Henderson

Week 4, December 1996 LIVE from Kiel Center - St. Louis, MO Attendance: 16,110 Monday Nitro kicks off tonight, strangely, in the same arena as last week. Things look much the same though there is several hundred more fans in attendance. Jim Ross welcomes everyone who is tuning in and says who knows what will happen tonight after the wild show they had last week. Steve Austin unexpectedly came to Lex Luger's rescue last week but quickly stated this weekend on Saturday Night that it was out of no love or respect for Luger. Ross think's Austin's focus is locked in towards the Nature Boy Ric Flair and their upcoming Iron Man match this Sunday at Starrcade. He also says the NWO have been working overtime lately to ensure that the challenger to the world heavyweight title, Scott Steiner, walks into Starrcade a beaten and broken man. Tonight will be the final chance for the competitors to gain the momentum headed into the biggest show of the year, so you can bet that everyone will be in rare form tonight! Music hits the arena as we begin our first match of the evening! Carl Oulette vs Arn Anderson vs The Enforcer was indeed in rare form tonight as well as a no-nonsense approach to this match. He didn't give one half of the French Canadians any opportunity to mount an offense and methodically broke down his opponent move by move. Following his signature Spinebuster, Arn got the pinfall at 9:47 with a DDT. Winner: Arn Anderson Rating: 78 Following the bell, Mean Gene steps into the ring as the Enforcer celebrates his win. The music dies off and Mean Gene tells everyone that Anderson requested an interview following his match tonight and wanted to know what he had to say. Double A said that a couple weeks ago, he stopped Eddie Guerrero from picking on a guy who can't win a match. Before that, he was puffing his chest out to Ricky Steamboat. Anderson said he isn't close to riding off in the sunset, not by a long shot, but he's sick and tired of guys like Guerrero who want to throw their weight around like they're somebody. Anderson challenges Eddie Guerrero to a match at Starrcade and he says after that, we'll all see who walks away with a smile on their face. Rating: 91 A confrontation ensues backstage between Diamond Dallas Page and Paul Levesque. The two are nose to nose and on the verge of escalating into a full on fight. Levesque says if DDP has a problem with him, then they can settle things this Sunday at Starrcade. DDP says that's fine with him before they finally go their own way. Rating: 73 Fit Finlay vs Jacques Rougeau vs Jacques was hoping to reverse the fortune of his team but it wasn't meant to be. Finlay put this away at 7:21 with a Tombstone in a not-very-exciting matchup. Winner: Fit Finlay Rating: 60 tHe FolLoWInG AnnOunCEmENT hAs BeEn PAiD fOr BY tHe NEW WORLD ORDER: Next is an NWO promo where Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Brian Pillman spend the time taunting and making fun of their opponents for this Sunday. Scott Steiner, Lex Luger, and Diamond Dallas Page is also the brunt of all of their jokes. The trio all say that the NWO is riding high on a wave and can't be stopped. The only question for this Sunday is; who else might end up hopping on the NWO train? Rating: 94 Nitro returns from a commercial and Ross says we're going straight to our next match before some trumpets begin to play over the arena speakers. All the announcers look confused before someone not seen for awhile walks out onto the stage, along with the tag team in this next match. Regal has that contemptuous look on his face, as usual, and Squire Dave Taylor and Earl Robert Eaton follow behind him out onto the stage. Mean Gene also greets Regal at the base of the ramp as he says "welcome back" as he's been away for the last several months with an injury. Mean Gene also says that it appears that the Blue Bloods are back to their full strength. Regal, in his utmost disgust, says he doesn't need a peasant like Gene Okerlund to welcome him back to WCW. Regal says when he was forced away due to injury, he was the Television champion and he's the best Television champion in WCW's history. Regal never lost the title so in his view, he's still rightfully the champion. Regal says he's noticed Dean Malenko walking around with the title and calling himself the champion, so he see's a problem. The Blue Bloods are indeed back to full strength and he promises 1997 will be a big year for the group. Regal says that all starts tonight, as up next, the Blue Bloods will take on a washed up tag team and easily beat them, Regal will also return to action tonight and easily win his match. Regal says that he will then go on to Starrcade this Sunday because he's issuing a challenge for Dean Malenko. Regal wants his title back and he's going to get it back to its rightful owner this Sunday. Rating: 99 Bunkhouse Buck & Dirty Dick Slater vs Blue Bloods (Taylor & Eaton) vs The Blue Bloods must have had some extra motivation with Regal's return, as well as his presence at ringside. They took the fight to Buck and Slater but also had some help along the way from Regal, as he did his best to get plenty of cheap shots in. The match itself wasn't very good though Eaton had a decent performance. Taylor got the pin at 8:17 with a Northern Lights Suplex. Winners: Blue Bloods Rating: 51 Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Steven Regal vs Regal was able to move around the ring with an heir of confidence, clearly showing he's back to 100% from his injury with little lasting effect. It was also clear as day that he was rejuvenated from his time off as he floated around the ring and took plenty of time to stall, waiving Chavo off only to strut around the ring. The match was given a good bit of time, but what wasn't spent stalling by Regal was filled with total domination from Regal. He finally locked in the Regal stretch at 14:44 for the submission victory. Winner: Steven Regal Rating: 65 Jim Ross, Bobby Heenan, and Dusty Rhodes all begin to discuss the events thus far for tonight and also start to hype up Starrcade before the crowd starts to come to life. Again, all three announcers look confused as they turn toward the stage, only to see the Macho Man Randy Savage come walking out, with no announcement, no music, and no warning. Savage goes straight for the ring as they all wonder what Savage plans on doing. Savage: I said it a few weeks ago when I returned, and I'll say it again for everyone here tonight; The Macho Man is back and I've got a lot of things need changin'....Yeah.... I've spent my entire career and just about my entire life trying to prove myself to everyone! I've also spent too many times being the door mat for other people around me! I've found that I've spent more time in my life, not doing what I wanna do, but doing what everyone else wants to do! I spent too much time under Hulk Hogan in the WWF, having to tag along with him, not because I wanted to, but because that's what Hulk Hogan wanted! I couldn't branch out on my own and do my own thing! So I left the WWF and I came to WCW where I was finally able to be my own man and do my own thing! That is, until Hulk Hogan arrived! Once again I, and everyone else had to take a back seat to Hulk Hogan and what Hulk Hogan wanted! He wanted to recreate the Mega Powers. He wanted to team with the Macho Man! He wanted to act like he was my best friend! In reality, I couldn't ever take the spotlight away from Hulk Hogan, not even when I was the heavyweight champion! So then the NWO came around....I did the right thing and I joined Lex Luger and Sting to take out the intruders! The only thing that cost me was Hulk Hogan turning his back on me once again!! Yeeaaaahhh! Hulk Hogan, I take a look at every big event in your career and the Macho Man has either had something to do with it, or I was close by! So in reality, Hulk Hogan, you owe the Macho Man for the success in your late career!!! I've spent too much time doing what other people want! Things are gonna change around here and they're gonna start changing this Sunday at Starrcade!! The Macho Man is no longer going to do what everyone else wants! I'm no longer going to rely on "friends" like Lex Luger or Sting! I'm not going to ride anybody's coattails! The Macho Man is gonna do what the Macho Man wants to do! I see you up there, Stinger! Lemme tell you this!! If you've got a problem with the Macho Man, then you can come and take that problem up with me, face to face! I've realized over the last several months that I was nothing but the punching bag for you and Luger! I was always the fall guy! I was the one put in place to get beat up! If anything, the two of you set me up just as much as the NWO! So c'mon, Sting!!! If you want a fight with the Macho Man, I'm not hard to find! As a matter of fact, if you want to face me in the ring this Sunday at Starrcade, I'll be there!!! OOOOOH YEAH!!! Rating: 100 The Macho Man walks off and heads up the aisle, leaving everyone in stunned silence. Jim Ross and crew all wonder if Savage has gone completely off the hook with his beliefs and accusations. The camera focuses on Sting who, high atop the arena, watches Savage walk off before he also turns and disappears into the shadows. Following a much-needed break, Nitro returns to the Nature Boy backstage for a promo. Flair is lively as always and hypes up his final battle with Austin this coming Sunday at Starrcade. Flair says over the course of the last couple months, he's managed to rebuild his respect for Austin. He's recognized that they've beaten the hell out of each other but both men are still standing. Despite any newfound respect he's gotten for Austin, that doesn't mean he isn't to make his life hell this Sunday. Flair says, one more time, they'll walk the aisle on Sunday, step in that ring, and give everything they've got. Flair has one advantage over Austin, that he's made his living on 60 minute matches and in his personal life he's also a 60 minute man. He's gonna make Austin bleed, he's gonna make Austin cry, and at the end of those 60 minutes, Austin's gonna call him the Man! WOOOOOOO! Rating: 100 Lex Luger vs Alex Wright vs There was little to be happy about from the German bratwurst in this match. The Total Package was ultra-focused and wasted little time in messing with Alex Wright. He easily manhandled him before finally locking in the Torture Rack at 8:27 and getting the submission win. Winner: Lex Luger Rating: 74 In a quick pre-match interview, Mean Gene asks Steiner about this coming Sunday and if he's ready for a second battle against Hollywood Hogan and the NWO as he tries one more time to capture the world title for the first time in his career. Steiner says the NWO have done everything they could to keep him away from Hogan and that title, and failed. He's still standing and he's still coming for Hogan and that title this Sunday. He's going to make an example out Levesque and give the NWO an early glimpse into Hogan's fate in his next match. Rating: 100 Paul Levesque vs Scott Steiner vs Steiner wasn't the only one with something on the line in this match, Levesque was also wanting to head into Starrcade with momentum as he takes on Diamond Dallas Page. Steiner was true to his word, however, as he didn't give Levesque an opportunity to breathe, hitting him with repeated suplexes and clotheslines. Steiner also had a good mix of power moves in his offense. It didn't take long before some members of the NWO, like Buff Bagwell, "Sting", and Brian Pillman rushed their way to ringside. They all jumped on the apron in an attempt to interfere, but Steiner was ready for them. With the crowd deafening, Steiner took advantage, clubbing each man as they jumped the apron. They all hoped to cause enough distraction though for Levesque to get back to his feet and attack Steiner from behind. Leveque did get to his feet, but Steiner was also ready for that. He turned and met Levesque trying to throw a punch but Steiner blocked it. He had him reeling back to the ropes and Steiner whipped him to the opposite side. On return, Steiner hit a picture-perfect FrankenSteiner to the crowd's delight and got the pinfall victory at 13:01 Winner: Scott Steiner Rating: 86 Nitro fades out as Steiner celebrates his win Jim Ross: The NWO better look out!! By God, Scott Steiner is ready! He's prepared! He's going to take on Hollywood Hogan and the NWO head on at Starrcade, and it looks like he's gonna win! Don't miss Starrcade this Sunday on Pay Per View!!! Final Show Rating: 90

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund bringing you this week's WCW Hotline Report! In the fallout from World War 3, several temporary contracts have become expired. Kaz Hayashi, both Villano's, Ice Train, Jimmy Del Ray, Super Calo, Hector Guerrero, Silver King, and Konnan are all gone from WCW. Sgt. Craig Pittman also had his contract expire this week and WCW opted not to renew the deal. The Great Muta's loan period from NJPW has also expired and he will no longer be seen in WCW, at least for the time being. I've heard rumors that when his current deal is up, WCW may be putting an offer in for his services full time. Steve Regal has been cleared to return to in-ring action following his injury. He tore his ACL back in September and was initially expected to be out of action for 6 months. Regal opted for surgery which drastically cut his time away down. He will return on this week's Monday Nitro in his first match back! Congratulations to Bob Backlund, as he announced his retirement last week! There could be trouble in the water for the World Wrestling Council, as it was announced this week that they have "fallen in size" and look to be doing some big cut backs. Insiders now view WWC as being "small." Jim Ross is said to be "extremely happy" at signing his new WCW contract. This couldn't come at a better time for the reigning best announcer in the world. The WWF's In Your House PPV is this weekend headlined by Goldust defending the Intercontinental title against Henry Godwinn. Fans were shocked earlier this week on Nitro when Steve Austin came to Lex Luger's rescue as he was being beaten down by the NWO's Kevin Nash. Many were under the impression that Austin was turning a new leaf, however, he made it very clear on Saturday Night this weekend that he didn't help the Total Package because he likes him. Austin said he's tired of the NWO sticking their nose in business that doesn't concern them and he's not afraid of anyone, including the NWO. Austin stated he was angry that Nash interfered in their match and caused the disqualification loss for him. Austin also said he's razor sharp focused for Starrcade and his 60-minute Iron Man match against Ric Flair and will not hold back on the Nature Boy. This week's Monday Nitro is oddly again held in the Kiel Center but is sure to be hectic, as it is the final Nitro before WCW's biggest Pay Per View of the year - Starrcade! Week 4, December 1996 LIVE from Kiel Center - St. Louis, MO (Again...) Paul Levesque vs Scott Steiner Lex Luger vs Alex Wright Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Lord Steven Regal Bunkhouse Buck & Dirty Dick Slater vs Blue Bloods (Robert Eaton & Dave Taylor) Fit Finlay vs Jacques Rougeau Carl Oulette vs Arn Anderson

That's an interesting observation! Considering Austin grew his goatee to cover up his busted lip he received from Jake Roberts and that never happened in this universe, it'll be interesting to see what happens! I also was always wondering if people picked up on Sting's transition to his different look in this dynasty.

Week 3, December 1996 LIVE from the Kiel Center - St. Louis, MO Attendance: 15,840 There's a special intro to Nitro tonight after the usual opening video package. The cameras go to the announce booth where Jim Ross is now sitting in the middle between Mike Tenay and Dusty Rhodes. Ross: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to WCW Monday Nitro! I can't express how excited I am to be back here in WCW and once again calling the wrestling action! I'm joined by the American Dream Dusty Rhodes and the Professor Mike Tenay. Gentlemen, I haven't had the opportunity until now to get to share announcing time with you both, and I'm extremely excited! Dusty, I've called a number of your matches during your in-ring career, and I'm certainly looking forward to calling the action with you in the announce booth. Halfway through tonight's show, we're going to switch out color commentators as Dusty will go to backstage interview positions and Bobby "the Brain" Heenan will join us out here, and I've got to say, I'm equally as excited to work with him! It's safe to say that WCW has the best announce team in the industry and it has the hottest in-ring action to go along with it! WCW is on fire as of late and the NWO continue to get more powerful by the week, it seems. Dusty: That's right, daddeh! Jimbo Ross, I'm so glad you're back where you belong in WCW, where the Big Boys Play, if you weil! One thing you've got to be careful of, Jim Ross, as we all here in WCW have found out the hard way over the last several months, is to look out for the New World Order! They don't care who they go after and attack, and if you see em' coming out here, you best run off! Tenay: That's right, Dusty. Jim, I'm also very excited to work with you. As to the NWO - their numbers seem to grow each and every week and it's left us all wondering - Who's it going to be this week? It seems they always have the upper hand which has left us all confused for months. Things became much more clear when Eric Bischoff was revealed to be a secret member. As it stands now, they keep bringing out new members. I can only hope WCW finds a way to start fighting back at the NWO, or else we all may be in trouble. Ross: Well folks, the first news of the night, the main event is the Total Package Lex Luger against Steve Austin, but first, Mean Gene Okerlund is backstage with the man who will challenge Hollywood Hogan for the world heavyweight title at Starrcade, Scott Steiner! Mean Gene: Jim Ross, I welcome you to WCW! With me now is Scott Steiner! Mr. Steiner, you challenge Hollywood Hogan at Starrcade for the world title, a man you faced back at Halloween Havoc and came up short, though not all due to Hogan himself.... Steiner: Mean Gene! It's all coming back around! Hollywood Hogan couldn't beat me by himself at Halloween Havoc, and now he's gotta try to do it again at Starrcade! The NWO have tried week after week to put me down and keep me from going to Starrcade, but that ain't gonna happen! They're gonna have to kill me, Gene, to keep me from that match! I don't care who they bring out, I don't care what new member they get, I don't care what they throw at me between now and two weeks when Hogan's gotta stand across that ring from me and defend his title! There ain't nowhere for Hogan to run, and there ain't nowhere for Hogan to hide! At Starrcade, I'm gonna make him cry like the baby he is and I'm gonna beat him from one end of that ring to the other! And Gene, to top it all off, when the night's over and that referee raises the hand of the winner, he's gonna be raising this arm and with my other arm, I'm gonna be holding up the world belt! Rating: 100 Perry Saturn vs Paul Levesque vs Paul Levesque has his first match back in WCW and during the opening moments, Mike Tenay provides viewers with his usual trivia, stating Saturn and Leveque actually trained at the same wrestling school and know each other quite well. This translated into a decent match between the two where Levesque maintained control. Interestingly enough, he ended the match at 10:06 with a Diamond Cutter before tauntingly flashing the Diamond Cutter symbol. Winner: Paul Levesque Rating: 66 Following the match, Mean Gene is at the base of the rampway where he says he's bringing out his next guest for an interview. The crowd get on their feet as he introduces the Macho Man Randy Savage! Savage walks out to a good ovation and meets Gene at the end of the ramp. Savage has his hands on his hips and doesn't appear to be in a very good mood as Gene starts asking him about his absence and his cryptic claim that he needs to make some changes. Gene puts the microphone up to Savage for a response but he just stands and looks at Gene, not answering. Mean Gene gives a perplexed look before trying another question, saying that the NWO have also made comments lately of trying to get him to join the group. Mean Gene says that for months, the Macho Man valiantly stood up to the NWO in the defense of WCW and asks that he can't seriously be considering joining the NWO, could he?? Again, Savage refuses to answer Mean Gene, instead shaking his head slightly. Mean Gene now is starting to get annoyed that Savage won't answer anything and says he's going to have to answer these questions eventually. The crowd again begin to come to life as something else has gotten their attention, something that Mean Gene and Savage also notice... The cameras again catch Sting, watching from high atop the arena, which gives Gene his next question. He says that Sting has been paying an awful lot of attention to Randy Savage lately and whenever we see Savage, we usually see Sting. He asks if Savage is working with Sting and if he's also a free agent, like him. Savage again refuses to answer anything before turning and walking back up the ramp, leaving Mean Gene alone before dropping the mic and looking into the camera and shrugging his shoulders. It looks like we're not going to get anything from the Macho Man tonight. Rating: 100 Wrath vs Scotty Riggs vs Neither man in this matchup had a very good last couple of weeks. Wrath looked to have the extra motivation after losing his match last week and came out with heavy-handed offense and punishing the former American Male. Wrath decisively ended this at 8:06 with the Meltdown. Winner: Wrath Rating: 66 The match ended and Scotty Riggs exited the ring and began making his way toward the back when "Buff" Bagwell ran in from off camera and knocked Riggs to the floor. Bagwell then put the boots to the fallen Riggs before picking him up to his feet and whipping him into the guardrail. He beat Riggs down before looking satisfied with his work. He laughed into the camera before flexing as Nitro faded to its next segment. Rating: 46 Arn Anderson vs Dean Malenko w/Francine vs This non-title match proved to be a lot of fun. Francine tried her best to get in the way of the Enforcer, but he was one step ahead of her each time, which threw Malenko and his manager off their game. The crowd were into this match as Double A punished the Television Champion with all of his signature moves. Sensing defeat, Francine did her best to distract the referee on any pin attempts. The Enforcer hit the Spinebuster and looked to end things, but Francine was able to distract the referee again to avoid a pin fall attempt. Malenko was able to roll out of the ring where he joined up with Francine and together the pair made their way up the aisle, with Malenko apparently walking out of the match. The referee counted Malenko out at 11:31 and awarded the victory to Anderson. Winner by count out: Arn Anderson Rating: 77 We come back from commercial break to DDP walking the backstage hallway where out of nowhere a steel chair comes swinging in the picture. It connects with DDP's back as he collapses to the ground in agony. Paul Levesque then steps in the picture and begins hitting him repeatedly with the chair. Seeing his work done, Levesque drops the chair and then tells DDP to "Feel the bang!" and giving a crotch chop before walking off. Rating: 73 Big Bubba Rogers vs Fit Finlay vs In a not too exciting match and with nothing much to report, Finlay won this match at 8:07, though it was impressive to see Finlay hit the Tombstone on the large Bubba. Winner: Fit Finlay Rating: 68 Mean Gene is a busy man tonight, as he's backstage with the new tag team champions, the Faces of Fear. Gene asks them generic questions about their on-going battle and feud with Harlem Heat and confirming that they will battle one more time at Starrcade. Jimmy Hart is more than confident that they will walk out of that match still champions. Rating: 84 Earl Robert Eaton & Squire Dave Taylor vs Harlem Heat vs Harlem Heat were once again in pretty good form for this match. Their work as a team was flawless and took to the Blue Bloods with a fury. They didn't let up on them and kept them on their toes the entire match. Stevie Ray got this pin fall at 10:11 with a Heat Seeker. Winners: Harlem Heat Rating: 75 tHe FolLoWInG AnnOunCEmENT hAs BeEn PAiD fOr BY tHe NEW WORLD ORDER: Hogan: You know something, Big Sexy!?! Kev: What's that, Hollywood??? Hogan: Scott Steiner, that man with the tiny arms, brother, he doesn't stand a snowcone's chance in hell against me at Starrcade, dude!! And I'll go one even further, he doesn't deserve a shot at the NWO heavyweight title either, brother!!! Add in that I've got the entire NWO watching my back, and Starrcade's just gonna be an easy pay day, my man!!! I'm gonna wipe the floor with Steiner and afterwards he's going to worship the ground I spit on, brother, and be begging us for a spot in the NWO! Kev: For sure, Hollywood! It's like Flexy Lexy Luger. He really wants a piece of the big man?? A million dollar body but a $2 brain. Luger's gonna be broken in half with the Jacknife and like his buddy Steiner, he's going to beg the NWO to welcome him in with open arms.... Hogan: That's right dude! We'll beat em into submitting to the NWO, the greatest organization in the history of professional wrestling! Rating: 88 Lex Luger vs Steve Austin vs Anticipation was thick in the air for this main event. Jim Ross called the atmosphere electric as the bell sounded and the two paced around the ring before locking up. What was pure hatred between the two just a few months ago, has visibly turned into a mutual respect for the other. Bobby Heenan said that it seems like the top stars in WCW may all be finally coming together as they all have a mutual enemy - the NWO. Austin's distanced himself the most from the wrath of the group but there isn't anyone in WCW that's gone untouched by their stranglehold. Both competitors were on their game tonight and their performances were top tier. Every time Luger gained an advantage, Austin found a way to fight back. It was the same whenever Austin gained an advantage and Luger, with the crowd firmly behind him, managed a successful comeback. As Luger had Austin reeling from clothesline attacks, he geared up for the Torture Rack. That's when things broke down. Kevin Nash made his way to ringside, which immediately caused Luger's attention to turn toward him. Nash acted like he was an innocent viewer and told Luger to go back to his match. Luger turned to grab Austin from the mat, but that's when Nash jumped in the ring behind Luger and clubbed him from behind. The result was the referee calling for the DQ at 12:28. Winner by DQ: Lex Luger Rating: 79 In usual Nitro fashion, the show didn't end there. Austin rolled out of the ring and began walking up the aisle as Nash continued the assault on Luger. Austin stopped at the bottom of the ramp and turned to look back in the ring, Kevin Nash still beating on the downed Lex Luger. The crowd then came to life as Austin began his walk back toward the ring. Jim Ross: By God, Austin's coming back to the ring!!! Austin stopped short at the apron and continued to look on as Nash's back was to him, continuing the beat down. The crowd became even more electric when Austin rolled under the rope and into the ring and getting up to his feet. He stood there again, watching Nash's continued attack. Ross: What the hell's he doing?!? Time stood still when Austin finally approached Nash and grabbed him by the arm, spinning him around. Nash's eyes grew wide in shock as the two men stood face to face in a staredown. When nothing happened, Nash got a smirk on his face before turning back around and starting the assault again on Luger. It only lasted a couple strikes before Austin spun Nash around again and said a few words. Ross: What's going on?!? Are they working together now too?! That question was answered with deafening cheers from the crowd when Nash, who had enough, went to punch Austin. Austin promptly blocked it and began rocking Nash backward with punches. He had him reeling back to the ropes where Austin took a couple steps back and with forward momentum, sent Nash over the top rope and to the outside with a huge clothesline. Nash landed on his feet but stumbled back into the guardrail as Austin flipped Nash off which caused the crowd to blow up even louder with cheers. Ross: Austin attacked Nash!! Austin attacked the NWO! Finally WCW's started working together!! Nitro began to fade out from there with the image of Steve Austin in the ring, daring Nash to enter who remained outside on the floor, checking his lip from the flurry of punches he received. Nash remained outside looking into the ring with a death glare at Austin as the show faded out. Rating: 95 Final Show Rating: 86

Week 2, December 1996 LIVE from the Rosemont Horizon - Rosemont, IL Attendance: 17,667 Monday Nitro kicks off this week with the opening Nitro video followed by a pan of the arena and fireworks display, the typical beginning to a Monday Nitro. The fans are packed in this week as Tony welcomes everyone to tuning in. He reminds us that the NWO became two members stronger last week as Marcus Alexander Bagwell joined and newcomer Paul Levesque was revealed as a member. Another Nitro episode came to an end last week showing Scott Steiner being viciously attacked by the NWO. As excited as they are for Steiner challenging Hollywood Hogan later this month at Starrcade for the world title, they're extremely nervous as the NWO has seemed unstoppable. The picture changes from the announce booth to the promo position backstage. Steiner: Hollywood Hogan and the rest of the New World Order idiots, I got news for all of ya! I'm still here and I'm still standing despite your best efforts last week and all those other times you attacked me from behind! I'm still here because none of you idiots have what it takes to put Scott Steiner away! I'm a genetic specimen that all of you wish you had half of my looks and ability! It don't matter one bit how many times you try and beat me up, I'm still comin'! There ain't no way in hell I'm gonna miss Starrcade and facing you, Hollywood Hogan, one more time for the world title and this time, things are gonna be drastically different! Hollywood Hogan, whether you like it or not, you will face me at Starrcade and I'll be leaving that show as the new world champion! Rating: 100 Television Title: Perry Saturn vs Dean Malenko vs As usual, the TV champion is accompanied by his manager Francine. She uses any openings she can find during the match to cause Saturn some trouble. Despite a good showing from Saturn, it wasn't enough to be able to take the title away from Malenko. He picked up the submission with the Texas Cloverleaf at 15:44. Winner: Dean Malenko Rating: 71 Mean Gene is backstage with a very annoyed looking Diamond Dallas Page. Mean Gene prompts that Paul Levesque appeared at World War 3 and cost him the TV title. DDP says that all Levesque managed to do is paint a target on his back; a target that DDP is going to take out by any means. DDP doesn't care if he has the rest of the NWO on his side, he'll go through anyone that stands in his way. One thing's for sure, Levesque will feel the BANG! Rating: 88 Eddie Guerrero vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Tony informs those watching at home that Eddie had requested this match after his growing frustration with his nephew, who can't seem to win a match. Eddie thought that providing a beating to Chavo would change his fortune. Eddie was in rare form tonight and didn't allow Chavo any kind of offense. He finished the match at 9:53 with the Frog Splash but he immediately went back to the assault after the bell rang. Winner: Eddie Guerrero Rating: 77 As the assault continues, the crowd comes to life as Arn Anderson, oddly enough, comes running out and sliding in the ring. He shoves Eddie off from the attack who looks on in confused shock as he see's the Enforcer. Eddie doesn't try to attack and instead exits the ring where he begins to backtrack up the aisle. Arn grabs Chavo by his arm to bring him to his feet before stepping to the ropes and challenging Eddie back in. Eddie doesn't accept and exits the stage. Rating: 71 Nitro's back from commercial break and the familiar music of the NWO begins to play. Out walk the ever-growing stable who, as usual, are all smiles and good moods as they make their way out. All members head to the ring where they get in. Hogan does a jog around the ring as he raises the world title up. Bischoff gets a microphone out of his inside jacket pocket and says that the formal introduction to the New World Order for Marcus Bagwell and Paul Levesque is tonight. Bischoff says that he's no longer "Marcus," as that's too pretty-boy American Maleish. He says from this point forward, he'll be known as Buff Bagwell. Bagwell receives his NWO shirt and puts it on before high-fiving all the others in the ring. Bischoff then says that Levesque is a bit of another story and gives him the mic. Levesque: I want everyone to take a good, long look at what you've got right here!! This isn't my first time in WCW, no way..See, before, I was always made to play some uppity blue blood. I had to prance around, curtseying to everyone, putting my hair in a ponytail, talking with a fake accent....For some reason, that's what stuck on me like a bad habit. Well that's not the person you see standing before you now! What I really am, is a student of the game. I'm a tough, take no prisoners, cerebral assassin and I finally get to be my self! I get to be surrounded by people like me! I no longer have to play some stupid character! I couldn't be taken seriously before in WCW. I couldn't be taken seriously in the WWF, hell, I couldn't even get used in the WWF! So then I thought I'd try the USWA or World Wrestling Council....Nope. They wanted me to play the same old character. Well I've got this to say about all those companies! SCREW THEM! I'm gonna be nothing other than me! I'm gonna do what I wanna do, when I wanna do it! I'm done playing characters. I'm going to make all those places regret using me like that! Luckily for Eric Bischoff, he sees the errors of his ways. I won't blame you for before, Eric. That was then, and this is now, and what everyone's looking at, is the future! The NWO is where it's at and I see a lot of pain in the future for guys like Diamond Dallas Page! Levesque handed the mic back to Bischoff and in the delay, cameras were able to spot Sting standing high above the arena, looking on as the NWO conduct their business. Levesque is then given his own NWO shirt as he puts it on and embraces the other members. Bischoff then says he noticed the Macho Man is back in WCW and see's a side of him that he loves. Bischoff says if that's the Macho Man he got two years ago, he could've been bigger than ever. The NWO want to give Savage an offer he can't refuse as he points to Elizabeth, who smiles. Bischoff also says that despite all the fighting and bad blood between Savage and the NWO, they need to admit when business comes before feelings. Eric says that Savage knows where to find them and that their door will remain open. Bischoff ends the promo with "Think about what the right thing to do is." Rating: 100 Big Bubba Rogers & John Tenta vs Harlem Heat vs Harlem Heat were two men on a mission in this match and both Booker T and Stevie Ray had top notch performances. Despite the larger size of their opponents, Harlem Heat made the work look easy as they demonstrated their underestimated strength with big power moves. Booker got the pin at 11:40 with a Missile Dropkick. Winners: Harlem Heat Rating: 76 Mean Gene is backstage now with Scott Norton. He talks about his feud with Fit Finlay and how they're going to lay it all out at Starrcade. Norton says this will prove that he's the toughest man in WCW and might look ahead to a title afterwards. Rating: 69 Earl Robert Eaton vs Ric Flair vs The Earl showed he can still go pretty well in the ring but the Nature Boy was on fire. Flair was in rare form during this match, hitting all of his classic Nature Boy moves, even the dirty ones, and the crowd loved every second of it. Flair put Eaton away at 10:22 with the Figure Four. Winner: Ric Flair Rating: 88 - With a break in action, cameras return to the commentary desk where Tony is shuffling his papers and they begin to discuss the night's events. Before Tony can even get started, the sounds of drumming, similar to a marching band, begin to play over the arena speakers. Tony gets a confused look on his face and all three turn to look at the stage. The crowd begins to come to life as someone emerges from the fog. Jim Ross comes walking out and the crowd give a warm reception. Tony exclaims that everyone knew Ross was returning to WCW but he had no idea it was going to be tonight! Ross heads to the ring where he climbs in, waiving at the crowd, before he grabs a microphone. - Jim Ross: I won't take up a whole lot of time because I know there's other people you all want to see and hear from rather than me! What I do want to say is how good it feels to be back in WCW! In many ways, I've always felt WCW to be my home! The South is and always has been the heart of professional wrestling and the place I came from drifted further and further away from what I love dearly! This is the place of hard hitting action and I can't wait to call the action for all the wrestlers on the roster! That's right; WRESTLERS! Not superstars. All I've ever wanted to do is call wrestling action. Where I previously was, I couldn't do it the way I thought it should be done. I had to use certain words, I wasn't allowed to say other words, I had to push main events and other stars during a match I was more interested in calling. I'm finally back home where I can be myself, and that's just an ol' redneck from Oklahoma that loves to wear a cowboy hat! And I can't wait to be sitting at that table up there next week calling the action! Rating: 86 Cameras happen to be backstage where Kevin Nash is conveniently walking the halls with a cup of coffee. He stops when Lex Luger steps into the picture, who looks angry and ready to fight. Nash simply holds up a hand to keep Luger at bay and asks why he's in such a foul mood. Luger says that he wants Nash one on one at Starrcade and to bring whatever friends he wants because he's beyond the point of caring. Luger says he just wants to get his hands on him one way or another. Nash looks at Luger for a moment before simply saying "You're on." and walking off. Rating: 88 Kevin Nash vs Wrath vs Wrath's recent win streak is put to the test in this match. Nash went in taunting and toying with Wrath but once the bell rang, Nash seemed a different person. He immediately went at Wrath and rocked him back into the corner. Nash continued using heavy hitting offense before Wrath caught him off guard with a bicycle kick, which also got the crowd on their feet. After some brief offense, Nash was able to turn things around after a mistake by Wrath. Nash was able to hit the Jacknife Powerbomb at 10:11 for the win. Winner: Kevin Nash Rating: 65 Final show rating: 80

Week 1, December 1996 LIVE from the Arrowhead Pond - Anaheim, CA Attendance: 19,000 (SELLOUT!) Monday Nitro kicks off back in the Arrowhead Pond and the 3rd straight sellout in California. The final month of 1996 begins as the NWO music immediately blares through the arena. The NWO come out onto the stage and make their way out through the fog. As they get to the bottom of the ramp, Nash does his side point back toward the entrance, indicating the arrival of another member. The same subject who cost DDP his title last night walks out. Smiles go all around the NWO as he gets to the rest of the group and dishes out high fives and hugs Liz. Tony Schiavone finally confirms that it is Paul Levesque and he's apparently now a new member of the NWO. They all get in the ring and look out at the capacity crowd while Bischoff takes a microphone from inside his jacket. Bischoff: Oh you people!!!!!! You people deserve everything you're going to get here tonight!!! Not just that, but you people deserve to have a Monday Nitro start off right, and that's with this man right here, the Heavyweight Champion of the world and the BEST wrestler to ever exist; Hollywood Hulk Hogan!!! Now before we get down to business, I've gotta say, I can't wait to see the numbers from World War 3 come out because the severe lack of NWO presence on last night's show was an atrocity! The WCW championship committee made a huge mistake when they overruled me and took the NWO matches off the card and let me be clear, one way or another, you will pay dearly for it! Now what everyone is looking at in this ring is a collection of the most dominant athletes in professional wrestling today, minus, of course, Scott Hall....But he'll be back soon!! We have the heavyweight champion, the United States champion, we will get the tag titles back very shortly, and now with Paul right where he belongs, we're going to get the television title! Things couldn't be better for the NWO. As for WCW, now that's a different story. So what the NWO has decided to do, is give anyone in WCW a perfect opportunity to extend their career, make more money, and join the winning team!!! Tonight is free night for the WCW locker room and I can promise you, this is one night only! See, you're either with the NWO, or against us. There is no in between, there is no "thinking about it later," we're going to give the opportunity of a lifetime to anyone backstage who wants to join the winning team, RIGHT NOW! So whoever in the back is smart enough to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, come on down, no questions asked, and the NWO will welcome you with open arms!!! - The crowd get on their feet as they look to the stage. Bobby Heenan thinks this is a trap set up by the NWO, and it very well could be. After a few moments, some figures begin to emerge from the dormant stage. - - Dusty Rhodes thinks the American Males are coming out for a fight. The fans give a good round of cheers as the Males make their way toward the ring. Scotty Riggs is trying to get Bagwell to hold up as he clearly looks unsure about the approach. Bagwell is first in the ring and is quick to hand out high fives and smiles before shaking hands with Hollywood Hogan and then giving Bischoff a hug. Several members slap Bagwell on the back before Scotty Riggs grabs hold of his arm and spins him around. The two begin to argue and Riggs can be heard saying "This isn't a good idea, you don't need to join them!" Nash begins to look frustrated at the interruption of the celebration and Pillman quickly attacks Riggs from behind. He drops as the rest of the members, and Bagwell, join in on the attack. Following the attack, all the members look extremely pleased before someone produces an NWO t-shirt and hands it to Bagwell. He immediately puts it on and then motions toward the "NWO" lettering. The camera fades out as Nitro goes to its intro video. - Rating: 78 Randy Savage vs Eddie Guerrero vs This proved to be an exciting matchup as the fans were excited to see the Macho Man back in action on Monday Nights and the action that both men can bring to the table. Tony says this is the first encounter between the two as they lock up. The announcers also spent time talking about how yet another member of the WCW roster has now turned their back and joined the NWO, with Marcus Bagwell being the latest. The Macho Man was relentless in his assault and was very aggressive against Eddie, which nearly got him disqualified on several occasions. In the end, there was no question as the Macho Man hit the Flying Elbow for the win at 13:46. Winner: Randy Savage Rating: 80 A pre-taped promo airs next with Ricky Steamboat. He says after the battles he and Eddie have had, he thinks last night was the final chapter in that book. He says Eddie was a fierce competitor and his matches with him have proven that the Dragon still has some fire left in its breath. Steamboat said he's going to take some time to figure out what's next, but he's excited for the future! Rating: 89 John Tenta vs Lex Luger vs Luger had the crowd in the palm of his hand as soon as he stepped out onto the stage. Tenta might have had the size advantage but Luger clearly overpowered the big man. After initially taking control, Tenta was able to come back and mount some offense. A bodyslam quickly turned things around for Luger and got the crowd loud again. A series of clotheslines and a Bionic Forearm later, the crowd went deafening as Luger impressively lifted Tenta in the Torture Rack. A submission later at 9:51 gave this one to Luger. Winner: Lex Luger Rating: 81 Following the bell, Mean Gene climbs in the ring as Luger is celebrating his victory. The music fades out and Gene questions Luger about recent events, most notably the new NWO members, his increased aggressiveness in matches, and his continued feud with Kevin Nash. Luger: Mean Gene, the NWO has been running around here for months now, unchecked and unchallenged. Now we all can remember back to that dark day of Fall Brawl and all the mistakes I've made and I've been paying for them ever since! I've seen the Stinger up in the crowd, up at the top of arena's hanging around the last couple of weeks and I'll bet he's just as sick to his stomach with the things going on more recently as I am! The NWO can have any new member it wants but I'm still going to be fighting for WCW! If you've noticed here recently, I'm not alone, either! Scott Steiner's been standing up for WCW and now that the Macho Man's back, the NWO's going to be in for a rude awakening! As for Kevin Nash, it all starts with him, and he's the first one that's got to go! I don't care who he brings with him, it's only a matter of time before I get him in the Torture Rack and he's looking up at the lights! Rating: 84 Nitro had taken a quick commercial break and when it returned, Mean Gene is backstage this time. He's with the former Tag Team champions who, he said, lost the belts last night to the Faces of Fear. Booker T's clearly disappointed but he handles the question and says that Harlem Heat may have lost the belts, but it's not all said and done. Them and the Faces of Fear go way back and if one thing's for sure, Harlem Heat will get the titles back and will once again be at the top of the tag team food chain. Rating: 82 Tag Team Titles: Hostile Intent (Saturn & Paul Roma) vs Faces of Fear (c) vs We're given a bit of back story with Saturn and Roma as they make their entrance. After teaming for the last few months, they apparently worked well as a team and liked the group enough to give themselves a formal team name. Hostile Intent has now been born and they take their new name up against the new champions. It was an extremely physical match and Meng vastly out-performed everyone else. The crowd loved all the hard hitting moves that the Faces of Fear and Saturn provided, though there were some grumblings when Paul Roma came in and attempted some technical moves. Things were over at 10:15 when Meng hit the Kick of Fear. Winners: Faces of Fear Rating: 74 Fit Finlay vs Konnan vs Konnan was hired on a handshake deal for World War 3 and Tony tells us that he's going to be evaluated by WCW to potentially join the roster full time. We're given a brief background of his success in Mexico and all three think he has very high potential. His toughness was definitely challenged in this match. Finlay dished out some abuse but Konnan was able to respond and get the crowd into it when he fired up. It wasn't enough though and Finlay was able to put him away with a Tombstone at 8:23. Winner: Fit Finlay Rating: 66 Mean Gene is in the ring once again and the crowd really get on their feet with excitement when he announces his next guest; The Nature Boy Ric Flair! Flair comes out and struts his way to the ring. Despite the large bandage on his forehead due to last night's battle, Flair is all smiles and dances as he takes time to taunt several fans along the aisle. Dressed in his designer suit, Flair climbs the steps and enters the ring. He bounces off the ropes before meeting Gene in the middle and shaking hands. Mean Gene: Nature Boy, you sure are in good spirits tonight, despite the brutal battle you were in last night with Steve Austin! Flair: Oh MEAAAAAAAN! WOOOOO!! BY GOD, GENE! We are liiiiiiiiive tonight, in Anaheim!!!! Let me touch on last night! Last night, two men went in, and two men came out, battered, bloodied, sweating, and as strong as they went in before! While Austin may not have been the one with blood dripping down his face by the end of the night, make no mistake, he's hurting today just as much as the Nature Boy! Austin!!!! There's two things that are true. The first being, as much as we don't like each other, I can be a man and admit that you're one tough son of a bitch and have to give credit where credit is due! With that being said, your brutal, take no prisoner approach last night was the exact reason you were a Horsemen, pal! But!!! BUT!!!! Don't think I'm just gonna stand out here and blow smoke up Austin's ass!!! I'm not finished with you just yet, Austin! Last night you may have won the battle, but the war is far from over!! Last night, Eddie Guerrero and Ricky Steamboat went 30 minutes in an Iron Man match. Austin!!! If you ask me, I think the two of us can top it!! Austin!!! I'm gonna issue you another challenge, pal! It's you and me, one final time! Winner takes all, clear bragging rights! I want you at Starrcade, 60 minute Iron Man match! I know for a fact that you can't turn down a challenge, my man and let me remind you that I made the 60 minute match! I can go all night and go a little longer!!! I've issued the challenge, and I'm not leaving this ring until you come out here and accept!! It doesn't take long before Austin's music hits and he comes walking out to the stage. The crowd still boo's but there can be plenty of cheering heard as well as Austin takes a moment to look out at the capacity crowd before giving Flair a look inside the ring, where he's looking like he's about to go crazy. Austin: Ric Flair, you have got to be the most desperate, insane, psychotic son of a bitch I have ever known! Halloween Havoc wasn't enough for you, then World War 3 wasn't enough for you, and now you want a 60 minute Iron Man match against me at Starrcade??? Hell son, I don't mind whipping your ass one more time, this time for 60 minutes straight!!!! But don't make any mistake about it, Ric Flair...I ain't gonna stand out here and sing your praises like you were doing to me just a minute ago!! If you thought I was a snake last night in our match, you ain't seen nothing yet! I am going to have you bleeding like a stuck pig at Starrcade, so all the WCW sensors better get their buttons ready, because I will, without a doubt, beat the living hell outta you from one ring post to the other, and that's the bottom line! Flair: Austin!!! Austin!!!! That's where you're wrong, pal!!!! I am the dirtiest player in the game and 60 minutes to me is child's play!!! You're not gonna get one up on me because I am the limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin' son of a gun and at Starrcade, YOUR ASS IS MINE! WOOOOOOOO!!!! Rating: 99 Brian Pillman vs Scott Steiner vs The title wasn't on the line and Pillman was accompanied by his NWO members. While that may give you an idea of how this match went down, it didn't prevent it from being a fantastic match that went on for quite some time. Both competitors were on the top of their game tonight and despite being outnumbered, Steiner was able to hold the NWO at bay for most of the match. Things broke down after Steiner gained control and knocked "Sting" off the apron when he tried to interfere. This distraction allowed Levesque to toss in the US title to Pillman, who used it to blast Steiner in the head as he turned. The match resulted in a DQ victory for Steiner at 16:55. Winner by DQ: Scott Steiner Rating: 96 The bell rang but, you guessed it, the NWO all climbed in and began beating Steiner down. A scene that's become all too familiar in recent weeks, the NWO again looked unstoppable as they attacked the alread-downed Steiner. New members Paul Levesque and Marcus Bagwell took turns beating Steiner before they held him up on his knees by both arms. Hogan took the opportunity to slap Steiner before kicking him, causing him to fall again to the mat. Hogan hit a couple of leg drops as the spray cans again made an appearance. The new members got their first tag as they painted "NWO" on Steiner's back as Nitro faded to a close. Rating: 93 Final Show Rating: 96

World War 3 Exclusive! Hello everyone, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund here to give you an exclusive look behind the scenes at World War 3!!! Eric Bischoff reportedly held a speech after the show, specifically pointing out Eddie Guerrero, Ric Flair, and Steve Austin. Flair and Austin were heavily praised by Bischoff for being awesome in their match while Eddie Guerrero was praised for his great performance. Eddie was said to be "very happy" with the compliment afterwards. Several wrestlers have commented recently about the backstage environment in WCW saying it's the best they've ever experienced. It's safe to say that morale within the WCW backstage is very high! Similarly, others have been outspoken about their recent bookings. Eddie Guerrero, Steve Austin, Scott Steiner, and Booker T have all been very vocal about being quite pleased with their recent bookings. Fans were shocked to see Paul Levesque at World War 3. Levesque previously wrestled with WCW as blue blood Jean Paul Levesque before joining the World Wrestling Federation as Hunter Hearst Helmsley. I've been told that he will wrestle under his own name and WCW became interested in signing him after he continued to remain on an open WWF contract. He went unused for the most part in the WWF with his win/loss record 4-21. He was mostly seen on USWA and the World Wrestling Council out of Puerto Rico, as his contracts were open. Levesque was said to be extremely displeased with his lack of use in the WWF and wanted more opportunity. He's sure to get that here in WCW! The Starrcade main event is all set as Scott Steiner was victorious in the battle royal! Scott Steiner will once again challenge Hollywood Hogan for the world heavyweight title! The two battled at Halloween Havoc and things ended less than cleanly. Steiner has had his sights set on Hogan and that world championship ever since. Jim Ross's WCW contract has completely been finalized. He's just waiting out the no-compete time which is up in just a couple of weeks. Brian Pillman was reportedly "very happy" at signing his new WCW contract. This new contract will ensure that he will be a part of the WCW roster for a few years. We're rapidly heading toward the end of 1996 and so many challenges still lay ahead! The NWO continue to run rampant, Sting is now brooding in the arena's, and WCW is having trouble remaining united. Scott Steiner hopes to change the course of that and defeat Hollywood Hogan and the NWO. Here's the lineup for Monday Nitro! Week 1, December 1996 LIVE from the Arrowhead Pond - Anaheim, CA Brian Pillman vs Scott Steiner Fit Finlay vs Konnan Tag Team Titles: Hostile Intent (Saturn & Paul Roma) vs Faces of Fear John Tenta vs Lex Luger Randy Savage vs Eddie Guerrero

Week 4, November 1996 LIVE from Jack Murphy Stadium - San Diego, CA Attendance: 60,000 (SELLOUT!) - For the second event in a row, WCW has sold out a California venue. The first image we see when the cameras fade in are from high above the stadium. The packed crowd surrounds the three rings in the center, which look tiny from being so high in the air. At first you're led to believe it might be a helicopter but another shot shows a blimp circling high above. The outdoor venue gives a great look on screen with the sunset beginning to fade in the distance. We're then brought to the broadcasting booth where Tony Schiavone and Dusty Rhodes, welcome everyone. Tony handles the introductions and then he introduces the alternate broadcasts that will be used throughout the show for this special event. As Tony introduces the other announcers, he says that they will trade off duties with matches and then all of them will join together to call the chaotic battle royal. Mike Tenay and Bobby Heenan are a pairing and then lesser used Lee Marshall and Larry Zbyszko are the final pairing. Tony says tonight is a huge night as not only are there some marquee matches but we'll also find out who will challenge for the world heavyweight title at Starrcade next month. All the announcers take some time to go through all the matches for tonight and what they think of them before we go right into the first match of the night! - Iron Man Match (30 Min): Ricky Steamboat vs Eddie Guerrero vs The two men head into this match with each having high stakes. Eddie has been taunting Ricky Steamboat and hopes to back up his words after failing last month at Halloween Havoc. Steamboat looks to establish that he can still go in the ring and compete with the younger talent. He proved as much last month and when Eddie gave excuses for his loss, he wanted the ultimate challenge; an Iron Man match. To further taunt Steamboat, Eddie said he wasn't ready for a full 60 minute match at his age and instead said it would be 30 minutes. The bell rang and Eddie continued to taunt the Dragon. On Steamboat's side, he looked more than ready for the match and had an intensity about him that clearly took Guerrero off guard. Eddie had something to say to Steamboat that generated a stiff slap across Guerrero's face. At that point, Eddie knew the fun and games were over. Both men wildly fought each other and the crowd gave a loud applauding response as things kicked off on fire. Eddie tried rushing Steamboat only to get caught by his patented arm drags. Furious that he was out maneuvered, Eddie retreated to the floor. Once he was able to regroup, he got back in the ring and a poke to the eye started things in Eddie's favor. Eddie took his time working Steamboat over and also hitting any cheap shot that helped along the way. He took the time to work Steamboat's knee, indicating that Eddie wanted to make the Dragon submit for his first victory of the match, something Dusty said was clearly a signal from when Steamboat made him give up at Halloween Havoc. Ricky, always playing the role of the good guy in peril better than anyone, appeared to be in agony each time Eddie worked his leg. After picking him up and hitting a suplex, Eddie again retreated to the floor and grabbed a steel chair. He brought it in the ring and wanted to work over Steamboat's leg with it, but the referee stepped in his way. Though there's no DQ, the referee still wasn't going to allow such a blatant cheap shot. With the two arguing, Eddie didn't see Steamboat inching toward him on the mat. Ricky was able to quickly roll Eddie up and scored a pin off the school boy pin! Steamboat - 1 Guerrero - 0 The crowd was loving it as Eddie bounced back to his feet and was furious! He couldn't believe what happened and again started arguing with the referee. Steamboat was still in too much pain to make it to his feet though and Eddie quickly went on the assault, viciously stomping the Dragon. Eddie continued his assault, hitting a series of moves and not letting up. Eddie sent Steamboat into the corner where he lifted him up to the top rope. Eddie climbed up as well and hit a huge SuperPlex from the top. Both men crashed hard to the mat but Eddie had more strength of the two and slowly covered for the pin. The referee counted the pin for Eddie but it was clear the move took its toll on both men. Steamboat - 1 Guerrero - 1 By this point, David Penzer announced we were 20 minutes through the match and gave a 10 minute warning. Things reset a bit as both men now got to their feet and eyed the other. The crowd took the pause to give a loud ovation to both men's efforts though Eddie was less appreciative. He looked out to the crowd, kissed his hand and then slapped his rear out to the crowd. This naturally caused the ovation to change to loud boos. The two men locked up and things appeared more evenly matched this time. They were worn down from the physical toll from their efforts thus far. The battle continued and Eddie ran to the ropes. On return, he tried a diving dropkick to Steamboat's worked leg but the Dragon was able to dodge it. He grabbed Eddie by the legs and locked in a single leg Boston Crab, the same move he made Eddie submit to in their last encounter. The crowd roared to life, sensing a win as Eddie clawed at the mat, furiously trying to get to the ropes. The only problem was that Eddie forgot there was no disqualification. A clock appeared on the video screen, showing they were now under 5 minutes left. Eddie was moments away several times from tapping the mat and giving up but he continued on, feverishly trying to find a way out of the hold. Now knowing the ropes were of no help to him, Eddie looked for another way out of the hold. The steel chair he previously attempted to use was still on the mat apron, and it was within reach. He grabbed the chair and was able to turn just enough to swing it toward the already softened up leg of Steamboat. It wasn't a hard hit but it was enough to get Steamboat to drop the hold, as his leg was already weakened. Both men laid on the mat, each holding onto their hurt legs. Both men also crawled to opposite sides of the ring and used the ropes to help them get to their feet. They meet each other again in the middle of the ring, now both of them hopping on their sore leg. Eddie hit a European uppercut and Steamboat responded with a loud chop. The two then traded the blows before Ricky gained the advantage and had Eddie reeling. Eddie tried rushing Steamboat, as best he could on the hurt leg, but Steamboat hit a judo chop, causing him to crash to the mat. With Eddie down, and the time rapidly decreasing, the Dragon saw his opportunity to end things. He slowly climbed to the top rope and waited for Eddie to get back up. He did and Ricky leapt off, looking for his Flying Crossbody. Eddie was able to move out of the way though and Steamboat hit the mat. Now Eddie saw his own opportunity and climbed the ropes. He jumped off and was able to hit the Frog Splash, though he clearly was in pain and couldn't make the pin right away. The clock now had 10 seconds left and the crowd began counting along. Eddie slowly crawled to make the cover, draping an arm across Steamboat with 5 seconds left. The referee got down to make the count and just as he hit the mat with the 3, the buzzer sounded. Eddie had just enough time for the win! Winner: Eddie Guerrero Rating: 92 Television Title: Dean Malenko vs Diamond Dallas Page (c) vs Both men were evenly matched as they worked to find an advantage. Malenko was able to find one with the help of Francine, who was much more vocal from the outside than her counterpart Kimberly. The champion basically seemed to be in a handicap match because every time Malenko would assault DDP and then get the referee's attention, allowing Francine to get her cheap shots in. This continued for quite awhile until Kimberly had finally had enough after repeated interferences. The crowd roared loudly as after one too many attacks, Kimberly rushes over while Francine is clawing at the eye's of DDP. She grabs Francine from behind by the hair as the crowd cheers and pulls her off of DDP. Francine turns and Kimberly lays her out with a loud slap across her face. This has the referee's full attention on the fight that's brewing outside the ring. DDP, who also is by the ropes watching the fight, doesn't see Malenko sneaking up behind him. He grabs DDP but Page responds with a low blow, doubling the Man of 1,000 holds over. With the crowd loud, DDP signals for the Diamond Cutter. He grabs Malenko and begins to lift him up as another subject slides in the ring, running in from the crowd. The announcers are at a loss of words as he slides in the ring and rushes DDP. He turns DDP around and hits a double-underhook face crusher before diving back out of the ring and going through the crowd. Malenko covers DDP as the referee turns around. The pin is counted and Malenko wins the match at 13:08. Winner and NEW TV Champion: Dean Malenko Rating: 70 Tag Team Titles: Faces of Fear vs Harlem Heat (c) vs These teams go into this match knowing the other extremely well. Tony details the battles they've had over the years and in doing so, have established themselves as two of the top teams in WCW. The Barbarian struggled to keep up the intensity in this match and was clearly outshone by the other three involved. It was still a good match though, as they have continued to be between the two. The crowd remained engaged throughout and there was plenty of hard hitting action. There was no need for any outside interference or distraction from either manager and, aside from a couple instances where a brawl spilled onto the floor, the action remained in the ring. At the end of the match, Meng was able to counter a clothesline attempt from Stevie Ray and lock in the Tongan Death Grip. Booker T tried to make the save, but the Barbarian got to him first. Stevie's shoulders were counted to the mat at 12:02 and another title changed hands at WW3. Winners and NEW tag team champions: Faces of Fear Rating: 73 A much needed break in action takes place next as we're told this special announcement has been paid for by the New World Order. Kevin Nash is in a choppy black and white picture where he says that he's going to win the battle royal tonight so the title will stay within the NWO. Rating: 86 Next we're brought backstage, presumably, in the NWO's locker room. Eric Bischoff sits on a couch with his arm around Elizabeth. Both have smiles on their faces and Bischoff brags about pulling the wool over WCW's eyes for several months and then talks about the new debut we just saw earlier in the night. Bischoff also says that was "all him" and that it's good to have a new NWO member. Bischoff finally says that there's going to be a new announcer in the next few weeks and he also will be the personal announcer of the New World Order. According to Bischoff, life is good, the NWO's in charge, and WCW's a sinking ship. Liz just nods in agreement. Rating: 59 As everyone prepares for the battle royal and the announce teams all discuss their favorites, the crowd is heard coming to life once more and heads are beginning to look upward. Cameras finally catch what everyone is reacting to and Sting is seen standing on top of the lighting setup that is perched above the ring. Sting looks on from above and despite the stadium venue, has again found a way to observe events overhead. The announcers all speculate if Sting will be in the battle royal.... Rating: 72 World War 3 Battle Royal: Generic music plays as all the competitors walk out and climb into their already decided ring. Some wrestlers barely get any recognition but there are others, like Arn Anderson, Scott Steiner, Randy Savage, and Lex Luger all get loud ovations. Other's like Brian Pillman, and Kevin Nash generated loud boo's. Hacksaw Jim Duggan, as usual, got a loud "USA" chant going and others were surprised to see the Great Muta walk out to participate. Muta generated a good ovation from the crowd as Mike Tenay reminded viewers that Muta is on lease from New Japan Pro Wrestling. The camera moved to show Sting, still standing high above when the bell rang and the fighting started. All three rings were completely full and most were barely able to move and fight. There were some men who clearly were uninterested in winning and just went after each other. Examples of this are DDP, who went straight after Dean Malenko, resulting in the two toppling over the top rope for a quick elimination, and the Faces of Fear and Harlem Heat went right back to their brawling. Meng and the Barbarian were double teaming Stevie Ray and trying to eliminate him when Wrath came up from behind and tossed all three men over the rope for eliminations. There were several lesser known eliminations very quickly before things condensed down. Randy Savage seemed like a man possessed in this match. Rather than going straight for the NWO, as most of the announcers predicted before the start, Savage just went after everyone in his way. This included WCW and NWO members. Things got interesting when Savage was fighting the Disco Inferno and Lex Luger was battling Scott Norton. The two backed into each other and quickly turned around and were ready for a fight. Tension ran high as the two stared at one another, motives unknown, before Kevin Nash grabbed Lex Luger from behind while simultaneously Brian Pillman grabbed the Macho Man. Both men were whipped around and over the top rope, eliminated. The crowd boo'd loudly as Luger and Savage got to their feet, both furious. Nash and Pillman just hit each other with "Too Sweet" and looked to enjoy it immensely. Their celebration were short lived, however, as Pillman met a Ricky Steamboat dropkick as he turned, sending him over the top rope! Eliminations continued at a steady pace until Wrath, Scott Steiner, Booker T, Ricky Steamboat, Eddie Guerrero, and Kevin Nash were the final contestants. The announcers were in amazement as they reported Wrath had the most eliminations thus far with 8. Unfortunately for Wrath and Nash, the competitors seemed to focus on them as they were the biggest in the match. Booker T and Eddie got Wrath eliminated, with Eddie very nearly also losing his balance and tumbling over the top. The crowd cheered loudly as Steiner, Booker T, and Steamboat all worked together to get Nash eliminated. Eddie Guerrero just hung back and watched, who also seemed amused as they fought to toss Nash over the rope. Eddie used that to his advantage and eliminated both Booker and Steamboat. Things reset, and the crowd got to their feet as the unlikely finalists of Scott Steiner and Eddie Guerrero circled one another. Eddie already had a grueling match earlier and kicked his leg a few times to loosen it up before locking up with Steiner. Eddie was completely overpowered and caught with a press slam, with Eddie retreating to the corner and asking for a timeout. Steiner didn't hold back though as he met Eddie in the corner and continued the blows. With Eddie out on his feet, Steiner hoisted him on top and motioned, to the crowd's pleasure, for the FrankenSteiner. The announcers didn't think this was such a great idea but Steiner climbed up anyway and hit a picture perfect move. The fight continued and Eddie managed to turn things around, after some underhanded tactics, of course. Eddie backed Steiner into his own corner this time and wanted to return the favor with a Hurricanrana. He lifted Steiner up and then followed, but Steiner started fighting back. A headbutt sent Eddie backward and down to the mat. Steiner jumped off when Eddie got to his feet and went for a double axehandle, but Eddie managed a dropkick in mid air. Eddie looked again for a high-risk move off the top, but Steiner was able to catch him. In an impressive show of strength, Scott Steiner pressed Eddie up before dumping him to the outside floor, officially ending the match at 31:53. Winner: Scott Steiner Rating: 82 The bell sounds and the crowd drowns out "Steinerized" that's played over the speakers. He takes the time to climb the middle rope in each corner as the crowd responds back. Exhausted, sweaty, and with a smile on his face, Scott Steiner celebrates his victory to become the #1 contender to the world heavyweight title at Starrcade! Rating: 68 Camera's change to backstage where Mean Gene Okerlund is standing with the world heavyweight champion - Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Mean Gene: Ladies and gentlemen, what a night it's been and it's not over yet!! Hulk Hogan, we all just saw Scott Steiner win the battle royal and that means he'll be challenging you next month at Starrcade, unless someone else happens to come along before then to take that title. What are your thoughts? Hogan: Let me tell you something, Gene Okerlund. It's HOLLYWOOD Hogan, so get it straight! If I have to remind you again of that, I'll take this fist and shove it into your skull, my man! As for that wimpy little guy named Scott Steiner, I couldn't care less, dude, if it was King Kong that won the battle royal, much less Scott Steiner! He's nothing but an amateur, he's nothing but a joke, and he couldn't even lace up my boots, brother! I'm not concerned about someone like Scott Steiner taking the NWO world title off of me because Scott Steiner's nothing but a joke! Scott Steiner, you've been talking about me for the last few weeks, well brother, you're going to regret ever getting on the NWO's bad side! As a matter of fact, dude, when I'm finished with you at Starrcade, you might as well go ahead and reserve the other bed in your brother's hospital room, cause I'm gonna break your back, just like him!!!! Rating: 99 After a quick promotional add, cameras return. Mean Gene is still in the backstage area as Steve Austin approaches and looks to be heading toward the stage. Gene stops him and asks his thought's going into tonight's final match. Austin: Mean Gene Okerlund, I ain't for one second worried about some measly battle royal! The fact is, I can challenge for the world title, or any other title, for that matter, whenever the hell I want! It's plain and simple, right now my focus isn't on the world title, it's on the Nature Boy Ric Flair! Make no mistake about it, if I wanted the world title right now, I'd go get it! Not Scott Steiner, not Ric Flair, and not Hulk Hogan could stop me from it! I'm not finished with Ric Flair and tonight's goal is to beat him to an inch of his life and turn that white hair of his crimson red! Now get outta my way, I need to go beat Flair's ass! Rating: 100 First Blood: Steve Austin vs Ric Flair vs The final match of the night has arrived and the anticipation is thick in the air like a heavy fog. The ring announcer does formal introductions as both men stare intensely at one another, waiting to get their hands on the other. Intro's are finished and the two stalk toward the center of the ring. Flair and Austin trade verbal jabs back and forth before Austin fakes turning to walk away and tries to punch Flair. Anticipating this, Flair blocks it and chops Austin. The two trade off punches and chops but Flair gets the better of Austin, backing him into the corner where he beats his chest red with even more chops. The fight spills outside where the two fight around the ringside area and make their way up the aisle. Dusty Rhodes proclaims that this isn't a wrestling match, but an all-out fight and the main goal is to make the other man bleed first. Heenan thinks that this will just result in both men bleeding at the same time. They fight around the stage before making their way toward the crowd. The frenzied fans start to crowd around as the fight spills into the seats and up the stairway. The two were as evenly matched as you can get and just as one looked to get the advantage, the other would come back and change the course. The fight eventually made it's long way back to the ring, though both were sweaty and tired, but neither bleeding just yet. The fight has been brutal, but both giving just as much as they were receiving. Austin whipped Flair into the ropes and hit a Thesz Press before laying in punches. Austin got up and exited the ring, grabbing a steel chair from the floor and tossing it inside the ring. Austin was stepping through the ropes when Flair grabbed the middle rope and hiked it into Austin's groin. The two were beaten and tired, but continued to exchange blows. Flair had Austin doubled over, but he grabbed the steel chair while bent over. He came back up and hit Flair with a loud chair shot right to the head. Flair collapsed on the mat and Austin was sure this did the job, but it didn't. Austin was stunned and looked on as Flair rolled to his side and brought himself up to his knees. Flair brought his fists up and motioned for Austin to hit him again. It didn't take much encouragement as Austin reared back and swung the chair again at Flair. It connected with a loud crash as Flair collapsed backward, with blood now trickling backward into his hair. The referee saw it and called for the bell, announcing Austin the winner at 17:01. The chair drops from Austin's hand as the referee raises his other arm in victory. Winner: Steve Austin Rating: 87 Final Show Rating: 89

I will do a breakdown of all that and status of other companies with the year end review. You might be surprised, ECW really isn't doing much of anything noteworthy. There are some other companies who have put together some pretty stacked rosters and are doing surprisingly well.

Hello ladies and gentlemen and this is a special edition of this week's WCW Hotline Report! WCW is gearing towards the huge World War 3 pay per view and there's a lot of exciting matches. The 60 man battle royal will take place inside three rings and the winner will challenge for the WCW World Heavyweight title at Starrcade! There have been a number of short term contracts signed in order for WCW to fill out the battle royal. Several high fliers have been signed, such as Silver King, Super Calo, Villano 1, Billy Kidman, and Kaz Hayashi. Others such as Konnan, Jimmy Del Ray, Ice Train, Buddy Landell, and Hector Guerrero have also all been signed. These are all "handshake deals" I'm told so if some of these wrestlers have a good showing, you may see more of them appearing after WW3. Brian Pillman did indeed sign an exclusive contract extension. The new contract was extremely lucrative, I'm told 4 years, $310,000/month with a bonus of 10% per event and a 60% merchandise cut. I'm told part of the reason it was that expensive, in addition to his skyrocketing popularity in the last few months, was that there was quite the bidding war with the WWF. Eric Bischoff was determined to keep Pillman on the WCW roster as he see's him as a key player for WCW's future. Though if other WCW contracts end up similar to this one, WCW could find themselves in financial trouble eventually. Most everyone will be participating in the battle royal except for Hollywood Hogan (as he's champion), Ric Flair, and Steve Austin. It was decided that due to the Flair/Austin match stipulation to leave them out of the battle royal. Let's hear your predictions for the winner! You can also go to www.wcw.com where you can vote your guess for the final 4 competitors! First Blood: Steve Austin vs Ric Flair Battle Royal: 60 Man Over the Top Elimination Rules Tag Team Titles: Faces of Fear vs Harlem Heat (c) Television Title: Dean Malenko vs Diamond Dallas Page (c) Iron Man Match (30 Min): Ricky Steamboat vs Eddie Guerrero ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope everyone is enjoying this dynasty so far, I know I am! While some of the shows can get a bit tedious to write up, I'm really having a blast reliving all of this stuff, though I forgot just how many gimmick matches I had on my PPV's! Hopefully it doesn't seem overkill and take the enjoyment away. With 1996 nearing an end, I will do an end of the year recap, outlying all the awards and popularity. I'm also starting to get close enough in the game that I can see some old morale effects, so I'll be incorporating more of those into the Hotline Reports. I also really enjoy reading everyone's comments and participating in match predictions, even though there currently isn't any way for me to reward you guys on your accurate predictions. I have been thinking how I can go about giving you guys some reward and I think I've come up with a way to do it. I will go back to the start of this dynasty and tally up all of the predictions. Once I catch up in my gameplay, I will reach out to whoever has the most accurate guesses and they will be awarded a very secret and interactive prize for this dynasty! I remember back on the old forums when @TheBigBad1013 had his WCW Lives diary, he did something very similar and I won a few. It was so cool to be able to participate. I hope you guys also get as much enjoyment as I did. It's rapidly approaching, we just have to make it to May 1997!

Week 4, November 1996 LIVE from the Arrowhead Pond - Anaheim, CA Attendance: 19,000 (SELLOUT!) - The final Monday Nitro of November 1996 kicks off with a huge display of fireworks, following the usual intro video. Camera shots of various locations in the arena are then done, showcasing the rowdy sold out California crowd here tonight, who are more than excited for this week's edition of Nitro. We're finally brought to the broadcast booth where Tony Schiavone, Bobby Heenan, and Mike Tenay all look to be in a rather somber mood. Tony takes us back to the end of last week's Nitro, with still-pictures to go along with it, where Eric Bischoff was revealed to be an NWO member by Arn Anderson. Bobby Heenan, equally as upset, says that it's now gotten to where you can't trust anyone in WCW because they could be an NWO member. He says he can't even look at Tony and Mike without some suspicion that they may be next to join. Tensions then run a bit high when Mike Tenay, who is usually subdue, yells that for all we know, Heenan could be in the group and who's to say he isn't being set up? Tony, shockingly, is the voice of reason and gets both men to calm down. He says tensions are the highest he's ever seen them in WCW and the NWO have done exactly what they want to do; create division and suspicion in WCW against WCW to make their takeover even easier. Eric Bischoff, WCW's President, might be on the NWO side but the very fate of WCW never rested on his shoulders anyway. Tony says that until the whole of WCW can come together to fight against this invasive group, they're doomed. While there has been resistance, it's all one guy here, two guys here, fighting the NWO. Tony says everyone in WCW needs to band together and take a page out of the NWO book, you never see them off alone or attacking on their own. WCW needs to adopt the same gang mentality. Bobby agrees and says that WCW was never the same after Sting was accused of being in the NWO and since he declared being a free agent, things have only gotten worse. For all he knows, Sting now could be a part of the NWO, after attacking Jim Duggan last week. Even if he isn't with the NWO, it's crystal clear that he isn't with WCW. - As the announcers are finishing up, entrance music begins to play as Nitro gets to it's first match of the night. Lex Luger vs Big Bubba Rogers vs Luger wasn't messing around in this match. As soon as Bubba entered the ring, Luger went on the attack and being uncharacteristically aggressive. Heenan used the opportunity to validate his point that tensions are running high in WCW and everyone is feeling it as Luger sent Bubba into the ropes and hit a huge powerslam. Luger then hit two clotheslines in a row before hitting him with the bionic forearm. Luger jumped to his feet and motioned for the Torture Rack already, to the loud approving roar of the crowd. Luger easily lifted Bubba in the Rack and this one was over at 5:43. Winner: Lex Luger Rating: 70 Chavo is backstage with his uncle Eddie, doing the finishing touches on his boots as he's preparing for his match that's up next. Eddie slaps Chavo on the back as he's bent over and tells him he knows he's had a rough going the last few months but this next match is a perfect opportunity to turn things around, just like he's going to do to Steamboat this Sunday. He says it isn't about what's already happened, it's about the future and what lies ahead! Chavo doesn't seem as optimistic. Rating: 82 Hugh Morrus vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs From the sound of the bell, Chavo tried to match power with the much larger Hugh Morrus, which obviously was a mistake. Morrus absorbed the blows before completely flooring Chavo with a body block as Chavo rushed in on him, ala Vader. From there, it was just domination by Morrus, who won at 8:14 with the No Laughing Matter. Camera's split the screen to backstage during the pin to show Eddie shaking his head and burying his face in his hands in disappointment. Winner: Hugh Morrus Rating: 38 Following a commercial break, cameras are backstage where a long stretch limo is pulling to a stop. The camera gets closer to the rear door as the driver comes around to open the door. The crowd comes to life as Ric Flair is seen inside and stepping out, flashing his Nature Boy smile and giving a short "WOOO" to the crowd's delight. Flair steps out of the way of the door as driver slowly closes it. Flair: Keep the engine runnin', daddy, we've got a lotta partying to do tonight in Anaheim!!!!!! Driver: Yes sir, Mr. Flair, sir! The smile suddenly disappeared on Flairs face upon the driver's response. Flair, who had started to walk away, slowly turned around to look at the driver, as the camera did the same. As the picture came into focus, the driver slowly removed his hat.... Flair had no time to react as Austin threw the hat at Flair and then rushed in to attack. Austin got in a few shots but Flair came right back and the two started trading off with fists. The fight went around the backstage area with both men utilizing walls, boxes, tables, and whatever else they could send the other in to. Officials finally flooded in to try and separate the two as cameras transitioned back to the arena. Rating: 100 During the preparation for the next match and as the American Males theme song begins to play, rather than going to the stage, the cameras are aimed high to the very top of the arena in the catwalks where Sting is seen looking down to the arena below. Wearing gloves and a long black trench coat, Sting stands motionless while surveying the scene before cameras switch back to the stage. Rating: 71 American Males vs Faces of Fear vs The Males went on a losing streak of sorts a couple of months back and managed to turn things around near Halloween Havoc. They've since gone back to losing a few in a row again after being defeated again this past weekend on Saturday Night. The announcers point out that they haven't seemed to be on the same page lately and Heenan attributes that to how tag team wrestling goes. He says that every team has their ups and downs but the good teams find a way to stick through it. They were hoping to do so in this match, though had their work cut out for them against the Faces of Fear, who themselves are hoping to recapture the titles at WW3. The Males woes continue though, as in one double team attempt, Bagwell thought they were doing a double dropkick while Riggs thought it was a clothesline. The result was both being planted on the mat by Meng. The ending came at 10:28 when Bagwell had the Barbarian reeling so he went to run off the ropes. The problem was, Riggs was turned around and posing to the crowd, causing Bagwell to crash into Riggs. Scotty fell from the apron and Bagwell staggered into a brutal Kick of Fear from the Barbarian for the win. Winners: Faces of Fear Rating: 70 Following the match, the Faces of Fear exit but the American Males stand by as Mean Gene is entering the ring, almost as soon as the bell rang. Mean Gene motions for the Males to stick around as Bagwell is getting to his feet and Scotty Riggs is getting in the ring. Bagwell is clearly frustrated with his hands on his hips. Riggs also looks pretty displeased as Mean Gene gets down to business. Mean Gene: Gentlemen, if I may....The last couple of months haven't been too friendly to the both of you. It looked like fortune's may have been turning around, only for you both to find difficulties once again. The miscommunication has been more than visible. What's going on?! Bagwell: Mean Gene, I've been a tag team wrestler for a long time and without a doubt, my most successful team has been with this man right here, Scotty Riggs. If there's one thing I know about tag team wrestling, it's that every team goes through ruts every now and again, and this is no different. We need to take some time, get our heads screwed on straight, and we'll be fine challenging for the titles once again! Mean Gene: Well if you ask me, it looks like there might be a little trouble in paradise, Scotty Riggs? Riggs: It's a good thing no one asked you, Mean Gene! I'm only kidding! We know how to work as a team, we know what we need to work on, don't you worry about a thing, Gene! Rating: 67 Television Title: Earl Robert Eaton vs Diamond Dallas Page (c) vs You might be surprised to know this is DDP's first title defense since winning the belt back at Halloween Havoc and he'll go on to defend the title this coming Sunday. DDP looked extremely focused as he took the fight to the Blue Blood and rallied the crowd as he did so. It was a solid match but nothing fancy. DDP won with a Diamond Cutter at 10:08. Winner: DDP Rating: 71 Following the match, there's a lull in the action. Cameras return to the broadcast booth where Tony organizes his papers and begins talking about the nights events, hyping up this weekends World War 3 event, and saying it's only a matter of time before we hear from the NWO and the newest member - Eric Bischoff. While getting ready to transition to another talking point, the crowd stirs to life. The announcers look confusingly at each other and lights begin to flash on the stage entrance. No music plays but a person does unexpectedly walk out, which generates a loud roar from the crowd and pure shock from the announcers. Tony: Randy Savage is back on Monday Nitro!!!! Heenan: THE MACHO MAN! Tenay: We haven't seen him in over two months!! Savage walks down the aisle and climbs into the ring where he extends his arms and spins around as the crowd lose their mind. Savage steps up on the second rope in the corner to taunt the crowd a bit more before stepping down and bringing a microphone to his mouth. Savage: Well, well, well!!!!! My, how many things have changed! YEAH! It's been a second or two since anyone's seen the Macho Man! As a matter of fact, the last time anybody saw me, I was being loaded up on a stretcher, courtesy of the New World Order..Uhhhh HUH!! Buuuut, if anyone hasn't learned by now that if you don't kill the Macho Man, I'm just gonna keep coming back! I've had the last couplea months to sit back and organize my thoughts, what thoughts can be organized by the Madness, that is! In all of that sitting around and getting down with the Madness, I've come to the conclusion that the Macho Man has a lotta things to consider! But first and at the top of the list is the fact that the Macho Man is back! YEAH! And there just so happens to be an event this coming weekend, so at World War 3, the next P. P. V, the Macho Man is officially declaring my eligibility for that match, and not only am I going to participate in that battle royal, I'm also gonna go on to win the entire thing just like I did last year!!! And after I win it, I'm gonna go on to Starrcade and take the world title away from Hollywood Hogan!! OH YEAH!!! After Savage tosses the microphone and begins to taunt the crowd, the camera returned to high atop the arena where Sting is once again standing. Sting was clearly very intently paying attention to what the Macho Man had to say....Nitro fades to a commercial. Rating: 100 Nitro returns to Jimmy Hart in the backstage area. He hypes up his team, the Faces of Fear, against Harlem Heat for the WCW Tag Team Titles this Sunday at World War 3. Hart says the better team will win and once again become champions. Rating: 80 A hype video plays featuring Steve Austin, from the time he returned to WCW, joining the Horsemen, up to his current vicious feud with Ric Flair. Rating: 74 Tag Team Titles: John Tenta & Wrath vs Harlem Heat (c) vs The unexpected team of John Tenta and Wrath hoped to spoil the card lineup for WW3 and enter the event as new champions. WCW has noticeably been paring different guys together lately in what looks to be attempts at finding new teams. This combination was no day off for the champions. Wrath has build an impressive win streak and Tenta has done well to rejuvenate his career. Harlem Heat used power offense and team work but that was almost perfectly, and surprisingly, equaled by the challengers. Booker T's great performance was the difference maker, as he was able to connect with a Missile Dropkick on Tenta for the win at 11:01. Winners: Harlem Heat Rating: 76 NE....NEW.......NEW WORLD ORDER! - The NWO music finally plays in the arena tonight and, despite the hatred, the crowd respond loudly. First out through the smoke is Kevin Nash, "Sting", and Brian Pillman. Liz follows shortly from the entrance and they make their way to the bottom of the ramp. The World Champion Hollywood Hogan then emerges from the smoke, generating a louder response from the crowd, playing the guitar on the world title. He stops on the rampway Nash side points to the entrance. Very slowly through the smoke, emerges Eric Bischoff, who points his fingers to each side of his mouth, displaying a huge grin. The crowd lose their minds, booing loudly as Bischoff embraces the group. They make their way to the ring as Heenan says their numbers get bigger by the week. Once in the ring, Hogan plants the world title snugly on Bischoff's shoulder. - Hogan: Ladies and gentlemen!!!! I present to you, the boss of the NWO, Mr. Eric Bischoff!!!!!! Ha Ha Ha! Bischoff: Thank you, Hollywood! Let me just say how good it feels to finally be a part of a winning team! We're a winning team right now and that's going to increase ten fold when Scott Hall comes back, and he will come back, don't you worry!!!! Ever since last week, I've gotten letters, I've received messages, I've had all kinds of people asking "Why, Eric? Why did you join the New World Order???" I've got just one answer for that; WHY THE HELL NOT?! The choice was simple; join the NWO and jump on that money train, or stick with the sinking ship that is WCW! The choice was simple. When I got Powerbombed back in July off of that very stage by Kevin Nash, I came to my senses real fast. No hard feelings, Kevin. You got me to realize what's important in life; doing the right thing and sticking with your morals, or joining the winning team and making money? I'm a businessman, and the choice is clear; I like making money. So Ted Turner's money is secure behind the NWO cash cow and WCW's going to have a very, very hard time keeping up. Hell, they've had a hard time keeping up ever since I made my decision back in July! Arn Anderson may be an idiot and a moron, but he at least got one thing right last week. The NWO's had the upper hand the last few months because of me! I knew everything that was going on behind the scenes with WCW and allowed the NWO to be put in a real nice position of power! So the power lies with with the man who holds the pen, and I'm the one who holds the pen! With my first official order of business, I have something special for all of you people, and for YOU, Brian Pillman!!!! What I have in my hand right here is your brand new, NWO contract!!! You've been our long-standing United States champion since May and, dare I say, the best United States champion in history!! So with a dominating title reign deserves a top dollar contract and that's something I can provide!!! So, ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege....No, it's my HONOR to present this new contract for you, Mr. Pillman!! Pillman: Mr. Bischoff, it would be MY honor to sign this contract!! I don't even need to read this contract because I know you'll take good care of me! - Pillman takes the contract and pen and uses Bischoff's back to sign his name. The crowd boo's and trash begins to rain in the ring. There are smiles and celebrations all around the ring as Bischoff takes the mic back. - And that's why I love all you people!! To show that kind of support is just amazing! To conclude tonight's celebration and because all you people are so great, I'm going to give you one hell of a main event tonight! Right now, tonight, is a return match from Fall Brawl! Brian Pillman, United States champion will defend his title against Scott Steiner!!! Scotty, c'mon out here!!! Rating: 100 United States Title: Scott Steiner vs Brian Pillman (c) vs The NWO exited the ring but they all stayed around the ringside area. Steiner made his way out but remained wary on entering the ring, looking out to all the members on the outside as Pillman taunted him. The bell rang and the two locked up but every time Steiner looked to gain momentum, someone from outside would distract him or hit him when Pillman had the referee distracted. This game of back and forth went on for a long time but Steiner continued to overcome the odds. Pillman was brilliant in his performance and toyed with Scott Steiner while igniting fury from the crowd. Pillman distracted the referee one of many times to allow "Sting" to rush in for a Stinger Splash, only Steiner caught him in the corner. In a massive display of strength, Steiner belly to belly suplexed "Sting" over the rope and to the floor. Nash jumped on the apron to try and attack but Steiner clubbed him down also. Pillman, seeing the game plan fail, shoved the referee aside and tried to ambush Steiner but he was ready for it. Steiner hit multiple Steinerlines on Pillman and had him reeling. The crowd was on their feet, sensing a possible new champion coming. Steiner sent Pillman into the corner and he closed in, perching him on the top rope. Steiner climbed and singled for a FrankenSteiner before hitting the move. With the crowd on their feet, Steiner rushed over and brought Pillman to his feet, signaling for the Steiner Screwdriver. Just as Steiner flipped Pillman's arm behind his head and lifting him in the suplex position, the NWO hit the ring and all attacked Steiner. The referee officially called the no contest at 21:05 but the damage was already done. Nitro faded to a close as the NWO exited the ring and retreated up the aisle. Winner: No Contest Rating: 83 Final Show Rating: 87

Hello ladies and gentlemen! I'm Mean Gene Okerlund bringing you this week's WCW Hotline Report! Jim Ross Leaves WWF! In shocking news, it has been reported that Jim Ross has declined renewing his WWF contract. In hearing news of an imminent departure from the WWF, Eric Bischoff and WCW reached out to the former WCW lead announcer to inquire if there was any interest in returning. Ross expressed extreme interest in returning to WCW and agreed to a reported 3 year, $105,000/month contract. Due to a non-compete clause in his WWF deal, Ross will be unable to appear for WCW for 30 days. Ross is the 1995 Announcer of the Year and looks to be on track to retain that title for 1996. We reached out to Eric Bischoff for comment and he stated "Jim Ross left WCW previously under unfortunate circumstances and I place myself for the blame of that. I thought it was important to mend bridges and bring Jim back where he belongs, and that's calling the action for WCW. WCW is the company of the future and it's only a matter of time before we take over the #1 spot not only in the country, but globally as well. He was the 1995 announcer of the year, so it only makes sense that he's working with the 1995 Color Commentator of the year - Dusty Rhodes. I'm extremely excited to have Jim back and calling all of the great action that the talent in this company provides." We also reached out to Jim Ross for comment on returning to WCW. While he wasn't able to go into specifics with his WWF deal, as he's still technically employed by them, Ross stated; "I'm very excited to return to WCW after leaving there in less than ideal terms. WCW has come a long way in presentation and connecting with audiences around the world and I can't wait to be a part of it. There are so many wrestler's I'm excited to call the action for. My heart's always been in the South and calling the action up North just never felt right. One company wants to focus on cartoon characters and boring storylines and another focuses on realism and embraces the world of professional wrestling being a sport." Rumors have swirled around that Ross became unhappy within the WWF and the direction they're taking with talent, which is why he declined to sign an extension. While none of that can be confirmed, it certainly makes a lot of sense. Right now, it is assumed that Jim Ross will be named the lead announcer for Monday Nitro and Tony Schiavone will primarily be used on Saturday Night. Nitro will split color commentating duties between Bobby Heenan and Dusty Rhodes with Rhodes primarily being used in the first hour of Nitro. Pay Per View events will have the team of Schiavone, Ross, and Mike Tenay. These changes are expected to fully take place at the beginning of the new year.

Week 3, November 1996 LIVE from the Pyramid - Memphis, TN Attendance: 17,279 In typical fashion, Monday Nitro kicks off with a bang this week. Tony Schiavone is back in the lead announcers chair as he's joined by Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay. Tony predicts a huge show tonight and there's lots of action packed in, action this crowd is sure to be ready for. Tonight's main event is Scott Steiner taking on Dean Malenko and the WCW Tag Team titles will be on the line tonight, but we're getting started right away with action in the ring! Steve Armstrong & The Amazing French Canadians vs Billy Kidman, Alex Wright, & Perry Saturn vs In all actuality, it seems that this match was meant to be booked as a pre-show dark match but the person in charge accidentally put it on the main show. Kidman, Wright, and Saturn have absolutely no history of teaming together, and it isn't real clear why Steve Armstrong was teaming with the French Canadians, but it was crystal clear that Saturn vastly outshone everyone else in this match. Unfortunately for his team, they did not come out the victors. Rougeau got the pinfall victory at 8:20 after hitting a neck breaker on Kidman. Winners: Armstrong & Amazing French Canadians Rating: 52 Steve Austin is backstage and ready to officially kick start Nitro now. The fans come to life when they see him appear on the main video screen, showcasing his huge rise in popularity over the last couple of months. Austin says he heard everything Ric Flair had to say last week and heard the challenge laid out for WW3 and the first blood stipulation. Austin says he ain't afraid of bleeding but he can guarantee one thing and that's at WW3 the both of them won't leave that arena without some red on their faces. Rating: 100 John Tenta vs Ricky Steamboat vs This is the first we've seen the Dragon in action since his stellar match against Eddie Guerrero at Halloween Havoc. He proved he didn't miss a step as his quickness was used to his advantage against the former Sumo champion. It wasn't a very long match, and Steamboat looked like he might be in a bit of trouble before he flipped his way out of a bodyslam attempt. Steamboat leapt off the top rope and hit his flying cross body for the win at 7:38. Winner: Ricky Steamboat Rating: 80 The NWO's music blares in the speakers and they all slowly make their way out to the stage. Hogan taunts on the ramp with the WCW World Heavyweight title as Elizabeth trails along. Brian Pillman laughs like a madman and Nash nonchalantly makes his way to the ring. Once inside, Hollywood puts the world title on Liz's shoulder and he grabs a mic. Hogan does all the talking during this promo and says even though they're two of the biggest idiots he's ever encountered, Lex Luger and Scott Steiner should have finally learned their lesson after what happened last week. Hogan says that the NWO is just too big, powerful, and mean for two cowards like Luger and Steiner to deal with them. Now that they have Elizabeth to manage all their financial needs, the rest of the NWO can focus on getting down to business inside the ring. He and Pillman hold the top positions as the World and US champions and says it's only a matter of time before Nash and "Sting" get the world tag titles back. Hogan says that the NWO might also have one more trick up their sleeve and grab the TV title in order to complete the full takeover of WCW. Once the NWO holds all of the gold, there will be no stopping them and then they can go on to take over Nitro and all of the Pay Per Views. Hogan lastly provides a final warning to WCW that you never quite know who the next member of the NWO will be and that they'll have to keep looking over their shoulder. Rating: 100 As the NWO file out of the ring and share high-fives and smiles all among them, the cameras take a moment to pan the arena. Off in the distance, the NWO can be seen walking up the aisle and approaching the stage before one camera settles on an....Interesting individual sitting in the crowd... Tony: That's STING!! Heenan: Look at how different he looks! He's just sitting there, and heard everything the NWO just had to say! Tenay: That blank look, blank expression. There's no doubt that's the real Sting but he looks like a completely different person than we're used to! Rating: 70 Disco Inferno vs Eddie Guerrero vs This was a good match and Eddie had a very good performance. He clearly wasn't in the mood for Disco's shenanigans and would promptly put down the Inferno hard every time he tried to start dancing. He was clearly on a mission tonight and put the match away at 8:02 with a Frog Splash. Winner: Eddie Guerrero Rating: 80 It's DDP's turn to cut a promo tonight and he sets his sights on Dean Malenko, his opponent for WW3. Page says he's had to overcome too many things to get the TV title back and he's not going to lose it to some jerk off like Dean Malenko. He doesn't care if he brings his tramp along or not, but if Francine does decide to stick her nose in his business, she'll feel the BANG just like Malenko will! Rating: 84 Wrath vs Scott Armstrong vs One Armstrong already had a victory tonight so Scott was looking to make it 2-0. Wrath has had quite the win streak lately, so it was no small task for Scotty but he shocked the world when he pinned Wrath at 6:06 and celebrated like he won the world title! Just kidding, I was just seeing if you were paying attention. Armstrong didn't have an icicle's chance in hell against Wrath. He won easily with the Meltdown. Winner: Wrath Rating: 63 Mean Gene is at the base of the stage ramp and preparing to introduce his guest. First, Gene tells us, he wants to replay a tape from this weekend's WCW Saturday Night. The camera fades out and into the tape from Saturday Night where Hacksaw Jim Duggan is cutting a promo and talking about Sting. Duggan says that he's 100% WCW and that he's still here fighting the battle, unlike Sting who took his baseball bat and went home. Duggan says there's no doubt where he stands and he'll never leave. With Sting acting the way he has, you can't for sure trust the Stinger, but ol' Hacksaw never waivers, just like Old Glory! Mean Gene introduces Hacksaw Jim Duggan and he comes marching out and waiving the American flag wildly before stopping at Gene's side and giving a big thumbs up to the crowd. Gene says that Duggan has a match coming up next but wanted to touch on the interview that was just played. Duggan says he's not afraid to step up and fight the NWO for the good of WCW. Sting was at first but ever since Hulk Hogan turned on them, something changed. Sting left and now he's not standing for WCW. Hacksaw says that's not how you prove to be a man and that Sting needs to get back in line and prove he's with WCW. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs Hugh Morrus vs Morrus was already in the ring and Duggan marched his way to the ring following his interview with Mean Gene. Duggan climbs in and waives the American flag as the crowd stand on their feet. The only thing is, the crowd isn't looking in the ring at Hacksaw, they're looking off to the side where the cameras aren't focusing. Suddenly a figure is seen quickly climbing the steps and climbing in the ring behind Duggan.... Sting walks up behind Duggan while he's still waiving the flag and looks at him very briefly before grabbing Duggan by the hair. The shock causes Duggan to drop the flag as Sting bends him backward and hooks him under his arm. Sting drops with a vicious reverse DDT as everyone - the announce booth and the crowd, yell out as Sting drops Duggan. Just as quickly as he appeared, Sting gets up and leaves, the cameras catching him now exiting through the crowd. Hugh Morrus climbs in the ring and he, along with the referee are confused as to what to do now. It appears the match was just ruled a no contest as Duggan remains out cold on the mat. Winner: No Contest Rating: 26 Tag Team Titles: Earl Robert Eaton & Dave Taylor vs Harlem Heat (c) vs This was significantly better than the match they had back in August when the Blue Bloods tried then to win the tag team titles from Harlem Heat. Booker T had a stellar performance and Stevie Ray also had a very good performance in the ring. Harlem Heat showed just how dominant they are in the tag team division as they put away two very skilled workers. Stevie got the win at 9:54 with the Heat Seeker. Winners: Harlem Heat Rating: 74 The night of promo's continues, this time with Lex Luger. Luger is in the backstage area and focuses on Kevin Nash. Luger was totally on fire during this promo and showed a level of aggression and focus that hasn't been seen from the Total Package in a very long time, if ever. Luger threatened that the NWO will have to kill him before he ever stops crawling his way back to his feet to defend WCW. Luger says he realizes the mistake he made months ago by not putting his full trust in his best friend and he'll be damned if he makes a mistake like that again. Luger tells the NWO that he isn't backing down and he's not afraid to bring the fight straight to them. Rating: 100 Mean Gene is backstage with Scott Steiner. We just heard from Lex Luger, who appears ultra-focused. Gene wants to know where Scott Steiner stands after the brutal beating the NWO provided last week on Nitro. Steiner says that he and Luger have been hitting the gym all week long, fired up, and ready for a fight. The NWO's problem is that they attack from behind and when people are vulnerable. Steiner says he's fine with that because one of these days, it's gonna come back to bite the NWO in their ass and then they'll have to fight face to face. Steiner says that time is rapidly approaching for the NWO and Hollywood Hogan. Steiner makes it a guarantee that he WILL go on to win the WW3 battle royal and he WILL face Hollywood Hogan for the World Heavyweight title at Starrcade. No one will steal that match from him and then you'll be looking at a new champion! Rating: 98 Scott Steiner vs Dean Malenko vs w/ Steiner was relentless as soon as the bell rang and hit Malenko with a series of suplexes and power moves. Francine tried her best to protest outside on the floor but this instead got Steiner's attention. With Malenko clearly down and not a threat, Steiner took the opportunity to pose to Francine before yelling for her to "shut up!" She tried to protest but it could also be clearly seen that Francine liked what she saw. With that, Steiner went back to providing a beating to Malenko. It wasn't all dominance on the part of Steiner though. Malenko made a pretty good comeback late in the match and took control after cheating his way to an advantage. He tried one too many cheap shots though and Steiner caught him. Steiner wowed the crowd by hitting the Steiner Screwdriver for the win at 15:20 in a good match. Winner: Scott Steiner Rating: 81 Many thought the night was over before the sound of galloping horses echoed throughout the arena. The fans got on their feet as Double A walked out with both arms held high in the air, flashing the 4 fingers that display excellence. He walked to the ring in street clothes and a microphone as he climbed in. The music began to fade out and Double A looked out to the approving crowd. Enforcer: You know, not long ago I made mention that things were a little off....That things didn't seem right. See, over the last several months, I looked out at the situation that was going on around WCW and knew that things didn't quite add up. But I set this off to the back of my mind, cause see, I had other issues to deal with. I had my own problems going on within the 4 Horsemen and that was at the forefront of my priority. But still, every time I could see that it was there. As the Horsemen were slowly breaking apart, I knew that there was something else going on within WCW. Yeah, the NWO was there and causing problems, but for awhile, the Horsemen and the NWO didn't cross paths. That was, until we were stabbed in the back by our very own, just so he could go off and join his new friends! That was when I really started paying attention! Every single time WCW started to gain a little ground on the NWO, the rug was swept right out from under us. Every time WCW fought back, the NWO was always able to gain the upper hand.... I got to thinking, "My God! Something's going on here!" so I paid a little closer attention...Just how in the world could the NWO always seem to have the upper hand?? Are they that much smarter than everyone else in WCW? To me, the answer was simple. It's not that they were smarter than everyone else, it's that they had some help. While they were terrorizing WCW, while they were beating down the roster each week, while they were putting guys in ambulances on a regular basis, we had a supposed president sitting on his hands and playing announcer...He never found the need to stand up to these bullies. Why? Maybe because he's a coward??? It seems that might have struck a nerve with Eric Bischoff. As Anderson took the time to pause, Eric Bischoff came out at a brisk pace and headed toward the ring. At the announce booth, Tony said that everyone's nerves have been running high with the NWO and Anderson's frustrations, while understandable, might be mis-directed. Bischoff got in the ring and was talking to Anderson for a moment, off microphone. I'm glad you're out here, Eric!! Maybe you can help me understand these things??? You're the president, so the buck should stop with you, right? You ultimately were allowing these thugs to run rampant around WCW and did nothing but whine about it at the commentary booth! You ultimately were allowing this to go on! Why? Because you were afraid??? You, Eric Bischoff, hired these guys! The fault is yours! As a matter of fact, you allowed every bit of this to go on and you're STILL allowing it to go on! You know why?? Oh, of course, you know why, but you're not going to tell everyone. That's fine, Eric. I'll be the one to tell them!! The reason the NWO is able to get an upper hand all the time is because of YOU! Bischoff: Now hold on, just a minute, Arn! I know you're frustrated....I know you're upset because everything around you has crumbled, but just take a step back and take a deep breath.... Anderson: No Eric, you're not gonna weasel your way out of this one....You're tipping the NWO off, you're behind the NWO! You're allowing them to get the upper hand!!! You're the man behind the curtain, Eric!!! YOU ARE! - Anderson has Bischoff cornered and he desperately tries to shield himself from the Enforcer. Anderson leans in closer and is saying something to Bischoff, off microphone when Arn abruptly grabs Bischoff by the shirt and threatens to punch him. Just then, out of focus and behind, several subjects can be seen rushing into the ring. - - Pillman is the first to rush up behind Anderson and grab him as the rest of the NWO join him to pull him away from Bischoff. Hogan clubs Anderson with the world title and he drops hard to the mat. Bischoff makes his way out of the corner with a devilish grin on his face as the NWO commence their beatdown. Trash begins to flood into the ring from the crowd as Hogan hits a pair of Leg Drops to the back of Anderson's head. "Sting" and Pillman hold up Anderson so Eric Bischoff can move in and hit a few karate kicks on him before shoving him back down to the mat. Trash continues to rain in the ring as Hogan and Bischoff hug, to the disgust of the announce booth. The spray paint cans make their appearance as Hogan gets the dropped microphone. Brian Pillman begins the graffiti work on the back of Arn Anderson - Hogan: Now that everybody knows who's working for who, we can finally set the record straight, brother! Mr. Bischoff, I hope this idiot didn't harm one hair on your head because that right there is a million dollar haircut, my man! Now everyone can be real clear on the pecking order around here and where the real priority lies, brother! All the assets, all the money, all the limousine's, all the credit is given to this man right here!!! Without Hulk Hogan there would be no wrestling and without Eric Bischoff, there would be no NWO! So like I said before, you never know who the next member of the NWO is going to be and that's the last time I give any warning out to the rest of WCW! From here on out, dudes, you're all on your own, and without any top leadership left I can see that it's going to be easy pickings for the NWO from here on out!!!! Rating: 94 Final Show Rating: 87

Week 2, November 1996 LIVE from the Key Arena - Seattle, WA Attendance: 16,508 - It might be cold outside, but inside the arena is HOT tonight as the intro video for WCW Monday Nitro is played followed by several crowd shots before focusing on the stage to display a glorious accoutrement of fireworks. Eric Bischoff is once again at the head of the announce position tonight, joined by Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay. The lineup for tonight's show is given followed by a brief recap from last week when Lex Luger ran in to save Scott Steiner from yet another vicious NWO attack. Tonight in the main event, they will team up against Hollywood Hogan and Kevin Nash. World War 3 is rapidly approaching, despite feeling like we just passed Halloween Havoc, and two matches are now confirmed; a TV title match and the 60 man battle royal to determine the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight title. Bobby says if he were a betting man, more matches will be confirmed for WW3 tonight. Just then, trumpets begin to sound off inside the arena which causes the packed house to all look to the stage and get to their feet, screaming in anticipation. The Nature Boy struts out, looking only as he can look in his custom suit before stopping at the bottom of the ramp to give a WOOO! out to the fans who all yell back. Flair gets in the ring and is handed a microphone from the ring announcer. The music fades out and Flair takes a moment to look out to the crowd, which only causes them to get louder. - Flair: If anyone was mistaken to believe that only the East coast is Ric Flair and Horsemen country, then they've never been to Seattle!!!!! Just over a week ago, I faced Steve Austin at Halloween Havoc. Everyone saw that Austin couldn't beat the Nature Boy without some illegal assistance! But you know what?!?!? That's fine with me! You know why?!?! Because I'm RIC FLAIR, PAL! Steve Austin thinks he's so tough?!? Steve Austin's got nothing on me! I'm the Nature Boy!!!! A 14-time worlds heavyweight champion!!! You think I care if Austin uses a weapon?!?! Hell, I invented playing dirty! I'm the dirtiest player in the game!!!! Steve Austin, you can't out-do me, pal!!! Last week, it was clear that things between us aren't over, and you know what?!? That's perfectly fine with me, because Austin, I haven't beat the hell out of you enough just yet! You wanna use weapons?!?! You wanna make the Nature Boy bleed?!?! Then how about this; You, ME, World War 3, and we make it a FIRST BLOOD match?!?!? Then you can use all the weapons you want, Austin! I'll use all the weapons I want, I'll beat the living hell out of you again, and then, after it's all said and done, you'll say "You were right Nature Boy! You are the dirtiest player in the game!!" And then after that....After that!!! I'll take all the girls in my stretch limo and party the rest of the night out on the town because I am; A Kiss Stealin' WOOOOO! Wheelin', dealin' Limousine Ridin', Jet Flyin', SON OF A GUN!! And Austin! At World War 3, I'm gonna KICK YOUR ASS! WOOOOOOOOOOO! Rating: 100 Dean Malenko vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Chavo is still looking for that elusive win, one he hasn't experienced since August. Once again though, the deck was stacked against him as not only did he have Dean Malenko to contend with, but also his manager, Francine. Every time Chavo started to mount some offense, Francine would either distract him or flat out interfere. The match did go on for quite awhile though, and Chavo did put up a fight, but it just wasn't enough. Malenko locked in the Texas Cloverleaf and it was all over at 14:48. Winner: Dean Malenko Rating: 66 Ooh, Ooh! The Space Needle isn't the only landmark worth seeing in Seattle. Alex Wright's bratwurst causes it's own Super Sonic boom! Alex Wright vs Lance Storm vs Alex Wright danced his way into the ring, which didn't impress Lance Storm quite so much. Storm actually had the better performance in the match but Alex Wright is the one who came away with the victory. Wright won with a top rope flying body splash at 8:23. Winner: Alex Wright Rating: 33 Mean Gene is backstage and welcomes his guest, following a commercial break. Arn Anderson steps into the picture and Gene welcomes him. Mean Gene asks about Anderson's ominous interview last week and says he's done quite a bit of digging, but is coming up blank with anything the Enforcer might be suggesting. Double A says for Gene not to worry, because he IS paying attention and he is continuing to get closer to some underlying issues within WCW. Anderson says he's lining up a few more things and when the time is right, he's going to reveal everything he's discovered. Anderson says that maybe next week he might have more to say. Something that just might shake WCW to its very foundation. Rating: 89 American Males vs Big Bubba & John Tenta vs The American Males were looking to continue their winning ways lately but tonight's task was much more massive. The Males were having a string of issues before managing to put together some consecutive wins. Bagwell and Riggs started out on fire and working fluidly as a team. They took advantage of their superior work as a team to isolate Big Bubba and kept him on the defensive with their speed. That all came to an end though when Bubba was able to make the tag to Tenta. Riggs went for a drop kick only for Tenta to swat him away like a fly. After some offense by Tenta, Riggs made the tag to bring in Bagwell who ended up having some success. With Tenta reeling, Bagwell ran to the ropes, looking for some kind of attack. Unfortunately, Scotty Riggs didn't see Bagwell running to the ropes and was taunting out to the crowd. Riggs was standing on the center of the apron and Bagwell crashed into him. Riggs fell to the floor while Bagwell staggered into a waiting John Tenta where he hit him with a huge Belly to Belly suplex. The referee counted the pin fall at 7:47. Winners: Big Bubba & John Tenta Rating: 64 The NWO music plays in the arena and all the fans get on their feet. Hollywood Hogan comes out first through the fog, playing the World Title like a guitar. Brian Pillman comes out alongside Hogan with his US title slung over his shoulder. Following him is the fake Sting and, finally, Kevin Nash emerges through the fog with his arms in the air and flashing the Wolfpac sign. The NWO is all smiles as they walk down the ramp, but they all stop in the aisle just off the base of the ramp. The camera moves in to Hollywood Hogan who says he has a surprise for everyone as all the NWO members point toward the stage entrance. The camera moves up the ramp and toward the entrance as a figure begins to emerge from the fog, which brings another roar from the crowd.... Heenan: No!!! They got her too!?!? - Miss Elizabeth walks out with a bashful smile on her face as she walks down the ramp to the NWO members. She stops short at Hollywood Hogan who gives her a hug before turning back to the camera and taunting. They all make their way to the ring where, once in, Hogan hands the world title over to Elizabeth who happily holds it while Hogan gets a microphone. - Hogan: Just so everybody's clear, allow me to introduce to all you pukes the newest member of the NWO.....The fabulous Miss Elizabeth!!! - Elizabeth unzips her black leather jacket to reveal an NWO shirt underneath. While a large majority of fans are cheering, there are plenty of boo's heard from the audience and the trash begins to get thrown in the ring as Hogan continues. - I want everyone to take a good look, because now that we've got an official manager on the books, we have someone to look out for all of the NWO interests and properties! This means that the rest of the members of the NWO can focus on the task at hand...At overtaking WCW and making every single member of WCW bend at the knee to the NWO!! So that Hollywood can continue to defend the NWO Heavyweight title! So Brian Pillman can continue to go down in history as the greatest United States champion that ever lived! So the Stinger can continue to be the top athlete!! So the big man, Kevin Nash, can continue to dominate!! And so Scott Hall, when he returns, will continue to strike fear and make every single wrestler shake in their boots!!! The NWO will continue our sheer dominance and complete the takeover of WCW!! And when it's all said and done, everyone will recognize Hollywood to be the true God of professional wrestling, and everyone will worship the ground that I spit on, brother! Rating: 82 Nitro returns from another commercial break and Mean Gene is inside the ring. He brings out Ricky Steamboat as his guest and says that ever since Eddie Guerrero turned his back on him at Road Wild, the two have had quite the battle. The battle turned up a notch at Halloween Havoc but things don't appear to have been settled there, with Eddie showing "proof" last week that Steamboat cheated to win. Ricky says that's an insult to his never-say-die attitude he has in the ring. He says he came back to prove to not just the fans that he still has some left in the tank, but also to prove to himself. Ricky says he'll take on Eddie Guerrero one more time at World War 3 and he says this time there will be no excuses for his losing. Steamboat challenges Eddie to an Iron Man match. Gene says that an Iron Man match would be grueling for them both to compete in and then fight in the battle royal. Steamboat says standing up for what's right and defending your honor is more important than any title. Ricky says he would skip the battle royal just to get Eddie in the match. Eddie's music hits and he walks out to the stage. He laughs and says that Steamboat truly doesn't know when to quit, so maybe at WW3 he'll collapse from exhaustion. Eddie continues to insult Steamboat by saying he's too old to last in an Iron Man match for 60 minutes, so he'll agree to a 30 minute Iron Man match and when he wins, he'll run Steamboat out of WCW for good! Rating: 94 The Amazing French Canadians vs Perry Saturn & Paul Roma vs The French Canadians were looking to change their recent fortunes in this match as they took on what could be considered a "lower" team of Saturn & Roma. The problem for the Canadians though, was that this is exactly how they entered the match and probably were a little too over confident. Roma used his veteran knowledge and paired with Saturn's young desire to win, they ended up picking up the shocking win at 9:54. Jacques Rougeau had the performance of the match. Winners: Perry Saturn & Paul Roma Rating: 55 - DDP is backstage doing some stretching, which is unknown why really, as he doesn't have a match tonight. In the middle of a leg stretch, the TV champions attention is diverted. The cameras pan back to see why. The NWO all stand together and Nash has a metal pipe in hand. Page looks around briefly but quickly realizes that he's cornered in. No words are exchanged before the attack begins, first by Brian Pillman. The rest soon follow with the attack as they all beat DDP down before walking off and leaving him on the floor. Bischoff wonders why the NWO would attack DDP unprovoked and Tenay just responds "Because they can and there's yet to be anyone to stop them!" - Rating: 95 Wrath vs Mike Barton vs Wrath looked to continue his dominating ways in WCW but had a tougher task at hand against Mike Barton, who's proven himself to be one of WCW's toughest on the roster. Barton managed to take most of what Wrath threw at him, but after a huge powerslam, followed by a bicycle kick and then the Meltdown, Wrath got the win at 8:02. Despite being a heel, Wrath's popularity has noticeably increased in the last month and he's getting louder crowd reactions. Winner: Wrath Rating: 64 In a different change of pace, Dusty Rhodes is standing by backstage with the Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart and the Faces of Fear. Dusty tells Jimmy that the Fearsters have established themselves as a top competitive team in WCW and, along with Harlem Heat, have battled for those belts and risen the competitive level within the tag team division. Jimmy Hart claims all of the praise should go to the Faces of Fear, as they've never backed down from a challenge and aren't afraid to face anyone, yet when in discussions of greatest teams in wrestling's history, you don't hear the Faces of Fear get brought up. Harlem Heat, the Steiners, and even the Outsiders get all the praise. Jimmy Hart says that will all change, and change very soon, because they're challenging Harlem Heat for those titles at World War 3. He says when they win the titles for a second time, maybe then people will give them their just due. Rating: 78 Backstage interviews continue, this time with Mean Gene at a different part of the backstage area. This time he's with Scott Norton and begins his leading question. Before he can even finish, there's a commotion off camera that gets both Gene and Norton's attention. Fit Finlay barges into camera view and steps right up to Scott Norton. He says a few challenging words to him and it doesn't take long before a full blown fight breaks out between the two. Mean Gene scampers off screen while the two brawl it out and the cameras switch back out to the arena for the main event. Rating: 76 Lex Luger & Scott Steiner vs Hollywood Hogan & Kevin Nash vs In a strong show of WCW unison, Luger and Steiner walked out together and to the ring. Bischoff called that a much needed show of solidarity between WCW members as the NWO have had their way with them and there doesn't seem to be anyone who can stop them. For their part, Nash and Hogan made fun of their opponents, mocking them holding hands and being best friends. Steiner didn't have any of the fun and games as the match began and took it straight to Nash. He used all kinds of power moves to overwhelm the co-founder of the NWO who clearly underestimated him. Nash eventually tagged out and Hogan tried his luck against his proverbial thorn in his side for the past couple of months. Steiner took advantage early on but Hogan managed to cheat his way back to control. From there, the NWO members did a good job of working together to cut off Steiner from his corner. The beatdown continued as Luger begged to be tagged in and he started to get the crowd heavily behind him. Steiner fought his way toward his corner but Hogan entered, getting the referee's attention. Steiner made the tag to the delight of the fans and Luger started the assault on Hogan, only the referee cut him off. Luger was ordered back to his corner because the referee was distracted and never saw the tag. Luger was furious but exited at the referees direction while Nash and Hogan swapped illegally without a tag. Hogan knocked Steiner down and went for his Leg Drop, but Steiner moved out of the way. Both men got to their feet and Steiner ducked a swing from Hogan and fired back with a Steinerline. Nash saw the trouble that was coming and ran in despite the referee's best attempt to stop him and hit Steiner from behind. Hogan and Nash then whipped Steiner to the opposite ropes but on return, Steiner ducked a double clothesline attempt and on return, hit his own double clothesline. All three men were down and Steiner began his slow crawl to his corner. Luger's hand was stretched as far as it would go, begging for the tag and the crowd on the edge of their seats, waiting for it. In what seemed an eternity, Steiner finally got close enough to make the tag. The referee confirmed it and the roof blew off the arena as Luger rushed in and made a beeline straight for Hogan who was desperately begging him off. It was no use though as Luger began a flurry of punches followed by a clothesline, then another clothesline before tapping his forearm and motioning for the bionic forearm. The crowd got loud again as Hogan went down after the forearm and Luger popped up to his feet and looked to the crowd. They all knew what was next and the fans furiously began motioning for the Torture Rack before Luger did the same. Bobby Heenan said how he couldn't even hear his fellow commentators, the arena was that loud. Luger grabbed Hogan and just as he lifted him up in the Rack.... Brian Pillman and "Sting" slide in the ring and begin jumping Luger. Trash immediately begins to flood the ring as Nash has regained his composure and resumed attacking Steiner. The bell sounded and the referee declared a disqualification at 11:39. Winners by DQ: Lex Luger & Scott Steiner Rating: 90 In typical NWO fashion, things didn't stop there. The NWO continued their outnumbered attack on Lex Luger and Scott Steiner. Hogan tossed the referee out of the ring while the others went to their attacks. Pillman uses the US title to hit Scott Steiner while Hogan retrieves the World title to do the same on Luger. The ring has filled with trash as Pillman takes the opportunity to punt some of the trash back out to the crowd as Nitro fades to a close. Rating: 99 Final Show Rating: 92

Welcome everyone to the WCW Hotline Report, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund! The month of November wasted no time kicking off in WCW as we head into the second week! Tensions continue to run high between WCW and the NWO and this past Monday on Nitro, Scott Steiner felt the wrath come down! Thankfully for Steiner, Lex Luger ran in to save him from a brutal beating at the hands of the New World Order. That has established this week's main event, which I will get to later. There is apparently a new couple in the WWF. Terri Powers was on a radio show earlier this week and announced that she and Billy Gunn are an item. As WCW heads toward the World War 3 Pay Per View event this month, there will be several signings made in order to fill out the 60 man battle royal. I'm told the majority of these signings will be short term, one night deals, but WCW is also looking at several wrestlers for potential try-outs. Some of these contracts may be up to 6 months in order to evaluate the talent. I have been told that WCW has signed a wrestler to an exclusive contract and there is yet one more major name in the middle of contract negotiations. WCW has reportedly come to terms with a talent trade with New Japan Pro Wrestling. WCW will loan the Nature Boy Ric Flair and NJPW will loan Keiji Mutoh, better known to US fans as the Great Muta. I'm told the loan period is only for a few matches for each man and the exposure for both fan markets will benefit both companies. Look for the Great Muta to appear on WCW television soon. Here is the Nitro lineup for this week! As a result of last week's ending, it set the match up for this week's main event! Week 2, November 1996 LIVE from the Key Arena - Seattle, WA Lex Luger & Scott Steiner vs Hollywood Hogan & Kevin Nash Mike Barton vs Wrath Perry Saturn & Paul Roma vs The Amazing French Canadians American Males vs John Tenta & Big Bubba Rogers Alex Wright vs Lance Storm Dean Malenko vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Week 1, November 1996 LIVE from the Hartford Civic Center - Hartford, CT Attendance: 12,813 WCW Monday Nitro kicks off the month of November loud and energized as Eric Bischoff is once again at the commentary booth welcoming everyone. He sits alongside Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay as all three men run down the events from Halloween Havoc, just 24 hours ago. Bischoff tells us that new WCW World Tag Team Champions are crowned in Harlem Heat and a new Television champion was crowned last night to end the tournament, as Diamond Dallas Page became the new champion. NWO members Brian Pillman and Hollywood Hogan successfully defended their championships, though maybe by the skin of their teeth. Arn Anderson gave a heck of a challenge to Pillman and Steiner came close to winning the world title for the first time. Bischoff also says there were some surprises last night as well, as Miss Elizabeth was observed sitting in the crowd. Bobby Heenan says that it's going to be interesting to see what Elizabeth is doing in WCW but one thing's for sure; Wherever Miss Elizabeth is, the Macho Man isn't far behind. Bischoff says that's a name we haven't heard in awhile, though right Bobby is. Bischoff also says not to bother tuning into WWF Raw tonight unless you're looking to torture yourself. To detail just how terrible the entire show is, Bischoff lets everyone know that the main event is the 123 Kid and Ahmed Johnson teaming up against Acid Burn (Dutch Mantel & Shane Douglas) in a cage. Nope, the action is all right here on Nitro and it's LIVE, where you never know what's going to happen! Cameras go outside the arena where a long limo is pulling into the underground garage area. The stretch comes to a stop and the driver quickly exits to come around to the back where he opens the door. The NWO (minus Scott Hall) all exit and Pillman and Hollywood have their respective titles with them. Bischoff mentions how "Sting" filled in last night for Scott Hall in a losing effort to defend the tag team titles. Bobby says that misfortune for the NWO turned into success for WCW as the tag team belts are now securely back with WCW in the hands of Harlem Heat. The NWO don't appear to be too bothered by the loss of gold though, as they're all smiles and celebrations as they exit the limo and head in toward the arena. Rating: 100 Lance Storm vs Dean Malenko vs Francine made her way out with Dean Malenko and the pair looked extremely focused as they stepped in the ring. Francine helped Malenko out of his vest before climbing back out and the bell rang to begin the opening match. Storm took it straight to Malenko and held on as best he could but with Malenko's ruthless streak continuing and Francine getting involved at every opportunity, the younger wrestler had a tough time. The match went for an impressive amount of time though, and Malenko made Storm tap out to the Texas Cloverleaf at 15:33. Winner: Dean Malenko Rating: 67 Mean Gene is backstage for the first time tonight and he's with the newly crowned WCW Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat. They're on each side of their manager, Sensuous Sherri and they all look to be pretty happy. Booker T securely holds the belt while Mean Gene does the introduction. In response, Booker T says that Harlem Heat have the titles back and the duo now sits back atop the food chain in WCW. He says they'll take on any challengers and if the Faces of Fear want some of Harlem Heat again, they aren't hard to find. Stevie Ray says that it doesn't matter who wants a shot at the titles, Harlem Heat will run through them. In his opinion, they never should've lost the titles to the Outsiders so now they'll just pick up where they left off. Rating: 78 Nitro returns from a commercial break to a backstage scene of Ric Flair and Steve Austin beating the living hell out of one another. It's clear they've already been fighting for some time as items around them is all disorganized and tossed. Neither man is backing down and dishing out as much punishment to the other as they can. If there was any thought that their intense battle from last night's Halloween Havoc settled anything, this set that all aside. Officials finally rush in to try and break up the chaotic scene as cameras go back out to the arena. Rating: 100 "Sting" vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Poor, poor Chavo. He was hoping to have his fortunes turn around in this match against the imposter Sting. To date, Chavo has only won 3 matches so far in 1996 with the last one coming in a pre-show match on Main Event against Sgt. Craig Pittman in August. His other two victories weren't even in WCW - they were at independent shows at the beginning of the year. He's going to have to try in a different match, however, because this one did not go to Chavo's desire. The imposter used all of the real Sting's moveset and dominated Chavo. A flying cross body, a face smash, Stinger Splash, and then Scorpion Deathlock later, Chavo tapped out at 6:04. Winner: "Sting" Rating: 68 Mean Gene is in the middle of the ring this time as he introduces his guest - Eddie Guerrero. Eddie walks slowly to the ring and sneers at the fans on his way. Upon entering the ring and meeting Mean Gene, the music fades out and Gene gets down to business, saying last night at Halloween Havoc, Eddie Guerrero had an opportunity to end the career of Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat, but came up short as he submitted. Eddie cuts Mean Gene off; Eddie: I will not allow you to stand out here and make false claims, Mean Gene Okerlund!! I will not allow you to do the same thing that Ricky Steamboat did last night!!! He defamed Eddie Guerrero, he tarnished his long and illustrated career, and he proved just what kind of man he really is! Ricky Steamboat didn't beat me last night fair and square!!! No.... As a matter of fact, Ricky Steamboat is nothing more than a cheating coward, and I have the proof of it!!! Play the video right now!!! - The ending of last night's match begins to play on the big screen in the arena. Eddie is locked tight into a Boston Crab and the camera is zoomed in close on his face. Eddie is flailing wildly in pain and grabbing at his head and hair before slapping the mat with his hand, giving up. The bell sounds and the referee raises the arm of Ricky Steamboat before the video cuts off. - See, right there, Mean Gene, I wasn't giving up!!! I was trying to hit the mat to get the crowd to rally behind me!! I knew that if I could get the fans to rally behind me, I would be able to fight through the pain and get out of the hold, but the referee didn't give me a chance!! Mean Gene: Oh give me a break!!! No, it's true Gene! He never asked me if I wanted to give up, he just rang the bell!!! All I wanted was the fans support! But he never gave me that chance! I was cheated out of that match, and one more thing that you might have missed on that video, Mean Gene...When Ricky Steamboat had me locked in the hold, he lost his balance and grabbed onto the top rope. That right there should have resulted in the referee breaking the submission hold, but he didn't! Ricky Steamboat cheated his way to winning and to saving his career, because he knew that in a fair and legitimate match against me, he would lose and then find out who the better man really is! Ricky Steamboat is a coward, a cheat, and he's going to wish that I ended his career last night because he's just tarnished everything he fought for in his career! I promise you, Mean Gene, and I promise all these fans, Eddie Guerrero will have the last laugh when it's all over!! Rating: 99 Faces of Fear vs Paul Roma & Perry Saturn vs Even though we haven't seen the duo of Roma and Saturn on Nitro since August, they have been teaming up frequently on pre-shows and Saturday Night and Main Event broadcasts. They've even begun to form a decent team in that time frame but tonight's task is no ordinary one. Saturn was the more stand-out of the team but as tough as he is, he had trouble dealing with Meng and the Barbarian. Meng ended up getting the win at 10:17 after locking the Tongan Deathgrip in on Paul Roma. Winners: Faces of Fear Rating: 66 Mean Gene is staying busy tonight as he brings out another guest to the ring. This time it's the newly crowned Television champion Diamond Dallas Page as he makes his way out onto the stage. After his diamond taunt and fireworks explode, the Diamond Doll joins him at the end of the stage ramp. They get in the ring and Mean Gene asks what DDP's plans are now that he's a 2-time TV champion? DDP says that he's a fighting champion, and he's the people's champion, and now that he has a second opportunity with the title, he's not going to waste it. He will defend the title against anyone who wants to feel the BANG!!! As if on cue, Dean Malenko's music begins to play once more in the arena. Malenko and Francine make their way out onto the stage but stop short there. Malenko has a microphone and DDP and Mean Gene turn and face them on the ramp. Malenko gives a sarcastic laugh and says he's glad to hear that DDP's a fighting champion and will take on anyone, because Dean Malenko should have the first shot at that title, seeing that DDP screwed him out of the tournament. Malenko says he wants the match at World War 3 and if DDP isn't careful, not only will he take the title, but he might also take DDP's woman. DDP, obviously angered by the last comment, gives his own sarcastic laugh in the way of Malenko and Francine. DDP: You want it?!?! YOU GOT IT! Rating: 77 Scott Armstrong vs Wrath vs Armstrong's fate was about the same as our friend Chavo, only it was much more brutal and much more unforgiving. Wrath easily dealt with him in 5:34, finishing it off with a Meltdown. Winner: Wrath Rating: 59 The Amazing French Canadians vs American Males vs These two teams faced each other just the night before at Halloween Havoc, but this match ended up being quite a bit better actually. In recent weeks, the American Males seemed to have been on different pages with each other and hoped to change their luck starting at Halloween Havoc. They ended up victorious and hoped to keep their good luck going. The Males began the match full of energy and great team work while the Canadians seemed off and constantly taking a full attack from the Males. This continued all the way through as the American Males were on top of their game tonight. Scotty Riggs got the victory at 9:54 with the AmeriPlex. Winners: American Males Rating: 65 Mean Gene's busy night continues following another commercial break. This time, Mean Gene is backstage in the interview area and the Enforcer Arn Anderson is standing with him. Gene briefly touches on Anderson coming up short in his effort last night to win the US title and goes on to say that with the Horsemen no longer a thing, where does Arn Anderson find himself fitting in with the rest of WCW? Double A: Ya know Gene, there comes a time in every man's life where he has to sit back and reflect on his past and his past actions. A lot of times that past and those actions contain a lot of regrets, but there's one thing Arn Anderson doesn't have - And that's regrets! Now there's been plenty of moments in my life where I have disappointment, and last night was one of em.....But as disappointing as it was that I didn't win the US title last night, let me just tell you how great it felt to get my hands on that viper in the grass Brian Pillman! But as far as I'm concerned, that's the past and that past has been handled. See, there's been something else that's caught my eye and ever since then, I've been paying just a bit more attention, Gene. Just what that thing is, I can't say just yet, but it's something that caused the little hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and tell me that something isn't right; something's just a bit off.....And when the time is right, Mean Gene???? I'll make sure to let the entire world know, but as of right now, Arn Anderson's ears are perked up and I'm paying attention. Rating: 87 Scott Steiner vs Kevin Nash vs Both men are coming off Halloween Havoc losses and both men were looking to change their momentum with this match. Unfortunately for Scott Steiner, his task at hand was much more difficult with the NWO looming in the shadows, or in this case, right in front of him. The world champion Hollywood Hogan accompanied Nash to the ring, which only signaled he would make his presence known whenever possible. The match itself was very competitive and evenly matched. Nash wasn't used to being in the ring with someone to match his power, if not overpower him, and Steiner stood up to the brutal attacks from both his opponent and the outside annoyance. Steiner tried his best but it was clear the odds were stacked against him. Hogan attempted to interfere one too many times when the referee caught him and reluctantly called for the disqualification at 12:03. Winner by disqualification: Scott Steiner Rating: 90 In typical WCW fashion though, things didn't end just there. The bell rang despite the continuing attack by Hogan and Nash, who didn't really care about the DQ finish. Hogan held up Steiner to allow Nash to run off the ropes and hit a big boot. Steiner dropped to the mat and Hogan saw it as a great opportunity to hit his Leg Drop for good measure. Hogan hit another one and then Hogan began to pull a couple of cans of spray paint from his tights. As Hogan and Nash began shaking the cans, the crowd came to life. The cameras pan out to catch what the crowd's cheering for just in time.... Lex Luger dives in the ring which promptly causes Hogan and Nash to bail outside. Trash continues to be thrown in the ring by the fans as Luger checks on Steiner and brings him to his feet. Nitro fades out to black with the standoff between Luger and Steiner in the ring and Hollywood Hogan and Kevin Nash outside on the floor. Rating: 97 Final Show Rating: 92

You might also be able to roll back to an older backed up version prior to the update. Try searching something like system recovery and there should be various dates where Windows (if you're running Windows) will have different dates to choose from.

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund bringing you this week's WCW Hotline Report! WCW is hot off Halloween Havoc, which was a spectacular event, and now speeds into Monday Nitro to kick start to beginning of November! We are rapidly approaching the end of the year and also the biggest Pay Per View of the year, Starrcade! As we head toward this months PPV event- World War 3, I can confirm that this event will feature a 60 man battle royal and the winner will earn a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight title at Starrcade. Be sure to call your local cable provider and order this show ahead of time! We saw a major return to WCW last night at Halloween Havoc as everyone noticed Miss Elizabeth sitting in the crowd. What is she doing back in WCW and will we hear from her this week on Nitro? Speaking of debuts, WCW has also signed another major superstar and I'm told they are also in talks with signing another big name away from the World Wrestling Federation. Here is the lineup for this week's Monday Nitro! Week 1, November 1996 LIVE from the Hartford Civic Center - Hartford, CT Scott Steiner vs Kevin Nash The Amazing French Canadians vs American Males Scott Armstrong vs Wrath Faces of Fear vs Paul Roma & Perry Saturn "Sting" vs Chavo Guerrero Jr Lance Storm vs Dean Malenko

Predictions List: WCW World Tag Team Titles Match Benoit & Malenko vs. The Rock 'N' Roll Express Comments: Sabu vs. Randy Savage Comments: Paul Orndorff vs. Johnny B. Badd Comments: Casket Match Stevie Ray vs. Scott Steiner Comments: Blue Bloods vs. The Renegade and Ultimate Warrior Comments: WCW United States Title Match Vader defends vs. Lex Luger Comments: Arn Anderson and Brian Pillman vs. Ric Flair and Sting Comments: Flair for sure is turning on the Stinger. WCW World Heavyweight Title match Hulk Hogan defends vs. The Giant Comments:

Sunday, Week 4, October 1996 LIVE from the Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA Attendance: 63,188 - Halloween Havoc 1996 kicks off full of energy. The jam-packed Georgia Dome, though not sold out, was definitely full for this event and the hometown WCW crowd was ready as ever for the action! Cameras got a great shot of the custom stage set that WCW is known for on their PPV's. This month's event stage looks like a graveyard with multiple headstones showcasing random names of WCW wrestlers and an ever-present fog rolling across the ground. Two small buildings that looks like a mausoleum are in the backdrop. One features a large video screen and the other where the wrestlers will emerge from complete the stage. We're then brought to the announce booth where Tony Schiavone is back in the main announcer position and joined by Bobby Heenan and Dusty Rhodes. The rundown of the night is given where they discuss all of the events leading up to now. They all think Scott Steiner has a monumental task ahead of him by not only taking on Hollywood Hogan, but also potentially contending with the rest of the NWO to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. One thing all three announcers agree on, though, is that this will be a huge night for WCW as a whole. We're starting off with the first match of the night where a career hangs in the balance. - Career Match: Eddie Guerrero vs Ricky Steamboat vs A tale of two completely different cities in this one. Eddie Guerrero approached the ring slowly and confidently and with a small smirk on his face. He climbed in the ring and ascended to the middle rope to look out at the raging crowd and just put his arms up to his side. The commentators mentioned that Eddie was overwhelmingly confident going into this match. Next out was The Dragon, who was clearly emotional as he walked toward the ring. Ricky slapped all of the outstretched hands along the aisle before reaching the ring and climbing in. He also perched himself on the middle rope to raise his arms up at the crowd but was quickly cut off as Eddie attacked from behind. The referee called for the bell and official start to the match and Steamboat was quickly at a disadvantage. Eddie didn't let up on his assault and firmly established control of the match early on. Ricky tried several times to stop Guerrero's momentum and turn the tides in his favor, but Eddie seemed three steps ahead of everything the Dragon tried to do. This resulted in Steamboats multiple offensive attempts to get smothered out like a fire. The more this happened, the more confident Eddie got and the more time Eddie spent taunting the crowd. This eventually came back to bite Eddie as it gave Steamboat an opening to mount a comeback. Superb at playing the helpless babyface, Steamboat's facial expressions easily got the crowd behind him as he caught Eddie off guard and hit him with a pair of arm drags. Eddie bounced up each time but then rushed the Dragon, who hit him with a karate chop. Steamboat began mounting his comeback from here and firmly had the crowd behind him, who was loving ever second of this opening match. Unfortunately for Steamboat, the referee became fooled by Eddie faking a knee injury on a leapfrog attempt. As the referee was pushing Steamboat back from continuing his attack and helping Eddie to his feet, Eddie used the distraction to kick a low blow on the Dragon. Just for show to the referee, Eddie kicked his leg out and stretched it, indicating that his knee was fine to continue the mat. As the referee turned and saw Steamboat collapsed on the mat, he of course was confused as to what happened. Eddie hit a few moves and then set up Ricky for the Frog Splash. Eddie climbed the rope and jumped after again taunting the crowd. Eddie flew through the air with his Frog Splash but Steamboat moved out of the way! Both men got to their feet at the same time but Eddie cut off the Dragon and whipped him into the ropes. On the rebound, Steamboat was able to roll through an attempted back suplex and lock in a Boston Crab! Eddie's arm flailed wildly as he attempted to crawl toward the rope to force the break. He tried to slowly make progress but it was clear he wouldn't make it. After several attempts to break out of it and after several failings, Eddie finally tapped the mat to submit. The referee called for the bell at 15:23 declaring the submission victory and The Dragon continuing his career! Winner by submission: Ricky Steamboat Rating: 94 Tag Team Titles: Harlem Heat vs Kevin Nash & ???(c) vs After the opening match, everyone deserved a much needed emotional break. This gave the announcers a brief time to hype up the mystery surrounding this next match. Harlem Heat have been begging for a long time to get a title rematch after losing the belts to the Outsiders, but the NWO members had done a superb job at dodging them. Things got even more complicated when Scott Hall made an unexpected exit for awhile and leaving no partner for the co-champion Kevin Nash. Harlem Heat got to the ring first and waited not-too-patiently for Kevin Nash and whoever his partner would be. To their annoyance, Kevin Nash walked out alone with the NWO music played. Nash stopped short in the aisle and stared at Harlem Heat in the ring, who didn't appear interested in any games tonight. As Nash stood in the aisle, a subject began to emerge from the fog. Initial cheers turned to boos as they made their way out to join Nash, who had the other tag team belt. The NWO version of Sting walked out and joined Nash, much to the annoyance of Harlem Heat. They couldn't be that annoyed though, as the match was finally getting under way. Stevie Ray and "Sting" started things off, which quickly made "Sting" regret teaming with Nash. Stevie Ray took no mercy at all on the imposter and beat him down to the mat with several power moves. "Sting" tried to crawl his way toward Nash and outstretched his arm to make a tag but Nash didn't appear to want to get in either. Harlem Heat traded off multiple tags and worked well as a team to continue to punish "Sting." Nash had finally tagged in and while he fared better than his partner, Nash was still getting double-teamed at will by Harlem Heat. Nash eventually tagged himself out which saw "Sting" hesitate to get back in the ring. Nash looked completely disinterested in being in the match and when Harlem Heat hit the Heat Seeker on "Sting," Nash made no attempt to get in and break up the pin. This ensured Harlem Heat the win at 9:34 and new champions. Winners and NEW tag team Champions: Harlem Heat Rating: 82 First Blood: Scott Norton vs Fit Finlay vs For those people who only watch Nitro, they wouldn't be very familiar with the background on this match. While there was some mention of a feud going on between these men, it mostly took place on WCW Saturday Night. Norton has been on a quest for some time now to be labeled the "toughest" in WCW but the Irishman Fit Finlay challenged Norton to prove it. These two squared off at last month's PPV - Fall Brawl, and looked to finish things here tonight with a first blood match. Finlay was able to get the win at 7:48 after throwing the ring steps at Norton, hitting him square in the head and cutting his forehead and busting him open, possibly unexpectedly. Winner: Fit Finlay Rating: 69 WCW gets it's first break in the action while Mean Gene Okerlund is standing backstage with Scott Steiner, who looks ready to go for the main event. Gene reiterates that Steiner has a tough task ahead tonight as he tries to capture the world heavyweight title for the first time in his career. Steiner: You know what, Mean Gene?!?! I want Hollywood Hogan and the rest of the NWO to pay real close attention, because right now I'm a man not to be messed with! I've taken a stand against Hogan and the NWO just like Lex Luger, just like Ric Flair, and just like Sting did! I've had enough of the NWO and the chaos they've caused WCW! Ya know, a lot of people tend to forget that the NWO took out my brother and are the reason he's sitting at home, hoping that he's even able to wrestle again! I ain't gonna forgive and I ain't gonna forget what the NWO did to him! So Mean Gene, do I wanna win the world title?!?! You bet your ass I do, but tonight's about much more than just the world title! Tonight, I'm standing up for WCW and, most of all, I'm standing up for my brother and what the NWO did to him! Hollywood Hogan's just gonna be an example for that entire trash group, and I WILL leave here tonight as the new champion! Rating: 98 Ric Flair vs Steve Austin vs Another highly anticipated match to take place next. Ric Flair made his way out to the ring by himself, with Heenan speculating that the Enforcer was busy preparing for his own grudge match later on. Flair was ultra focused the entire way to the ring and once in, had little theatrics. Similarly, Steve Austin made his own way out with razor-sharp focus himself. The two men met face to face in the center of the ring while the referee was giving instructions they both ignored. After jawing a few words to each other, the bell rang and the crowd gave an anticipated roar at the sound of it, to the astonishment of the announce booth. They continued to trash talk each other even after the bell sounded but that quickly changed when Austin faked turning away and tried to cheap shot Flair. The only problem with that, is you can't get a cheap shot in on the "Dirtiest Player in the Game." Flair was ready for that and blocked Austin's punch and fired away with punches and chops of his own, reeling Austin back to the corner. Once there, Flair still didn't let up and hit repeated blows followed by biting Austin's forehead. The referee tried to separate the men but Flair shoved him off, causing the referee to tumble backward toward the opposite corner. This allowed Austin to poke Flair in the eyes and reverse him into the corner and start his own assault. The referee again tried to intervene and he again was pushed off, this time by Austin, though much more forcefully. Dazed, the referee got back to his feet but rather than disqualify both men, he let the fight continue. The crowd was roaring for everything as the two men spilled outside the ring and to the floor where they continued to beat on each other and use everything within grasp. After a brief tour through the crowd, the fight made its way back into the ring where Flair was taking control. In an attempt to out-do Austin, Flair didn't hold back from a slew of dirty tactics like low blows, eye pokes, and biting. After hitting his signature knee-drops on Austin, Flair signaled it was time for the Figure Four. Flair grabbed Austin's leg and twisted around but Austin pushed Flair with his free leg which caused him to spill out onto the floor. Austin followed and the two again fought outside the ring on the floor. Austin shoved the ring announcer off his chair and picked it up, looking to use it. The referee, however, quickly exited the ring and grabbed the chair from Austin as he lifted it up to hit Flair. Flair rolled in the ring and the referee warned Austin, who looked about ready to knock out the referee. The referee turned after dropping the chair to walk back up the steps and get back in the ring. Flair reached between the middle rope to grab Austin but was met with a chair shot to the head instead. Austin used the opportunity of the referee's back turned to pick up the chair to hit Flair with. With Flair out on the canvas, Austin quickly rolled back in and made the cover. The referee missed everything and re-entered the ring to see the pin and counted the three at 17:48. Winner: Steve Austin Rating: 86 Television Title: Diamond Dallas Page vs John Tenta vs While DDP was probably expected to make the finals, most probably wouldn't say the same for Tenta. While he's a formidable wrestler by himself, he did receive a bit of help from DDP to get past Dean Malenko. Speaking of Malenko..... While the competitors are making their entrances, a split screen is shown with Dean Malenko and his manager Francine sitting, presumably, in their dressing room and watching the ensuing match. Malenko will no doubt be interested in the winner of this match and clearly is watching things closely. Rating: 51 The bell rings and both men get to it. DDP was thrown a bit off when none of his offense was effective on the bigger Tenta. This gave Tena the opening to take control of the match and slow things way down. DDP allowed a mis-timed attack to get in control and work on Tenta's legs, bringing him down. It took a few tries but eventually worked, but not for long. Tenta firmly had things in control and went for his Earthquake Splash, but DDP moved out of the way. Tenta was getting to his feet about the time DDP was bouncing off the ropes and hit the Diamond Cutter for the win at 12:18. Winner and NEW TV Champion: Diamond Dallas Page Rating: 73 United States Title: Arn Anderson vs Brian Pillman (c) vs The match began with Pillman doing his best to taunt Anderson into losing control. While the Enforcer remained his stoic self, as soon as the bell rang, he unleashed a violent fury that had Pillman cowering to the corner. Clearly the veteran of the match, Anderson uses several submissions and strikes to wear down Pillman. He also spends a significant amount of time working on Pillman's arm and nearly getting disqualified after wrapping his arm around the rope and getting the referee to reach a 5 count. To Pillman's credit, he eventually fights his way back by getting extremely aggressive. The United States champ uses his speed and quickness to try and keep Anderson off guard and on his toes. As the time pushes, so do the limits as both men get increasingly physical in their attempts to end the match. This results in several near falls which get the crowd on the edge of their seats. Pillman is out to prove his betrayal was worth it while Anderson fights for retribution. With both men spent, Pillman exits the ring to the floor and grabs a steel chair. He turns to get in the ring with it but is stopped by the referee. Anderson is down on the mat and just beginning to stir while the conflict is going on outside. The referee threatens to disqualify Pillman but he doesn't care, as a DQ would result in him retaining the title. Even so, Pillman tosses the chair and gets back in the ring and rushes Anderson. Somehow, Anderson is able to grab Pillman and hit his signature spinebuster! With both men on the mat, Anderson isn't able to get the pin right away and when he finally does, Pillman kicks out just before 3. Both men again get to their feet and Pillman swings but Anderson is able to catch his arm and lock in an arm bar, on the same arm that Anderson was working on earlier in the match. Pillman screams in pain and appears to be moments away from tapping out but there's some activity taking place at the stage entrance..... To the confusion of the announcers and the crowd, Steve Austin makes his way to ringside. Austin grabs the discarded chair and gets up to the apron that gets the attention of the referee. With the referee distracted, Pillman wildly begins tapping out. The announcers proclaim that Pillman is tapping out, but there's no referee to see it! Anderson, seeing Pillman tap out, releases the hold and raises his arms in victory, but the bell doesn't ring. Anderson turns to see the distraction and the referee warning for Austin to get down. In the commotion for the referee trying to get Austin down, Anderson walks over and gets involved. Austin has the chair held up and the referee sandwiched between both Anderson and Austin. Austin ends up hitting Anderson with the chair, causing him to stumble backward. It was impossible for the referee to see it as Pillman uses the momentum to roll Anderson up in a pin. The referee turns and counts the pin resulting in Pillman getting the win at 16:15. Winner: Brian Pillman Rating: 93 - WCW takes a moment to regroup and have a promotional package video for next month's PPV event - World War 3, where three rings will have 60 wrestlers, all vying for a shot at the World Heavyweight Title at Starrcade! Afterwards we return to the live arena where the announce team talk about the events of the last match. All three are convinced that Austin's interference means he joined the New World Order as Tony informs us that Mean Gene is feverishly working to get Austin backstage. While discussing this, the camera happens to catch a familiar face sitting in the audience...... This, of course, gets them distracted from talking about Austin and gets them to begin wondering why she's sitting in the crowd..... Rating: 55 Cameras then go backstage where Mean Gene is "running" up to a departing Steve Austin. Gene catches up to Austin, who continues walking, forcing Mean Gene to do the same. Gene asks if Austin's interference and causing Anderson to lose his match means he's now a member of the NWO. Austin says he's not joining any other groups and is on his own, though he doesn't have a particular problem with Brian Pillman. Austin says he doesn't like Anderson and has a score to settle. Austin says a rattlesnake doesn't care what gets in its way, it's going to strike no matter what, and Anderson's in his way. Rating: 80 The Amazing French Canadians vs American Males vs Now for the match of the night. Just kidding...While it wasn't a bad match, per se, after all the other matches tonight, this pales in comparison. This was another feud that's mostly been taking place on Saturday Night. The American Males had found themselves in quite the rut, unable to pick up victories when they normally should have. This resulted in the Canadians poking fun at the American's. Whatever fire this ended up lighting under the Males, worked. They worked flawlessly as a team and hit many double team moves. The American Males got the win at 8:03. Winners: American Males Rating: 58 Mean Gene is backstage once again, this time outside of the NWO locker room. Gene knocks and it just happens that the WCW World Heavyweight Champion answers the door. Gene asks Hogan about the main event and Hollywood replies that Scott Steiner is just like a little bug crawling around on the ground, just waiting to be crushed under the boot of Hollywood. Hogan says that a guy like Steiner, with a million dollar look and a penny for a brain, will never be world champion. Hogan says that Steiner's fantasy land ends tonight with a leg drop! Rating: 82 World Heavyweight Title Scott Steiner vs Hollywood Hogan(c) vs Hogan took his time getting to the ring for this one and made Steiner wait as long as possible. By the time the bell rang to start things off, Steiner rushed Hogan, who wasn't quick enough to evade his attack. Steiner began things firmly in control, hitting several power moves and utilizing his strength. Steiner wowed everyone watching as he hit an early press slam on Hogan before yelling in his face. Steiner allowed his emotions to get the best of him though, which allowed Hogan to use his experience to take over. As Hogan slowed things way down and took control, NWO members began to emerge and make their way to ringside. Nash, Pillman, and "Sting" all get to the ringside area and it didn't take long before their impact was felt. Steiner was able to take brief control but when he went to bounce off the ropes, Brian Pillman hit Steiner from behind. Hogan went on to continue his sneaky tactics but as the crowd rallied behind Steiner, he started to make his comeback. Steiner was able to hit a series of suplexes and a powerslam and then sent Hogan into the corner. Steiner rushed in for a corner clothesline, but Hogan smartly pulled the referee in the way. The result was the referee getting crushed between the blow and collapsing down to the mat. With the referee out, the NWO members outside saw their opportunity. Hogan was still reeling and Steiner locked him in to lift him up for the Steiner Screwdriver. Seeing this unfold, Nash, "Sting", and Pillman got in the ring and beat Steiner down. The crowd were booing loudly as Nash lifted Steiner up for the Jacknife, with the assistance of the other members. With it impossible for Steiner to fight the odds, Hogan hits his Leg Drop for good measure and makes the pin. Nash drags the referee over who makes the slow count and hits the final count at 17:09 to mark Hogan the victor. The NWO have their usual celebration and again spray paint the back of Steiner as Halloween Havoc fades to a close. Winner: Hollywood Hogan Rating: 92 Final Show Rating: 94

Predictions List: Zodiac vs. Randy Savage Comments: Barrio Brothers vs. Nasty Boys Comments: Open Challenge Match Eddy Guerrero vs. ??? Comments: Shane Douglas vs. Jim Duggan Comments: Big Bubba Rogers vs. Al Snow Comments: Benoit & Malenko vs. Ric Flair and Sting Comments:

Yes, I can't wait for this! Such a fun time period to play around with!

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund here to bring you this special edition of the WCW Hotline Report! WCW is full steam ahead toward Halloween Havoc, one of WCW's biggest Pay Per Views of the year! I start off with exclusive breaking news. This past Monday on Nitro, Scott Hall showed up extremely intoxicated and in no condition to perform. As such, he was immediately sent home and Eric Bischoff demanded he attend rehab. This was Scott Hall's second incident since the end of August and Eric Bischoff reportedly wanted to get ahead of Hall's problems before they got out of hand. Scott Hall reportedly was furious at this news, and Kevin Nash was was said to be angry. This creates an issue for Halloween Havoc as the Outsiders were set to defend the tag team titles against Harlem Heat. It's unknown how long Scott Hall will be gone, but it's expected to be a significant amount of time. I have been told that Kevin Nash WILL have a partner and the titles WILL be defended at Halloween Havoc. On some more positive news, Lord Steven Regal, who has been out of action since September with a complete ACL tear and had to be stripped of the TV title as a result, successfully underwent surgery to repair the tear. Doctors have given a very positive outlook and after initially expected to be out of action for over 6 months, they now believe he will return after 3 months of injury with no lasting effects or damage. Little of note took place on this weekend's WCW Saturday Night. Hacksaw Jim Duggan said he's 100% WCW and stands for WCW and said he wanted to know where Sting stands. I mentioned last week that there was a major signing in WCW but I can now confirm that there are 2 major signings! Look for these debuts in the near future! Here is the official Halloween Havoc lineup! Sunday, Week 4, October 1996 LIVE from the Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA World Heavyweight Title Scott Steiner vs Hollywood Hogan(c) The Amazing French Canadians vs American Males United States Title: Arn Anderson vs Brian Pillman (c) Television Title: Diamond Dallas Page vs John Tenta Ric Flair vs Steve Austin First Blood: Scott Norton vs Fit Finlay Tag Team Titles: Harlem Heat vs Kevin Nash & ???(c) Career Match: Eddie Guerrero vs Ricky Steamboat *** Who will be Kevin Nash's partner?!?***

Week 4, October 1996 LIVE from the Providence Civic Center - Providence, RI Attendance: 12,765 - Monday Nitro begins this week, the final Nitro of October 1996, in their usual manner, the Monday Nitro intro video, huge fireworks display, and multiple shots throughout the arena of the crazy fans. Eric Bischoff again is on commentary this week along with Bobby the Brain Heenan and Iron Mike Tenay. Bischoff says WCW is heading full force into Halloween Havoc this coming Sunday and if you were thinking of switching over to those "other guys" to not even bother. Psycho Sid retains the WWF title against Bret Hart, The Ultimate Warrior & Shawn Michaels beat Camp Cornette (British Bulldog & Big Show), Bob Holly & the New Rockers beat the Million Dollar Corporation (Road Warrior Hawk, King Kong Bundy, & Kama), Savio Vega & Tatanka defeated Men on a Mission and another dud of a women's title match. Bischoff says the WWF is taped each and every week but Monday Nitro is LIVE and anything can happen at any time! Right now, Nitro is kicking off with the first match of the night! - Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Wrath vs Ok then.......Chavo is trying once again to get past Wrath, something he's failed to do the last three matches. Unfortunately for Chavo, Wrath had some pent up aggression to get rid of after his exit from the TV title tournament. He also delivered another solid performance, and dominating one. Wrath put Chavo down once again with the Meltdown at 4:49. Winner: Wrath Rating: 57 Cameras go backstage where Steve Austin and Ric Flair are engaged in a loud yelling match. Both men are held back by several officials, so there's no active brawl taking place, but both men are yelling so loud at each other that nothing can really be made out. Flair and Austin try to get at one another but the slew of officials are able to keep them separated before cameras go back out to the arena. Rating: 100 Scott Norton vs Mike Barton vs These two men are very familiar with one another as their feud to label the "toughest man in WCW" wasn't that long ago. Unfortunately, their recent-enough feud did little to excite the crowd in this match. Barton had been pegged by many to get a decent push in WCW, though that doesn't seem to have panned out. Norton was like a released bull and got the pin at 8:03 with a Powerbomb. Winner: Scott Norton Rating: 59 Fit Finlay vs Big Bubba Rogers vs Nitro returns from commercial and there's yet another match on Nitro. The action keeps going as both men started brawling as soon as the bell rang, which got the crowd to immediately get excited. Finlay, being the tough Irishman, ended up taking the advantage and had Bubba reeling. Bubba was too heavy for Finlay to get the Tombstone on him, but he did hit a regular pile driver for the win at 8:07. Winner: Fit Finlay Rating: 67 After another quick commercial break, cameras return to the arena and the crowd get on their feet as the NWO music plays. Surprisingly, Hollywood Hogan comes out all alone as he strums the World Heavyweight title like a guitar as he makes his way toward the ring. Hogan makes his way in the ring and gets a microphone that was stuffed in the front of his tights after taunting the crowd a bit. Hogan: If there's one thing that everybody knows, it's that professional wrestling wouldn't exist without Hollywood Hogan, so even though all of you people don't deserve to be graced by the presence of a God-like figure, I thought I would give everyone the feeling, just one time, of what it's like to be in the presence of Hollywood Hogan! Bask in the glory of all my greatness!!!! Now as for Halloween Havoc and that main event wanna-be Scott Steiner, let me just say that he makes me sick, brother! Absolutely sick! Scott Steiner comes out here wearing his bright tights and his stupid mullet haircut!!! Scott Steiner, this isn't the 80's anymore, brother, and what you need to do is take the example that Hollywood's set and get yourself up to modern times, my man! But it seems to me that you're too stupid to do that, just like your brother!! The fact that you even had the nerve to call out Hollywood Hogan suggests to me that you're not working with a complete set of silverware, BRAH! So Scotty Steiner, what I decided on top of gracing all of these losers with my presence here tonight, is to come out here all by myself and get Halloween Havoc started early, brother! Scott Steiner, get your rear end out here so I can kick it! - The crowd get on their feet as "Steinerized" hits the speakers and the announce booth goes crazy as Hogan called out Scott Steiner. Steiner walks out and doesn't hesitate going straight to the ring and getting right up in Hogan's face. Steiner points his finger right in Hogan's face and isn't backing down a step. The two men are on the verge of coming to blows...... - - That is, until Kevin Nash and Brian Pillman come out of the crowd and get in the ring behind Steiner. Both men attack Steiner from behind, who never had a chance to defend himself or cut them off. Steiner drops as Hogan joins in on the attack. - - The crowd roar to life as Arn Anderson and Lex Luger are seen sliding in the ring from the aisle. Anderson is briefly able to get his hands on Brian Pillman, who was the last NWO member to see the help running in, but it wasn't very long. Pillman was able to regroup with Nash and Hogan in the aisle while the Enforcer and Luger checked on Steiner, who got him to his feet. - Anderson: It looks to me that the odds just evened up a bit!!! I'll tell you what, the three of you thugs want to get in a fight so bad, how about in tonight's main event, the three of you take on the three of us, and we'll just see who the toughest men are?! Hogan: You know what, Arn Anderson?!?!? I've already beaten you and Luger more times than I can count!! If you want to lose one more time to Hollywood and the NWO, be my guest! Not only will the NWO beat you both again, but we're gonna soften up Steiner real nice for Halloween Havoc, and then he'll just be another one of Hollywood's victims! You're on! Rating: 97 Ricky Steamboat vs Jacques Rougeau vs This was a solid match that was given a decent amount of time as the Dragon wanted to polish his moveset ahead of his match at Halloween Havoc with Eddie Guerrero, where he puts his career on the line. Steamboat was on fire for this match and Jacques never had a solid foothold of offense. Steamboat picked up the win at 12:16 with a Flying Crossbody. Winner: Ricky Steamboat Rating: 77 Eric Bischoff had stepped away from the commentary booth and has now taken up a spot at the bottom of the entrance ramp. Bischoff says that he needs to bring Harlem Heat out to address an issue with them. Their music plays and the duo walk out with Sensuous Sherri and they all look with guarded interest. Bischoff: Booker T, Stevie Ray, I appreciate the both of you coming out here. Sherri, as always, it's good to see you. Unfortunately, I have some bad news that I have to be the one to break to you. Now, as everyone is aware, you both will challenge the Outsiders this Sunday at Halloween Havoc for the WCW Tag Team titles. It's my responsibility to inform you both that that title match may be in jeopardy and may not take place..... Booker: What???? What the hell you mean, man?!?! We earned that title shot and it ain't up for no dispute!! The Outsiders ain't getting outta this one, man!!! Bischoff: Hold on...Hold on....I'm just here to tell you and all of these fans of the news. As President of WCW, it's my responsibility. I can't, unfortunately, give you any information other than that....But Scott Hall is not here tonight and he may not be here for Halloween Havoc. That's all I can say at this time.... Rating: 69 We get to see Mean Gene for the first time tonight as he's backstage with Dean Malenko and Francine. Neither one seems very pleased at the moment as Malenko stands with his hands on his hips, glaring into the camera while Francine chomps on some gum while Gene does the introductions. Mean Gene doesn't get very far as Francine grabs his hand and microphone and cuts him off. Francine: Let's skip the pleasantries, eh Gene???? My time is valuable and so is Dean's, so lets not waste any more of it, mkay?!? What I need to address right now is Diamond Dallas Page, and how Diamond Dallas Page screwed Dean out of the TV title! DDP, you made the biggest mistake you possibly could by screwing Dean out of a spot in the finals, and we all know why! It's because you knew you couldn't beat Dean in a one on one match for that belt! You're afraid of him! Just admit it! Well guess what, DDP??? What goes around, comes around, and at Halloween Havoc, me and Dean will have nothing to do other than sit around and wait to screw YOU out of winning that belt! You got that??? We're gonna have the last laugh at Halloween Havoc! Rating: 63 Perry Saturn vs Eddie Guerrero vs This was a pretty stellar match between two very talented people. The issue for Saturn, is while he was holding his own, Eddie was simply untouchable and every move he did came off crisp and flawless. Eddie was clearly feeling on top of his game tonight, which was sure to give him a ton of momentum heading into his Halloween Havoc match against Steamboat. Eddie got the win at 9:40 with the Frog Splash. Winner: Eddie Guerrero Rating: 78 Mean Gene is backstage outside the locker room door of the NWO. Gene says after Eric Bischoff's announcement to Harlem Heat that the tag team title match may be in jeopardy at Halloween Havoc, he wants to get some answers. Mean Gene bravely knocks on the door of the NWO locker room and it takes several knocks before the door finally opens. Mean Gene: Kevin Nash, just a little while ago, we heard WCW President Eric Bischoff tell Harlem Heat that the tag team title match may be in jeopardy at Halloween Havoc. I'd like to get some answers from you as to why.... Nash: Look, Mean Gene, normally, I'd have some funny quip to say to you, some joke to make, I'd make light of it, and move on....But tonight, my friend, I'm not up to it. I don't know what's going to happen at Halloween Havoc, ok? Just let it go. Mean Gene: You've got to be kidding me?! For weeks, for months, the NWO's been running rampant, beating up anyone you want, now you're holding titles hostage?! Nash: Don't push me Gene! You might be an announcer, but I'll still shove my fist so far down your throat, you're gonna be collecting monthly checks from Lloyd's of London! Don't think you can come to the NWO locker room and try to talk down to me! I told you, this is something a little more personal, and this time I'm not playing games! I'll say this, Scott Hall's................Under the weather. I need another partner for Halloween Havoc and if I can't find one, then Harlem Heat doesn't get a shot. It's that simple. Now get outta here! Rating: 83 Nitro returns from a commercial break again and Mean Gene continues to have a busy night. He's standing backstage with Diamond Dallas Page and asks him about the TV Title tournament final match this Sunday against John Tenta. DDP says that it'll be a hard match against an extremely tough opponent and that he's definitely at a size disadvantage. DDP says what he lacks in the size matchup, he'll make up for with heart and passion. DDP says despite all the challenges laid ahead from Tenta and the threats from Dean Malenko and Francine, he's only a Diamond Cutter away from being the new TV champion. Rating: 91 Arn Anderson, Lex Luger, & Scott Steiner vs NWO (Hogan, Nash, & Pillman) vs As soon as the bell rang, it was complete disorganized chaos. Brian Pillman had the top performance of the match as all 6 men pair off. Hogan and Steiner fought, the Enforcer got ahold of Brian Pillman, and Lex Luger brawled with Kevin Nash. The referee really had no way to maintain any kind of order and just allowed all the men to fight. There was a brief period of time when both teams finally made it to their corners and Arn Anderson and Hollywood Hogan were the legal men. Arn dominated Hogan, to the delight of the crowd and hit his signature Spinebuster on Hogan. When the Enforcer motioned that he was going to end it, the brawl erupted again. With the referee losing total control of the match, he ended up throwing it out at 15:45. Winners: No Contest Rating: 79 In usual Monday Nitro fashion though, the sounding of the bell didn't get the men to stop fighting. Luger and Pillman ended up spilling out onto the floor and Nash and Anderson followed shortly after, leaving Hollywood Hogan all alone in the ring with Scott Steiner. The crowd were on their feet as Steiner looked out to the crowd and motioning at Hogan, who was beside himself and begging Steiner off. Hogan turned and tried to bail from the ring, but Steiner grabbed him, which caused an even louder reaction from the crowd. Steiner hit a big belly to belly suplex on Hogan who yelled and begged for Steiner to stop. Hogan got to his feet and retreated to the corner but Steiner rushed in and gave Hogan no time. Steiner mounted to the second rope and began raining punches down on Hogan with the crowd loudly counting along. Hogan wobbled out of the corner and Steiner motioned for a Frankensteiner as he pushed Hogan to the ropes and whipped him to the opposite side. Hogan grabbed on to the ropes though and stopped his momentum and rolled out of the ring. The crowd was booing loudly as Hogan retreated up the aisle and regrouped with Nash and Pillman as the Nitro credits showed on the screen and the cameras faded to black as Steiner celebrated in the ring and held up the World title. Rating: 99 Final Show Rating: 86

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm Mean Gene Okerlund bringing you this week's WCW Hotline Report! Congratulations to ECW, who have reportedly increased to "Medium" size after coming off their monthly event called "Defiance." The night was capped off by The Sandman successfully defending the ECW world title against Taz. In the semi-main event, Maxx Payne defeated 911 to successfully defend the ECW Television title. Ron Simmons has extended his exclusive contract with World Wrestling Council. I can confirm a major signing for WCW this week. While I can't release the name, I can reveal that this person is well known throughout the American wrestling scene and has been heavily featured on WWF programming. Speaking of the WWF, they held their monthly In Your House PPV. In a return match for the WWF World Heavyweight title, Champion Psycho Sid successfully defended the title against the British Bulldog. Goldust def. 123 Kid for the Intercontinental title Bret Hart & The Undertaker def. Road Warrior Animal & Ahmed Johnson in a cage match The Big Show def. Warrior in a cage match Owen Hart def. Hunter Hearst Helmsley Bam Bam Bigelow def. Kama in a cage match Tatanka def. Road Warrior Hawk Sgt. Slaughter & Devil Machines (Bob Holly & Mark Canterbury) def. Brian Adams & Acid Burn (Dutch Mantel & Shane Douglas) Savio Vega def. Tom Pritchard Chaparita Asari def. Lexie Fyfe & Yumiko Hotta to retain the Women's title As you can see, about all you missed for the WWF's event this month was a bunch of cage matches. There wasn't much of anything significant taking place this weekend on WCW Saturday Night other than Brian Pillman accepting Arn Anderson's challenge for Halloween Havoc. Here is the unofficial lineup for this week's Monday Nitro, the final show before Halloween Havoc, so you can bet it will be packed with action! Week 4, October 1996 LIVE from the Providence Civic Center - Providence, RI Perry Saturn vs Eddie Guerrero Ricky Steamboat vs Jacques Rougeau Big Bubba Rogers vs Fit Finlay Scott Norton vs Mike Barton Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Wrath