WCW '94: War of the Thrones

Sturcke · February 28, 2016

Just wanted to pop in, long time lurker. I am loving the way you have built the K.o.W. At this point I think the booking with them here is better than real life, I mean I shouldn't expect K.o.W Wolfpac <img alt="

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Beejus · March 1, 2016

WCW Hotline: April 1996, Week 3

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WCW Hotline

3rd Week of April 1996

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

Option 2: Announced for WCW Monday Nitro!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

Option 4: WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s WCW moment of the week!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

Option 9: A gift from the WCW Catalog!

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

Some of the participants for the sixty man battle royal have been announced, and thus far the match is already feeling stacked! No other matches have been officially announced just yet, but Eric Bischoff says that he has a few cards up his sleeve to pull out this Monday on Nitro!

Option 2: Announced for this week’s WCW Monday Nitro!

This week, Nitro comes live from the famous Omni in Atlanta, Georgia! We are bringing not just one but three huge championship matches! Magnum TA has announced that Jake Roberts gets a World title match, Chris Candido receives his return match for the Television title against “Lionheart” Chris Jericho, and the newly dubbed Vyle Brothers will take on former champs The Armstrong Brothers! And in even bigger news, “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes will be live in the ring to talk about what happened at Spring Stampede! Finally, a massive eight man tag team match as the Kings' Monsters and Chain Gang team up to take on the Road Warriors and Steiner Brothers! Brian Pillman claims to have a huge surprise for Randy Savage, and also Ron Simmons plans to call out Paul Orndorff after their bout at Spring Stampede! How much bigger can it get? You'll have to watch and find out, this Monday night at 8 PM ET on TNT!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

The face painted fruitcup takes down Vinnie Vegas in the main event, while Jerry Lawler appears but again refuses to defend his supposed “World” title. No wonder the smartest fans choose Nitro!

Option 4: Last weekend’s WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

WCW Pro: B-
Tony, Mike, and Sonny open the show by hyping tonight's featured matches, which will feature “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (as well as an interview with him conducted by Mike Tenay) and then a tag team main event with Johnny B. Badd and “Das Wunderkind” Alex Wright (C-) Mike's gimmick has been changed to Sportscaster (Wholesome), rating A* (97).
Bam Bam Bigelow pins “Jungle” Jim Steele ©
In an insert interview conducted by “Mean” Gene, Bigelow challenges Bubba Rogers to meet him in the ring rather than from behind backstage (C+)
Ultimo Dragon pins Psychosis (C+)
Sonny Onoo stands up and tells Dragon that he has seen the error of his ways… in not having dropped him sooner! The Annihilator runs in and attacks Ultimo, as Sonny cackles in glee (D-)
In a comic style angle, King Puma meets up with Rio the Renegade, who has been terrorizing an entire community since the last time we saw him. Puma and Rio both land a few brutal blows on one another, but end up knocking one another into different time zones, which ends the battle. Puma swears that he will yet defeat the Dungeon of Doom! ©
The Sting Brigade defeats The Red, White, and Bruise and Inferno Kid when one of the three Stings pins Patriot (D)
“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff pins Steve Armstrong ©
Mike Tenay interviews Orndorff at ringside, asking him why he threw the match against Ron Simmons at Spring Stampede. Paul says that he is teaching Simmons a lesson one step at a time ©
A video graphic appears that tells you that tomorrow on Saturday Night, we will see words from Roddy Piper and Brian Pillman, as well as Harlem Heat and a match between Ric Flair and Cactus Jack. Then on Worldwide on Sunday, there will be the first match since joining the KoW of Barry Windham, as well as Bubba Rogers in action! (B-)
Johnny B. Badd and Alex Wright defeat Richard Stevenson and Coach Irvin Alexander when Alex pins Richard with a German Suplex (B)

WCW Saturday Night: B
A pre-taped promo video airs where Roddy Piper says that Hulk Hogan refused to show up at Spring Stampede because he was afraid of what might happen if he said the wrong thing to the KoW – but that when he does show up again, he should definitely know where his bread is buttered (A)
Tony and Mike talk about tonight's show, which will feature Harlem Heat in action as promised, but also a huge match between Ric Flair and Cactus Jack! (C-)
Ric Flair meets with Gene Okerlund, and he laughs about how Steve Austin thinks he can get over on the Horsemen all on his own (B)
Chris Candido pins Lance Storm with a quick roll-up (C-)
“Lionheart” Chris Jericho crashes the party to say that he heard Candido asked for his TV title rematch for Nitro. He wishes him good luck… and tells him to watch his back. Just then, The Warlord attacks Candido, locking him in the full nelson and swinging him around until Candido passes out! ©
Wrath pins The Patriot after a pumphandle slam (D)
Another pre-taped promo, this time with “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman. He says that he is getting a surprise lined up for Randy Savage, that'll be more insanely psychological than anything Savage has ever done in his career! (B-)
Harlem Heat defeat The Young Pistols when Booker T pins Steve Armstrong after a Towering Inferno ©
Gene Okerlund interviews Magnum TA, who says that he is proud to announce another match for this Monday's episode of Nitro, which will be live from The Omni this week. He says that Sting will be defending the World Heavyweight title against a man who will know whether it's the real deal or not; a master of playing mind games, Jake “the Snake” Roberts! (B)
Ric Flair pins Cactus Jack by tripping him and putting his feet on the ropes to hold him for just a three count (B+)

WCW Worldwide: B- The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Sonny Onoo, and Theodore R. Long
In a special live version of Worldwide held at Center Stage due to scheduling issues last Friday at the Disney MGM, The Panel waste no time in digging right into the events of the week, namely discussing the falling out of Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham. Onoo and Long seem on the side of Windham, saying that Rhodes failed his friend; but Tony and Gene call Barry a coward, who waited for his friend to be at his weakest before turning against him (C+)
The Karnage Crew (Surge and Willow) defeat The Young Pistols (C-) Surge has switched to Comic Book Villain (Gimmicky) gimmick, rating a perfect 100.
Pre-taped promo: BG and Brad Armstrong talk about how they let their title reign go to their heads, but now that they're out, they see clearly now. BG says that tomorrow on Nitro, you will be once again looking at your United States Tag Team champions of the world! (D)
Dave Finlay pins “Jungle” Jim Steele (D)
Pre-taped promo: “Mean” Gene meets with Harley Race, who says that if Devon King wants to go down this path of treachery after all the KoW did for him, he can expect to see them at his doorstep; but first, they are allowing Colonel Parker a chance to test out a new team against the Vyle Brothers. When pressed for more, Harley says that they will have to talk to the Colonel for better details ©
The Panel discuss Sting, and as you would figure, Onoo and Long blast him for turning against WCW to join the KoW. Tony says that he's known Sting for a long, long time and doesn't think that it could really be him walking around with the Kings; while Gene is completely unsure of what to believe ©
Big Bubba Rogers pins Inferno Kid (D+)
Mike Tenay meets up to Col. Parker and Rogers after the match, and Parker scoffs at the challenge of Bam Bam Bigelow. He says that Rogers is the toughest man in WCW, and the ink has gotten to Bigelow's brain if he thinks differently. Parker agrees to the challenge, but also takes a moment to blast his former charges BG and Brad for having lost the US Tag titles without his guiding tutelage (C-)
The Panel interviews Ron Simmons next. Ron has a lot to say about Paul Orndorff, calling him “another pansy boy who thinks just because he can primp up in the mirror, he thinks he can step up to Ron.” Simmons says that he will be on Nitro to call Orndorff out! ©
Barry Windham defeats Marty Jannetty (B-)
The Panel are signing off, but “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman interrupts. He says that he had to come clear over to Center Stage tonight just to tell everyone that his surprise is complete; and if Randy Savage dares show up tomorrow at Nitro, he'll get to see exactly who and what it is! (B)

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

The Patriot has left WCW, due solely to contract expiry. Word out is that while he isn't planned to appear on screen yet, the legendary Bruno Sammartino has signed on to be a backstage road agent and help set up matches!

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Monday Nitro on TNT blew everyone away with a 7.76 rating, while Raw declined to a 4.50.

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s moment of the week!

I have to admit that I absolutely loved seeing Rick and Scott Steiner back on the same page this past Nitro! And then when the Road Warriors came to their aid as well, showing a unity on the side of World Championship Wrestling against the might of the Kings of Wrestling! If we see that more often, then we could be winning this war soon!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

This isn't exactly international, but sources across the country have told me that Steve Skyfire, who got some great exposure over the last few months in WCW, has used the knowledge that he gained from being on our shows in order to pick up the Southern States Wrestling Heavyweight title! More proof of that great things that can happen to people who come to WCW. In international news, Shinjiro Otani has won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight championship from Koji Kanemoto! Otani gained a huge achievement by winning the Young Lion Cup last month, and now he has gold to show for it.

Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog!

Hot off the presses, we are now selling officially licensed Sting masks! Capturing the new look of the silent Sting, this mask covers your face entirely… meaning you are only one leather jacket away from looking like your favorite superstar!

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Every time I read a PPV in a Beejus dynasty, I wonder how Beej will be able to top it. And I'll be derned if he doesn't figure out a way to do it! Seriously, mad props to Spring Stampede. And I'm going to take a crack and say that the "Sting" that won the WCW World Title was... *long drumroll*.... *JOY TO THE WORLD!* *long drumroll keeps going*... Man Mountain Rock.

I could definitely go for more Maxx Payne in my life

Kings of Wrestling? Nevermind that ****. Here comes Mongo (and Devon)!

I don't know if anyone is actually curious or not, but Mongo Vyle was a name I found that Bubba Ray used on the indy scene at one point. Hence, Mongo and Devon Vyle. I always love a good Blazing Saddles quote though

Just wanted to pop in, long time lurker. I am loving the way you have built the K.o.W. At this point I think the booking with them here is better than real life, I mean I shouldn't expect K.o.W Wolfpac

Prop up your feet and get comfortable, new friend! Thanks for the kind words!

Jaysin · March 1, 2016

If someone were to put this diary in PDF form, that'd be awesome.

I always get behind and then have to work through a bunch of posts to get caught up. So dang good.

alvarasus · March 1, 2016

Like always your shows are great.

Beejus · March 6, 2016

WCW Monday Nitro - April 15th, 1996

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WCW Monday Nitro

April 15th, 1996 (April Week 3)

Held at: The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia (South East)

Commentary: Tony Schiavone and “Professor” Mike Tenay / Tony Schiavone and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Attendance: 13,560

Show Runtime: Two Hours

Rating: B+

This show increased our popularity in 33 regions.

Last week on Monday Nitro!
The show begins with a short recap of last week's major events, namely Eric Bischoff setting up the eight man tag team match for tonight and then Magnum TA on WCW Saturday Night announcing tonight's World title match. After the opening animation and pyro, we go to Tony Schiavone and Mike Tenay at the commentary booth, where they talk about what a huge night we are going to have here tonight at the Omni! Tony says that Jesse will be joining in for hour two, because he will be conducting the sequel to last week's Body Shop interview, where hopefully we will hear from Brian Pillman about what this big surprise of his is all about for Randy Savage. But first, we have something huge to bring to you, fans, and that's our previous World Heavyweight champion, “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes!

Rating: C+

Return of “The Natural”
Dustin Rhodes, with Terri at his side, comes down to the ring with determination on his face. The fans give him a very respectful amount of applause and cheers, as he is handed the microphone from Gary Cappetta. Dustin starts off by thanking everyone for the great response, and thanking everyone for supporting him even beyond him walking out here carrying the World title. He says that people stopping him in airports and restaurants told him all last week that he should be more upset, because it was all Eric Bischoff's idea that screwed him out of the championship – but Dustin says he's mostly upset with himself because he could have won if it wasn't for a man he thought had his back. Rhodes says that Barry Windham was his brother, a man his father treated as a son, and he stabbed them both in the back just for a little recognition? Dustin says that Barry should have known he only needed to ask for a title shot, but apparently it needed spelled out; and now it's spelled in black and white. Dustin says that he doesn't know when yet, but very soon, he's coming for Barry, and he's going to show him exactly why Windham had to stab him in the back in order to get over on him! Dustin turns his attention to Sting, or maybe it's the other Sting, he isn't really sure. He says that as of right now, he can't trust anyone who comes out in face paint and will probably punch them in the face! He says that even goes for the real Sting. He specifically calls him out, saying that “Steve, this is right on you; if you hadn't gone off sulking in the corner like a spoilt' brat, we'd have kicked these guys' asses by now and been done with all of this!” Dustin says that now, since he doesn't have the World championship to defend at the show, he is going to enter World War 3, and when he wins, he'll be coming right back for his belt!

As one probably could have suspected, this is interrupted. WCW Executive Vice President Eric Bischoff emerges from the aisle, with his own microphone. He says that he has chills right now from just how fired up Dustin is tonight, saying that this is what he likes to see! Eric tells Rhodes that he wants him all fired up! He wants him ready to throw everything at the Kings of Wrestling – because that will make it even sweeter when he fails. The crowd boos, as Eric wears his evil smile at them. Dustin tries to respond, but the microphone won't work. Eric laughs at him, saying that on his way out, he ordered the truck to cut Dustin's microphone, because he wanted this all to be perfectly clear to him: Rhodes will not be just handed entry into World War 3. After a very loud chorus of boos, Eric says that he is the man finalizing the list for World War 3, and he has decided to leave one spot open, and he will make Dustin decide if he can enter it or not. How? By making him actually work for it! Eric says that there are two names who were purposely left off the list, because they will be forced to qualify live on pay-per-view on May 12th at World War 3! He tells Dustin that they say the spirit of a champion never leaves someone, and if that is the case then he must fight on to get what he wants – and he'll have to do it against none other than Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat! The crowd are stunned, as Dustin's face drops. Eric thanks everyone for being here as he leaves, Tony saying that the match is apparently official; at World War 3, to qualify for being in the three-ring, sixty man battle royal, Dustin Rhodes battles Ricky Steamboat!

Notes: Dustin enjoyed being off-script, performing well.
Ratings: B+ / B-

WCW World Television Championship
“Lionheart” Chris Jericho w/The Warlord vs. Chris Candido w/Tammy Lynn
The stunned crowd play witness to quite the match next, as the first of three championships are decided tonight. The former Television champion, Chris Candido, fights hard in order to regain that belt from the man who took it from him back at Uncensored. Tenay clarifies why Jericho hasn't defended the belt weekly as the TV title is meant to be, as Jericho stalled the contract signings before giving Candido his contractually obligated rematch. The two men tear into one another, Candido scoring plenty of near-falls with various roll-ups and such. You would think that I'd tell you that The Warlord became involved, but the bodyguard simply stays at ringside for this one; instead, Jericho moves out of the way of the New Jersey Jam legdrop, capitalizing on it by locking in the Liontamer and picking up the victory and a successful title defense.

Match Time: 8:08
Rating: B-

Scott Hall and Syxx w/Woman and Kimberly Page vs. “Ice Man” Dean Malenko and Rey Mysterio Jr.
Before the match, Hall and Syxx got on the microphone. Kim hung all over Hall, but when Syxx urged Woman to do the same, she rolled her eyes and stood on the opposite side of the ring. “Hey yo,” Hall starts, moving directly into talking about Diamond Dallas Page. He says that Page made a lot of comments about him last week, and says that “I just don't appreciate all this hostility, bro.” He says that sometime very soon, he's gonna have to teach Page a lesson that he should have just let the real “big boys” alone; claiming that “yo, maybe Dallas will like getting a spanking as much as Kim does.” Syxx takes the microphone and says that since he is the new Cruiserweight champion, all those “little boys” like Rey and Dean will have to get in line and try to decide between the two of them who gets to step up and get taken out first!

Dean and Rey take that sort of advice to heart apparently, as they hit the ring and hit Syxx hard during this tag team affair. However, as good as they can do with outwrestling or outmaneuvering Syxx means little when the much, much larger Scott Hall – Tenay dubbing him “deceptively big” as he towers over the cruiserweights in this one – gets into the ring and throws the two around. Mysterio holds his own against Hall by using his speed advantage, but a fall-away slam sends him flying out of the ring over the top rope! At about the same time, Syxx trips up Malenko in the corner and puts his feet on the ropes in order to score the most tainted of pinfalls.

With Mysterio receiving attention from trainers, Hall and Syxx turn their attention to Malenko. One Outsiders Edge later, and the former champ is out in the ring. Woman hands over the can of spraypaint. Hall and Syxx are ready to paint all over Malenko with it, but the crowd roars with the arrival of Diamond Dallas Page! The odds are now a lot more even, and as such the KoW crew get out of there in a hurry! Tony says that Hall has escaped tonight, but he will feel Page's bang soon enough!

Match Time: 6:56
Notes: During the pre-match promo, Hall improvised well while introducing his new Degenerate (Cool) gimmick; it rated an A (95). Syxx didn't do well without a script to follow, but was helped by Woman. The match was considered too short by fans.
Ratings: C / C- / C+

Slithering to the Top
“Mean” Gene is out at the top of the aisle, and he brings out his special guest at this time, none other than Jake “The Snake” Roberts! Gene asks for Jake's thoughts at being here at the Omni tonight to receive a World championship match, as he tries to gain the biggest prize in our sport, and one that he has never held himself. Jake asks Gene if he can feel it, if he can feel the electricity in the air. Jake says that he has never really been one for “the honors of mortal men” but tonight, he works to score a huge blow against the KoW by taking that which they covet most, the World's Heavyweight title. Gene asks if Roberts feels he can make an identification of if the man holding the title really is Sting or not. Jake replies that no man can hide a secret like who he really is for long. Roberts explains that he has been in the ring with a lot of people in his career, and if it's really Sting, he should be able to tell them after the match. Jake ends by saying that he's seen all the snakes in the world, but he's the most dangerous one you can ever run across. Gene says that he wishes Jake the best of luck tonight, and says that after Nitro is over, fans should call into the WCW Hotline to hear more about what is happening at tonight's Nitro.

Notes: Gene did superb off-script, the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Rating: B

WCW United States Tag Team Championship
The Vyle Brothers vs. The Armstrong Brothers
Another big rematch is on next, as Devon and Mongo Vyle defend their newly won US Tag titles against the former champions. BG and Brad are more on target than before, having had time to try scouting their opponents this time; however, there isn't much known about Mongo, and he has them on the defense with some powerful slams and strikes. This culminates in a full nelson sitout bomb on BG, and then he and Devon team up to hit Brad with the reverse neckbreaker/back suplex that they used to win the belts in the first place to retain them.

Surprisingly, of all people Colonel Robert Parker interrupts the proceedings. Parker talks about how as soon as the Armstrongs left his side, now they couldn't hold onto those titles. He says that's because he was “The Manager of Champions” and without him, they have no gold. Parker then turns his attention to the Vyles, telling them that he wants those titles back in his camp and he wants them right now. When they don't just turn them over, he says that this is just fine; he's learned not to deal with brothers or half-brothers or whatever they are – instead, he says, cousins can be just as good.

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Two big Samoan men rush the ring from either side, and the duo do all they can to completely decimate the four men inside it! The beatdown ends with the two delivering top rope splashes to both Armstrongs, and then both Vyles, as Parker raises their arms. Just before we go to a commercial break, the camera catches Harley Race standing at the top of the aisle, applauding the destruction.

Match Time: 7:08
Notes: The Colonel's performance was good, and his new team's Generational Star (Brute) gimmicks did well. Ekmo scored a B, while Kimo got an A* (96).
Ratings: C+ / D+

Texas Sized Anger
“Mean” Gene meets up with Dustin Rhodes backstage now, and Rhodes is highly upset. When Gene asks him what is wrong, Dustin takes a moment away from his rage to yell that Ricky suffered broken ribs at Spring Stampede! He says “that little rat Eric” knows that, and he still sets up a match with Steamboat in three weeks at World War 3? Dustin says that Bischoff is doing all he can to destroy his family, but it won't work. He says that he is going to talk to Ricky over the week, and maybe they can get something straightened out; because, “I know I would have to kill Ricky to get him to stay out of this, and he knows that I'm the same way.” Just then, security come along, telling Dustin that they have stern orders from Mr. Bischoff that he is to leave the building immediately.
“Objection!” yells Richard Stevenson as he joins the scene. Richard says that his client – soon-to-be his client, anyway – will not be taken away like some common criminal! Stevenson calls off the security on grounds of harassment, and then he hands his card to Dustin, telling him that he should give him a call if they ever figure out how to subpoena one of the guys dressed as Sting into court. Dustin thanks him, but says that he has to leave and get his thoughts in order anyway. Stevenson looks at Gene, and asks him if he needs to sue the Hair Club for Men for false advertisement, but Gene shoos him away.

Notes: Gene performed well off-script, but Richard was very underwhelming.
Rating: B-

The Body Shop
Jesse “The Body” Ventura is in the ring next, and he says that it's time for The Body Shop! He talks about this being a sequel to last week's edition, where Brian Pillman promised a big surprise for “Macho Man” Randy Savage that will help punish him for his treatment of Terri Rhodes. Savage storms the stage first, telling Jesse to bring him out here! He says that the last time he met Pillman, he shrugged him off like a little flea, and if Brian thinks he has some sort of shock for him, Savage has some news for him; “Nothing is more shocking than what 'The Macho Man' does in or out of the ring, yeah!”
“The Loose Cannon” comes out from the back, and he laughs at Savage, saying that Savage may be an iconic figure of intensity and insanity, but he's no “Loose Cannon” like Brian is. Pillman says that he is the leader of the Pillmaniacs, and when he decided it was time to turn his attention back to Savage, he did it with a smoking gun. Savage says that there's nothing Pillman can do to surprise him anymore, given Savage has seen his challenge before and proved that he's a second rate pretender to the original “man of the hour, cream of the crop” Savage. Brian tells him that he doesn't have to be Savage, because the “Loose Cannon” is ready for anything – and this time, he'll have his own backup, who knows more about Savage than anyone!

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Oh my God! Tony goes crazy on commentary, as Miss Elizabeth comes out and stands next to Pillman! Savage shoves Ventura, asking him if he know about this, which he denies (and would have denied whether he knew or not). Brian closes the segment by saying that Liz has joined the movement of Pillmania, and together, they're going to teach Savage a lesson in chivalry and treatment of women that she should have shown him long before they ever divorced! Savage is calling them to come to the ring for a fight, but “The Loose Cannon” and Elizabeth leave, Brian cackling all the way.

Notes: Pillman improvised well. Elizabeth surprisingly appeared and rocked her Old School Valet (Wholesome) gimmick, scoring an A* (97).
Rating: B+

Welcome to Hour #2
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Another booming round of fireworks goes off as Monday Nitro enters into it's second hour! Mike Tenay is gone and Jesse Ventura is in, as Tony hypes the remainder of the show. Jesse says that the big eight man tag is coming up next (though it isn't, there's still about a half an hour away) but he chalks it up to being so excited for the rest of the show that he wants it to get here now! Tony says that is coming soon, but also is the World championship match, so don't press that dial fans, or you'll miss the greatest action in wrestling today!

Notes: Jesse struggled here, finding it tough to come back to form so directly after his interview segment.
Rating: C+

Presidential Debate
In a pre-taped promo, we see “Hot Rod” Roddy Piper. Piper walks along a scene of four different men in Sting gear, all four wearing the brand new licensed mask to conceal their identities. Piper asks each of them a question and gets no responses, so he tells them “You boys sure don't show a whole bunch of personality, do ya?” Piper turns his attention to WCW, saying that with the KoW's Sting Army, there's no one who can stop the Kings of Wrestling now. “President Piper” says that Jake Roberts is washed-up, and he'll never be able to defeat Sting for the World title on Nitro; and says that Hulk Hogan didn't even head the KoW this well. He says that when Hogan comes back, he'll know where his bread is buttered, and so there is no stopping them now – no matter how many snakes they have to behead.

Rating: B+

Lance Storm vs. “The Total Package” Lex Luger
Storm is one of the hottest young talents in WCW today, but there's no way anyone can stop the motivated “Total Package” when he's on a roll. Storm puts up a solid fight, but Lex easily lifts him into the Torture Rack to pick up a submission victory.

Match Time: 5:40
Rating: C+

World War 3 Event Center
“Mean” Gene brings us the next round of World War 3 competitors, each one getting their own time to talk about what they may plan to do if they are victorious and win The Spoils of War. “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair starts the slew of promos, as he says that last year, World War 3 and then the Great American Bash belonged to the Four Horsemen, and this year will be no exception! Flair says it's been a long time coming for him to get back into the title hunt, and the Spoils of War should put him right back in the picture, Wooo! Rick Martel is next, and he says that the Spoils of War will be his, because he's the only one who won't use it so selfishly; he'll make WCW a better place or die trying. Larry Zbyszko speaks next, the new spokesman in the Kings of Wrestling saying that he would bet that nobody thought they'd see him here! He says he will be a better member of the KoW than Bockwinkel was, because he can still go in the ring, and go he will – right to the end of World War 3! He says that when he wins, the KoW will get all of the power around here, and they'll own World Championship Wrestling! Johnny B. Badd stands by along with Harlem Heat, Badd saying that one of his guys will be getting the win, because they're the most sound wrestlers in WCW and they deserve it more than any of them. The segment closes with Barry Windham, who says that last year he would have won World War 3 – but Dustin Rhodes kept him out of the match in order to be a surprise to accompany him to the ring. “Holding me back, like always” he says; but this year will be different, because Barry is here, and he will be in World War 3 to win the Spoils of War, like he always should have been!

Notes: Booker was a little underwhelming.
Rating: B-

The Kings' Monsters and The Chain Gang w/Woman and Harley Race vs. The Road Warriors and The Steiner Brothers
We come back with one of our main events for this evening, as these eight brutal brawlers meet in the center of the ring. This match is exactly the kind of wild melee you would imagine, as fists, kicks, and slams are the order of the day all through this one. Vader and Giant seem dominant at points of the bout, as even with his very large opponents tonight, The Giant literally towers over all of them anyways. Rick Steiner suplexes Vader with ease, drawing an eruption from the crowd, but only draws a two count from Mark Curtis. As one would imagine, this match completely breaks down, and tiny Mark Curtis just becomes lost in the shuffle of these eight behemoths in the ring. Out of left field, Hawk climbs the top rope and leaps off, hitting Vader with a flying clothesline! Hawk stays on top, and he scores a huge three count!

Harley Race earns his KoW pay by keeping all of his men from getting involved in any unnecessary fighting, pulling them all backstage. Hawk, Animal, Rick, and Scott stay in the ring and soak in the crowd's adulation, as Tony talks about how the Road Warriors just gained some huge momentum against the World Tag Team champions!

Match Time: 13:36
Rating: B / C+

WCW Saturday Night Preview
A series of graphics display what we can look forward to seeing this week on WCW Saturday Night. Disco Inferno and 2 Cold Scorpio will find partners to do battle in a tag team match, Meng will be in action, and Rick Martel will face off against Terry Gordy!

Rating: C

WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Sting vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Sting tonight seems to not be wearing facepaint, instead it's a full head covering black mask that has the trademark facepaint look on the front of it. Tony and Jesse try to look at the shape of the man to gauge if they feel it is the real Sting or not, but with the mask and the leather jacket clasped tightly around him, they can't seem to place much except that he is in some great shape. “The Snake” is in rare form tonight as well, as he creeps into the ring and eyes up his mysterious opponent. The two circle around one another, and Sting seems to be using a very defensive style. He doesn't make many moves until Jake moves first, and each time he simply seems to be just playing keep-away as he maintains a vertical base. The majority of this match is a complete stall, with Jesse wondering if maybe this Sting isn't actually Larry Zbyszko with the amount of stalling going on. Roberts finally starts hammering him with punches, and that staggers him. Jake goes for the mask, but takes a thumb to the eye for it. Sting then uses a bulldog that looks eerily similar to the ones Sting has been using for years. Roberts kicks out at a short two, but gets back on the attack by tripping Sting and hitting him with a flurry of punches! When Tommy Young pulls Roberts off, Sting rolls to the outside and stands stoically in front of the entrance aisle. From out of the back comes three other men dressed as Sting, and it appears that the entire Sting Army is out here to keep an eye on this! The masked Sting who started the match re-enters the ring, but “The Snake” takes it right to the champion now, not allowing him an inch! Jake uses a kneelift and then a high belly to back suplex, but Sting kicks out at two. Jesse explains that this is our chance to see who this guy is, because it's easy to keep up a facade while you're in control, but once you start feeling some punishment, that is when your natural instincts come in and you unconsciously give up the acting. However the match doesn't last much longer, as Jake goes for the DDT. Sting pushes him into the wrong part of town, and while Tommy isn't looking, one of the other Stings at ringside snap the black baseball bat against the back of Jake's knee! Roberts is completely hobbled, and Sting trips him up and locks in the Scorpion Deathlock! With that locked in, Roberts has no choice but to submit – something that Jesse says he doesn't think he's ever seen Roberts do in his entire career.

The baseball bat is then handed to the main Sting while the others send Tommy Young to the outside of the ring. Tony wonders what they are up to, as two of them hold Roberts… and the main Sting jams the baseball bat into the throat of Roberts! Jake goes down on the mat holding his throat, as Jesse points out why they would do this: anything that “The Snake” may have learned about this guy, he won't be able to tell anyone! The KoW's Sting Army seems as though they may do more punishment, but the lights go out in the building!

When the lights flicker back on, Roberts is out of the ring, but the story is inside the ring – where now a fifth Sting stands, this one with slightly longer hair than the rest, and he stares at each of the other ones with no expression. Three of the KoW Stings start to vibrate among themselves, freaking out a little in the intense tension going on in the ring right now, but the one holding the World championship makes no moves… except lifting the title over his head. This staredown is what closes this week's episode of Nitro, as we are still no closer to finding out just who is the real Sting or who the World Heavyweight champion is!

Match Time: 10:23
Rating: B+ / B-

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crackerjack · March 6, 2016

Hey look it's Liz! And UMANGA!

Another very solid Nitro, Beej. I've two theories about who WHC Sting is. Door A kinda makes my stomach turn, but Door B is very, very interesting.

Mootinie · March 7, 2016

Very good show Beej.

With regards the WHC Sting... I'm leaning towards it being Bret Hart. Who else could apply the Scorpion Deathlock as well as to make Jake Roberts tap out? I've also rang Option 3 on the Hotline for the past two weeks and heard nothing about Shawn Michaels.

Beejus · March 7, 2016

WCW Hotline: April 1996, Week 4

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WCW Hotline

4th Week of April 1996

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

Option 2: Announced for WCW Monday Nitro!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

Option 4: WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s WCW moment of the week!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

Option 9: A gift from the WCW Catalog!

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

It appears two people must qualify for World War 3 on the show itself as Eric Bischoff forces Dustin Rhodes to take on his friend and mentor Ricky Steamboat! Also signed has been a match between Bam Bam Bigelow and Big Bubba Rogers. The challenge was made on Worldwide for The Road Warriors to meet The Kings' Monsters; will their challenge be accepted? Find out on Nitro! And be sure that you call your cable provider to get your very own front row seat in your living room for World War 3!

Option 2: Announced for this week’s WCW Monday Nitro!

Tensions from the past few weeks spill over as Rick and Scott Steiner will take on The Chain Gang in a chain match! Also, “Mean” Gene Okerlund will hold an in-ring interview with Ricky Steamboat and “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes. Will they call off the match? In other action, King Puma and The Flying Spyder look for revenge against the new Karnage Crew, The Willow and former hero now turned villain Surge! You won't want to miss this episode of Monday Nitro, so tune in at 8pm on TNT!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

The corpse of “Mean” Mark Callous went on a tear in Portland as he steamrolls the face painted freka! Meanwhile we flip the “Birdman” as Koko successfully retains the European title, and JPL gets a big win over a big fat man as he defeats the sumo Samoan! Marvel as the Heartbroke Joke tries to get in a penis-waving contest with Mark Callous, which Shawnie would lose because he does not have rigor mortis like Mark does. But there is good news! For once, you actually get a Bret Hart match to open the show! As he easily defeats Barry Hardy, not even for the Intercontinental title. Meanwhile, we have five men dressed as Sting in a mystery not even Leslie Nielson would be able to solve; which show should you watch? The choice should be obvious!

Option 4: Last weekend’s WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

WCW Pro: B-
Disco Inferno d. “Jungle” Jim Steele ©
Mike Tenay interview: Disco Inferno and Jimmy Hart say that it doesn't matter if Scorpio beats him in the ring, because Disco will never die! (C-)
“Das Wunderkind” Alex Wright d. The Falcon ©
“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff has a pre-taped promo where he urges fans to look at his “toned, defined” body and then look at a bloated sack of meat like Ron Simmons and try to tell who is in better shape! (B-)
Wrath d. Inferno Kid (D)
Tony, Mike, and Sonny discuss what happened on Nitro and tell people to watch Saturday Night tomorrow (C-)
Dave Finlay d. Psychosis (D+)
“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton d. The Annihilator when Ultimo Dragon causes a distraction by grabbing Sonny Onoo ©
Bam Bam Bigelow d. Lance Storm despite a distraction from Bubba Rogers (B)
Post-match, Bigelow urges Bubba to join him in the ring for a brawl, but Rogers chooses to leave and fight another day (D+)

WCW Saturday Night: C
2 Cold Scorpio and Lord Steven Regal defeat Dave Finlay and Disco Inferno by referee stoppage; Finlay passes out in the Regal Stretch following interference from Tyler Karlet (B-)
Disco and Jimmy Hart dash water on Finlay, which wakes him up, and the two send their enemies fleeing to the back before a disco/Riverdance dance party breaks out in the ring (D-)
Ron Simmons pins Rio the Renegade after a flying shoulderblock (C+)
Mean Gene interview: He speaks to “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, who laughs at the idea that Austin could meet him in the ring during World War 3 (B)
Meng defeats “Jungle” Jim Steele with the Tongan Deathgrip ©
Marty Jannetty shockingly defeats The Willow after a sudden distraction by King Puma (D)
Puma is unable to use his super speed to go backstage, and is attacked by Nurse Ana R. Key and her charge, who had appeared briefly at Spring Stampede! (E-)
Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay, and Gene Okerlund discuss the past week in WCW, saying that fans should catch Worldwide tomorrow night for more discussion as well ©
Terry Gordy defeats Rick Martel by blasting him with a foreign object ©

WCW Worldwide: B- The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Sonny Onoo, and Theodore R. Long
In a pre-taped promo, Cactus Jack says that he's not sure where he fits in anymore… maybe he should just go hang out in the rafters with Sting; maybe he should join the KoW; maybe he should just vanish into the darkness… (B)
Ron Simmons d. “Jungle” Jim Steele ©
Mike Tenay interview: Ron Simmons catches up to him after the match and says he will gladly take on Paul Orndorff any time, any place, anywhere! (C+)
The Panel interviews Lord Steven Regal and Tyler Karlet, Regal saying that they will send Finlay's remains back to Ireland in a bottle (D+)
The Wild Samoan Boyz (Ekmo and Kimo) d. The Falcon and Inferno Kid (E+)
Post-match, The Wild Samoan Boyz look like they're going to do more damage, but BG and Brad Armstrong rush out and send them away with steel chairs! (E) The Armstrongs' face turns happened, BG's going pretty well but Brad's a complete success.
California Kip d. Dean Malenko by pulling his tights on a roll-up (C+)
The Panel interview The Road Warriors, who officially make a challenge to The Kings' Monsters for a World Tag Team title match at World War 3! (C+)
Owen Hart and Eddy Guerrero d. The Young Pistols (B-)
The Panel close the show by talking about what we can expect to see on Nitro: a chain match has been signed between The Chain Gang and The Steiner Brothers, Gene Okerlund will interview Dustin Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat, and much more on the hottest wrestling action in WCW! (C-)

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

The ladies were keeping things fun backstage this past week. Before Nitro, Terri Rhodes kept the backstage area lively began by telling a story to the rest of the boys. I think it involved a slightly sexist, Jewish guy from Philadelphia… but I'm not here to start any more rumors than necessary! And then, before Saturday Night started, Woman was telling a few stories about Ric Flair that had Ric himself even cracking up when he remembered them. On Pro, it was The Falcon (a.k.a. Scott Armstrong) who brought in a lot of alcohol for the other boys to enjoy… if my wife asks, I didn't have any of it! After Nitro ended, Jake Roberts has said his farewells to World Championship Wrestling again, as the loan from AAA ended. After the great showings he put on for us here over the past two years, we would be happy to welcome him back at any time. Word has it that there have been two contract extensions offered this past week in WCW, one to Arn Anderson and one to Dustin Rhodes. In accordance with their higher positions in the company, one would have figured that they obviously would be making more money on their new deals; but Rhodes's contract has apparently skyrocketed to nearly four times the previous amount! However, many see him as the future of WCW, and as such, his demands were met.

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Raw on USA rated as a disappointing 4.50, while Nitro from The Omni drew an amazing 7.94!

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s moment of the week!

While I could easily list off the moment of the week as being the tension at the end of Nitro featuring five men dressed as Sting, I am instead going to give just due to the tag team match on WCW Saturday Night. Disco Inferno teamed with Dave Finlay in what ended up a losing effort to 2 Cold Scorpio and Lord Steven Regal, but it happened in one of the better matches we have seen from some of them. If they can keep that type of work up, then it shouldn't be long until more than just Regal are gaining some gold!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

Norio Honaga, long known for his career in NJPW, appears to be finding himself out of work at the end of his current contract. The 40 year old will not be rejoining the company when his current deal expires. Honaga won Best of the Super Juniors (at that time known as Top of the Super Juniors) in 1991, as well as being a two-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion in 1991. The word is that there is no malice in the release, simply NJPW looking to clear up a spot on their roster.

Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog!

Chris Jericho says he is the Television champion of the Jerichoholics, and if you are a card-carrying member of the crew you can get your very own Monday Night Jericho t-shirt! Call and order now for 10% off the market price!

-----------------------------

If someone were to put this diary in PDF form, that'd be awesome.

I always get behind and then have to work through a bunch of posts to get caught up. So dang good.

If someone knows how to do that, feel free, because I think that would be pretty awesome!

Since a few people have mentioned getting left behind, I do what I can to keep the first post's show history up to date but I will just have to try harder to make sure it's done... sometimes I get lazy about it

Like always your shows are great.

Thanks alv!

Hey look it's Liz! And UMANGA!

Another very solid Nitro, Beej. I've two theories about who WHC Sting is. Door A kinda makes my stomach turn, but Door B is very, very interesting.

Very good show Beej.

With regards the WHC Sting... I'm leaning towards it being Bret Hart. Who else could apply the Scorpion Deathlock as well as to make Jake Roberts tap out? I've also rang Option 3 on the Hotline for the past two weeks and heard nothing about Shawn Michaels.

I am very open to hearing any and all theories. I will say outright that I will not confirm or deny any of them, but I definitely want to know who people may be thinking it is. My clues are being very vague so far, but as time goes on more things may happen to build a slightly clearer picture.

And Moot, I added in what Shawn is up to over on Raw this past week

crackerjack · March 7, 2016

I am very open to hearing any and all theories. I will say outright that I will not confirm or deny any of them, but I definitely want to know who people may be thinking it is. My clues are being very vague so far, but as time goes on more things may happen to build a slightly clearer picture.

And Moot, I added in what Shawn is up to over on Raw this past week

Considering my last comment, behind Door B would stand Bret Hart, just like Moot guessed. The move makes sense logically, considering match grades, finishers, friends within the KOW and real-life contract negotiations. But, knowing you Beej, since two guys guessed it, it might be too obvious.

Behind Door A stands Hulk Hogan. Swerve!

Beejus · March 7, 2016

Bret would definitely be an interesting option in it - if for no other reason because that would mean he is KoW, while Owen is a Horseman!

The Final Countdown · March 7, 2016

Behind Door A stands Hulk Hogan. Swerve!

This is my crackpot theory.

TheBigBad1013 · March 7, 2016

Great moment with the return of Miss Elizabeth! I'm also really liking the additions you are making to your tag team division.

As for the mystery regarding the Sting's...I really liked the theory of the current World Champ Sting actually being Bret Hart, both due to the fact that Hart has the same submission finisher as Sting and also because the real Sting, or the Sting I view to be the real one, has slightly longer hair than the rest of them, according to a line in the main event, which would fit Bret Hart as well. But then I saw that Bret wrestled on Raw and there goes that theory.

So...yeah...I've got no clue what the hell is going on

Beejus · March 14, 2016

WCW Monday Nitro - April 22nd, 1996 <div style="text-align:center;"> http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/nitro.jpg <iframe width="350" height="263" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cXXWw8AneQw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> WCW Monday Nitro April 22nd, 1996 (April Week 4) Held at: The Island Grove Rodeo Arena in Greeley, Colorado (Mid South) Commentary: Tony Schiavone and Jesse “The Body” Ventura Attendance: 9,410 (sold out!) Show Runtime: Two Hours Rating: B This show increased our popularity in 13 regions.</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Last week on Monday Nitro! The show opens with some footage of last week, as Mike Tenay narrates over it. He talks about the huge victory from the Road Warriors and Steiner Brothers over the KoW, but also the way that Sting retained the World Heavyweight title… but then, there was that odd staredown as five men dressed as Sting stood in the center of the ring. Which is the real one? Perhaps we will find out tonight on Monday Nitro! From there we go to the pyrotechnic opening of the show, and over to Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura! The three discuss some of the things we will be seeing here tonight, such as the chain match later this evening, Alex Wright against Rey Mysterio Jr., Stevie Ray of Harlem Heat taking on Meng, words from more World War 3 participants, and much more; including right now as we go to “Mean” Gene Okerlund, standing by with “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes and a very important phone call! <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Brothers Discuss the Future “Mean” Gene stands by with Dustin Rhodes, and Gene hypes that we have set up an exclusive phone call with a convalescing “Dragon”, none other than Ricky Steamboat! Dustin says that he is excited to hear from Ricky, as he hasn't been able to talk to him all week. The phone is finally answered after a few rings, and the crowd cheer at the voice of “The Dragon”! Gene immediately asks Ricky how he has been and what the doctors have said who looked him over. Steamboat says that they've told him he has severely bruised, practically broken ribs, and that many of the physicians he has visited have told him that with this condition and his somewhat advanced age, that perhaps he should be thinking about just leaving wrestling behind. This gets a loud boo from the crowd, as Ricky says he may not be medically cleared by World War 3, the way things are looking. Dustin tells him that he would look forward to the competition of having the match that was set up, but also that Ricky is his mentor, his teacher, his Uncle Ricky; and he would be lying if he said that he would rather Ricky not fight and simply look after his health. Rhodes says that, just like the last time he had the World title, if he wins World War 3 and gets the title back after a rematch, Steamboat would only have to say the word and he would be granted a title match. Ricky tells Dustin that he's always looked at him as just another of his boys, and so he understands the concerns for his health. He says that if no doctors will give him clearance to wrestle in Virginia on the 12th of May, then he knows that when he gets healed up, he will be right there to ask for that title match. “However,” Ricky warns, “the blood of a fighter boils in my veins, so if I can go out there and wrestle and win it all on my own? Then I'll do it.” Gene starts to stir the pot then, asking Dustin if he is afraid of putting his place in World War 3 on the line against Ricky Steamboat? Gene says that it's one thing to face off against men Dustin doesn't like such as the Kings of Wrestling, but another matter altogether to face men you know and love. Rhodes doesn't shy away from the question, saying that he isn't afraid to face “The Dragon”; he is simply afraid of what he might do accidentally in the course of a match. He says that the two of them are now former World champions, and both of them want to be on top of the mountain all over again. He admits that he didn't understand that before, but he does now. And so he warns Ricky right back, that if the chance comes like it has in the past here in WCW, he will not hold back. He will fight to his fullest, in order to get his shot all over again. Another voice cuts in then, which is Eric Bischoff coming out on the aisle. Eric tells production truck to hang up the call, right away. Steamboat tries to get another word in, but the call is immediately dropped, to a rousing chorus of boos from the crowd – but Eric smiles broadly, saying that nobody cares about these two and their “feelings” for each other, the only thing anyone here cares about is the Kings of Wrestling! Eric says that he's going to add some Kings of Wrestling to Dustin's life right here tonight; our first hour main event is going to feature Dustin inside a fifteen foot high steel cage! He will be taking on a man who has personified cage matches in his career, and someone whom Rhodes has a pretty bad win-loss record against, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff! Rhodes shakes his head, as Bischoff tells him to have a great night, and best of luck, because he'll need it! Jesse speculates that perhaps Steamboat will be the one getting off easy by being out hurt until World War 3 – because it means he won't be placed in matches that are designed to hurt him such as taking on “Mr. Wonderful” later tonight! <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: B+ / B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">“Das Wunderkind” Alex Wright vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. Mike Tenay is all over this match's commentary, calling out move names left and right as Tony and Jesse discuss what we saw earlier. Wright holds his own, keeping Rey grounded for much of the match. However, once Mysterio is able to get some leeway, he takes all of it, and Alex has little response to the high flying offense full of headscissors and flying armdrags. Finally Mysterio springs off the top rope to hit a hurricanrana, hooking Wright's long legs in order to barely score a three count! As Rey celebrates his big win in the ring, commentary are tussled as Syxx, WCW Cruiserweight champion, interrupts them. He tries to get a microphone from them, and finally slaps the headset off of Tenay! He sends Mike sprawling to the ground, before picking the headset up and putting it on. Jesse asks him what he's doing out here, saying that it appears Mysterio may have just earned himself a title shot. Syxx answers that he doesn't care who is winning title matches, because they still have to defeat the most popular cruiserweight in the entire world, in the history of cruiserweight wrestling! He asks Woman if that's right, and she nods in agreement. Jesse is forced to admit that it's hard to say anything against that logic. Syxx calls Mysterio a “knockoff poser” of himself, and says that it's going to take a lot more than just beating “some big dumb German brat” in order to earn his place around here! <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 7:05 Notes: Woman's presence helped Syxx a lot. Rating: C+ / C</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Pillmania is Runnin' Wild! “Mean” Gene Okerlund is out at the top of the aisle again, and he says he has some very special guests coming out here right now. He introduces “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman, who is flanked by Miss Elizabeth. Gene immediately gets to talking to Liz, telling her that it has been quite some time since he last saw her, but she is just as lovely as ever. She thanks him, but Pillman disrupts the horny old man by saying that someone else who hadn't seen Liz in a long time was Randy Savage. He says that divorce courts tend to get nasty, and Elizabeth hadn't wanted to ever be back in the spotlight again – but when she heard and saw what Randy did to Terri not long ago, she started getting in touch with some of her old friends. He says that through a mutual friend of theirs who has a lot of “heart” they were able to “execute” a meeting, and within a half an hour, Elizabeth had given herself over mind, body, and soul to the commandments of Pillmania to become one of the card-carrying leaders for all the Pillmaniacs out there to follow! Brian says that Savage's madness may have weathered the storm of some other “mania” in the past, and he may have defeated Brian last year when they clashed, but when it comes crashing down and it hurts inside, it'll be Brian shoving all of his Pillmania straight down Randy's throat! Brian and Elizabeth enter the ring to pose for the fans as Gene sends us to a brief commercial break. <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Brian improvised well. Gene let loose some masterful crowd interaction bits. Rating: B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Karnage Crew w/Dr. Karnage vs. The Flying Spyder and King Puma It all comes down to this: a straight up tag team match between the forces of good and evil. Dr. Karnage tries to interject himself whenever he can, but King Puma is just too fa(s)t to fall for any of that! However, the bad doctor has one other trick up his sleeve, as his nurse, the lovely Ana R. Key, emerges from the back alongside this man… http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/acesteel.jpg Tony says that's the guy who has been showing up lately, always bothering Puma! He does so again, and Dr. Karnage laughs as the mere presence of the man seems to have completely nullified the speed of King Puma! Once Karnage starts yelling at him to “Get him, Ace!” Jesse recognizes him as someone he saw in the newspapers lately, under the name of Ace Steel. However, the crime fighting abilities of the Flying Spyder makes up for his super friend's misfortune, and he shoots some webbing (silly string) into the face of The Willow before wrapping up Surge with the Web-Shooting Star Press! Good triumphs over evil once again, as Dr. Karnage stomps on the floor in anger! He leaves with his men, swearing revenge on the do-gooders next time! <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 6:58 Rating: D</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Barroom Brawls Tony and Jesse discuss our main event this evening, which is not the chain match as was perhaps hyped to be. No, Tony says, instead we have an even bigger match taking place in “The Outsider” Scott Hall doing battle with Steve Austin! Tony sends us to a video package that was recorded over the weekend that set this match up. The footage is shot as a fan's handheld camera, watching Steve Austin at his second favorite place to be (after inside the ring): the local bar. Austin is having a nice drink when some of the KoW enter, and as he makes his way to the main bar, Scott Hall “accidentally” bumps into Austin, causing him to spill his drink! Austin seems as though he would just accept another one being bought for him, but instead Hall mocks him, saying that he should be buying Hall a round because if it wasn't for the KoW, WCW would be dead and Austin wouldn't have a place to wrestle. He gloats that he has wins over Ric Flair on his record while Austin can't even get a match with “the old fool” which doesn't sit well with Austin. Steve finally decides to just charge Hall, and the two get into a barroom brawl! The feed cuts out at that, and Tony says that due to that interaction this past weekend, Hall requested and immediately received a match right here tonight thanks to Eric Bischoff. But now, he says, following a brief commercial break, it's time for our first hour main event, as they set up the fifteen foot high steel cage! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Hall improvised well during this segment, and Austin's reactions had the crowd simply eating of his hands. Rating: B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Steel Cage Match “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes vs. “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff w/Harley Race Before the match begins, we head backstage briefly. We see “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes, as he tells Terri not to come out to the ring tonight so that he can know that she's protected while he is locked in the cage. He tells her to stay in the dressing room and keep the door locked. The married couple share a kiss, as Dustin heads out to the ring. The match is a great showing of psychology from the moment the bell rings. Jesse points out that Orndorff is known for his brutality when backed into the steel cage, and just about that time he begins pummeling Rhodes against the cage. Tony says that Dustin has not been in as many cage matches as Paul, but he may have a better win-loss record in them. Jesse fires back that as much as he thought Dustin was a good World champion – definitely better than any of the Kings of Wrestling were – with all due respect, Dustin isn't “Mr. Wonderful”. But the match never seems too much in doubt; Orndorff is a wonderful (pardon the pun) wrestler, but time has been leaving him behind as Dustin comes more and more into his own. Paul's patented “boogie woogie elbow” just barely scores a two count, and “The Natural” doesn't allow himself to be caught up in the piledriver. With those moves basically stripped of Orndorff's arsenal, he ends up falling victim to a running bulldog, and Dustin picks up one more big victory over a big time member of the Kings of Wrestling. However, maybe winning wasn't in the grand plans of this night anyways, as it appears during the match, Harley locked the cage door with a big chain! None of the referees who swarm the door have the key to let either man out, and that's when we are joined by Barry Windham at the top of the aisle. He has a microphone, and he addresses Dustin with a laugh. He tells Rhodes that “She was a good girl, for sure; she locked the door up tight, just like you told her to. But there's no way some little door bolt can hold out a real Texan when he wants something!” The color drains from Dustin's face as Windham comes out, dragging Terri by the arm! Barry says that he isn't here to take her away, because we've all seen that her being away is just a minor inconvenience for Dustin, “Because it just means you gotta take sole care of that little tramp you two conceived.” Barry says that there's something even worse he can do: and with that, Windham drags Terri into a devastating lariat! Dustin screams “NOOOO!” as his wife crumples to the cold, concrete floor! Barry laughs, as Rhodes kicks at the cage door to try and open it! Harley throws the key to Nick Patrick, and the cage is finally opened – but by then, Barry, Harley, and soon after Orndorff are all long gone, leaving Dustin to charge through referees and trainers to cradle his decimated wife. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 8:08 Notes: Terry was very underwhelming during the segment with Windham. Ratings: C+ / B / C</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/pyro.jpg Welcome to Hour 2 The opening pyro is met by solemn silence from Tony and Jesse, who are both destroyed by what just happened. Tony in particular says that he's known Barry Windham for a long time, and knew that he can do some dastardly things, but he never thought… Jesse picks up the slack, saying that there will be a time and a place for Dustin to get his hands on Barry; but also makes some derogatory comments about bringing your wives and girlfriends to the shows, which has been shown by Dallas Page and now Dustin Rhodes. <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Tony was oddly very poor at improvising dialogue here, trying to lett his emotion talk when he didn't have one anyways. Rating: C+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">World War 3 Event Center “Mean” Gene's event center this week focuses a lot of the Kings of Wrestling, and that is where we go ahead and begin: “Macho Man” Randy Savage stands by with The Chain Gang and Paul Orndorff behind him, and this is obviously pre-taped as Orndorff isn't nearly as winded as he appeared at the end of his match. Savage does the talking here, as he says that it doesn't matter who from the KoW wins at World War 3, because the goal is complete destruction of World Championship Wrestling, yeah. Orndorff chimes in that he's still just as dangerous as ever, and people better not overlook “Mr. Wonderful” when they look up and down the roster of people in the match! Diamond Dallas Page talks next, saying that he will be in the ring not just to win, but also to make sure he can get his hands on “Scum Hall” and make him feel the BANG! Cactus Jack rocks back and forth, saying that he's always been the underdog… but one thing he can do is take a lot of punishment and keep coming back… and that's just what fifty-nine other men are going to find out! We end with our World Television champion, “Lionheart” Chris Jericho, The Warlord at his side as he says that he's entering the sixty man battle royal because the Jerichoholics demand it! He says that once he wins, he's going to officially rename the show as Monday Night Jericho, and that will be what pushes the ratings higher than eeeeeeeeeeeever before! “Mean” Gene urges everyone to call their local cable company and order World War 3, Sunday May 12th, on Mother's Day, only on pay-per-view! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Savage looked good here, but Brian and Barry both seemed to underperform. Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Stevie Ray vs. Meng A battle of the big bruisers is up next, as Meng and Stevie Ray trade clubbing blows back and forth and forth and back. This is probably one of Stevie's best matches because he's allowed to just club and club and Meng can take whatever he throws at him. The end of the match comes abruptly as Meng ducks a leaping side kick and comes up to cinch in the Tongan Deathgrip. Stevie drops to the mat, paralyzed from the nerve hold, and Charles Robinson is forced to stop the bout when Stevie cannot continue from the pressure. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 7:40 Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Chase Tony says that he is about to send us back to “Mean” Gene again, but someone in his headset says that things are going on backstage! We go back to find Dustin Rhodes has found Barry Windham! He is chasing Windham through the halls and out into the parking garage! However a car coming by the lot causes Dustin to have to stop for a brief moment, and that's the moment that Barry slips into a vehicle and speeds off into the night! Dustin slams his hands against a support beam in frustration, as he heads back into the building to see his wife off to the hospital. <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">A Monstrous Challenge After a break, we see “Mean” Gene again. He shills the WCW Hotline this week, telling fans that on option 9, you can find out details about getting a special offer on a new videotape coming out! He then brings in his guests at this time, and Gene for his part looks terrified as Woman leads in “The Monster” Vader and The Giant, The Kings' Monsters! He tries to flirt with Woman as he did earlier with Elizabeth, but a growl from “The Monster” derails that train right in it's tracks. Instead, Woman takes over as she says word is out that the Road Warriors want a World Tag Team title match against her monsters. Gene agrees, saying that there should be no way Hawk and Animal can be denied after their victory a few weeks ago. Vader growls again, Gene telling him to perhaps find a breath mint. Giant brings Gene back to earth quickly by placing his massive hand on Okerlund's shoulder, and then he just holds the microphone for Woman. Woman tells Gene to listen up, because she's only going to say this once: Hawk and Animal have been on the KoW's hitlist for a long time now, and it's about time they remove the thorn from their sides. She says that if they wanted the match, they just had to get in line. Instead, they jumped to the front of the line, and that's the worst place to be in. So at World War 3, not only will her monsters do battle in the sixty man battle royal, but they will destroy two so-called legends, all in one evening. They walk away, with Giant making Gene flinch by making a sudden move toward him. Gene says that it's time for our featured matches now, and he sends us out to the ring! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Gene really worked the crowd well here, the freedom of improvisation being his best friend here. Rating: B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Chain Match The Steiner Brothers vs. The Chain Gang w/Harley Race Harley Race emerges from the backstage area once again, leading Brian Adams and Barry Darsow to the ring with heavy chains. Rick and Scott come out ready for war, as these two teams have begun getting at one another ever since Spring Stampede. This fight is simply that – a fight. The chains bind men by the wrists, as Brian is chained to Rick and Barry to Scott. There are plenty of overhead belly to belly suplexes and quite a few Steinerlines, and Scott even breaks out his old backflip fallaway splash slam! Barry gets drilled to the mat by the Doomsday Bulldog by Rick, but Rick doesn't go for the pin. Instead, he charges Brian for another Steinerline – but Adams ducks it, and it hits Scott instead! Adams plants Rick with a stungun, and covers Scott – and to the shock of all, he gets the three count! Harley Race is ecstatic at ringside! When we come back from a commercial, Race and the Chain Gang have left the scene, as Tony says that perhaps judgment for this stolen win will come down the line. Jesse corrects him, saying that Brian and Barry didn't cheat to win at all, it was all Rick's hotdogging that led to this loss. And that appears to be the scene in the ring, as a still choking Rick tries to help his younger brother to his feet – but Scott shoves him away! Scott yells at Rick, telling him this is why he wanted to go solo, because Rick has been a screw-up on Scott's career for years now! Rick seems completely heartbroken by the words, apologizing profusely to deaf ears. As Scott leaves the ring, he stops when at the top of the aisle walks Eric Bischoff. Eric says that this family drama is great for television, and it'll be even better for pay-per-view! Eric says that “on Mother's Day, Mama Steiner is going to get the best present of all: she'll get to see which of her boys is the best, as you, Scott, will for the first time ever face off with you, Rick, in the ring at World War 3!” Eric thanks everyone for being such a great audience, and the segment ends with Rick and Scott staring at one another, with completely different expressions. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 12:24 Ratings: B- / B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">This week on WCW Saturday Night! Before we go to our main event, handy graphics come up to hype two of the matches for this week on WCW Saturday Night. “The Total Package” Lex Luger will go one on one with Big Bubba Rogers, and the Twilight Express do battle with the Horsemen duo of Owen Hart and Arn Anderson! <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: C+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Steve Austin vs. Scott Hall w/Kimberly Page The barroom brawl starts right back where it left off with wild right and left hands from both men. This fight doesn't seem to favor Hall, however, who slips out of the ring to get some distance. Kimberly gets in Austin's way, and as he gets her moved out of the path Hall comes in and takes him down with a running clothesline. Scott takes over the match at this point, hitting his fall-away slam and a spinning right hand for two separate near-falls. Hall sets up Austin for an avalanche belly to back suplex, and hits the move, but such impact takes out Hall just as much. By the time he makes a cover, Austin kicks out at a long two count. Hall starts to set up for the Outsider's Edge, but he takes one too many seconds to slap Austin on the back of his head to mock him, and Steve charges him into the turnbuckles! Austin stomps away on Hall before flipping him off, stomping him one more time down onto the mat! Austin goes for the Stunner, but Hall shoves him into Tommy Young! Tommy takes a full bump clear to the outside of the ring. From there, out comes Ric Flair! Tony and Jesse wonder just what “The Nature Boy” has up his sleeve for this, as he dislikes both of these guys just as much. But the crowd are shocked when Flair runs right past Austin and blasts Hall with a pair of brass knuckles! He shoves him toward Austin, who drops Hall with a Stunner! Ric leaves the ring, and he sends Tommy Young into it, who groggily counts the one, two, and three! The match over, now it's time for questions, as Austin gives a cold, icy stare toward “The Nature Boy”. Flair points at Austin, telling him he's welcome, and that just doesn't suit well for Austin at all! He begins calling for Flair to enter the ring, but Flair has no interest in that whatsoever. He begins to leave, when… ….The arena suddenly falls to a hush as four men in KoW jackets and Sting masks walk out of the back! They block Ric's path, and in cornering him, force him into the ring itself! Flair and Austin, hated enemies, share a common enemy now, as the Stings all circle around the ringside area. Suddenly a fifth Sting rappels down from the rafters! The crowd are ecstatic as it appears their true savior has come, and he points a black baseball bat at the others around the ring! It appears the Stings are all about to back away! Has this force united enough to stop the KoW finally?! But then he turns and smashes Flair with the bat, and then Austin as well! The other four enter the ring, and three of them also begin putting their bats to the two men on the mat! One stands above it all, and that is the Sting holding aloft the World's championship. The Sting who came down from the rafters reaches up and removes the mask – it was California Kip! He risked his life to go into the rafters and rappel down just to swerve everyone! The Kings of Wrestling's Sting Army stands tall at the end of this episode of Nitro, but one still has only to wonder; where is the real Sting?! And the second question is, is the real Sting the one pulling all the strings from inside the KoW? We are out of time for tonight fans, but tune into the wrestling weekend to see if we can find out more! <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 11:43 Ratings: B / B+ / B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/logo2.jpg</div>

The Final Countdown · March 14, 2016

Dr. Karnage tries to interject himself whenever he can, but King Puma is just too fa(s)t to fall for any of that!

Damn, Barry...that's cold.

One thing I love about your writing is the way you seamlessly integrate the dirt sheet notes into the writeups themselves, like with Gene's unscripted dialogue. That's something I would like to improve upon in my own writing.

Anderz · March 14, 2016

I'm so terribly far behind with this that I feel embarrassed with myself. That being said, I've finally read through the Sting Stampede and it was so perfectly written that I'm both dumbfounded and envious at the same time. Fantastic work and I'm eager to find out what in the world is going on.. Maybe I'll get around to reading about it in 2017!

Congrats on winning DOTM as well by the way.

Beejus · March 15, 2016

WCW Hotline: May 1996, Week 1

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/hotline.jpg

WCW Hotline

1st Week of May 1996

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

Option 2: Announced for WCW Monday Nitro!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

Option 4: WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s WCW moment of the week!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

Option 9: A gift from the WCW Catalog!

Option 1: World War 3 Control Center!

Two huge matches were announced this past week! It doesn't get any bigger than brother against brother, as Rick Steiner faces Scott Steiner one on one! The tensions between the two have been going for months now, and Eric Bischoff has seized this opportunity to pit them against each other! Also, The Kings' Monsters have agreed to the challenge of The Road Warriors to put the World Tag Team titles on the line! You won't want to miss a second of World War 3!

Option 2: Announced for this week’s WCW Monday Nitro!

Dustin Rhodes, rather than be at his wife's bedside, is being forced by Eric Bischoff to appear live on Monday Nitro in the main event! Who is his opponent? Eric hasn't told anyone yet! But just as importantly, Magnum TA has said that the committee has made their choice, and will reveal the man they have deemed will fight for the World Heavyweight title at World War 3! Also, Dave Finlay meets Lord Steven Regal in a parking lot brawl, and Terry Taylor gets what may be his final gasp in the ring as he faces Lance Storm! All this and so much more; don't miss WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

Thrill as Tonto defeats the Heartbroke Joke! Be in awe of Sparky and Mo retaining the Tag titles over Rex King and the Black Phantom! Bart Gunn! Bret Hart argues with the corpse of “Mean” Mark! The corpse defeats not-so-Great Kokina in the main event by count out! If you want a show with nothing below the belt, watch Raw. But if you want a show where people are out for revenge, as we head into a World War, then you better set that dial for Nitro!

Option 4: Last weekend’s WCW Disney/MGM taping results!

WCW Pro: C+
The show opens with 2 Cold Scorpio driving, saying that he was given an invitation from Jimmy Hart to meet up for some sort of peace offering (D+)
Big Bubba Rogers d. Shane Helms (D+)
Mike Tenay interviews Col. Parker, Rogers, and the Wild Samoan Boyz. Parker says that it doesn't matter if it is big boys like Bam Bam Bigelow or screw ups like the Armstrongs, his new Stud Stable will reach the top! (C-)
Juventud Guerrera d. The Falcon ©
In a pre-taped interview, Gene Okerlund sits down with Ted DiBiase. Behind them, Coach Alexander and Richard Stevenson are practicing in the ring. DiBiase says that many people feel his boys are losing a lot, but really they are just gaining experience and biding their times (C+)
Bobby Eaton d. Doug Basham ©
Scorpio has now reached the meeting place, before a commercial break (D+)
When he walks into a room, Jimmy Hart is seen turning on a disco ball that lights up the room in bright, shiny colors! Scorpio can't see very well, and that's when he gets smashed from behind by a big gold record, wielded by Disco Inferno! Disco and Jimmy leave, saying that's what Scorpio gets for continually bashing them and the greatest music ever recorded! (C-)
Tony, Mike, and Sonny discuss some of the things that happened on Nitro (D+)
WCW Saturday Night hype video tells fans to tune in for Lex Luger against Bubba Rogers (C+)
Harlem Heat d. Richard Stevenson and Coach Irvin Alexander (C+)

WCW Saturday Night: B-
Dave Finlay pins Sexton Hardcastle after a Tombstone piledriver ©
“Mean” Gene interviews Finlay post-match, and he challenges Lord Regal to meet him in the parking lot on Nitro! ©
The Armstrong Brothers get some promo time, where Brad says that Colonel Parker is just upset they beat him to the punch on leaving his side. BG says that “The B-to-the-G-to-the-A and B-Rad are on the hunt for some big goofy Samoan hides!” (D)
Lance Storm defeats The Falcon by submission with a single leg crab ©
Arn Anderson and Owen Hart defeat The Twilight Express when Owen pins Taylor after an enziguri (C+) Arn Anderson has changed to an Enforcer (Realistic) gimmick, rating A* (100!).
“Mean” Gene is interviewing Bobby and Terry after another tough loss, when Lance Storm interrupts. He says that with all due respect, Terry has been losing each and every match that the team are in, maybe it's time for Bobby to look into an alternative partner! Taylor says that he isn't dead yet, and the two agree to go one on one this Monday on Nitro! (D+)
Bam Bam Bigelow joins commentary, telling Tony that he is out here solely to scout for Bubba Rogers, as the two are going to meet at World War 3 in just two weeks' time. ©
Lex Luger defeats Big Bubba Rogers with the Torture Rack (B)
Tony and Mike are going to close the show, but the feed is cut into by the Kings of Wrestling. Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Scott Hall, and Syxx take over the end of the show to talk trash about Diamond Dallas Page, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Brian Pillman; Piper compares Pillmania to Hulkamania as things that the KoW are going to crush under their boot! (B-)

WCW Worldwide: C+ The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Sonny Onoo, and Theodore R. Long
The Panel immediately talk about Sting to open the show. Nobody can come up with a foolproof argument as to who is who under all those masks! ©
Psychosis d. Shane Helms (D)
Nuevo Gringos Locos d. The Falcon and Doug Basham (D)
The Panel discuss what happened on Nitro between Dustin Rhodes and Barry Windham, with Gene saying that he has word about Terri's condition on the WCW Hotline this week ©
The Panel get a surprise guest in Ultimo Dragon… and Sonny Onoo gets a big surprise when Ultimo comes up from behind him and douses him with a bucket of water! (D-)
In the arena, Disco Inferno is coming out to the ring when he's attacked by Scorpio! Scorpio is apparently quite upset at what happened Friday night, and he brutally slams Disco into the guardrail! (D)
“Lionheart” Chris Jericho d. Disco Inferno to retain the WCW World Television title ©
Post-match, Jericho strikes a disco pose, acting like he won a tough match when Disco had already been assaulted before the bell rang. He gives no respect to Disco for competing in that state, instead saying that he is the glorious champion of WCW television, and will be the greatest one in history – and it's all for the Jerichoholics! ©
Owen Hart d. Cactus Jack (B)
The Panel are going to close the show, when Ultimo comes out again. Sonny runs on the other side of the table this time, but we get another surprise guest in Ted DiBiase! DiBiase shocks everyone by saying that he has bought the contract of Ultimo Dragon, and also has bought the Worldwide Panel seat previously held by Onoo! Richard Stevenson and Irvin Alexander appear and help Ultimo haul Onoo away, and cameras follow them as they throw him out of the building! Onoo swears revenge from outside the arena! ©

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

Many were horrified at the actions of one Barry Windham this past week on Nitro, and I am here with an update on Terri's condition. We understand that she suffered some severe bruising to her neck and face, and word from Dustin Rhodes is that she will not be accompanying him to any more shows in the near future. “The Natural” is also said to be fuming with Eric Bischoff, as Eric has booked Dustin in a match for this Monday rather than letting him get any time with his hurt wife!

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Nitro dips slightly to a 7.88 rating, but that's still just great given Raw also declines to a 4.46.

Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s moment of the week!

Despite the horrific actions occurred by the Kings of Wrestling on Nitro, one thing stood out to me: Ric Flair and Steve Austin, sworn enemies at this point, came together to stop the KoW in their tracks. It took a bogus Sting, played by California Kip, masquerading as the real deal in order to swing the momentum back their way. However, the unity showed between rivals is something that I personally hope to see more of in the very near future.

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

The cult sized Japanese promotion known as WAR (Wrestle Association R) held their annual Super J Cup show this past Sunday. While they did not hold the tournament – the only time they actually gave away the trophy was in 1994, actually, to Wild Pegasus – they still name the show after the tournament anyways. So despite no J Cup winner, a new WAR Intercontinental champion was crowned in big John Tenta, who you may remember “shaking” the “earth” back in the WWF in the earlier 90s. Good for Tenta to claim some more gold to show for his storied career!

Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog!

Be the first of your friends to own WCW SuperBrawl VI on VHS! Packed with all kinds of extras such as an amazing match that only New Jersey saw between Lex Luger and Eddy Guerrero, you get to relive the glory of Dustin Rhodes defending his title against Randy “Macho Man” Savage!

--------------------------------------------------------------

One thing I love about your writing is the way you seamlessly integrate the dirt sheet notes into the writeups themselves, like with Gene's unscripted dialogue. That's something I would like to improve upon in my own writing.

Thanks! I try to make the good improvised promos seem better than the scripted ones whenever I can, and do what I can to make bad improvised promos sound bad; it can be hard to do though in the novel style that I use. It isn't too hard though, especially with Gene. I just make him hit on the women or really give his opinion more than usual.

I'm so terribly far behind with this that I feel embarrassed with myself. That being said, I've finally read through the Sting Stampede and it was so perfectly written that I'm both dumbfounded and envious at the same time. Fantastic work and I'm eager to find out what in the world is going on.. Maybe I'll get around to reading about it in 2017!

Congrats on winning DOTM as well by the way.

Thanks Anderz! It does kinda feel great to pick up another DOTM win again. Heh, Sting Stampede Don't feel too envious, you and TFC have just as good a world that you are building

I like people's choices of Hogan or Hart for the WHC Sting. Those are definitely two solid picks, as each one would be great additions to the KoW and are definitely people who can handle the World title storylines well. I'll be sure to try dropping a few more hints in the next Nitro! Next post I have on deck shall be In the World for April, as we move into the month of May!

Beejus · March 15, 2016

In the World: April 1996

Company Name: World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
Owner: Ted Turner
Booker: Eric Bischoff/Harley Race
Size: International
Prestige: 100
Momentum: 86
Ranking: 1st
TV Shows: WCW Monday Nitro; WCW Saturday Night; WCW Pro; WCW Worldwide
PPV Coverage: Entire World

Titles
WCW World Heavyweight Champion: “Sting” (held since April Week 1, 1996)
WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Lord Steven Regal (held since March Week 2, 1996)
WCW World Television Champion: Chris Jericho (held since March Week 2, 1996)
WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Syxx (held since April Week 2, 1996)
WCW World Tag Team Champions: KoW Monsters (held since February Week 4, 1996)
WCW US Tag Team Champions: The Vyle Brothers (held since April Week 1, 1996)
The Battlebowl Ring: Dustin Rhodes (held again next Battlebowl PPV)

Event: WCW Spring Stampede 1996, held Sunday, Week 1
Rating: B+
PPV Buyrate: 5.00
Main Event: “Sting” defeats Dustin Rhodes for the WCW World Heavyweight championship (80)
Match of the Night: The Kings' Monsters defeated Cactus Jack and Brian Pillman to retain the WCW World Tag Team championships (94)

Workers Signed: Bruno Sammartino; Miss Elizabeth.
Workers Re-signed: Rick Rude; Arn Anderson; Dustin Rhodes.
Workers Leaving: Nick Bockwinkel; Lance Diamond; Biff Wellington; Steve Skyfire; Bobby Walker; Shane Helms; Erin O'Grady; Paul Roma; Terri Rhodes.
Loan periods ended: Jake Roberts, EZ Money, Lance Diamond, Inferno Kid, Jim Steele.

Company Name: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
Owner: Vince McMahon
Booker: Vince McMahon
Size: National
Prestige: 89
Momentum: 76
Ranking: 2nd
TV Shows: WWF Monday Night Raw; WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event
PPV Coverage: USA

Titles
WWF World Heavyweight Champion: Jerry Lawler (held since July Week 3, 1995)
WWF Intercontinental Champion: Bret Hart (held since August Week 4, 1995)
WWF European Champion: Koko B. Ware (held since March Week 3, 1996)
WWF World Tag Team Champions: Sparky Plugg and Mo (held since September Week 3, 1995)
WWF Women’s Champion: Bull Nakano (held since April Week 1, 1996)
WWF Royal Rumble: Yokozuna (two time winner) (competed again in January)
WWF King of the Ring: Yokozuna (competed again in June)

Event: WWF In Your House (April), held Saturay, Week 4
Rating: B-
PPV Buyrate: 2.13
Main Event and Match of the Night: Bret Hart and Yokozuna defeated Hunter Hearst-Helmsley and Tatanka (80)

Workers Hired: None.
Workers Re-signed: Dan Davis; Lou Albano.
Workers Leaving: Tony DeVito.

Company Name: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
Owner: Seiji Sakaguchi
Booker: Antonio Inoki
Size: National
Prestige: 89
Momentum: 86
Ranking: 3rd
TV Shows: NJPW World Pro Wrestling
PPV Coverage: Japan

Titles
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Akira Taue (held since March Week 1, 1996)
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Shinjiro Otani (held since April Week 1, 1996)
IWGP World Tag Team Championship: Manabu Nakanishi and Satoshi Kojima (held since April Week 1, 1996)
G1 Climax: Mitsuharu Misawa (held again in August)
Best of the Super Juniors: Jushin Thunder Liger (held again in June)
Super Grade Tag League: Riki Choshu and Mitsuharu Misawa (held again in October)
Young Lion Cup: Shinjiro Otani (held again in March)

Event: NJPW Battle Formation, held Wednesday Week 2
Rating: B
PPV Buyrate: 1.25
Main Event: Akira Taue defeated Tatsunami Fujinami to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight title (79)
Match of the Night: Mitsuhiro Matsunaga and Keiji Mutoh defeated Naoki Sano and Yuji Nagata (83)

Worker Signings: None.
Worker Extensions: Masao Tayama.
Workers Left: None.

Company Name: All Japan Pro-Wrestling (AJPW)
Owner: Giant Baba
Booker: Giant Baba
Size: National
Prestige: 88
Momentum: 76
Ranking: 4th
TV Shows: All Japan Pro Wrestling 30
PPV Coverage: Japan

Titles
AJPW Triple Crown Champion: Stan Hansen (held since December Week 4, 1995)
AJPW World Jr. Heavyweight Champion: Yoshinari Ogawa (held since December Week 1, 1995)
AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions: Toshiaki Kawada and Johnny Ace (held since November Week 1, 1995)
AJPW All Asia Tag Team Champions: Shoichi Funaki and Takao Omori (held since April Week 1, 1996)
Champion Carnival: Johnny Ace (held in April)
Real World Tag League: Kenta Kobashi & Tamon Honda (held again in December)

Event: AJPW Disposable Heroes 1996, held Wednesday Week 1
Rating: B
PPV Buyrate: 0.27
Main Event: Johnny Ace defeated Toshiaki Kawada for the Champion Carnival (79)
Matches of the Night: Toshiaki Kawada defeated Tamon Honda (96)

Workers Hired: None.
Workers Re-signed: Ryukaku Izumida.
Workers Leaving: None.

Company Name: Smokey Mountain Wrestling (SMW)
Owner: Jim Cornette
Booker: Jim Cornette
Size: Regional
Prestige: 40
Momentum: 71
Ranking: 3rd in USA; 10th in World
TV Shows: SMW TV
PPV Coverage: None

Titles
SMW Heavyweight Champion: Bull Pain (held since October Week 4, 1995)
SMW Beat the Champ Television Champion: Bobby Fulton (held since January Week 4, 1996)
SMW Tag Team Champions: The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) (held since January Week 4, 1996)

Event: SMW Bluegrass Brawl IV; held Sunday, Week 1
Rating: C+
Main Event: Greg Valentine and Steve McMichael defeated Jim Duggan and Tom Zenk (67)
Match of the Night: Bull Pain defeated Brian Blair to retain the SMW Heavyweight championship (76)

Workers Hired: None.
Workers Re-signed: None.
Workers Leaving: None.

Company Name: Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
Owner: Tod Gordon
Booker: Paul Heyman
Size: Regional
Prestige: 47
Momentum: 74
Ranking: 5th in USA; 15th in World
TV Shows: ECW Hardcore TV
PPV Coverage: None

Titles
ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Johnny Grunge (held since April Week 2, 1996)
ECW World Television Champion: Pitbull #2 (held since December Week 4, 1995)
ECW World Tag Team Champions: The New Legends (JT Smith & Damien Stone) (held since January Week 4, 1996)

Event: ECW Barely Legal 1996; held Sunday Week 2
Rating: C+
Main Event: Johnny Grunge defeated Mikey Whipwreck for the ECW World Heavyweight title (73)
Match of the Night: Tommy Dreamer defeated Pitbull #1 (78)

Workers Hired: None.
Workers Re-signed: None.
Workers Leaving: None.

Company News

Rise/Fall: BJW rise to regional; UWF rise to regional.

New Companies: None.

Out of business: None.

New Workers:

Yoshito Sugamoto (Gamma); Debra McMichael; K-Ness; Frank Whitworth (The Sheik regen); Vincente Molina (regen, ??); Okitsugu Higa (Joe Higuchi regen).

Worker Retirements: Ricky Sanchez; King Cobra.

Worker Deaths: None.

Mattywood · March 16, 2016

Thanks! I try to make the good improvised promos seem better than the scripted ones whenever I can, and do what I can to make bad improvised promos sound bad; it can be hard to do though in the novel style that I use. It isn't too hard though, especially with Gene. I just make him hit on the women or really give his opinion more than usual.

If you ever run an angle where one worker goes unscripted and another goes scripted, and you get the road agent note that the scripted worker was thrown by someone doing improvisations, you can have the scripted person repeat him/her/itself a la Marco Rubio.

Dawn · March 16, 2016

If you ever run an angle where one worker goes unscripted and another goes scripted, and you get the road agent note that the scripted worker was thrown by someone doing improvisations, you can have the scripted person repeat him/her/itself a la Marco Rubio.

Who in the world is Marco Rubio?

Jaysin · March 16, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Who in the world is Marco Rubio?</div></blockquote> Until tonight he was one of the Republican candidates for President of the US.

Mattywood · March 16, 2016

Until tonight he was one of the Republican candidates for President of the US.

And this performance of his that I was referencing just might have been what torpedoed his campaign:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdY-t4MRqxw

Somehow I can see Beejus taking that and running with it when someone is thrown by others doing improv.

Back on topic, I like that Ace Steel is getting some use in the comic book storyline. I can't say that I've seen any of his work, only read about him. But one of the things I like about your diaries, Beejus, is that you find something for even the most obscure workers in the world.

Beejus · March 16, 2016

Back on topic, I like that Ace Steel is getting some use in the comic book storyline. I can't say that I've seen any of his work, only read about him. But one of the things I like about your diaries, Beejus, is that you find something for even the most obscure workers in the world.

To be honest, I don't know a whole lot from him either, I've only seen him once or twice. But when dealing with a storyline with comic book names and identities, someone who's actual name is ACE STEEL, how could I not find a place for him? It's perfect!

Beejus · March 24, 2016

WCW Monday Nitro - April 29th, 1996

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WCW Monday Nitro

April 29th, 1996 (May week 1)

Held at: Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA (North West)

Commentary: Tony Schiavone and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Attendance: 11,964

Show Runtime: Two Hours

Rating: B+

This show increased our popularity in 33 regions.

Naturally
No summary this week, as “Mean” Gene Okerlund opens the show in the ring following the fireworks show at the beginning. He wastes no time at all in welcoming to the ring former World Heavyweight champion “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes! But while the crowd gives him a wonderful ovation, Dustin himself does not look himself. He is practically pale, a shade of his usual lively, smiling figure. Gene says that he doesn't need to even bother reminding Dustin what happened, but for those who may have missed last week, perhaps a recap would be in order. Dustin says that for those who missed last week's Nitro, Barry and the Kings of Wrestling completely crossed the line by attacking his wife. “My wife!” he screams, saying that “It's one thing to attack me or my friends, but to pull my little one hundred pound wife out here and… and… it just isn't right!” Rhodes has to step away from Gene for a moment, as Okerlund says that as much as he's always glad to see Dustin, and as happy as Spokane is to see him, Gene doesn't feel anyone would have been upset if Dustin had missed tonight's show. Dustin then becomes furious, saying that he would be sitting at home to tend to Terri as she's sitting there with a neckbrace in a Texas hospital, but he was told he had a match tonight and if he didn't show up, legal action would be taken by “our esteemed executive vice president” Eric Bischoff. The crowd boos that, because nobody likes to hear about legal matters when it comes to wrestling! Unless it's Richard Stevenson, of course. Gene asks Dustin if he can tell everyone what the match is tonight, but Rhodes says that he doesn't even know what match it is or what time to even be ready for.

The segment is interrupted by the appearance of “Hot Rod” Roddy Piper and Harley Race. They steps out of the stage as Roddy tells Dustin to stop crying about his “little sugarlump” being left home alone; “After all, it's about time you leave her to stay home. Half of the crowd left their women at home – oh wait I forgot, there aren't any good looking women in Spokane!” As the crowd boos, Race is handed the microphone and he tells Dustin that he is going to supply him some advice. “As one of the most revered champions in wrestling history, let me tell you that I never did any of it with any of my wives, despite how much I loved and wanted to be on hand with them. Like a well known trainer once said, women weaken legs, and maybe if you weren't so worried about Terri, you'd be getting back on track to the title like I always did.” He hands the microphone back, and Roddy says that Eric is busy doing some paperwork, so “President Piper” is out here to relay his wishes; saying that the match Dustin will partake in will be a six man tag team match in our main event. His opponents? Piper motions to the curtain as Woman leads out “Macho Man” Randy Savage and The Kings' Monsters, saying that Rhodes will have the next hour and a half to find himself some partners. Dustin responds that he finds it pretty funny that Barry isn't one of the people he's facing tonight, but Piper says that Windham isn't here tonight, and saying that there's no need for him to be here if he isn't wrestling. Dustin gets the last laugh though, telling Roddy and his opponents that he had already expected to need some backup tonight – and so while he didn't expect to be teaming with them, he's sure they won't mind.

And the crowd cheers as The Road Warriors come out to flank the KoW contingent! Piper calls for everyone to calm down and just save it for the main event, as Hawk and Animal stand there eying up Giant and Vader. The show goes to a commercial break as Rhodes and the Warriors seem to have the number of the Kings of Wrestling, but how long will that last?

Notes: A lot of things went on during this one, as this segment was done fully live. Gene really worked the crowd well, the freedom of improvisation to his advantage. Dustin also was superb off-script, the crowd could just feel the anguish in his voice. Roddy had a good performance, and improvised very well in his standard rambling style. Harley debuted a new Legend gimmick, which naturally rated an A* (97) given that he is such a legend. The only downside was the Road Warriors; Animal underperformed and Hawk just looked dreadful out there, possibly thanks to how stale their “tough guy bikers” act has been for months.
Rating: B+

“Timeless” Terry Taylor w/Stan Lane vs. Lance Storm
This match was set up last Saturday, as Storm implied that perhaps Taylor is a little bit past his prime and should step down in favor of some new stars, including saying that Terry is holding Bobby Eaton back. Terry took offense and challenged him to a match. This match seems a little like Taylor's last stand as he puts his all into trying to show that he hasn't lost a step at all. However, Lance is able to weather the storm (no pun intended) and takes Terry down with his spinning heel kicks, savate kicks, and submissions style to work over the leg of Taylor. He finally puts Taylor away by rolling through his legs into a single leg crab. Terry tries to hold on, but Lance's youth and skill is just too much.

The match is over and Lance offers a handshake to Taylor, surprising him and the announcers. Terry doesn't know whether or not to take it, when Stan and Bobby enter the ring. Lane says that he wants to congratulate Lance on his victory tonight, but that one solid win does not equal instant respect. He tells Storm that if he really wants to gain the respect of the Express, he needs to face off with Eaton and work for that honor. Lance says that he is here for the respect of the audience in being called the best technical wrestler in WCW, and if that means he has to go through Bobby then he will do it next week on WCW Nitro!

Match Time: 7:59
Ratings: D+ [match] / D [challenge]

The Vyle Brothers and The Young Pistols vs. The Chain Gang, Wrath, and “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko w/Harley Race
The Vyles are finally given a match where Devon can show off what he can do against his former stable and heroes. The newly crowned US Tag Team champions go on a tear for the first few minutes of this contest, and just as The Chain Gang look to use their size against them, that's when the Pistols connect with stereo dropkicks to send the bikers out of the ring! Darsow tries to slow things down but gets caught up in the opposite corner and run all over by his youthful opponents. Zbyszko plays a difference when he knees Smothers in the back, as Larry looks to prove himself before entering World War 3 next Sunday. The three large men decimate Tracy, using a variety of slams and holds to try beating him into submission. Wrath bearhugs him and saps much of his strength, but the cheering of the crowd do a great job at bringing Tracy back from certain defeat as he claps the ears of Wrath to escape! He makes the decisive tag out to Devon, who comes in as a house of fire right along with his half-brother. Steve also enters the ring and dives into Wrath to take him out of the ring. But it's the corner man who holds all the cards in the end, as Harley gets on the apron, leading to Devon making a rookie mistake by going after the manager. As he holds Race by his lapels and screams in his face that “My name is Vyle! I'm in charge now, Harley! I'm in charge!” he doesn't see the oncoming threat as the Chain Gang have taken out his partners. Adams grabs Devon and lifts him into a version of a chokeslam, before Darsow picks him up off the mat. He quickly drills him with the backbreaker, just as Adams comes off the middle rope with an elbow to finish the Hard Ride! Mongo re-enters the ring, but the Chain Gang overwhelm him, as Larry slips in and places his knees on the abdomen of Devon, flexing as though he did a major move as Randy Anderson can do nothing but count the one, two, and three.

Following a commercial break, “Mean” Gene is backstage alongside Harley, Larry, Wrath, and The Chain Gang. Harley says that for a few moments, he was feeling pretty proud of Devon King; saying that even though he didn't do it in the name of the Kings of Wrestling, he had gone out and won gold, taking all the teaching and training that he and the KoW supplied him with to make good on it. However, he says, tonight King, Vyle, whatever he wants to call himself, made the big mistake of taking his eye off the ball – the one thing that had plagued him for months. Race says that until he can keep his focus, there's no way he will ever escape the shadow of being just another punk kid with a chip on his shoulder. Race then turns the attention elsewhere, first congratulating Larry on his “hard fought victory” (which Gene calls him out on as having done next to nothing to live up to it) before talking about the big win last week of his Chain Gang. Harley talks about how huge it was for Adams and Darsow to pick up the win over Rick and Scott Steiner, saying that maybe now the fans and top brass at WCW will take notice that while the Monsters are on top of the heap, the number two team right now isn't the Steiners, it isn't the Road Warriors, it isn't any of the brother teams out there – it is these two men right here, the Chain Gang! As they leave, Gene has to shrug and admit that after defeating the very decorated Steiners last week and then scoring a big win over the US Tag Team champions here tonight, perhaps Race is right in that assumption. Gene's thoughts are beginning to get drowned out by
as he sends everyone back out to Tony and Jesse and the arena!

Match Time: 9:25
Ratings: C [match] / B- [promo]

WCW World Television Championship
“Lionheart” Chris Jericho w/The Warlord vs. The Flying Spyder
Chris Jericho is just climbing into the ring when he gets a microphone. The Spyder has not yet made his way out as “Lionheart” takes a moment to address “all of the Jerichoholics” by welcoming them to Monday Night Jericho! He says that the best thing about being “the champion of WCW television” is that when there isn't some lame duck former champion holding up the works by not announcing his rematch, all the Jerichoholics are guaranteed at least one match a week of their favorite wrestler, the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla, “Lionheart” Chris Jericho! The Warlord stands behind him, decked out in a “Monday Night Jericho” t-shirt, as Chris says that as a proud Canadian, he is glad to represent even Spokane as their TV champion, whether he is dealing with Christopher Gambino or any other pest that may come his way – including some flying spiders, man! He calls out for his opponent this evening, and The Flying Spyder hits the ring as this one is underway!

Jericho is no slouch when it comes to high flying, but he seems unable to match the superhero when it comes to the athleticism needed to perform some of the fast-paced maneuvers. Chris certainly has a weight and size advantage however, and despite some early setbacks as he ate a few well placed dropkicks, Jericho rolled away from the Web Shooting Star Press. When the Spyder landed on his feet, he seemed to tweak his knee a little, and Jericho took full advantage. Whereas Tony was keeping an eye out for members of the Dungeon of Doom to stick their nose into this match, the champion very coolly and confidently began his assault with a basement dropkick to the left knee and finished up with the Liontamer to make the hero submit his title opportunity.

Match Time: 6:44
Notes: Jericho improvised very well in his promo, really cracking the crowd up. The Warlord has excellent chemistry managing when Jericho.
Ratings: C+ [promo] / C [match]

A Natural Trio
Backstage to Gene again, where he shills some big news regarding WCW Saturday Night this week on the WCW Hotline. 1-900-909-9900, kids get your parents' permission before calling. It is that that point which Gene introduces Dustin Rhodes and The Road Warriors again, saying that this special interview was called for the three men to get a few more things off their chests thanks to the commotion that began the show. Dustin does the talking first, saying that he had no idea he was going to be placed into a six man tag, but he knew that the Kings and Eric Bischoff had to have something up their sleeve. “So I got ahold of dad, and I said who would be the biggest, baddest men who could watch my back for the night – and he said son, the same men who used to watch my back against the snakes like Ric Flair will be good enough to watch your back against snakes like Eric Bischoff!” Animal says that the pot is even sweeter knowing that thirteen days away from getting their hands on the so called 'Monsters' tonight! Hawk tells 'em that the bigger they are, the harder the Road Warriors hit – and they already hit pretty dang hard on the small fries! He says that Giant and Vader might think they're the monsters under the bridge, but the Warriors have been the “Monsters of the Midway” for a long time, and they aren't about to back down from getting their World Tag Team titles back around their waists! What a rush! High fives ensue, as Gene says that we are about to begin hour number two, so make sure to stick around!

Notes: Gene again worked the crowd well, and yet again both Warriors underperformed their role – perhaps simply not used to being the smaller men in their own feud.
Rating: B-

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Welcome to Hour 2
The fireworks are loud and exciting as we join Tony Schiavone, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, and “Mean” Gene Okerlund at the commentary booth after a commercial break. Instead of simply talking about the rest of the show, they take a moment to discuss World War 3; saying that the list of sixty men is about as complete as it is going to get while there is still the question mark hanging over Dustin Rhodes or Ricky Steamboat. Tony says that he would like to hear some early predictions from his colleagues, saying that they are obviously free to change their minds considering what may happen within the next two weeks before Mother's Day and World War 3. Gene says that with this being the first year he is in the match, he has to tip his cap toward The Giant. He says that he watched another great giant in Andre plow through many battle royals over the years, and feels that history may very well repeat itself as The Giant begins his own battle royal winning streak right here at World War 3. Tony says that could very easily be the way it goes, but he chooses to not look at the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the heart in the dog, and that is why he feels Dustin Rhodes could be the man to get the victory. He talks about how much heart “The Natural” showed ever since last year's World War 3 when he faced Hollywood Hogan, leading into the battle against the Four Horsemen, and then winning the World title in another big battle royal, Battlebowl. “The Body” however says that there is one man who's name is not getting mentioned as much as it should be when people offer him thoughts in airplanes and restaurants: last year's winner, “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson. Jesse's rationale is tough to beat, as he feels that having won it last year, the conniving “Double A” could very easily once again skate in underneath the radar of the big names like Rhodes, Vader, Savage, and others in order to gain a second victory and win the Spoils of War for the Horsemen all over again. Tony has to agree with how that is a very high possibility, but right now it is time for yet another war. Gene leaves the booth to head backstage for future interviews, but Tony sends the camera outside to the parking garage where we are all set for our next match – as strange as that sounds to say.

Notes: Tony worked the crowd well, keeping them very excited. Gene enjoyed the freedom to not have to follow a script, and also Jesse improvised well, his dialogue an amusing hit.
Rating: B

Parking Lot Brawl – Non-title
Lord Steven Regal w/Tyler Karlet vs. Dave Finlay
This isn't about the United States title, this is all one hundred percent about pride. Finlay and Regal destroy one another as well as plenty of vehicles around the area. A slew of wrestlers and fans are outside watching on as the fight rages on, including Regal being bodyslammed onto a car hood and Finlay being smashed between a car door! The “match” so as it can be called ends much the same way that their last one did: Regal's bodyguard Tyler Karlet emerges from the pack of people surrounding the car park and grabs Finlay, slamming him into a windshield! Regal lays over him and scores a three count, and Karlet helps his charge out of there before anything more can happen out there.

Match Time: 12:17
Rating: C

Sitting Down with “The Dragon”
Mike Tenay is on location in North Carolina with none other than Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat! Tenay asks Steamboat how his ribs are doing, to which Ricky seems resigned to admit that there is no way he will be back to one hundred percent by May 12 and World War 3. Mike asks him if perhaps he should look out for his health by backing out of the show, saying that the word through the grapevine is that while Dustin Rhodes had to show up for Nitro this evening under threat of legal battles, Eric Bischoff has mentioned that Ricky does not have to show up for World War 3 if he is physically unable to compete. Ricky responds that for one thing, he doesn't believe a thing that escapes the mouth of Bischoff; he says that he will compete at World War 3, because “The Dragon” is a fighter, and this may end up as the last chance he gets to attempt to go for the World championship. He talks about being 43 years old, not exactly an age that most promoters would want to put at the headline of many shows anymore. He tells Mike that “the one opponent nobody can defeat is time” and says that while it would be easy to stay home and take it easy instead of facing potentially sixty men in one night, he doesn't feel that he has that luxury. He stands up, wincing slightly, and says that his search for a doctor to clear him to compete that night continues, and he will not stop until he gets a signature on the dotted line.

Just then, Tenay backs off quickly as Barry Windham storms the scene and attacks Steamboat! Windham was hiding as one of the production crew, and he throws his baseball cap at Mike as he lays boots into Steamboat! Barry is relentless in assaulting the ribs of “The Dragon” even further, including throwing an end table onto the prone form of Steamboat, causing him to scream in agony. Windham finally is forced to leave, but he spits on Steamboat before he does so as Mike is calling for people to call for medical aid. When we go back to the arena, Tony is flabbergasted at why Windham would do such a thing, and hopes that perhaps we can speak to “that traitor” next week on Nitro to get some answers.

Notes: Steamboat came across well, “the ultimate face” doing his job to perfection here.
Rating: B-

The Body Shop
When we return to the arena, Jesse “The Body” Ventura is in the ring awaiting his guests on this week's hard hitting episode of The Body Shop. He first introduces “The Dog-Faced Gremlin” Rick Steiner, who shakes Jesse's hand and thanks him for letting him come out here to hopefully explain some things to the audience. But Jesse says he isn't done yet – and tells Rick that he will also be able to explain things to his second guest as well, introducing Rick's younger brother, Scott Steiner! Rick and Scott eye one another up as Scott enters the ring, while Jesse tells them to calm down, as we are only here to discuss things. He says that the brothers are known the world over as two-time all-American amateur wrestling champions and multiple time World Tag Team champions in the world of pro wrestling in many continents and promotions, and talks about how the two have been teaming since 1989 when Rick got into a little bit of a jam and needed someone to watch his back. Scott butts in, saying that yeah, back then he was just so happy to finally get to team with his big brother that he didn't even bother thinking about the future; cutting his brother by telling him that he's been watching Rick's back for the two's lifetime, but when it came time lately for Rick to return the favor, all Scott's gotten was a Steinerline! Rick is apologetic, saying that he never meant to hurt Scott, simply that there have been a number of misunderstandings over the past few months. Scott retorts by laughing it off, saying yeah, there's been a number of Steinerlines in his face that should have been in other people's faces! All Rick tells his younger brother that all he can do is say he's sorry and that he'll try not to let it happen again, but that's when Jesse jumps in by insinuating that perhaps “older brother is finally getting a little jealous of younger brother's success”. Scott nods, yelling “Yeah!” but Rick denies all potential claims like that. He says that he's been so proud of what he and Scott have accomplished, he'd never let his own jealousy come between them. “The Body” jumps all over that, accusing Rick's terminology of meaning that he really is jealous! Scott stumbles a little before just saying “Yeah! He's jealous, just like he's all jealous, been jealous, cause I'm the better athlete! I've had more singles titles, and had some more girls too!” Rick is all denial, but this argument doesn't seem to be going his way until “The Total Package” Lex Luger interrupts!

Jesse says that he never invited Lex to this show, but Luger just tells him to shut up. Luger says that he's known both of them for a long time now, been on the same side and the opposite side of the ring with them, and says that this isn't like either of them to act this way! Luger points the blame to the place it actually falls – at the Kings of Wrestling! He says that the KoW are ripping friendships and families apart, just like he and Sting. He is out here solely to help Rick and Scott from continuing to spout off and make things any worse than it already is. He tells them that he has full faith in them that after they have a little match at World War 3, the two need to just hug it out like brothers and put all of this behind them, because they are one of the greatest teams in wrestling history and WCW needs them to stand together!

The sound of sarcastic applause rings out over the arena, as Eric Bischoff comes out to the set! He tells them all to just be quiet and listen to him now. He says that this isn't Days of Our Lives, this is World Championship Wrestling; he signed the match for Scott to face Rick because it's time they just get over themselves. He then shocks everyone by making the announcement that since Lex wants to stick his nose in the Steiner family business so much, then he can be the man in the middle like he tirelessly has been for months, because Eric is making him the official special referee for the match! Eric tells them “May the better Steiner win” and the show goes to commercial with Lex coming between another shoving bout between the two! What can happen next with these two?

Notes: Jesse did some great improvising, stirring the pot like only he can. Eric also improvised well, but Scott did not do well all on his own.
Rating: B-

Jeff Jarrett and Syxx w/Woman vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. and Steve Austin
Before the match, “Mean” Gene stops Steve Austin and Rey Mysterio on their way to the ring to ask them why they, of all the very random seeming teams in history, are teaming up here tonight. Austin says that he wanted a match against any of the KoW tonight, and this one was the only one he could slide his name on the dotted line for. Rey excels here, telling Gene that while Austin would probably not have been his first choice, nor would Rey have been Steve's, they are here tonight, unified as a tag team for one night, because they both want to stop a level of the tyranny that the Kings of Wrestling are holding over everyone's heads! Mysterio says that this may be his chance at getting his hands on Syxx and earning his first shot at the World Cruiserweight title, and that is all the motivation he needs. Austin says that he and Rey may drink different beer and probably would never be best friends, but they hate members of the KoW more than anything!

This match is very good, as all four men are complete pros at what they do in the ring. The story of the match is Syxx not allowing Mysterio to get his hands on him, completely rebuffing the match any time that Rey is in control. Jeff, the consummate tactician, grounds the youngster very early on by pulling him down from a springboard and screwing up Rey's knee on a bad landing. Jarrett is relentless, locking in a figure four leglock and punishing Mysterio, and when Austin tries to enter the ring to help, Syxx rushes in and stomps on the sore leg as well! Woman even gets in on the joys, slapping Rey across the face as he is hanging over the middle rope, while Jarrett runs to the other side of the ring and hits a guillotine body splash, before tagging out to Syxx who drills a snap legdrop into Rey's face – and gets a long two count from it. Ultimate underdog Mysterio is urged on by the crowds though, and he eventually comes out of it to connect with a flying head scissor takedown and tag in Austin! Austin comes in with fists flying, getting warned by Mark Curtis before going right back into it. As the match begins to lose control, Woman tries to slide the title belt in to Syxx. He takes aim, but Mysterio ducks it – and he comes back with a flipping victory roll pin! He leans his weight back over Syxx's shoulders, and Mark counts the three! Rey Mysterio Jr. has just pinned the Cruiserweight champion!

Notes: During the pre-match promo, Rey may have been very underwhelming as Austin's partner but he lived up to Steve by performing well with his previously very untapped improvising skills. That seemed to throw Gene off, the long evening of improvising finally getting to him and causing him to be very poor here. In the match, Jeff and Syxx had surprisingly good chemistry together.
Match Time: 11:43
Ratings: B- [promo] / B+ [match]

Weekend Hype
A graphic comes up that announces that this week will be the final episode of WCW Saturday Night, but that it will be going out with a huge party as it is back to it's original 90 minute run time for one night only, and it will feature some of the men who made WCW Saturday Night what it was over the years: The Road Warriors taking on the Horsemen veterans of Arn Anderson and Ric Flair! Also, Diamond Dallas Page will be in action as well. Meanwhile, on WCW Pro, Brian Pillman will be in action! Don't miss out on this weekend, fans!

Rating: B

The Kings of Wrestling (“Macho Man” Randy Savage and The Kings' Monsters) w/Woman vs. “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes and The Road Warriors
Vader and Animal open this match with displays of power upon one another. Hawk and Animal tag in and out, keeping “The Monster” rocked with hard strikes. Rhodes comes in and peppers Vader with punches, but the Tag Team champion uses his size advantage to shove Dustin off in order to tag out to Savage. “The Macho Man” goes right after “The Natural” remembering the wars they have already had this year and charging him with a fury and vengeance. Dustin fights back, and the two have a solid little brawl in the center of the match, until Rhodes starts to get ahead. Tags in and out keep the audience cheering as Savage is thrown around by the Road Warriors, but a jab near the eye of Hawk gives Savage a second to go tag in The Giant! Giant slowly enters the ring, menacingly and calculating. Hawk is unfazed though, as he goes right after The Giant! Animal enters the ring to assist, and the crowd comes to life in a big way as they work over Giant in the corner! Vader and Savage charge in to break things up, and Tommy Young takes an errant elbow from the corner to put him down and out – and so this bout has become a no holds barred affair! Trainers and other officials come out to check on Tommy as the fight rages between all six men. However it appears everyone was plagued by a severe ruse – as Barry Windham sneaks out from the back and enters the ring with a steel chair! Barry drives it into the back of Rhodes, as Tony screams in wondering how Barry could have gotten from North Carolina to Spokane this quickly! The only explanation Jesse has is that maybe the interview earlier was shown on a delay. Windham picks Dustin up onto the top rope and hits him with a ring-shaking superplex, and then he goes out to try and raise Tommy Young back into the ring. The Giant's massive chokeslam comes next, and as Barry holds Hawk back from being able to break it up, the three count is registered – and The Giant has just defeated the former heavyweight champion of the world.

The attack rages on, as Vader attacks Hawk and shoves him into the ring where Savage and Giant are waiting. Barry takes out Animal as Hawk is held prone on the mat, and Vader comes off the middle rope to drop a Vader Bomb! He delivers another one to Hawk before the KoW roll Animal into position, and he takes one as well. Dustin is drilled with a pinpoint Randy Savage flying elbow drop, and Barry slaps him in the face. They begin to take out cans of spraypaint, but before they can do that, Sting appears! He comes in from out of the crowd, entering the ring, and he holds his bat out to stop everyone in their tracks! He stands over Dustin, protecting him from everyone – until he drives the bat into Rhodes's ribs! Sting unbuttons his coat and reveals the World title and a KoW shirt, it was the champion and member of the Kings of Wrestling all along. The Road Warriors are both held up for “Sting” to nail them with the bat as well, but before this goes much further…

Magnum TA interrupts from the stage! He says that if the KoW don't stop this right now, he'll strip all of their titles and suspend championship rights to all involved! The spokesman of the championship committee says that he has thought long and hard about who will receive the chance to become World's champion next Sunday at World War 3. He says that the search has been quite extensive, but that in the end, only one man has been dominant and strong enough to get this opportunity. And here he is!

<iframe width="150" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XVpunB0JiPA?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Oh my!” shouts Tony Schiavone; “It's Meng!”

Out of the back comes Meng, and he power walks right past Magnum and into the ring, causing most of the KoW to scatter. Giant and Vader are told to leave by “Sting” (he points his bat to order them) leaving only “Sting” and Meng in the ring alone. The two go nose to nose, and “Sting” strikes first with a hard backhand that actually makes Meng move – but then he retaliates, slapping “Sting” so hard that his mask unlodges and turns around slightly! He staggers out of the ring, falling outside but dropping the title belt in the ring. He readjusts the mask to see out of it straight again, and what he sees is Meng holding up the World Heavyweight championship! Meng lays it on the mat near the ropes, and the champion takes possession back of the title but quickly moves away from the ring. Is this “Sting” afraid?! It looks like it, as he backs away up the ramp! What a huge match that will be, only thirteen days away on pay-per-view!

Notes: During the attack segment, Giant looked good and Vader came across well, but it seemed the Warriors just didn't feel like doing well in angles tonight as they once again were underwhelming; I'm starting to believe in what I said about them not being used to bigger foes.
Match Time: 12:28
Ratings: A [match] / B [attack] / B [announcement/slap/watch]

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/logo2.jpg

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A very angle-heavy show this time around for sure. But it sets up the majority of the WW3 card. I could go ahead and post the prediction card, but I'm going to hold off; there are still a few minor things to announce, so I'm going to just keep it for the time being. Tomorrow I plan on posting Saturday Night - yes, for the final episode it's getting a regular Nitro-esque write-up. Just because I can. Hope you enjoyed this episode!

smartman · March 25, 2016

The fact that JJ and Syxx have excellent tag chemistry makes me laugh. Two of the lousiest big-name wrestlers of the Attitude Era fitting together as a tag team is just perfect.

Beejus · March 25, 2016

WCW Saturday Night - May 4th, 1996 <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="320" height="240" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/62ZdaPycJP8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> “This week on WCW Saturday Night! The United States title is on the line as 'his Lordship' meets the wily veteran Rick Martel! The Horsemen are in action as Owen Hart meets a returning Diamond Dallas Page, and Ric Flair and Arn Anderson enter the confines of the steel cage to battle the Road Warriors! All tonight on the series finale of WCW Saturday Night! Held live on May 4th, 1996 Held at: Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia (South East) Commentary: Tony Schiavone, “The Professor” Mike Tenay, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura Attendance: 1,000 (sold out!) Show Runtime: 90 Minutes Rating: B+ This show increased our popularity in 15 regions.</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Series Finale Tony, Mike, and Jesse are in the booth for this episode of WCW Saturday Night, and Schiavone says “Don't cry for me, Argentina” as for the first time since 1985, World Championship Wrestling is going off the air on 6:05 on The Superstation. Mike talks about how a lot of history has gone down on this time slot, and it makes him sad to see it go; though Jesse quips that Mike is just upset that his job is going away. Ventura says that he's been a part of this show since 1992, and he's a little sad to see it go as well – although he doesn't mind quite too much given his job is secure on Nitro every Monday. With that, Tony says it is time to head to the ring for the US title match! <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Lord Steven Regal w/Tyler Karlet vs. Rick Martel The final show of Saturday Night kicks off with a classic technical match, though Tony says that he's sure our final match of the evening will be a fight. Regal stalls for the longest time, but proves himself when in the ring, taking Martel to task with his European style uppercuts and cravat. Rick is firey through, as he fights back with his American style technical skills, sending Regal to the outside with a dropkick! In an amusing bit, toward the end of the match when Regal is having trouble putting Martel away, he asks Randy Anderson how much time is left in the bout, and is shocked when the answer is seventeen more minutes; Jesse saying that “his Lordship” got too used to the TV title's fifteen minute time limit. Plan B comes into effect then, as Martel goes for a sunset flip into the ring, but while Regal holds “Pee Wee's” attention, Karlet reaches in and punches Rick on top of the head! Regal uses the moment to flip Martel over and lock him into the Regal Stretch, and no amount of pep and fire is enough to drag Martel to the ropes. He is forced to submit, keeping the title where it is. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 13:50 Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Legendary Performers Discuss a Legendary Show “Mean, WOOOO! By God, Gene!” starts “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, as he and Arn Anderson are here to talk to Okerlund about WCW Saturday Night. Gene says that if any group of men have personified this show, it is these two men and the two men meeting them in the main event this evening, the Road Warriors. Flair says that he has wined and dined thanks to the money he's made from appearing on TBS every Saturday. He says that he's faced and beaten the best week in and week out, and “if Saturday night's ain't for fightin' any more, then it'll be for longer partyin', woooo!” Anderson talks about much the same, saying that Saturday not being “go-time” anymore means more time for Horsemen strategy, as they plot and plan their way back to the place that the elite deserve: at the top. Heenan says that while Ric and Eddy are out with the girls, Arn, Bobby, and Owen are studying opponents, doing what needs to be done in order to keep the Horsemen at the top of their game. Anderson says that WCW Saturday Night has been his home for a lot of years – and it's closing one house's door in order to move to a bigger house, just make sure to keep your eyes on the Horsemen in the future on Nitro. Flair closes by saying that whether it's Hawk and Animal or Steve Austin or some punk's neglected girlfriend trying to come after him, the common denominator is the Horsemen always coming out on top! Woooo! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Arn struggled off-script here, a little emotional about the show he's bled, sweat, won, and lost on for years losing it's timeslot. Bobby helped him here though. Gene enjoyed the freedom of letting his words touch everyone and performed well, and Flair simply had the crowd in the palm of his hand the whole time. His performance was incredible. Some felt the segment ran a little too short, as these two could have talked for the full hour and a half about the name they made for themselves at 6:05 on TBS. Rating: B</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Terry Gordy vs. “All-American” Ron Simmons Mike suggests that this match was coined because of the name that Ron Simmons has made in his past on this show, but who cares about that because it is a serious brawl that the fans eat up with a spoon. Ron and Terry throw wild punches at one another, and about partway into the match “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff comes out of the back. He does not advance to the ring, only watching, as Simmons starts gaining momentum with three-quarter-point stance shoulder blocks, followed by a hard driving spinebuster to score the victory. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 9:37 Rating: B-</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Kingus Interruptus The show is interrupted by a broadcast from the Kings of Wrestling, as “Hot Rod” Roddy Piper and “Macho Man” Randy Savage are shown in comments. Piper laughs that thanks to them, the man who made Saturday Night turn into the huge success that led to Monday Nitro wasn't available to be here – and that's Hogan. Piper and Savage say that Hollywood was a little too big for his britches, but that he'll know where his bread is buttered by the time he comes back. But, as Savage says, there's a new man of mania running around, but once he gets his hands on Brian Pillman, Elizabeth will find out she should have just stayed at home, yeah! Piper says that no more WCW Saturday Night is just proof of how the Kings of Wrestling have taken WCW and made it into a company that they can almost be proud of working for, but it still isn't enough. They have to mold it into a place that respects those who have made it – and until they get that respect from everyone, they will continue to paint “KoW” along the walls and keep beating down the wrestlers until they're satisfied. <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: B+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Owen Hart w/Bobby Heenan vs. Diamond Dallas Page Owen takes full advantage of Page's few weeks off of active wrestling, like only a Hart can. He takes Dallas down with a swift assault, showing why he is a junior Horseman. But luck does not go his way, as Dallas falls out of the way of a missile dropkick. A discus clothesline connects on Owen, but only gets a two count. Hart tries to fight back, but he falls prey to the Diamond Cutter, and the three count is academic. After the match, Dallas gets on a microphone and says that he is back, and without his wife to look out for, he should be better than before; however, there's one thing left to do, and that's make the guy pay for causing him this misery. And that's “Scum Hall”! But, he says, that's for another day. DDP talks about how thanks to WCW Saturday Night, he made a name for himself, and seeing it go really tugs at his heartstrings. But he tells everyone to keep watching WCW because it's the only place where you can see people feel the bang! <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 11:44 Notes: Page really worked the crowd well in the post-match promo, the fans eating his story up. Ratings: B+ / B+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Fond Memories Before the main event, Tony, Jesse, and Mike are joined by Gene. The four of them discuss memories they have made from throughout their time on WCW Saturday Night, before saying that Saturday Night may come back in the future; but as for now, Monday Nitro and Worldwide are still alive. Also, WCW Pro is becoming WCW Prime, which will take the position of Saturday Night as your place for more of the best wrestling action! <div style="text-align:right;">Rating: C+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Steel Cage Match The Road Warriors vs. “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson w/Bobby Heenan Tony says that this cage match harkens back to even before WCW Saturday Night, to when it was just a shown known as World Championship Wrestling in the late 80s, and the brutality of the bout reflects that. Animal and Hawk throw around their Horsemen opponents from pillar to post in this one, Flair and Anderson having few chances to really make their mark on the face painted duo. “The Enforcer” finds some wiggle room by reversing an irish whip and sending Animal into the cage wall, Jesse saying who cares if there's blood tonight, this show is off the air tomorrow anyways! There isn't any blood, but it's a nice sentiment. The Horsemen work over Animal's powerful legs, but Hawk gets tagged in and it's back to square one. “The Brain” is the deciding factor though, as he slips something in to Flair – it's powder! He throws it into the eyes of Hawk, before slamming his head into the steel cage. Anderson hits a DDT on Hawk, and then fights with Animal as Ric rolls Hawk up, places his feet on the ropes, and wins via the most tainted victory he could – as only “The Nature Boy” can. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 16:34 Rating: B+</div></div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">A Farewell to Saturday Night Tony is bummed out because this means the glorious history of this show goes out with a tainted victory, but Jesse says that given the Horsemen ran this show for the longest time, it really is fitting. But the lights go out then – and when they come back on, Sting is in the ring! He stares down Flair, pointing his bat at him, but dropping it in the middle of the ring. The two – as Mike dubs them – “good friends but better enemies” look upon one another for a few respectful moments. But they are interrupted before they could either shake hands or throw punches as another Sting is standing up in the crowd – and it's the one with the World Heavyweight championship! But wait – security are now active, and they are trying to hold back Meng! Ric Flair and the Sting who is inside the ring look at one another, and then look up at the Sting in the crowd. Who is real? Who is not? We can't answer that, but with Meng on a rampage and a stare off between a man representing the Kings of Wrestling, one representing the Four Horsemen, and one Sting, we are all out of time – and thus ends WCW Saturday Night! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: The surprise of Sting showing up was huge to crowds, his performance very good. Rating: C+</div></div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/logo2.jpg -------------------------------------------------</div> So this is the finale for WCW Saturday Night. I tried to keep it about less storyline and more just a celebration of the show's history, but a few storyline elements really needed to appear here and there. In a way I'm upset at losing the show, but it was seriously hurting my company popularity because no matter what I did, I couldn't get it changed to a B show like I wanted. Wrestlers were getting upset at not being on the show, storylines were losing heat because they weren't being continued... ugh. Also, it should help me with keeping things moving now, as I'm doing one A show and two B shows now rather than four shows. Anyways, Hotline is going up later this evening, as I want to give people a little time to read this one. Enjoy!

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WCW '94: War of the Thrones

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