PH71

Ah right just checked, for some reason thought we might have 5 Men each. Throw in Yuta with Mox for the tag match please Nobby.

Danielson, Mox and Kingston Wheeler and Claudio (I think I have Claudio, right?)

Nitro Episode 24: Wednesday 10 October 2001 Live late-night on FX 7,466 crowd from Boston, Massachusetts Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Arn Anderson ----------------------------------------------- Show opens up with Linkin Park's 'Runaway' Runaway - Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory) (youtube.com) Tony Schiavone on commentary says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means! It's WCW Nitro, LIVE from BOSTON!!! Jerry Lawler excitedly says we're here in Bean Town and we've got our General Manager, Eric Bischoff, standing by to let you know what we've got in store you tonight! ---- Eric Bischoff says he hopes fans are excited as tonight will see the Quarter Final of his baby, his idea, the WCW Cruiserweight Classic, with 3 of those 4 matches happening tonight live on Nitro! The 4th match, Tajiri vs The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea will take place this Friday Night on Panic!, but tonight we've got former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Billy Kidman, taking on mOrE-bId!, plus we see The MexiCruisers, Psychosis and Super Crazy, normally tag-team partners but for 1 night only they face off in a Quarter Final Cruiserweight Classic match... and opening tonight's show and NEXT!! will be a rematch of the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship from Fall Brawl... it's 'Sexy' Brian Lawler vs Juventud Guerrera! Freestyle segment with Eric Bischoff - (67 rated) --- Match 1: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Quarter Final Match - 'Sexy' Brian Lawler vs Juventud Guerrera - Non-Title match I`m Too Sexy (The Original) - Right Said Fred (youtube.com) We see 'Sexy' Brian Lawler come out initially with The Sons of the South (Erik Watts & David Flair) but Lawler tells them to stay in the back as he seemingly wants to win this himself. WCW Juventud Guerrera 2nd Theme Song - "Summer Nights In Spain" (With 2nd Tron) (youtube.com) Juvi comes out next and given they have a match to prepare for later on in the show we don't see either of The MexiCruisers considering coming out with Juvi. Tony asks Jerry Lawler if he fancies his son to come out on top in this match. Jerry Lawler says he doesn't even have an opinion. Arn says the pressure is on Juvi as the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, people will expect him to either win or at least reach the business end of this tournament, Lawler's already lost to Juvi at Fall Brawl, the kid has nothing to lose here tonight! This is a high-flying, high-energy match to kick-start the show. Juvi has a great showing, much like he did against Lawler at Fall Brawl. But Lawler seems to have scouted Juvi and has more answers for some of Juvi's moves. The end of the match comes when Juvi goes for a Juvi Driver but Lawler counters out of it and hits a stiff elbow to the back of Juvi's head, as Juvi recovers from this blow Lawler spits in Juvi's face. Juvi is disgusted by this and tries to clean his face of Lawler's spit, but then Lawler hits a Full Nelson Face Buster! The referee counts and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler gets the win! 'Sexy' Brian Lawler wins via pinfall - (5.52) - (60 rated) --- Well folks I have to say Lawler gets the win but in absolutely disgusting scenes here, says Tony. He spat in his face! Tony adds in disgust. We see Erik Watts and David Flair come out and they celebrate the win with 'Sexy' Brian Lawler, as Juvi looks out of it in the ring. --- We see Shane McMahon standing by who says tonight after the events of last week where they attacked Booker T and Stevie Ray, he has booked Harlem Heat against Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo for later tonight. Shane also confirms that whilst Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V aren't suspended for tonight's show, they have not turned up to work so far tonight. Shane is exploring options to determine whether they are in breach of their contracts if they don't show up by the end of Nitro tonight. Shane also confirms that this week Sabu will make his mandatory WCW United States Championship defence in the Main Event of Friday Night Panic! as he will face former WCW United States Champion, Hugh Morrus. Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon - (89 rated) ---- Match 2: The Blue Meanie (with Nova) vs DDP WWE - bWo Theme (youtube.com) The Blue Meanie in action tonight, says Tony and he seems in a buoyant mood, as we see Blue Meanie and Nova all smiles and dancing as they make their way to the ring. WCW DDP Theme Song Self High Five (youtube.com) Diamond Dallas Page makes his way to the ring and he looks focused for the match tonight. Arn Anderson says he wonders if Tommy Dreamer has gotten into DDP's head in recent weeks. DDP lost in a Number 1 Contenders match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and since then Dreamer has been goading him, especially about Dreamer almost pinning him at Fall Brawl. This match is more or less a squash match for DDP who gets in a lot of offence in a match that goes just under 5 minutes in length. It seems like a match that could've been shorted but DDP didn't really put any big moves in early, instead choosing to chop and punch Blue Meanie perhaps more than he needed to in order to get the job done. The end of the match comes when DDP hits a Diamond Cutter on Blue Meanie, leaving him utterly taken apart before DDP pins him for the win. DDP wins via pinfall - (4.34) - (67 rated) --- After the match DDP looks pretty intense and fired up. He demands a mic and gets given one. DDP says there are people in the back who might think he's not got it anymore. There are people in the back who think I've gone soft in old age. There are people in the back who think they've got what it takes to step in the ring with me because they've been a World Champion whilst wrestling in a Philadelphia Bingo hall!! Well Dreamer, I don't know if you're here tonight, I don't know if you're at Panic! this Friday, I don't know if you'll be here next week... but the point is if you ever want to step in the ring with D-D-P then you'll find out who's the better man! Freestyle segment with DDP - (83 rated) ---- JJ Dillon interview with Dustin and Dusty Rhodes JJ asks Dustin Rhodes what kind of condition ahead of the main event tonight given The Sandman's brutal attack on him last week on behalf of WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall. Dustin says he's banged up but you know what? That don't matter! Because I've never had a chance like this before to go for the biggest prize in wrestling and I'll be damned if I let The Sandman stop me! Dustin says Scott Hall doesn't realise that if Dustin wins tonight he's got a match type for Halloween Havoc that it's impossible for him to lose in! Dusty Rhodes says tonight me and my boy will team on WCW television again baby and trust me these fine people in Boston, it's Bean Town baby and you know about Dusty Rhodes and the Pork and Beans JJ baby, Scott Hall, The Bad Guy, and The Sandman he's a Bad Guy too but let me tell you fine people of Boston tonight... you paid your hard earned money to be here and trust me when I tell ya that The Rhodes Father and Son Dream Team tonight are sending you all home happy here in Massachusetts! Freestyle segment with Dustin Rhodes and Dusty Rhodes - (86 rated) ---- Sable promo Sable cuts a promo where she confirms that the long and hotly anticipated debut of Chyna will come this Friday Night on Panic! when Chyna takes on Stacy Keibler! Sable then confirms that later tonight given that Chyna has been prevented from competing for the WCW World Women's Championship at Halloween Havoc by forces outside of her control... it will be the two in-form ladies in the women's division, 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria taking on Malia Hosaka and the winner will go to Halloween Havoc to challenge for Akira Hokuto's WCW World Women's Championship! Freestyle segment with Sable - (54 rated) ---- Match 3: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Quarter Final Match - Super Crazy vs Psychosis In the Gorilla position we see Juventud Guerrera wishing luck to both Super Crazy and Psychosis, before Juvi makes his way to the camera. He cuts a quick promo where he says LAWLER!!! You think you spit in my face and you can live to tell the tale, ehh, homi? You won the battle tonight bro, but trust me you just started a war, baby!!! Super Crazy 4th Titantron (2007-2008 Last Classic Entrance Video) (youtube.com) Well it looks like Juventud Guerrera has started a war with your boy King, says Arn, but at least for the time being this match is all about the MexiCruisers! Both Super Crazy and Psychosis earned their spot in this tournament and now they got a chance to face each other for a coveted spot in the Semi Final stage! WCW Psychosis 1st Theme Song - "Get Beck" (With Tron) (youtube.com) The two tag-team partners have both come out now to decent reactions and make their way into the ring where they stare off against each other. The two shake hands before the match begins! This is a high-paced, high-flying match with both guys going all out to try and get the win. It's a really even contest with both men giving as good as they got, but the match comes to an end when Super Crazy goes for a Moonsault on Psychosis but Psychosis manages to dodge it and Crazy smashes onto the apron. Psychosis then hits the Psycho Stunner and he gets the win over his tag-team partner. Psychosis wins via pinfall - (5.22) - (56 rated) After the match the two men shake hands. ---- Harlem Heat segment We see Booker T and Stevie Ray backstage with Sharmell Curt Hennig, Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda come in and wish them luck ahead of their match with O'Haire and Palumbo. Windham and Rotunda say those guys are real ass-holes, if you need us to watch your back tonight, it would be our pleasure! Hennig says Booker knows he's always got his back too. Booker T and Stevie Ray thank them and say they appreciate it. Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat, Curt Hennig and Expressly American - (76 rated) ---- Match 4: 'The Queen of The Underworld' Dawn-Macaria (with 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and The Hounds of Hades - Saemon Daemon and Djinni Parisi) vs Malia Hosaka (with Terry Taylor) - The winner will become the Number 1 Contender for the WCW World Women's Championship and face Akira Hokuto at Halloween Havoc Akira Hokuto 4th - Pacific Zone (WCW Official Theme) (youtube.com) The WCW World Women's Champion, Akira Hokuto, comes out with the belt and her manager 'Sinister' James Mitchell to join the commentary position. Arn Anderson asks Mitchell and Hokuto if they have any preference on her opponent for Halloween Havoc. Hokuto speaks in Japanese and then Mitchell translates that Hokuto is confident in her own ability to beat either of these women. Malia Hosaka 4th - Mega Panic (WCW Official Theme) (youtube.com) Malia Hosaka comes out to the ring with her manager Terry Taylor. Hades - Epic Music Orchestra for the God of the Underworld - Ancient Gods (youtube.com) We see 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria come out with 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and The Hounds of Hades in their Hound masks. Arn Anderson says to Mitchell/Hokuto that Hokuto may be confident in her own ability to beat any woman on the roster, but this Dawn-Macaria is not a woman, she's a deity. I thought she was a demon? asks Tony Schiavone. A deity? A demon? I still worship her! adds Jerry Lawler. This match gets just under 5 minutes. Malia Hosaka carries the brunt of the in-ring work in what is a pretty good display from her. Towards the end of the match though Dawn-Macaria manages to get a DDT in out of nowhere which gives her a brief period where she begins her usual routine of satanic incantations. The lights go out and whilst they're out we hear a lot of demon barking which causes Malia Hosaka to scream audibly. When the lights come back on we see Dawn-Macaria wearing one of the Hound of Hades masks and in that brief split second Malia is caught off guard to the point that Dawn-Macaria hits a Sitout Facebuster and then gets the win. 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria wins via pinfall - (4.46) - (31 rated) --- After the match we see Dawn-Macaria take off the Hound mask and discard it to one site. Akira Hokuto at the top of the entrance ramp stares down Dawn-Macaria and raises her title. Dawn-Macaria points to her waist and simply smiles, as 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and The Hounds of Hades (Saemon Daemon & Djinni Parisi) join her in the ring. We see Akira Hokuto leave the entrance ramp and Dawn-Macaria basks in the celebration of getting a shot for the WCW World Women's Championship at Halloween Havoc. Terry Funk's Titantron Entrance Video feat. ''Road To Texas'' Theme [HD] (youtube.com) Oh wait just a minute here! says Tony Schiavone. It's WCW Hall of Famer and a man who has had many issues with The Underworld in the last few weeks! Terry Funk comes out with Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) Terry Funk says last week Daniels you and your boys, or dogs, whatever they are, you jumped me when I was down and out. You seemed to like it when the numbers were in your favour, well the way I see it, these 2 kids Styles and Paris are willing to back me up... so those numbers aren't in your favour anymore. Funk issues out a challenge. Next week, live on Nitro, if you got the guts for it let's have ourselves a 6-man Tag Team match and be done with this crap! Well that's a big challenge issued out by the Hall of Famer! says Tony Schiavone, will The Underworld accept?! They don't seem willing to give an answer right away so we'll have to find out next week! Freestyle segment with The Underworld, Terry Funk & Air Boom - (35 rated) --- Shawn Stasiak with Mark Jindrak chatting to Stacy Keibler Stasiak says to Stacy that it is in her best interest to stay as his valet. Stacy Keibler says my best interests? I don't need you to tell me what's in my best interests, Shawn. I've got a big match and a chance to prove myself against Chyna on Friday Night Panic!, the last thing I need is you stressing me out over whether I'm your valet or not. The fact is Shawn, I think you and Jindrak are on a downward spiral and I'm at risk of being dragged down with you! Stacy storms off, as Shawn Stasiak says "what the hell is her problem" to Jindrak Freestyle segment with Shawn Stasiak, Mark Jindrak and Stacy Keibler - (47 rated) --- Match 5: Mike Awesome (with Lance Storm & Carl Ouellet) vs Road Warrior Animal (with Road Warrior Dog) WCW Mike Awesome Theme (Career Killer) (youtube.com) Tony Schiavone says at Halloween Havoc it will be Team Canada, the reigning WCW World Tag Team Champions versus The Nu Road Warriors, but last week we saw singles action from them with Road Warrior Dog getting a big win against Lance Storm. Storm wasn't happy about that one bit, but tonight it's a chance for Team Canada to get some momentum back as Storm's partner, Mike Awesome, takes on Road Warrior Animal. We see Awesome come to the ring. Lance Storm joins the announce team on commentary whilst Carl Ouellet goes to the side of the ring to support Awesome. Road Warriors Theme Song (youtube.com) Road Warrior Animal comes out with Road Warrior Dog beside him. Dog stands on the outside of the ring as Animal gets into it. Tony Schiavone asks Lance Storm if he's concerned going into the match at Halloween Havoc for the WCW World Tag Team Championship given Road Warrior Dog got a pinfall victory over him last week on Nitro. Lance Storm says if I can be serious for a moment Tony, that was a fluke victory. An anomaly. I've got the best record in WCW out of anyone since Shane McMahon took over. You're asking if I'm concerned? Tony, please, it's The Nu Road Warriors who should be concerned. Well he certainly told you, Tony! says King The match between Awesome and Animal goes just over 5 minutes and is more of a brawl than a traditional wrestling match. Both are bigger guys and try to use their power and strength to get the upper hand in this match. Towards the end of the match Animal looks a bit nervous and tired and this is where Mike Awesome really comes into his own. The end of the match comes when Animal goes for a Suplex on Awesome, but Awesome manages to counter it and put Animal up for an Awesome Bomb! Awesome nails Animal and then gets the win. Mike Awesome wins via pinfall - (5.12) - (56 rated) --- After the match we see Ouellet join in the ring and attempt a double beat down on the fallen Road Warrior Animal. Road Warrior Dog soon joins them in the ring and starts fighting the other two guys. Lance Storm comes down from commentary and soon it's 3 on 1 and they easily overpower Road Warrior Dog. Storm instructs Mike Awesome and Carl Ouellet to then hit a double power bomb on Road Warrior Dog and they do that leaving both the Road Warriors in a pile on the apron, as Lance Storm waves the Canadian flag triumphantly to a chorus of boos. Freestyle segment with Team Canada and The Nu Road Warriors - (56 rated) ---- We see JJ Dillon knocking on Scott Hall's locker-room door. Scott opens the door and JJ says Champ we're just after a quick word ahead of tonight's match? Scott Hall rolls his eyes and tells JJ to make it quick. JJ Dillon says it's a huge main event tonight, you and your driver, The Sandman, taking on Dustin Rhodes and Dusty Rhodes, the winner gets to decide the stipulation at Halloween Havoc. Going into this match, whilst Dustin is a little beat up, is the fact he and his father are much closer and have more chemistry together enough to tilt the match in their favour? Scott Hall laughs and says, JJ, you talk like Father and Son have a perfect relationship. As I recall at one point they didn't even talk to each other for over a year because of their fall-outs. Let's face the facts, he can't say it publicly but Dusty isn't proud of his son... look at what Dustin's done in this industry compared to his Father... you can't compare them, but you know what I think JJ? I think Dusty likes it that way... I don't think he wants his son to over-shadow his legacy... Dusty wants Dustin in this big match with me in Texas, Dustin's home-state, to show once and for all that the Rhodes family legacy will always live on through one man - and that's Dusty Rhodes, not Dustin. JJ says but the question as to you and The Sandman and how you're getting on? The Sandman comes to the door and says WHY DON'T YOU PISS THE HELL OFF?!?! and slams the door shut. JJ looks a bit surprised by this. Freestyle segment with Scott Hall and The Sandman - (79 rated) ---- Match 6: Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) (with Sharmell) vs Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo Harlem Heat WCW Theme (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony, this next match could be fit to main event any Nitro but such is the quality of tonight's show it's up next! Booker T and Stevie Ray come out to a good pop and get in the ring awaiting their opponents. WWE: Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire Theme "Freestyle Hombre" Download (youtube.com) Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo come out next Arn Anderson says these two boys got a point to prove against Booker T and Stevie Ray. They took exception to Booker T getting involved in the Tag Team division only after he couldn't get a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship - they've got a big chance to show why they should be considered heavyweights in this Tag Team division, as Harlem Heat are 10 time champions so a victory against them today would be some upset! The match kicks off with Booker T and Stevie Ray pumped up looking to get some revenge on O'Haire and Palumbo for beating them down last week on Nitro. Booker T seems in great form and like he's dominating both guys, but eventually he tires and Stevie Ray comes in, who looks strong early on but soon blows up and O'Haire and Palumbo wear him down tactically. Booker T eventually gets the hot tag and looks he's going to overwhelm their opponents when suddenly we see The Chair Swingin' Freaks, Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney at the top of the entrance way. They both have chairs and make their way towards the ring. Stevie Ray jumps down from the apron and goes to stop them but they manage to get a chair shot in on him. The referee immediately blows for a DQ Harlem Heat wins via disqualification - (6.23) - (73 rated) --- Booker T is angry at the ref and The Chair Swingin' Freaks on the outside. He's about to make his way to the outside when Curt Hennig's music hits Curt Hennig theme Curt Hennig comes running out with Expressly American (Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda) Booker T sees this but then Sean O'Haire hit him with a stiff kick and then Palumbo clotheslines him. Hennig, Windham and Rotunda run towards Rotten and Mahoney. Mahoney gets a nasty looking chair shot onto Rotunda, who hits the deck, but Rotunda managed to get in the way enough that Hennig and Windham can get some punches in and Rotten and Mahoney drop the chairs and start duking it out with them fist to fist. We see O'Haire hit a Widow Maker on Booker T in the ring. Windham and Hennig are still fighting with Axl Rotten when suddenly we see Buff Bagwell, Buff Daddy V and Bill Alfonso come in from the crowd. They get over the barrier and then join Axl and Rotten and they quickly overwhelm Windham and Hennig, with both men getting punched out and fall to the floor on the outside. The camera shoots to the back where we see Tommy Dreamer and Sabu in a fight in Gorilla with DDP and Kanyon! I think DDP and Kanyon were coming out to even the odds, but those bastards Sabu and Dreamer have stopped them! Shane McMahon and some road agents get in the middle of them and tell them to stop fighting immediately! DDP and Kanyon are separated from Dreamer and Sabu who laugh at them. Meanwhile, out in the arena Bill Alfonso grabs a mic. Alfonso says when he run Booker T down all those months ago, it wasn't personal, it was just business. But when Booker T declared war on me... then it became personal! I won a WCW contract fair and square, but I can't even manage my client Sabu in his matches due to threat to my life from Booker T and his over the hill brother. Alfonso says Booker T's mistake was making too many enemies. Buff Bagwell here lost on an opportunity at the WCW United States Championship because Booker T and Stevie Ray destroyed his rental car! Balls Mahoney has massive medical bills resulting from that very incident! Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo here, they've worked their balls off to try and get back to the top of the WCW World Tag Team division, but Booker T robbed them of the chance to compete for those titles at Halloween Havoc! For the Love of Money (youtube.com) Shane McMahon comes out and says Alfonso! Good of you to show up for work! I have to say I expect this crap from The Extreme Alliance by now, but Buff, Sean, Chuck and erm, Buff Daddy V, or V, whatever, you boys I expected better from. Well nevertheless it seems pretty apparent to me that you've all got issues with each other. Well here's what's going to happen Obviously if Sabu is still WCW United States Champion come Halloween Havoc he'll be taking on Kanyon. But for the rest of you I have an idea... It will be a 5 vs 5 TEXAS TORNADO MATCH! Team Booker T vs Team Alfonso, Booker T can pick whoever he wants to be on his team, Alfonso you can put in whoever you can convince to join forces with you against him... and at Halloween Havoc you guys will squash this beef once and for all! Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat, Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo, The Chair Swingin' Freaks, DDP, Kanyon, Curt Hennig, Expressly American, Bill Alfonso, Sabu, Buff Enuff and Shane McMahon - (73 rated) --- Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson backstage Torrie says she wants to come out with Kidman for the match. She doesn't care if Vampiro or lYnCh! want to get at her, she wants to be out there to support him. Kidman is uneasy about it but agrees to it. He asks if she's seen The Hurricane anywhere today but she says no. Torrie says fReEk-sHoW! will surely be planning to screw him like they screwed The Hurricane, but Kidman says he has a plan for that. Freestyle segment with Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson - (49 rated) ------ Match 7: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Quarter Final Match - Billy Kidman (with Torrie Wilson) vs mOrE-bId!(with Vampiro and lYncH!) Twiztid - We Don't Die (Official Music video) (youtube.com) We see Vampiro come out with mORe-bId! and lYncH! who wait at ringside ominously. WCW Billy Kidman 4th Theme (1998-2000) (youtube.com) Well a big Quarter Final match coming up next! Billy Kidman coming out here with Torrie Wilson, you'd have to have him down as the favourite over mOrE-bId! but Vampiro helped screw The Hurricane in the Round of 16, you'd have to think he's got a plan to screw Kidman here too! This match starts off high pace with Kidman wrestling more aggressive than normal to try and get a win in quick before Vampiro can try any funny business. Kidman makes lots of high-impact, high-flying moves and tries various roll ups and pin combinations to try and get the quick win. To his credit moRe-bId! manages to kick out of them. As the match draws to a close we see Vampiro taunting Torrie Wilson at ringside. Torrie seems to have had enough of this and she slaps Vampiro! lYnCh! then goes bezerk and they start fighting and hair pulling at ringside, Vampiro laughs as Torrie starts screaming which distracts Kidman. Kidman looks to try and help out Torrie, but lYncH! smashes Torrie into the ring post, which causes her to start bleeding! Vampiro laughs at this just as Kidman is prevented from getting out of the ring to help her by mOrE-bId! who hits a big drop-kick from the top-rope whilst Kidman is distracted! The referee counts 1-2-3! NO! Kidman kicked out at 2.5! Kidman has kicked out but now Vampiro and lYnCh! are dragging Torrie Wilson up the entrance ramp away from the match. Kidman struggles to his feet. He runs the ropes and goes for a clothesline on mOrE-bId! but they both went for the same move at the same time and end up just taking each other out! He can't help Torrie! But wait.... The Hurricane's 2003 Titantron Entrance Video feat. "Eye of the Hurricane v2" Theme [HD] (youtube.com) We see The Hurricane appear at the top of the entrance ramp! The Hurricane comes running over to help, but Vampiro hides behind lYnCh! Vampiro appears to be saying "you wouldn't hit a woman would you?!" lYnCh! slaps The Hurricane and Vampiro laughs, mocking The Hurricane as whilst still using lYnCh! as a shield he begins to walk past The Hurricane. When The Hurricane holds up his hand to stop Vampiro and then The Hurricane points towards the entrance ramp. TNA Themes - Gail Kim 1st (youtube.com) Suddenly, from the entrance ramp we see a woman wearing a super-hero outfit and a blue mask. The screen reads "THE GALE" Wait a minute! says Tony Schiavone. It looks like The Hurricane has back-up! The Gale comes running down and fights off lYnCh! whilst The Hurricane starts trading blows with Vampiro! In the ring we see Billy Kidman hit a big drop-kick onto mOrE-bId! Kidman then goes up for a Shooting Star Press... he lands it... the referee counts... 1-2-3!! Kidman wins it! Billy Kidman wins via pinfall - (4.57) - (50 rated) ---- As soon as the match ends Kidman gets out the ring and assists The Hurricane in beating up Vampiro. Vampiro and lYnCh! make a hasty exit, leaving a horrified and bloodied Torrie Wilson with Billy Kidman, The Hurricane and The Gale. ---- We cut to the back where we see Scott Hall and The Sandman having an argument! The Sandman is saying he's done with working for Scott Hall... he said he'd rather take a "real job" in the real world than do Scott Hall's dirty work any more. Scott Hall says if he wants to get paid for tonight he better drive him to the ring and then help win him this match! The Sandman demands to say what if I don't?! Scott Hall says remember your kids Jimmy... The Sandman gets real pissed and says "DON'T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT MY KIDS AGAIN!!!" ----- Match 8 / Main Event: Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes vs Scott Hall & The Sandman - The winner will get to decide the stipulation for Scott Hall (c) vs Dustin Rhodes for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Halloween Havoc OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "THE NATURAL" DUSTIN RHODES (youtube.com) Dustin Rhodes comes out first looking hyped for the match. WCW Dusty Rhodes Theme - "American Dream" (youtube.com) His father Dusty Rhodes, the Hall of Famer, then comes out to what some would say an even bigger pop. It seems like Dusty revels in this but Dustin doesn't look super pleased but puts on a smile anyway. Father and Son make their way down to the ring as Tony, King and Arn speculate as to what stipulation Dustin has in mind. They remind viewers that Scott Hall wants a First Blood match. ECW: Ready Or Not (Scott Hall) [Feat Fugees] - Single + Download Link (youtube.com) Scott Hall's Bentley eventually comes out but the announcers note it is much more delayed than normal. It pulls up and we see an irate looking Sandman open the door for Scott Hall and then The Sandman storms towards the ring without even waiting for his employer to get out of the car with his WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Scott Hall looks a bit annoyed himself but then laughs and makes his way to the ring. The match goes just over 7 minutes. The Sandman starts the match with Dustin Rhodes with The Sandman getting a lot of aggression out, but Dustin equally getting some anger out from where The Sandman beat him down last week. Dusty Rhodes eventually gets the hot tag to a pop from the crowd and he manages to put The Sandman down for a bit until Scott Hall gets tagged in. Scott Hall fights Dusty off and manages to bust him open, he laughs and says to Dustin Rhodes that's why I want a First Blood match, you Rhodes boys bleed so easy! Dustin Rhodes eventually manages to get the tag back in the match, but as soon as he does this Scott Hall demands that The Sandman tag back in. The Sandman refuses. Scott Hall gets real mad at him shouting that he can't say no to him I AM YOUR BOSS!!! The Sandman finally snaps and he punches Scott Hall. Scott Hall comes back at him looking really angry and The Sandman just laughs, says I QUIT! and then jumps off the apron, lights up a cigarette and walks off. Scott Hall looks angry and helpless as fights on against an empowered Dustin Rhodes who uses this distraction to hit a Final Cut! Dustin then ushers his Father into the ring and Dusty Rhodes hits a Bionic Elbow on Hall after he stole Dusty's finisher last week. Dustin then covers Scott Hall and after The Final Cut and The Bionic Elbow the Champion is pinned!!! Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes win via pinfall - (7.32) - (72 rated) ---- After the match Dustin Rhodes gets a mic as Scott Hall rolls out the ring and starts walking off in a huff looking like a wounded dog. Dustin says "You know Scott... it's funny you just had The Sandman say I QUIT to you... cause that's my stipulation! At Halloween Havoc... it will be an I QUIT MATCH!!!! AND I CAN'T LOSE BECAUSE IN MY HOME STATE OF TEXAS, IN THE BIGGEST MATCH OF MY CAREER... WITH THE WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE... I WILL NEVER SAY I QUIT!!!" Scott Hall looks concerned and taken aback as the show goes off air. ----- Show Rating: 79 0.91 TV rating (684K viewers)

World's Strongest Man weighing up his options "The World's Strongest Man" former Olympic Weightlifter and 3 time U.S National Weightlifting champion, Mark Henry, is reportedly said to be considering leaving the WWF. Vince McMahon signed Mark Henry to a 10 year deal on a $250,000 a year contract back in 1996, but it is thought that 5 years into that deal, Mark Henry is considering leaving the company, as the contract includes an opt-out clause for Henry for the half-way point of the contract. Mark Henry is said to be happy at the WWF but given Shane McMahon and WCW's interest in him, he would like WWF to increase the terms of his deal to stay on. It is said at the moment that the WWF do not particularly want to pay him any more than he is already receiving given he is not exactly a main-event talent for them. WWF recently sent him to Ohio Valley Wrestling for further training, which is not exactly a ringing endorsement and it is understandable why they would not be keen to improve his wages. Shane McMahon is keen to sign Henry though, seeing big potential in him in the short and long-term. WWF may well still decide to offer him a new deal, but as things stand we could see Mark Henry leave WWF for WCW by the end of October.

Friday Night Panic! Episode 10: Friday 05 October 2001 Live late-night on FX 7,550 crowd from St Louis, Missouri Announcers: Joey Styles & Scott Hudson ------------------------------------- Show opens up with Sum 41's 'Fat Lip' Fat Lip (youtube.com) Joey Styles kicks the show off by welcoming fans to WCW Friday Night Panic! live from ST LOUIS, MISSOURI! Scott Hudson says fans are in for a treat tonight as we see the conclusion of the Round of 16 of the WCW Cruiserweight Classic, with Super Crazy vs Little Guido, Tajiri vs Gedo and in our main event tonight we have two former WCW Cruiserweight Champions clashing, as Chavo Guerrero Jr takes on The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea Joey Styles jumps in and says we will also hear tonight from Chyna ahead of her much anticipated WCW debut next week live here on Panic!, plus we hear from Booker T and our broadcast colleague Stevie Ray, who will be off commentary again tonight, after they were jumped at the end of Nitro this past Wednesday, but right now to open the show... you know what time it is! --- ECW Steve Corino Custom Titantron (youtube.com) We see Steve Corino with the WCW FXtreme Television Championship, with his manager Don Callis walking out just behind him. "Excuse me, St Louis, excuse me, my client has something he'd like to say" says Don Callis as the fans boo. Steve Corino comes to the ring with Don Callis and his WCW FXtreme Television Championship Steve Corino says of course due to the mandatory requirements of his contract he's here for tonight's edition of the Steve Corino Open Challenge Joey Styles reminds viewers of the Steve Corino Open Challenge rules: If the competitor was a former WCW World Television Champion the match will take place under standard rules. If they were the WCW World Hardcore Champion or ECW Television Champion it will be under NO-DQ rules. If the competitor has been WCW World TV and the Hardcore or ECW TV champion as well, then it is dealer's choice and they can choose. Steve Corino says at Fall Brawl he put down Big Wiggle and with it any doubt that he's the best technical wrestler and the best hardcore wrestling in both WCW and the world today. Don Callis says that nobody else in the back is on Corino's level. He says that despite Shane McMahon contractually obliging Corino to defend his belt 4 times a month, even on an Open Challenge they're going to struggle to keep finding opponents as there simply isn't enough men with balls big enough to come out and face him. Callis says to get in the ring with Corino you need balls the size of a bull's and there just ain't anybody left in the back with balls big enough to- WCW Johnny Stamboli 2nd Theme Song - "Mamalukes Theme" (With Tron) (youtube.com) Oh wait just a minute! says Scott Hudson. Don Callis said you need balls the size of a bull's to want to go toe to toe with Corino, where here's Johnny 'The Bull' Stamboli! Joey Styles says he can't speak for how big Stamboli's balls are, but he is a former WCW World Hardcore Champion, so this match will be a No-Disqualification match! --- Match 1: The Steve Corino Open Challenge: Steve Corino (c) (with Don Callis) vs Johnny Stamboli for the WCW FXtreme Television Championship - No-Disqualification Match There is an intense start to the match as Johnny Stamboli starts smashing Steve Corino with punches. Scott Hudson says he doesn't think Steve Corino wants to go blow for blow with Stamboli like this, Stamboli has quite the size advantage on him. Callis goes under the ring and rolls a big chain to Steve Corino to try and help him out (fans boo) But to Callis' surprise, before Corino can grab the chain, Stamboli gets it and immediately punches Corino with it. Corino hits the deck and then Stamboli puts the chain around a grounded Corino's neck and begins to try and choke him out with it STAMBOLI COULD GET A SHOCK WIN HERE! shouts Hudson excitedly, just as Don Callis gets on the apron and starts protesting at the referee. Stamboli stops and he comes over to the apron and punches Callis with the chain, the fans cheer as Callis goes flying off the apron and onto the floor below in a heap holding his face. Stamboli laughs at him, he then turns around to get back to work on Corino, but Corino has managed to get to his feet in the mean time and Corino kicks Stamboli right in the nuts. Stamboli drops the chain and then falls to his knees in pain. Corino kicks Stamboli viciously in the face, then grabs the chain and starts to choke out Stamboli with the chain. Stamboli puts up a good fight but after 20 seconds he has passed out and the referee rings the bell Steve Corino retains via submission - (5.04) - (49 rated) --- After the bell a furious Callis stumbles into the ring and barks orders at Corino not to release the hold and to keep choking Stamboli. WCW Johnny Stamboli 2nd Theme Song - "Mamalukes Theme" (With Tron) (youtube.com) Big Vito comes running out from the back to make the save. As he gets into the ring Corino and Callis run off. It's Big Vito! says Hudson, he returned last week as part of an Open Challenge Tag Team Battle Royale and he's come back again tonight to save his partner, Stamboli! ---- We see a pre-recorded promo from Booker T and Stevie Ray Stevie Ray says it seems like he's been making a lot of enemies lately. Booker says he knows that Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V have been colluding with that punk-ass Bill Alfonso, he don't know what they got planned but he hopes it involves coming to Nitro next week cause we would sure like to see all 3 of those boys! Booker T then says he doesn't know why Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo have decided to get involved in all this... he says if you're trying to get Harlem Heat to make you famous, then you might well have done it, but it ain't the kinda fame that you want, trust me, cause by the time we're done with you clowns you ain't never getting another shot at those WCW World Tag Team Titles you want back so much! Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat - (97 rated) --- Match 2: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - Super Crazy vs Little Guido Before this match starts we see Little Guido in the back-stage area checking on his friend and ally from The F.B.I, Johnny Stamboli, who got choked out by Steve Corino in the opening match. Big Vito and Tony Mamaluke tell Guido to forget about Stamboli for now and go out and win the match! Full Blooded ltalians (FBI) 2nd Titantron (with 2nd Theme) (youtube.com) Little Guido comes out and looks up for the fight Super Crazy 4th Titantron (2007-2008 Last Classic Entrance Video) (youtube.com) Super Crazy comes out to a decent pop. These two guys put on a pretty good match with a decent amount of technical wrestling and high spots. It's an even match with both guys getting in good amounts of offence on each other. The end of the match comes when a mistake in footing from Guido allows Super Crazy the chance to hit a Spinning Wheel Kick, when Guido stumbles back to his feet Super Crazy hits him with a Crazy Bomb and gets the 1-2-3 Super Crazy wins via pinfall - (4.52) - (54 rated) After the match Joey Styles mentions how incredibly this actually means in the Quarter Final it will be The MexiCruisers against each other, as Super Crazy will face Psychosis --- In a pre-recorded promo we see Chyna Chyna says since she first arrived here in WCW all she has wanted is the chance to prove herself. Men like Eric Bischoff and James Mitchell have colluded to try and keep me off your television screens and out of your arenas. But Shane McMahon has given the green light. FX have given the all clear. Next Friday night on Panic! I will show the world just what the future of women's wrestling in WCW looks like! Freestyle segment with Chyna - (51 rated) --- In the back we see Tajiri with Fit Finlay warming up for his Round of 16 Cruiserweight Classic match with Gedo Steve Corino comes into set and says he just wants to wish Tajiri the best of luck tonight Tajiri looks suspicious but then shakes his hand Fit Finlay says Corino got lucky tonight and that he only retained his WCW FXtreme Television Championship because of Don Callis. You better hope Don Callis is always around, otherwise you might not have the same luck. Steve Corino scoffs at him and walks off. / We then see a pre-recorded hype package showing clips of Gedo in Japan and from his previous WCW run Freestyle segment with Fit Finlay, Tajiri, Steve Corino and Gedo - (52 rated) ---- Match 3: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - Tajiri vs Gedo Gedo WCW Theme 'Temple Of The Dragon' (youtube.com) Gedo comes out and Scott Hudson hypes him up as a future star of Japanese wrestling Tajiri's 2001 v1 Titantron Entrance Video feat. "Imperial City" Theme [HD] (youtube.com) Tajiri then comes out and Joey Styles says forget about the future Scott, this is the present. Tajiri made his name in ECW and here in WCW he's now looking to cement himself at the top of the mountain even more by winning this tournament This match involves a lot of strikes and strong-style wrestling with Tajiri using his athleticism and agility to ultimately out-wrestle and out-perform Gedo. Gedo still puts in a good performance but the crowd rally around the WCW rising star and Tajiri eventually gets the win with a brutal Buzzsaw Kick and the pin. Tajiri wins via pinfall - (4.21) - (48 rated) After the match Fit Finlay comes out and celebrates with Tajiri ---- Juventud Guerrera and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler promo We see a pre-recorded promo where Juvi and Brian Lawler talk smack about each other ahead of their WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001, Quarter Final match, which is confirmed to take place next week on Nitro. Juvi says he beat Brian at Fall Brawl and next week he's going to beat him again to put him out of the Cruiserweight picture in WCW once and for all! 'Sexy' Brian Lawler says Juvi got lucky last time but his luck will run out next week! Freestyle segment with Juventud Guerrera and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler - (55 rated) --- Scott Hall/Dustin Rhodes promo We see another pre-recorded promo where Scott Hall says next week he's got the chance to win a tag team match in the main event of Nitro and with it the chance to choose the stipulation against Dustin Rhodes at Halloween Havoc Scott Hall says if he wins that match then he's going to make it a First Blood match because he knows those Rhodes boys bust open almost as easy as Ric Flair! Hall says he's going to give the people of Texas a preview of what's to come at Halloween Havoc, as next week on Nitro, not only will he win that tag-team match but he's going to make both Father and Son bleed! Dustin Rhodes says it doesn't matter what Scott Hall thinks or wants to do because he ain't winning that match next week. Dustin says when he and his father beat Scott Hall and The Sandman's sorry asses only then will he reveal to the people and to Scott Hall what his match stipulation will be! Freestyle segment with Scott Hall and Dustin Rhodes - (82 rated) --- Match 4 / Main Event: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match: The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea vs Chavo Guerrero Jr WCW The Artist 1st Theme Song - "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince Iaukea" (With Tron) (youtube.com) Well folks, says Joey Styles, a big main-event here, the final Round of 16 Match of the WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001. The Artist, not just Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea, but he was also Formerly Known as WCW World Cruiserweight Champion on 2 occasions, he will take on Chavo Guerrero Jr, himself also a 2 time WCW World Cruiserweight Classic. WCW Chavo Guerrero Last Theme (youtube.com) We hear Chavo's theme but he doesn't come out. Well where is he?! asks Joey Styles We see Prince Iaukea in the ring looking confused Perhaps mind games from Guerrero here, Joey? suggests Scott. Suddenly we cut to backstage where we get on the camera just in time to see Hugh Morrus slam Chavo Guerrero Jr against a wall in the gorilla position in the back. Morrus fights off some road agents and security before power-slamming Chavo Guerrero Jr on the top of a table! OH MY GODDD!! shouts Joey Styles Scott Hudson says well last week Hugh Morrus asked Chavo if he wanted to team with him in the Open Challenge Tag Team Battle Royale for past champions. Chavo perhaps understandably said no to focus on this tournament, but it seems that Hugh Morrus I can only assume didn't take that well. We see Disco Inferno rush over as Hugh Morrus makes an exist. Disco Inferno checks on Chavo who looks in a real bad way. The medical team are checking him over as Prince Iaukea in the ring is waiting to see what happens. Disco Inferno helps Chavo Guerrero Jr to his feet and Chavo tells him to help him to the ring! Disco and the doctor on duty seem to be advising Chavo he can't possibly compete in tonight's main event but he won't hear it. We then see Chavo's music still playing and Disco Inferno helping a wounded looking Chavo to the ring. Well folks, I bet The Artist can't quite believe his luck here. Hugh Morrus has caused significant damage to his opponent before this Round of 16 Match, it looks like Chavo Guerrero Jr will be able to compete, but in what condition I really don't know. Chavo manages to walk into the ring by his own devices and the referee rings the bell. Prince Iaukea, sensing the obvious opportunity immediately rushes over to Chavo Guerrero Jr and looks to try and score a quick punch and win, but Chavo manages to counter it, grabs Iaukea's tights and rolls him up! 1-2...3---NO! Iaukea just kicks out at 2.5 and Chavo almost stole one there! Even just the effort in putting a school boy roll-up seems to have reinforced Chavo's injuries and he takes much longer to get to his feet than Iaukea. Iaukea spends the next few minutes putting Chavo in holds and every now and then hitting him with a stiff kick or take-down. Chavo is in increasingly more and more pain and can't do much about it. The match comes to an end when Chavo manages to counter his way out of a take-down and tries to hit a Gory Bomb on Iaukea, but he struggles to execute it and Iaukea counters out of it before hitting Chavo with a Jumping DDT. The referee counts and thanks to a big assist from Hugh Morrus it is The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea who gets the win! Prince Iaukea wins via pinfall - (4.44) - (59 rated) --- The show ends with the announcers showing the updated bracket of the WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 and confirming that next week on Wednesday night Nitro we will see Juventud Guerrera vs 'Sexy' Brian Lawler and Super Crazy vs Psychosis, then on Friday Night Panic! we will see moRe-bId! vs Billy Kidman and Tajiri vs The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea! ---- Show Rating: 78 0.91 TV rating (686K viewers)

Kid Romeo handed 1 year contract extension with WCW WCW announced today that Kid Romeo had signed a 12 month contract extension with the company. Whilst not exactly a ringing endorsement of how they view the long-term future of Romeo, it is thought this at least shows that Shane is willing to give him a chance to show his worth before making a further decision on his future. Romeo is currently in a tag-team with Elix Skipper, it has to be said that it is not a tag-team that Shane has particularly pushed with them often serving as enhancement talent. Shane McMahon is said to rate Elix Skipper a decent amount, but it is not clear if he's that big on Romeo. There are currently no plans to disband their tag-team though so certainly for the mean-time Kid Romeo has a chance to impress McMahon and convince him that he has a future with the company in the next 12 months of his new deal.

Nitro Episode 23: Wednesday 03 October 2001 Live late-night on FX 8,995 crowd from Minneapolis, Minnesota Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Arn Anderson ----------------------------------------------- Show opens up with Linkin Park's 'Runaway' Runaway - Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory) (youtube.com) Tony Schiavone on commentary says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means! It's WCW Nitro, LIVE from MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Jerry Lawler excitedly says we're here in The City of Lakes and we've got a big show for you tonight folks... we'll hear from WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, on his thoughts on facing 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes in the main event of Halloween Havoc and The Bad Guy will also be in action tonight himself, plus Sabu will be forced to defend the WCW United States Championship once again tonight in a huge match with WCW Hall of Famer... Terry Funk!!!... and we'll have the fall-out from Friday Night Panic! which saw The Nu Road Warriors become number 1 contenders for Team Canada's WCW World Tag Team Championship... and we'll also hear from our returning broadcast colleague, Stevie Ray, as he and his brother, Booker T address the ongoing situation with Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V! Tony says that's right King, but we've also got 2 massive Round of 16 WCW Cruiserweight Classic Tournament matches tonight and we start tonight's show off with what should be a great high-flying match! ---- Match 1: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - 'Prime Time' Elix Skipper vs Psychosis Before the match we get a quick pre-recorded promo from each competitor Elix Skipper says this tournament is his chance to get back to Prime Time positions in WCW and he's not going to waste it! Psychosis says he has wrestled all around the world, he has won gold in different countries but at Halloween Havoc he will put his name on the map once again as he wins the trophy! WCW THEMES: Elix Skipper "Primetime Elix Skipper" (youtube.com) WCW Psychosis 1st Theme Song - "Get Beck" (With Tron) (youtube.com) This is a high-flying match to start the show and get the crowd up. It's a very even match with both guys getting in a good amount of offence on each other with several near falls. The end of the match comes when Psychosis nails a Springboard DDT on Skipper, then goes to the top rope and hits a Diving Leg Drop to get the win. Psychosis wins via pinfall - (4.58) - (51 rated) --- Shane's Office In the back we see Shane McMahon seemingly in the middle of an argument with Executive Consultant for FX for Friday Night Panic!, Joey Styles. "LISTEN TO ME JOEY, I SUSPENDED BUFF BAGWELL AND BUFF DADDY V FROM COMPETING ON WCW TELEVISION FOR 1 WEEK LAST WEEK ON NITRO! So you can imagine my surprise when they rock up on Friday Night Panic! 2 days later competing for a chance for a shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championship titles! Why the hell did you sign that off, let alone even let them in the building?! Joey looks annoyed and shouts back giving all he's got. "OH I'M SORRY SHANE! Was I supposed to know that Stars and Stripes, Marcus Bagwell and The Patriot was Buff Bagwell earlier in his career?! Do you think I spent my free time in 1994 watching WCW's television product?! I was spear-heading the most exciting company in wrestling at the time E-C-W... I thought Marcus Bagwell was Buff's dufus brother or something... I couldn't stop The Patriot entering when he turned out to be a fat guy that looked like Buff Daddy V, you know political correctness these days Shane, what am I meant to say, oh hey man you don't look like a patriot to me? This isn't my fault!" As this argument is ongoing we see Booker T and Stevie Ray enter Shane's office. Stevie Ray still doesn't look great but he comes in and says tonight... Harlem Heat vs Buff Enuff… who says no?! Shane McMahon says I'm sorry Stevie, but I say no. (fans boo) Shane explains to Stevie Ray and Booker T he's willing to give them the chance to get some revenge on Buff Enuff, but he has suspended them for 1 week without pay for their actions and damn it they won't be here on Nitro or Panic! this week! Joey Styles points out that Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V only did to Stevie Ray, what Booker and Stevie Ray did to poor Balls Mahoney who's still injured after getting smashed into that car bonnet.. which was owned by Buff Bagwell, I don't see you showing any remorse for Balls or Buff, Shane? Shane McMahon tells Joey Styles that Balls Mahoney had it coming to him! Shane then says Stevie, if you're up for it, I will be happy for Harlem Heat to return to tag-team action tonight. Stevie and Booker say they're up for it and Shane announces Harlem Heat vs Stasiak & Jindrak later tonight! Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Joey Styles and Harlem Heat - (61 rated) ---- JJ Dillon in the ring Dillon says it's now time for an exclusive interview with the WCW World Heavyweight champion, Scott Hall ECW: Ready Or Not (Scott Hall) [Feat Fugees] - Single + Download Link (youtube.com) We see Scott Hall's trademark Bentley driven to the ring by his driver, The Sandman. The Sandman lets Hall out the car who swaggers his way to the ring with The Big Gold Bel, whilst The Sandman waits with the car. JJ says firstly I'd like to congratulate you for your title defence at WCW Fall Brawl this past Sunday. Scott Hall says Hey yo, thank you JJ, I just want to say to you and all the people here in this dump, Minnesota (fan boo), that me defending this title at Fall Brawl against 'Dr Death'... well.. it was... never... in... doubt! JJ Dillon then points out how 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes won the number 1 contender status in the main event of Nitro last week to face Hall at Halloween Havoc. JJ says that after the match Scott Hall was heard saying "that doesn't work for me brother" and he asks him what he meant by that. Scott Hall says let me tell you JJ... you see some of the other guys in that match... Booker T... DDP... even that big bastard Mike Awesome... I don't like those guys JJ, I think you know that, but Booker T, DDP, despite my dislike of them, they're main event players here in WCW... I don't think they should be and in past eras they wouldn't be, but in the year 2001, Booker T and DDP, whether I or FX Network executives like it or not they're main event guys. Mike Awesome, look at the size of him, the way he moves, the guy was hot property when he came to WCW from ECW, he seems to have lost his way a bit since being here, a bad injury, few bad gimmicks, but you see Mike Awesome in the main event JJ, sure maybe he's not World Title material yet, but I could respect a guy like that going toe to toe with a guy like me. But Dustin... let me tell you something... whether you're 'The Natural', that Unnatural freak Goldust… Se7en... whatever you wanna call yourself Dustin, however you want to dress or act... the bottom line is this... you're not a main event guy, pal. Not now, not a few years ago when you got some cheap heat in gold body paint, not EVER... it doesn't matter what stupid fancy dress costume you wear, how much you try and live off your Daddy's legacy in this business and this company... you ain't main event level, Dustin. You're never going to win a World Championship in this company, the other company, even Japan or Mexico, you ain't a top guy! OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "THE NATURAL" DUSTIN RHODES (youtube.com) We see 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes come out looking hot at Hall with a microphone in his hand. Dustin says it's a bit rich for Scott Hall to come out here and start telling people who is and isn't a top guy. Dustin says even with the most powerful friends in WCW, even with his best buddy having all the political power, Scott Hall never won a World Title in WCW until just a few months ago! And you only won that belt by cheating and with the help of The Sandman... what this is Scott, I think it's nothing more than projection! Projection?! replies Hall, laughing. I ain't projectin' nothin'! Dustin goes onto say the fact of the matter is I won that title shot against you at Halloween Havoc fair and square and in my home state if you think I'm not on your level and you're getting an easy ride... well you got another thing comin'! (fans cheer) Dustin says at Halloween Havoc he has the opportunity of a life-time and it's not something he's taking lightly! He says Scott, if you get even a little bit complacent on top with that belt, just know, I will take that belt from you because I WANT IT MORE!!!! JJ Dillon says well I'd love for this segment to go on forever but we've got a commercial break coming right up and a match next, but I'm sure this won't be the last we hear from these two about their big match at Halloween Havoc later this month in Texas! Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Scott Hall, The Sandman and Dustin Rhodes - (82 rated) --- Match 2: Expressly American (Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda) vs Lash LeRoux and Kwee Wee Well folks, says Tony, we're back from commercial break and we've got tag-team action for you with Expressly American taking on Lash LeRoux and Kwee Wee. We see Lash LeRoux and Kwee Wee already in the ring WWF US Express "Born In the USA" Theme (youtube.com) We see Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda come out to a decent pop with American flags This match gets just about 5 minutes and it's a fairly comfortable win for Expressly American. LeRoux and Kwee Wee act the heels in the match trying to take advantages where they can, but they can't live with the more experienced unit of Expressly American who get the win with Barry Windham smashing Kwee Wee with a Lariat before Rotunda hits him with a Stock Market Crash to get the win. Expressly American win via pinfall - (4.49) - (38 rated) ---- We see Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo in the gym. 'Sinister' James Mitchell walks in with a neck-brace on. He says he thought he'd find you boys here. He says he's heard a rumour they're looking to replace him as their manager, he says they've only been working together a little while, it seems hasty. O'Haire says Mitchell is more concerned with Akira Hokuto and getting knocked out like a bitch by a woman. Mitchell gets angry and says Chyna isn't a woman, she's a beast! Palumbo says he never liked Mitchell and if he knows what's good for him he should clear off. Mitchell leaves looking annoyed. April Hunter is quick on the scene and she asks O'Haire and Palumbo if we've just seen the end of their working relationship with James Mitchell. O'Haire says we want to get back to the top of the Tag Team division here in WCW and Mitchell has shown he can't help us get there. But we're looking for help, if that's Stacy Keibler, then we'll take her, if we have to do it alone, we will do that April, but let me tell you, we're the future of this Tag Team division. You know what makes us sick though? Seeing guys like Harlem Heat come back for a nostalgia run, Stevie Ray thinking he might get off the announce desk and Booker T going back to the tag-team division cause he ain't good enough to get a shot at Scott Hall... well let me tell you something... if we ever wrestled Harlem Heat in a Tag Team match, we'd show you why Stevie Ray's at the commentary booth these days! Freestyle segment with O'Haire & Palumbo and 'Sinister' James Mitchell - (47 rated) ---- Match 3: Malia Hosaka (with Terry Taylor) vs 'Sweet' Saraya Malia Hosaka 4th - Mega Panic (WCW Official Theme) (youtube.com) Saraya Knight SHIMMER Theme 'Faint' (youtube.com) Well next up folks, says Tony, we've got Women's division action as Malia Hosaka takes on 'Sweet' Saraya hot off her recent debut in WCW where she went toe to toe with Akira Hokuto for the WCW World Women's Championship at Fall Brawl and just came up short. Arn Anderson says this is a chance for both women to put a marker down and show they're a centre piece of this Women's division in WCW. This match gets just under 5 minutes. Malia Hosaka carries the match in terms of in-ring work, with Sweet Saraya sticking to strikes and holds. Saraya goes for a big elbow strike on Malia Hosaka at one point, but Hosaka counters and hits Saraya with a Hurracanrana to get the win. Malia Hosaka wins via pinfall - (4.49) - (30 rated) ---- Shane McMahon's office We see Shane McMahon sitting down with Ricky Steamboat, Sable, Eric Bischoff, James Mitchell and Akira Hokuto Shane McMahon says I spent big money on bringing Chyna into this company. We can figure something out here. Bischoff and Mitchell immediately jump in saying she's dangerous. Mitchell says he has a lawsuit that says she isn't allowed in the same building as he is. Bischoff agrees and says the idea Chyna could wrestle on Nitro is out of the question. Sable offers a compromise option. For now Chyna could wrestle exclusively on Friday Night Panic! Bischoff and Mitchell begin to disagree, but Shane says that seems fair given you guys don't have to be on that show. Shane says for the time being, Chyna will get rid of any ring-rust. As punishment she won't be permitted to challenge for the WCW World Women's Championship until at least November. Mitchell and Hokuto seem pleased with this outcome. Sable says next week Chyna will debut on Friday Night Panic! Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Sable, Ricky Steamboat, Eric Bischoff, Akira Hokuto and James Mitchell - (57 rated) ---- We see Shawn Stasiak, with Mark Jindrak, stuck in an argument with Stacy Keibler Keibler says Stasiak had no right to put her contract with him as a valet on the line in the Battle Royale with Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo last week. Stasiak tells Stacy to calm down, he knew O'Haire and Palumbo would never win, besides, we've got a big match with Harlem Heat later tonight... Stasiak says if they beat them they can show they've beaten one of the all-time great WCW tag teams and they're sure to get a shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championship sooner rather than later. Stacy Keibler says you will do it without me. Stasiak is furious. He says what, you're quitting?! Stacy says she's not quitting as his valet, but she wants him to prove to her tonight that he's the rising star she thought he was when he signed on. If not she might have to reconsider her own options. Freestyle segment with Shawn Stasiak, Stacy Keibler and Mark Jindrak - (44 rated) ---- Match 4: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - mOrE-bID (with Vampiro) vs The Hurricane Well folks another Round of 16 match, this match came about after Shane Helms had to pull out with injury, meaning a vacant spot was available which was eventually won by The Hurricane in a 6 man Sudden Death match last week on Nitro. Twiztid - We Don't Die (Official Music video) (youtube.com) Vampiro coming out with mOrE-bID! perhaps taking a more hands on role after the match lost by rAgE? yEs! where Vampiro sat on commentary at the announce desk. The Hurricane's 2003 Titantron Entrance Video feat. "Eye of the Hurricane v2" Theme [HD] (youtube.com) The Hurricane comes down to the ring and the match begins. This is another high-flying match with both guys working well together and putting on an entertaining match for the fans. mOrE-bId! puts in a good performance but he can't live with The Hurricane who seems superior to him in basically every level. The Hurricane hits a big Cross Body and nearly gets the 3 count on the ex 3-Count member, it is only Vampiro placing his minion's foot on the rope from the outside that saves him. The Hurricane runs the ropes and then hits a spear through the ropes onto the outside to take out Vampiro who hits the barricades at the side. But the ref can't see rAgE? yEs! who appears from under the ring and throws Faygo into The Hurricane's eyes. He can't seem to see from under his mask. Vampiro gets back to his feet and forces The Hurricane back into the ring. He still seems a bit blinded. moRe-bId! hits a running neck-breaker on The Hurricane from out of nowhere! The ref counts... 1..2..3!! There was outside interference that gave him the assist but it's a big upset win here! mOrE-bId! wins via pinfall - (4.40) - (50 rated) --- After the match we see Vampiro and rAgE? yEs! get in the ring and start beating down The Hurricane further. It looks like Vampiro is trying to remove his mask when WCW Billy Kidman 4th Theme (1998-2000) (youtube.com) We see Billy Kidman storm the ring with a steel chair. He manages to nail rAgE? yEs! who he pinned last week and Vampiro and mOrE-bId! manage to get out of there before getting hit. It's Kidman who makes the save here, says Schiavone, and it's Kidman vs mOrE-bId! in the Quarter Finals! Freestyle segment with The Hurricane, fReEk-sHow! and Billy Kidman - (51 rated) ---- We see Harlem Heat backstage with Sharmell Stevie Ray says Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V, you ain't here this week cause you boys got yourself suspended, but let me tell you something... if you show your asses next week on Nitro or Panic! I ain't looking for a wrestling match with you... I'm looking for a FIGHT!!! You better bring your A game cause I'm back and in the main event of Nitro tonight we will show you Harlem Heat ain't missed a step since we been gone! Booker T says Buff Bagwell cost him a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championship with his brother, well now I'm just looking for some revenge and my revenge on you will be sweet, you better believe that, dog! And Sean O'Haire, don't think I didn't see you talking trash about us earlier tonight. You just mad that I cost you a shot at the Tag Team titles... well if you and your boy Palumbo wanna step up next week or whenever... let me tell you something we will put your asses down any time you want... now can you dig that sucka?!?! Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat - (95 rated) ---- Match 5: Lance Storm (with Mike Awesome) vs Road Warrior Dog (with Road Warrior Animal) Well folks says Tony, this match made tonight to give us all a sneak peak of what's to come at Halloween Havoc. Of course this match a singles match rather than a tag team match, but we will see 1 half of the WCW World Tag Team Champions, Team Canada, in Lance Storm, take on one half of the The Nu Road Warriors, Road Warrior Dog. Lance Storm WCW Titantron - "Team Canada" (youtube.com) Road Warrior Dog out lasted the rest of the Battle Royale this past week on Panic! to ensure they get a shot at Team Canada, but winning a Battle Royale is a different ball game to beating Lance Storm in a singles match. Nobody in WCW since Shane McMahon took over the company has more wins than Lance Storm! Road Warriors Theme Song (youtube.com) This is a good match with both guys looking good and putting in a big performance to try and get the win. The end of the match comes when Lance Storm has Road Warrior Dog in a Maple Leaf Submission. He's piling on the pressure to make BG James tap out, but he just won't give up and eventually gets to the rope! Lance Storm argues with the referee who makes him give up the hold. Just as Storm is arguing with the referee he gets rolled up by Road Warrior Dog who has his tights... the ref counts...1..2..3!!! Road Warrior Dog has stole it! gasps Jerry Lawler on commentary Road Warrior Dog wins via pinfall - (6.51) - (69 rated) ---- Lance Storm looks shell-shocked after the loss as Road Warrior Animal slides into the ring to congratulate his tag-team partner Road Warrior Dog on yet another big win! Just as he does this Mike Awesome gets in the ring and the 4 men square up. They look like they will come to blows but The Nu Road Warriors leave the ring with a smile on their face saying that they're coming to get those titles back! Freestyle segment with Team Canada & The Nu Road Warriors - (54 rated) ---- JJ Dillon interview with DDP JJ starts the interview by offering commiserations to DDP after he came up just short in his bid to get a WCW World Heavyweight Championship match at Halloween Havoc. DDP thanks JJ and he says the worst case scenario is at Halloween Havoc I'm in the corner of my buddy Chris Kanyon as he goes for that WCW United States Championship. We've had ups and down over the years, we've been friends, enemies, but I see him as like my little brother, you have good and bad times with your families, JJ, but to see him win the title at Halloween Havoc would bring joy to this old guy's face. Tommy Dreamer comes into set, laughing. What you laughing at Dreamer, huh? asks DDP Tommy Dreamer says he's laughing at the dwindling legacy of one of WCW's "top stars". Dreamer says he always knew in ECW that half of the top guys in WCW were over-rated and since he's got here to WCW nothing that DDP has done has proved him wrong. Dreamer says he had DDP beat at Fall Brawl and if their paths ever cross again he will beat him again. DDP says Dreamer could never beat him 1-on-1! He says Dreamer is lucky he even weasled his way into a job, but one of these days someone is going to give you the beating of a life-time and you'll be wishing you were back in Philly! Dreamer laughs and says, "sure thing Page, one of these days...." Freestyle segment with DDP, JJ Dillon and Tommy Dreamer - (81 rated) ---- Sabu / Terry Funk promo We see a quick-pre recorded promo from Sabu and Funk. Sabu with his WCW United States Championship says Terry! I respect you man, but let's face it, you're past your prime and you're like a sick, old dog waiting for someone to put you out of your misery. That might just be me tonight, Funker. / Terry Funk says it's true that he doesn't have much left in the tank but however long he's still wrestling for he's gonna give everything he's got to go out with a bang! That WCW United States Championship has a lot of history. I've won it before and it would be a highlight of my career if I win it again tonight... Sabu... I got nothing to lose tonight, but everything to gain, if you think I'm going down without a fight or I'll be an easy win for you then you got another thing coming! Freestyle segment with Sabu and Terry Funk - (43 rated) ----- Match 6: Mikey Whipwreck vs Scott Hall (with The Sandman) - Non-Title match ECW Mikey Whipwreck Custom Titantron (youtube.com) Well folks next up we've got The Champ in action in 1-on-1 action. That's right, this is a non-title match, but Scott Hall wrestling tonight the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion, Mikey Whipwreck. Whipwreck comes to the ring and looks nervous but relishing the prospect of being the underdog. ECW: Ready Or Not (Scott Hall) [Feat Fugees] - Single + Download Link (youtube.com) Scott Hall's Bentley pulls up and The Sandman comes out with his Singapore Cane, this time guiding Scott Hall down to the ring before the match. Mikey Whipwreck starts the match off red hot and gets some offence in, but Scott Hall soon manages to batter him a bit and takes control of the match. Scott Hall could probably have had the match won after 3 minutes when he hits a Razor's Edge. But The Bad Guy decides to toy with Whipwreck for a few more minutes as some of the fans boo. Scott Hall decides to have some fun by getting the win with a Bionic Elbow, ripping off Dusty Rhodes' finisher. Scott Hall wins via pinfall - (6.25) - (78 rated) --- After the match Scott Hall starts stomping on Whipwreck for no real reason. He calls for The Sandman to come into the ring to give him a hand OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "THE NATURAL" DUSTIN RHODES (youtube.com) Dustin Rhodes come flying down the ring to make the save. Dustin gets in the ring and manages to get a few punches on Hall who struggles to parry them. Dustin then stands eye to eye with The Sandman. Dustin seems to be saying to The Sandman he doesn't have a problem with him, it's Scott Hall they both have a problem with! Scott Hall tells The Sandman to nail Dustin Rhodes. Sandman looks slightly torn but then he nails Dustin Rhodes in the head with a Singapore Cane and then keeps going to the point even Scott Hall is suggesting he might want to stop. For the Love of Money (youtube.com) Shane McMahon comes out and demands The Sandman stop are Scott Hall tells him to stop. Shane McMahon says he's had enough of The Sandman's attitude around here. The Sandman shouts at someone to get him a mic and he gets one The Sandman says Shane McMahon promised him if he took out Sabu at Fall Brawl then he'd get a WCW contract and wouldn't have to work for Scott Hall anymore. Shane says that The Sandman failed to ensure Rob Van Dam won the match. The Sandman says that wasn't his fault and Shane McMahon knows it! Just like every other McMahon he's a slippery business who likes to screw the boys over! Well SCREW YOU SHANE!!! The Sandman then starts battering Dustin Rhodes again and on Shane's orders a whole host of security, road agents and other wrestlers come out to restrain The Sandman. The Sandman is ejected from the building as he shouts and screams angrily at Shane McMahon's direction. Shane McMahon then says next week live on Nitro it will be Dustin Rhodes and his father Dusty Rhodes and they will be in tag team action in the main event against Scott Hall... and The Sandman... the winning team will get to decide the stipulation for Hall and Rhodes' match at Halloween Havoc! Freestyle segment with Scott Hall, The Sandman, Dustin Rhodes and Shane McMahon - (82 rated) ---- Real Talk with Roddy As we come back from a break we see Kanyon sat down for an interview with Roddy Piper Piper asks Kanyon about his injury and how he's holding up. Kanyon explains in spearing Axl Rotten off of the side of the stage he damaged his foot quite badly, but that he's walking on it again fine and he'll be able to compete against whoever is WCW United States Champion at Halloween Havoc. Piper asks if that match is the biggest one of Kanyon's career so far. Kanyon says yes you're probably right, Roddy, it is. Piper says Chris, you've always been something of an emotional guy. Do you have the emotional ability to deal with the pressure? This is your big chance to finally win a WCW Championship belt... to prove all the doubters and your critics wrong, can you do that? Kanyon says he's had his mental problems over the years, but who doesn't. Kanyon says mentally he knows how good he is and he knows in a match where everything is on the line he might over-thinking, could make a mistake, but he has to put those doubts to the back of his mind in Texas and just focus on the job at hand. Piper asks Kanyon about his outburst back-stage recently when he lost a match. Kanyon says he's a bad loser. He hates to lose. Always have, always will. I regret how I handled it, but I won't apologise for being an emotional guy. Finally, Piper asks Kanyon if he will finally smile if he wins the WCW United States Championship at Halloween Havoc. He says he doesn't think he's ever seen Kanyon smile once since WCW came back in business. Kanyon says he's not had much to smile about, but if he wins the title, sure he will smile from to ear to ear. Freestyle segment with Roddy Piper and Kanyon - (60 rated) ---- Match 7: Sabu (c) vs Terry Funk for the WCW United States Championship Terry Funk's Titantron Entrance Video feat. ''Road To Texas'' Theme [HD] (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony, a big title match on the cards next. Shane McMahon told Sabu he would work him like a dog and make him defend this belt every week on Nitro until Halloween Havoc and he's doing just that. Tonight, it's a match against Terry Funk, we should clarify this is a singles match tonight, no weapons etc are allowed despite these being two of hardcore wrestling's most famous sons in recent times. Sabu - Huka Blues | Custom ECW Titantron (youtube.com) Sabu puts in a very solid performance in this one. Despite his manager Bill Alfonso still being AWOL he does very well in the match showing that he doesn't need weapons or tables to still put on a good match to get the crowd engaged. The crowd does seem largely behind Funk, which wills Funk on and at one point towards the end of the match he hits a big DDT on Sabu and it looks like he might get the win, but Sabu manages to just about kick out and then the match ends when Sabu puts Funk in the Camel Clutch and Funk passes out rather than taps out. Sabu retains via submission - (6.47) - (61 rated) ---- After the match Sabu holds up his WCW United States Championship and then leaves the ring with Funk in a pile on the floor being helped by the referee. Hades - Epic Music Orchestra for the God of the Underworld - Ancient Gods (youtube.com) From the top of the apron we see 'The Queen of The Underworld' Dawn-Macaria, with 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels, who last week was cost a spot in the WCW Cruiserweight Classic Tournament by Terry Funk who he turned on at Fall Brawl. Just behind him are the Hounds of Hades (Saemon Daemon and Djinni Parisi) who are wearing their Hound masks. Dawn-Macaria sends the 3 of them down, led by Daniels, they go past Sabu who looks back to Funk, obviously aware of what is about to happen to Funk. Sabu seems to think about helping Funk, but then shakes his head, laughs and continues to head to the back. Funk stumbles to his feet and puts his fists up ready to fight the 3 men, but like a pack of dogs, Daniels and the Hounds of Hades quickly start taking him apart and beating him down. Daniels hits an Angel's Wings on Funk who is out of it on the mat. Dawn-Macaria then signals for The Hounds of Hades to continue to beat him down, when suddenly... AJ Styles Theme (Old Theme) (youtube.com) It's Air Raid! exclaims Tony Schiavone excitedly, as we see AJ Styles and Air Paris sprint down the ring and clear the ring of Daemon and Parisi, as Daniels quickly gets out of the ring before they can take him out. 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria orders her men to retreat as Styles & Paris check on Funk Freestyle segment with Sabu, Terry Funk, The Underworld and Air Raid - (43 rated) ---- We see a shot of what looks like a random bar but then we can see it is Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V sitting in a dark corner. Buff Bagwell says "it is good to meet up with you. I always believed that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so I think in the next few weeks we could certainly become friends..." It is then revealed they are meeting with Bill Alfonso! Good God man! says Tony Schiavone. What is Buff Bagwell planning here?! Freestyle segment with Buff Enuff and Bill Alfonso - (50 rated) ---- Match 8 / Main Event: Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) (with Sharmell) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak WCW Shawn Stasiak 4th Theme Song - "Stasiak Theme" (With Tron) (youtube.com) We see Stasiak and Jindrak come out. Arn Anderson points out Stacy Keibler isn't with them tonight, she refused to valet for Stasiak after he put her contract on the line in a wager with O'Haire and Palumbo, he didn't lose it, but she's not happy about it. Jerry Lawler says Stasiak must have been crazy to have considered losing Stacy! Harlem Heat WCW Theme (youtube.com) We then see Harlem Heat come out to a decent pop. The main event gets a decent amount of time going just over 8 minutes. Stasiak and Jindrak spend much of the match working Stevie Ray, who does a decent job but just can't get the tag to his brother which causes him to tire and tire as the match goes on. Booker T eventually gets the hot tag though and for the last few minutes of the match it's a dominant display from Booker T, as neither Stasiak or Jindrak can live with Booker T. After disposing of Jindrak on the outside, Harlem Heat hit a Heat Seeker and Booker T gets the pin after the Missile Dropkick. Harlem Heat wins via pinfall - (8.18) - (66 rated) --- After the match Harlem Heat celebrate as a defeated Stasiak and Jindrak hobble back to the curtain. After the match Booker T and Stevie Ray celebrate, but just as the show looks like it's going off air they get jumped from behind, as Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo come from the crowd to surprise Harlem Heat who couldn't see them coming where they were facing the entrance ramp. Sean O'Haire hits a Widow Maker on Booker T and then he and Palumbo start beating down Stevie Ray. This can't be allowed to go on! says Schiavone. Someone has to do something! I don't see you running down there, says Jerry Lawler. Curt Hennig 2nd WCW Theme Alternate Version (youtube.com) Suddenly, we see Curt Hennig, along with Expressly American (Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda) who come running from the back, slide into the ring and see off Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo before they can do any more damage to Harlem Heat. Well it's Booker T's ally and friend Curt Hennig, along with his buddies in Expressly American who have had their differences with O'Haire and Palumbo in recent times who save the day tonight. The show goes off air with the 3 men staring down O'Haire and Palumbo, as the referee checks on Booker T and Stevie Ray in the ring. Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat, O'Haire & Palumbo, Curt Hennig and Expressly American - (64 rated) ----- Show Rating: 78 0.90 TV rating (679K viewers)

a Scott Hudson handed 2 year contract extension with WCW WCW today confirmed that Scott Hudson had been handed a 24 month deal with the company. There was some speculation that Shane McMahon was not a huge fan of Hudson and may be let go when his contract expired, but it seems that certainly for the time being Shane is happy for Scott Hudson to stay in his role on WCW Friday Night Panic!, the new 1 hour weekly show that effectively replaces Thunder in this new era of WCW.

Eddie Kingston Shida & Deeb

Chavo Guerrero is 53 now?!?!

Friday Night Panic! Episode 9: Friday 28 September 2001 Live late-night on FX 8,995 crowd from Greensboro, North Carolina Announcers: Joey Styles & Scott Hudson ------------------------------------- Show opens up with Sum 41's 'Fat Lip' Fat Lip (youtube.com) Joey Styles kicks the show off by welcoming fans to WCW Friday Night Panic! live from GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA! Scott Hudson, somewhat less enthusiastically says before we get into tonight's show from both Joey and I we'd like to send our well wishes to our broadcast colleague, Stevie Ray, who can't be here tonight after suffering an injury at the hands of Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V this past Wednesday on Nitro. We'll be speaking to Booker T later tonight for an update on his condition. But the show must go on! exclaims Joey excitedly again. We've got a hell of a show for you tonight folks, we have two Round of 16 WCW Cruiserweight Classic tournament matches for you with former 3 time WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Billy Kidman taking on rAgE? yEs! later on in tonight's show and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler' and former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Mike Sanders, coming up very shortly, plus new WCW signing and former ECW World Heavyweight Champion, 'The Innovator of Violence' Tommy Dreamer takes on Fit Finlay in a No-Disqualification match, plus in our MAIN EVENT tonight we have an Open Challenge Tag Team Battle Royale which is open to any former WCW World Tag Team Champions, with the winner going onto Halloween Havoc to challenge for Team Canada's WCW World Tag Team Championship... But as I said just now we open things up with Cruiserweight Classic action! --- Match 1: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - Mike Sanders vs 'Sexy' Brian Lawler (with The Sons of the South - Erik Watts & David Flair) Mike Sanders WCW Custom Entrance Video (youtube.com) Mike Sanders comes into this tournament by virtue of having been a previous WCW World Cruiserweight Champion since last year's Halloween Havoc, says Scott Hudson, he's not had the best run since Shane McMahon brought back WCW but he did get a draw against Booker T a few weeks ago. Then he got his ass whooped by him! says Styles. I hope Sanders has a point to prove tonight! Right Said Fred - I`m Too Sexy (1991) (youtube.com) We see 'Sexy' Brian Lawler make his way to the ring looking happy with himself. This match is booked as a fairly open match that runs just under 5 minutes. Mike Sanders has been involved in a few squash type matches as of late, but this is far from that as Sanders gets a decent amount of offence in. The Sons of the South are an asset at ringside for him as when Sanders does get in a decent position they distract the ref or get involved to cause Sanders problems. The match ultimately comes to an end when after a distraction from David Flair, 'Sexy' Brian Lawler manages to hit a Full Nelson Facebuster on Sanders to get the win. 'Sexy' Brian Lawler wins via pinfall - (4.45) - (42 rated) --- Just as the match finishes and Lawler celebrates with The Sons of the South in the ring, we see Juventud Guerrera appear on the big screen with Super Crazy and Psychosis behind him. Juvi says he's looked at the bracket and it looks like his Quarter Final match will be another match with you Brian. Juvi says he's glad he gets to show the world once again that you're not on my level! And if your boys try anything funny in our match, just know my boys have got my back! Freestyle segment with Juventud Guerrera and The MexiCruisers - (59 rated) ---- We see a pre-recorded segment of Rob Van Dam being filmed in a hospital. Van Dam addresses the WCW fans and says the prognosis on his ankle injury isn't great, he can't wrestle until at least after Halloween Havoc. But Van Dam promises the fans he will be back and better than ever sooner than you know it! Freestyle segment with Rob Van Dam - (84 rated) ---- We see Chavo Guerrero Jr in the back in the training room Hugh Morrus walks in and joins him. "Hey Chavo!" he says. "I know we ain't spoken much lately... not since I beat your ass on Nitro a few months ago anyway, but hey, this Open Challenge World Tag Team Championship Battle Royale tonight... I feel like I'm in good shape, good form, I think a run with the World Tag Team titles could be just what I need to turn my fortunes around here" Chavo looks at him and considers this, then laughs and says "Man, what is it with everyone wanting to tag with me, man? I know I'm good, but I'm not thaat good, surely?" Hugh isn't sure what to say. Chavo says "look Hugh, it's nothing personal, just business, but I'm entered into this Cruiserweight Classic tournament and I just wanna focus on that. Say I enter this Battle Royale tonight and get injured? Then what? I forfeit my spot like Shane Helms? Nah, I don't think so, so sorry Hugh, but not today, man." Hugh Morrus doesn't look too happy at being turned down. But Chavo walks off before he can say anything further. Freestyle segment with Hugh Morrus and Chavo Gurrero Jr - (38 rated) --- We see Curt Hennig chatting with Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda. Mike Rotunda says look boys I don't have an issue with it. It's a good chance. Why not go for it? You're both my pals. I'd be happy for you both if you did it. Freestyle segment with Curt Hennig and Expressly American - (53 rated) --- Match 2: Fit Finlay vs Tommy Dreamer in a No-Disqualification Match Finlay's 2006 v2 Titantron Entrance Video feat. "Lambeg v2" Theme [HD] (youtube.com) Well this is an exciting match for me tonight, Scott, says Joey. Two proper men about to beat the hell out of each other without any rules! Scott Hudson says the last time these two met a few months ago Finlay wasn't Fit, but Fit is fit to go tonight and he'll be looking to leave a mark or two on Dreamer, that's for sure. Finlay comes into the ring with a Shillelagh, his wooden Irish club. Tommy Dreamer Classic Theme - "Man In The Box" (youtube.com) Dreamer comes out to his own theme for the first time in WCW. He gets a decent reaction. He comes out carrying a baseball bat. This match is pure mayhem. Just over 6 minutes of these two guys beating the hell out of each other. It starts out with the two of them ducking it out with baseball bat and Shillelagh, both land heavy blows but neither seems to have the the upper hand so they end up just fighting my punching and kicking each other as they brawl on the floor and then on the arena. The referee begins counting them out but Finlay drags Dreamer back into the ring not wanting to lose via countout. The end of the match comes when Finlay has Dreamer lifted up for a Celtic Cross, but Finlay doesn't realise Dreamer has Finlay's Shillelagh in hand, as Finlay lifts Dreamer up for it, Dreamer smashes Finlay's head with the Shillelagh. I think Fit could be out here says Scott Hudson. Finlay's down and Tommy Dreamer puts him in a chokehold on the floor, the referee checks on Finlay and immediately rings the bell. He's out! Tommy Dreamer wins via submission - (6.05) - (59 rated) Well the Innovator of Violence gets his first win as a WCW wrestler says Joey Styles excitedly, pure innovation to counter that Celtic Cross by smashing Finlay with his own weapon. --- In the Gym we see Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo stretching and talking about their preparation for tonight's main event which it seems they're going to enter. Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak walk in. "Hello boys, long time no see" says Shawn with a smile. O'Haire and Palumbo eye him up suspiciously. "What do you want?" asks O'Haire Stasiak explains that he has an offer for them. "What kind of offer?" asks O'Haire Stasiak says they used to all be The Thrillseekers. The Next Generation of talent to graduate the Power Plant and take over WCW. But then we all fell out and that hasn't really happend. "What's your point?" asks Palumbo Jindrak says the Main Event tonight. As things stand O'Haire and Palumbo can enter as former champions together, but whilst Jindrak and Stasiak have both been champions, as they haven't been champions together, Bischoff says we can't enter. "That sounds like a you problem" says O'Haire Stasiak says they can trick the system. If Palumbo enters with him, and O'Haire enters with Jindrak, then all 4 of them can enter. Stasiak says he and Jindrak are willing to work together with O'Haire and Palumbo to eliminate any one else who has entered and then they can fight it out at the end. Whoever wins can go for the titles with their own partner, once we've won the Battle Royale they can't take the shot away from us. O'Haire seems to think about their offer. "So what's in it for us, other than you guys claiming you'll help us out until the end where you'll try to win it for yourselves anyway. We need something more than that. Seems like at the moment we're just adding 2 other guys to the Battle Royale that we have to eliminate one way or the other" Stasiak seems stumped, like he thought O'Haire and Palumbo would take what he offered before. "We don't have anything else to offer of value, Shawn" says Jindrak. "If they want money, hell we ain't got it!" O'Haire says "you do have something of value. I've got an idea. We'll go with your plan... and here's the deal... take it or leave it... if me or Palumbo wins the Battle Royale... we get Stacy" "What?!" says Stasiak. "You GET Stacy? What does that even mean? She's her own person, I don't own her. I just got a contract with her to be my Valet!" O'Haire smiles. "Well then. If we do win, then you can pass that contract over to us. Call it a Pink Slip if you will. But if you don't think you can win the match, by all means, don't take us up on that deal and you can watch us win our shot at the Tag Titles from the back." Jindrak says they better ask Stacy first. Stasiak though is hot at O'Haire's dig and he says "Fine! It's a deal!" They shake hands and Jindrak and Stasiak leave the Gym. "What about Mitchell?" asks Palumbo. "I thought he was our manager?" O'Haire sighs. "He's more interested in his pet project Hokuto than us. What's he done for us since he offered to help us out? If we have Stacy by our side I reckon Bischoff will book us on TV more often." Freestyle segment with Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak & Mark Jindrak - (41 rated) ---- Billy Kidman / rAge? yEs! pre-recorded promos Before their match we see pre-recorded promos from both the competitors in the next match Billy Kidman stands with Torrie Wilson and he says tonight is about revenge. Evan, or rAgE? whatever your name is now, you think Vampiro can take you and Moore or mOre-bId to the top of WCW with this Juggalo crap. Well if that's what you think that's your perogative, but tonight I get my revenge on you guys for the last few weeks and that match at Fall Brawl. But once I beat you... trust me... that's it. My focus will go onto the Quarter Finals and the rest of the Cruiserweight Classic tournament. This is a real chance for me to prove that regardless of luck not going my way in winning back the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship, I'm still the best this company has to offer and I can compete at the top level! / rAgE? yEs! with Vampiro, lYnCh! and mOrE-bId behind him says that since Vampiro converted him to the life of the Juggalos a lot of his family, friends, co workers, they've all been asking why? Tonight, when I put you in the hospital Kidman, like we did to Shane, you'll stop asking why and start seeing why WHOOP WHOOP!!! Freestyle segment with Billy Kidman and rAgE? yEs! - (57 rated) --- Match 3: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - Billy Kidman (with Torrie Wilson) vs rAgE? yEs! (with mOrE-bId!) WCW Billy Kidman 4th Theme (1998-2000) (youtube.com) Well Kidman, says Hudson, coming into this match you'd have to say he's the favourite given the title accolades he has in his career at both Cruiserweight and Tag Team level, but what sort of trouble can fReEk-sHoW! cause at ringside tonight? Twiztid - We Don't Die (Official Music video) (youtube.com) rAgE? yEs! comes out with Vampiro, lYnCH! AND mOrE-bId! but Vampiro and lYnCH! go to the announce table, with Vampiro joining Hudson and Styles on commentary. Torrie Wilson looks a bit tense at ringside with mOrE-bId! on the outside who she seems a bit concerned about. This match lasts just over 5 minutes and Kidman has a good match with his opponent. rAge? yEs! in his noticeably more aggressive style looks quite good, but his over-eagerness and anger means he makes mistakes which Kidman capitalises on. The match ends with Kidman hitting a big drop kick on his opponent and he has him set up for the Shooting Star Press, but moRe-bId! gets up on the apron to try and stop him. But from out of nowhere we see The Hurricane jump the barricade at ringside and he pulls mOrE-bId! down from the apron and throws him into the steel steps. Vampiro gets up from the desk in a huff, as Kidman hits the Shooting Star Press on the still fallen rAGe? yEs! to get the victory and progress. Billy Kidman wins via pinfall - (5.21) - (51 rated) After the match Vampiro with lYnCH! looks on from the entrance ramp furious as rAgE? yEs! and mOrE-bId! eventually make their way back to him with Kidman, Hurricane and Torrie watching on. ----- April Hunter interview with Booker T (with Sharmell) April asks Booker about the condition of Stevie Ray. Booker says Stevie's beat up bad, ain't no point in me lying about it. That bastard Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V they put his ass through that car windshield. Buff, you think cause you didn't sort out a new rental car or didn't get the premium insurance on your car that means you get to take out Stevie, cost me a shot at getting back the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in TEXAS my home - well you gotta another thing coming sucka! Here's my challenge to you Buff. I DARE YOU to come to Nitro next week or Panic! don't matter which show, but trust me you ain't walking out of that show you'll have to be wheeled out! April says well we've actually got some breaking news I think Shane McMahon advised them earlier but he's actually given Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V a 1 week suspension without pay for their actions on Nitro. Good! says Booker T. I hope when they come back they're ready for the beat-down of a life time! And I got more news for the fans watching at home. Stevie joked with me on Nitro that if I didn't win in the main event we could take part in the Battle Royale tonight. Harlem Heat back again for 1 last run! Well I know he was joking, but I told Shane to enter us if I didn't win, well Stevie ain't here tonight, but Shane's said I got the all clear to go it alone in the Battle Royale tonight and if I win Harlem Heat are going to Halloween Havoc, now CAN YOU DIG THAT SUCKA?!??!?!? Oh my! says Scott Hudson. Booker T in the Open Challenge Tag Team Battle Royale in tonight's main event?! Even by himself he might just be the man to beat tonight! Freestyle segment with Booker T and April Hunter - (99 rated) --- We see Steve Corino and Don Callis chilling in the back. A beat up looking Fit Finlay walks past them holding an ice-pack to his head. Don Callis laughs. Finlay squares up to him and says "you see something funny, Callis?" Finlay growls at him. Don Callis says I just think it's funny that some guys like me know when it's time to call an end to their in ring career. But some guys like you keep going until your embarrass yourself in front of millions on national television. Finlay says oh, is that so? He then looks at Steve Corino with the WCW FXtreme Television Championship looking smug. "What you so smug about Corino? You didn't fancy defending that belt tonight, huh, champ?" Steve Corino explains as part of his contract he is only obligated to defend his championship belt 4 times in a monthly period. He had a big match this Sunday, so he's taking the night off. "Oh is that so?" says Finlay. "Sounds like real coward shit to me" he adds angrily, before walking off and letting Corino think about what he just said. Freestyle segment with Steve Corino, Don Callis and Fit Finlay - (46 rated) ---- Lance Storm WCW Titantron - "Team Canada" (youtube.com) Lance Storm comes out with his WCW World Tag Team Championship belt to join the announcers for commentary. Hello Joey he says in greeting to his former ECW colleague. Scott, he says less enthusiastically. Hudson asks Storm is Team Canada are still a united front. Lance didn't come out in support of Mike Awesome during his big match to go for the World title this past Wednesday on Nitro, but you're out here now, why? Storm says if he can be serious for a minute, Nitro was Mike's moment and we agreed it would be best for him to be out there just with Carl, as I wouldn't want people to focus on me if I was there. He lost, it happens, he's earned the night off, I'm here because I was asked to be here on commentary, Scott. Do you have any preference who you face for the titles? asks Hudson Storm says well I'm afraid Scott I don't even really know who is in this match. That's kinda how an Open Challenge Battle Royale goes, aren't you the play-by-play guy, isn't it your job to know that? TNA: 2005 Harris Brothers Theme (Big Twins) (youtube.com) The Harris Brothers come out as the first entrants. Don and Ron Harris, actually 3 time WCW World Tag Team Champions, both big hard men, says Hudson, they won't be easy to throw over the ropes tonight. Do you like big hard men? asks Joey Styles. It's a shame Mike isn't here adds Lance Storm as Joey laughs at his joke. Road Warriors Theme Song (youtube.com) Well it's The Nu Road Warriors up next. Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Dog beat up Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney this past Wednesday, they asked for this shot and here they are ready to go tonight in this match. They had their problems but they seem to have ironed it out now, says Hudson. WWE: Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire Theme "Freestyle Hombre" Download (youtube.com) Well here's Chuck Palumbo, but he's not out here with Sean O'Haire, rather he's come out with the man he was formerly a tag team champion with, Shawn Stasiak. It seems O'Haire and Palumbo have taken up Stasiak and Jindrak on their offer. Are you aware of this Lance? Storm asks huh? Hudson explains that O'Haire and Palumbo have a deal whereby if they win the match they get Stacy Keibler's contract as a valet. They got that on the basis that Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak could enter in this match, they say, on the false pretenses that Stasiak is teaming with Palumbo and O'Haire with Jindrak, but really they plan to make it so whichever man wins can just take the shot at you with their "real" tag team partner. We then see Sean O'Haire come out with Mark Jindrak. Lance Storm says "Do you ever feel like you're the only sane, intelligent normal person in this company - and everyone else is a complete moron? Because what on earth have you just said to me, Scott?" WCW 1999-2000: The Mamalukes Theme - "Mamalukes" (youtube.com) Well wait a minute, says Scott Hudson. That's Johnny Stamboli's theme, but he hasn't been WCW World Tag Team Champion with Little Guido or Tony Mamaluke, so who's he OH MY!! It's Big Vito! Big Vito is with Stamboli! The Mamalukes are back in WCW, former 2 time WCW World Tag Team Champions, that's the beauty of WCW TV, you never know who's going to show up!! WCW Booker T Theme (youtube.com) Booker T comes out and Scott Hudson mentions how Stevie Ray isn't in the match due to injury, but Booker T got the opportunity from Shane McMahon to still compete in this match on their behalf Curt Hennig & The Rednecks - Good Ol' Boys [Music Video] (youtube.com) We see Barry Windham come out with Curt Hennig Well that's a surprise! says Scott Hudson. Barry Windham of course currently part of Expressly American with Mike Rotunda, they've been Tag Champs elsewhere but never in WCW, but Windham has been champion with Curt Hennig before and it looks like after his United States Championship loss on Nitro he's looking to go again and him and Hennig, maybe for one night only are back as a team in this Open Challenge Battle Royale! WCW Stars And Stripes Theme (youtube.com) Wait a minute, says Scott Hudson. We see Buff Bagwell at the entrance ramp in his old school Stars and Stripes ring gear. Buff Bagwell, when he was going as Marcus Bagwell, of course tag team champion with The Patriot... but that doesn't look like... oh no... surely they can't do that. The camera pans and we see a masked man dressed as The Patriot in a Patriot style mask next to Buff Bagwell, but it's very clearly Buff Daddy V. Well says Scott. The Patriot, of course some may know as Del Wilkes, I think it's safe to say folks that's not Del Wilkes or The Patriot with Buff Bagwell. They're wearing horrid costumes that's for sure says Lance Storm, not approving of the American flag outfits. Bagwell and "The Patriot" get to the ring and Booker T is absolutely livid. He's damn ready to gun for them both straight away, but we see Curt Hennig holding him back and trying to talk some sense into him. --- Match 4 / Main Event Open Challenge Tag Team Battle Royale - The winner/s become #1 Contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Championship at Halloween Havoc Entrants: The Harris Brothers (Don & Ron Harris), The Nu Road Warriors (Road Warrior Animal & Road Warrior Dog), The Thrillseekers (Shawn Stasiak & Chuck Palumbo), The Thrillseekers (Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire), The Mamalukes (Big Vito & Johnny Stamboli), Harlem Heat (Booker T is on his own due to Stevie Ray's injury), West Texas Rednecks (Curt Hennig & Barry Windham) & Stars and Stripes (Buff Bagwell and "The Patriot") Well folks there's I think 15 men in this Battle Royale and we are go! Booker T immediately rushes Buff Bagwell and Buff Daddy V in the Patriot costume and mask. As he dukes it out with them he has so much built up frustration and energy he seems to be coming out on top. It looks like Sean O'Haire, Chuck Palumbo, Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak are working together as they first target Curt Hennig and Barry Windham, Windham and Rotunda have of course had their issues with O'Haire and Palumbo in recent weeks, but Windham has Curt Hennig at his back and Hennig and Windham start slugging it out with the 4 men. Meanwhile, we see The Harris Twins and The Nu Road Warriors brawling in another corner of the ring, when from out of nowhere, Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli catch Road Warrior Animal off guard and they manage to work together to throw him out as the first man eliminated! Oh my god! says Joey. Road Warrior Animal the first man out! The returning Big Vito showing his worth here, says Hudson, he is a big guy, it will take some effort to eliminate him! Road Warrior Animal looks shocked and Road Warrior Dog notices this elimination and seems concerned as he will now have to outlast the rest of the Battle Royale competitors by himself if they are to take home a title shot at Halloween Havoc. Don Harris notices the distraction and with Road Warrior Dog standing by the ring ropes he goes for a running clothesline to try and eliminate Dog, but Dog just about notices in time and manages to counter it, get out of the way and using the ropes against Harris he eliminates Don Harris! Ron Harris then comes over and starts duking it out with Road Warrior Dog, as we see Big Vito and Johnny Stamboli now targeting Mark Jindrak. Curt Hennig is battling Sean O'Haire, as Chuck Palumbo fights off Barry Windham. Shawn Stasiak comes to the aid of his tag team partner Jindrak and after managing a stiff punch to Vito which momentarily prevents him from fighting, Jindrak and Stasiak manage to work together to elimate Johnny Stamboli who goes flying over the ropes. This infuriates Big Vito who gets back to work and starts fighting Stasiak and Jindrak. Meanwhile, there's a big commotion as we see Buff Bagwell thrown over the top rope by Booker T, but he's not quite eliminated. We see "The Patriot" come running over to try and tackle Booker T, but the announcers point out his mask seems to not quite fit him, as he completely misses Booker T and ends up charging into his own tag-team partner Buff Bagwell and he tackles him, causing him to go flying into a heap on the outside and eliminating him in the process. BAGWELL IS ELIMINATED BY HIS OWN TEAM-MATE! shouts Joey Styles. A disaster for Buff Bagwell, says Scott Hudson, but his team-mate Buff Daddy Patriot is still in there. Buff Daddy Patriot, that's a good one, says Lance Storm. Buff Bagwell waves away the referees protests for him to stay at ringside as he now seems to be shouting at Buff Daddy V his team-mate to get him to win the match. Scott Hudson says well even if he can't see that well in the mask it will still take some doing to eliminate him, look at the size of this guy! The camera cuts back just in time to see Mark Jindrak eliminated by Barry Windham. Just as this happens Shawn Stasiak manages to hit a Meat Grinder on Curt Hennig, who he used to emulate as part of his old gimmick, before getting pumped up and then clotheslining Barry Windham over the top ropes. Shawn Stasiak is hyped up by this development, but as he turns round he gets Big Booted by Chuck Palumbo! He hits the deck, gets up and then Sean O'Haire throws him out! The Thrillseekers have turned on each other! exclaims Scott Hudson, noting that both O'Haire and Palumbo are still in the match. The camera cuts to Buff Daddy V, still struggling in his Patriot mask, duking it out with Booker T who is trying to throw the big man out but he's struggling, Buff Bagwell is shouting instructions to his partner from the outside, we then see Road Warrior Dog cornered by Ron Harris who is trying to get revenge on him for throwing out his brother Don earlier in the match. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire are battling Curt Hennig and the returning Big Vito respectively as just 8 men are left in the match. Booker T manages to hit a Book-End on Buff Daddy V in the middle of the ring, not able to eliminate him yet he seems to have settled for doing some damage. Ron Harris, after punching Road Warrior Dog down to the mat, sees this opportunity as a chance to eliminate Booker, but Booker counters him and manages to chuck Ron Harris out instead. Just as this happens we see Big Vito eliminated by Sean O'Haire after a massive Spin Kick sees Vito sent flying over the ropes. Sean O'Haire goes over to help out Palumbo who is danger of being eliminated by Hennig, but Booker T comes over to even it out and help out his old ally Curt Hennig. Just as Booker starts duking it out with Sean O'Haire, Curt Hennig manages to use his strength to throw Palumbo over the top rope. Palumbo stays on the apron but a drop-kick from Hennig sees him sent to the floor. O'Haire is furious seeing his tag team partner eliminated, he starts throwing strikes and kicks at Booker, then Curt, but we then see Curt hit a Perfect Plex on him, Hennig doesn't pin him where he's in a Battle Royale, so not long after O'Haire just about stumbles to his feet and Booker charges at him and eliminates him with a clothesline. O'Haire and Palumbo are both gone! exclaims Hudson. Lance Storm says I for one am thrilled that all of the Thrillseekers are eliminated. I sure as hell wasn't seeking no thrill. We see Road Warrior Dog and Buff Daddy V stumbling to their feet in respective corners of the ring, as Booker T and Curt Hennig then take up a corner for themselves, as the Final 4 left in the match eye each other up cautiously. Well folks, we've got Road Warrior Dog representing the Nu Road Warriors, Curt Hennig who if he wins will get a shot with his old West Texas Rednecks partner Barry Windham, Booker T who of course was the sole representative of Harlem Heat after Stevie Ray's injury and finally one of the men who caused that injury, Buff Daddy V, or "The Patriot" as he's claimed to be tonight who would team with Buff Bagwell at Halloween Havoc, although whether he'll wear this costume again I'm not sure. Lance Storm says it would certainly be fitting for Halloween as Joey Styles laughs in the background. Booker T and Curt Hennig sort of nod to each other as if they're on the same page. They then give a look to Road Warrior Dog as if to say, fancy giving us a hand? They then all start looking at Buff Daddy V dressed as "The Patriot" Buff Daddy V seems to protest this decision and Buff Bagwell is shouting from the outside as all 3 of the other remaining entrants converge on Buff Daddy V and try to over-poewr him together to eliminate him. Scott Hudson says this is really smart, they work together to get the big man out as how else do you eliminate a guy of that size?! Buff Daddy V manages to push the 3 of them back off him, but then Curt Hennig drop-kicks him, he comes back, Road Warrior Dog hits a running strike, he goes against the ropes, but then comes back, then finally Booker T runs at him and manages to clothesline him out of the ring! Booker then turns around and the 3 men converge once again. Curt Hennig immediately hits a big drop-kick on Road Warrior Dog who hits the mat from the force of it. Curt then eyes up Booker T as if to say "it's every man for himself" but then from out of nowhere wee Buff Bagwell storm the ring and in the blink of an eye he's eliminated Booker T! The fans gasp in shock and start booing immediately. Once he's on the outside Buff Bagwell throws Booker T into the steel steps and starts beating down on him. In the ring Curt Hennig notices this and is torn. He needs to win the match, but his friend Booker T is in trouble. Curt rushes over to the side of the ring where Buff is beating him down and he starts shouting at Bagwell to stop. Bagwell does stop for a moment and starts shouting insults at Curt Hennig, when WAIT A MINUTE!! shouts Scott Hudson Road Warrior Dog dumps Curt Hennig out whilst he's distracted!! Road Warrior Dog (on behalf of The Nu Road Warriors) wins by last eliminating Curt Hennig - (9.45) - (60 rated) ---- Road Warrior Dog celebrates what is a shock victory given his tag-team partner Animal was eliminated so early in the match. Lance Storm gets up from commentary and stares down Road Warrior Dog from the top of the apron after he says on commentary that they took the titles from those guys, they ain't losing them to them. Meanwhile, on the outside the just eliminated Curt Hennig is now fighting Buff Bagwell. As the show goes off air we see lots of referees and road agents and other wrestlers come rushing out from the back, including Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda, to separate Buff and Curt, with Booker and Buff Daddy V, still in his Patriot mask just getting to his feet too. ---- Show Rating: 77 0.90 TV rating (678K viewers)

Test given 2 year contract renewal by the WWF WWF confirmed today that Andrew Martin (Test) has been signed on at better terms for 2 years. It was speculated that he may be someone that Shane McMahon's WCW would target when his contract ran down, but Test is thought to be happy at WWF, having recently been WWF Hardcore Champion and it was thought only a "really crazy" offer from WCW would have tempted him to jump ship. Whilst Shane McMahon is thought to think highly of Test he was not somebody who at this time Shane McMahon was prepared to get into a bidding war or "overpay" for, so it is thought that whilst WCW did assess the situation they never made an offer when it became apparent how much extra Test would want to sign for them.

Evan Karagias handed 2 year contract extension with WCW WCW confirmed today that Evan Karagias, currently working as rAgE? yEs! in Vampiro's fReEk-sHoW Juggalo themed stable has been handed a 24 month contract extension. Shane McMahon is reportedly to be happy enough with Karagias' performances so far and with the fReEk-sHoW gimmick still being relatively new this seems a ringing endorsement from the new owner and CEO of WCW.

Yeah, just seemed like everything was happening on this show 🤣

Nitro Episode 22: Wednesday 26 September 2001 Live late-night on FX 8,024 crowd from Charlotte, North Carolina Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Arn Anderson ----------------------------------------------- Show opens up with Linkin Park's 'Runaway' Runaway - Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory) (youtube.com) Tony Schiavone on commentary says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means! It's WCW Nitro, LIVE from CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Jerry Lawler excitedly says we're here in The Queen City and what a show we've got for you tonight, but first already in the ring we have the CEO and owner of the company, Shane McMahon, set to sign WCW contracts with...The Extreme Alliance Oh brother, sighs Tony Schiavone ---- In the ring we see a somewhat subdued looking Shane McMahon, along with some security, with a table and several contracts on it. Sabu - Huka Blues | Custom ECW Titantron (youtube.com) For the first time since arriving in WCW, we see Sabu come out to his theme music holding the WCW United States Championship which he retained at Fall Brawl and Sabu is accompanied by a smiling Tommy Dreamer and a very damaged looking Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney. Axl Rotten, looks, well, rotten! jokes Jerry Lawler. Tony reminds fans that Rotten and Mahoney were taken out at Fall Brawl. Axl Rotten was speared off the stage by Kanyon, whilst Balls Mahoney was slammed through a car bonnet by Booker T and our broadcast colleague, Stevie Ray! Arn Anderson says The Chair Swingin' Freaks left Fall Brawl in the back of Ambulances and I'm not sure they should be out of the hospital today! They're not even holding chairs, they can barely walk let alone swing a steel chair! Sabu and the other 3 men eventually get to the ring, it is noted by the announcers that Bill Alfonso is not with them. Lawler says that goofy little Bill Alfonso is scared that if he shows up Booker T's gonna send him back to the high school gyms that he came from! Shane McMahon says "let's get this over with" and to some boos he then instructs The Chair Swingin' Freaks, Tommy Dreamer and finally Sabu to sign their WCW contracts, each man lifts up his contract and holds it up like a trophy, as fans boo, some fans cheer and Shane McMahon looks on looking displeased. Bill Alfonso appears on the big screen and says this is a monumental day for The Extreme Alliance... they took on WCW and Shane McMahon... and they won! Shane McMahon has a mic and says Bill, you might be on the WCW roster, but you've made so many enemies already you can't even show up to the building! The way I see it Bill, if you can't show up next week to Nitro, you'll be in breach of your contract so you can either show up next week or you can be suspended without pay!! Now, cut the feed to him, cut him off I don't want to see this guy for 1 further second!! Shane then addresses The Freaks, Dreamer and Sabu. Shane says you might be WCW wrestlers now, but that also means you wrestle when and where I tell you to! First of all, Rotten, Mahoney, well you boys don't look too good, I'm not even sure if you're medically cleared to compete tonight. Would you boys like if it I gave you the rest of the night off? Rotten and Mahoney seem to look pleased with this, fans boo. Shane McMahon says "well that's too damn bad!! If you boys are so EXTREME, then let's see how you fare later tonight in a tag team match with The Nu Road Warriors!!! Rotten and Mahoney look stunned at being put in a match despite clearly not being physically ready to compete again. Oh boy! shouts Lawler. Mahoney got smashed through a car window and now he's going to get mowed down by The Nu Road Warriors, I can't wait to see that! And Tommy? Tommy... Tommy... They call you the Innovator of Violence, well this Friday Night on Panic! you're gonna have to innovate your way out of trouble, as you're going 1-on-1 with a man who wants some revenge on you... last time you fought he wasn't 100 percent fighting fit, but he is now as you're taking on Fit Finlay... and it will be a No-Disqualification match!!! Dreamer does an evil smile and looks genuinely excited for this. I think Fit Finlay might wipe some of that smile off his face! says Arn Anderson. And last of all... you... Sabu, says Shane McMahon. Now Sabu, since you "won" that United States Championship, seems you've been pitching yourself as a fighting champion. You've been defending that title all over the globe, week in, week out... well I don't like that you've still got that championship, Sabu. I don't like it one bit. So I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that, fairly, you lose that title as soon as possible! Now, Rob Van Dam, I'm afraid to say, will not be medically cleared to compete until at least after Halloween Havoc after the ankle injury he suffered at Fall Brawl, many fans boo or act disappointed, whilst The Extreme Alliance all laugh. But for the next 4 weeks before Halloween Havoc, Sabu, well quite fittingly your life is going to be Havoc! As starting tonight every single week you will be defending that WCW United States Championship starting later tonight against BUFF BAGWELL!! Now, all 4 of you... GET OUT OF MY RING!!! Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney smile and then sulk off with their contracts. We see them get out of the ring and make their way down the entrance ramp to the right hand side where wrestlers leave the stage. WCW Booker T Theme (youtube.com) Just as they're leaving, out of the other ramp, we see Booker T, DDP and Kanyon. It has to be said that Kanyon does not look in good shape and is limping quite bad after the bump he took spearing Axl Rotten off of the stage at Fall Brawl. Before they go off the stage The Extreme Alliance stare down the other 4 men, but they think better of it and walk off. Booker T has a mic and says look, Shane, I'm sure you don't like it anymore than we do that those guys got contracts, but on behalf of the locker-room we gotta say that we bust our ass week in, week out, guys getting hurt, like Van Dam, Kanyon, putting their body on the line for WCW... and to see these guys get contracts after everything they've done... it don't sit right with me, dog! Shane McMahon looks slightly uncomfortable, but then he says to Booker "I agree with you, Book". Shane says that it is only fair and only right that the guys who work their ass off week in, week out get rewarded for it and get opportunities as a result. Shane says that's why for all of your efforts in helping defend WCW in recent weeks I will be rewarding all 3 of you with title opportunities, this seems to pique their interest. Shane McMahon first addresses Kanyon. He says Chris, you put your body on the line spearing Rotten off the stage, and from what I hear from the doctors you're not cleared to compete tonight or for at least a few weeks. Kanyon grabs the mic and says if there's a title opportunity you can't stop me competing I will- Shane interrupts him and says Chris, relax, you will get your title opportunity. This is how I see it Chris. I don't want Sabu to be the WCW United States Champion going into Halloween Havoc, and hell I hope he's not, he's got 4 opponents from now until the PPV... and I don't think he will make it there. But regardless of who is the WCW United States Champion at Halloween Havoc, they will put that title on the line, live in Houston, Texas... against, well, WHO BETTER THAN KANYON?! The fans cheer! Kanyon looks genuinely happy and excited. That might be the first time I've seen Chris Kanyon smile since Shane bought WCW! says Tony Schiavone. And you Booker... Page... I could just hand you two a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, at Halloween Havoc, perhaps in a rematch of your Triangle match where he won the title in the first place (fans cheer)... but I'm giving 4 men a chance to wrestle for the United States Championship at Halloween Havoc... and it would only be fair to do the same for the World Heavyweight Championship! So Booker.. DDP... you will get the chance to earn a shot against Scott Hall at Halloween Havoc in tonight's main event... but you will be taking on two of the other most in-form men in WCW... it will be... Booker T... vs DDP... vs 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes... and the fourth man, fresh off a big win for his team at Fall Brawl... it will be Mike Awesome!!! Oh boy! shouts Lawler. You heard him right, folks, says Tony, in tonight's main event of Nitro, it will be a Fatal 4 Way match with Booker T, DDP, Dustin Rhodes and Mike Awesome... the winner is going to Halloween Havoc to the main event to challenge for Scott Hall's WCW World Heavyweight Championship! Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, The Extreme Alliance, Booker T, DDP and Kanyon - (93) --- In the back we Eric Bischoff, still in his wheelchair, looking pleased with himself. Bischoff says Shane McMahon just made an announcement and folks, I know you want to see some action to start this show, and you will have the first of many WCW Cruiserweight Classic matches coming right up after I'm done... but first of course you must be presented with the brackets for the inaugural edition of the greatest cruiserweight, light-heavyweight and junior heavyweight tournament in the world today... Live tonight on Nitro in the opening match of the tournament we will see the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Juventud Guerrera, take on our Mexico wildcard, former NWA World Light Heavyweight Champion, he's won titles in CMLL and is a former WCW star... El Dandy! Then to decide who faces the winner of that match in a block-buster Quarter Final match, this Friday Night on Panic! former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Mike Sanders, takes on former Tag Team Champion, 'Sexy' Brian Lawler! Then later in tonight's show we've got another former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Shane Helms, taking on mOrE-bId! Can Helms get revenge on fReEk-sHoW after their win at Fall Brawl?! Well whoever wins that match will face the winner of another match on Friday Night Panic! this week as we'll also see former 3 time WCW World Cruiserweight Champion and former 2 time WCW World Tag Team Champion, Billy Kidman, as he gets a chance for some revenge of his own on fReEk-sHoW! as he's got rAgE? yEs! in that match live on Friday! There's much more quality Cruiserweight action coming in the next few weeks though, as in the other side of the bracket The F.B.I's Little Guido takes on Super Crazy, Psychosis faces 'Prime Time' Elix Skipper, we've got former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion taking on our Rest of the World Wildcard, a former WCW World Cruierweight Champion himself, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea, as well as our Japanese Wildcard, he's come over from Michinoku Pro Wrestling, former WCW star himself, Gedo will take on the best Japanese cruiserweight that WCW has to offer, Fit Fight Club's, Tajiri! As I've said before folks the winner will be crowned at this month's Halloween Havoc and I'm sure you're just as excited for this tournament to kick off as I am so- We see WCW Head of Talent Relations, Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat come rushing into set. "Sorry to interrupt Eric, but I just got off the phone with the Doctor, I'm afraid after the neck injury he suffered in the match at Fall Brawl, Shane Helms won't be medically cleared before Halloween Havoc." "What?!" shouts Eric furiously. "But he's one of my top seeds!" Steamboat suggests maybe giving his opponent a BYE to the next round. Bischoff looks even angrier at that suggestion. "This is MY TOURNAMENT! IT'S MY BABY!! I am NOT letting there be a bye in the first round, Ricky! This is about high-flying, technical, luchador, cruiserweight, junior heavyweight, lightweight action! I want this tournament to be seen around the world! The premier tournament of it's kind!" Steamboat says well we've got a hell of a lot of talent on the roster here tonight that didn't make the tournament. Bischoff excitedly says you're right Ricky! Okay, okay, so tonight, I've got it, tonight we will have a 6 Man Sudden Death Match, the first man to get a pinfall or submission will take the now vacant 16th spot with Shane Helms dropping out! Go find me some talent for my tournament, Steamboat! Freestyle segment with Eric Bischoff & Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat - (57 rated) ------ Match 1: WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - Round of 16 Match - Juventud Guerrera vs El Dandy WCW Juventud Guerrera 2nd Theme Song - "Summer Nights In Spain" (With 2nd Tron) (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony, you've seen the Round of 16 Bracket, it sounds like there may be a little of change with Shane Helms sadly having to drop out through injury, we all send our best wishes to him of course, but first up it's, well he'd have to be the favourite wouldn't he? It's the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, he's a 4 time World Cruiserweight Champion, it's Juventud Guerrera! WCW El Dandy Theme (youtube.com) Here he is folks, the Wildcard from Mexico from this tournament, he's won many titles in Mexico and of course as Eric Bischoff mentioned, former NWA World Light Heavyweight Champion, also a 2 time NWA World Welterweight Champion and 2 time NWA World Middleweight Champion, this guy is not to be under-estimated, he never won the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship in his past run in WCW, but who knows, if he wins this match and goes on to win the first ever WCW Cruiserweight Classic he'd certainly have made his mark in WCW! Tony clarifies that this match is a non-title match and Juventud does not have the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship on the line tonight. This match gets just over 5 minutes and focuses on high-flying action as Juvi uses his agility and high-flying moves to get the crowd going and not really let El Dandy get in the match too much. It's not a complete domination, but it's a real good showing in the first round for Juvi, who eventually manages to get El Dandy into the Juvi Driver to pick up the win. Juventud Guerrera wins via pinfall - (5.05) - (50 rated) After the match Juvi holds his arm up and he looks hyped as he celebrates. ---- We see JJ Dillon knocking on Scott Hall's private locker-room. It sounds like we can hear Scott Hall and his driver, The Sandman, arguing. Scott Hall answers the door looking annoyed. JJ says Scott, WCW fans will be eagerly wondering as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion if you have any thoughts on tonight's main event? Booker T, DDP, Dustin Rhodes and Mike Awesome take on each other, with the winner challenging for your belt at Halloween Havoc. Do you have any preference on who you face? Scott Hall smirks and says, JJ, the only thing that matters is that I have this Big Gold Belt... it don't matter who Shane McMahon or Eric Bischoff decides is worthy to face me. I've already proven in my reign that I'm not just the guy who put WCW on the map as part of The Outsiders, The NWO... but I'm the guy who's taking WCW into the 21st Century and back to the top once again. JJ Dillon says okay, well Scott, it sounded like you were having an argument with your driver, The Sandman, just now, can you confirm or deny what- Scott Hall says Jimmy was just leaving. I've been reminding him about the terms and conditions of his employment under The Bad Guy. The Sandman is then seen standing face to face with Scott Hall, he smokes his cigarette, looks like he might blow smoke in Hall's face, Hall's daring him to do it, but Sandman blows it the side. I'll see you later, Champ! The Sandman says in a forced happy type voice, as he leaves and Scott Hall closes the door. JJ Dillon looks to finish off his segment when we see Tommy Dreamer strolling over past The Sandman. The camera pans to The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. The two men stare each other down. "Looks like you backed the wrong horse, man!" says Dreamer. "We all got WCW contracts... you got to be Scott Hall's bitch!" The Sandman, holding his Kendo stick and still smoking, this time blows some smoke into Tommy Dreamer's face. "I never liked you Tommy... if you want, you can get re-acquainted with this Cane like your buddy Sabu did last Sunday!" Dreamer stares The Sandman down. He doesn't have a weapon so sees better than to antagonise The Sandman further. Dreamer says "You win this round, man. But Sabu's got unfinished business with you... you better watch yourself around here!" and then he walks off. The Sandman watches him go looking furious. Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Scott Hall, The Sandman & Tommy Dreamer - (89 rated) ---- Dustin Rhodes promo (with Dusty Rhodes) Dustin Rhodes cuts a promo backstage where he says I've been waiting for an opportunity like tonight my whole career. I'm hearing a lot of chatter about Booker T getting a chance to win back the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in Texas, he's the home-town hero... but Texas is my home too... I'm 1 match away from having the chance to win my first ever world championship in my home state of Texas... and that's not something I'm going to let slip between my fingers! NOT THIS TIME! "That's right Dustin, baby, you tell them!" says Dusty. "You see my son here Dustin he's put a lotta work in to get where he is in this industry... there's a lot of people in this industry they have wrote him off, told him he ain't ever gonna be able to win the big one... but not me, I always believed in my boy and tonight he's going to prove all the doubters wrong too, baby!" Freestyle segment with Dustin and Dusty Rhodes - (76 rated) ---- Match 2: The Chair Swingin' Freaks (Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten) vs The Nu Road Warriors (Road Warrior Animal & Road Warrior Dog) Balls Mahoney theme (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony, this is The Chair Swingin' Freaks first official tag-team match in WCW... and let me tell you, if it's not obvious to you watching at home, these guys are beat up. Neither of these men should be anywhere near a wrestling ring tonight in my opinion. Lawler says you're just being soft, Tony, this is their punishment for their involvement in The Extreme Alliance the last few months! They deserve to suffer! Road Warriors Theme Song (youtube.com) During this match Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten build up some credit with the announcers and the live crowd as despite clearly being in a bad way both men refuse to give up and take a lot of punishment in the match. The match goes just about 5 minutes. The finish comes when Road Warrior Dog gets a hot tag and he runs and knocks Balls Mahoney off the apron, who crashes to the floor in a big heap. The Nu Road Warriors then hit Rotten with a Nu Doomsday Device to get the win. The Nu Road Warriors win via pinfall (5.01) - (46 rated) After the match Road Warrior Animal and Dog celebrate together. ---- DDP Promo DDP cuts a promo where he says over the last few months he's gone through a lot, suffered some set-backs, had some good times, some bad times, some ugly times, but all through these times I've always done what's right and what's best for WCW! I got screwed in that last title match with my old friend Scott Hall, not sure I can call him a friend anymore, but in tonight's main event DDP takes the first step on his journey to winning the big one again and at Halloween Havoc I'm taking that Big Gold Belt home with me!! Suddenly, we see Tommy Dreamer walk into set. DDP looks around and is very annoyed to be interrupted by him. "Page, I think you're lucky to be in your bosses good books," says Dreamer. "If you don't remember... at Fall Brawl, I had you beat. That's right, Page, little old Tommy Dreamer from Extremely Crappy Wrestling... had you... a 3 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, 2 time WCW United States Champion, TV champion, Tag Team champion, you name it you won it all, you're a WCW Grand Slam Champion... BUT I HAD YOU BEAT!!" Page and Dreamer face off angrily with their faces almost touching. Page says "You can't hang with me, Dreamer! You don't belong in WCW... I hope Fit Finlay sends you back to Philly this Friday!" before walking off in a mood Freestyle segment with DDP and Tommy Dreamer - (79 rated) --- Well folks, says Tony. This next match, it wasn't planned to happen but has come about at the last minute with top seed and former WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Shane Helms, rendered not fit to compete until at least after Halloween Havoc due to a neck injury suffered at the hands of Vampiro at Fall Brawl this past Sunday. We're about to find out with you who will be in this 6 Man Sudden Death match, where the first pinfall or submission will get the winner a spot in the 16 Man tournament bracket. WCW Erik Watts Theme "Grid-Iron Train " (youtube.com) We see David Flair walk out with Erik Watts by his side. Well I think it must be David Flair in the match, not Erik Watts, says Jerry Lawler laughing. Arn Anderson says David Flair, son of course of my good friend, The Nature Boy, Ric Flair, a former United States and Tag Team champion, people shouldn't under-estimate this kid in my opinion! WWE - bWo Theme (youtube.com) We see Nova of the BWO come out by himself. Arn Anderson says well Nova, of the B.W.O, he's had a few impressive performances since signing for WCW, he's put in decent performances against Scott Hall, Juventud Guerrera and Dustin Rhodes most recently a few weeks back, he's still been looking for that big win to cement himself in this Cruiserweight division, but perhaps a win tonight in this match can do just that for him. Full Blooded ltalians (FBI) 2nd Titantron (with 2nd Theme) (youtube.com) We see Tony Mamaluke come out with Johnny Stamboli accompanying him. That's Tony Mamaluke, tag-team partner of Little Guido, joined by their fellow FBI stable-mate, Johnny Stamboli, says Tony Schiavone. Little Guido of course already in the bracket, with a win tonight his tag-team partner Tony Mamaluke can join his partner right in the mix! AJ Styles Theme (Old Theme) (youtube.com) We see AJ Styles come out to the ring by himself. The rookie, AJ styles, says Arn Anderson, he's put in some decent performances in his rookie year in WCW, perhaps most notably he scored the pinfall when he and his partner Air Paris got a shock upset win against former WCW World Tag Team Champions, Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo. AJ Styles if he can get another win tonight will have the chance to prove himself at the top level in this company! 2011-2012 : Christopher Daniels 14th TNA Theme Song - Wings Of A Fallen Angel [High Quality] (youtube.com) We see 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels come to the ring with 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria Oh god, says Tony. I don't know what happened to this Christopher Daniels, he was training under the legendary Terry Funk, he seemed to have the hallmarks of a great young man and a top competitor here in WCW... but something happened with this Dawn-Macaria, this Underword, the Hounds of Hades, something sinister has gotten into Daniels, he turned on Funk! Jerry Lawler says you wouldn't turn on Terry Funk to get under Dawn-Macaria's spell, Tony? Good God, my wife watches this show, King. Well you're wife is probably thinking what I'm thinking Tony, says Lawler, that wasn't a denial! Well getting back on topic, guys, says Tony, as Arn laughs, there's 5 men in the ring, but this a 6 man match, so who's the 6th man? The Hurricane's 2003 Titantron Entrance Video feat. "Eye of the Hurricane v2" Theme [HD] (youtube.com) Stand Back, Tony! shouts Lawler excitedly. There's a Hurricane coming through! The Hurricane comes out and races his way to the ring. Well, Hurricane clearly keen to put that 6 man loss at Fall Brawl behind him, says Arn Anderson. He wasn't in a rush to get to the ring on Sunday, says Lawler, he turned up half-way through, but he's here tonight, can he claim Shane Helm's spot in the Cruiserweight Classic?! Match 3: 6 Man Sudden Death Match for the Vacant Spot in the WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 - David Flair (with Erik Watts) vs Nova vs Tony Mamaluke (with Johnny Stamboli) vs AJ Styles vs 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels (with 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria) vs The Hurricane This is a frantic, high-pace, high-flying match with a lot going on with each man trying desperately to get the win. It goes for just under 5 minutes. The end of the match comes when The Hurricane, after spending much of the match fighting with David Flair, manages to hit a big dive to the outside which floors both David Flair and his tag-team partner at ringside Erik Watts. Nova hits a huge cross-body on Tony Mamaluke from the top rope and tries to get the pin, but it's broken up by AJ Styles who then single-underhook DDT's Nova, who ends up rolling out of the ring in a pile not far from Tony Mamaluke who has ended up doing the same after the cross-body took him out. That then leaves AJ Styles and 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels, with the two rookies frantically going after each other. AJ Styles seems to have the better of Daniels, but then 'The Queen of The Underworld' gets on the apron and distracts Styles. Styles can see through this, but Daniels still gets enough of a distraction that he can hit an Angel's Wings and Daniels seems to have the match won! But suddenly the lights go out! Wait a minute! says Tony. What's that weird with Dawn-Macaria got planned now. But on the screen at the top of the stage, the screen goes from black to a darkened room with a light. We see a face. What's going on?! asks Lawler. Then we see him... it's Terry Funk! Funk says "What, you think I can't pay off some guy on minimum wage in the production truck to interfere in your match? Daniels! You'll soon learn that in this industry... never cross the Funker!!!" The lights come back on. Daniels is distracted by what's just happened. AJ Styles is still in a heap on the ring floor. But wait! The Hurricane comes flying into the ring. He hits a springboard cross body on an unexpecting Daniels. The Hurricane rolls out of the landing rather than taking a pin and he's back on his feet almost instantly. AJ Styles gets drop-kicked as he gets back to his feet and he falls through the ropes out of the ring, taking out Nova and Mamaluke in the process. Daniels struggles to his feet and The Hurricane hits him with a Chokeslam! The referee makes the count...1..2....3!! We see David Flair get to the ring but he just couldn't get there to break the pin up in time! IT'S THE HURRICANE THAT'S WON IT! shouts Lawler excited. A super moment from the super hero! The Hurricane wins via pinfall - (4.39) - (47 rated) ----- We see Sable in Shane McMahon's office with Eric Bischoff in his wheelchair, Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, 'Sinister' James Mitchell who is wearing a neck brace and the WCW World Women's Champion, Akira Hokuto Shane McMahon says he's disappointed that they can't come to an amicable solution given Chyna was a high-profile big money signing. Eric Bischoff says Chyna is a loose-cannon who has put me in a wheelchair! James Mitchell says she almost killed him. Mitchell says she is a liability to the WCW Women's division, not an asset. Sable says that Akira Hokuto vs Chyna is the big money match that everyone wants to see. It's the WCW's best versus the WWF's best. Bischoff says Well this ain't the WWF, I don't know how you did things there, but this is WCW, dammit! Shane McMahon tells Bischoff to calm down. Shane says they will continue this discussion next week. Chyna will serve a suspension this week as a result of the inadvertent injury that Mitchell suffered. No parties seem particularly happy about this but they let it go for now. Shane asks Steamboat where Buff Bagwell is. Steamboat says Buff's been having issues with his rental car so he was running late for the show... he spoke to him 15 minutes ago and Buff assured him that he'd be here. Shane says well he better, his match for the WCW United States Championship is after this break! Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Ricky Steamboat, Akira Hokuto, James Mitchell and Sable - (60 rated) ---- We see Chyna at the front of the Arena trying to get into the venue but security turning her away. She seems really angry and she throws a dustbin at a pop-up merch tent that has Akira Hokuto merch on it Freestyle segment with Chyna - (54 rated) ----- WCW Buff Bagwell 4th Theme Song - "Buff Daddy" (With Tron) (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony. We're back from commercial break and tonight will see the first of 4 TV defences of the WCW United States Championship that Sabu must make in the build-up to Halloween Havoc, where, if he gets there, he will have to defend against the up and coming, but currently not fit to compete, Kanyon. But tonight it's a man that Sabu shouldn't under-estimate, as we will see Buff Bagwell looking to take that title for his own. Buff Daddy, fresh off the heels of a big PPV win against long-time rival, Curt Hennig, he could top off a big week for Buff with a win tonight. Lawler says well Tony you say we're going to see Buff looking to take that title for his own, it don't look like he wants it, where is it? He's not here? You are right King, says Tony, where's Bagwell?! Suddenly we hear Bagwell's music stop. Sabu - Huka Blues | Custom ECW Titantron (youtube.com) Sabu comes out with the WCW United States Championship and hoists it up proudly. The announcers note that Bill Alfonso is not here, presumably too scared of Booker T to show up. Sabu waits in the ring and now Buff Bagwell's theme goes again. Were the production team stalling to see if Bagwell would show up? asks King. I don't think he's coming out here, says Schiavone. How can you be late for a WCW United States Championship match?! Bagwell's music stops and out walks Shane McMahon. Shane says that due to unforeseen circumstances, Buff Bagwell does not look like he is going to make it to Nitro tonight so you will not get Buff Bagwell vs Sabu for the WCW United States Championship Fans boo Does this mean Sabu gets the night off after all that? asks Lawler. I hope not, says Tony. Shane then says but the good people of Charlotte, North Carolina deserve themselves a WCW United States Championship match tonight, so please give it up for Bagwell's last minute replacement... BARRY WINDHAM!! Barry Windham 9th WCW Theme 'Road To Glory (Underscore)' (youtube.com) ---- Match 4: Sabu (c) vs Barry Windham for the WCW United States Championship Barry Windham comes out looking pumped for the match. Sabu looks a bit less pleased as the prospect of no title defence is swiftly taken away from him. Oh boy! says Lawler. A big opportunity for Barry Windham, can he win the WCW United States Championship tonight, here in North Carolina?! This match gets about 8 minutes and Sabu and Windham seem to surprisingly have pretty good chemistry. It's a very even match with Sabu clearly still feeling the side-effects of his big match at Fall Brawl. At one point a firm punch from Windham breaks open a wound on Sabu's forehead and he ends up bleeding quite a bit for the last half of the match, losing blood and energy as it goes on which plays into Windham's hands and the crowd get up thinking that a title change could happen! Windham tries to get Sabu into a Clawhold but Sabu bites him! Windham recoils and then Sabu hits a DDT on Windham out of nowhere. Sabu then puts Windham into the Camel Clutch. Some of Sabu's blood drips down onto Windham as he does this which makes for a particularly gory visual. Windham does his best to hold on, but after about 10 seconds the referee rings the bell as Windham is out cold!! Sabu retains via submission - (8.41) - (67 rated) After the match Sabu points to the sky and holds up his WCW United States Championship belt. ---- We see Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson backstage who appear to have cornered The Hurricane. Kidman congrats Hurricane on the win tonight, but he demands to know where The Hurricane was at the start of the match at Fall Brawl! Kidman says Helms got seriously hurt and it didn't help that you weren't there at all! I don't appreciate you just showing up when you feel like it! The Hurricane apologises to Kidman and explains that Vampiro and his goons locked him in a training room back-stage. The Hurricane says he was calling for help for ages until someone walked by. He came as soon as he could. The Hurricane says he's disappointed at the loss and it sucks that Helms got hurt, but we've both got the opportunity to get our own back on fReEk-sHoW! in the WCW Cruiserweight Classic... he wishes Kidman good luck on Friday Night Panic! Kidman says thanks and wishes him luck too. Hurricane tells Torrie to look after herself, Torrie says we all need to be careful whilst those weirdos are still about. She says I didn't like Cynthia Lynch much before, but now she's just a psycho! Freestyle segment with Billy Kidman, Torrie Wilson and The Hurricane - (52 rated) --- We see Eric Bischoff and Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat in Shane's office as The Nu Road Warriors come bursting in Where's Shane?! asks Road Warrior Dog who seems to be a little tipsy. He's busy, says Bischoff from his wheelchair, looking annoyed at seeing Animal and Dog, who seem especially merry having won tonight. Animal explains that since they got a big win for WCW tonight against The Extreme Alliance, they want to ask for a shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championship belts! Bischoff says it's a bit late taking out The Extreme Alliance now they've got contracts, huh? Shane McMahon comes back in looking a bit flustered. He looks pleased to see The Nu Road Warriors. Animal repeats what they asked for. Shane says, look, I'm pleased you guys got the win, but I can't just hand you a shot, that wouldn't be fair to all of the other Tag Teams on the roster. The Nu Road Warriors say they never lost a tag team match to Team Canada. They never got a direct rematch for the titles, they're just asking for a shot. Shane thinks, then says, alright, here's what we'll do... On Friday Night Panic! this week, there will be an Open Tag Team Battle Royale... any team who has previously held the WCW World Tag Team Championship can enter! Animal and Dog think about it. Well, damn, Shane, that's good enough for us! Dog finally says as him and Animal head out the office still pleased with themselves. Freestyle segment with Eric Bischoff, Ricky Steamboat, The Nu Road Warriors and Shane McMahon - (65 rated) ---- Match 5: 'The Queen of The Underworld' Dawn-Macaria (with The Hounds of Hades - Djinni Parisi & Saemon Daemon) vs La Diabolica Hades - Epic Music Orchestra for the God of the Underworld - Ancient Gods (youtube.com) Well next up, we've got action from the women's division as 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria takes on La Diabolica after her impressive recent victory against Meiko Satomura on Nitro. La Bamba (youtube.com) We understand La Diabolica in recent weeks has been back wrestling in both Mexico and Japan, she's got a lot more experience than Dawn-Macaria and you have to fancy her to take this match, says Arn Anderson. This match doesn't get a massive amount of time with La Diabolica largely carrying the inexperienced Dawn-Macaria through it getting in most of the offence. Towards the end of the match La Diabolica seems to have it won and after a big missile-drop kick she has Dawn-Macaria prone and she's ready to hit her finisher, but much like against Meiko Satomura, the lights go out as it seems Dawn-Macaria is about to lose the match. Well a few weeks ago, says Tony, Dawn-Macaria says if you wrestle with her she will summon your worst fears... she says if you get in the ring with her you are wrestling a "God" I wish my God looked liked her! says Jerry. Well be that as it may, last time against Meiko Satomura, Dawn-Macaria summoned what appeared to be a Tarantula... I hope to God that La Diabolica isn't scared of bears! Do they have bears in Mexico? asks Arn Anderson The lights come back on. The camera only shows Dawn-Macaria smiling. What's she summoned then? asks Lawler? I don't see anything in the ring! Suddenly the camera pans to La Diabolica who screamed in shock and has her hands completely covering face. Wait a minute, says Tony. Her mask is gone! gaps Arn Anderson. La Diabolica covers her face with her hands, as Dawn-Macaria grabs her tights and rolls her up. La Diabolica seems more focused on protecting her face from being seen than kicking out and Dawn-Macaria gets the upset win! 'The Queen of The Underworld' Dawn-Macaria wins via pinfall - (3.82) - (25 rated) After the match we see the referee call for another ref who brings out a towel to protect La Diabolica's face as they take her to the back, whilst The Hounds of Hades lift up Dawn-Macaria in the ring. ---- We see Booker T backstage with Sharmell and Stevie Ray Stevie Ray tells Booker he knows he's going to win tonight and take the title back in Texas. Stevie says Booker deserves this and he can't wait to see him back on top, maybe they'll even let me commentate on that match at the PPV! Booker says he doesn't want to get ahead of himself. Booker says if he wins tonight he's got a chance to go to Halloween Havoc, in his adopted state of Texas and become a FIVE TIME, FIVE TIME, FIVE TIME, FIVE TIME, FIVE TIME WCW World Heavyweight Champion! I can dig that, sucka, says Stevie Ray. And Hell, if you don't win it, you can always enter that Open Challenge Battle Royale on Friday, Harlem Heat, one last dance, eh Book? Booker T smiles and says hell if I don't win in this form maybe I'll even take you up on that, Stevie! Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat and Sharmell - (85 rated) --- JJ Dillon interview with Team Canada (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome and Carl Ouellet) JJ says we're standing by with Lance Storm, Mike Awesome and Carl Ouellet who have the WCW World Tag Team Championship belts. Lance, how proud are you to be seeing your partner, Mike Awesome, competing in tonight's main event to get a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship! Lance Storm says "JJ, If I can be serious for one moment. Of course, I am very pleased for my tag team partner, Mike Awesome to get a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship" Tony Schiavone says he doesn't think Lance Storm sounds pleased at all! "THAT'S RIGHT JJ, LANCE IS BUZZING FOR ME!!" shouts an excited Mike Awesome. "TONIGHT, LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA, THE CAREER KILLER, THE FAT CHICK THRILLER... BOOKS HIS SPOT AT HALLOWEEN HAVOC WHERE I'M GONNA CAUSE SCOTT HALL HAVOC AND TAKE THAT BIG GOLD BELT HOME BACK TO MY ADOPTED HOME CANADA!!" JJ asks Lance what this means for the WCW World Tag Team Championship belts. You would then defend those with Carl Ouellet instead if Mike is going for the World Heavyweight Title Lance looks at Ouellet and doesn't look impressed. "We will work that out after tonight if Mike wins" "IF I WIN?! HA-HA! AND WHO SAYS CANADIANS DON'T HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR?!" laughs Awesome as Team Canada walks off set. Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon and Team Canada - (55 rated) --- In the ring we see The Blue Meanie with a mic. Blue Meanie says it is his pleasure to introduce to North Carolina the most dominant wrestler in all of professional wrestling history! WCW Goldberg 1st Theme Song - "Invasion" (With Tron) (youtube.com) Blueberg comes out with several men blowing a fire extinguisher and sparklers. He makes his way to the ring after taunting the crowd. The Blue Meanie says Duane 'Blueberg' Gill is out here tonight looking for a proper fight. A real match. He's fought many challengers over the years... what he wants to do know tonight... is who's FIRST?! Hugh Morrus WCW Theme "Xtra Large" (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony, The Blue Meanie has talked a good game for Blueberg tonight, but I'm not sure he's going to get his first win in WCW against Hugh Morrus here. I think Blueberg is going to end up black and blue-berg after Morrus is finished with him! laughs Lawler. ---- Match 6: Blueberg (with The Blue Meanie) vs Hugh Morrus This match is barely a contest and is basically just a squash match for Hugh Morrus to look dominant and take out some aggression. After the match Hugh Morrus continues to beat down Blueberg, The Blue Meanie gets into the ring and Hugh Morrus hits a big lariat on him before leaving the ring looking pumped up. Hugh Morrus wins via pinfall - (2.41) - (34 rated) ---- We see 'Sexy' Brian Lawler on screen Lawler says Juvi! You might have beaten me this Sunday at Fall Brawl, sure, that WCW World Cruiserweight Championship isn't mine, for now, but this Friday Night on Panic! I take my first step to claiming the WCW Cruiserweight Classic trophy! When I beat Mike Sanders, guess who I'll have next in the bracket? It's you Juvi! And next time you won't get so lucky against me! Freestyle segment with 'Sexy' Brian Lawler - (52) ---- Well, big implications this Friday for the future of the Cruiserweight division with some big matches, but we now move our attention towards the World Heavy division as we're joined live on commentary tonight by the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, as sits with us to find out who he will face at Halloween Havoc! ECW: Ready Or Not (Scott Hall) [Feat Fugees] - Single + Download Link (youtube.com) We see Scott Hall's trademark Bentley driven up to the side of the stage by The Sandman. The Sandman gets out, angrier than ever, and Scott Hall gets out with his Big Gold Belt in a smart casual suit and he makes his way to the announce desk. Oh, hey yo, Tony, King, Arn! says Scott as he joins them at the desk --- Match 7 / Main Event Fatal 4-Way Match to determine the #1 Contender for Scott Hall's WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Halloween Havoc - Booker T (with Sharmell) vs DDP vs 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes (with Dusty Rhodes) vs Mike Awesome (with Carl Ouellet) WCW Mike Awesome Theme (Career Killer) (youtube.com) Well folks, says Tony Schiavone, Mike Awesome, not someone we've really seen much of in singles competition since Shane McMahon took over the company, but he's been pretty dominant in tag team action whether teaming with Lance Storm or Carl Ouellet. It should be remembered he did win a Battle Royale match earlier in the year, he's not someone easily beaten that's for sure. It's interesting that his buddy Lance Storm isn't out here, says Arn. Ouellet out there to support his team-mate, but not Storm? I don't care what Lance says, I think he's jealous of Awesome getting the shot tonight! OFFICIAL AEW ENTRANCE THEME | "THE NATURAL" DUSTIN RHODES (youtube.com) Dustin Rhodes comes out with Dusty Rhodes to a big pop. Well Dusty's boy has been in hot form since returning to WCW a few months ago, says Arn Anderson. He's got PPV wins over Shawn Stasiak and and Buff Bagwell, now he's looking to book his ticket to have the chance to face Scott Hall in his home state at Halloween Havoc. What do you reckon Bad Guy? You think you could beat Dustin Rhodes with a home advantage? Scott Hall laughs and says look Arn, it really doesn't matter, the truth is, as all the people at home know, I can beat any of these. There's nobody on our roster that scares me. They're not on my level. WCW DDP Theme Song Self High Five (youtube.com) DDP comes out next to a big pop also Tony Schiavone says earlier in the show Scott, DDP questioned if you were still his friend, how do you respond to that? Scott Hall says that sums up DDP's character precisely... Hall says DDP should stick to yoga, not wrestling in his old age. Arn Anderson says earlier tonight Tommy Dreamer boasted to DDP that he had him beat at Fall Brawl... you have to say, it's hard to argue with Dreamer as much as I don't like him or what he stands for with The Extreme Alliance. Arn, the record books show DDP didn't lose that much, in my eyes that's all that matters, says Schiavone in defence of DDP. WCW Booker T Theme (youtube.com) And here he is, perhaps the favourite for this match, says Tony Schiavone. Booker T, 4 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, he's been looking to try and get a shot at Scott Hall ever since he lost that title... is tonight the night, and will he get that shot at Halloween Havoc in his home state of Texas?! The 4 men lock eyes in the middle of the ring. Dustin Rhodes and Mike Awesome perhaps looking a bit more nervous than Booker T or DDP, it's not very often either of these guys gets such a big opportunity. The match lasts just under 9 minutes and all 4 men get a chance to shine. There is no doubt however that the most in-form and star of the show is Booker T. Booker T is the most over with the crowd and despite some cheering for DDP and the odd cheer for Dustin, with a few "FAT CHICK THRILLER" chants for Mike Awesome, it is when Booker T is hitting kicks and punching the other guys when the fans are cheering the loudest. The match comes to a conclusion after Mike Awesome hits an Awesome Bomb on Dustin Rhodes who ends up rolled out of the ring in a heap on the floor. Mike Awesome then eats a Diamond Cutter from out of nowhere as he gets back up and DDP has the pin on a down and out Awesome. It looks like DDP has the win, but Booker T just breaks it up at 2! DDP tries to hit a Diamond Cutter on Booker, but Booker manages to counter it, letting DDP slam himself on the ground, then immediately as he gets up Booker hits him with a Book-End! Just as Booker T goes for the pin however we see Buff Bagwell appear on the big screen in the parking lot. "BOOKER!!!!" Buff shouts at the screen. Booker T looks up at the screen completely confused. What does Buff Bagwell want with him? "AT FALL BRAWL YOU AND YOUR BROTHER DESTROYED MY RENTAL CAR! IT TURNS OUT MY INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER BALLS MAHONEY'S FAT ASS GETTING SMASHED THROUGH MY DAMN WINDSHIELD! THEY CANCELLED MY RENTAL BOOKING FOR TONIGHT AND BECAUSE OF YOU AND STEVIE RAY I MISSED A SHOT AT THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP...WELL BOOKER I BELIEVE IN AN EYE FOR AN EYE... SO YOU BETTER GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE OR YOUR BROTHER GOES THROUGH HIS RENTAL CAR WINDOW!!" Scott Hall on commentary says "man, not even Russo couldn't write this shit" We then see Big Daddy V laughing evilly and he's got a battered looking Stevie Ray ready and prone for him and Buff Bagwell to slam into a car. Booker T can't believe it. He looks shocked and angry at the same time, but either way, he immediately dashes out of the ring and starts sprinting to the back. DDP has managed to get to his feet. DDP looks at the screen and shouts asking Booker where he's going. Sharmell seems to shout at him "IT'S STEVIE!! COME HELP HIM!!" and DDP seems torn, he should help his friend, but he wants to win the match? That decision is taken out of DDP's hands though as whilst he's distracted working out what's going on, Mike Awesome is back on his feet and as DDP turns round he gets a Big Boot to the face. DDP gets back up and Mike Awesome hits him with the Awesome Bomb! Is the fat chick thriller going to the main event of Halloween Havoc?! gasps Jerry Lawler. Awesome looks ready to go for the pin on DDP and pick up a shock win, but wait! Dustin Rhodes is there, he runs straight at Awesome and drops down with the undercut, catching Awesome off guard, and Rhodes hits him with the Curtain Call! My God, Dustin Rhodes could have this one! gasps Tony Schiavone, as the referee counts the 1-2-3!! as a jubilant Dusty Rhodes celebrates at ringside. Dustin Rhodes wins via pinfall - (8.07) - (70 rated) ---- Dustin Rhodes, looking fairly shocked himself has his hand raised by the referee as his Father, Dusty Rhodes, joins him in the ring and gives him a big hug. Dustin Rhodes looks overcome with emotion. 'THE NATURAL' DUSTIN RHODES WILL GET A SHOT AT SCOTT HALL'S WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AT HALLOWEEN HAVOC shouts an excited Tony Schiavone. Scott Hall, what's your immediate reaction to this? Scott Hall says "this don't work for me, brother!" and slams off his headset. We see Scott Hall then stand at the top of the entrance ramp and angrily gesture at Dustin and Dusty who barely even notice him. --- Meanwhile, before we go off air, we see Booker T running through to the parking lot. Curt Hennig can be seen milling around and asks Booker what's going on. Booker says Stevie's in trouble, Curt! And Curt drops what he's doing and joins Booker. They get to the parking lot just as Buff Daddy V and Buff Bagwell can be heard smashing Stevie Ray through his rental car windshield. "NO!!!" shouts Booker, as we hear shouting from Bagwell and Buff Daddy V as they then get in their car and drive off just as Booker and Curt get to their car. The segment ends and the show goes off air with Booker T looking livid as he and Curt assess the damage on Stevie Ray. Freestyle segment with Booker T, Curt Hennig, Stevie Ray and Buff Enuff - (78 rated) ---- Show Rating: 82 0.92 TV rating (691K viewers)

Great show Nobby. Loved the match type where the winner gets something and the loser loses something. Did you come up with that or was that a thing in like TNA or something? Only thing I can think of similar was Feast or Fired match, but not sure I've ever seen that in a triple threat/fatal fourway done that way before. Mox & Danielson in the Tag match please.

What does the future hold for Jeff Jarrett? Jeff Jarrett's AOL Time-Warner contract has now expired, but it is not clear if wrestling fans will be seeing him on their TV screens anytime soon. Some rumoured that if WCW went bust Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett were looking to either buy the company or start their own company to fill the gap in the market left behind. With Shane McMahon taking over, that gap won't be there, so it seems unlikely they will set up their own company now. It is not clear if Shane McMahon will hold a grudge against Jarrett due to his falling out with Vince McMahon over the way he left the WWF. It is certainly clear that Vince McMahon and the WWF won't sign Jarrett, but this poses a problem for him, as unlike any other high-profile name that will become a free agent, Shane McMahon knows he can more or less sign Jarrett whenever he likes - there is no rush to sign him immediately, as unless one of the Japanese companies comes in for him, which seems unlikely, he won't get a better off than WCW any time soon. A return to WCW seems an obvious move for both parties and Shane McMahon is thought to hold Jarrett in high regard, however if insiders are anything to go by, it is quite likely if Jarrett does sign for WCW it won't happen this side of 2001's edition of Starrcade.

Maven wins WWF Tough Enough Big news today in the WWF as it was confirmed that Maven Huffman had won the first ever season of Tough Enough. WWF have sent Maven to gain some experience in the IWA (International Wrestling Association), the Puerto Rican company they currently have an agreement with to send developmental talent to. It is thought, ironically, that sending him to Puerto Rico might help "toughen him up".

WCW announce new annual Cruiserweight Classic Tournament At WCW's recent Fall Brawl PPV there was an announcement by Eric Bischoff detailing a new annual Cruiserweight tournament. Bischoff confirmed the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic winner will be crowned at Halloween Havoc next month in Houston, Texas. It is thought the idea for the WCW World Cruiserweight championship to not be defended at Halloween Havoc was to add prestige to the tournament, rather than make the tournament a tournament whereby the winner gets a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight champion, WCW are keen for the tournament itself to be the prize, a bit like how in European footballer/soccer teams will compete annually for a league title, but also a Cup tournament too. We know that there will be 16 Cruiserweights in the tournament and it will operate on a straight-knockout bracket format. Bischoff confirmed how competitors will qualify for the tournament: 1 spot for the current WCW World Cruiserweight Champion 1 spot for any WCW World Cruiserweight Champion since the last Halloween Havoc 3 Wildcard slots available for international talent not currently signed with WCW. To represent their historic contribution to Cruiserweight wrestling both Japan and Mexico will have 1 spot each, with 1 spot also going to the Rest of the World. Any remaining spots will be determined by rankings based on TV and PPV performance in the calendar year. The tournament brackets are set to be announced this Wednesday on Nitro, but just by the process of elimination we can assume that Juventud Guerrera, the current WCW World Cruiserweight champion will take 1 spot - and there should be spots for Shane Helms, Chavo Guerrero Jr and Mike Sanders, who have all been WCW World Cruiserweight champion since Halloween Havoc 2000. That still leaves 12 other spots, with the 3 wildcard slots and 9 other spots for members of the active WCW roster. Sources have tried to ascertain who the Wildcard slots might be, but WCW seem to be keeping tight lipped over who might appear. Although it is rumoured that WCW are in talks with a former WCW World Cruiserweight champion to fill 1 of the 3 wildcard slots.

Norman Smiley handed 2 year WCW contract We understand that Norman Smiley, who returned to WCW in the last week challenging the WCW FXtreme Television champion, Steve Corino, on Panic! and at Fall Brawl, has been handed a 2 year contract with WCW. It is thought that originally the plan had been for Norman Smiley to simply return for these two shows as a one-off, but Shane McMahon and his team were impressed enough by Smiley's in-ring performances, backstage attitude and reaction from the crowd that they offered him a 2 year deal to become part of the WCW roster full-time again. Smiley is one of a number of wrestlers who seems to have benefitted from WCW being kept alive by Shane McMahon, as there was not reported to be any WWF interest in signing him so if WCW had died then Smiley would've been unlikely to return to national television

Bryan Danielson Kingston & Moxley

WCW roster as of end of September 2001 PPV WCW Male Roster: Air Paris, AJ Styles, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney, Barry Windham, Billy Kidman, Blueberg, Blue Meanie, Booker T, 'Sexy' Brian Lawler, Buff Bagwell, Buff Daddy V, Carl Ouellet Chavo Guerrero Jr, 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels, Chuck Palumbo, Curt Hennig, Dave Taylor, David Flair, DDP, Disco Inferno, Djinni Parisi, Don Harris, 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes, Elix Skipper, Erik Watts, Fit Finlay, Hugh Morrus, Jamie Knoble, Jason Jett, Jimmy Yang, Johnny Stamboli, Juventud Guerrera, Kanyon, Kaz Hayashi, Kid Kash, Kid Romeo, Kwee Wee, La Parka, Lance Storm, Lash LeRoux, Little Guido, Mark Jindrak, Mike Awesome, Mike Rotunda, Mikey Whipwreck, Mike Sanders, mOrE-bId!, Norman Smiley, Nova, Psychosis, rAgE? yEs!, Reno, Road Warrior Animal, Road Warrior Dog, Rob Van Dam, Ron Harris, Scott Hall, Sean O'Haire, Shane Helms, Shawn Stasiak, 'Dr Death' Steve Williams, Stevie Ray, Super Crazy, Tajiri, Terry Funk, The Hurricane, Tommy Dreamer, Tony Mamaluke & Vampiro WCW Female Roster: Akira Hokuto, April Hunter, Chyna, Dawn-Macaria, Francine, La Diabolica, lYnCh! Malia Hosaka, Meiko Satomura, Sweet Saraya, Sharmell, Stacy Keibler, Torrie Wilson, Tylene Buck WCW Tag Teams: Air Raid (Air Paris & AJ Styles) b.w.o - (Blue Meanie & Nova) Buff Enuff (Buff Bagwell & Buff Daddy V) DDP & Kanyon Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo Expressly American (Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda) fReEk-sHoW (rAgE? yEs! & mOrE-bId) Fit Finlay & Dave Taylor Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) Mark Jindrak & Shawn Stasiak Sean 0'Haire & Chuck Palumbo Super Crazy & Psychosis The Chair Swingin' Freaks (Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney) The F.B.I (Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke) The Harris Twins (Don Harris & Ron Harris) The Hounds of Hades (Djinni Parisi & Saemon Daemon) The Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi) The Nu Road Warriors (Road Warrior Animal & Road Warrior Dog) The Sons of the South (Erik Watts & David Flair) Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome) Stables: b.w.o (Blue Meanie, Nova & Blueberg) Fit's Fight Club (Fit Finlay, Dave Taylor & Tajiri) fReEk-sHow (Vampiro, rAgE? yEs!, mOrE-bId! & lYnCh) Team Canada (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome & Carl Oullet) The F.B.I (Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke & Johnny Stamboli) The MexiCruisers (Juventud Guerrera, Super Crazy & Psychosis) The Extreme Alliance (Bill Alfonso, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney) The Sons of the South ('Sexy' Brian Lawler, Erik Watts & David Flair) The Underworld ('The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria, 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and 'The Hounds of Hades' Djinni Parisi & Saemon Daemon) Managers: Bill Alfonso managing Sabu, Tommy Dreamer and The Chair Swingin' Freaks (Axl Rotten & Tommy Dreamer) Dawn-Macaria managing The Hounds of Hades (Djinni Parisi & Saemon Daemon) and 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels Don Callis managing Steve Corino Dusty Rhodes managing 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes 'Sinister' James Mitchell managing Akira Hokuto and Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo Jimmmy Hart managing 'Dr Death' Steve Williams Sharmell managing Booker T Stacy Keibler managing Shawn Stasiak Terry Taylor managing Malia Hosaka Torrie Wilson managing Billy Kidman Other: The Sandman is contracted to Scott Hall as his personal driver Handshake Agreements WCW currently has handshake agreements with a number of workers to appear on WCW TV as enhancement talents on an ad-hoc basis. These workers are currently: Barry Horowicz Bobby Eaton Lane & Lodi (Lenny Lane & Lodi) PG-13 (Jamie Dundee & Slash) CEO/Owner: Shane McMahon Head of Talent Relations: Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat WCW Men's General Manager: Eric Bischoff WCW Women's General Manager: Sable FX Consultant Producer for Panic!: Joey Styles Announcers: Nitro: Arn Anderson Jerry 'The King' Lawler Tony Schiavone Panic!: Joey Styles Scott Hudson Stevie Ray PPVs: Jerry 'The King' Lawler Joey Styles Tony Schiavone Refs: Billy Silverman Charles Robinson Mickie Jay Nick Patrick Scott Armstrong Backroom/Road Agents/Interviewers: April Hunter Dave Taylor Dusty Rhodes Fit Finlay JJ Dillon Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat Roddy Piper Terry Funk Terry Taylor Talent Trading Arrangements: WCW currently has talent trading agreements with several other companies. These include: USA: NWA Florida - Based in South East NWA Wildside - Based in South East TCW (Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling) - Based in South East Canada: Stampede Wrestling - Based in Alberta Japan: AJW (All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling) - Based in Kanto

WCW current champions as of end of September PPV 2001 WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Hall The reign began on 22 July, 2001, Bash at the Beach PPV WCW United States Champion: Sabu The reign began on 26 August 2001, Mayhem PPV WCW FXtreme Television Champion: Steve Corino The reign began on 22 July, 2001, Bash at the Beach PPV WCW World Cruiserweight Champion: Juventud Guerrera The reign began on 24 June, 2001, The Great American Bash PPV WCW World Women's Champion: Akira Hokuto The reign began on 24 June, 2001, The Great American Bash PPV WCW World Tag Team Champions: Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome) The reign began on 26 August, 2001, Mayhem PPV

Due to the incredibly screwy nature of the RVD/Sabu finish/stipulation I have awarded anyone who went for a Sabu victory with 0.5 points. @Nobby_McDonald is the Fall Brawl predictions winner, getting himself 3 bonus points for his trouble. @StanMiguel claims second points and picked up his first bonus points of 2001 with 2 bonus points, whilst just behind him was @DGenerationMC whose 1 bonus point will help him plug what was a shortening gap in the last few PPVs with 2nd place @DHK1989.

Held back on answering before posting the PPV as Hurricane answer was a little spoiler-y maybe, but: Dustin Rhodes doesn't seem to be have any personal issues at the moment. I think he was getting divorced around this sort of time in real life, but certainly no issues with him so far which has been good. With Shane Helms and The Hurricane I thought it would be cool to have some fun with the superhero trope of nobody seeing Clark Kent/Superman in the same room etc. I think when The Hurricane debuted they kind of just stopped having Shane Helms/Gregory Helms whatever he was at the time show up anywhere, but for now I think I can have a bit more fun with the other members of the roster not being 100 percent sure they're not the same guy even if the fans know they are. mOrE-bID! is Shannon Moore and rAgE? yEs! is Evan Karagias.