James Casey

<p>One more to add to Hive's list <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> When you pick a worker's gimmick, are the pros/cons there for you to see on that screen, or are they generated once the worker debuts and the fans have a chance to see the gimmick and how they take to it?</p>

So, triple threat at Mania then? I shall cherish it in all its wondrous glory! * Steve Austin vs. Mankind Comments: Chaos reigns, but it's the WWF, so you'll still get an A, maybe an A* WWF Intercontinental Championship Match Chris Jericho © vs. Matt Hardy Comments: Sooner or later, Jericho's going to be want rid of the lightweights. I suppose Malenko may have something to say about that... er, metaphorically speaking. Barry Windham vs. Scott Steiner Comments: This would be an easy Saturday Night main event in 1993 for me. In 1998 for you, it's a step above a squash match, at most. Booker T vs. Rich Steiner Comments: Windham, Booker, the Steiner brothers... I just had a momentary disconnect and thought I was predicting WCW. Bradshaw vs. Scorpio Comments: I figure that MDM's lot will be the heel crew cheating their way to success tonight. The NOD will let Scorpio fight and win or lose how he will - Ahmed won't fear another match with Bradshaw. The Headbangers vs. Raven & Jake Roberts Comments: It could be a sadism-caused reversed finish, but I suspect not. Incidentally, is the priest an actual character in-game, or just an 'extra'? Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 4, January 1998 Sting, Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque vs. The Giant, Randy Savage & The Warrior Comments: This just smells like a miscommunication-caused win for the heels. Curt Hennig vs. Lord Steven Regal Comments: While this smells like shenanigans. If Regal loses clean I'll be amazed. Rikishi Fatu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. Comments: Hmm, Fatu was the last guy Goldberg beat before getting involved with the Guerreros, from memory. It seems like this is going to be linked. Jeff Hardy vs. Mortis Comments: Mortis is Kanyon, I think? Just seems like too silly a gimmick to work. Hayabusa is definitely a great acquire for WCW. The Road Warriors vs. The Amazing French Canadians Comments: We're not quite in Animal + Heidenreich territory here, but the Roadies are still some way short of their mid-80s best here. Mike Awesome, Gideon Cain & Konnan vs. The First Family (Meng, Barbarian & Hugh Morrus) Comments: If the FF are going to be taken seriously at all, this is a match they should win. But it's 1998, so who knows?

The very first thing I did when I went to search for Horsemen was look at what Paul Roma was doing. He's still in the WWF midcard on a long-term written deal, sadly, or he'd have likely been in the heart throb category ahead of Tom Brandi. In the absence of any other category, admittedly!

It's a great time to jump on board my diary WCW: Dangerous Territory if you're not already following. With Starrcade 1992 in the books and a new year on the horizon, WCW needs booking input: Who will be joining the Horsemen in 1993?

She was. From memory, Rude had tights with her face and Flair's bruised face on at Halloween Havoc "Flair gets my tricks, Fifi gets my treats", something like that. Looking at that card, it has Flair/Rude and the famous Cactus/Vader Texas Death match on top. I might have to check that out... 1 year, 10 months and 3 weeks at 44k per month. We're a million dollars away from being rid of Koloff. He has good top row stats, very good performance stats and excellent mic skills, but lacks the single standout feature to be a top guy. I don't know quite why I re-signed him on that money, but buyer's remorse has kicked in. I may be looking at trying to anger him to the point where he asks for his release if he's not content working in World Class. I'm not immune to Ted Turner's money syndrome, clearly. Funny you should ask... * The booking team on... The Four Horsemen of 1993 “...the doctor smacked my mother!” Ric was greeted with laughter as he entered the room, and he sat down and waited for the others to quieten down before opening the folder he’s brought with him. “Ric, it’s a new year!” “Yes it is! Or near enough, I suppose,” Ric said, nodding to Dusty. “One more week of TV to finish out 1992 and make sure fans come back for 1993. Now, we know where we’re going with the World title and Savage has set out his plans for the United States title. We’ll have the Diamond Mine chasing the World tag titles and the situations with Pillman and Hart, Taylor and Vicious and Marcus Bagwell will see us through to the Clash at least. But we have to settle something important.” From the folder he drew out a thick sheaf of paper. Casting it in front of him, the individual sheets spread out and he encouraged the others to spread them across the surface of the table. “What we have here is over a hundred and fifty wrestlers currently working, all 33 or under, all of whom have decent in-ring skills, most of whom can handle a mic to some degree. They all speak English, they’re all prepared to work in America or, for preference, live here. We’ve got some known names like Steve Williams and Bam Bam Bigelow. We’ve got some second or third generation talents like Jerry Jarrett, Bruno Sammartino and Jerry Lawler’s kids. We’ve got some guys like Bob Holly, Steven Regal and that cowboy team we’ve used before. There’s the Samoan Swat Team, the Puccio brothers with all the makeup and stuff, the Fantastics and Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon. We’ve got both of Joe Laurinatis’ brothers, Ricky Steamboat’s brother, this kid Tony Norris who looks like a million dollars... and some guy who I think really is a vampire. “And from these guys, and anyone already on our roster, we’re going to pick the next members of the Horsemen.” He sat back and spread his hands, smiling at the others around the table. Well? They should be excited! The Horsemen back in WCW! We’ve been talking about this for weeks – months! The Nature Boy and Double A, riding with a new crew! “What?” he asked, as he took in the unenthusiastic expressions on the others’ faces. “A hundred and fifty?” Hayes said at last. “Ric, it’s Friday afternoon. Starrcade went late last night as it was, and it’s the holidays.” “Michael’s right, Ric. You can’t expect us to wade through a hundred and fifty names and give you a decision here and now,” Crockett said. Why not? It’s the Horsemen! “Of course I don’t,” Ric said, managing to not say it too quickly. “We don’t have to make any final decisions – but I’d like to have a shortlist. If we want to bring guys in to consider them, we’ll need to contact them soon. And this-“ He gestured at the ocean of paper. “-is the longlist. All I did was pick out older wrestlers, those who can’t speak English and those who can’t hold their own in the ring or on the mic. Sure, that leaves a lot, but that’s no bad thing. The fans will want new faces, so it’s not going to be Barry and Sid again, right?” Hayes and Dusty nodded. “But do we go with two youngsters, do we go for an established tag team, do we go for two ready-made guys the fans will recognise... Lots of questions, guys! Maybe we can trim the longlist just by setting a few more parameters right now!” “Well, sure. This is the new WCW, after all!” Bischoff said. “We’ve got Jason Hervey on the payroll – let’s make sure that the Hollywood talent scouts like whatever else they see when they come down here, right?” “Who’s Jason Herbie?” Crockett asked. Hayes shrugged, as Bischoff continued. “I agree that Sid shouldn’t be in the Horsemen again, but can we cut out anyone too small – say, under 210 pounds? We want impressive specimens, not guys who look like they’ve walked in off the street.” Dusty nodded. “And good looking, too. This is the Horsemen, after all – they have to look the part!” Ric smiled in spite of himself. Flattery will get you everywhere, Dream. Well... not everywhere. But I’ll give you a pass today! “But don’t forget the tough guys and monsters either!” Dusty said. “If Steve Williams is on the list, well, no-one’s going to call him a heart throb, but he looks as tough as they come. And baby, someone like Bigelow’s no-one’s pin-up, but he looks incredible!” “One other thing to consider is whether we would want the new pairing to be a team. If so, why not bring in an established team from the off? And if, down the line, we decide to split them... Well, let’s consider whether either of them could have high-level singles potential,” Crockett said. Ric stared at him. Oh, now you’re thinking about the future? What about before Ted Turner saved your company from the repo men? Although, flying everywhere on private jets was fun! “And, hell, Mike’s down in Florida but, for old time’s sake, what about we look for athletes and gymnasts and all that?” Hayes said. “No offence, Ric, but at your age you’re not going to be breaking out any somersaults off the top rope! And as for Arn, well, he’s always kept his feet on the ground. It could be good to have something different as a contrast, right?” “Okay, so looks are important-“ “Sure are!” Hayes said, with a grin. “Ric, we can look at this next week, right? Only I was really hoping to get away early today. We can look through the shortlist on Tuesday and decide where we’re going with this.” Amid general assent from the others, Hayes led an exodus of the others from the room. Bischoff was the last to leave and paused in the doorway. “Hey, Ric, it’s nothing personal! We’ve all got families to get back to, and last night, boy...” He ran a hand back through his hair, and Ric noticed the heavy bags under his eyes. “I was out with the Dangerous Alliance, and those boys like to go hard! Anyway, I’ll catch you on the 2nd, right?” And with that, he was gone too. Ric leaned back in his chair, staring at the pile of papers. What... the hell... just happened? You decide! Will the new Horsemen comprise... That special something: Bam Bam Bigelow, Sabu, Steve Williams, Taz, Tony (Ahmed Johnson) Norris Hollywood heart throbs: Don Callis, Luc Poirier, Sean Morley, Simon Diamond, Tom Brandi Monsters: Brian Lee, Bull Pain, Mike Awesome, Gary Wolfe and Anthony Durante (The Pitbulls) Fast and flashy: 2 Cold Scorpio, Jerry Lynn, Sean Waltman, Mike Bucci, Kid Kash Next generation: Jeff Jarrett, Brian Lawler, Johnny Ace, Marcus Lauranaitis, David Sammartino A certain... attitude: Bob Holly, Steven (William) Regal, Savio Vega, Big Titan, Stevie Richards Package deals: Booker T and Stevie Ray, Kip James and Mike Barton, Phil LaFon and Doug Furnas, Samu and Fatu, Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton, Chris Jericho and Lance Storm (already on the roster) Pick two categories (or just ‘Package deals’ as they’re all teams) and I’ll try out as many as I can of the workers/teams in that category to see who gets the spots in the Horsemen! In case it's not obvious, the categories are focused on certain criteria - all workers had Good/Great in-ring talent and Good performance skills. I then added Star Quality, Sex Appeal, Menace and Physical Abilities to get the first four. The fifth I'm sure is self-explanatory, the sixth is guys who were in the WWF during the Attitude era and didn't otherwise fit any criteria (and mainly exists for Steven Regal's sake) and the final is ready-made tag teams. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

<p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Thanks both! Always good to get some feedback! Warrior is... well, he was my favourite as a kid, together with Bret. He is what he is. Bret is someone I want to use more, but I ended up semi-hamstrung by wanting to push Sting the way he has been; It could easily have been Bret in that spot, but as 1992 turns into 1993, I *think* I know where Bret is headed next. As for Shawn, he wasn't needed, but he's been tremendous fun to write in the Diamond Exchange. I don't think any of them regret their move, even if Warrior would no doubt liked to have been the former Blade Runner in the iron man match.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Warrior wrestling for 60 minutes. Just imagine!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> As for the show itself: 4 hours and 41 minutes, yikes! ... I miscounted when setting up the show, and realised that I’d booked 11 heels and 10 faces in the Lethal Lottery, so Cactus went ‘missing’ ... This show is number 169 I’ve booked, and pushes the diary past 700 pages ...</span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This one took a long time to write. I’m glad I trimmed the BattleBowl match down from 20 to 10 entrants (and the Lethal Lottery from 40 to 20, of course), but it followed on from a similar move by WCW to go from 40 to 16 entrants in 1992. Of course, being WCW they booked Starrcade 1992 so that Great Muta, Sting, Barry Windham, Big Van Vader and Steve Williams were in their third match of the night come the battle royal. Vader and Sting had fought in their tag matches and the King of Cable final (Sting won), Williams had a tag match and lost a WCW World title match against Ron Simmons, Muta had his tag match and lost to Masahiro Chono for the NWA World title and Windham had his tag match (with Muta against Brian Pillman and 2 Cold Scorpio) before teaming </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>with</em></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Pillman to lose to Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas for the NWA & WCW tag titles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> So, by the time the BattleBowl match rolled around, fans were seeing five of the entrants for the third time. Of that five, four of them lost a match earlier in the show... and Muta won the BatlleBowl match, so the big victory didn’t even go to a full-time WCW talent. Now, Muta was over in WCW and was a tremendous wrestler who’d appear on and off pretty much up ‘til 2001, but his next appearance was losing to Windham at SuperBrawl... and then not appearing again until April the following year. WCW, folks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Oh, and according to Wikipedia at least, the VHS release of the show had Rick Rude on the cover... who didn’t compete at the show due to injury (Williams took his place). WCW, folks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1992 was the last BattleBowl, and actually proved to be Bill Watts’ swansong as booker. In 1993 Starrcade was headlined by Flair/Vader, a tremendous match. WCW did have its moments, even before the Monday Night Wars.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Anderson/Flair is my first A* match in this diary, and actually my first A* match since my SWF diary on 2010, by the end of which my main event was so ridiculously talented and over (McFly, Gilmore, Money, Faith, Gauge twins...) that they became almost commonplace. Granted Flair/Anderson in a technical-based match with 20 minutes to build the heat at Starrcade is pretty well easy mode in a WCW diary. Sting/Rude, although it scored an A, apparently wasn’t a very </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>high</em></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A, as it places in the 40s in my top 100 matches. The BattleBowl match (#95) and the Pillman/Gibson vs. Hart/Bagwell match (#83) also placed, as did the tag title match (#62).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Inevitably, the Iron Man match was the one that took most time. I could have cribbed from </span><a href="http://greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1805774&postcount=62" rel="external nofollow"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Gilmore/Money</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, a match I wrote in 2012, a couple of jobs and several other life events ago. As of yesterday it’s even viable under the </span><a href="https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FleetingDemographicRule" rel="external nofollow"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">seven year rule</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">! But the match is all new, at least the writing is – debatable psychology over the Scorpion Deathlock and all! The SWF match went down to 7-5 with the champ retaining. 4-3 is a bit less drastic, although the face victory survived – as did the cheap DQ/heel pin spot, but that was cribbed from Rock/HHH in 2000, so I don’t feel bad about that. (I’m aware, as I write this, that a similar spot was used in the Gargano/Cole match at Takeover: Toronto, which just goes to show that there’s nothing new under the sun).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Jason Hervey has been added to WCW’s roster as a Personality. In keeping with the actual Hervey he’s not going to have any really useful talents for wrestling. Also in keeping with the actual Hervey, that won’t keep him from getting involved on-screen from time to time. Once the new year rolls around we’ll also get to see Wendy Barlow AKA Fifi the Maid AKA the current Mrs Ric Flair, which was just too good a January 1st debut to pass up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> I was, for a while, considering ending the diary here. I’ve started a new job recently and it’s taken away some of my writing time... but with the news that TEW 2020 won’t be released for at least another 8 or 9 months, I want to press on to SuperBrawl and beyond. There’s plenty of stories left to tell. After all, just because everything seems to be going well in WCW right now, that doesn’t mean that everything </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">is</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> going well in WCW right now...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> And finally, it’s been a while but the last booking meeting was around Nikita Koloff, and the team’s decision was to send him to World Class for a spell. He took it without complaint – perhaps I should cycle more of my talent down there when I have no use for them?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>Next: The booking team on... The Four Horsemen of 1993</em></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--></p>

Great, thanks.

If you sign a worker to a one month deal and they leave at the end, do you still have to wait six months to re-sign them?

World Championship Wrestling presents: Starrcade – Night Of The Iron Man Thursday, Week 4, December 1992 Your announcers: Jim Ross and Paul E. Dangerously Backstage interviewers: Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff and Patricia Martin Ring announcer: Gary Michael Cappetta Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, we wish you all a very merry Christmas – and we hope that jolly old Saint Nick has brought you everything you wanted, best of all Starrcade on pay-per-view live from the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia! Dangerously: Thank you as always for including this humble Jew in your festivities, Ross – the turkey was delicious, and I know you agree from the way you went back for second, third, and fourth helpings! Rick Rude, of course, has abstained from celebrating too much so far, and is busy refining our game plan to its absolute zenith with Madusa, but after an hour of beating Sting to a paste tonight Rude will have earned his Christmas dinner – with all the trimmings! Ross: Folks, the Iron Man match for the WCW World title will be our main event, but we have a lot to get through before that, including our five Lethal Lottery matches and the BattleBowl match! And let’s throw it to our broadcast colleague Tony Schiavone, who is going to handle the draw for the first of tonight’s matches! Schiavone: Jim, thank you, and good evening everybody! We’ve got twenty of WCW’s finest in the draw including the United States champion Steve Austin, both members of the Calgary Connection, the Young Pistols, all three members of the York Foundation, and many more! And I’m delighted to handle this first draw... He walked over to a tombola and gave it a spin, before reaching in and taking out the first ball. Schiavone: Our first team will comprise Ricky ‘the Dragon’ Steamboat and... He drew out another ball. Schiavone: ...’the Computerised Man of the 90s’, the reigning NWA World champion, Terence Taylor! Steamboat and Taylor emerged from backstage, and it was clear that neither one was exactly delighted with their partner. Only Alexandra York looked pleased, apparently at the high calibre of partner that Taylor had drawn, but she frowned slightly at the sight of the taping around Steamboat’s shoulder. Schiavone turned back to the tombola. Schiavone: And facing them will be... a technical master in Dean Malenko... and one of the fastest-rising members of the WCW roster, Steve Armstrong! Again, Malenko and Armstrong emerged and showed no signs of pleasure in their assignment as they approached the ring. Ross: Both men are tag specialists, which hasn’t ever really been Taylor’s forte. Could that give them the edge? Dangerously: It could, Ross. I think that Dean Malenko could be the most underrated talent in WCW. Did you know that he’s mastered almost seven hundred holds? And he’s learning more all the time! * Lethal Lottery – Match 1 Ricky Steamboat and Terence Taylor vs. Dean Malenko and Steve Armstrong None of these four men seemed to be pleased with their partners, but Steamboat perhaps least of all. He stared daggers at Taylor after the attack by Paul E. Dangerously’s mercenaries on Saturday night. Dangerously: Not a happy camper, is he, Ross? If he wants that title shot, he has to put the past in the past. Ross: Ricky Steamboat is a former World champion, Paul. He knows what he has to do... but even someone as sharp as the Dragon can let emotions get the better of him. Dangerously: More fool him, then. With gritted teeth Steamboat and Taylor worked together, Steamboat ignoring any offer of teamwork from Taylor other than tagging in and out. Malenko and Armstrong could have capitalised on that, but their own teamwork was equally lacking, and the greater experience of Steamboat and the NWA World champion told as Taylor flattened Malenko with a Piledriver to pick up the win for his team, to his clear delight. Ross: Two tough opponents for anyone in BattleBowl- Oh my! Winners: Ricky Steamboat and Terence Taylor (B) * As Taylor celebrated victory... ...Steamboat caught him from behind with a German suplex. Climbing the turnbuckles, he sprang off the top rope and flattened Taylor with a diving crossbody. He looked down at the NWA World champion in disdain. Steamboat: We’re not done, Terry. And judging by what happened on Sunday, I’m not the only one you have issues with! * In Jesse Ventura’s office, the Commissioner was barking orders at his flustered staff, demanding to know why Sting hadn’t arrived for the show yet. Ross: Sting’s not here? Dangerously: Oh, shame! Ventura: Call him again! If he’s not here tonight, then the BattleBowl winner gets their shot tonight, and it won’t be in an Iron Man match, but- Staff: Commissioner! One of the staff members waved a cellphone in the air. Staff: It’s Sting! He’s on his way – but he said he didn’t want to be backstage where the Dangerous Alliance could try and attack him, so he’s been training at a gym all day. Ventura nodded. Ventura: Smart. Okay, tell him he’s got to be here by bell time, or else! And where’s Cactus Jack – You know what, I don’t care! Cactus is out of the Lethal Lottery! If he can’t be here on time, I know just the man to step in and take his place! Ross: Commissioner Ventura makes decisions without wasting time, Paul. Dangerously: He does – but I want to know who Cactus Jack’s replacement is! We’ve been making plans for Cactus, and now this could be an issue! Madusa, I know you’re listening backstage, get on it! * Bischoff: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve seen the first match of the evening, and I think we can all agree that we’re set for an incredible night if that’s just the beginning! Now, I’m lucky enough to be given the honour of drawing for match 2... Bischoff walked over to the tombola. Bischoff: And our first team will be... ‘the Animal’ Scott Steiner! And his partner will be... former WCW World champion Nikita Koloff! The two hulking competitors appeared at the top of the ramp and regarded one another coolly. Both men went to walk down the aisle, but seemingly unwilling to walk side by side Steiner barked at Koloff to step back and let him through first. Koloff scowled, but gave way begrudgingly – and stared daggers at Steiner as he followed him down the ramp. Bischoff: And their opponents will be... Joe Malenko, hoping for better luck than his brother, and... Bret ‘the Hitman’ Hart! Two technical wizards against two powerhouses, and you won’t see action like this anywhere other than World Championship Wrestling! Hart and Malenko emerged from the back, and for the first time in the night there seemed to be no particular issue between teammates – Malenko perhaps recognising Hart as a fellow technical expert, and Hart having long since shown himself to be a pragmatist. * Lethal Lottery – Match 2 Scott Steiner and Nikita Koloff vs. Joe Malenko and Bret Hart Hart and Malenko, with their dual technical talent, seemed like a formidable team – but their opponents’ power was quite enough to overwhelm them. Hurled from pillar to post, Hart and Malenko seemed doomed to defeat – but Steiner and Koloff began to argue between themselves over who would score the pin. As they argued, Hart leapt from the second rope, surprising Koloff with a sunset flip, Malenko hooked Steiner with a single leg takedown, holding him off for the three seconds necessary for Hart to score the pin! Winners: Joe Malenko and Bret Hart (B-) * Enraged at his team’s defeat, Steiner lunged at Hart as the Hitman bailed from the ring. Denied his vengeance, Steiner<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->turned his attention to Koloff as the latter man was getting to his feet. As Koloff turned around, Steiner hammered him with a Steinerline before picking him up and hurling him into the ropes. Dangerously: Frankensteiner! Scott Steiner knows he wouldn’t have lost this – and Nikita Koloff has to pay the price! Ross: Bret Hart had the edge on the night, but you can’t be condoning this, Paul! Dangerously: Why not? Steiner’s taking defeat hard – and so he should! What a specimen he is! Steiner stood over Koloff, rage evident on his features, clearly considering whether to inflict more punishment on his one-time tag partner. Apparently deciding that Koloff was done, Steiner stalked off. Dangerously: A quick warning to anyone backstage – stay out of Scott Steiner’s way! * Bischoff: Ladies and gentlemen... Jason Hervey! Hervey: Woo! WCW! Here we go – who wants to see some amazing matches! The crowd cheered as Hervey stirred them up, although some booed as he blew kisses to young women in attendance. Dangerously: How rude! This is a talented young actor, Ross! Ross: I always preferred Kevin... Hervey moved to the tombola where his first draw was... ‘Rough Diamond’ Shawn Michaels! Michaels didn’t wait for his partner to be drawn, instead strutting out to the stage where he drew his own share of cheers and boos as he blew kisses to the women in the audience. He shared a laugh with Hervey, who moved on to draw... Hervey: ‘Superstar’ Steve Austin! Dangerously: This is where the night gets really interesting, Ross! Austin wasn’t in the mood to play to the crowd, but got a few cheers anyway even amongst the heavy boos. Ross: Apparently the ladies like Steve Austin just fine. Dangerously: As though there was any doubt. I’ll grant you that Michaels and Hervey are more for the Teen Beat crowd... Michaels and Austin eyed one another coolly, neither man in a rush to head to the ring. Ross: No love lost between these two. Dangerously: It’s a professional working relationship, Ross. They don’t have to be friends, and believe me, they both know about working alongside people they’re not friends with. As Austin and Michaels stared one another down, Hervey drew the next name from the tombola... Lance Storm! Storm emerged slowly, wary of the unmoving duo across the stage. And the next name drawn was... Cactus Jack! Ross: The wildman from Truth or Consequences! But he wasn’t here earlier tonight... so does that mean Storm is in a handicap match? Well, that would just be even more of a foregone conclusion, quite frankly. Hervey: Ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner Ventura did brief me on what should happen if Cactus Jack was drawn and did not appear, so introducing his replacement, making his full-time return to WCW... Hervey: ...Sid Vicious! Storm brightened visibly as his new partner emerged from backstage. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, Vicious towered over everyone else in the ring – and Austin and Michaels stepped backwards at the same time as he glowered at them, before striding down the ramp to the ring, Storm following close behind. * Lethal Lottery – Match 3 Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin vs. Lance Storm and Sid Vicious Ross: Sid Vicious! We last saw him fighting Terence Taylor, and before that the Stocks And Shares Express! He’s had nothing but difficult opponents – and tonight is no different! Dangerously: The Stocks And Shares Express won their NWA tag titles from Vicious, who’s never really been a tag wrestler – but his partner is, Ross, and that could make a difference tonight. Well, that is, if they weren’t in the ring with two talents like Shawn Michaels and the Superstar, Steve Austin! Ross: I wondered how long until we got there... Both Austin and Michaels were wary of Vicious, and with good reason. While the big man was carefully kept out of as much of the match as Michaels and Austin could manage, when he did enter the fray he pulverised Michaels with a big chokeslam that would have ended the match then and there, had Austin not been the legal man. It proved to be a lucky escape for the Alliance/Exchange pairing, as Vicious’ arguing with the officials let Page slide Austin a roll of silver dollars. Austin quickly KO’d Storm and the referee turned back to find Austin making the pin to advance his side to BattleBowl! Dangerously: The fruits of a well-maintained partnership, Ross. Ross: Well, why are you paying Madusa so much if you have Page in your back pocket, Paul? Dangerously: It’s called covering your bets. Mr Vegas has been very helpful in advising how best to manage risky ventures... Winners: Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin (B-) * Although Storm was down, Vicious was not – and the humongous one entered the ring with a bang, kicking Austin in the face and sending the United States champion sprawling. Michaels tried to get the first shot off with a savate kick, but Vicious caught his foot and stopped him cold. Yanking the off-balance Michaels towards him, Vicious pressed him high up into the air and held the Rough Diamond overhead. Ross: Look at the strength of Sid Vicious! How can anyone hold another man overhead so easily as that! Dangerously: And he doesn’t even look bothered! If Commissioner Ventura wants any more matches to take place tonight, he needs to get some security out here, because big Sid Vicious looks like he can keep Michaels up there for hours! If not hours, Michaels was certainly aloft for a long, long time as he begged and pleaded with Vicious to be let down. Vicious smirked as Michaels panicked before the big man pitched him over the top rope to the entrance ramp, Michaels landing with a hard crash that echoed through the arena. Ross: Oh, what impact! Dangerously: Michaels will be feeling that for a long time to come – and how will that effect him going into the BattleBowl later on tonight? * Dusty Rhodes shucked and jived a little as he took up position by the tombola. Rhodes: Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Let’s get on with business, because we have some hungry athletes in here wanting that World title shot! The first team drawn came from the Kingdom and York Foundation, as Mr Hughes and Richard Morton were paired together. Rhodes: The strength and speed, the power and the glory, beauty and the beast... Take your pick! We’ve got an almighty team here, and now let’s see who’s going to try and topple the terrible twosome! Hughes was impassive, Morton scheming with York as their opponents were drawn – Chris Jericho and Tracy Smothers! Rhodes: Young blood on the other side of the ring! The future of WCW, maybe, and I know they’ll do the Dream proud as they go on out there to try and put their name in the history books! * Lethal Lottery – Match 4 Mr Hughes and Richard Morton vs. Chris Jericho and Tracy Smothers This was comfortably the shortest of the Lethal Lottery matches, as Mr Hughes simply had no interest in working with Richard Morton. Given Morton’s experience, it might have been sensible to listen to him – at least for the duration of the match! Instead Smothers and Jericho, both of whom are members of successful tag teams, were able to work together with impressive effect, culminating in a double dropkick – the signature move of the Stocks And Shares Express – on Hughes that sent him tumbling through the ropes. Smothers then delivered a Jaw Jacker to Morton to give his team the win! Dangerously: Harley never did have much time for mastering the art of tag team wrestling. He should have got Larry the Ax in for the night to give Hughes some lessons! Winners: Chris Jericho and Tracy Smothers (B+) * Martin: We know that there’s just four names left in the Lethal Lottery, and those of you keeping track will know that both members of the Calgary Connection are two of them. It’s time to see whether they’re going to stay together – or be on opposite sides of the ring tonight! Martin: And the first name draw is Brian Pillman. His partner will be... Robert Gibson! And that means their opponents will be Owen Hart and Marcus Bagwell! As the four men made their entrance, it was notable that Hart and Pillman entered side by side, before separating to opposite corners. Ross: No complaints about being screwed, Paul? Dangerously: None at all, Ross. Oh, I’m sure that put together Brian and Owen would win outright, but with three of them in five matches, the odds were good that at least two of them would end up in the same match, and if they weren’t on the same team... Well, that just guaranteed one member of the Alliance will be in the BattleBowl. Now the interesting thing will be to see... which one? * Lethal Lottery – Match 5 Brian Pillman and Robert Gibson vs. Owen Hart and Marcus Bagwell Ross: We saw Owen Hart and Steve Austin face off on Sunday night, but how will the Calgary Connection feel when facing one another? Dangerously: There’s money to be made, Ross, and a World title shot at stake. These two will tear each other apart bell to bell – and then shake hands afterwards when the winner gets the drinks in! At first it seemed that was correct, with Pillman and Hart ignoring their partners in the early minutes of the match as they fought cleanly and with clear relish for fighting one another. However, when Hart landed an enziguri on Pillman he hesitated rather than press the advantage, and tagged out to Bagwell. Pillman took advantage to tag in Gibson, whose experience allowed him to take the younger man to school. While Hart tagged back in to fight Gibson, he backed away once again when Pillman tagged in. Ross: It seems that Hart has more qualms than Pillman does, Paul. Dangerously: Indeed it does, Ross. Interesting... With Pillman free to dish out almost unlimited punishment to Bagwell, the youngster’s team with Hart was soon in peril, even though Pillman showed no real interest in working as a team with Gibson. Taking apparent delight in punishing Bagwell, Pillman levelled him with a piledriver. Throwing a semi-apologetic shrug of the shoulders to Hart, Pillman followed up with a Shining Wizard for the academic pinfall. Dangerously: Two men in the BattleBowl, Ross. And if you ask me, I’d say it was the two who wanted it more... Winners: Brian Pillman and Robert Gibson (B+) * Patricia Martin was backstage, hurrying to catch up with someone much taller than her – Sid Vicious. Martin: Sid, please, welcome back to WCW – may I ask you what brings you here? Vicious stopped in his march through the backstage area to look back – and down – at Martin. Vicious: It’s time to resume the journey along the path of destruction, not my destruction, no, this is the destruction of anyone foolish enough to cross me, anyone stupid enough to look at me as a target or opportunity, rather than the rightful ruler of the world! Vicious smiled widely, before he subsided slightly. Vicious: My time will come, but first I have business with the York Foundation. For injuring my friend, for taking our titles, for embarrassing me last month, each and every one of them will pay. Morton and Gibson tasted something of my wrath on Sunday night when I beat them down backstage, but there’s more coming soon – maybe even tonight! Vicious strode off, leaving Martin to hand back to the announcers. * WCW World Tag Team Titles Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham © vs. The Diamond Mine Commissioner Ventura had a lot on his mind before and during this show, so it’s perhaps not entirely surprising that this match may have not had his full attention. Given that both teams like to attack first wherever possible, it came as no shock that the brawl began on the entrance ramp, during the champions’ entrance. The fight spilled into the crowd as Vegas delivered a big boot to Rhodes that sent him flying off the ramp. Vegas followed as Studd and Windham fought their way down the ramp and into the ring – Windham with some assistance, as Studd launched him over the top rope with a big fallaway slam! Studd eased through the ropes with his typical swagger, but that was wiped away as Windham went low with a punch that, had the referee been in his usual position, might have ended matters there and then. However, as the bell hadn’t even rung to start the match, the referee had no recourse to end it! The bell did then ring with Studd doubled over and Windham pulling himself up in the corner by the ropes. On the outside, Rhodes and Studd crashed into a section of crowd barrier and tumbled heavily into the ringside area. Dallas Page seemed torn between his clients as all four men struggled to catch their breaths, with Windham being first upright and charging at Studd, who met him with what might have been a swinging side slam, had Windham not grabbed the ropes to stop cold. Ross: Windham the veteran – he knows where he is in that ring, and how to best use it to his advantage! Dangerously: None of these men are small, either. The ropes are that little bit closer for a Windham or a Studd than they are for a Pillman or a Steamboat. Fractions like that can add up, Ross. Studd and Windham continued to trade blows, but neither man could gain an advantage, and that only drew Vegas and Rhodes into the fight, brawling wildly as they ignored the referee’s entreaties to separate, to get to their corners, to pretend to care in the slightest about the rules... ...and with that realisation, the referee called for the bell, quite unnoticed as the four men continued slugging away at one another and the crowd cheered them on, enjoying the spectacle even if the match itself never really got going. Winners: No-one (B+) * Harley Race led Don Harris to the ring, with Ron in close formation. Race: The One Percenters have no respect for anyone else in the wrestling business except for the other members of the Kingdom. Maybe that kind of attitude will lead to trouble, but if so, I think it’s trouble that Ron and Don can handle! Now, Don has a title belt around his waist, and all we need is a challenger to step into this ring and be ready to get beaten down like everyone else who crosses the Harris brothers! Ross: Who’s going to try and Beat the Champ? Ross: Oh boy! Ross: He said he’d be at Starrcade to fight, and that’s what he’s come to do! The Macho Man wants that Television title! * WCW Television Title Randy Savage vs. Don Harris © Not even the presence of his twin brother at ringside could keep Don Harris from the onslaught of the Macho Madness! Savage devastated Harris with a series of clotheslines before scaling the turnbuckles to level him a double axehandle. Ron tried to interfere by grabbing Savage’s foot as he ran the ropes, but a stern finger point and bulging-eyed stare from Savage made him back away. Don tried to use the distraction to recover, but instead he was flattened once more by a big powerslam from Savage, who went to the top once again for a Macho Elbow to take the pin – and the title! Ross: It’s a month since anyone managed to defend the Television title – but something tells me that Randy Savage has very clear plans for that ten pounds of gold! Winner: Randy Savage (B-) * Savage: See, the Macho Man has been around this business for a few years now. Been to the top of the mountain, yeah, and been to the depths of the ocean, ooh yeah. The Macho Man has seen everything, done everything, and knows everything, dig it! My eyes have seen all there is to see, and they’re wide open, yeah! I know when I see good in the heart of man – and when I see evil! And Steve Austin... He broke off, chuckling. Savage: Steve Austin, what I see in you is blackness – pure, absolute, blackness, yeah! I’ve only seen darkness like that once before... when I looked in the mirror, when I met my gaze, and when I stared into the abyss within! Savage: Steve Austin, you feel the madness calling you, I know it! That all-consuming drive to be the very best of the best! I see it, in you, same as I saw it in me, and I know what it’ll make you do – absolutely anything! Savage: So yeah, Steve Austin, I know where you’re trying to get to – the same place I did. I know how you’re planning on getting there – the same way I did! But it cost me everything, Austin. Everything! My best friend! My wife! And eventually it cost me the World title I sacrificed everything for! Savage: A better man than me might try and save you, but not me, no, uh uh! You’re your own man, and you’re gonna walk your own path – wherever it takes you! But what I will do, once I’ve beaten five men who’ve come after this- He held the Television title aloft. Savage: -is come and take that United States title from you, boy. Because if I can do that, then maybe you’re not the man I think you are – or maybe the Macho Man’s still the cream of the crop, and this shiny piece of gold and the one you’ve got around your waist will be just the beginning, dig it! * Last Man Standing Ultimate Warrior vs. Big Van Vader The crowd were in feverish mood as first Vader (and Harley Race) and then Ultimate Warrior (alone, but for the spirits of the warriors, and whoever or whatever else may be driving him onwards) entered the ring. Ross: For six months these two titans of the squared circle have been at one another’s throats. Vader has injured Warrior twice, but nothing seems to be able to stop him from coming back! He even seems to have shrugged off the beating he took on Saturday night! Dangerously: If I were Warrior and I knew that Vader wanted me gone, I’d go – and I’d thank him by letter for giving me any sort of warning that let me walk out on my own two feet! With no rules to enforce, the referee was largely a spectator as Warrior and Vader slugged it out. It only took moments for a Vader clothesline to send Warrior crashing to the outside of the ring, and the stunning agility of the bigger man was on display as he dove off the ring apron, crushing Warrior against the crowd barrier for the first count of the match – the referee reaching eight before Warrior pulled himself upright. Vader didn’t give Warrior a chance to recover, firing in hard rights and lefts before backing up for a charge at Warrior. Warrior, however, moved with impressive speed of his own, tagging Vader with a block to the knee that sent the 450 pounder crashing into the crowd barrier, tipping a long section of it over with fans diving for safety, chairs scattered and toppled in their wake. Dangerously: Caution! First two rows may get Vadered! Ross: We need security out here – if anyone’s feeling brave enough to get between Warrior and Vader! Warrior tackled Vader from behind, leaping onto his back and punching him in the sides and back of his head as Vader tried to pull him over his shoulders. As Vader dropped to one knee under the onslaught, it took Harley Race slamming one of the scattered chairs to make Warrior get off his client. Rearing back in pain, Warrior stumbled away from his opponent and Race wound up to send in another blow, only for Warrior to stop him with a hard punch to the face. Race staggered away and Warrior picked up his dropped chair, lunging at Vader only for the big man to punch it out of his hands. Momentarily nonplussed Warrior was open to a counterattack and Vader fired in a hard left to the body before a right arrowed in on Warrior’s face – but Warrior caught Vader’s hand and held it, drawing appreciative cheers from the crowd as he forced Vader back, pushing him away to Vader’s clear surprise. Dangerously: I’ve never seen anyone match strength with Vader like this! Vader tore his arm free of Warrior’s grip, but Warrior darted inside his reach to grasp him tightly and lift him into the air. Cameras flashed around them as time seemed to stand still, Vader poised in Warrior’s grasp before Warrior slammed him down on the fallen chairs. Ross: Oh, what impact! Flesh and bone meets steel and concrete, as all 450 pounds of Vader is hurled to the ground by the Ultimate Warrior! Warrior turned to the crowd, arms aloft and pumping as they cheered his efforts, Vader struggling in the background. With only three seconds left on the clock he managed to get one foot under him, and Warrior turned to find him rising on shaky legs as the referee counted to nine – but no further. Warrior charged at Vader and slammed into him with a big clothesline, sending Vader tumbling back into a staircase. Clinging to the handrail for support, Vader stayed off the ground but seemed to be reeling... ...which may have been what prompted the appearance of Ron Harris, emerging from the crowd to blindside Warrior with a big boot. Warrior crashed to the ground as Harris checked on Vader, seemingly ready to help him up before Vader shoved him away and pushed himself upright. Backing up the stairs, Vader taunted Warrior as he stared down at him rising from the floor. Warrior hurled himself at Harris, nearly turning him inside out with a huge clothesline before charging up the stairs towards Vader. The masked man backed up the stairs to the top step, where he met Warrior head on, the two men trading blows without restraint. Ross: Surely Warrior has to get the worst of this! Vader has two hundred pounds on him! And all it will take is one big hit to send him tumbling down those stairs! But Warrior held firm, even gaining a little ground as he forced Vader to take a step back, allowing Warrior to gain a more secure position – albeit still at the top of the stairs. With the added room to manoeuvre, Warrior was able to sidestep a lunge from Vader and spin him around, putting the masked man on the edge of the stairs as Warrior unloaded on him with fists and a headbutt that had Vader reeling for a moment... Dangerously: If he falls it’ll be measured on the Richter scale! ...before grabbing Warrior’s long hair to steady himself and driving a thumb into his eye. Ross: Oh! Warrior could be blinded! Dangerously: Vader will do whatever it takes to win, Ross, and you can’t help but admire that. Ross: Maybe you can’t, Paul. Dangerously: This ain’t grandma’s bridge night! Warrior wanted a no holds barred throwdown with Vader, and he got it! If the schmuck didn’t realise how far Vader would go, more fool him! Vader grabbed Warrior’s head and seemed set to pitch him down the stairs all the way to the arena floor, but as Warrior struggled to break the hold... ...Cactus Jack emerged from the crowd and lashed out with a steel chair, catching Vader full in the face and rocking him back, releasing Warrior as he staggered backwards. Dangerously: What!? Ross: Cactus Jack has had trouble with Vader in the past – apparently it’s time for revenge! Vader now stood on the edge of the stairs, ripe for a second swing from Cactus as he clutched at his now-bloodied face, but Cactus instead turned to Warrior and helped him regain his bearings. Sighting Vader, Warrior hurled himself forwards with a flying shoulder tackle that sent Vader toppling backwards... ...down the long flight of stairs... ...tumbling all the long way down as the crowd screamed and gasped until at last Vader crashed to the ground in a heap. Ross: Surely there’s no way even Vader can get up from that! Dangerously: That’s a two-storey flight of stairs Vader just fell down, Ross! Never mind get up from it, is Vader ever going to walk again? The referee counted, but it was all but a formality, as Vader barely even stirred by the time the count reached ten. Ross: And Warrior wins... but at what cost to Vader? Dangerously: And I’ve got another question for you, Ross... If Warrior and Cactus Jack are buddying up, who’s the sane one in that partnership? Up on the landing at the top of the stairs, Cactus and Warrior were indeed regarding one another without rancour. Bruised and battered, Warrior extended his hand gratefully to Cactus, who took it and raised it aloft as the fans cheered the winner of the match. Ross: Two very unorthodox fighters... well, perhaps they’ve found some common ground? Winner: Ultimate Warrior (B) * A video played highlighting the long, long history of Ric Flair and Arn Anderson – a decade stood side by side as members of the Four Horsemen, cousins, tag team partners, best friends... ...and then going their separate ways more than a year ago as Flair tried to hold onto his World title, and Arn joined the Dangerous Alliance. Bereft of support, Flair lost his title, he was no longer The Man, he stepped away from the ring for a time to manage the Thrillseekers... ...while Anderson rode high in the world as United States champion, as NWA tag team champion, as the Enforcer and lynchpin of the Dangerous Alliance. And slowly Flair began to recover his form, striking out alongside the Thrillseekers, alongside former rivals like Ricky Steamboat and Sting, even forcing his way into the World title picture, a year after his last reign had ended... ...and Anderson lost ground, lost his title, lost his confidence, lost his standing in the Alliance as Steve Austin forced his way into the centre of the group, even as it remained focused on Rick Rude and the World title. And Flair moved like a man five or even ten years younger, confident, even arrogant once more – the Nature Boy, the living legend, Space Mountain... ...and the Enforcer was no longer the same man, struggling to find his niche, find his form, perhaps even find who he truly was outside of being Ric Flair’s most trusted ally. Anderson: I never stopped believing in you, never stopped thinking, knowing even, that you were the best, the bar that everyone else needs to measure themselves against. And when you’re that good, Ric, everyone’s going to throw themselves at you, everyone’s going to try and take you down. That’s why I always had your back, always kept you from going down under the weight of numbers. When someone beat you, they beat you clean – I was your Enforcer, your corner man... your best friend. Anderson: I saw that the Nature Boy, The Man, Space Mountain, the best to ever walk that aisle was back! You’re still The Man! Anderson: And now, Ric, I want to face The Man. Flair: That’s what you want, Arn? That’s what you want? You want to face The Man, one on one, for the first time ever, and you want to find out if you’re good enough to beat me? Flair: You want to do this, Arn? You want to see how good the Nature Boy really is? One on one, first time ever? Then yes, damn it, yes! Come find me at Starrcade, and learn exactly how much I needed you over the years, and exactly how hard it is to be beat The Man! * Ric Flair vs. Arn Anderson Ross: No Madusa in Arn Anderson’s corner tonight, Paul? Dangerously: No. He said he had to ‘do this himself’. We’ll see how that pans out for him... The two old friends circled one another carefully at the bell, tying up before breaking apart as neither was able to gain the clear advantage over the other. Slapping his chest, Flair seemed to psyching himself up for a typical match... but as he turned back to Anderson he clearly changed his mind. Holding out his hand for Arn, Flair was left waiting for a shake as the Dangerous Alliance man stared back, neither advancing nor retreating. Ross: It seems genuine. It probably is genuine... Dangerously: ...but Arn Anderson knows Ric Flair much too well to trust an offered handshake like that. Slowly, the two veterans engaged once more, with Anderson targeting Flair’s left leg early on in a clear attempt to take the Figure Four from his arsenal. For his part, Flair went after Anderson’s right arm, with Dangerously speculating that it was an effort to take away Anderson’s Spinebuster – and maybe the DDT as well. But Anderson’s efforts had the added advantage of slowing Flair down as he landed his hits and torqued Flair’s leg. Dangerously: The Nature Boy is limping, and that’s big news for the Enforcer! Ross: Listen to you, all excited for your client. Where’s that been the last few months? Dangerously: Every wrestler has hot and cold spells, Ross. I wouldn’t abandon a talent like Arn Anderson overnight – but he needed tough love to get through his recent run, and the Alliance gave it to him. Ross: Yeah – in spades! With the Figure Four looking unlikely, Flair increasingly looked to work on Anderson’s arm, slamming it into the ringpost and over the top rope. Hobbled by the assault on his leg, though, Flair struggled to capitalise. An attempted Fujiwara armbar failed when he couldn’t hold the bridge, his leg giving out under him as he struggled for leverage. Tearing himself free, Anderson tried to lift Flair up for a Spinebuster, but Flair was able to break free as Anderson struggled to hold his grip. Landing beside Anderson, Flair grabbed him as he turned and delivered a Spinebuster of his own, jackknifing on the cover and trying to hold Anderson down for three, but the bad leg again faltered and the Enforcer rolled out from under the Nature Boy. As Flair tried to get to his feet, Anderson lunged off the mat, clipping the back of Flair’s knee and sending him crashing to the mat. Before Flair could recover, Anderson grabbed his legs and twisted them through his own, crossing Flair’s legs and applying pressure. Ross: Figure Four! This is Anderson’s! Flair bellowed in pain as Anderson leaned into the hold, throwing punches at Flair’s knee and thigh to add to the pain being inflicted. Ross: This is Flair’s move – but Anderson studied him for years! Does he know Flair’s counters – does he have what it takes to hold this? Dangerously: What can Flair do? They’re right in the centre of the ring! Flair tried to turn the hold over, tried to pull himself over to the ropes, but Anderson stopped him in his tracks with a backhand chop to the chest, drawing a grimace as much of shock as pain from Flair. Anderson grabbed his head and delivered a series of right crosses, one, two, three, four times before Flair slumped back on the mat. The referee checked on Flair’s shoulders and counted one... two... The Nature Boy jerked upright with a yell, right into another right hand from Anderson. Flair rocked back, and another punch sent him back down again. The referee was right on hand to count, and again Flair reared up, but this time it clearly took a lot more effort for him to do so – and this time just one hard right from Anderson sent him back to the mat, and this time Flair could only just get one shoulder up, and then just barely. Scarcely able to raise himself off the mat, and unable to break free, Flair stared up at Anderson, seeing no weakening in his eyes, no remorse, no pity for his long-time friend... ...and Flair submitted. Dangerously: To his own hold! The Nature Boy gives up – and Arn Anderson is the winner! Winner: Arn Anderson (A*) * With a victory of real significance under his belt, Anderson dropped to his knees as the referee tried to raise his hand, hands clasped to his face for a moment as the enormity of it all sunk in. Ross: Arn Anderson has been struggling for months – but not tonight! He stepped up to the plate, faced down his best friend and the wrestler he’s looked up to for almost a decade, and Arn Anderson emerges victorious! Getting to his feet, Anderson took in the ovation being given by the crowd. Dangerously: And more importantly, he finally brings home the winner’s share of the purse for the Dangerous Alliance. Ross: Will you stop, even if just for a minute? Dangerously: Why should I? We’ve let Anderson stick around and mooch off us for months, Ross, you said it yourself. If he’s finally got his act together, great. I’ve never said anything against Arn Anderson as a wrestler – he belongs in the Dangerous Alliance. Ross: If he wants that, of course... As Anderson turned to leave, Flair called out to him. Pulling himself along the ropes, heavily favouring his bad knee, Flair reached out a hand to Anderson... ...and Anderson stared at it, as the hand was not held out to shake, but rather was showing four extended fingers. As the crowd took on the significance of Flair’s offer, Anderson stared into his old friend’s eyes. Flair: You and me. Equals. You earned it – Anderson and Flair, one more ride. You earned it, and Arn... I need you, brother. Dangerously: No! Arn, don’t even think about it! Arn looked down at Flair’s hand again, and his own hand came up, four fingers outstretched, mirroring Flair’s as the crowd erupted. Ross: One more ride! Anderson and Flair left the ring together, Anderson supporting his friend on his bad leg, their heads bowed together as they talked. Dangerously: Fine! Go! That’s all you’ll get with Flair – helping him get what he wants, all over again! Ross: No need to sound so bitter, Paul. Dangerously: Bitter! Bitter, Ross? I’ll show you bitter – Madusa, call our attorney and tell him to hit Arn Anderson where it hurts for breach of contract! * Steve Austin and Brian Pillman were backstage with Madusa, apparently unaware of what had just happened in the ring. The pair were talking animatedly, as the camera got within range to hear what they were saying. Austin: ...then it’s just the two of us. Pillman: That’sright. We keep it tight, no loose cannons, until it’s just the two of us. And then, just one of us. Austin: Well then, let the best man win... pal. Pillman: I’ll shake on that. The pair shook hands, staring one another down for a few seconds before walking off. Madusa, for her part, took out a cellphone as it started ringing. Ross: Will you put that away?!? We’re live! Dangerously: This is important, Ross! * BattleBowl Ricky Steamboat vs. Terence Taylor vs. Joe Malenko vs. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Tracy Smothers vs. Brian Pillman vs. Robert Gibson Dangerously: Look at that field, Ross. What do you see? Ross: A lot of great talent, for a start – and two of your clients. Dangerously: Implying that Steve Austin and Brian Pillman aren’t great talents? That’s beneath you, Ross. I expected better of you – although for the life of me I can’t think why. No, look closer – Gibson, Malenko, Jericho, Smothers, Pillman. Sparking anything, Ross? Ross: They’re tag wrestlers, in the main. Dangerously: Right! All of these men have had singles success during their career, but they come into this match primarily as tag team wrestlers. Obviously we’ve prepared Brian Pillman so that he’s ready for the different challenge you’ll find in a battle royal where there’s no-one to watch your back, but I wonder if the others will be able to overcome that mindset. Ross: Do you mean that Steve Austin won’t be watching Brian Pillman’s back? Or vice versa? Dangerously: They’re both in it to win it, Ross; If they can help each other then I’m sure they will, but neither one of them is counting on the other. Shawn Michaels was in no rush to enter the ring or, rather, he was quick to leave it as the bell rang – letting the other nine men go at one another, with Austin allying briefly with Malenko to go after Steamboat as Hart and Taylor, Jericho and Gibson and Smothers and Pillman all paired off. Malenko actually took the lead against Steamboat as Austin hung back, allowing his ally to draw Steamboat’s attention before the Superstar lunged in, trying to clothesline the Dragon over the top rope. Steamboat held on, and even with Malenko and Austin both trying to lever him out of the match he was able to contort himself to stay on the right side of the ropes, at least until... ...a veritable titan strode down the entrance ramp, disregarding the efforts of referees, security and WCW officials to keep him out of the match. Dangerously: He has no business here! Ross: Relax, Paul. I don’t think the Dangerous Alliance are on Sid Vicious’ radar just yet! Vicious stepped over the top rope, pausing only to pieface Malenko when he strayed too close to the Arkansan giant. That gave Steamboat the impetus to break free as Vicious levelled the charging Taylor with a big boot, sending the NWA World champion sprawling to the mat. Gibson disengaged from Jericho to launch himself at Vicious in defence of his ally, but Vicious snatched him out of the air by his throat, and delivered a ring-shaking chokeslam that seemed to knock Gibson clean out – before lifting him up off the mat once more. Gibson hung limply in Vicious’ hand, his feet dangling inches off the mat as Vicious snarled at the other wrestlers gathered around him and watching, before Vicious turned and hurled Gibson over the top rope to a booming crash landing on the entrance ramp, where he convulsed briefly before falling to the arena floor (9 remaining). Ross: Gibson is out! And Sid Vicious isn’t done! Taylor was trying to escape Vicious’ notice by leaving the ring behind his back. Vicious turned in place, however, and reached out a long arm to catch Taylor by the hair and drag him back into the centre of the ring. Vicious whipped him into the ropes and tried for another big boot, but Taylor adroitly dropped to the mat, sliding under the uplifted boot. Leaping to his feet Taylor bolted for the ropes again to escape and, seemingly struck by the same inspiration, Pillman and Steamboat pulled down the top strand as Taylor scrambled out of the ring (8) with Vicious in determined pursuit, clotheslining Gibson on his way up the ramp. Ross: We’re down to eight – and any second now we might get this match back under control! Dangerously: Who wants that, Ross? I can tell you now that Steve Austin and Brian Pillman do some of their best work when they’re on a catastrophe curve! With some degree of normalcy resumed, Pillman lashed out at Jericho with running knee, sending the young Canadian crashing into the corner. Steamboat tried to reach Pillman, but was waylaid by Hart, who flattened the Dragon with a belly to belly suplex. Ross: All well and good, but that won’t eliminate anyone! Dangerously: Depends how hard you throw them, Ross. Austin zeroed in on Jericho, delivering a series of hard stomps to the youngster’s face and chest as he lay slumped in the corner, before being surprised by Michaels, who slid back into the ring and nearly succeeded in dumping Austin over the top rope after blindsiding him. Jericho tried to get upright to help Austin, but Michaels delivered a kick to the face that dropped him back to the mat. Across the ring, Steamboat was back on his feet and tussling with Joe Malenko. The technician was trying to take Steamboat down to the mat, but the Dragon’s resistance was enough to keep him upright, even as Malenko tore at his injured arm and shoulder. Steamboat’s efforts were abruptly terminated as Pillman dived in with a Shining Wizard, coldcocking him and putting him down on the mat. Malenko jerked backwards in surprise, and Hart deftly hoisted him up on his shoulders before dropping him over the top rope to the outside (7). Dangerously: Pillman and Hart – I shouldn’t be surprised that combination works! Ross: You seem awfully pleased given that doesn’t seem like great news for your boys, Paul. There’s not many left in that ring with any reason to like Pillman or Austin. Dangerously: So who cares about being liked? As Hart turned away from the ropes Michaels sprung out of the corner of the ring and caught him with a superkick flush to the jaw, sending him sprawling to the mat. With Jericho, Steamboat and Hart all down and in varying states of disarray, Smothers found himself the focus of the two Alliance men as Michaels took the chance to catch another breather, sliding under the bottom rope and yanking Gary Michael Cappetta’s seat out from under him so he could sit down. Dangerously: See, that’s smart! Ross: So why aren’t your boys doing that, Paul? Dangerously: Who says they’re not going to? Smothers fought hard, and with a few more seconds might have avoided elimination, as Steamboat was struggling to his feet and might have intervened, but before he could Pillman and Austin succeeded in heaving Smothers over the top rope and out of the match (6). Ross: We’re down to six, and- Pillman: Hey, Chris, hey! Pillman had followed Michaels out of the ring and snatched Cappetta’s microphone. Getting back into the ring he grabbed Jericho and hauled him out of the corner, helping him stand on shaky legs. Pillman: The way I see it, you’ve not got much choice here. Behind him, Austin booted Steamboat in the gut, doubling him over. Grabbing Steamboat’s head, Austin pitched him into the corner, sending him crashing into the ringpost with his injured shoulder. Ross: Steamboat can’t get any traction. Dangerously: And that’s by design, Ross. You don’t let a competitor as dangerous as Ricky Steamboat get any kind of momentum going. Pillman: Now the way I see it, I’m used to having a blonde Canadian from the Dungeon by my side. You may not be Owen, but you’re the next best thing in this ring right now, so you keep an eye on Steamboat and the Hitman here, and we’ll make sure you get a soft landing when one of us pitches you over the top rope. You finish third, fourth at worst, and that’s got to be good for your resumé, right? What do you say- Whatever Jericho might have said, Pillman was cut off as Bret Hart grabbed him from behind and delivered an atomic drop that sent the former Bengal stumbling into the ropes. Hart charged forwards, clotheslining Pillman over the top rope and onto the ring apron. Before he could capitalise on the advantage, he was caught again by Michaels, vaulting to the top turnbuckle and leaping off with a flying clothesline that drove Hart away from the vulnerable Pillman. Ross: What action! Only in WCW, folks! As Austin and Jericho traded blows, Michaels turned to Pillman. Blocking his way back into the ring, Michaels held up a hand and rubbed his thumb and forefingers together. Smiling, Pillman nodded agreement to the unspoken request, and Michaels stood aside to let him back in the ring. Dangerously: Beautiful! Michaels understands! Michaels ran across the ring to throw himself at Steamboat, but the Dragon had recovered enough to avoid the attack, and Michaels found himself trapped in the corner with Steamboat firing in punches and chops with his good arm that had Michaels rocking and sagging on the ropes before Steamboat backed up and charged in with a dropkick that nearly sent Michaels up and over the top rope. Before Steamboat could capitalise, though, Austin levelled him with a clothesline as Pillman, Hart and Jericho slugged it out in another corner, none of the three Dungeon graduates able to force the advantage when each had two opponents splitting their focus. Austin, with some help from the hurting Michaels, got Steamboat up off the mat and draped him on the top rope. As Michaels held his legs, Austin ran the ropes and leapfrogged Michaels, crashing down with all of his weight on Steamboat’s back, choking him on the top rope. As Steamboat writhed and thrashed in pain, he could offer no defence as Michaels and Austin threw him over the top rope (5). Dangerously: What a beautiful relationshi- As Austin exulted, Michaels superkicked him on the jaw with a crack audible around the arena. Austin collapsed against the ropes as Pillman broke free of the two Canadians, but Michaels stopped him with an expressive shrug, pulling Pillman up short as Michaels hauled Austin upright and shoved him, unresisting, over the top to ringside (4). Ross: We’re down to four! Dangerously: Remind me never to trust the Rough Diamond, Ross. The man’s a filthy rattlesnake! Ross: I guess in a battle royal it’s best if you don’t trust anyone, Paul. Michaels took the opportunity to catch his breath in the corner as Pillman tangled with Jericho across the ring. Hart hung back, having managed to avoid serious entanglement thus far in the match. He looked to be the freshest of the four competitors, with Jericho clearly struggling more than anyone. Michaels slowly stepped forward to engage with Hart, but he glanced down for a second as Austin reached under the bottom rope to grab his foot. As Michaels tried to shake Austin off, Hart caught him from behind with a knee to the kidneys, leaving Michaels bent over in pain. Austin snatched up a chair from, turfing an official onto the arena floor, before swinging it through the ropes and into the side of Michaels’ head. Michaels collapsed to the mat as Hart stared at Austin in surprise. Dangerously: That, uh, may not be best for business Steve... Austin stalked off, cursing loudly enough to be picked up on the ringside microphones as Ross hurriedly apologised for the Superstar’s language. As he marched up the ramp, Michaels was sent tumbling over the top rope by Hart, the Rough Diamond crashing hard to the ground (3). Ross: Your hopes of a Dangerous Alliance win look a lot slimmer, Paul. Dangerously: I still have faith in Brian Pillman, Ross. I have a feeling tonight could be the making of him. Pillman launched himself at Hart, trying to ambush him before Hart could put any space between himself and the ropes. The Hitman, never unprepared, met him with a belly to belly suplex that nearly sent Pillman over the ropes, but for the Dangerous Alliance man snagging the top strand at the last second. Pillman teetered on the ring apron and might have been easy prey for Hart, but Jericho caught Hart from behind with a dropkick, sending the Hitman tumbling into the corner. Ross: Was that inexperience on Jericho’s part? The kid’s got no manager out here tonight to guide him – he could have let Hart take out Pillman, and then tried to take Hart out! Dangerously: Or maybe he knows a good deal when he sees it, Ross! Jericho went after Pillman, trying to capitalise on his position on the apron. Pillman was ready, though, having recovered in the seconds Jericho had earned him. Grabbing the young Canadian by the back of the head, Pillman dropped him throat-first across the top rope. As Jericho rebounded Hart was right on hand to send him sailing over the top rope and out of the match (2). Dangerously: What did I tell you, Ross? As Hart turned back to Pillman, he found him poised on the top rope for a split second. Hart stepped back in surprise but Pillman was already in motion, springing into the air and soaring across the ring to crash into Hart. Ross: Air Pillman! Dangerously: We’ve been working on that – note how he had his arm folded in, Ross. More impact from more speed due to the narrower profile, and that means... Hart tried to stand, but his legs buckled under him as he tried to put weight on them. Dangerously: ...Hart’s equilibrium is all kinds of messed up right now! We call it the System Crash, and it’s an invaluable addition to Brian’s arsenal. Pillman sized up the Hitman carefully, cackling as he framed him for a second like a movie director between his hands, then bouncing off the ropes to deliver a Shining Wizard that put Hart down for the count. Pillman posed for the cameras as the fans in attendance booed his arrogance, but Hart wasn’t moving at all as Pillman dragged him off the mat and towards the ropes. Dangerously: In the end, Ross, there was nothing to worry about- As Pillman tried to dump Hart over the top rope, Hart seemed to spring to life, grapevining Pillman’s arm and hanging precariously above the arena floor. The Hitman held on grimly with three limbs as Pillman bellowed in pain, Hart’s whole weight hanging on one arm, leveraged over the top rope. Hart tried to swing on the arm, reaching with his free hand for the edge of the entrance ramp – safe haven in BattleBowl as it stood above the arena floor. Ross: I was sure Hart was down! All credit to this young man’s resilience! Dangerously: It’s one reason we wanted him in the Alliance, Ross, but any sensible man ought to know why he’s beaten. Clearly we’re better off without him! Just drop! Pillman, unable to shake Hart off, eventually seemed to decide that regrouping was worth sacrificing his victory, and with a heave he swung Hart towards the ramp. Hart pulled himself onto the sanctuary, but even here he wasn’t safe as he struggled to get his feet under him. Pushing himself unsteadily upright he turned to the ring, and Pillman sprinting towards him. With a huge leap Pillman sprang up to the top rope once more... ...and seemed to stand there for an age as flashbulbs popped all through the arena... ...before springing off and crashing down on Hart. Dangerously: System Crash! Hart toppled backwards, landing in a heap on the ramp as Pillman stood over him, sketching a bow in each direction before turning once again to Hart. Ross: He hasn’t learned his lesson. Dangerously: Yes he has. There was more impact that time, I could tell! With the toe of his boot, Pillman shoved Hart off the ramp and finally to the arena floor (1), and as the bell rang he soaked in the boos of the crowd – albeit boos intermingled with a few cheers, some fans apparently appreciative of his athleticism and endurance. Dangerously: Well, Ross? Whaddya got for me? Let me hear it, I want you to say it. Ross: Well, Paul... I suppose... you were right. Dangerously: There’s no suppose about it! The Dangerous Alliance won this match, exactly like I said that they would! And I don’t want to hear anything out of you about how Brian Pillman and Rick Rude will coexist between now and SuperBrawl III, because I should hope by now that we’ve proved that the Dangerous Alliance is a single, cohesive unit! Pillman stood alone on the entrance ramp, until Owen Hart and Steve Austin came from backstage to join him. Even though Austin clearly was annoyed at not being the one with his hand raised, he congratulated Pillman and then he and Owen lifted their ally onto their shoulders. Dangerously: And that man there is our rising star! Ross: Which one? Dangerously: All of them. Winner: Brian Pillman (B+) * Ross: We’re going to take you backstage for a scene captured moment ago. The camera cut to the parking lot, where a Harley Davidson rolled down the ramp and came to a stop. Sting climbed off, removing his helmet and jacket, his facepaint already applied. Martin: Sting, can you- Sting held up a hand. Sting: The time for words is done. You can ask me whatever you want in an hour, but now... it’s showtime. * 60 Minute Iron Man WCW World Title Sting vs. Rick Rude © Sting charged to the ring, almost a year of pent-up frustration set for release as he tied up ith Rick Rude in a match all but guaranteed to deliver a winner. Ross: No interference allowed on either side, this one will run for at least 60 minutes, and overtime if needs be – we must have a winner! Dangerously: That’s right, Ross. And when Rude comes out of this, arm raised, and a clear margin of victory... well, I’ll expect to hear you admit that I was right, that the Dangerous Alliance was right – again! Rick Rude entered second, the WCW World title secure around his waist. Handing the title to the referee, he allowed Madusa to untie his robe and reveal his impeccable physique. Dangerously: Make no mistakes, Rick Rude is built as much for go as for show – even more so tonight. We’re not going into this blind, Ross. We know how good Sting is. He’s been Rude’s toughest opponent, and we’re not pretending otherwise. This challenge isn’t one we take lightly. Rick Rude is ready for 60 minutes of the toughest fight he’s ever had, but he’s ready to win – and put Sting behind him! Ross: We all heard Sting just moments ago. He seems ready – and perhaps there was even a hint of veteran guile from this young man. He’s spent the last year watching the Alliance run roughshod over WCW. He was a Horseman. He’s faced and beaten Ric Flair, perhaps has the best record of anyone against the Nature Boy. This is no fool standing across the ring from the World champion. As the bell rang, champion and challenger stared one another down. With 60 minutes in the ring together, neither man was willing to engage quickly and risk an early mistake that would hand momentum to their opponent. Rude contented himself with a double biceps curl that drew boos and some catcalls from the crowd. Sting responded with a pose of his own, bending forward slightly to show off his arms, chest and shoulders to best effect. Seemingly anticipating this, Rude kicked out at Sting, but seemingly anticipating that, Sting caught his foot in his hands, and a whip-quick dragon whip sent Rude tumbling into one corner of the ring. As he tried to regain his bearings, Sting flew in on him with a Stinger Splash that would have got the first pin of the match in the opening minute, had Rude not been able to get one foot under the ropes. Ross: So close! Dangerously: Close doesn’t count! Rude bailed out of the ring to gather his wits, but Sting wasted no time in following him out. The two traded blows outside the ring with Rude coming out the worst, but he did manage to reverse an Irish whip sending Sting towards the ring steps. Sting had to vault over the steels steps rather than crash into them, and Rude used the opportunity to slide into the ring to catch his breath. Rude met Sting’s return to the ring with a dropkick and mounted his challenger with a flurry of punches that had Sting covering up until the referee forced the break. Rude barked at the official, but couldn’t make him back down as he pointed out who was in charge of the match – and if Rude wasn’t careful, he’d be disqualified! As the fans jeered Rude, he responded by kicking Sting in the ribs, following up with a bearhug to try and sap Sting’s energy. But Sting wasn’t worn down enough to stay trapped for long, and even with Rude’s strength Sting managed to break free by delivering a series of clubbing blows to Rude’s ears, clapping his arms together on the sides of Rude’s ears to break the hold, before decking Rude with a clothesline. Rude tried to get back to his feet, but Sting was there immediately to fell him with another clothesline, before following up with an atomic drop that sent Rude stumbling across the ring. As Rude clung to the top rope for support, Sting charged across the ring and delivered a clothesline that took both men over and out to the entrance ramp. Ross: What a move! Straight out of Cactus Jack’s playbook! With both men down, the referee looked somewhat torn as to how to handle the situation. He seemed ready to start a countout that might potentially see both men score a fall... ...but then Jesse Ventura appeared at the top of the ramp. Ventura: Let me make this clear, Nick Patrick. No double countouts, no double disqualifications. Let them fight, but make your decisions count! Ross: Great call by the Commissioner! We don’t need to pad the scores here. Dangerously: And it means that Rude gets a chance to rest here, which is fine by me! Both men found their way upright, and Sting charged at Rude, but Rude got down to backdrop Sting over the top rope and back into the ring, to groans from the crowd. Rude, uncharacteristically, went to the corner of the ring and climbed up to the top rope. As Sting climbed upright, Rude came down with a double axehandle to the top of his head. Before Sting could go all the way down to the mat, Rude grabbed him and turned him around and into a Rude Awakening, Making the cover, Rude scored the first fall of the match. 7:56 Sting 0 – 1 Rick Rude Dangerously: The Rude Awakening, Ross. Name a more lethal move – if you can! Ross: The Scorpion Deathlock? Dangerously: Rude would break it. After a short rest period Sting was cautious in coming out of his corner. As Rude smiled, his challenger extended a hand for a test of strength, arm outstretched at full length to stop Rude from taking advantage. Dangerously: And you see Sting has had his confidence shaken. One win – that wasn’t a real pin – last month and he thought he was in Rude’s head, but Rick Rude scored the first pin, he’ll score the next one, he’ll score every one! Both men vied for leverage, each seeking to find some advantage over the other, but unable to do so as they found their equal. Ross: We’ve said it before – these two men are just as strong as each other. Dangerously: For now. Once Rick’s pummelled Sting for another ten or fifteen minutes, let’s see where we are! Rude tried to go low with a kick, but Sting was able to dart back, pulling Rude off balance. Sting pulled him in close with a snap suplex, before hoisting Rude up with a military press. Sting held Rude overhead for a long, long time as the World champion was made to wait for the impact, and Sting even howled for the crowd before hurling Rude across the ring. Rude lay sprawled in a corner as the crowd howled back, and the champions scrambled for the ropes as Sting closed in. The referee tried to back the challenger off, but Sting closed in regardless, and as the official argued with him, Rude reached over the referee’s shoulder to gouge Sting in the eye. As Sting reeled, Rude went low with a chop block to Sting’s knee, dropping him to the mat like a rock. Ross: Sting’s injured knee! Three years ago he ruptured the tendons in his knee, and no matter how well it was repaired- Dangerously: -it’s a weak point, Ross. We know these things! Sting stumbled across the ring, his knee obviously weakened by the blow. Before he could recover, Rude rolled him up – and the referee missed the handful of tights as the World champion held Sting down for three! 15:57 Sting 0 – 2 Rick Rude Ross: What do you call that, Paul? Dangerously: Insurance. Sting practically bounced upright, adrenaline firing him at Rude who fell back under the fury of his challenger’s onslaught. The referee tried to separate the pair to enforce the rest period, but after a few futile seconds he gestured for the pair to continue – as though he could have separated them! Rude began to make some headway after a desperate headbutt – no pun intended – staggered Sting. Seeing a splash of red mingled with his opponent’s facepaint, Rude followed in with closed fists and elbows, but Sting rallied with a big dropkick that sent Rude tumbling through the ropes. Sting followed him to the outside and whipped Rude into the ringpost, sending him careening into the guardrail. Before Rude could react- Ross: Stinger Splash! -he was bent backwards over the railing as Sting launched himself through the air, both men crashing into the front row of the crowd. Ross: No countouts here, not with both men on the outside. The referee has been told to let them fight! Dangerously: And quite right too! Ross: Really? Dangerously: Yes, Ross. We want this to be definitive. I know you don’t believe me, but let Rude destroy Sting, and then there’s no question who’s superior! Rude clawed his way across the floor, putting distance between himself and Sting. As Sting grabbed his leg and tried to pull him back, Rude turned over and kicked Sting in the chest, pushing him back. Rude got to his feet – and snatched up a chair, which he swung for a home run hit that would have made Terry Pendleton proud. Sting was set crashing over the guardrail as the referee called for the bell, disqualifying Rude. 21:37 Sting 1 – 2 Rick Rude Rude looked raring and ready to go – unsurprising, as he’d gained a clear advantage with the chairshot. But this time the referee insisted on the rest period, and when Rude tried to argue, the official shot back, making it clear that the time not taken after the second fall would be used now, so Sting had a chance to recover. Dangerously: What bull---- is this? Ross: Uh, steady Paul! The referee’s allowed to use his discretion, after all. Folks, Paul’s just exercising his right to freedom of speech, but for anyone offended, well, we apologise on behalf of WCW. Dangerously: If this costs my client, WCW will be hearing from the offices of Richard Heyman, straight outta the Bronx! When Sting was able to make it back into the ring Rude went for an immediate cover to try and win a third fall, but Sting kicked out. Scowling, Rude remained on the offensive as he tried to put Sting down, but the challenger was in no mood to stay down. Time and again, the challenger got his shoulder up on two – and even one, which only seemed to enrage Rude still further. Dangerously: He’s stupider than I thought, Ross. Rude’s got this, it’s just a matter of when. Sting should take the beating and just give up – once Rude restores that two point lead, he’s not going to let it go! Had Sting heard Dangerously’s words, it’s doubtful he would have followed the advice given, for the challenger seemed to be growing stronger in spite of the punishment Rude was dealing. Ross: As we near the halfway mark... Dare I say it? It seems almost like Sting’s playing rope-a-dope with the champion! Dangerously: Impossible! After yet another kickout Rude threw his hands up in frustration, looking to his corner – but Madusa wasn’t there, and the champion’s irritation seemed to grow deeper as he realised he was in there on his own. Rude went for a gutwrench suplex but Sting powered out, slapping Rude across the face. Rude fired back with a series of right hands and a thrust to the throat that left Sting reeling. The official warned Rude, but the champion ignored him and whipped Sting into the corner, following in with a Stinger Splash of his own! Dangerously: Improvisation! I love it! Rude clutched at his stomach as Sting stumbled out of the corner, apparently not used to the impact of the move, but he was able to grab Sting and deliver another Rude Awakening, covering to restore a two point lead. 30:29 Sting 1 – 3 Rick Rude Dangerously: Lethal, Ross. Now see the champion shatter Sting’s hopes and dreams! But rather than press the advantage, Rude bailed out of the ring and apparently sought to clear his head. As Sting recuperated on the inside of the ring, Rude stared daggers at him from the outside. Ross: Rude just went up by two – but he doesn’t look happy! Getting back in the ring, Rude went after Sting with unbridled aggression. Bombarding the challenger with slams and clotheslines, Rude retaliated against Sting’s earlier control of the match by delivering a military press of his own. But in his case, he was unable to hold Sting aloft as the challenger broke free and dropped behind Rude, delivering a German suplex that earned a close fall. Ross: Seems like Sting’s got into the champ’s head, Paul. Dangerously: Shut up, Ross. Rude’s got two falls, and twenty-five minutes to go. This is in hand. I’ll give credit to Sting, he’s making Rude work for it, but there’s no glory in beating some schlub; Not much money in it, either. Ross: Sting’s certainly not that – he’s an incredible athlete to have come through not just the punishment he’s taken tonight, but everything else your clients and your mercenaries have inflicted on him! For several more minutes Sting and Rude traded moves and holds, neither man able to establish a clear advantage. Still, it was Rude who once again seemed to show his frustration, nearly falling victim to a Stinger Splash and, even though he made it out of the corner, Sting landed on the second rope. Leaping off with a crossbody, Sting scored another close fall, prompting Rude to bail out of the ring once again. Ross: I think your man needs some advice, Paul. What about it? Dangerously: The champ has this, Ross! Ross: I’m sure you thought he would by now, after the beating your thugs put on Sting last Saturday night. Maybe you underestimated him! Dangerously: Oh, shut up! Re-entering the ring, Rude ducked under a clothesline and went for a Rude Awakening. Sting, however, caught Rude’s arms and stopped him from locking in the hold. Ross: Sting had him scouted! He’s taken two Rude Awakenings tonight, and knows exactly what Rude was going to do! Dangerously: Oh, this is... Ross: Yes? Dangerously: Nothing! Exasperated, Rude shoved Sting away and again glanced to the outside. Sting’s focus remained laserlike as he stared at the champion before lunging forward – right into a big right hand from Rude! Dangerously: Yes! Sucker! Rude punched away at Sting’s face, widening the wound on his forehead and spilling blood over what remained of his facepaint after nearly forty minutes of gruelling combat. At one point Rude even grabbed Sting’s hair and yanked his head back, digging his nails into Sting’s forehead like he was trying to tear it open. The crowd jeered the unsporting behaviour, but Rude was way past caring. Shoving Sting to the mat he wiped his bloodstained hands across his tights before clasping them behind his head and swivelling his hips as he stood over the grounded challenger. Ross: Oh, this is just- Wait! Before Rude could react, Sting sprang up off the mat and cradled him tightly, holding his shoulders down for the three even as Rude tried frantically to escape. 42:48 Sting 2 – 3 Rick Rude This time it was Sting who quickly bailed out of the ring, taking full advantage of the rest period between falls to grab a bottle of water and rinse the blood from his face. Sagging against the railings he managed a weary smile as the Stingers in the crowd cheered for him – all while Rude sat in the centre of the ring, staring at the referee in disbelief. Ross: There’s no question! Rick Rude had been pinned once in over a year in WCW – and as my broadcast colleague would no doubt tell you if he ever manages to take a breath again, that was heavily disputed by the Dangerous Alliance! But there’s no doubt here, Rude was pinned in the centre of the ring, and with more than fifteen minutes on the clock his lead is down to one! Sting was a man re-energised by scoring the fall, clambering to the top rope as Rude continued to argue with the official. He caught sight of Sting’s leap, but it was too late to do more than get his arms up to try and bear some of the challenger’s weight as he levelled the champion with a flying crossbody that gained a very close two count. Unable to react, Rude had to endure Sting sending him careening from pillar to post, delivering suplexes and clotheslines, Rude only managing to evade a crossbody off the ropes by dropping to the mat and rolling out of the ring onto the ramp. Dangerously: That’s smart, there’s no countouts, he can clear his head... Ross: No double countouts, Paul. Sting could level the match here if Rude doesn’t get back in before a count of ten. Sting was clearly not in any mood for that, though. As Rude yelled at the vocal Omni crowd, Sting once again climbed to the top rope. Rude turned back to the ring, only to be met by a diving clothesline that splattered him on the ramp. Sting rolled upright, howling for the crowd before hauling Rude up and pitching him over the top rope and back into the ring. Dangerously: It’s fine, it’s fine. We’re still in charge – Sting needs two for the title, and he’s barely got ten minutes left. Ross, no plan of battle survives first contact with the enemy. The champ got an early lead, that’s what we planned for, and that’s what’s going to win this for us. Ross: Whatever you say, Paul. Back in the ring, Rude slowed his opponent with a boot to the gut and tried once more for a Rude Awakening. However, before he could even turn Sting around Sting launched himself at Rude with a headbutt, driving Rude back into the ropes. As Rude rebounded Sting hit a spinning powerslam followed by an elbow drop. Cappetta: Ladies and gentlemen, there are ten minutes remaining! Ten minutes! Sting went to the second rope for another elbow drop, but Rude was able to roll out of the way. Getting to his feet, he met the rising Sting with a boot to the face and a quick cover of his own for two. Staying on Sting he tried to grind his bloodied face into the mat, but Sting somehow rolled him over into an armbar, cranking back on Rude’s shoulder, and even using the ropes for added leverage – which drew a count from the referee and anguished howls from Dangerously on commentary, but most tellingly saw Rude nursing his shoulder as he stood up. Sting was slower to his feet, the effects of blood loss and nearly an hour of battle clearly wearing on him, and Rude lunged forward to grab him by the head and wrench him around with a Rude Awakening! Dangerously: Yes! Mark the scorecard Ross! The referee’s hand had hit the mat twice and was on its way down for a third time when he stopped and broke off the count: Sting’s shoulder was up! Dangerously: No! Impossible! No-one can escape the Rude Awakening! Ross: With a bad shoulder, with nearly an hour on the clock, perhaps he didn’t get all of it, Paul. Dangerously: You’re... you’re right, Ross... What do we have left, a little over eight minutes? It’s okay, it’s fine, we can still do this, just don’t make any mistakes, the champ’s still in the lead... Rude looked exhausted and, once more, disbelieving as he gestured for a three count to the referee. The official shook his head, signalling two. With a shake of his head, Rude turned back to Sting, struggling to rise from the mat. Rude rotated his shoulder a couple of times before grabbing Sting by the head, seemingly preparing another Rude Awakening, but Sting rose quickly and batted Rude’s hands away before kicking him in the gut. As Rude doubled over, Sting grabbed his head and spun him around. Ross: Rude Awakening! Sting scores with a Rude Awakening of his own! As the crowd roared, Sting fell on top of Rude, the referee counting to three to level the match. 52:16 Sting 3 – 3 Rick Rude Ross: I said earlier that Sting knew the Rude Awakening inside and out – and it’s paid dividends tonight! With just over seven minutes remaining, the scores are tied. We will have a winner tonight, but now Rick Rude’s advantage has been overcome by the challenger! Rude’s face as he rose from the mat spoke of utter frustration, his lead vanished. Sting backed into the corner during the rest period, watching his opponent intently as Rude went to the opposite corner, bowing his forehead to the top turnbuckle. Ross: And it seems like the champion is feeling the strain. Dangerously: Give him the rest period, Ross! An hour is a tough ask for anyone! Ross: Sting’s had the same demands on him, Paul. Dangerously: Did you hear me mention Sting? Did I say a single word about your beloved Stinger? No. So clam up, Ross – I don’t want to hear a single word against Rude. He can still win, or take it to overtime. Then it’s sudden death, and Rude hasn’t been behind in this match! Ross: I’ll say this for both men. After almost an hour tonight, after two years of pursuit for Sting, after almost a year of being the hunted champion for Rick Rude, it’s no wonder that the strain is showing. It’s a true testament to both men that they’re still standing, still fighting, and neither man has collapsed under the pressure! With only a short time remaining and almost an hour behind them, neither man was fast out of the blocks as the referee called them back from their corners. The strain of the contest showed as weary muscles responded slowly when called on. Seemingly shorn of more technical ideas, Rude threw fists at Sting as fast as he could. Sting, for his part, managed to block some but not all of the strikes, and was forced backwards as the heavy punches struck home. Cappetta: Ladies and gentlemen, there are five minutes remaining! Five minutes! Dangerously: One punch could be a knockout! If that’s what it takes, just punch his lights out! Sting dropped to one knee, but blocked the next punch and drilled Rude in the stomach with a punch of his own. Even with Rude’s washboard abdomen he sagged under the blow, and Sting quickly tried to cradle him for the lead. Rude rolled through and pinned Sting’s shoulders to the mat, but Sting managed to get an arm free to grab the ropes even as the referee’s hand hit the mat for the third time. Rude released the cradle and clearly felt he’d restored his lead – but one look at the referee’s shaking head alerted him to the reality. Dangerously: But that’s fine! Sting couldn’t kick out! Get him again! With a resigned shake of his own head, Rude pulled himself up on the ropes, kicking out at Sting. Sting caught his boot and tried to pull Rude off the ropes, but the champion hung on grimly, unwilling to surrender the safety of his position. Sting released Rude’s boot, his own frustration showing as the seconds continued to tick away. The referee stepped between the two to try and back Sting off as the fans booed Rude’s defensive approach. Ross: The fans want Sting to win this – no disguising that! Dangerously: You can’t always get what you want, Ross – unless you’re in the Dangerous Alliance! As Sting argued with the referee Rude lunged at him, blindsiding him and trying to roll him up with a schoolboy pin. Sting got his shoulder up, but Rude kept hold of him, shifting his weight to once more put Sting’s shoulders down – and again Sting fought to only take a two count. Ross: They all count, even if Rude would want a more emphatic end to the match. After a third two count, Rude changed tack and tried to cradle Sting once more, but Sting rolled through – and suddenly Sting was on his feet, Rude’s legs clasped in his hands as he turned the champion onto his chest. Crossing Rude’s legs, Sting sat back and howled in unison with the crowd. Ross: Scorpion Deathlock! For the first time tonight, Sting goes to his signature submission! Dangerously: He’s never made Rude submit, not once! Ross: But if he gets it now... Sting leaned back still further, almost lying on Rude as he torqued back on Rude’s legs, putting everything he had into the hold... ...and Rude, nearly bent double and clearly in agony, submitted! 58:07 Sting 4 – 3 Rick Rude Dangerously: No! Ross: Yes! Dangerously: No! Get up! There’s still time! Take it to overtime! Get up! Rude lay on the mat, legs twisted, seemingly unable to move as Sting climbed the turnbuckles in one corner, saluting the crowd. Ross: Sting thinks he has it! By the time the rest period ends, there’ll barely be a minute left! Rude tried to stand as the referee called for him to be ready for the last moments of the match, but his legs simply wouldn’t take his weight, crumpling under him as Sting watched on from the corner. Ross: If Rude can’t even stand... Cappetta: Ladies and gentlemen, there is one minute remaining! One minute! Sting walked forward, standing over Rude as the champion tried one last time to stand. Grasping Sting’s tights, Rude tried to pull himself up – or pull Sting down. But Sting stood tall, piefacing Rude and shoving him to the mat, Rude falling without resistance as Sting raised his arms wearily overhead... ...and the bell rang, marking the end of the hour – and of the World title reign of Rick Rude! Ross: Sting has done it! Sting is the champion! Nearly two years in the hunt, and Sting is atop the mountain again! The locker room emptied as Sting was presented with the title belt. Clutching it with both hands, he stared at it fixedly, seemingly unaware of everything around him until Rhodes and Windham lifted him up into the air, putting him on their shoulders as he looked around, seeing his friends and allies, holding the title aloft in salute to the roaring crowd... ...and catching sight of Brian Pillman, standing at the top of the ramp, watching in silence. Ross: And as soon as Sting’s reign begins, challengers are stepping up to the plate. We know that Brian Pillman awaits at SuperBrawl, I’m sure that Rick Rude will want another chance at the gold, and what about the Ultimate Warrior, or Randy Savage? Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for sharing your Christmas night with us, and congratulations once more to Sting, who fought as hard as anyone ever has to claim the greatest prize our sport has to offer – the WCW World title! Winner: Sting (A) Show rating: A <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

Glad I caught up in time to post my predictions! WWF Championship: Casket Match The Undertaker © vs. Brian Pillman *Cough* WWF European Championship Match Jeff Jarrett © vs. Dean Malenko Not just yet, Deano. WWF Tag Team Championship Match Harlem Heat © vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson Sets up the Huffmans to try and reclaim... by any means necessary. Nine Circles of Hell Match: Treachery Jake Roberts vs. Raven Win or lose, Raven has Jake's soul in the palm of his hand. The actual 1-2-3 is probably irrelevant, but if it does happen then I think Raven takes it. WWF Intercontinental Championship Match Scott Hall © vs. Chris Jericho Jericho celebrates his shiny new contract with a shiny new belt. I wonder if he'll ever take off the LHW belt, though? Royal Rumble Match Al Snow, Ahmed Johnson , Barry Windham, Billy Gunn, Billy Kidman, Bradshaw, British Bulldog, Chris Candido, Crush, D'Lo Brown, Dustin Rhodes, Kama, ???, Marc Mero, Mark Henry, Marty Jannetty, Matt Hardy, Mosh, Nelson, Owen Hart, Rey Mysterio, Rich Steiner, Road Dogg, Sean Waltman, Scorpio, Scott Steiner, Steve Austin, Test, Thrasher, Wrath Sometimes you have to go with what's obvious. Final Four: Austin, Owen, Ahmed, Steiner Iron Man: Can't remember if Austin's been given a low entry, but I don't think so. If Pillman wins, Owen's #30 so I'll go with Austin as I suspect Vince will find a way to drop him in early somehow. Most Eliminations: Steiner - always a good way to get a guy over, and one I generally forget to play up when booking Rumbles!

“Ric, Ric, hey, look who’s here!” Ric stopped himself from biting Eric’s head off as he turned to greet him in the hall. Bischoff had with him a young man who Flair didn’t recognise, but from the wide smile on Eric’s face the kid had to be someone special. “It’s Jason Hervey! You know Jason, right?” Ric held out a hand automatically, two decades of being introduced to people he ‘had to know’ standing him in good stead. Starrcade in two hours. I don’t have time for this! Just flash the Nature Boy’s smile and get moving! “Jason, good to see you! How’s things, pal?” “Going great, Mr Flair. Hoping that Wonder Years will be picked up for a sixth season, you know? If not, I’ve got offers for films and new TV shows, and Eric was saying that you might need someone with some Hollywood connections around here, too!” Ric’s smile froze on his face for a moment as he looked from Hervey to Bischoff, the latter of whom was smiling as broadly as ever. “You said yourself, Ric – we want that Teen Beat demographic, and who’s better for that than the hottest young actor in television today! Jason has his finger on the pulse in Hollywood – and he can make girls and women swoon, just like you did!” Ric’s memory latched on to the Wonder Years reference. “The Wonder Years... Yeah, my daughter watches that. You’re in that, of course.” He smiled again. “So, Hollywood, well, of course – we have drama, we have comedy, we have action. I’m surprised that Hollywood’s not banging down the door already.” “Oh, believe me, they will be Rick. Oh, hey, I bumped into Mr Turner at headquarters the other day and we were talking about just that!” “You and... Mr Turner?” Ric asked, his smile fading. “I know, right? What are the chances? But he called in on a seminar for young executives I was attending, and I thought ‘When will I ever get another chance like this?’” Eric said. “Never. I mean, it’s not very likely, certainly.” Ric looked at Hervey. The young man didn’t look like a heart throb... but perhaps that was Ric’s age. I suppose there’s one way to find out. Sink or swim, just like we all had to at some point. “Well, Jason, if you’re interested we can probably find something for you to do tonight...” And maybe I should give Mr Turner a call. I only want one line of communication to him when it comes to WCW – and it goes through me! And if Mr Hollywood Teen Beat here starts getting ideas above his station, then maybe he can take a trip to World Class as well – or join Mike Graham in Florida! * WCW Starrcade – Night Of The Iron Man Sting vs. Rick Rude © – WCW World Title Ultimate Warrior vs. Big Van Vader – Last Man Standing Ric Flair vs. Arn Anderson Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham © vs. The Diamond Mine – WCW World Tag Team Titles Beat The Champ: ??? vs. Don Harris © – WCW Television Title Lethal Lottery and BattleBowl: Steve Armstrong, Steve Austin, Marcus Bagwell, Robert Gibson, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Mr Hughes, Cactus Jack, Chris Jericho, Nikita Koloff, Dean Malenko, Joe Malenko, Shawn Michaels, Richard Morton, Brian Pillman, Scott Steiner, Ricky Steamboat, Tracy Smothers, Lance Storm, Terence Taylor, ??? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

<p><em>OOC: A combination of laptop issues, lack of time and struggling with the Iron Man match has caused delays here, but with a bit of luck Starrcade should be up this week - and then on to 1993!</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kWQWHhq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kWQWHhq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>World Championship Wrestling presents: Main Event</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Sunday, Week 3, December 1992</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Your commentators: Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff and Dusty Rhodes</div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Segment of the Night – Rick Rude is ready for Starrcade</span></div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="QscAOzc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QscAOzc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rick Rude stood in the centre of the ring, microphone in one hand, WCW World title in the other. He stared at the title with a satisfied smile even as he raised the microphone to his lips.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude: </span></strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Where’s Sting?</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">He continued to gaze at the title as the fans booing grew louder.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude: </span></strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Where is he? I want to speak to him.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">He still stared at the title, letting the fans rain down their disapproval on him.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude: </span></strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Oh, that’s right... Sting’s not here! My associates beat him so badly last night that he can’t fight tonight, and I’m no doctor even though obviously I’m an expert on anatomy...</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">He spread his arms, flexing his biceps as he displayed his muscles.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude:</span></strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">...</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">but I can tell you that beaten and broken today won’t be fixed on Thursday night! An hour in the ring with me? Sting should just forfeit – or if he’s </span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">dumb</span></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> enough to try and fight me, he’s in for 60 minutes of pain and humiliation the likes of which he’s never known. After all, you can ask anyone – I’m in great shape, and I can go all night!</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude smirked as the booing somehow grew louder still.</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rude: </span></strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sting, be honest with yourself, and be honest with all the little Stingers out there. There’s no shame in walking away from a fight that you can’t win, and no glory in being beaten so badly you won’t be able to stand. Save yourself that humiliation and suffering, because if and when that bell rings on Thursday night there’ll be no mercy, no relenting, and no early release. There’ll just be the greatest wrestler alive making you suffer for daring to challenge my supremacy!</span></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WCW Hotline Show Notes</span></div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="VpKqsJW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VpKqsJW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Twins, eh? Who’d fight ‘em! Certainly Firebreaker Chip seemed to catch a lucky break on Saturday night when he captured the Television title from Ron Harris – but his luck was not in on Sunday night as Don Harris reclaimed the belt for the One Percenters. But let Chip’s efforts not go unrecognised as he seemed to have the match in hand before Ron dragged the unconscious form of Todd Champion out into the aisle from backstage – and that distraction was enough for Don to Chokeslam Chip for the pin!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Champion wasn’t the only one to run into trouble backstage, as the Stocks and Shares Express were laid out by an unknown attacker – to the confusion and consternation of Alexandra York and NWA World champion Terence Taylor.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In a preview for the Lethal Lottery, Dangerous Alliance teammates Owen Hart and Steve Austin were pitted against one another, Austin teaming with Marcus Bagwell and Hart with Chris Jericho. Austin and Bagwell couldn’t get past their mutual dislike of one another, which prevented them working together cleanly as a team. Hart and Jericho, both graduates of the famed Hart Family Dungeon, were much more on the same page and took the fight to their opponents – although Hart seemed reluctant to engage with Austin. Austin, for his part, seemed happy enough to wait on the apron and only tag in for short spells, letting Bagwell take the bulk of the damage. But that ultimately cost him, as his jawing at Bagwell after deigning to tag in gave Hart the chance to roll him up for the pin, leaving Austin stunned in defeat!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Afterwards Austin quickly became furious at losing the match, but with Hart stood in front of him, hand extended, the resentment seemed to slowly fade and he shook it – albeit with gritted teeth as Hart pointed out that the win bonus was getting pooled with the Alliance anyway...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Brian Pillman and Lance Storm weren’t left out of the night’s action, either. Facing off in singles action the two put on a thrilling match that showcased both men’s incredible athleticism and technical skill, before Pillman was able to capitalise on Storm’s inexperience to distract him for a second, leaving him open to a Shining Wizard for the pin! More of these guys please, Commissioner Ventura!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Both Ultimate Warrior and Ricky Steamboat were victims of Paul E. Dangerously’s conspiracy to soften up Sting on Saturday night, and both had thoughts on how they’d settle their grudges – Warrior warning Vader ahead of their Last Man Standing match at Starrcade, while Steamboat singled out Terence Taylor, saying that the NWA World title wasn’t just a money-making tool, and that sooner rather than later he’d make Taylor realise that!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In the night’s main event Rick Rude and Shawn Michaels clashed with the Young Pistols. While the Pistols’ tag experience gave them the edge in teamwork, Rude in particular seemed to be on a mission to impress ahead of Starrcade. With the WCW World champion in undeniable form, Rude overpowered Smothers and Armstrong, before levelling Armstrong with a Rude Awakening for the win!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Show rating: A</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DcoZDk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DcoZDk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> OOC: Jim Ross and Mark Curtis have become friends</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Next: A Wonderful guest star...</em></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div> <p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--></p>

Bored now. Next! I suspect I’m more like Vince in that regard than i’d care to admit.

My understanding is he *was* supposed to go through the cell roof, but it was supposed to be fixed so that it would sag and only give way after repeated chokeslams etc. so that he got a controlled drop onto the mat. Not give way immediately, dropping him 12 feet into one of the worst landings you'll ever see in a wrestling ring... and then the chair smashed him in the face because sometimes the universe likes to literally hit you with a chair when you're down. I'm reminded of an indy show a year or two back where their steel cage literally collapsed midway through the match. They got the ringside fans to crowd around the ring and hold the panels upright so the match could continue. Apparently everyone liked being close to the action, so... But yes, making the ring and associated infrastructure part of your budget would make sense, even going so far as to have different standards for things like ring stiffness, ropes or cables, etc. Outside the remit of a booker, perhaps, but they'd be little touches that add into the game. Having cage matches etc. adding to the cost a show would be an added wrinkle - does your garbage fed provide the finest hand-crafted weapons that cost a lot but will last you several shows, or do your Larry Wood wannabes just dig through a dumpster before their match and batter each other with whatever they can find, regardless of suitability, safety and even contamination risks.

World Championship Wrestling presents: Saturday Night Saturday, Week 3, December 1992 Your commentators: Jim Ross and Paul E. Dangerously Segment of the Night 1 – Sting is ready for Starrcade Sting stood in the centre of the ring with Tony Schiavone, the latter with one hand in a cast which Sting enquired after before Schiavone began the interview. Schiavone: Sting, in five nights’ time you will compete in a 60 minute Iron Man match for the WCW World title against Rick Rude – a man who has dominated WCW over the last year, and who holds two pinfall victories over you in that time. Please, can you tell us how you’ve been preparing for what promises to be an incredibly testing match? Sting: Tony, I’ve been fighting night in, night out. There’s no other way to prepare for fighting for an hour – nothing else that anyone can do, no exercise regime, no cardio workouts that will prepare you for spending an hour locked in combat, and especially not when your opponent is Rick Rude! Sting: Rick Rude is a machine, possibly the toughest man I’ve ever fought. He’s beaten me twice, you’re right, but both times he needed help. On Thursday it’s just me and him and Tony, he still might win. Sting paused as the fans booed this idea. Sting: He might. He just might. As good as he is, as tough as he is, as great shape as he’s in... He might win. But I wouldn’t have chased this match, wouldn’t have entered the tournament, wouldn’t have scratched and clawed all the way to the final and taken revenge on Steve Austin – Rick Rude’s best friend! – unless I thought I could beat Rick Rude. Sting: You see, someone told me once that to be the man – Owwww! – you gotta beat the man. And nine months ago I beat the man, clean, in the centre of the ring. Sting: And if I’m The Man then I need the title – and there’s no bigger title, no more important title, no gold worth more than the WCW World title. Whatever I have to do, I’ll do it... even if that involves wading through every body thrown in my way, every member of the Dangerous Alliance, every member of the Kingdom, the York Foundation, whatever. If I don’t do that, I won’t be ready. Schiavone: Paul E. Dangerously has admitted that your recent matches have been designed to soften you up ahead of Starrcade, all part of the Dangerous Alliance’s long-term plans for wearing you down. Even if you’ve avoided serious injury in those matches, you’ve not won them all, and surely it must have taken something out of you, and you’re still scheduled for a ten-man tag match tonight! Sting: Of course it’s been tough, Tony, but what is there worth achieving in wrestling, in life, that’s not tough? The testing I’ve been undergoing, the fights I’ve been fighting, the gauntlet that I’ve been running, even if Paul E and his lackeys have set it for me, has toughened me, leaving me like tempered steel. I’m as ready as I’ve ever been, and after nearly two years in the hunt, I’m ready to take back the World title! Owwww! Schiavone: Stinger, the best of luck at Starrcade! Segment of the Night 2 – Ten man tag match The main event was well underway, with Sting and his team in control of their opponents. Shawn Michaels was thrown from pillar to post by the crowd favourites, including being dislodged by Sting while on the top rope, resulting in a very uncomfortable landing. Dangerously: That’ll focus his mind on Thursday. Warrior tagged in and pressed Michaels overhead, holding him for several long seconds as Michaels squirmed and shook his head, trying to escape, to no avail as Warrior hurled him to the mat. A running splash would likely have ended the match there and then, but for Pillman charging into the ring and dropping an elbow on Warrior’s head. Interrupted, Warrior shook off the blow and turned to Pillman, but found himself outnumbered as Hart leapt over the top rope and stood by his partner. As Warrior assessed the duo, Hughes climbed slowly through the ropes and provided additional support. With the odds firmly against him, Warrior smiled – and charged. Hurling himself at the trio, Warrior got in the first shots as Sting, Rhodes and Steamboat charged into the fray with him. Windham, a little slower, would have been right behind him... ...but the sudden appearance of Mr Hughes and the Stocks and Shares Express caught him cold as they yanked his feet out from under him, dropping him face-first into the ring apron. Before he could recover, the Morton and Gibson dashed him to the ringside mat with a double clothesline. Dangerously: One down. The referee, caught up in the wild brawl taking place in-ring, missed the interference, but... ...the arrival of Terence Taylor and the One Percenters was much more obvious as they slid into the ring and lunged at Rhodes and Warrior, Taylor taking the Texan down with a flying forearm, and the Harris Brothers tackling Warrior to the mat, putting him in place for the hulking Hughes to deliver a big splash. Ross: This is nothing more than a mugging! As the referee called for the bell... ...Big Van Vader marched down the aisle with Harley Race at his side. Climbing into the ring he clubbed Steamboat to the mat with one big forearm before wrapping his arms around Sting in a bearhug. Sting was trapped, his allies suffering at the hands of their attackers. Dangerously: I’d say that I couldn’t have planned this better myself, but... As Vader hurled Sting into the corner, Rick Rude appeared at the top of the aisle. Stopping halfway along, he seemed to be enjoying the sights as Michaels sprang from the top rope with an elbow drop that landed square in the centre of Rhodes’ chest... ...and the cameras cut backstage to show Madusa walking away from a forklift truck, parked somewhat erratically across a doorway, from behind which could be heard banging and shouting from those trapped inside. Dangerously: ...of course I did plan it myself, and there’s no reinforcements coming for Sting and his friends! Studd, Taylor and Hughes focused on Warrior. The three had bull rushed him as he tried to get to his feet. With Warrior worn down, they laced his arms between the top and middle rope, trapping him and allowing them to step aside for Vader, who smirked underneath his mask as he took aim on Warrior, delivering heavy blows to his ribs and head as Warrior hung helpless in the ropes. Ross: And what kind of shape will Warrior be in for his last man standing match with Vader this Thursday? As Studd and Hughes worked over Rhodes, and Michaels, Taylor and the One Percenters beat down Sting, Vegas pressed Steamboat overhead, a feat all the more impressive than Warrior doing the same to Michaels, for Vegas stands close to seven feet in height. Vegas wasted no time in hurling Steamboat from the ring onto the just-stirring Windham, sending the two crashing to the mat at Rude’s feet as Madusa walked down the aisle to join him. Rude smiled broadly at the carnage, clearly savouring every moment. Ross: This is just heinous! Dangerously: If you’ll excuse me, Ross... Dangerously stood up from the announcers’ table and climbed into the ring. Joining the rest of the Dangerous Alliance, the York Foundation, the Kingdom and the Diamond Exchange in the ring he reached into his jacket and took out three bulging envelopes which he handed in turn to Harley Race, Alexandra York and Diamond Dallas Page, shaking their hands as he did so. Ross: It’s all about the money with the Dangerous Alliance! With Warrior restrained, Windham and Steamboat lying on the arena floor and Sting and Rhodes at their feet, the massed ranks of Dangerously’s alliance stood tall with just days until Starrcade. Ross: Folks, I hope you’ll join us this Thursday... and that the victims of this awful, calculated, but unquestionably effective assault will be well enough to stand their ground at Starrcade! WCW Hotline Show Notes Arn Anderson has a big match coming up on Thursday as he faces Ric Flair for the first time. Anderson admitted that he’d never planned to face Flair, but he’d watched every match the Nature Boy had fought for years, and no-one knew him better than the Enforcer! Ron Harris, Don Harris – it’s hard to tell twins apart! We’re pretty sure that Ron started the Television title defence against Firebreaker Chip, but Don got involved at one point – and that meant that Todd Champion dived in to even the score. In the midst of the chaos Chip hooked one of the Harrises into a Fujiwara Armbar to force a submission and take the title. Another title holder loses without a successful defence – Ted Turner will be delighted with the money saved! Chip, Champion and the Patriot celebrated after the win, with Patriot set for a United States title shot later in the night too! In a preview of the Lethal Lottery matches, confirmed entrants Bret Hart and Terence Taylor, and Ricky Steamboat and Mr Hughes paired off in a match that could be repeated at Starrcade – or some other weird and wonderful combination! In this case the match spiralled into a double disqualification as all four men ended up fighting one another – and if that happens on Thursday, none of them will make it into the BattleBowl! Randy Savage announced that he’ll be at Starrcade to fight; There are still places in the Lethal Lottery draw, so could the Macho Man be taking part once again? Scott Steiner said that he didn’t care who was fighting in the Lethal Lottery, as he’d be winning! And Nikita Koloff announced in sombre fashion that due to injury Ron Simmons wouldn’t be seen in WCW for a long time – as well as stating that he’d be taking part in the Lethal Lottery. Rick Rude defeated Lance Storm in a non-title match. The World champion seemed a little distracted during the match, and Storm came close to victory at one point with a half crab, but Rude recovered to take the win. Of course, we know exactly what was on Rude’s mind now... The Young Pistols and Michael Hayes were successful in defending their Six Man titles against Al Snow and the Lightning Express; Steve Austin also defended his United States title against the Patriot. Show rating: B+ * WCW Main Event The Young Pistols vs. Rick Rude and Shawn Michaels Beat The Champ: Firebreaker Chip © vs. Don Harris – WCW Television Title Lethal Lottery preview: Marcus Bagwell and Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart and Chris Jericho Lance Storm vs. Brian Pillman <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

Genuinely, they all seem to be delighted - it may be a bit of a glitch or it may be down to the generally low level of the talent involved, but any match that ends with someone winning the title seems to make them happy. As for the NWA belts, yeah, that can happen when I'm taking an active role in booking them. I was happy for the World title to bounce around the indies for months, but it's now where I have use for it, as are the tag belts, so Baba it is.

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42193" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Beat The Champ: Firebreaker Chip vs.<strong> Ron Harris ©</strong> – WCW Television Title <em>Out of curiosity, is the TV title set as a floating title? Midcard? I'm considering of doing a Beat The Champ gimmick for my TV title, but unsure of what to set it as..</em></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's a floating title, the prestige has gone as high as B a few times over the last year. It's currently at C-, the lowest this year (whether this is specifically due to Ron Harris being champion I leave to the readers to speculate).</p>

In WS2 at least it was a Sharpshooter with an added bridge to grab the opponent's head as well - think of an STF but even more brutal.

World Championship Wrestling presents: Main Event Sunday, Week 2, December 1992 Your commentators: Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff and Dusty Rhodes Segment of the Night – Mr Hughes enters the Lethal Lottery Harley Race led Don Harris and Mr Hughes into the ring. Don shook Ron’s hand as Ron smiled at the Television title draped over his shoulder, while Hughes loomed in the background. Race: With Big Van Vader set to destroy the Ultimate Warrior in a last man standing match, and the Harris brothers clearly going to be dominating the Television title and earning the Kingdom fifty thousand dollars of Ted Turner’s money, that only leaves Mr Hughes with no plans for Starrcade. Until now. Race: The Lethal Lottery is filling up fast, but there’s room for one very big man left in that match – and that man is Mr Hughes. Race: Other groups are sending multiple men into this contest. The Kingdom only needs to send one – Mr Hughes. Race: And the only question after Starrcade is when the Kingdom will take the World title – will Don Harris use his Television title run to take it? Will Mr Hughes’ victory in the Battlebowl get him the title at SuperBrawl? Or will the World champion take one look at what Vader does to Warrior, and give him the title rather than have to live through that same kind of punishment himself? WCW Hotline Show Notes Any night that ends with a title in one’s hands – as Marcus Bagwell’s did on Saturday – has to be a good night, but along the way Bagwell took a beating from Scott Steiner that still seemed to be bothering him on Sunday night. Ron Harris took full advantage of Bagwell’ weariness, and with a little help from Harley Race he delivered a big Chokeslam to claim the Television title – his first gold in WCW! Bobby Eaton is back in a WCW ring, and clashed here with the promising Shawn Michaels – a man who’s not too far removed from ‘Beautiful’ Bobby of a few years ago. The two blonde aerial experts went all over the ring and above it, with Eaton nearly taking victory with an Alabama Jam, only for Michaels to get his foot on the bottom rope at the very last split second. Perhaps dulled slightly by his time away from the ring, Eaton lost focus as he argued with the official, turning back to be met by a thrust kick from Michaels, followed by the Teardrop Suplex for the pin! Before Michael Hayes faced Rick Rude, he assured the Young Pistols that their Six Man title belts were safe with him when they entered the Lethal Lottery at Starrcade. Could we be seeing Smothers or Armstrong challenging for the World title at SuperBrawl III? Hayes, for his part, showed that he can still compete in singles matches as he took the World champion’s best shots and kept coming after him. Seemingly irritated by Hayes’ persistence, Rude grew more and more vicious, before hammering him with a Rude Awakening to score the three count. Afterwards, Rude spent so long posing over Hayes that Sting made his entrance for his match – resulting in a staredown between these two rivals before referees separated them. Save it for Starrcade! Sting was facing Diamond Studd, but wherever Studd is, Vinnie Vegas won’t be too far behind – and so it proved as the two combined to beat Sting into the mat, accepting a disqualification loss to put a hurting on the number one contender. Did Rick Rude have something to do with this? At least Ultimate Warrior was there to help his friend before Sting took too heavy a beating! Warrior and Cactus Jack met for the first time in the main event – although their paths have crossed several times since Warrior’s arrival. Unsurprisingly, the two men had a wild brawl that saw Cactus deliver the madman clothesline over the top rope, before Warrior responded with a huge running clothesline that turned Cactus inside out on the arena floor! Warrior seemed surprised that Cactus was able to resume the match after that – but Cactus had been surprised that Warrior had rebounded so quickly from his clothesline, too! The two continued to slug it out with the fans showing their appreciation for the action before Warrior was able to hoist Jack overhead (no mean feat!) and send him crashing down with a Gorilla Press, before delivering a Running Splash for the win. Afterwards, Warrior took a moment to praise Cactus’ fighting spirit – a compliment that seemed to surprise Jack even more than Warrior shrugging off the madman clothesline! Show rating: A * WCW Saturday Night Sting, Ultimate Warrior, Dustin Rhodes, Barry Windham and Ricky Steamboat vs. The Calgary Connection, The Diamond Mine and Shawn Michaels Beat The Champ: Firebreaker Chip vs. Ron Harris © – WCW Television Title Lethal Lottery preview: Bret Hart and Terence Taylor vs. Nikita Koloff and Mr Hughes Lance Storm vs. Rick Rude – non-title The Young Pistols and Michael Hayes © vs. The Lightning Express and Al Snow – WCW Six Man Titles The Patriot vs. Steve Austin © – WCW United States Title <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->

I very much hope not. Sometimes I use FOW, sometimes I don't, but I always use letter grades - I miss having the big 'average' letters on the front page of a worker's profile to give you an overall idea of a worker's strengths. Moving to the smaller, but more thorough, display was a change I've never really become accustomed to, even six or seven years later! And given that it's now been that way for half of TEW's life... Well, I'm a stick in the mud! But letter grades are a nice compromise for me between full FOW and full transparency; You have a good idea of how well someone would perform, but not perfect.

Non-Title, Souled Out United States Championship Oppertunity on the line The Rock vs. Eddie Guerrero Comments: Is Rock going to take ownership of Thunder the way he did Smackdown? Sid Vicious vs. Bam Bam Bigelow Comments: There's always got to be a schmozz somewhere, so let's say it's this one. WCW Television Championship Match Bill Goldberg © vs. Samu Comments: I'm assuming this isn't a typo. Samu? The Pitbulls vs. The Blue Bloods Comments: Momentum over wrestling ability Brad Armstrong vs. Lord Steven Regal Comments: Wrestling ability over no momentum Rikishi Fatu vs. VK Wallstreet Comments: Big guy beats smaller guy Scotty Riggs vs. Mortis Comments: American Males! American Males! American Males! Mike Awesome & Gideon Cain vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno Comments: Boogie Knights sighting! Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 1, January 1998 Matches From ECW Cyberslam 1998 ECW Championship Match The Sandman © vs. Terry Funk Comments: Why not? Axl Rotten vs. D-Von Dudley Comments: I remember Rotten from his feud with his 'brother' Ian, turning out some of the most brutal photos my younger self had ever seen - the Taipei Deathmatch being a particular standout. He really should beat D-Von, although apparently they were a team at one point. Who knew? Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill vs. Bad Crew Comments: Doring and Roadkill got over in ECW, remarkably. Not massively over, but they did.

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="plggoJ2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/plggoJ2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>World Championship Wrestling presents: Saturday Night</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Saturday, Week 2, December 1992</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Your commentators: Jim Ross and Paul E. Dangerously</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Segment of the Night – Sting, Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham vs. Steve Austin and the Calgary Connection</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> <img alt="uyXVAaB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uyXVAaB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hwJ6wbi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hwJ6wbi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yVAviz6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yVAviz6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="OEAyqMK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OEAyqMK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="q8m9fFW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/q8m9fFW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3QAQ87s.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3QAQ87s.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="on556lI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/on556lI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2ytkyaJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2ytkyaJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="k3ygh4n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k3ygh4n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Another week, another chance for the Dangerous Alliance to soften up Sting, Paul?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">You’re catching on, Ross – but don’t diminish Rick Rude; He can and he will beat Sting. The Dangerous Alliance hunt as a pack when they need to, though, and </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>nothing</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> is more important than the World title remaining in our hands. This isn’t like Steve potentially challenging for the title, where either outcome would have suited us. This is an outsider trying to take </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>our</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> World title, and that will not happen!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> These six men have been at war for almost a year now, and that familiarity showed through as all six had ready counters for their opponents’ moves at times. Windham tried to superplex Hart, but Pillman caught his leg and Hart fell on top for a close two count. Soon after, Sting was able to counter an attempted Stun Gun into a springboard clothesline that nearly earned </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>his</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> side the win.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">How’s Austin’s efforts on an alternative finisher coming, Paul?</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">We’re narrowing down the possibilities, and studying a lot of tapes from all over the world – Britain, Mexico, Japan... These things take time, and Steve’s good enough to get by with the Stun Gun for now.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Rhodes made a rare journey to the top rope, aiming to catch Pillman with a flying clothesline, but before he could take off he was drilled in the knee by Hart, collapsing him to the mat. Struggling upright, he was clotheslined out of the ring by Austin as Hart went after Sting and Pillman dropkicked Windham. With the big Texan down, Pillman sprang to the top rope and leapt off with a diving splash that probably would have got three had Sting not tackled Hart onto his partner.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">It’s all breaking down! Meetings between these two sides always seem to collapse into chaos!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">You say chaos, Ross, I say opportunity!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fOAo68e.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fOAo68e.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ALWOufW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ALWOufW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> As the referee tried to restore order inside the ring, the Diamond Mine walked down the aisle, drawing Rhodes’ attention as he struggled back to his feet. The tag champion confronted the duo, but Vegas and Studd held up their hands, proclaiming their innocence of any suggested wrongdoing. Rhodes refused to back down, yelling at the pair to leave the ringside area. The two held back, smirking, but keeping Rhodes’ attention off the action in the ring. Back between the ropes Sting, Windham, Hart, Pillman and Austin were continuing to brawl without restraint prompting the referee to call for the bell...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> ...which coincided with Rhodes shoving Studd, and Vegas responding with a big boot, laying the younger man out as the pair backed away, with Windham jumping out of the ring to help his partner, leaving Sting struggling with the Dangerous Alliance trio.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The number one contender succeeded in flattening Hart with a big clothesline. That left him open to a dropkick from Pillman that set up another Stun Gun attempt from Austin, but again Sting blocked and seemed ready to hurl himself at the trio again. Austin and Pillman dropped out of the ring, backing away as they helped Hart out of the way, goading Sting as they joined up with Madusa and climbed over the guard rail and into the crowd.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">On our terms or no-one’s, Stinger...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Frustrated, Sting turned his attention to the four men brawling at ringside. With no Dangerous Alliance members in range, he scaled the turnbuckles and stood perched atop them, pausing for a moment to soak up the crowd’s fevered reaction as they realised what he intended.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Sting: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Owwww!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Launching himself from the top rope, he delivered a diving splash that scattered Texans and Diamond Mine alike, before springing to his feet and going after Vinnie Vegas, the seven-footer the only one still on his feet after the impact. Like a house afire, Sting fought wildly as he, Rhodes and Windham fought back against the Diamond Mine, who were forced into retreat as they dealt with the onslaught of the crowd favourites.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8OuOaKU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OuOaKU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ventura: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Stop, stop, stop! Anyone who keeps fighting when WCW’s not making money from it will be paying back the difference out of their own pockets!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Commissioner Ventura stood at the top of the aisle, staring sternly at the seven men as referees finally managed to separate them.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ventura: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Sting, I know you want to fight, and the good news is that you can. Next week you’ll be in action again in a ten-man tag match teaming with Rhodes, Windham, Steamboat and your buddy the Ultimate Warrior – just a few nights before Starrcade!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ventura: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">As for the rest of you, I thought that that you two teams might get through a night without going at it. I was wrong, and that doesn’t happen often! As a reward for surprising me, and for impressing me too, I’m putting you both in a match for the World tag team titles at Starrcade!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">That’s huge!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Opportunity, Ross!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ventura: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">And Vegas, Studd, for putting yourself in the vicinity of our main event tonight, let's see you defend your United States tag titles against the NWA World tag team champions, the Stocks And Shares Express!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The York Foundation will love that!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ventura: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Now all of you, get to the back – or I’ll be forced to </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>really</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> exercise my authority!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The five men managed, more or less, to disappear backstage. Sting was the last to go, turning at the last to take in the ongoing crowd appreciation.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Ross: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Your challenger, Paul.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The next statistic, Ross.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">WCW Hotline Show Notes</span></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="BoWujZf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BoWujZf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ricky Steamboat clashed with Cactus Jack in a match that the Dragon might have done better to think twice about just twelve days out from Starrcade. While the former World champion has faced almost every type of opponent in his career, Cactus Jack is a true one-off, and hurling his body around freely and frequently the wildman from Truth or Consequences crushed Steamboat hard against the crowd barrier outside the ring. While Steamboat recovered, Scott Steiner walked down the aisle and attacked Marcus Bagwell before the new Television champion had a chance to react. Steiner and Bagwell fought to the back, with Bagwell clearly taking the worst of the punishment, as Steamboat chased after them, his match forgotten. Cactus had the win by countout, but didn’t look too impressed afterwards!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Backstage Steamboat and Bagwell fought with Steiner, but having both been through tough matches the ruthless Steiner was able to hold them off before hurling Bagwell into a wall and then sending him crashing into a locker room being used by Bret Hart and Ultimate Warrior. Warrior immediately charged at Steiner and delivered a series of hard forearm smashes that drove the other man back, while Hart watched silently from the doorway. As Steiner backed away, grinning at the further damage he’d inflicted on Steamboat and Bagwell, Warrior spat some choice words in his direction while Steamboat tended to Bagwell, and looked angrily at Hart.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Steamboat: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">You could have helped!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Hart shrugged.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Hart: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Your problem, not mine, Ricky.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Warrior: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Leave him. The Hitman has considerable talent – but his heart is like stone. He has no allies, and thinks in that way that he will attract the minimum of enemies. What he has failed to realise is that success is rarely a solo venture, and even when glory falls on a single victor, it rarely lingers long.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Hart turned and walked back into the locker room without a word, leaving Steamboat and Warrior to help Bagwell to the trainers’ room.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Terence Taylor welcomed young Bobby Blaze of the Philadelphia-based Eastern Championship Wrestling as his latest challenge for the NWA World title. The youngster put in a good showing, but Taylor’s experience told and he successfully retained the title with a Piledriver – at least someone made the York Foundation some money tonight!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Randy Savage approached the Dangerous Alliance locker room with some free advice for Arn Anderson about fighting your best friend, and how it can drag someone down to have that kind of jealousy inside of them. Before Anderson could reply, Steve Austin and the Calgary Connection interrupted the conversation and backed Savage down. Not even the Macho Man wanted to get into a fight at 3-1 odds, or even 4-1 if Anderson had joined in! But it seemed like Savage’s words might have at least struck a note with Double A, if not a whole chord...</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels had words last Sunday night – or, rather, Tammy had words with Diamond Dallas Page! Their clients clashed on Saturday Night in a barn-burner that showcased the high-octane, high-flying offence of these two youngsters. Tammy and DDP were involved at the end, as Page advanced on Tammy as Jericho tried to lock Michaels into a Boston Crab. Distracted, Jericho lost his grip on the Rough Diamond who wriggled free and blasted Jericho with a thrust kick, before landing the Teardrop Suplex for the win!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ric Flair has secluded himself for some intensive training ahead of Starrcade, working hard in the ring and studying tapes as he prepares to fight the man he calls his best friend – and the Nature Boy may be taking this challenge more seriously than any he’s ever had before!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> After defeating Konnan last week, WCW World champion Rick Rude this week clashed with Konnan’s partner El Tigre Blanco. Blanco posed a very different challenge, being faster and lighter than Konnan, and Paul E. Dangerously confirmed that the Alliance’s plan for preparing Rude for Starrcade was for him to face opponents of comparable – or greater – skill than Sting in different areas.</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Dangerously: </strong></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Sting’s a great wrestler, Ross! You won’t hear anyone denying that, and Rude needs to be ready because if not you get that slim chance that Sting </div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>could</em></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> win – and no-one in the Alliance believes in leaving the slightest thing to chance! We’re going to make certain that Rick Rude retains at Starrcade, just you see!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Fast though he is, Blanco is vulnerable to a pure power offence, and Rude focused on delivering big damage whenever he was able to catch Blanco for more than a few seconds. While he was fighting on the defensive for more of the match than he’s likely used to, Rude’s power told as he wore down Blanco, allowing the champion to take more and more control before sealing the win with a Rude Awakening!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Marcus Bagwell has had a rough couple of months, but on a night when Scott Steiner hadn’t yet jumped the youngster to punk him out for no particular reason, his luck initially seemed to have turned – given the chance to Beat The Champ, he did just that as he upset Robert Gibson with a Fisherman Suplex to capture the WCW Television Title! The York Foundation will not be pleased with this lost opportunity for a return on their investment!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Big Van Vader was also in training ahead of Starrcade, working hard under the watchful eyes of the rest of the Kingdom as he ploughed through a variety of opponents – big, fast, armed, unarmed, it didn’t seem to matter to the masked mastodon!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham were looking for someone to make a case for a World tag title shot – it seems like the Diamond Mine were listening!</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Show rating: A</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="3DcoZDk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3DcoZDk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> *</div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div> <div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="kWQWHhq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kWQWHhq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>WCW Main Event</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Beat The Champ: Marcus Bagwell © vs. Ron Harris – WCW Television Title</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Ultimate Warrior vs. Cactus Jack</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Sting vs. The Diamond Studd</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Michael Hayes vs. Rick Rude – non-title</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>Bobby Eaton vs. Shawn Michaels</p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> <em>OOC: As I write this, I’ve just had my last day at my current job. I now have a short break before starting my new job in a week or so. I mention this because finishing up has eaten into my time recently, and I have no idea how my new job will effect my writing time going forward. 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Not my top 10, but 10 key matches in chronological order from my WCW game that began 1st July 1991, now coming up on Starrcade. A few WWF names in the mix, but mostly WCW originals. Highlights: Nikita Koloff defeats Ric Flair for the WCW title at Halloween Havoc 1991, Rick Rude wins the BattleBowl to become #1 contender ar Starrcade 1. Nikita Koloff © vs. Rick Rude, WCW World title at Superbrawl 1992 Koloff's so-so reign ends as the Dangerous Alliance takes control of WCW in emphatic fashion. Highlights: Who can Beat The Champ? Lots of people, apparently, as the Television title changed hands 31 times in 1992 - but only 5 of the champions (Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Dustin Rhodes, Steve Austin and Vinnie Vegas) managed 5 successive defences to gain a shot at the title of their choice, and only Rhodes and Austin won the titles they challenged for! WCW is the home of fierce competition! 2. Ricky Steamboat vs. Rick Rude ©, WCW World title at Clash XX A classic rivalry, and an early contender for MOTY. Did anyone think Steamboat was likely to end Rude's reign at 4 weeks? Maybe not - but on free TV this elevated a show where the semi-final was Marcus Bagwell vs. Michael Hayes... Highlights: Ultimate Warrior debuts in WCW and offers challenges to anyone who wants to face him - leading to a months-long war with Big Van Vader to determine who truly is the greatest warrior in WCW! 3. Scott Steiner and Randy Savage vs. Arn Anderson and Steve Austin, Clash XXI After Rick Steiner was injured, Randy Savage filled in to help Steiner in the blossoming war of everyone against the Dangerous Alliance and whoever they paid off to help them. Highlights: Clash XXI, Sting beats Rick Rude and Rhodes & Windham def. the Calgary Connection, both by DQ 4. Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Dustin Rhodes, Randy Savage and Scott Steiner vs. the Dangerous Alliance, War Games match at Wrestle War Brutal, bloody, devastating... And that was just the build up as the Alliance devastated all in their path, putting Rick Steiner and Lex Luger into retirement and breaking Barry Windham's arm. The fan favourites got revenge on the night, but no-one came out of this carnage unscathed. Highlights: Cactus Jack's brutal 1992 including being run down by a car, a cage war with Nikita Koloff and attracting the unwelcome attention of Big Van Vader 5. Sting vs. Steve Austin vs. Rick Rude © - WCW World title, Great American Bash Were there cracks in the foundation of the Alliance? With Austin claiming he was just in this match to make sure that Rick Rude won, Rude nevertheless seemed sceptical... but Austin did indeed prove decisive, taking out Sting and letting Rude get the win and retain the World title, solidifying their friendship and maybe even elevating Austin to the #2 spot in the Alliance... Highlights: The Young Pistols against the Diamond Exchange, with the Pistols winning the US tag titles from the Calgary Connection and then entering a lengthy war with the Exchange, whose numbers advantage saw them becoming dual US and Six Man champions... before Michael Hayes' rivary with Shawn Michaels saw the Pistols come back to take the Six Man belts! 6. Bret Hart vs. Arn Anderson, Clash XXIV Technician vs. technician, Hitman vs. Enforcer, just a straight up fantastic match, and sometimes that's fine Highlights:The fall of Scott Steiner, from tag champion with his brother to being forced to scramble for a partner, Steiner seemed to have found the ideal man to stand by his side in Randy Savage, but Steiner's growing anger and paranoia turned the UMichigan graduate into a raging bull, uncontrollable and uncaring! 7. Randy Savage vs. Scott Steiner, Last Man Standing at Clash XXIV Had the Machon Man met his match in the form of the unrestrained Steiner? As formidable as Savage is, Steiner proved himself just as wild, and even more athletic as he delivered a Frankensteiner onto the steel steps for the win - and Savage has noticeably steered clear of Steiner after the long layoff that followed! Highlights: Ric Flair's fall and rise from World champion to self-doubting recluse to manager of hot prospects to #1 contender to the World title 8. Ric Flair vs. Rick Rude ©, WCW World Title at Halloween Havoc If you really want to put someone over in WCW, you can give them eight months with the World title, or have them go over Ric Flair, and both are probably equally as effective. The person who does both, is a made man. Highlights:The NWA in WCW - the globe-spanning tournament to crown new tag champions (Steve Austin and Arn Anderson) before the York Foundation took control of both the tag titles (Richard Morton and Robert Gibson) and the NWA World title (Terence Taylor). The Foundation expects challengers to pay for their title matches, and so far they've kept the gold - and the green that goes with it! 9. Rhodes & Windham vs. Calgary Connection ©, WCW World Tag Team titles in a steel cage at Halloween Havoc Our MOTY so far, this gave Windham the chance for revenge against Brian Pillman, who helped break his arm. Windham's anger over this had cost his team in the past, and Pillman's taunting hadn't helped, but after Rhodes won the right to challenge for the tag belts he and Windham rose to the occasion - literally, as it was a cagetop superplex on Pillman that brought the gold to the Texans! Highlights: #1 contender tournament, leading to Sting's third shot at the title after two disputed finishes and a first ever defeat for Rick Rude in a tag match at Clash XXV - or was his shoulder up? To settle matters once and for all between the two, Commissioner Ventura has made the Starrcade main event an Iron Man match! 10. Sting vs. Rick Rude ©, WCW World title in an Iron Man match at Starrcade I'm guessing this is going to be pretty good. It really ought to be...

<p>You should launch AEW as the WWF's development territory and really blow Russo's mind...</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>The Undertaker & Kane</strong> vs. Bret Hart & Owen Hart</p><p> Comments: Owen's getting tombstoned, one way or another.</p><p> </p><p> <strong> Steve Austin</strong> vs. Ric Flair</p><p> Comments: Oh, Eric. You had it all...</p><p> </p><p> Bradshaw vs. <strong>Kama</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>Comments: Hmmm... Trying to remember where Bradshaw is with you but struggling. Kama gets the nod.</p><p> </p><p> Dean Malenko vs. <strong>Jeff Jarrett</strong></p><p> Comments: I'm hoping for a payoff on the Cruiser/Lightheavy angle, but for now Malenko's not beating Jarrett</p><p> </p><p> <strong> British Bulldog</strong> vs. Savio Vega</p><p> Comments:</p><p> </p><p> Scott Hall & Sean Waltman vs. <strong>Chris Jericho & Test</strong></p><p> Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 1, January 1998</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Shawn Michaels</strong> vs. Buff Bagwell</p><p> Comments: Yeah.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Mike Awesome</strong> vs. Meng</p><p> Comments: Probably closer than it could be, but Awesome has upside.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match</strong></p><p> <strong>Jeff Hardy</strong> vs. Jinsei Shinzaki</p><p> Comments: </p><p> </p><p> <strong>WCW Television Championship Match</strong></p><p> <strong>Bill Goldberg ©</strong> vs. Fit Finlay</p><p> Comments: I don't think Finaly would win if it were legal to use his shillelagh and Hornswoggle too</p><p> </p><p> Scotty Riggs vs. <strong>Lance Storm</strong></p><p> Comments:</p><p> </p><p> <strong>WCW Tag Team Championship Match</strong></p><p> <strong>Chris Benoit & Diamond Dallas Page</strong> vs. The Public Enemy</p><p> Comments: I don't think they'll lose their first defence</p>

<p>From retirement to a one man triangle match for all the marbles?</p><p> </p><p> Welcome back, to4sty!</p>