanted Eric, Sophie and I to meet with him. I had suggested to Sophie that her and I not come together as it makes us look like she slept with me even though we just had an early breakfast. I looked at my watch....9:13am. Ted wanted us in his office at 9:17am. He was weird like that.

We got to the top floor and saw Eric wearing his leather jacket. When we stepped out of the elevator he smiled at us and pointed his finger at us. He chuckled while grinning that stupid grin.

"Shut up Eric."

Eric:"Whoa whoa, so I see you got rejected from Sophie then." He laughed again. Sophie just glared at him and he suddenly stopped laughing. "So uh...can we go in yet?"

I looked at my watch, "...Not yet. It's only 9:15. God why did he specifically tell us 9:17am?"

Eric:"9:17? He told me 9:22."

"Fuck this, let's just go in."

We told his secretary that we were from WCW and that Ted wanted to see us at 9:17 and 9:22. The secretary just shook her head and buzzed us in. When we walked in we saw Ted rummaging through his papers on his desk. His desk reminded me of Vince's desk when I visited his office. He was panicking and I could hear little yelps coming from him as he was shuffling through his papers.

Ted:"Poncho?! Oh...it's you guys. Didn't I tell ya'll to be here at 10:39?"

Eric:"Uh...no Ted. You told me to be here at this time. So here we are."

Ted regained himself and smiled. There's something goofy about a buck toothed man with a pencil thin mustache smiling at you.

Ted:"Well, the main reason why ya'll are here is because I wanna know how Dubya See Dubya is workin' out for ya'll. Ya see, ever since them damned Billionare Ted skits that the Dubya Dubya Eff has been airing I'm pretty danged pissed off. They made me out to be some sort of... MOE-RON!"

We all sort of looked at each other, not really knowing what to say. We also didn't know if we should say anything or if we should, what should we say.

Eric:"....Well....sir. You're not a moron at all. About WCW, we're doing great. We're still at war with the WWF but rest assured we're slowly beating them."

Sophie:"We have the greater star power and greater production values so the people want to see us. They do have better wrestlers though."

Eric:"Exactly, so Ted, we need more money to get more stars to crush the WWF!"

"Now hold on here. Yeah, we've got more star power, but they're old. And they may have better workers, but we've got some amazing stars down in the Power Plant. If I may say something, keep the money and use it to hype these new guys down there. We'll save a lot more and we're investing in the future."

Everyone just sort of looked at me. Did I blow my cover?

Ted:"Now....wel....jus....bu....hold on now! How do you know all dat information? I thought you's was just a doctor?"

"Uh...well....Ted...Mr. Turner. Yeah I'm a doctor so, I have to go to the Power Plant to check on all of them to make sure they're doing OK. And I see potential there. Some huge mega stars coming along."

Eric glared at me as once again I usurped his position, this time in front of Ted Turner.

Ted:"Hmm...well tell me who the new day-buting superstar is?"

I was about to say something cryptic but Eric Bischoff beat me to it. "Well, Ted, you're just gonna have to keep watching" Once again Eric chuckled.

Ted:"Ah...well you are a sumbitch Eric. I also love the Ric Flair stuff, where's it headin'. You can tell me man. I won't tell!"

Eric:"Sorry Ted, can't tell ya that. So I take it you're liking where WCW is headin'?

Ted:"Hell yeeeeah I'm likin' it. I like it so much, I decided to take WCW Saturday Night off the air!"

All three of us let our jaws drop while Ted just chuckled. Jesus Christ the guy truly is insane.

Eric:"....wh....What? We can't compete with just one show, we need another sort of show!"

Ted:"Ya'll just ain't seein the big picture. I'm workin' with my producers to give ya'll another prime time show during the week. Somethin' that people will wanna see other than Nitro. Nitro is head to head with RAW so the audience is split, have another prime time show and we've got the full audience watchin'!"

Maybe he wasn't so insane after all.

Eric:"OK, so this will be in effect....next month?"

Ted:"Do I like grits or what?"

We kinda just sat there....

Ted:"The answer is yes."

Eric:Umm...OK. Well is there anything else? We do have a Pay-Per-View to get ready for." Eric chuckled again.

Ted:"Yeaah, I wanna watch it."

"Umm...you can. On....pay-per-view."

Ted:"Naw, ya'lls missin' the point. I wanna watch it backstage. Meet Ric Flair and Hogan!"

Eric did a nervous chuckle, "Umm....heh, yeah. I'll see what I can do."

Ted:"Great, thank ya Eric. But if ya don't mind, I gotta find Poncho!"

We all walked out of that meeting. We were confused at the dichotomy exhibited by that man. While it is a good idea to have a new show during the week night to go unopposed, did he have to cancel Saturday Night first? First the miniseries and now this. And...Poncho?

In either case, I told Eric I'd see him tomorrow to prepare for Road Wild and I told Sophie I'd see her there. She looked sad as I got in my car but at this point, I can't be dealing with her. I have a wife dammit. I love her and...shit, why am I driving to Sophie's place and not home. Damn her, damn them all.