WCW: Heart and Soul

Beejus · December 15, 2016

Oh good, when I saw that you had made another post in this I thought I had missed the predictions.

Rey Misterio Jr - Rey makes an excellent US champ, I've done that in many later 90s/early 00s games. It almost guarantees you a solid US title match every time. Storm is someone I think that you could build up pretty easily to be a World title contender, because you have a serious lack of heels in that division.

NBT - I don't think you'll be splitting O'Haire and Palumbo just yet, so they retain to continue pushing these young talents.

Chavo Guerrero Jr - I'm going with Chavo because I think "The Big Bang" should have at least one actual title change (not counting the US belt).

Sting - Stinger should almost always beat Flair in this time period.

DDP - Kanyon is someone who you could build up like I said about Storm, but Page is probably your #1 mainstay WCW guy who isn't in serious decline (i.e. like Sting and Flair, who I'm figuring you'll mainly use more as attractions than stars). I would look for him to keep a pretty decent push just out of his loyalty to the company.

Shane Douglas - Again, just feels like the difference between a future World title level star compared to a US title star.

Steiner Brothers - Rick maybe not so much, but Scott is definitely your #1 heel.

Alex Wright - Youth over age.

MOTN: Rey vs. Storm

Debuts: RVD and Daniels

Happy0wns · December 16, 2016

United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Lance Storm

World Tag Team Championship: Totally Buffed vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Shane Helms {©}

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon

Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas

Hugh Morrus and Konnan vs. The Steiner Brothers

I feel like you wanna keep Scott strong for a possible match with Booker at GAB

Alex Wright vs. Fit Finlay

What will be match of the night? Flair vs Sting

There will be two new signings making their first appearances on this show. Name them. (1 point each) I do like RVD. Erm. Gosh. Masahiro Chono (decided to go with something different.)

Anderz · December 16, 2016

United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Lance Storm - if this is the main event then I say you'll end it with a big baby face win. Storm can be lined up for a shot at Booker down the line but this is a great way to showcase how new this new WCW really is.

World Tag Team Championship: Totally Buffed vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©} - Luger and Bagwell can job again here; they definitely have a purpose and some mileage left but new era and everything.

Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Shane Helms {©} - two men to build the division around for sure; could easily see this go the other way but Suga Shane has great potential.

Sting vs. Ric Flair - tough call but Sting probably has more in the tank

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon - in keeping with the new era theme; but DDP can certainly still be an asset in the main event scene

Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas - another tough call, but I like Dustin for this one

Hugh Morrus and Konnan vs. The Steiner Brothers - no doubt at all here; Steiner can channel their early 90's self and squash the "locker room leaders"

Alex Wright vs. Fit Finlay - solid match but Finlay has more upside I think

What will be match of the night? Definitely Storm vs Rey Rey

There will be two new signings making their first appearances on this show. Name them. (1 point each) I think Rob Van Dam is a given if you can sign him. As for who else, maybe another former ECW star - either Little Guido or Super Crazy - but I'll go for the latter. As far as I recall (and I haven't checked the mod) but is Eddie just in rehab or is he a free agent? Sign him up if you can!

K-Nection · December 17, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Yeah, I know none of us can wait for the world title push of Nova.</div></blockquote> He has to be a heel and would only want to be referred to as Super Nova. Any deviation and he should lock people up in the "black hole" triangle choke hold...... I had no idea how the real Nova is but I can imagine this would be a way better direction for the guy in my head. United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Rey MisterioJr. vs. Lance Storm You won't get any good promos from the guy at this stage of his career but he would have some really good matches dangling the belt from Rey for a few matches before eventually dropping it to him. World Tag Team Championship: Totally Buffed vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©} I used to have a running gag with my friends saying that Sean O' Hare has the world's most perfect evil goatee. Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Shane Helms {©} I was extremely torn between these two but in the end I went with who was the better worker at the time. Sting vs. Ric Flair Again this was another hard to guage match for me since they are both in decline. Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon Who better than Kanyon? That guy was incredibly underrated for his career. Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas I'm disappointed that Dustin never eventually had a decent world championship run. Hugh Morrus and Konnan vs. The Steiner Brothers I've told you before that The Steiners are one of my all time favorite teams. Alex Wright vs. Fit Finlay Oh god please bring back Berlyn! That was my favorite gimmick by the guy and he did some of his best work under that gimmick. What will be match of the night? Sting vs. Flair? There will be two new signings making their first appearances on this show. Name them. (1 point each) Bryan Danielson Christopher Daniels

scarletspeed7 · December 17, 2016

Whoa you're back! OK, time to get off my ass and get going on a dynasty.

In the meantime, can't wait to see where this goes

Finally have a reason to check this board again.

The Final Countdown · December 17, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Whoa you're back! OK, time to get off my ass and get going on a dynasty. In the meantime, can't wait to see where this goes Finally have a reason to check this board again.</div></blockquote> May wanna check your PMs while you're at it, if you want to be in the UFS draft that should be starting in less than 24 hours. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

BHK6 · December 18, 2016

United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Lance Storm

World Tag Team Championship: Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Sting

Kanyon

Dustin Rhodes

The Steiner Brothers

Alex Wright

What will be match of the night? Lance Storm and Rey

There will be two new signings making their first appearances on this show. Name them. (1 point each)

RVD and Samoa Joe

BlueStar · December 18, 2016

All this diary now needs is ... The Gambler!

The Final Countdown · December 18, 2016

May 13th, 2001: The Big Bang <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/OxMOCy0.jpg May 13th, 2001 From the John H. Lewis Gymnasium in Atlanta, Georgia Attendance: 6,283 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart http://i.imgur.com/y93UBAQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4Xw5lCb.jpg Official Theme Song: "Lateralus" by Tool <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_tcW-j7KFgY?rel=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/_tcW-j7KFgY?rel=0"</a> frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u0cJ04Z.jpg Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms {©} http://i.imgur.com/DhzkzHt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/hlbUlLo.jpg</div> I sent the cruiserweights out first with the idea that they could put on a good match that would get the crowd hot and let us hit the ground running on our first PPV. I'd say they did a solid job of carrying out that assignment overall. They didn't tell much of a story out there, as it was more or less a sequence of big moves, but said moves were athletic and exciting enough to entertain the fans. The most exciting (and dangerous) of all, the Vertebreaker, gave Helms the successful title defense. That move never fails to pop the crowd, but every time I see him do it I'm afraid he's going to break the other guy's neck. Chavo was thankfully just fine though. I should also point out that I thought he seemed really at home playing a classic old school heel in this match, knowing just how to rile the fans up and keep them from cheering him despite doing some pretty impressive acrobatic moves that would ordinarily get the crowd behind the wrestler executing them. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/SAWQKXw.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/y93UBAQ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4Xw5lCb.jpg </div> We aired a pre-taped vignette of one of my new signings, CM Punk. Punk had been making some waves on the independent scene in Chicago, and after seeing some tapes of his work in IWA Mid-South, I was quick to offer him a contract. He might be young, but he already brings enough to the table both in the ring and on the microphone that the decision was made to debut him straight on the main roster. I gave him this promo to introduce himself to our audience, and I thought he did a really good job. He used his real-life straight edge lifestyle as a means with which to claim superiority over both the rest of the WCW locker room and the fans watching at home. I tend to give my guys freedom to cut promos without scripts, and Punk seemed quite comfortable with that. He spoke confidently and with conviction as he delivered his closing motto: "I am straight edge, which means that I am drug free and alcohol free. But more importantly, straight edge means I'm better than you." I got the sense that even if the fans didn't react much to this guy they'd never seen before, this straight edge character was going to be an effective one. After that ended, Tenay and I discussed what we'd just seen and heard. I think Mike went a little too over-the-top in his condemnation of Punk's superior attitude, to the point that it sounded forced and hokey. I believe I did a better job in that regard, saying his decision to live a drug free life was commendable, but lording it over everyone was bound to rub people the wrong way. All in all, I think this segment went about as well as could be hoped considering Punk is a complete unknown to the fanbase at large. He's only just beginning, and it's not like I'm going to strap a rocket to his back right out of the gate or anything, but I think this kid could be special. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Alex Wright vs. Fit Finlay http://i.imgur.com/eLttffP.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/5Xhxf90.jpg</div> There was no fanfare or hype here, because we only had two weeks of TV and Finlay was involved in the US title tournament for both of those shows. This was still a good match despite not having any story behind it, as both guys had their working boots on and let the quality of their work speak for itself. Fit won the match with the Tombstone, but I see both of these guys as valuable members of the new WCW. Wright still needs to be built back up after the Berlyn debacle (what a disaster that turned out to be), but he's so young that he should have plenty of time left. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/cxjgZpP.jpg</div> Sting did a backstage promo to hype his match against Ric Flair tonight. He referenced all the years of history between he and Flair, saying it felt like they'd been doing this forever. He'd assumed the match on the final Nitro on TNT was the final chapter to their story, but if Ric wanted to write an epilogue tonight, that was just fine with him. "But here's a spoiler, Nature Boy: tonight you're gonna feel the scorpion's sting one more time!" Sting brought his usual enthusiasm here, and his delivery was on point. I could hear the fans cheering along as they ate up this promo from the man more synonymous with WCW than any other. This was a great way to get people excited for the match later on, and also just a tremendous segment in general. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas http://i.imgur.com/5AB1rzg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SlbyjcN.jpg</div> This was a rematch from the opening round of the US tournament. That was a good match, and this one was on the same level. They built off of the finish to that first match, with both Rhodes and Douglas using lots of roll-ups and quick pin attempts. The finish came when Dustin's signature Bulldog was avoided, and Shane schoolboyed him for a three count in something of a role reversal of their first match. As you can probably surmise, this is not the end of this program. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Hugh Morrus and Konnan vs. The Steiner Brothers http://i.imgur.com/nfnKuFX.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/a0mKYEd.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Wi1oegS.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/JJpe0Lr.jpg </div> The Steiners got some promo time before their opponents were introduced (well, more like Scott talked and Rick just kind of stood in the background.) He said he'd heard Booker T hadn't shown up to the building yet despite promising to be there to hand the United States title over, and he doubted he was going to show up at all. "Everybody knows Booker T's too scared to show his face because he knows the man with the largest arms in the world could break his neck in two quarters of a second!" He wrapped the promo up by saying that Booker's probably going to return the US title to WCW by FedEx rather than showing up, but if he's smart he'd send the World title in too, because that's the only way he's going to escape a beating from Big Poppa Pump. Scott was great here. His promos may not always make much sense, but they usually get the job done as long as he stays on topic. I'm also pleased that he's taken my warnings about our more family-friendly content to heart. His promos used to be filled with lots of sexual comments, but he's toned that way down per my instructions. If anything hurt this promo it was probably my own color commentary. I tried to get across the point that he should be more focused on his upcoming match than his pursuit of Booker T, but I didn't do too great a job at it. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div> As for the match itself, I have to say it exceeded my expectations. A lot of that had to do with just how good Rick and Scott are as a team. They might not team up as regularly as they used to, but in this match they showed they can flip the switch and work together just as well as they did for all those years when they were one of the very best teams in the world. Scott was really at the top of his game. He was far and away the standout performer in this match. Whether it was suplexing his opponents across the ring, flexing his arms for Midajah's approval or even looking into the camera to taunt Booker T, Scott came across as being on a different level than anyone else involved. It was too bad Morrus and Konnan did a subpar job at selling his offense, otherwise he would've looked even more impressive and the match would've been better as a result. The 'locker room leaders' got their share of offense in, but this match was primarily about Scott and so naturally he went over in the end by making Hugh tap out to the Steiner Recliner. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/iWrsHvp.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/l0qRIIJ.jpg</div> Stacy Keibler was interviewed backstage by Bobby Heenan. Mean Gene, as much as I love him, did a pretty poor job as the interviewer on our first Nitro, so we're trying Bobby out in that role for now. The point of the interview was for Stacy to confirm that she's done with Shawn Stasiak and is currently looking for new wrestlers to associate with. She called herself an excellent scout of talent, and a peerless motivator who could get more out of her clients than anyone else. Keibler struggled here, jumbling a few words and repeating some points needlessly, but Bobby was great at feeding her lifelines and using his quick wit to keep the segment on track. Odds are good that he'll be sticking around in this role for some time, especially if he's going to continue to more than hold up his own end like this. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon http://i.imgur.com/WWA8fPj.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/egREuu7.jpg</div> Despite the nature of this storyline, with Kanyon calling DDP a relic of the past, I think Dallas still has a fair amount left in the tank. He seemed to validate my belief tonight, because he and Kanyon put on one of the best matches of the show. The story they told was Kanyon trying to wrestle at a slow, methodical pace and test the stamina of his older opponent, but DDP would answer with big moves that would get him closer and closer to the win each time. Finally the moment came, and many of the fans rose to their feet as they saw the Diamond Cutter coming. Kanyon was able to save himself from a sure defeat by grabbing onto the top rope just before the move hit. Spooked by the near miss, he retreated to the floor. Page was hot on his tail, and the fight continued on the outside. Page caught him with some punches, but Kanyon cut him off with a knee to the gut and used a sort of modified version of his Flatliner finisher that sent DDP crashing into the guardrail. Kanyon rolled back into the ring, and eventually DDP shrugged off the cobwebs enough to start crawling back to the ring. He got his hands up onto the apron, but that's when the ref's count hit ten, giving Kanyon a count out win. I liked that finish and think it will play nicely into how the story progresses from here. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/u4Nhu66.jpg</div> I gave Ric a vague window of about 5-8 minutes and told him to say whatever he wanted (so long as it didn't violate our rules on content) in order to hype his match with Sting just before he went out. He took that ball and ran with it, going on a long, emotional rant about what WCW means to him, and why he needs to win this match. "Sting, there's only room for one icon in WCW, and no matter what people might say, that icon has ALWAYS been me! You're looking at the man who built WCW from the very beginning! You're looking at THE MAN! And I'll STILL be the man in the new era of WCW! WHOOO!" Ric was fantastic here. I might have my differences with the guy, but there's no denying that he's one hell of a talker. Who knows how much longer he'll be able to keep going in the ring, especially with the more physically demanding style I'm instituting, but he'll still have great value for us so long as he can cut promos like this one. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/sJZr1Hv.jpg</div> During Ric's walk from the backstage set to the curtain we stuck in a brief shot of Booker T "pulling up to the building" wearing a suit, with both the World and United States Heavyweight titles in his possession. Not much to this; just a transition. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Sting vs. "Nature Boy" Ric Flair http://i.imgur.com/cxjgZpP.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/u4Nhu66.jpg</div> The promos were fantastic, and there was no question that this was far and away the biggest match on the show in terms of name value. The real question was whether or not 42-year old Sting and 52-year old Flair could still get it done once the bell rang. I had my doubts, which was why I decided against putting this in the headline spot. It only took me about two or three of the twenty minutes this match ran for to know that I made the right call. The match was far from bad, don't get me wrong. These two have worked together so many times that they could probably have an acceptable match in their sleep, and sure enough that old chemistry was still there. They were able to fall back on some familiar routines to make up for a lot of their physical deficiencies, but it could only go so far. The combined 94 years of age showed here; both guys just couldn't perform at the level they were once capable. The fans still responded well and were more into this match than any other on the show, but the in-ring quality couldn't come close to matching the crowd enthusiasm. As I said, they went through a lot of their tried and true routines, including the Gorilla Press off the top, Sting rolling over to counter the Figure Four, etc. Sting had Ric backed up in the corner and unloaded with punches, then hip tossed him across the ring. Ric cowered back into the corner, and Sting followed through with the Stinger Splash--but Flair caught him with a punch to the jaw that dropped him. He dropped down into the cover... ...and got the pin! If that sounds like an odd ending, that's because a replay revealed that as he'd backed into the corner, Ric pulled "brass knuckles" out of his tights and slipped them on his hand. The ref didn't see it though, so the dirtiest player in the game got the win. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/pPUxskq.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zAUQMDu.jpg</div> Jeff Jarrett stormed to the ring and told everyone how great he was, how he was the biggest star in the latter days of the old WCW and was still the biggest star now, but apparently some people in the office here in Atlanta have a problem with that. "WCW and its new brain trust are afraid to let any of their stars get embarrassed by the Chosen One, so they aren't giving me any worthy competition! Double A, if you don't come out here and get me some real competition right now, I'm gonna come back there and take it out on you!" Arn came out, and kept up his tough guy persona by not looking afraid or backing down. He and Jeff were really great here, smoothly bantering back and forth and feeding off of each other. Arn reminded him that he'd offered him a variety of different opponents for tonight only for Jeff to reject every one of them because they were apparently beneath him. This led to Arn saying that if no one already on the roster was a worthy opponent for Jarrett, maybe he'd like to meet the newest member of WCW who'd just signed his contract? <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/uj4FkBt.jpg</div> Out came Rob Van Dam, and the fans familiar with ECW gave him a superstar reaction. Jarrett bailed out long before Rob actually got to the ring, so RVD introduced himself to the WCW fanbase. He cut a promo establishing himself as a cool, laid-back dude; basically his ECW character, minus any references to weed. The fans reacted well to the character and applauded when Rob promised to put on five star matches every night and show the fans something they'd never seen before, because there was only one Rob...Van...Dam! (finger pointing.) <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/S0cu0uO.jpg Totally Buffed vs. The Natural Born Thrillers {©} http://i.imgur.com/3b4L6vE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zJ5f3EO.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zbQxlTu.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9QpxTLI.jpg </div> I wasn't sure what to expect from the Sting/Flair match, so I slipped this match in as something of a buffer between it and the main event just in case. This was the worst televised match on the show, and that's a good sign since this was a perfectly acceptable match. This wasn't the sub-60 second squash the previous regime put on with these two teams at Greed, but it wasn't an epic clash either. It was the shortest match on the PPV and the only one to clock in under ten minutes, but we didn't need ten minutes to tell this story. In short: the Thrillers are better. O'Haire used a (frankly sloppily-executed) version of Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bomb to pin Bagwell and retain the titles. O'Haire didn't do very well in this match. Perhaps he was laying in his shots a little too snug for comfort in response to Buff's backstage antics earlier (but that's a story for another time.) <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/mitTbCm.jpg United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Lance Storm http://i.imgur.com/9v49DN6.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EiVoLiY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/sOdsktm.jpg</div> Booker came out first and cut a promo, but only made passing mention of Scott Steiner. The focus was on the United States title, which Booker put over strong as a prestigious prize with a rich history dating all the way back to Harley Race. He said that he wished he could carry on that tradition as a fighting US champion, but he couldn't take on that schedule in addition to the grueling demands of being the world champion. But he knew the US title was going to be in good hands without him. He was constantly amazed by the things Rey could do, and he respected Storm's technical ability even if he didn't like his attitude. Booker did a good job here at getting over both the importance of the title and the credentials of the two guys about to fight for it. About the only thing wrong with this segment was Storm's subsequent entrance. He looked poor here; as good as he is, he has some trouble carrying himself like a star. <div style="text-align:center;">(Grade: B-)</div> This match was a litmus test for my vision of WCW in a lot of ways. If we're going to pride ourselves on making excellent in-ring action our calling card, having this match deliver in the main event spot would be the perfect way to prove that this new direction has promise. But all I could do was make my contributions on color commentary and hope that Misterio and Storm could pull it off. They made me look like a genius. Sting and Flair may have had the big crowd reaction, but nothing on this show could compare to what these two did inside the ring. For nearly twenty four minutes they wrestled and put on a damn good show. Rey performed some of his amazing flying moves with great precision, while Lance was equally great in his execution of mat wrestling holds and counters. They told a nice story here, with Rey busting out his exciting offense and Storm doing everything he could to negate it by focusing his attack on the smaller man's legs and using holds to try to keep him on the mat and out of the air. Finally Rey had his opportunity to hit his big Springboard Hurricanrana... ...but Storm caught him with a perfectly-timed Superkick! The fans oohed and aahed at that, and so did I to be honest; he really did time it flawlessly. From there Lance went to step through into the Sharpshooter (which he is using as his primary finishing hold now with my blessing), but quick as lightning, Rey hit a kip-up rana! That kid really is spectacular. He wrapped his arms around Storm's legs to hold him down, and the fans counted along with the referee once... twice... ..three times! Rey won the title in a thriller, and I was amply rewarded for my decision to give these two the main event spot. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B+ http://i.imgur.com/9v49DN6.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/sJZr1Hv.jpg</div> Booker presented Rey with the United States title, gave him a handshake and a pat on the back, then left the ring and went to the back so the spotlight could be on the new champion. We sent several babyfaces, including Rey's good friends Konnan and Billy Kidman, out to celebrate with Rey. He got on the microphone and thanked the fans for their support, which was crucial in him getting the biggest win of his career tonight. He cut a promo about how he would probably give up a lot of size to his challengers in every single one of his title defenses, but that wasn't going to stop him from defending this championship with every ounce of fight he had in his body. Rey isn't necessarily a dynamite promo, but this was fine. As the celebration continued, Tenay said we were getting word of a commotion in the backstage area and a camera man was hustling into position so we could find out what was going on... <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/sJZr1Hv.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Wi1oegS.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/JJpe0Lr.jpg </div> We cut to the back to find Booker T on the ground, clutching at his injured shoulder in obvious pain. Above him were the Steiners, who were attacking Booker's shoulder and throwing punches at any staff or (lower-tier) wrestlers who tried to get involved. Booker's brother Stevie Ray rushed in but got taken out by Rick. Meanwhile, Scott taunted Booker as he continued his attack. "You like that, Booker! There's more where that came from! I got more for ya!" He put Booker in an arm bar and started wrenching, and Booker screamed in pain. Finally a larger squadron dispatched by commish Arn Anderson was able to pull Scott off of him and herd he and Rick away, but significant damage had already been done. I was pretty pleased with the way this attack went down, and I think it'll build more heat for the eventual title match between Booker and Scotty. They'll definitely have big shoes to fill if they want to match or surpass tonight's main event though. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B+</div> </div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: B+</div>

michgcs · December 18, 2016

Damn, couldn't be any happier on being wrong about CM Punk <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

K-Nection · December 18, 2016

I changed my pic off of punk last night and I'm kicking myself hard for that!

2Sweet · December 18, 2016

Wow! Whatta' show that was!

BlueStar · December 18, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="2Sweet" data-cite="2Sweet" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow! Whatta' show that was!</div></blockquote> Totally agree and marking in this one! Just needs Jeff "The Gambler" Gann in there!

scarletspeed7 · December 18, 2016

I wish Bret still wrestled at this point so we could get the Punk Foundation.

KnowYourEnemy · December 19, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wish Bret still wrestled at this point so we could get the Punk Foundation.</div></blockquote> Just gotta wait for Teddy and Nattie to get promoted -- Bret can always be their mouthpiece. Can Davey Boy still wrestle in this mod?

The Final Countdown · December 19, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">Hall of Champions: World Heavyweight Champion: http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/World.jpg Booker T (4th reign) http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Booker.jpg Won: March 26th, 2001 from Scott Steiner on WCW Monday Nitro Previous Champions (since March 2001): None United States Heavyweight Champion: http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/US.jpg Rey Misterio Jr. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Rey.jpg Won: May 13th, 2001 against Lance Storm in a tournament final at The Big Bang Previous Champions (since March 2001): Booker T: March 18th, 2001-April 30th, 2001 Cruiserweight Champion: http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Cruiser.jpg "Sugar" Shane Helms http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Helms.jpg Won: March 18th, 2001 from Chavo Guerrero Jr. at WCW Greed Previous Champions (since March 2001): None World Tag Team Champions: http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Tag.jpg The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire) (4th reign for Palumbo, 3rd for O'Haire, 1st as a team) http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Palumbo.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/OHaire.jpg Won: January 14th, 2001 from Kevin Nash and Diamond Dallas Page at WCW Sin Previous Champions (since March 2001): None </div> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Prediction Scores (out of a possible maximum of 11): Uncrewed: 8 Dead_Jester: 8 Anderz: 8 The_CoC: 7 Warhawk8492: 7 michgcs: 7 Satyr24: 7 smw88: 7 StarshipAwsome: 7 angeldelayette: 7 Cro Cop Rules: 7 2Sweet: 6 SomeLazyMagic: 6 evileddie10: 6 Beejus: 6 jscotty: 5 deanohbk: 5 The_Monk: 5 Rainmaker: 5 BHK6: 5 KnowYourEnemy: 4 Happy0wns: 4 K-Nection: 2 </div></blockquote> A note on how I'll be handling the prediction contests here. We'll be doing a short contest to start with; just this show and next month's Great American Bash. After that I'll be able to switch to my plan of running two six-month long contests per year. July through December will be used to determine all future Ultimate Fan Series fields, and January through June will see the top 3 or 4 finishers given various rewards. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Chavo Guerrero Jr - I'm going with Chavo because I think "The Big Bang" should have at least one actual title change (not counting the US belt).</div></blockquote> That's sound logic. I just didn't feel like switching either this or the tag titles were the right move at the moment. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Anderz" data-cite="Anderz" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Lance Storm - if this is the main event then I say you'll end it with a big baby face win. Storm can be lined up for a shot at Booker down the line but this is a great way to showcase how new this new WCW really is.</div></blockquote> Pretty much exactly my thinking. Thankfully it paid off! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As far as I recall (and I haven't checked the mod) but is Eddie just in rehab or is he a free agent? Sign him up if you can!</div></blockquote> Neither; he's active and signed to WWF. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He has to be a heel and would only want to be referred to as Super Nova. Any deviation and he should lock people up in the "black hole" triangle choke hold...... I had no idea how the real Nova is but I can imagine this would be a way better direction for the guy in my head.</div></blockquote> I associate the real Nova mostly with the Blue World Order, the ECW spoof of the nWo. He played "Hollywood" Nova, though Stevie Richards (Big Stevie Cool) was the true leader. Later his gimmick was that he was a really creative wrestler who innovated all these cool moves (though in actuality he just lifted moves from Japan, plus Christopher Daniels' Last Rites, and pretended they were his creations.) Later still he was in WWE as Simon Dean, a dorky fitness nut. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas I'm disappointed that Dustin never eventually had a decent world championship run.</div></blockquote> I'm currently in 1996 during my Monday Night Wars re-watch, and Goldust easily could've been a heel world champion for a transitional run if nothing else back then. That character could have been WrestleCrap material and I honestly think it was designed to screw with Dusty, but Dustin made it work. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Alex Wright vs. Fit Finlay Oh god please bring back Berlyn! That was my favorite gimmick by the guy and he did some of his best work under that gimmick.</div></blockquote> I feel like the Berlyn gimmick was already damaged goods by this point. Maybe a fresh idea will come up? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="michgcs" data-cite="michgcs" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Damn, couldn't be any happier on being wrong about CM Punk <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> I'm so tempted to just push him to the moon right away, but I'm going to have to restrain myself. Patience is a virtue and all that. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I changed my pic off of punk last night and I'm kicking myself hard for that!</div></blockquote> Always go with your gut instinct! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="2Sweet" data-cite="2Sweet" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow! Whatta' show that was!</div></blockquote> Thanks! It was a bit different from my previous style, but I think it went pretty well. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Totally agree and marking in this one! Just needs Jeff "The Gambler" Gann in there!</div></blockquote> I have some bad news, friend. As best I can tell, The Gambler isn't in the mod. I should give the Gambler gimmick to someone else as tribute. Hey, I just mentioned wanting something new for Alex Wright... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wish Bret still wrestled at this point so we could get the Punk Foundation.</div></blockquote> If Bret were still a wrestler he wouldn't be my user character. I probably would've copied the same idea I used when I first started playing around with this mod, where I played as Shane McMahon with the idea that Shane really did swoop in and buy WCW out from under his father's nose. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Just gotta wait for Teddy and Nattie to get promoted -- Bret can always be their mouthpiece. Can Davey Boy still wrestle in this mod?</div></blockquote> That's one possibility. The Anvil might also be able to fill such a role... He can, but he's in rehab for the next year.

20LEgend · December 19, 2016

Read through a lot of this last night, and just read the PPV now. Really enjoying the idea and writing style. 2001 WCW is something I always want to play in TEW, but can never get right. Big Bang was a great start, I look forward to more

BlueStar · December 19, 2016

NO GAMBLER? Whaaat? I've signed him for ECW in the CoTT mod and I'm grooming him for a TV Title run.

Alex "Ze Gamblin' Berliner" Wright (pronounced: A-leks Vraait) ... money. in. the. bank.

The Final Countdown · December 20, 2016

May 2001: Big Bang Wrap-up This was an eventful day, both in the ring and backstage. The afternoon of the show, Tammy Sytch called to tell me that she was signing my contract offer and would be joining us imminently. I wasted little time in offering a contract to her fiancée Chris Candido, and assuming he accepts I'll probably pair the two of them up on-screen. Also before the show I noticed that Sting had taken Johnny Swinger aside and was giving him some pointers. I guess my creative team aren't alone in thinking Swinger's got loads of potential if the Stinger's going to mentor him. During our pre-show meeting, Buff Bagwell got a very annoyed look on his face when I went over the finish of his match. It was pretty obvious to me that he was going to complain about being told he and Luger would be losing to the Natural Born Thrillers. I wasn't the only one who could see what was coming, because Sean O'Haire glared a hole through him. Buff didn't utter a word once he saw that, and I can't say I blame him. We ran a 15-man battle royal during the pre-show, but maybe we shouldn't have. Disco Inferno dislocated his jaw during the match. He indicated he was willing to work through the injury and not take any time off, but I'm giving him a week or two at home to rest up anyway. Norman Smiley wasn't nearly so lucky. He landed awkwardly while being eliminated by eventual winner Mike Awesome, and suffered a broken leg that'll put him on the shelf for about six months. Kanyon was also limping around backstage after his match with DDP, but our medical staff confirmed it was just a strain and he'll be fine. I heaped plenty of praise on Rey Misterio Jr, Lance Storm and Scott Steiner for their stellar performances during our post-show meeting. All three deserved it. Scott took that opportunity to tell me that Mark Jindrak has no charisma and I should fire him. Shane Douglas also approached me to say that he thinks Alan Funk doesn't 'get it' and he doesn't see much potential in him. Rob Van Dam was far more complimentary of Jaime Knoble; he said he was really impressed by Jaime and thought he was someone who could be a big deal in the cruiserweight division. Animal complained to me about his lack of airtime on TV or PPV thus far. Honestly I'm not sure how valuable Animal is in this new era, especially without Hawk. <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Read through a lot of this last night, and just read the PPV now. Really enjoying the idea and writing style. 2001 WCW is something I always want to play in TEW, but can never get right. Big Bang was a great start, I look forward to more</div></blockquote> It's an intriguing time! There's a wide gulf between me and WWF, which was one of the most appealing things to me after spending so long with TGAAB, where I was far, far ahead of everyone else from the very start. I came very close to starting up a dynasty using my original WCW save with this mod, with owner Shane McMahon and user character Mike Tenay, but I'm glad I opted to do this instead. I learned some things from that first save that I'm putting to use here, and I feel like I'm telling a better story and have more of an identity as a company with Bret as my avatar. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>NO GAMBLER? Whaaat? I've signed him for ECW in the CoTT mod and I'm grooming him for a TV Title run. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Alex "Ze Gamblin' Berliner" Wright (pronounced: A-leks Vraait) ... money. in. the. bank.</div></blockquote> Maybe I could steal Al Snow, resurrect the Jimmy Flush gimmick and have the next dominant tag team on my hands. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

scarletspeed7 · December 20, 2016

Of course Bret wants to sign Sunny.

Of course. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

K-Nection · December 20, 2016

<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="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Maybe I could steal Al Snow, resurrect the Jimmy Flush gimmick and have the next dominant tag team on my hands. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> This^^^ I think this would be best for business!

MisterRomanini · December 20, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Of course Bret wants to sign Sunny. Of course. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOI2pZlj0Mc/UAP4tRdz-iI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/0xfGklM2jRE/w1200-h630-p-nu/shawn-michaels.gif

KnowYourEnemy · December 20, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Of course Bret wants to sign Sunny. Of course. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Times like these I miss The Golden Age and Beyond.... --- I'm sure Anderz would be quick to make a good quip about Bret's "Sunny Days".

The Final Countdown · December 22, 2016

June 2001: Road to the Great American Bash Our first PPV was in the books, a resounding success. But there was no time to bask in it; we all knew going in that it would take a lot of work to rebuild the tarnished reputation of WCW. The only way to do that is by putting out a quality product night after night, week after week and month after month, so no sooner had The Big Bang ended than my attention shifted to the Great American Bash. With Booker T set to be cleared to return a couple of weeks after the Big Bang, we'd be able to feature a world title match this time around. The obvious direction was a continuation of his feud with Scott Steiner, especially since Steiner never got his rematch after dropping the title on the final Nitro of the TNT era. We've worked Booker's shoulder injury into the story here. We teased the idea that he wouldn't be cleared and might have to forfeit the title, until Booker insisted he was going to defend his belt whether the doctors cleared him or not. He had his first match back on the go-home Nitro, against Rick Steiner, who did all he could to further weaken Booker's shoulder until Scott interfered for a DQ and show-closing beatdown. A babyface fighting off injury is a tried and true story, and I think it's worked pretty well to build this main event up. Rey Misterio was red hot after his main event-worthy performance against Lance Storm. and we put the two into a rematch the next night on Nitro. Rey retained again in another very good match, but the real story was Mike Awesome attacking him after the match and delivering an Awesome Bomb. That was the beginning of the build for this month's US title match. In both an Awesome interview and a pair of tag matches with champion and challenger on opposite sides, we've been pushing the David vs. Goliath idea here. The size disparity makes that an obvious direction to take, but Awesome's also a pretty good worker, so I have high hopes for this one. Sting felt his battle with Ric Flair was unresolved and demanded a rematch, but Flair saw it differently. Sting finally got him to agree to it, but on the condition that it would be the last singles match ever between them, and if he lost he would bow down and admit that Ric truly was 'the man.' The promos have been great, but let's just hope that the final match in this legendary rivalry can deliver between the ropes. Kanyon gloated over his count out win over Diamond Dallas Page, mocking DDP and making various jokes related to his age and not being able to get back into the ring in time. He didn't find it quite as funny when Arn Anderson announced a Falls Count Anywhere match between the two for the PPV. Jeff Jarrett insisted that he was not scared of Rob Van Dam despite having run away at The Big Bang. That was a story we continued to tell over the next four weeks, with Jeff refusing to fight RVD head-on and only attacking him from behind (with a guitar no less.) There won't be any running now though, because they'll go one-on-one at the Bash. Billy Kidman cut a promo about being inspired by watching his good friend Misterio's big US title victory, and challenged Shane Helms to a title match. Helms accepted the challenge, and our cruiserweight title match was set. We haven't built any animosity here; this has been presented as friendly competition between two great cruiserweights, and may the best man win. Lance Storm was dejected after losing to Misterio on back to back nights, and he did not appreciate Ernest Miller's advice to "dance his bad mood away." He interfered and cost The Cat a match the following week, which set this one up. The Natural Born Thrillers said they were willing to take on any and all challengers, and 3 Count (looking to impress Stacy Keibler and convince her to 'join the band') dared them to put their money where their mouths are. As O'Haire said in the interview where they accepted the challenge: be careful what you wish for. CM Punk has done pretty well right out of the gate in delivering some solid matches and promo segments for an unknown newcomer, so I decided to wrap up the Dustin Rhodes/Shane Douglas feud on TV in order to free up a spot for Punk to have a match. He issued an open challenge on the go-home Nitro, daring anyone in the locker room to try and stop his straight edge crusade. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/C7WWlCZ.jpg May 14th, 2001 From Mercer University Center in Macon, Georgia Attendance: 3,110 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart </div> Stacy Keibler appeared at ringside during the opening match to take notes, but Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) didn't let that stop them from scoring a big win over former Cruiserweight tag team champions Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo. (C+) Lance Storm interrupts Rey Misterio Jr's interview, calls win a fluke and demands immediate rematch tonight; Rey accepts. (C-) Jeff Jarrett made his first in-ring appearance of the new era, handily defeating Jason Jett. (B-) RVD taunts Jarrett for running at The Big Bang; Jeff insists he's not scared of him. (C+) Ric Flair celebrates his win over Sting by throwing a party out on the town with girls (played by Alexis Laree and Cheerleader Melissa.) © Jaime Knoble showcased his technical skills in a win over local talent Mike Maverick. (D+) CM Punk interview with Bobby Heenan: "My straight edge lifestyle will take me to the top of WCW!" (C-) Shawn Stasiak looked lost without Stacy Keibler on his arm, and things didn't turn around tonight when he was beaten by Alex Wright. (C-) Arn Anderson says Booker T's health is still up in the air, but if he can't make his contractually-obligated defense against Scott Steiner at Great American Bash, he'll have to vacate the title. (A) Natural Born Thrillers interview: "We'll defend these belts against all comers!" (C-) A cruiserweight dream team of Billy Kidman and Shane Helms soared to victory over Alan Funk and Cash. (B-) Kidman says his friend Rey's big win inspired him, challenges Helms to title match; the champ accepts with a handshake. (D+) Kanyon taunts DDP backstage, saying he might need a walker if he can't beat a ten count back to the ring; DDP has to be held back by security. (B-) Sting had little trouble defeating young Johnny Swinger with the Scorpion Deathdrop. (B) Sting grabs the microphone: "Enjoy your partying now, Nature Boy, because we've got unfinished business!" (B+) Scott Steiner makes fun of Booker T and his injured shoulder, says Booker should avoid a world of pain and just hand him the title. (B+) United States Heavyweight Championship: In a replay of last night's epic main event, Rey Misterio and Lance Storm had another lengthy encounter, again won by Misterio thanks to a Springboard Hurricanrana. (B) Mike Awesome lays out an exhausted Misterio after the match with an Awesome Bomb. © <div style="text-align:center;">Show Grade: B </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/C7WWlCZ.jpg May 21st, 2001 From Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Illinois Attendance: 3,008 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart </div> Cruiserweight action opened the show, with Kaz Hayashi of the Jung Dragons prevailing over Cash. (C+) Arn Anderson tells DDP and Kanyon they'll have a rematch at Great American Bash under Falls Count Anywhere rules; DDP is pleased, Kanyon much less so. (B+) Tony Norris (the former Ahmed Johnson) resurfaced for one night, only to lose to a debuting CM Punk. (C-) Punk post-match interview: "Norris is just like all you fans: fat slobs who destroy your bodies with your unhealthy lifestyles!" (C-) Johnny Swinger might be impressing some industry insiders, but he posed no real threat to Rob Van Dam in RVD's debut match. (B-) RVD's post-match promo is ruined when Jeff Jarrett runs down and smashes a guitar over his head! © Bobby Heenan interview with Air Raid: "We are the future of the tag team division!" (D-) With a motivated Big Poppa Pump taking charge, there was no chance for The Mamalukes to defeat the Steiner Brothers tonight. (B) Scott Steiner after the match: "If Booker T doesn't hand me that title, I'll end his career!" (A) Post-Nitro footage from last week: Ernest Miller approaches a dejected Lance Storm and tells him to dance his troubles away; Storm does not react well. © Former cruiserweight champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. got back on the winning track against Yang of the Jung Dragons. (C+) 3 Count try to convince Stacy Keibler to 'join the band'; she says they're beneath her notice. (D+) Ric Flair promo: "I've got nothing left to prove against you, Stinger, so the answer's no!" (B+) Lance Storm interfered and attacked Ernest Miller mid-match, making it all the easier for Fit Finlay to pick up the win. © Shane Helms and Kidman chat; both men looking forward to a great match at Great American Bash. (C-) In a match that combined two ongoing issues, Rey Misterio Jr. and Dustin Rhodes came out victorious against Mike Awesome and Shane Douglas when Rey stunned Douglas with a Flying Sunset Flip. (B-) Upset by the loss, Awesome and Douglas assault their foes after the bell. (C-) Booker T recorded message: "I ain't givin' nothing back! I'll fight Scott Steiner at the Great American Bash no matter what the doctors say!" (A) <div style="text-align:center;">Show Grade: B+ </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/C7WWlCZ.jpg June 4th, 2001 From Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana Attendance: 3,061 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart </div> CM Punk showed the strengths of his straight edge lifestyle by defeating Jason Jett in the opener. © Mike Awesome interview: "At the Great American Bash, I'll prove that size counts when I break little Rey Misterio in half!" © Dustin Rhodes and Shane Douglas pre-tapes promoting their climactic third match tonight. © Chris Candido returned to WCW, and the lovely Tammy Sytch was there to cheer him on as he dominated local Kevin Northcutt. (D+) Candido and Sytch post-match promo; declare themselves the power couple of WCW. (D+) Scott Steiner promo: "Tonight, I'm gonna destroy AJ Styles' career before it even begins--and if Booker shows up at Great American Bash, I'll do even worse to him!" (B+) Hugh Morrus, Konnan, Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) and Shane Helms prevailed in eight man tag action over Elix Skipper, Kid Romeo, Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak. (C+) 3 Count interrupt Natural Born Thrillers interview, challenge amused champs to give them a shot. (D) Ernest Miller had a ringside seat as Lance Storm clinically picked apart Lash Leroux. (C+) Booker T demands match against Rick Steiner next week; Arn Anderson reluctantly agrees. (B-) Kanyon had one eye on guest commentator DDP, but he was still able to come out on top against veteran Terry Gordy. (B) Heenan interviews RVD and Jarrett; Van Dam goads JJ into agreeing to match at Great American Bash. © In the rubber match, Shane Douglas got the last laugh over Dustin Rhodes after hitting the Franchiser. (B-) Sting challenges Ric Flair to one final battle in their long war, promises to bow down and call Ric the man if he loses; Flair agrees. (A) Stacy Keibler wishes AJ Styles luck as he prepares to go to the ring. (D+) AJ Styles knew this was the biggest match of his young career and gave it everything he had, but he had to submit to the Steiner Recliner lest he risk serious injury. (B) Steiner refuses to release Recliner after the match, Rick joins in; chair-wielding Booker T chases them out of the ring. (B+) <div style="text-align:center;">Show Grade: B+ </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/C7WWlCZ.jpg June 11th, 2001 From the Santa Monica Auditorium in Santa Monica, California Attendance: 2,500 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart </div> Disco Inferno could not dance his way past Rob Van Dam in the opener once RVD landed the Five Star Frog Splash, much to the displeasure of guest commentator Jeff Jarrett. (B-) RVD dared Jarrett to come into the ring so they could get an early start on the Great American Bash, but Jeff declined and walked to the back. (C+) CM Punk interview: "I'm issuing an open challenge for the Great American Bash, because there's no one in the WCW locker room who can halt my crusade!" (C-) Mike Sanders may be above average, but that wasn't going to be enough to prevent a loss to Alex Wright. © Booker T interview: "I might not be 100%, but I can take the Steiners out even with one arm!" (B) Debut vignette for Steve Corino, who is appalled by the so-called 'new era' of WCW and declares himself the 'King of Old School.' (E+) Six days before his chance to become a four time cruiserweight champion, Billy Kidman got a big win over former champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a back-and-forth match. (B-) Chavo jumps Kidman after the bell; Shane Helms makes the save and helps Kidman up. (D+) Natural Born Thrillers respond to 3 Count's challenge in interview: "We accept, boys--but be careful what you wish for!" (D+) Terry Gordy was so impressive in his match against Kanyon that he got another opportunity this week, but fellow veteran Fit Finlay was just too much for him. (B-) Kanyon mocks DDP in skit, complete with a walker and old man wig. Page chases him off: "This old man's gonna kick your butt through every inch of the building at the Great American Bash!" (B-) Scott Steiner psyches up his brother Rick, encouraging him to tear Booker T apart tonight. (B+) Lance Storm and Mike Awesome of Team Canada teamed up against their rivals, Ernest Miller and Rey Misterio Jr. Six days before their PPV match, Storm got the psychological edge by pinning Miller after a Superkick. (B) Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch promo about how the 'power couple' of WCW will reshape the company. (D) A video package recaps the entire Sting/Ric Flair saga, from the first Clash of the Champions in 1988 to the present day. (B+) Sting and Flair pre-taped promos on what the rivalry has meant to them and why they'll be the one to prevail in the very last encounter. (A) In Booker T's first match in months, Rick Steiner was more interested in trying to do further damage to the injured shoulder than in winning the match. When Booker seemed to be closing in on the victory, Scott attacked for a disqualification. (B) Steiners do further damage to Booker's shoulder; Scott poses with the belt and says it's coming back where it belongs on Sunday. (A) <div style="text-align:center;">Show Grade: B+ </div></div></blockquote> <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="scarletspeed7" data-cite="scarletspeed7" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Of course Bret wants to sign Sunny. Of course. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> How dare you question Bret's integrity, sir! <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Final Countdown · December 22, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/GAB.jpg</div> Fan Scorecard: World Heavyweight Championship: "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner vs. Booker T {©} United States Heavyweight Championship: Mike Awesome vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©} World Tag Team Championship: 3 Count vs. The Natural Born Thrillers {©} Cruiserweight Championship: Billy Kidman vs. "Sugar" Shane Helms {©} Sting vs. "Nature Boy" Ric Flair Rob Van Dam vs. Jeff Jarrett Falls Count Anywhere: Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon Ernest "The Cat" Miller vs. Lance Storm CM Punk vs. ??? What will be match of the night? How many championships will change hands? Who will answer CM Punk's open challenge? </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="KnowYourEnemy" data-cite="KnowYourEnemy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Times like these I miss The Golden Age and Beyond.... --- I'm sure Anderz would be quick to make a good quip about Bret's "Sunny Days".</div></blockquote> We clearly don't need Anderz for that. That's what you guys are for! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

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