WCW '94: War of the Thrones

crackerjack · April 28, 2016

AHHH WARGAMES AHHH

Seriously, that is a lot of stuff on the line all at the same time. So much so that I fear we may see the conclusion of the KOW, and with it, the conclusion of this diary

I'm keeping a close eye on that Giant guy. Seems to be put over big over the last month. Maybe too big for the KOW?

TheBigBad1013 · April 29, 2016

AHHH WARGAMES AHHH

Seriously, that is a lot of stuff on the line all at the same time. So much so that I fear we may see the conclusion of the KOW, and with it, the conclusion of this diary

That was my thought as well when I read it

Dawn · April 29, 2016

I think the conclusion will be at Starrcade.

Beejus · April 29, 2016

WCW Hotline: May 1996, Week 4

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

WCW Hotline

4th Week of May 1996

Option 1: Great American Bash 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: Great American Bash Control Center!

Magnum TA has announced the next World Heavyweight championship match, and it will see Sting defend his championship against the mysterious man from the Orient, The Great Muta! Also, challenges have been laid out and we hear they have been accepted for matches featuring Ron Simmons against “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and also the Steiner Brothers against Jeff Jarrett and California Kip! And here is the biggest news, fans; “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair will go one-on-one against Steve Austin! Call your cable company now for the Father's Day extravaganza, the Great American Bash!

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

This week's Nitro will have the focus put squarely on Randy Savage and Brian Pillman. “President Piper” has signed a match between the two where they must find tag team partners. “The Macho Man” obviously has the KoW behind him, but who can Pillman find? Also, Terry Taylor is said to be on hand to challenge for the World's Television title, and The Giant has said he wants a match against anyone from WCW! After the big announcements last week, who will step up to make their intentions known? Find out this week on WCW Monday Nitro!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

The night after the Samoan Sumo sat on Vinnie Vegas at In Your House to retain the so-called World title, Owen's brother teams up with the face-painted freak for a jobber squash and the Heartbroke Joke pins Tonto with a kick that wouldn't put out anyone at your local karate dojo! Meanwhile, Nitro are set to change the face of wrestling forever every week, so you better tune into TNT!

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

WCW Prime: C
Tony, Mike, and Sonny discuss what all happened this past week at World War 3 and Nitro (C-) … Chris Jericho successfully defends the TV title over John (Balls) Mahoney (C+) … “Mean” Gene talks to Ted DiBiase with Richard Stevenson, Ultimo Dragon, and CIA, Ted saying that his guys may be bought in just like Annihilator and Psychosis, but they'll defeat Sonny Onoo's hired goons (D+) … Rio the Renegade pins The Falcon (D) … Billy Kidman defeats Tony Anthony (C-) … Larry Zbyszko and Wrath defeat The Young Pistols (D+) … a video recaps Nitro's closing segment (B-) … Rick Martel defeats Barry Darsow with a fast small package © … The Chain Gang sneak attack Rick Martel and lay him out with a heavy chain (C-)
Note: Gene changes to Old School Face (Wholesome) gimmick, gets B+ rating.

WCW Worldwide: B- The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Ted DiBiase, and Theodore R. Long
The Panel talk about the huge announcements from the end of this past week's Nitro; Tony noting that apparently being in charge of the company didn't afford Roddy Piper a good calender as Bash at the Beach is not on the seventh but the fourteenth. Theodore also notes that commentary on tonight's matches are much better because he had stopped by the Disney/MGM and provided some color along with Tenay and Cappetta (B-) … 2 Cold Scorpio pins The Falcon © … Big Bubba Rogers defeats John Mahoney (D+) … The Panel interviews King Puma, who says that he's going to squash the Dungeon of Doom and Ace Steel (C-) … Juventud Guerrera pins Steve Armstrong (D+) … Lance Storm makes Tony Anthony submit (C+) … The Panel interviews BG and Brad Armstrong, who cut a humorous promo on the “Pancake Stack Stable” (C+) … Eddy Guerrero and Owen Hart defeat Marty Jannetty and Dave Finlay (B) … The Panel are closing off when Brian Pillman and Miss Elizabeth interrupt them, Brian saying that he wants more than just some random tag team matches against Savage – he wants him one-on-one in the ring at Great American Bash! (B+)
Note: Lance has changed to a Wrestling Machine (Legit) gimmick, rating B.

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

After World War 3 ended, the celebration backstage centered on Harley Race saying a few words. He reportedly gave Lex Luger a hug, because he knew that Lex was a little unhappy about being given a big part in the show and then not having won World War 3. He seemed pleased about it. The Giant was complimented for his performance, for working two matches and holding his own very well in both of them; he too seemed pleased. Dustin Rhodes, for working a long match and then holding a huge role in World War 3, was praised for a great performance. He was very happy with this. Sting – the real one this time – lifted the morale of the locker room at Nitro with a video game tournament.

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Nitro this week fell slightly, but still pulled in an awesome 7.67 rating. Especially when compared to Raw and it's paltry 4.64 rating on USA!

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

Ric Flair and Magnum TA made the huge announcement that WarGames will return at Bash at the Beach on July 14, and all the marbles will be on the line! The World title and the WCW Championship Committee will be put up against the dissolution of the Kings of Wrestling – and I can't be more excited! This is WCW's chance to finally defeat the KoW once and for all, and one must wonder when we will start to see teams form for that match.

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

Legendary grappler “Bullet” Bob Armstrong has said that he plans to retire soon from all active competition. Bob is the father to four of WCW's hot young competitors, and he is also currently one half of the Tag Team champions in WCW's child league, the Global Wrestling Federation. In news from across the pond, New-Japan once again put on a match of the year candidate when Mitsuharu Misawa defeated Akira Taue in what some people have rated a ****1/2 bout!

Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog!

Beach time is upon us, so call now to order your very own official WCW licensed beach towel!

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

Thanks for the comments, all those who made it through WW3 and enjoyed Nitro! As for the end, until it happens, I'll never tell! At least, not until it is the end.

Mootinie · April 30, 2016

Champion Sting has a deep voice, short black hair and is in tremendous shape apparently. He can also pull out a B+ match against Meng. The Hogan pick is still a strong one, but surely his voice would have been recognizable after he was misted?

I'm completely befuddled by all this.

The Final Countdown · May 4, 2016

As bummed as I would be to see this end, I know you've said that you have had a specific endpoint in mind all along. With that in mind, I have to think that Bash at the Beach is that endpoint. It makes perfect sense, as despite all of the interesting supporting characters and subplots, at its core this diary has always been about one thing: WCW vs. the Kings of Wrestling. What better way to wrap it up than with a winner take all War Games match, and on the very same PPV it all started no less? When you threw the WCW title itself into the match I had no doubt left. I'm bracing myself for the rapidly approaching ending, even if you aren't going to actually let us know it's the ending just yet!

I've barely had the motivation to work on my own diary, much less read or comment on anyone else's over the last week or so, but allow me to say that World War 3 was fantastic...even if you totally screwed Brian Pillman over, ya jerk!

Beejus · May 6, 2016

WCW Monday Nitro - May 20th, 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 May 20th, 1996 (May week 4) Held at: Manley Field House in Syracuse, New York (Tri-State) Commentary: Tony Schiavone and Jesse “The Body” Ventura Attendance: 10,000 (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! We see what closed the show last week, with WarGames being announced! We also hear Roddy Piper's announcement that he is running WCW, and it closes with the staredown going on between Roddy and Ric Flair, until Sting arrived to glare at both of them! From there, Tony Schiavone, Jesse Ventura, Mike Tenay, and Gene Okerlund welcome us to Monday Nitro! Tony talks about how next week, WCW are letting their wrestlers celebrate Memorial Day, but that is next week – this is tonight, and tonight we have a huge show for everyone! Jesse talks about The Body Shop tonight which will feature Ric Flair and Steve Austin negotiating their match for the Great American Bash. Gene says that he has heard that The Giant's challenge for tonight has been accepted by, against doctor's best advisement, former World champion Ricky Steamboat! Tony also says that on top of that, Brian Pillman and Randy Savage will battle in the main event in a tag team match, and Dustin Rhodes competes for Lord Steven Regal's United States championship! Don't touch that dial fans, because all the action is right here for the next two hours on Nitro! <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;">Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Mike Enos Mike Enos makes his return to nationwide television here tonight, and he looks pretty confident to be facing such a small opponent in the potential Cruiserweight title contender Mysterio. Mike Tenay sits in on this match and really talks about how much Rey Mysterio deserves to get the World Cruiserweight title shot. Enos goes to work on Rey with a lot of power moves and clubbing blows in order to slow the match down to his level, but once Mysterio starts getting the crowd into the bout and speeds up the tempo, it is completely out of Mike's domain. Rey finishes this match off with a springboard hurricanrana pin. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 7:09 Notes: Enos seemed thrown off his game in front of the live crowd. 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;">Questioning the Commissioner Magnum TA is backstage in his office, and he appears to have two angry visitors on hand: Lord Steven Regal along with Sir Tyler Karlet, and the United States champion is making quite a scene. He is saying that he should not have to defend his title tonight, as Dustin Rhodes has not earned a shot at the US championship; he's been competing in the World title level, and therefore should have to qualify into the rankings for the United States title. Karlet glares from behind Regal's shoulder, but Magnum is undeterred. He tells Regal that Dustin competing in the World Heavyweight ranks is exactly why he's allowed to go straight after the US belt, because he was on that higher level. Regal starts to question Magnum's friendship with Dustin as the real reason, however Magnum appeases Regal though when he tells him that the match is good for “his Lordship” as well. “Just think of how far up the rankings you can go by defeating one of the hottest young talents in wrestling, the former World champion!” Regal starts thinking about such dreams of grandeur, but Magnum quickly brings him back down to Earth by adding that he is currently in the process of drawing up the paperwork for that match Steven agreed to last week against Billy Kidman. Magnum points out Billy's big victory this past weekend, as Steven sneers. He asks Regal make the date, but “his Lordship” quickly excuses himself, saying he has a match to go get ready for. “I'm a champion, I need to be ready to defend my title tonight! I can't stand here lollygagging about with retired, corporate cowboys trying to besmirch my time!” Magnum smiles as Regal and Karlet leave, could Regal have bitten off a little more than he can chew with all of his overconfidence? <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Karlet seemed out of his depth in front of the far more charismatic members of this segment. 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;">Pillmaniacs United “Mean” Gene comes out and tells fans about how there is a former WCW star who is getting his big chance in the WWF very soon, and if you want to know who it is before anyone else, you need to call 1-900-909-9900 right now! Kids, get your parent's permission before calling. He then brings out his guest at this time, “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman, and Brian says that it sounds like all of Syracuse's Pillmaniacs have turned out in droves! Gene says that he didn't get a chance to talk to him last week, so while he has him here Gene asks Brian about World War 3, and Pillman laughs. He says that Barry Windham pulled a fast one on everyone, but he's never been the type to come out here and whine and cry – he'll get even on the day that Barry agrees to sign on the dotted line for a match. Okerlund changes the topic then to tonight, saying that first he challenged Randy Savage to a match at the Great American Bash last night, but tonight he has him in the ring in a mystery partner tag team match. Gene fills in Brian by saying that apparently, Savage has chosen a member of not only the Kings of Wrestling but a member of The Chain Gang in “The Smasher” Barry Darsow. Brian says that is just perfect, because he had a partner all lined up who he saw just last weekend proved he was the better man over Darsow! Brian brings out his partner for tonight, Rick Martel! The two shake hands, and Brian says that Martel knows all about being a part of a force stronger than one's self! And now, when Rick joins forces with the forces of Pillmania, there can be no stopping them! Rick says that he's in WCW to make a difference, and that difference will be made against the Kings of Wrestling right here tonight! Gene wishes them the best in their match as they shake hands. <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Martel was a rather underwhelming guest, but Brian improvised well. 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 World Television Championship “Lionheart” Chris Jericho w/The Warlord vs. Terry Taylor The match is all set to start, but Jericho stops to go outside and get a microphone from Gary Cappetta. Chris says that he is out for fame and fortune, and there's only one way to show that one has fame and fortune: trophies. Jericho says that he has one trophy, the championship of all the world's Television. But he wants another right here tonight: and that's Terry Taylor's WCW career! He says that he'll leave right now and call the match off, unless Terry agrees to put his career on the line against the title! Taylor, who Tony notes has been very off as of late and really needs a shot in the arm to get back in the game, is ready for any chance, so he takes the deal! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Jericho really came across well here, and his excellent chemistry with The Warlord was evident. Taylor underperformed though. Rating: D</div> WCW World Television Championship vs. WCW Career “Lionheart” Chris Jericho w/The Warlord vs. Terry Taylor Now that the match has bigger stakes, “Lionheart” is all over this match! He attacks Taylor with a slew of high impact moves, but it's 1986 all over again as Terry fights back with dropkicks! He even hits the Fivearm, but Jericho falls too close to the ropes and saves himself and his title by putting his foot over the bottom rope. A look of frustration grows on Terry's face, and that look continues until the point that Jericho dodges a dropkick and hits a springboard dropkick of his own. Taylor isn't as lucky to fall near the ropes, he drops into the center of the ring, and Chris locks him into the Liontamer. Taylor struggles with it to get the ropes or reverse it as best as he can, but it is eventually to no avail, as the pain forces him to submit the match, his title opportunity, and his WCW career. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 7:52 Notes: Jericho really came out of this match looking good. 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;">President Piper Lays Down Rules of Engagement “Hot Rod” Roddy Piper comes out to the aisle, and he's practically dragging “Mean” Gene along with him! Gene is completely disheveled, but he quickly watches his tone when Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Barry Windham, and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff join the scene. “President Piper” says that a lot of people have been talking about Great American Bash and then Bash at the Beach and WarGames. Piper says that the most important question is who will be in the WarGames for the Kings of Wrestling. Roddy says that he feels there's been no surprise better than the KoW, and so he isn't going to announce anything this far away! Gene gets smarmy and says that's no shock, but Savage pulls Gene's hand over to himself. He says that Bash at the Beach is too far away to care about, what's important is the here and now! He says that he doesn't know who snitched out to “Scheme Gene” that he was choosing Barry Darsow, but says that once Brian Pillman chose Martel, Barry volunteered. He says that if Brian wants another match at the Great American Bash, Savage will be happy to take him back down a notch all over again! Piper steps in then, and he says that he's signed himself a very special match for the Bash: it will be “Macho Man” Randy Savage against “The Cap Gun” Brian Pillman, and it will be in the one type of match that should let these two “nutsos” beat one another up all they want: a last man standing match! Savage then talks about another big match he's set up, at the request of his “good, close, personal, lifetime long friend Paul Orndorff!” He says that at the Bash, Ron Simmons will have to man up and step in the ring with “Mr. Wonderful” once and for all. Piper closes the segment by saying that “These are the facts in black and white, and if you don't like 'em? We don't care!” <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: A good segment all-around; Piper improvised well, Savage performed well off-script, and Gene really played well off of the big, bad heels. 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/Sir Tyler Karlet vs. “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes Lord Regal is ready to go in this one, seeming to really have the earlier words of Magnum TA on his mind. Jesse points out that Regal actually holds a big victory over Dustin from “about last year sometime” the last time that the two men were in the ring, one on one with each other. Tony dismisses that however, saying that “The Natural” has grown up a lot over that past year. “His Lordship” does a great job of weathering Dustin's early storm, and he holds him down in the middle portion of the match. After Karlet makes a nuisance of himself by tripping Rhodes as he ran the ropes, Billy Kidman appears and hits Sir Tyler with a bodypress from the apron to take him out of the match! After Karlet is out of the match, Dustin gains ground in the match. The crowd urge him on to capture the title from the Englishman, and he hits the running bulldog! It all looks over! That is, until Barry Windham pulls Rhodes out of the ring, and he lays big right hands into “The Natural”! Randy Anderson is forced to call for the bell, awarding the match to Dustin but the title staying with Regal. “His Lordship” quickly takes the hint, taking his title and getting out of there, as Windham drives Rhodes's head into the ringpost! He fires Dustin into the ring, and then goes under the ring apron to pull out a bullrope! The man from Sweetwater, Texas whips the man from Austin, Texas with the coarse, thick rope. Officials come out to try and stop him, but Barry shoves them all aside before looping it around Dustin's neck and throwing him over the top rope! He's literally hanging Dustin! Finally a slew of wrestlers, including Kidman, the Young Pistols, Bobby Eaton, Marty Jannetty, and Scorpio, all manage to come to the ring and stop this madness! The crowd boo loudly as Windham leaves with a huge smile on his face. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 11:45 Ratings: 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 fireworks go off again and Tony Schiavone is alone as we begin hour two. He says that Jesse Ventura is in the ring awaiting his guests at this time for The Body Shop, but urges fans that they need to stick around long past that as tonight we will see Randy Savage and Barry Darsow team up to take on Rick Martel and Brian Pillman in our main event! <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;">The Body Shop Jesse Ventura is in the ring to host an edition of The Body Shop, and he wastes little time in introducing his guests, Steve Austin and then “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! He tells the two that we are just here to talk, so no no violence tonight will be allowed by the powers that be in the company – and if they don't listen to that, they will lose their match and be suspended until further notice. Flair doesn't come out alone however, as he brings along the rest of the Four Horsemen as his own backup. Eddy Guerrero gets into Austin's face right away, holding up the four fingers in his face, but he backs away when Austin makes a move toward him – Austin holding up one finger in Guerrero's face. When we get down to business, Jesse says that we are here to discuss the “rules of engagement” between the two men for their match at the Great American Bash. Jesse also brings up Bash at the Beach, saying that both of these men have put their names at the top of the list of potential WCW stars looking to enter WarGames, so after they do battle in June, they may be on the same team in July! Flair says that he's gonna be glad to get Austin out of his way so he can focus completely on the Kings of Wrestling. Austin doesn't even talk about WarGames yet, as he says that he only wants three things for June 16th: a case of beer, a Father's Day card from his daughters, and a chunk of horse meat from Ric Flair's ass! Flair retorts by saying that Austin better believe that two out of three ain't bad, because there is no way someone “of your caliber” can take down “The Nature Boy”! Steve says that if Flair is so overconfident in putting Austin “out of the way” then maybe he can try and do this on his own, without the Horsemen at his beck and call. “If you think your many title reigns and years of bragging around with your buddies puts you so far ahead of me, then we get an exhibition of practice for WarGames by putting all the Kings and Horsemen on the outside of a thirty foot high steel cage!” Ric replies with a loud “Wooo!” before saying that Austin might have a point – if the only way to shut him up and prove that he should go “back down to the kiddie table where you belong” is inside a cage? Then he'll do it! “WOOOO!” It looks like our match is set for June 16th at the Great American Bash! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Flair came across well here, his mastery of manipulating the crowd on full display. However Austin oddly seemed to struggle, and Eddy jumping around took away from seriousness of the segment. 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;">Feeling the Heat “Mean” Gene is backstage now alongside four men who previously would have been on the same side, but now have security standing on hand to make sure this doesn't erupt into a brawl: Johnny B. Badd and Alex Wright on one side and Harlem Heat on the other. Gene says that he wants to find out just what happened here as of late between the team, and Badd jumps in front of Booker to answer. He says that Booker and Stevie have “lost the message” blaming them for the team's misfortunes. He talks about how he put these men together to prove that it isn't all about the Kings of Wrestling or Four Horsemen or any of them, it's about who's the most talented – but apparently the only talents he should have bothered with have always been the best, he and Alex! Stevie finally moves in and shoves Johnny away, telling him that “fruit booties like you need'a shut yo' holes and listen up!” Booker tells everyone to check the record books; the past few months, it's been Harlem Heat picking up all the wins, while Badd and Wright drag them down by sucking up the ring! He says that they only agreed to team up with them because they thought he had a plan, but it looks like his plan was just to use he, his brother, and “this little punk white boy” to keep himself in the public eye! Gene then drops a bombshell on all four of them, by informing them that the two teams will meet in the ring on June 3rd for the next episode of Monday Nitro, and the winners of that bout will go on to the Great American Bash to wrestle for the World Tag Team championships! Badd and Wright say that this is finally their chance to prove how far their talent can get them, but the Heat warn them that they better get out of the kitchen, because no way can they take the Heat! <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;">Legal Battles in the Ring When we come back to the arena, we see Diamond Dallas Page in the ring. Page looks like he hasn't slept in a few days, and he has a stack of papers in his hand. He immediately calls attention to them, saying that unfortunately, these are the papers that he was served this past week by Kimberly, looking for a divorce. He says that he knows all about how their relationship must have just fallen apart thanks to Scott Hall, but that he was hoping they could keep it amicable as best as possible – but this? Alimony? Spousal support? Until she and her lawyers were all done, they wanted all of Dallas's wrestling wages for the rest of his life! Page says that he has no reason to ever sign anything like this, and if they think he will, he's crazy! This brings out Dallas's estranged wife, Kimberly, along with Scott Hall. Kim yells at Page from off-microphone, as Scott does the talking. He says that he honestly doesn't care whether he signs them or not, because like it or not, even if they get the divorce, Kim has been paying him out of the money Dallas earns anyways because she still is listed in his contract as his manager! Scott says that's why he hasn't gone all out to take Dallas out of wrestling for her, because as long as Page is making money, Kim and Hall are making money! Dallas comes up with an idea then, and he makes a challenge: that we take these papers and hang them up, and if Hall gets them first, he'll sign them and he'll keep getting paid for as long as Dallas lives, whether he wrestles or not. But if DDP gets them, then Kim will never make a single dime off of him ever again! Kim grabs the microphone and agrees to the match before Hall says a word, and while that doesn't seem to sit well with him for a moment, she whispers something to him, and then he agrees. It looks like we have another match for the Bash! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Hall had a superb performance here, but Dallas just didn't do well off-script. 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 Giant w/Woman vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat “The Dragon” draws a big cheer from the crowd as always, as he goes toe-to-toe with the man who nearly put him on the shelf, The Giant. However, this is one angry Giant, who has been out to prove himself all again. Ricky is one of the smartest, wiliest veterans we've ever seen in WCW though, and he goes about just staying away from The Giant. He uses his speed and smarts to lengthen the match as best as he can, running Giant around in attempt to wear him out. But whereas that is oftentimes the best tactic for a large wrestler, there is a lot of difference between your average big man and The Giant. He does wear down slowly, but Ricky is never able to completely take The Giant down – and when Giant catches Steamboat coming off the top rope, he plants him with a Chokeslam in order to score quite possibly the biggest victory of his young career. “Mean” Gene meets up with The Giant and Woman at the top of the aisle, and they are joined by Vader. Gene asks them about the potential to take on either Johnny B. Badd and Alex Wright or Harlem Heat at the Great American Bash. Giant screams that it doesn't matter who it is, they will fall to the Chokeslam! Vader says that all teams are beneath the Kings' Monsters, and all wrestlers need to remember is that it will continue to be Vader time! Giant says that it's time to show how dominant The Giant is, and when those two things meet, no man, woman, child, or team can stop them! Vader glares angrily, but it's likely just something that a person said in the crowd. <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 14:04 Notes: Woman did good work at ringside, and then her excellent chemistry when paired with Vader was shown off in the post-match interview. Ratings: 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;">Hype Central Coming up this week on WCW Prime, California Kip and Jeff Jarrett are in action! June 3rd on Nitro, Lex Luger will be on hand, and The Great Muta will be in action! <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;">“Macho Man” Randy Savage and “The Smasher” Barry Darsow w/Woman and Harley Race vs. “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman and Rick Martel w/Miss Elizabeth It's main event time, and what a main event it is! Savage and Pillman need broken up even before the match can get started legitimately. Darsow holds his own by using his strength to overpower both Rick and Brian, but they come together to knock him out of the ring with a double dropkick. However, Savage charges them with a double clothesline to bring it back to the KoW side. Martel ends up eating canvas when Randy ducks a crossbody attempt. From there it is all KoW, but it is very blatant that Savage and Darsow are not the well-oiled machine that the Chain Gang are. And it's that unfamiliarity in teaming that leads to their downfall, as the two run into one another as Barry was holding Martel in place for a Savage running knee! Martel makes his way over to tag in Pillman, and the Pillmaniacs go crazy! “The Loose Cannon” runs wild on Savage and Darsow, hitting them with punches, dropkicks, and body slams. He and Martel whip the Kings into one another, and Brian delivers the ten punches in the corner on Darsow. When Randy comes after him, Brian leaps backwards and clasps his head, driving him down with a variation of his Loaded Gun DDT! Martel keeps Barry from getting involved as Pillman floats over, and he picks up a huge victory over “The Macho Man” just a few weeks away from their match at the Bash! <div style="text-align:right;">Match Time: 16:28 Notes: Harley did some good work at ringside, however Savage and Barry just don't work well as a team. 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 Kings of Wrestling Have a Few Words for WCW Irritated about what just transpired, Roddy Piper comes out to the ring, and he's flanked by The Sting Army! The four masked men stand silently behind Piper, the one holding the World Heavyweight championship with a tint of yellow still adorning his mask after World War 3. “President Piper” says that in a way, he's very glad to see World Championship Wrestling do what they can to come together finally – because then it will be all the more disheartening when their heroes fail them and Piper gains full control over WCW at Bash at the Beach! Roddy says that while yeah, he's focusing on the Great American Bash as much as he needs to, but Bash at the Beach will be his crowning achievement in all of his career in wrestling, even moreso than driving Hulk Hogan out of WCW back at Starrcade. He talks about how this man, this real Sting standing behind him, will have his spot filled in the WarGames match, as the World champion will definitely be in the match. Piper probably could have kept talking forever, but he is interrupted by a spotlight pointing up into the rafters… http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/sting3.jpg It's Sting! Is that the real Sting up there? It almost has to be… right?! But just as Piper is telling everyone to just ignore what's going on up there, he's joined by someone else from the darkness of the building… http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/sting3.jpghttp://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/greatmuta.jpg It's Muta! The Great Muta has joined Sting in the rafters! Piper is hot now, and he says that this plot by WCW will not go unpunished! He says that if Muta wants to show up in the arena, then he'll have to earn his spot at the Bash right here on the next Monday Nitro! But neither Sting nor Muta show any emotion, as they silently watch on at the men in the ring. Finally, Tony says that unfortunately we are all out of time, so tune in this weekend to see what else may be coming, have a happy Memorial Day next week and we will see you on June 3rd for the next episode of Monday Nitro! <div style="text-align:right;">Notes: Muta came off very underwhelming. Rating: B+</div></div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/logo2.jpg -------------------------------------------------</div> Thanks for the comments, I'm glad that even with TEW16 getting it's own foothold people are still dropping back here to see how the War is going! I'll try to go more in-depth with comments tomorrow when I post the Hotline/Month Close posts, but for now just enjoy this Nitro! Oh, and all the stuff on this show about it skipping a week is because I couldn't find a way for the dates to work out when putting TEW calender into standard calender. So my wrestlers got a fake week off! Yay! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Dawn · May 6, 2016

What an absolutely delicious Main Event. It is just a stroke of genius.

Beejus · May 7, 2016

In the World: May 1996 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Company Name: World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Owner: Ted Turner Booker: Eric Bischoff/Harley Race Size: International Prestige: 100 Momentum: 84 Ranking: 1st TV Shows: WCW Monday Nitro; 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 World War 3 1996, held Sunday, Week 2 Rating: B+ PPV Buyrate: 5.71 Main Event and Match of the Night: Ric Flair win World War 3 battle royal (86) Workers Debuted: Nikita Koloff. Workers Re-signed: Tony Schiavone. Contracts Expired: Nikita Koloff (one show deal). Loan periods ended: Doug Basham; Shane Helms; Lizmark; John Mahoney. </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> Company Name: World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Owner: Vince McMahon Booker: Vince McMahon Size: National Prestige: 89 Momentum: 81 Ranking: 2nd TV Shows: WWF Monday Night Raw; WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event PPV Coverage: USA Titles WWF World Heavyweight Champion: Yokozuna (held since May Week 1, 1996) 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 (May), held Saturday, Week 2 Rating: B- PPV Buyrate: 1.82 Main Event: Yokozuna defeated Diesel to retain the WWF World Heavyweight title (71) Match of the Night: The Ultimate Warrior defeated Tatanka (80) Workers Debuted: None. Workers Re-signed: George South; Mo. Contracts Expired: None.</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> 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 Wrestling Dontaku, held Wednesday Week 1 Rating: B+ PPV Buyrate: 1.26 Main Event: Akira Taue defeated Jushin Liger to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight title (84) Match of the Night: Riki Choshu defeated Masahiro Chono (88) Workers Debuted: None. Workers Re-signed: None. Contracts Expired: Norio Honaga; Michiyoshi Ohara</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> Company Name: All Japan Pro-Wrestling (AJPW) Owner: Giant Baba Booker: Vacant Position Size: Cult Prestige: 79 Momentum: 61 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: Shoichi Funaki (held since May Week 1, 1996) 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 Claws of the Eagle II, held Saturday Week 1 Rating: B PPV Buyrate: 0.21 Main Event and Matches of the Night: Johnny Ace went to a time limit draw with Kenta Kobashi (80) Workers Debuted: None. Workers Re-signed: Akira Fukuzawa. Contracts Expired: None.</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> Company Name: Smokey Mountain Wrestling (SMW) Owner: Jim Cornette Booker: Jim Cornette Size: Regional Prestige: 41 Momentum: 66 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 Volunteer Slam V; held Saturday, Week 3 Rating: C+ Main Event and Match of the Night: Bull Pain defeated Greg Valentine to retain the SMW Heavyweight championship (71) Workers Debuted: None. Workers Re-signed: None. Contracts Expired: None.</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> 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 #1 (held since May Week 2, 1996) ECW World Tag Team Champions: The New Legends (JT Smith & Damien Stone) (held since January Week 4, 1996) Event: ECW Wrestlepalooza 1996; held Sunday Week 1 Rating: B- Main Event and Match of the Night: The Sandman and Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer and Johnny Grunge (77) Workers Debuted: None. Workers Re-signed: Peaches. Contracts Expired: None.</div></blockquote> Company News Rise/Fall: AJPW fall to cult. New Companies: Empire Wrestling Federation. Out of business: None. New Workers: Adam Pearce; Hideki Nishida; Jody Fleisch; Chad Patton; 2 Tuff Tony; Kunikiho Ippitsusai (Japanese manager); Thomas Michaels (Lord Alfred Hayes regen); Arnold McKean (American announcer); Esteban Molina (Mexican announcer). Worker Retirements: None. Worker Deaths: None.

Beejus · May 7, 2016

WCW Hotline: June 1996, Week 1 <div style="text-align:center;">http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u628/beejus1/wcw-95/hotline.jpg WCW Hotline 1st Week of June 1996 Option 1: Great American Bash 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!</div> Option 1: Great American Bash Control Center! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This week, we learned a few different matches that will take place on Father's Day at the Greensboro Coliseum. Possibly most important is what we understand may be hailed as the main event of the show: a steel cage match between “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair against Steve Austin! Also, a last man standing match as “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman takes on “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Along with the Alimony Match as Scott Hall defends his concubine from Diamond Dallas Page, Ron Simmons faces off with “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, and the Steiner Brothers square off against Jeff Jarrett and California Kip! The card looks like it could be the perfect Father's Day present, so make Dad happy by ordering him The Great American Bash! </div></blockquote> Option 2: Announced for this week’s WCW Monday Nitro! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Roddy Piper will be in the arena, and he says that he has something to say about Sting! The Giant wants another sacrifice! The Great Muta will be in action against what Piper has called “one of the KoW's best and brightest”! Johnny B. Badd and Alex Wright take on their former comrades Harlem Heat to determine the next contenders for the Kings' Monsters! Also, “The Total Package” Lex Luger will be on Nitro for the first time since World War 3, and we're sure he will have something to say about WarGames! All this and much more live on TNT! </div></blockquote> Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Here's a good one for you, fans. The WWF apparently just loves picking up our discarded scraps, as already evidenced by the huge push they've been giving Terra Ryzing over there. He is currently in a feud with the not-so-Great Kokina, and he lost to him by DQ in the main event of Raw. Pffft, the guy never made it in WCW, he'll never make it anywhere. Owen's brother was the star of the show anyways, and he got beaten by the corpse of Mean Mark. But the original point I was getting at is that they have inked a contract with another of our castaways, Marcus Bagwell. Good luck dealing with that headache, guys; and maybe in a year or two when Vince realizes he's lost this war, he'll get a job picking up all of our trash at the Turner office building! </div></blockquote> Option 4: Last weekend’s WCW Disney/MGM taping results! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WCW Prime: C Dave Finlay pins Tony Anthony © … Wrath pins David Cash © … Post-match, Tammy Lynn comes out and starts telling Wrath off for attacking Chris Candido at World War 3. But as he's distracted at her words, Candido hits the ring from behind with a chopblock! He stomps on Wrath and locks in a figure four leglock until security pull him away (D) … Nitro recap video: Roddy Piper and the Sting Army are in the ring when Sting and The Great Muta appear in the rafters and stare down at them (B-) … Lord Steven Regal joins commentary for the next match to briefly replace Sonny, talking down on Billy Kidman (C-) … Billy Kidman pins Sir Tyler Karlet with a small package (D-) … Lord Regal and Karlet attack Kidman after the match (D) … California Kip and Jeff Jarrett defeat The Falcon and Shawn Stasiak when Kip pins Stasiak with a piledriver © … Chris Jericho interrupts the commentators to say that he wants some more trophies to add to his collection; he already has the TV title and Terry Taylor's career, and he figures after he defeats Tracy Smothers tonight, he'll take his cowboy hat (C+) … Chris Jericho defeats Tracy Smothers in the Liontamer to retain the Television title © … Victorious, Chris Jericho takes Tracy's hat like he said he would, and poses wearing it in the ring (C+) WCW Worldwide: B- The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Ted DiBiase, and Theodore R. Long The Panel welcomes everyone to this week's Worldwide, talking immediately about Roddy Piper and champion Sting being looked down upon by Sting and Great Muta, which we will see later. Teddy Long talks again about bringing class to the announcing by sitting in at the taping with Tenay and Cappetta (B-) … 2 Cold Scorpio pins David Cash (C+) … Nitro recap video: Brian Pillman and Rick Martel defeated Randy Savage and Barry Darsow (B-) … The Panel interviews the Vyle Brothers, who say they will accept the Chain Gang's challenge, but when they do Devon wants to get Harley Race in the ring! © … Nuevo Gringos Locos defeat The Young Pistols ((D) … In some backlot somewhere, Arkane returns to our screen to mug some poor woman's purse. When King Puma arrives on the scene, however, the lady turns out to have been Nurse Ana R. Key all along, and she pepper sprays Puma, leading into a vicious attack from the Dungeon of Doom! Arkane says that Puma will have to take them all on at once if he wants to ever do away with the Dungeon! The sound of the police arriving chases the Dungeon away (E) … Big Bubba Rogers pins Shawn Stasiak (C-) … Nitro video recap: Roddy Piper and the Sting Army close out Nitro, but don't expect to get stared down by The Great Muta and Sting from the rafters! (B-) … The Panel interview Chris Candido and Tammy Lynn, Candido saying that he may not have won World War 3, but Wrath and Zbyszko will pay for costing him his shot (C-) … Coming this week on Nitro: “President Piper” has a word about Sting, Harlem Heat takes on Johnny B. Badd and Alex Wright, The Giant has another challenge out, and Lex Luger will be on hand (C+) … Randy Savage pins Disco Inferno (B-) … Randy Savage and Woman cut a promo on Brian Pillman and Elizabeth, saying that he wants him at the Great American Bash! (B) </div></blockquote> Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WCW have begun two more working agreements with small promotions, this time the Empire Wrestling Federation from California and Southern States Wrestling from Tennessee. It's reported that this came about because APW felt there were too many workers being traded as of late, so WCW needed to find another few companies to deal with. You'd think they would be happy to get to use our superstars on their shows, as well as get their stars the national exposure that WCW provides! So as regards to Terry Taylor: he is not retired from wrestling, nor is he actually “leaving” WCW right now. But he has gone down to GWF to help train some of the younger, future stars. However, his contract expires in July, and it will be up to his performance there as to whether it gets renewed or not. Apparently Jeff Jarrrett was held up before our Disney taping this past Friday, as he missed a scheduled meeting with some WCW officials. Harley Race is said to have told him that he won't be taken off TV right now – mostly due to his current storyline – but that if it happens again, he'll be out of here. As of this point, it seems that was the reason that Kip got the pinfall in their tag match during Prime. Speaking of California Kip, it appears that he has decided to put on some more muscle lately, and is now classed as a Big Heavyweight. We will see if this change works out for him! </div></blockquote> Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Huge 7.83 rating on TNT for Monday Nitro! Raw on USA gains only a meager 4.40. Is it even worth commenting on by this point? </div></blockquote> Option 7: Tony Schiavone’s moment of the week! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What was The Great Muta doing in the rafters along with Sting? Have the two formed a pact to rid WCW of the Sting Army and Kings of Wrestling? There is a lot more to this story than meets the eye, and we all want answers! This is why Monday Nitro is the hottest wrestling show in the world! </div></blockquote> Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Huge news as Giant Baba steps down as head booker of All-Japan! He is apparently looking to get some fresh, new head writer in charge to take AJPW to the next levels. Also, you heard on Option 5 that California Kip has decided to get bigger, but in NJPW it appears Davey Boy Smith has done the same – though his raise in size is under a little more scrutiny as to how he accomplished it. </div></blockquote> Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>WCW Uncensored releases this month on VHS! Relive the most unpredictable show you've ever seen as Dustin Rhodes battles Randy Savage inside a fifteen foot high steel cage! Order now and get 10% off! </div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">---------------------------------------------------------------</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="SkipMartin" data-cite="SkipMartin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Excellent show as always. Even more impressed you managed to write up WW3 in a coherent way.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheBigBad1011" data-cite="TheBigBad1011" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So much this!!! I always find it damn near impossible to write those huge matches but Beejus pulls it off in style every time. I'm also thrilled to see that I actually managed to call Flair winning WW3! Although I wasn't even close to calling The Giant as the other finalist, but one out of two ain't bad. Also, I never in a million years would have called Lance Storm as Rey's partner, but what an incredibly talented team! Like I always say; keep doing your thing, Beejus, because your stuff is just so consistently awesome.</div></blockquote> Thanks guys! WW3 is a pain, and as Mootinie made sure I knew, it was very long to read <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> For clarification, I'm not planning to use Rey and Storm as a full-time team; but with Lance on the search for respect as of late, him coming to the aid of someone seemed like a good time to turn him. Maybe I can find a little position for him, given the HUGE number of heels I have compared to faces. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Anderz" data-cite="Anderz" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Oh hell this is non-stop! WARGAMES!?!? - everything on the line, and will we finally find out who the hell "Sting" is? Who's side is Sting on? This is truly one of the best things I've ever read; I'm hooked again.</div></blockquote> Always glad to see you back around again Anderz! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AHHH WARGAMES AHHH Seriously, that is a lot of stuff on the line all at the same time. So much so that I fear we may see the conclusion of the KOW, and with it, the conclusion of this diary I'm keeping a close eye on that Giant guy. Seems to be put over big over the last month. Maybe too big for the KOW?</div></blockquote> The Giant has definitely gotten a huge push, and even on this past Nitro he got a very big win. How far does he go? Find out next week on Nitro! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Champion Sting has a deep voice, short black hair and is in tremendous shape apparently. He can also pull out a B+ match against Meng. The Hogan pick is still a strong one, but surely his voice would have been recognizable after he was misted? I'm completely befuddled by all this.</div></blockquote> That's the plan. I have discovered that it's kinda hard to keep this up for this long without accidentally dropping a hint that would be way too on-the-nose. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've barely had the motivation to work on my own diary, much less read or comment on anyone else's over the last week or so, but allow me to say that World War 3 was fantastic...even if you totally screwed Brian Pillman over, ya jerk! </div></blockquote> Thanks! Yeah, Brian getting screwed over kinda felt like the best way to go. I was completely figuring that people would riot on me if I had him just go out normally <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Barry Windham is a dick! To be honest though, I think I've finally really found myself a niche for Barry. He was up and down as a face, but now he's kinda flourishing. <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>What an absolutely delicious Main Event. It is just a stroke of genius. </div></blockquote> Yes, if anyone is curious about the almost random nature of who was in the main event from last Nitro, it's because Smash had it as one of his prizes. I'd have probably teamed Savage and Adams due to their WWF history, personally <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> So I'll have another Nitro up probably next week sometime, as we keep marching on toward the Bashes! I can't wait!

Hashasheen · May 8, 2016

... Beejus, is it Shawn Michaels playing the role of Sting?

crackerjack · May 8, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>... Beejus, is it Shawn Michaels playing the role of Sting?</div></blockquote> Follow-up question: have Randy Savage and "Sting" been seen in the same room at the same time?

The Final Countdown · May 8, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Follow-up question: have Randy Savage and "Sting" been seen in the same room at the same time?</div></blockquote> I'm pretty sure "Sting's" voice has been referenced in some way. Maybe it was a grunt or an exclamation of pain? Regardless, Savage has probably the most distinctive voice I've ever heard, period, in wrestling or outside of it. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I kind of doubt Beejus would make any reference to his voice if it were Savage.

Beejus · May 8, 2016

I don't know if they've been in the same place at the same time (I kinda think so, though) but both Shawn and Savage's hair are too long. Good calls though.

Dawn · May 8, 2016

Yes, if anyone is curious about the almost random nature of who was in the main event from last Nitro, it's because Smash had it as one of his prizes. I'd have probably teamed Savage and Adams due to their WWF history, personally

''Almost random''? Nonsense! I would have paid millions to watch that beauty!

Beejus · May 15, 2016

WCW Monday Nitro - June 3rd, 1996

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WCW Monday Nitro

June 3rd, 1996 (June week 1)

Held at: Worcester Centrum in Worcester, Massachusettes (New England)

Commentary: Tony Schiavone and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Attendance: 10,000 (sold out!)

Show Runtime: Two Hours

Rating: B

This show increased our popularity in 8 regions, lost us popularity in 16.

Last Time on Monday Nitro!
The show opens with Mike Tenay narrating a video of the closing moments of the previous episode of Nitro. As Roddy Piper and the Sting Army are out to crow about how they hold all of the power, Sting and The Great Muta appeared in the rafters to glare at them! What could this mean for tonight's episode of Nitro, only two weeks away from the Great American Bash?!

Rating: C

Psychosis w/Sonny Onoo vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
We start the show with a match, as two of the most world-renowned cruiserweights in WCW go to war with one another. Mike Tenay is on commentary for this, and he fills in the viewers on all the history that these two have with one another from Mexico. They put on a classic luchadore matchup here as only they can, wowing the crowd with incredible suicide dives and takedowns. Sonny takes photos from ringside, but posing for a photo takes Psychosis's attention off of the ball for a moment, and Mysterio is able to lock in a small package that picks up the victory out of nowhere!

As Onoo and Psychosis leave, Magnum TA steps out from the back. He says that he has been watching Mysterio's performances all this time, and he's been more than impressed. Magnum rambles around while trying to put Rey over a little more, before Rey steps in and says that with all due respect, he knows all about Magnum and what his praise means, but there's only one thing that he and all the fans in the audience want to hear him say, and that's when Rey gets a Cruiserweight title match against Syxx. TA smiles, and says he must be getting a little feeble in his old age; because that's exactly what he came out here for! He says that there will be no more corruption and no more hoops for Rey to jump in: at the Great American Bash, Rey Mysterio Jr. battles Syxx for the Cruiserweight belt!

Match Time: 9:09
Notes: Magnum struggled slightly on his words here, but Rey more than made up for it by working the crowd well. This kid could definitely have a bright future.
Ratings: C / C

Rick Martel vs. “The Beast” Brian Adams w/Harley Race
After the past few shows, it seemed Rick Martel has been having problems with the Chain Gang's “Smasher” Barry Darsow, but tonight he takes on the larger “Beast” in Brian Adams. However, it seems to have been an elaborate trap all along: Barry Darsow enters the ring and attacks Martel, drawing a disqualification. It isn't so bad, until The Giant also enters the ring, and he drills both Martel and then referee Charles Robinson with a series of Chokeslams!

“Hot Rod” Roddy Piper comes out along with Randy Savage, and they direct traffic as Giant and the Chain Gang destroy Martel in the center of the ring. Piper lays the verbal browbeating on Martel, telling him that he's nothing, a nobody in comparison to the Kings of Wrestling, and maybe this will put him back on the bottom where he belongs! Savage puts the exclamation point on with a driving Elbow Drop from the top, before Piper spraypaints “KoW” on Martel's back. Tony talks about how disrespectful this all is, as the KoW leave the ring.

But they don't completely leave the area, as Piper and Giant wait at the entrance aisle to be joined by Vader and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Piper still has the microphone, and he says “Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Monday Nitro, as brought to you by the Kings of Wrestling!” Piper tells everyone that he had a brilliant idea last week while he was sitting at home. He was thinking about how at the Great American Bash, Ric Flair and Steve Austin want to get into a steel cage, and that's fine by him; but then, right after that, they both want to get right back into another cage and fight the KoW! Piper says that something just clicked in his mind, and so he thought of the best main event he could for tonight's Nitro. “Let's just see how well they can get along, as Steve Austin teams up with Ric Flair to take on the World Tag Team champions, the Kings' Monsters!” Piper clarifies, that since it's the first time they've ever teamed up, it won't be for the titles. Giant agrees with this, saying that they don't deserve the shot – but that he wants to get his hands all over Flair for what happened at World War 3. Vader disagrees though, saying that he doesn't care if the belts are on the line or not; because it's Vader time, and he's the man! Woman cradles Vader to stop his glaring at everyone, as Piper ignores both of them, saying that his other announcement is for his “longtime, very best, best good friend Paul here.” Piper says that there will be not only a six-man tag team match tonight where Paul finally can get his hands on Ron Simmons as they team up with Kip and Jeff and “the Steiner Morons” respectively, but also that Paul has asked and been given a one on one match at the Great American Bash against Ron himself! Roddy also mentions Lex Luger, who is in the building tonight; he tells Luger that if he knows what's good for him, he needs to keep his nose out of the KoW's business when he has his interview segment later. Piper says that he would tell the crowd to enjoy the rest of the show, but he really doesn't care – and that's the facts in black and white!

Match Time: 6:42
Notes: Piper and Giant came across well during the attack, while Darsow was very underwhelming. During the post-beatdown promo, Vader's chemistry with Woman was very apparent.
Ratings: C+ / B / B

“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton w/Stan Lane vs. Mike Enos
This is a pretty standard match between two ring veterans that allows Tony and Jesse time to discuss all the big announcements that Piper just made. Rather uneventful, Eaton puts Enos away with the Alabama Jam.

Match Time: 5:28
Notes: Bobby seemed a little off his game tonight, maybe knowing that his match had little consequence tonight.
Rating: C

The Steiner Brothers and “All-American” Ron Simmons vs. California Kip, Jeff Jarrett, and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff w/Woman
Up next is our first hour main event, a huge six man tag team match with big Great American Bash implications. However, as much as what Orndorff seems like he's the one who wants to get into the ring with Simmons every time he opens his mouth, in the ring it's a different story as Paul hides behind his partners when Ron is in the ring. The Steiners draw a huge crowd reaction by throwing the three Kings around with overhead belly to belly suplexes as Ron steps right in with a series of driving spinebusters, but Woman gets on the apron to cause a distraction. As Randy Anderson tells her to get down, Orndorff hits Simmons with a low blow, and Kip hits him with a foreign object from his tights in order to make the very, very contrived successful pin.

Match Time: 8:31
Notes: Kip and Woman showed that they're a good pairing, though Kip is also overshadowed by her presence. The match was felt as being too short and rushed.
Rating: C+

Stepping Up to the Plate
“Mean” Gene is in the ring, and he hypes this week's Hotline, saying that he has someone else from WCW's alumni are identified as signing with the World Wrestling Federation in a scoop you won't want to miss! Gene then brings out his guest at this time, “The Total Package” Lex Luger! Luger says that he's out here to talk about some of the big things that have happened since World War 3. He says that it was a thrill to get Eric Bischoff up in the Rack after all the hell he has put everyone through over the past year or more. However, it appears Roddy Piper had the wool pulled over WCW's eyes, because now he's in charge and making things worse for people than Bischoff did. Luger then turns his attention to what was announced by Ric Flair and Magnum TA: the winner takes all WarGames match at Bash at the Beach. Luger says that he wants to be the first name signed on the list to join the match, and he wants to be the man who forces someone to submit and win the World Heavyweight championship! Gene wishes him the best of luck, saying that there are a lot of people who want in on that WarGames match, but he thinks Magnum TA should earmark Lex Luger at the top of the list.

Notes: Lex really enjoyed being off-script and performed well, while Gene used the freedom to be himself to his advantage. But fans seemed to think the promo could have lasted longer.
Rating: B+

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Welcome to Hour 2!
The Natural's Hunt for Revenge
After the pyro goes off to start hour two officially, Tony and Jesse talk about the blockbuster main event that is going on this evening as Steve Austin must team with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair to take on The Kings' Monsters in non-title action. The question is whether or not Flair and Austin can co-exist when they face one another in a steel cage only two weeks from now at the Great American Bash?!

Tony Schiavone says that he has a big surprise for everyone though, as coming from Austin, Texas, over the phone we have former World Heavyweight champion, “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes! Dustin says that he's been talking pretty raspy since last week, but he is ready to come back to WCW as soon as possible – probably as soon as the Great American Bash! Tony asks what Rhodes has in mind, and Dustin says that he has plenty in mind, and it all has to do with one man: Barry Windham. Dustin questions if Barry ever was the man he claimed to be, but if he is, then he'll answer this challenge. “The Natural” says that if Barry wants to start using bullropes, wants to talk about being from Texas, then why don't they just have a Texas Bullrope match right at the Great American Bash?! The crowd cheers for that, as Tony hopes that he can get a word from Barry about that in the near future!

Notes: Dustin performed some masterful crowd interactions.
Ratings: B- / B

Number One Contenders to the World Tag Team Championships
Johnny B. Badd & “Das Wunderkind” Alex Wright w/Badd Girl vs. Harlem Heat
It's time to see who will go on to the Bash to wrestle for the World Tag Team championships, but it's far more heated than any common number one contender match. Badd and Wright are out to prove themselves, and Harlem Heat are out to show that they weren't just flunkies following Badd around. There is amazing teamwork all throughout this match, and Tony notes the crowd reaction that Booker and Stevie are getting; saying that they were still getting cheers even when they were breaking the rules, and now that they have turned against Badd, the crowd are even more behind them than before. Johnny gets a little too overconfident, and he nails Booker with the Tutti Fruitti Punch – however Booker wasn't the legal man. Stevie hits a Harlem Sidekick on Badd, before taking Wright out with a clubbing forearm to the face. Stevie picks Badd up, and Booker comes to in order to hit the Towering Inferno, and the Heat score the big victory! However, Jesse points out that they're going to need quite the move in order to put away either Vader or The Giant come the Bash.

Match Time: 8:48
Notes: Heat showed great chemistry while Badd and Wright showed their excellent chemistry, while Badd Girl did some good work at ringside.
Rating: C+

Partners Today, Enemies Forever?
“Mean” Gene is backstage, and he looks like a mediator as he stands in between the glaring staredown of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Steve Austin, while the other three Horsemen and Bobby Heenan stand in the background. Gene reiterates what's been said, but Austin points out that as much as he hates this guy's guts and wants to whip his ass all over the building rather than be standing in front of him right now, there's one thing more important than that: how much both of them hate the Kings of Wrestling! Flair says that “It goes like this, Mean Gene!” He says that he and Austin will never like or respect one another, but they have a common enemy when they aren't enemies of each other. Gene stirs the pot, asking if Bobby “The Weasel” has been giving Austin any advice, or has he only advised Flair on ways to hurt his future opponent? Bobby tells him to knock off that “weasel” stuff, and asks if Gene has lost his mind. Flair says that Austin may not be a Horseman, but they are on the same side tonight – and there is a much, much bigger problem to deal with tonight than worrying about the steel cage on the 16th. Austin agrees, saying that they got two big, fat, ugly monsters who need dropped on their heads, and if he has to team up with Flair to do it, then tonight's main event will see two dynasties of pro wrestling join together, and they will whip ass together tonight and then whip ass on one another in two weeks, and then whip ass together at Bash at the Beach! Flair adds a “Wooo!” as Gene says that it looks like these two men are on the same page – as long as that holds out until later tonight.

Notes: Gene performed some masterful crowd interaction here. The consensus is that Austin is seeming a little stale.
Rating: B+

A Look at “The Macho Man”
We are joined in the ring by “Macho Man” Randy Savage, along with Woman, with a microphone. He talks about how WCW have done a good job at keeping he and Brian Pillman mostly separate from now until the Great American Bash, even though neither of them asked to be kept apart. Savage says that yeah, maybe he takes things a little too far… but Brian made this as extremely personal as any man can, by bringing his ex-wife into the matter! Savage screams that he had moved on with his life, he had a new manager in Woman, he was on top of the world – and then Pillman brought Elizabeth into WCW! Savage is incensed, and he says that he's seen a lot of similarities, “The Madness” being on the other side of the ring from someone who claims he's followed by “maniacs” and has Liz in his corner, doing all he can to tear the mental machinations of “The Macho Man” apart - “But it didn't work back then, and it won't work right now, dig it?!” Savage ends by saying that in the Last Man Standing match at the Great American Bash, people better send the kids to bed, because the things he's gonna do to Brian Pillman won't put him in the mental hospital he belongs in; he'll be in the morgue!

Notes: Savage had the crowd in the palm of his hand here and really came across well; but like Lex before him, the crowd found this promo a little short.
Rating: B

The Great Muta vs. Wrath w/Larry Zbyszko
Larry Zbyszko's massive client Wrath is the hand-chosen man to try and stop the momentum of The Great Muta. Wrath performs his job well, taking the fight to Muta in order to prove himself and to show that he is worthy of the position he holds in the KoW. Larry does his job as well, interjecting himself behind Mark Curtis's back as much as he can. However, Chris Candido comes out and chases Zbyszko away, and in the confusion Muta is able to hit his handspring elbow to Wrath's back, before placing him in the center of the ring and hitting a moonsault to earn a big pinfall victory.

As Muta celebrates in the ring, Larry and Wrath find themselves at the commentary booth. Jesse Ventura talks to them, Larry screaming that he's getting really sick and tired of “punk kids” like Candido sticking his nose in he and Wrath's business! Zbyszko says that if Candido doesn't get out of their way, the beating that he took at World War 3 will look like child's play.

Match Time: 7:50
Notes: Muta and Wrath seemed to show pretty good chemistry.
Ratings: C / C+

Coming this week on WCW Prime and Worldwide!
A video package hypes that this weekend we will see the Armstrong Brothers in action and Terry Gordy against Cactus Jack on WCW Prime. Then on Worldwide, Chris Jericho defends the World Television title and we will hear from Barry Windham about Dustin Rhodes's challenge!

Rating: C-

Non-Title
The Kings' Monsters w/Woman vs. “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Steve Austin w/Bobby Heenan
The crowd are very split in this match as they cheer for Austin and give mixed reactions to Flair and Heenan. However they all boo the World Tag Team champions, and that trend follows for all of this match. Tony and Jesse keep looking for dissension between Flair and Austin, and even wondering if Bobby may stick his nose in to try and get Austin hurt before the Great American Bash. However they end up working fluidly together, and even put The Giant down on his knees for a few moments; however Vader interrupts before Giant goes to the mat. Austin ends up being caught out at the wrong time, as Vader splashes him on the outside of the ring against the ringpost! The Monsters deliver a massive amount of punishment to Austin, and Jesse stirs the pot by wondering why Flair doesn't try to enter the ring to stop this. Tony sticks up for Ric here, saying that he's a veteran and knows that if he enters the ring, Tommy Young will just have to put him back out of the ring again. Jesse then talks about what's been going on with Tommy Young, as some pretty odd coincidences have been going on with him as of late. Tony isn't sure what's going on, and suggests that maybe he put together a Body Shop to try to figure it out. Meanwhile in the ring, Steve Austin is a broken mess. Vader has him completely at his mercy, as he climbs to the middle rope. “The Monster” prepares to deliver a big splash, but Austin rolls out of the way! Flair is ready for the tag, and he makes it! Ric Flair enters the ring with punches to Vader, but The Giant sends him hurling across the ring. Giant sends Flair into the ropes, but Tommy Young ends up in the wrong place as he gets leveled by a clothesline from Giant! This opens the floodgates for Vader and Austin to brawl in the ring as well, but the crowd comes really alive as Lex Luger rushes into the ring! He punches away at Giant, and along with Flair and Austin, the three men are able to knock him out of the ring! Luger goes to the aisle and waves in another person, it's referee Mark Curtis! Flair and Austin turn their attention to Vader, and the two on one ends with Austin hitting the Stunner! Both men make the cover and Curtis counts the three! Flair and Austin win!

After a commercial break, “Mean” Gene is in the ring with a furious Vader and Giant, and Woman is caught in the middle of her Monsters! Vader says that Giant hasn't been holding up his end of the bargain ever since World War 3! “The Monster” says that it should have been Vader Time, and he would have wiped the mat with Ric Flair and won the battle royal, but Giant double crossed him, the guy who's taken him under his wing! The Giant fires back by saying that Vader Time needs rewound – if it wasn't for The Giant, Vader would still be coming up short against punks like Dustin Rhodes! Vader squares up to Giant, as Woman comes up to them with the titles. The sight of their World Tag Team belts seems to bring them back down from the brink of self-destruction, and Vader sneers at Okerlund. He says that it's people like Gene who have tried to stir the pot between the Monsters over the past month, but they have one common goal between them: and that's keeping the gold in the KoW. Giant says that Harlem Heat are next on their hitlist, and they will put out that heat with one big stamp! “AHHHH!”

But another voice comes out, interrupting the massive champions: Lex Luger! Luger says that he's seen Giant running around here making challenges to everyone – but ever since last year when he debuted to screw “The Total Package” over, there's been one challenge that he's ignored, and that's a match against Luger himself! Lex says that the time has come, and he challenges The Giant to a match right here on Nitro next week! The Giant replies that he backs down from no man, woman, or beast; he will be in the ring next week and he will meet Lex Luger and prove that he is the one true Giant! That match will be huge, and it's coming up next week! Until then, Tony and Jesse sign off for this week's Monday Nitro!

Match Time: 16:31
Notes: The match saw an odd face/heel combination with Flair and Austin as a team, but both teams had excellent chemistry. In the post-match interview, Vader came across very well.
Ratings: B / C+ / B

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Beejus · May 15, 2016

WCW Hotline: June 1996, Week 2

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WCW Hotline

2nd Week of June 1996

Option 1: Great American Bash 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: Great American Bash Control Center!

The card appears finalized for The Great American Bash as of this past week, as we saw “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes make a big challenge to Barry Windham on Nitro and then Windham accept it on Worldwide! Also, Harlem Heat won their right to wrestle for the World Tag Team championships, and Syxx is forced to defend his Cruiserweight title against Rey Mysterio Jr.! The Great American Bash is the best father's day gift anyone would ever ask for, so order today!

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

Next week's main event is already set: The Giant takes on the man who says he will fight for WCW until the very end and the first man who took the massive man off his feet in his entire career, “The Total Package” Lex Luger! You definitely will not want to miss this explosion, and it's only found on Monday Nitro!

Option 3: What the world ISN’T watching!

The so-called World Tag Team championships have finally changed hands, as “Sparky Plugg” and King Puma's ex buddy were finally dethroned by the titanic team of former WCW stars The Barbarian and the Shockmaster! Surprisingly, Uncle Fred didn't fall on his face before winning it! Speaking of former WCW talent, former loser Robbie V has joined the WWF, along with Marcus Bagwell. It sounds like he's set to debut as an egomaniacal heel, calling himself “Buff” Bagwell. Good luck getting that over, guys! Also, Scotty Flamingo won a squash match, and in the main event the Burger King prevailed over the face painted freak. Only vague segments featured guys like the Heartbroke Joke, who got in an argument with the Burger King, and Owen's brother had a backstage brawl against the corpse of Mean Mark. Meanwhile, WCW are preparing one of their hottest pay-per-view events of the summer… so who do you want to tune into? The answer should be obvious!

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

WCW Prime: C+
Tony, Mike, and Sonny talk about this past week's Nitro (C-) … Psychosis d. David Cash © … The Ladykillers d. The Falcon and Shawn Stasiak (D) … Lord Steven Regal and Sir Tyler Karlet d. The Young Pistols (C-) … Regal and Karlet are interviewed by Mike Tenay, Regal saying that Billy Kidman needs to go back to the minor leagues where he belongs before he gets hurt (D) … Scott Hall, Kimberly Page, and Syxx have a pre-taped promo where they proclaim victory over Dallas Page and Rey Mysterio, Hall saying that maybe he should head into the rafters and find out just who that fake Sting really is! (C+) … The Armstrong Brothers d. Mike Enos and Tony Anthony © … Cactus Jack wrestles to a no contest with Terry Gordy when both are counted out (B-) … it requires a slew of other wrestlers to finally separate the two, with the show closing on the image of Cactus leaping off the ring apron onto all the men around the ring! ©
Notes: Cactus Jack has changed his gimmick to Extremist (Gimmicky), which rated an A.

WCW Worldwide: B
The Panel consists of Tony Schiavone, Gene Okerlund, Ted DiBiase, and Theodore R. Long
The Panel talks about tonight's episode, and says that they won't be around much tonight because the action is hot and heavy tonight on WCW Worldwide! (B-) … Eddy Guerrero d. David Cash (B) … Bam Bam Bigelow d. Mike Enos (C-) … King Puma d. Tony Anthony (D) … Nitro recap video: Steve Austin and Ric Flair defeat the Kings' Monsters with help from Lex Luger, and then Lex challenges The Giant (B) … Chris Jericho and The Warlord are out for Jericho's challenge, and it's answered by a surprising person: 2 Cold Scorpio! Jericho says that the only trophy he can take from Scorpio is his trophy wife, so the match is title vs. Dawn Marie! © … Chris Jericho wrestles 2 Cold Scorpio to a 15 minute time limit draw (B) … Barry Windham cuts a promo from his Sweetwater home, where he says that Dustin Rhodes must have lost a lot of blood flow to his brain if he wants a Texas Bullrope match, but he'll accept just to prove that he has been the one carrying Dustin all this time! (B) … The Panel sign off for the week, urging everyone to tune into Nitro tomorrow night! ©
Notes: Scorpio and Dawn turn face; both turns went pretty well.

Option 5: Mean Gene’s backstage pass!

Nitro was a very great atmosphere, as Kimo brought in a bunch of alcohol and then, after a few drinks, Larry Zbyszko was sharing all kinds of old road stories. Not to be outdone, Pat Patterson told some stories to the younger boys at the Disney taping… though I hear they were of a lot different subject material.

Option 6: The Monday Night War Neilson ratings!

Nitro on TNT managed a still very impressive 7.49 rating, while Raw continued to not impress with their meager 4.56. The wrestling world has spoken, guys; give it up!

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

With so many great moments, it's tough to choose just one – but I think this time, I'm going to go with the draw between Terry Gordy and Cactus Jack on WCW Prime. The match was a huge brawl, and if some of WCW pick up that type of mentality for WarGames next month, we could yet win this war!

Option 8: Mike Tenay’s International Report!

This past week in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mitsuharu Misawa squeaked past Keiji Mutoh in what many are calling as close to a perfect match as you can have! Several news reporters who do number ratings have called the match a 99/100, and the only reason it did not get the full score is because it was not the main event of the evening. On the All Japan side, it appears that referee Ted Tanabe has taken over the booking duties for the promotion. It will be interesting to see how he shakes things up!

Option 9: A special gift from the WCW Catalog!

Summer is upon us, so make sure you are cool and collected in WCW t-shirts! Our special one this week is the brand new, black and white Sting shirt. What side is Sting on? We don't know – but you can show that you're on his side with this new shirt! Order yours today!

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

Beejus · May 15, 2016

WCW Official Great American Bash Program!

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

WCW The Great American Bash 1996!

This Ain't Your Ordinary Barbeque!

Featuring Nine EXPLOSIVE matches!

LIVE on pay-per-view on Father's Day, Sunday June 16th, 1996, from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, South Carolina!

Caged Warfare!

We will see the erection of a fifteen foot high steel cage to enclose both “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Steve Austin, and see who comes out on top!

The World Heavyweight Championship on the line!

The legendary Oriental warrior Great Muta enters the ring to do battle with (allegedly) a man he's been in the ring with a lot in the past, Sting!

The War for Texas!

Barry Windham crossed the line on Nitro by literally trying to hang “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes! Now it's time for revenge, in the confines of a Texas Bullrope match!

Last Man Standing!

“Macho Man” Randy Savage looks to finally put away “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman and all his Pillmaniacs!

Money on Our Mind!

Papers will hang and so will the career of Diamond Dallas Page as he does battle with Scott Hall at the behest of Kimberly Page!

A Monster World Tag Team Championship Match!

Harlem Heat get their chance at the Tag titles against the Kings' Monsters!

Also in action…

Big Ron Simmons faces off with “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff!

Syxx defends his Cruiserweight title against Rey Mysterio Jr.!

The Steiner Brothers take on Jeff Jarrett and California Kip!

And much, much more!

Card subject to change.

Official Prediction Card
Cage Match
Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair
Comments:

World Heavyweight Championship match
“Sting” vs. The Great Muta
Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match
Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes
Comments:

Last Man Standing Match
Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman
Comments:

Papers on a Pole Match
Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page
Comments:

World Tag Team Championship match
The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat
Comments:

World Cruiserweight Championship match
Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
Comments:

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons
Comments:

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip
Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:
Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis
Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:
The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers
Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:
WCW World Television Championship
Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio
Comments:

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last?
Highest to the correct answer without going over will win in the event of a tie.
12 points to be had! Use your best luck to win!

There is one Nitro between now and the Great American Bash!

Happy0wns · May 16, 2016

Official Prediction Card

Cage Match

Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair

Comments:

World Heavyweight Championship match

“Sting” vs. The Great Muta

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match

Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes

Comments:

Last Man Standing Match

Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman

Comments:

Papers on a Pole Match

Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Comments:

World Tag Team Championship match

The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat

Comments:

World Cruiserweight Championship match

Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Comments:

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons

Comments:

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

WCW World Television Championship

Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Comments:

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last? gonna do that price is right rule and go 1 minute

Highest to the correct answer without going over will win in the event of a tie.

12 points to be had! Use your best luck to win!

Satyr24 · May 16, 2016

Official Prediction Card

Cage Match

Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair

Comments:

World Heavyweight Championship match

“Sting” vs. The Great Muta

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match

Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes

Comments:

Last Man Standing Match

Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman

Comments:

Papers on a Pole Match

Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Comments:

World Tag Team Championship match

The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat

Comments:

World Cruiserweight Championship match

Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Comments:

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons

Comments:

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

WCW World Television Championship

Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Comments:

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last? 35

Highest to the correct answer without going over will win in the event of a tie.

12 points to be had! Use your best luck to win!

Mootinie · May 17, 2016

Official Prediction Card

Cage Match

Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair

Comments: I could see Flair joining the KoW, I really could. His rivalry with Austin just seems to be less and less about the Horsemen now, even to the point where I can barely remember the last time they had a proper segment. There is definitely more to this match than meets the eye.

World Heavyweight Championship match

“Sting” vs. The Great Muta

Comments: Whomever Sting is, he's over and he's tremendously talented. I think Muta is a great B-tier contender, like Meng he's credible enough for a shot, but not quite at the level he needs to be to win it.

Texas Bullrope Match

Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes

Comments: I'm sensing a lot of heel victories to set the stage further for Bash but despite your quality writing for Windham, his time has come and gone. The KoW can eat a loss here and take no damage as Dustin moves on to WarGames.

Last Man Standing Match

Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman

Comments: Pillman has been great, from the nWo to Pillmania. But I think KoW need a big win on this show and I've gone for Dustin over Windham. Savage winning evens it up a little.

Papers on a Pole Match

Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Comments: Kimberly is staying put because it's a better story. Besides, how can you avoid the temptation of the man that oozes machismo? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

World Tag Team Championship match

The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat

Comments: Vader and The Giant could be heading for a collision course. But not here. The Heat aren't fit to be the prevailing heroes, save that for Luger or something.

World Cruiserweight Championship match

Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Comments: Coin flip.

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons

Comments: Simmons is the perfect dude to eat pinfalls and put people over at this stage in his career. That said, Orndorff is no spring chicken, he's just helped along by his relevancy.

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip

Comments: I'm hoping you don't split The Steiner's like real life. There's always room for the good old reliable.

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis

Comments: Psychosis ate a loss so he can get it back here. That said, Dragon is awesome and I love his 96 WCW work.

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers

Comments: Beautiful Beejus. Beautiful Bobby. What's the difference?

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

WCW World Television Championship

Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Comments: Scorpio dethroning Jericho after he's put Terry Taylor on the shelf would be a bit of a damp squib.

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last? 27:16

I typed that with my eyes closed at random. Come on lucky 16!

TheBigBad1013 · May 18, 2016

Official Prediction Card

Cage Match

Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair

Comments: Could also see Austin winning here, but given Flair's WW3 win and where he's headed I'm going with him, though I won't be surprised if it ends up being a less than clean victory.

World Heavyweight Championship match

“Sting” vs. The Great Muta

Comments: I like Muta a lot but I don't see him picking up the title here.

Texas Bullrope Match

Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes

Comments: Another big win for Dustin here.

Last Man Standing Match

Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman

Comments: So tough to call for me. My gut says Pillman but I'm also thinking that Savage is maybe due a big win.

Papers on a Pole Match

Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Comments: DDP faces more adversity here, leading to a big win down the road.

World Tag Team Championship match

The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat

Comments: It's tough to go against a team like the Monsters, even if they are facing a terrific team in Harlem Heat.

World Cruiserweight Championship match

Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Comments: New champ!

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons

Comments: This is really a guess more than anything.

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip

Comments: If it's a clean, straight up match I see the Steiners winning here. Only way I could see them losing is if there is a turn or other shenanigans.

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

WCW World Television Championship

Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Comments:

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last? 28:13

Destiny · May 18, 2016

Official Prediction Card

Cage Match

Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair

Comments:

World Heavyweight Championship match

“Sting” vs. The Great Muta

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match

Barry Windham vs. Dustin Rhodes

Comments:

Last Man Standing Match

Randy Savage vs. Brian Pillman

Comments:

Papers on a Pole Match

Scott Hall vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Comments:

World Tag Team Championship match

The Kings' Monsters vs. Harlem Heat

Comments:

World Cruiserweight Championship match

Syxx vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.

Comments:

Paul Orndorff vs. Ron Simmons

Comments:

The Steiner Brothers vs. Jeff Jarrett and California Kip

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

Ultimo Dragon & Coach Irvin Alexander vs. The Annihilator & Psychosis

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

The Stud Stable vs. Bobby Eaton & The Armstrong Brothers

Comments:

WCW Worldwide pre-show:

WCW World Television Championship

Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio

Comments:

Tiebreaker Question: How long will the cage match last? 26.01

Hashasheen · May 18, 2016

A gift for you, Beejus:

<a href="https://imgur.com/a/aI1gZ" rel="external nofollow">https://imgur.com/a/aI1gZ</a>

Concept art of a WCW animated show that never made it to air.

Beejus · May 18, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="35691" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>A gift for you, Beejus: <a href="https://imgur.com/a/aI1gZ" rel="external nofollow">https://imgur.com/a/aI1gZ</a> Concept art of a WCW animated show that never made it to air.</div></blockquote> I love the picture for Eric, which portrays Eric as probably a 16 year old boy. Given that this was conceptualized at a time when Bret Hart was around, he was almost 45 years old - but with his love of Harleys and blow in the late 90s, a teenager is probably just right for his personality. Also, Tex Mech. That this exists is pretty awesome. Thank you, Hash.

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