WCW: Heart and Soul

LordofGustav · February 17, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

It's time for the new blood to run...

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? RVD vs BPP

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? Arn Anderson

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 45:09

michgcs · February 18, 2017

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

Really torn on this one as Scott's been an excellent champ and though I wanna see his reign last a little bit longer, I think your first Starrcade needs a happy ending. Hopefully RVD doesn't drop the ball

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

The stip lends to Rey scoring the come from behind win

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Is Punk ready? Does it matter? I think it's time to get the titles off of NBT

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Liger's old and TAKA's... less old <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Sting vs. Booker T

Booker's heel turn needs some forward momentum and I can see him challenging RVD next

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

Faces gotta win, too

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Candido's made it personal and the only way I can see him winning is via DQ so gonna go with the safe pick and side with Flair

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

I hope Dustin goes on a downward spiral and we get some version of Goldust here

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Easiest match to pick? Corino proves his worth. I actually misread/misremembered and thought Funk was a Nitro thing and this is gonna be King vs. King, but the result should be the same

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

My picks seem to be a bit heel-heavy so going with the faces here. Knoble's a safe choice but he's got Alex Wright as his partner so...

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Could go either way, I think

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

Personal preference. Big fan of Hurricane Helms <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

What will be match of the night? In a perfect world it'd be RVD-Steiner, but based on your comment, I'd go with... TAKA-Liger

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? I hope so

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) For some reason, JBL comes to mind

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 19:57

General diary comments/questions/critiques: You've done a good job fleshing out the established names while giving the spotlight to some young guns, and I think it's going to set you up nicely because let's face it-- the main event scene's growing old LOL All in all, all I wanna say is True Heroes better win!

K-Nection · February 18, 2017

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/kevincumpton/Box%20Art_zpsxjcpbubu.jpg

I was bored so I made you a 2001 Era Poster to celebrate Starrcade!</div>

The Final Countdown · February 18, 2017

December 2001: Pre-Starrcade News and Notes <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;">December 16th, 2001</div> "Mr. Hart, Mr. McMahon is on line 1. Should I put him through?" "Go ahead," I said to my personal assistant. I saved the word document where I was writing down some post-Starrcade ideas and picked up the phone. "Vince? To what do I owe the pleasure?" I didn't bother to try and hide my annoyance. "Bret," he said neutrally. "It's time for you to come to your senses." Well at least he was skipping the false pleasantries this time. "If you're calling to try and get me to sell to you again, you're wasting your breath and both of our time. We've got a good thing going here." "Not for long." "Is that a threat?" I asked. "No, it's just the reality of the situation," he said as if he was talking to a very simple-minded person. "I've overlooked your little company until now because you're quite frankly beneath our notice, but your overtures into Japan are going to force my hand." "Ah, so this is about Starrcade," I said. "Somebody finally told you we're making Japan one of the pillars of our business?" "Indeed," he said. "You must be aware that we're aggressively pursuing Japanese expansion." "It'd be hard not to. You've been running all your shows there for almost a month. You even ran the Survivor Series in Osaka." "Yes, and what a show it was!" he boomed. "Stone Cold retained the world championship over Chris Benoit in one of the greatest matches of all time!" "It was great," I agreed. "The semi main with Kane and Big Show stunk though." "It's not my fault! I thought the Japanese would love a good old fashioned Godzilla vs. Mothra showdown! But even you must admit that the show was excellent. Deep down you know you can't hope to compete with us. You're doomed to fail, Bret." "So I take it this is the part where you offer me one last chance to sell before you drive us out of business?" "While I wouldn't put it so crudely, I guess that's one way to look at it. You're no threat to us domestically, but your distribution with tv asahi and now running your biggest show of the year in Tokyo makes you a potential competitor to us in Japan. You know what I do to competitors." "Yeah, I saw that little stunt you tried to pull with handing out anti-Michinoku Pro signs before one of your Smackdown tapings. That sure blew up in your face, huh?" I was really glad I had an opportunity to needle him about that little incident, because I got a good laugh out of it. "A few vocal diehard fans make no difference," he grumbled. "We're an empire, and in the end we'll crush them like everyone else." "So we can expect similar tactics against us in the future?" "Unless you move Starrcade to a different venue and cancel your contracts with tv asahi. I'll even pay for all the costs you incur for doing so," Vince offered. "How generous. The answer's still no." "Then you can consider yourself my enemy." "You've been my enemy for years," I said. Having had all I could stomach, I hung up the phone. Vince wants a war? Fine by me. We may be a heavy underdog right now, but I honestly believe the future is bright. The WWF ruled the wrestling world in 2001, and if we're being realistic they'll do the same in 2002 and probably 2003. But by 2004, 2005, 2006, I think we can get ourselves back into the fight. Japan might be the focal point of the beginning of the Monday Night War, Phase 2, but eventually this will be a global battle if I have anything to say about it.</div></blockquote> In addition to Survivor Series, WWF also put on their final PPV of the year, Armageddon. The fans in Hawaii received a rare treat: The Rock actually wrestled on the show! He, Undertaker and Bradshaw worked with Steve in a very good 4-way for the title. Two guesses on who ate the pin when Steve retained. Billy Gunn, Spike Dudley and Ivory all retained their titles, but the real story was Dean Malenko getting a victory over...Bushwhacker Butch. Who in their right mind would think that's a match fans want to see, especially on PPV? Mike Awesome failed another drug test immediately after his first failure. I followed through on my warning and hit him with a suspension this time. I think that might have gotten through to him, because he thanked me for the wake-up call and promised it wouldn't happen again. Fingers crossed. The issues with Booker T continue. He complained loudly about being asked to lose in the Nitro tag match against RVD and Sting, and became very disgruntled. He was still extremely angry after a week off. I was afraid his working relationship with us would fall apart completely if the situation was left as it was, so I gave him a pretty substantial money bonus as a sort of peace offering. He still seems a little annoyed, but at least there shouldn't be any imminent danger of him packing his bags up and going home. I'm going to have to be very particular on how I book him if he's going to be this big a nuisance even when asked to put over fellow main event talent. RVD knew his value was steadily rising, so it wasn't too unexpected when he approached me asking for a raise. I gave him 75% of the requested amount, and he seemed pretty happy with that. Jamie Knoble also asked for a raise and received the same percentage, but he didn't seem overly happy or upset by the outcome. Don West only got 50% of what he asked for, and that made him angry. Like I care. Next time I'll make it 0% and we'll see how he likes that. Scott Steiner and Stacy Keibler both came up with new catch phrases over the past few weeks that should improve their promo work. Thankfully Scott's catch phrase doesn't violate our content guidelines, which is always a risk with him. I knew Disco Inferno was still not thrilled about the idea of losing to American Dragon, but I guess he's still too intimidated to speak up. I'm sorry, but that's just hilarious. I'm not sure of the root cause, but I've been told a strong dislike has developed between Vampiro and Evan Karagis. It also seems like Vampiro is becoming frustrated and feels like he's a locker room pariah. Maybe he should stop being such an ass. He also told me TAKA isn't connecting with the audience. Whatever. Maybe New Japan is feeling the heat from the WWF's moves in Japan, because they've made a bunch of signings. Super Crazy, Psicosis, Road Warrior Hawk, Simon Diamond, Damien, Heavy Metal and Phil LaFon have all joined the King of Sports. I considered jumping into the bidding for Psicosis so he could return to our cruiserweight division, but all it took was one look at the kind of money they were offering him to get me to back off from that thought. They'll need those guys, because Don Frye is taking time off from NJPW to shoot an action movie. New Japan has tabbed Masahiro Chono as the figurehead of the company. I understand it, but I'm not sure that's the move I'd make with a guy who is already 38. Christian suffered a broken pelvis and will miss a couple of months. That's a shame because this has been a big breakthrough year for him (and Edge too.) The WWF has depended on the E&C/Power Trip feud to drive their TV all year. NOAH held a pair of big shows. Misawa retained the GHC title on both shows, over Yoshihiro Takayama and Yoshinari Ogawa in a pair of great main events. NOAH isn't the most successful company in Japan business-wise, but with Misawa leading the way in the main event I don't think anybody is matching the quality of their shows. I agreed to an extension of our existing deal with The Score to air Nitro in Canada. I was honestly hoping to move to a bigger network, so I only asked for a short term deal so I can reevaluate our options in a few months. Big Vito blew off plans to go out with the boys after a recent taping, and Jushin Liger took on the role of disciplinarian and told Vito to make up for it by buying some beer for the boys. Vito seemed to take it in stride, good-naturedly ribbing Liger about it. Mike Sanders is still upset with his booking. Maybe one day he'll realize that he just doesn't fit into my plans and is only here to pad the roster. Chono and Tenzan won NJPW's annual tag league, defeating Koji Kanemoto and Minoru Tanaka in the finals. Kind of odd since even though they're an established team from the past, they've since gone their separate ways, with Chono working as a singles and Tenzan currently holding the tag titles with Satoshi Kojima. Samoa Joe and Kohei Sato won the vacant NWA Intercontinental tag titles in Zero-One. Joe is definitely on my radar for the future, but for now it's probably a good thing for him to gain experience over in Japan. The real NWA vacated their North American title when Robby Ryce signed with All Japan. Who? A Yokozuna memorial show was organized on the independents, with BG James beating Scott Hall in the main event. My contacts in Wildside say that Alexis Laree has started dating Jimmy Rave, while Allison Danger has been seen out with Tony Mamaluke. I think every one of our developmental women has started dating one of the guys in Wildside now. Mamaluke's the only one of them actually under contract with us though. <hr noshade size=3> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Dead_Jester" data-cite="Dead_Jester" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©} -Really tough choice but I'm leaning RVD based completely that Starrcade will be held in Japan where RVD is more over.</div></blockquote> He's much more over in Japan than in the US, but he's still below Scott even in Japan. With his pop, Scott would be a main eventer even in WWF. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas -Fan of both guys but would seriously love to see Douglas rise up the ranks, maybe even a US Title run at some point. </div></blockquote> If so, hopefully it goes better than the inconsequential, nothing reign he got shortly before WCW closed. <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>That doesn't sound good. I failed to take time to comment on things on the build to Starrcade (sorry man!) but it has definitely made a great place to be. The only match that I am not overly hyped for is, surprisingly, Sting/Booker. To me and what all I read, it felt like it took a slight back seat to things like Steiner/RVD, DDP/Douglas, and even Flair/Candido. I do really like the show spotlight, because it gives us, the readers, a little more insight into the biggest angle of the show. And only doing one angle per show shouldn't be enough to start dragging on you, in comparison to doing the whole show as short-form type. Can't wait for Starrcade!</div></blockquote> Heh, no worries; I know all about that! Sting and Booker have had some very good grades, but I'd agree that the other three feuds you mentioned have made for more interesting stories. Only doing one in-depth segment per show is definitely a help. So far I think it's good as it lets me strike a happy medium where I can get through a show in a lot less time, but still pick one segment I think is important and flesh it out. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Rey Misterio - It's a pretty interesting WCW where the top two titles are held by guys under 40 and under 300 pounds, but it is definitely a Bret way to go to give accolades to those who work the hardest each night.</div></blockquote> Scott Steiner technically fits that criteria too. (He's 39, so not for long, but it still counts!) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>DESTOROYAH - Gonna need two Godzillas to take him down!</div></blockquote> Maybe Vince will send out Big Show and Kane for an encore! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>KingRino -Keep pushing this man! </div></blockquote> I've been taking a close look at my roster's psychology after Starrcade, and was pretty surprised at how much progress Corino is making. He's one point away from a B+ rating, and the only full-time active wrestler on the roster with a higher rating is Flair. If he can make that last little breakthrough into B+ territory, and maybe even higher, the sky's the limit for him. (There's also the fact that he was one of my favorite characters to write in my 2008 ROH diary.) A lot of the younger guys on the roster have also shown rapid growth and many are already into the B- to B territory, so hopefully they'll continue to improve and can carry the load as future main eventers. <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> Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas I'm really shocked to find out that Shane has only average microphone skills with those grades.....maybe he just has the correct personality for non scripted promos that is carrying these segments (I'm assuming that you are not scripting him given how he has been delivering promos)</div></blockquote> Almost every promo is unscripted unless I have like 5 or 6 people talking, or it's someone who I've noticed seems to bomb without a script a lot (Rey.) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Terry Funk vs. King Corino I'm loving the role of Corino right now....it is like a Legend Killer type of role but not. Terry will give him a good fight but this match will be obvious. </div></blockquote> Sort of, yeah. He's the KING of oldschool; he blows all the so-called "legends" of the old school out of the water! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©} I honestly can't see a long reign for Van Dam. He's a good fit for the champ, but I feel like Sting was a much better option here. But, my 2001 save gave them bad chemistry as well. That's the way the crumbles cookies</div></blockquote> Sting was never in consideration for the Starrcade main event. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sting vs. Booker T Maybe there's some Time Decline for Sting?</div></blockquote> It's not terminal yet, but yes. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="rjhabeeb" data-cite="rjhabeeb" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> What will be match of the night? Lets go crazy and take Liger vs Taka</div></blockquote> With their skills, my product and the show being in Japan, that's the opposite of crazy. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Briskout" data-cite="Briskout" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> King Corino -Bring in the Warrior!</div></blockquote> <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordofGustav" data-cite="LordofGustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©} It's time for the new blood to run...</div></blockquote> I'm sure Scott would be just fine making sure RVD's blood ran! Also: EXPLOSION! <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> Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©} Liger's old and TAKA's... less old <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> He's 37 at this point, so he's not THAT bad off yet. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>General diary comments/questions/critiques: You've done a good job fleshing out the established names while giving the spotlight to some young guns, and I think it's going to set you up nicely because let's face it-- the main event scene's growing old LOL All in all, all I wanna say is True Heroes better win!</div></blockquote> Yeah, if I'm ever going to compete with WWF it's going to be with the younger guys stepping up to the main event level. Guys like Sting, Flair and DDP are good to have around, but their best days are well behind them. <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 was bored so I made you a 2001 Era Poster to celebrate Starrcade!</div></blockquote> Awesome, thanks! I'm totally using that on the show.

Satyr24 · February 18, 2017

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? Taka vs Liger

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? Eric Bischoff

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 23:20min

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

LordofGustav · February 19, 2017

<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> I'm sure Scott would be just fine making sure RVD's blood ran! </div></blockquote> Once that happens RVD will take him to the extreme and make Steiner yield to not only the future WCW World Heavyweight Champion... but also Mr. WCW (that would be a good nickname for RVD) <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> Also: EXPLOSION!</div></blockquote> You said that just because i have Megumin (Konosuba) as my avatar, isn't?

2Sweet · February 19, 2017

<div style="text-align:center;">World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? Sting/Booker T

How many championships will change hands? 1

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) BrandBischoff

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 29:10

</div>

K-Nection · February 19, 2017

<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> Awesome, thanks! I'm totally using that on the show.</div></blockquote> I've had to learn photoshop for work (or rather pixlr aka poorman's photoshop) and now I look for reasons to work on my skills as it has become a fun hobby for me.....I may do this for more of your ppvs but I don't want to promise anything.

The Lariat · February 19, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? TAKA/Liger

How many championships will change hands? 2

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Paul Heyman

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 23:19

Wolfman84 · February 19, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night?

How many championships will change hands? 2

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Paul Heyman

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 21:24

franticloser · February 19, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night?

Sting vs Booker

How many championships will change hands?

1

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight?

No

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question)

Flair

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)?

30:00

AMarc9-8 · February 19, 2017

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

Although I can see you potentially holding off such a switch for the time being, as there are more possibilities for Steiner with the belt than without it

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

Kanyon is on the cusp of main event stardom, making it unlikely that he'll carry the US title once again

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

This switch has been a long time coming, and it can begin the rise to legend status for WCW's future number one player

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Been predicting he loses the belt for some time now, I really do see the change happening here

Sting vs. Booker T

The match either signifies a new top heel for WCW or a passing of the torch from one company icon to the next

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

DDP will be starting to wind at this point, whereas Douglas is on the rise

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

CEO debuts, dictating a DQ win for Naitch

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Mike's punishment for backstage issues is to job at the biggest show of the year

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

I like this gimmick, it's rather like Orton's Legend Killer phase and I look forward to seeing where you take it

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

The push of Knoble cannot be avoided at this stage

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

I anticipate a AJ win to start off his time going it alone with the best possible opening

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias

The man who beat Hogan in 2000 simply has more star power at this stage

What will be match of the night?

Sting vs Booker

How many championships will change hands?

3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight?

Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question)

For the ultimate swerve, Shawn Michaels

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)?

23:04

Warhawk8492 · February 19, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? RVD Vs Steiner

How many championships will change hands? 4

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Roddy Piper

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 22:15

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Very enjoyable read so far.

jscotty · February 20, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? RVD/Steiner

How many championships will change hands? Three

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Eric Bischoff

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 18:16

The Final Countdown · February 21, 2017

Starrcade: One hour before bell time

December 30th, 2001

Ryougoku Sumo Hall, Tokyo Japan

One hour before bell time

I double-checked (okay, more like triple-checked) my lineup for the night, making sure everything was in order. This was a big night for us, and I wanted everything to run as smoothly as possible.

Japanese wrestling shows usually feature a higher percentage of walk-up ticket purchases than we're used to in the US, but all indications were that we'd sell out the 11 thousand-plus seat Sumo Hall tonight. That's a big deal, and it made us look like a big deal if we could pull it off. Hopefully we could deliver a great show and close out 2001 with a bang.

I was interrupted from my musings when my cell phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket and said hello.

"I'm in."

I grinned at that. I'd sent feelers out to several guys whose contracts were almost up, and here I had one already agreeing to jump ship. "Excellent. We'll send over the finalized contract tomorrow with the figures we agreed to. The moment you finish up with Vince, we'll bring you straight to TV."

We confirmed some of the plans we'd previously discussed and wrapped up our brief discussion, but not before the soon-to-be ex-WWF Superstar told me to put on a killer show. I told him I'd see him in 2002.

The primary purpose of this post was so I could give a 24-ish hour warning for Starrcade. I should say it'll be no more than 24 hours, and could be several hours less than that. I don't normally do this sort of thing, but with it being the last show in the long contest to decide who gets to play in the next Ultimate Fan Series, I decided to make an exception. I didn't want to post JUST for that, so I threw in that little teaser.

Once that happens RVD will take him to the extreme and make Steiner yield to not only the future WCW World Heavyweight Champion... but also Mr. WCW (that would be a good nickname for RVD)

I've been trying to brainstorm possible nicknames for RVD. I could use the established "Mr. Monday Night", but that to me feels like something he'd just say once in a while rather than it being synonymous with him like, say, Heartbreak Kid is with Shawn Michaels. He could refer to himself as a lot of things, Mr. WCW included, but I'm not sure if he'll be getting an "official" nickname.

You said that just because i have Megumin (Konosuba) as my avatar, isn't?

Who can say? But if you ever see me debut a new wrestler whose gimmick is that he's devoted all of his training to creating a ridiculously elaborate finishing move, to the point that he has no other moves or attributes that are at all effective, don't report me for gimmick infringement.

(The thief who steals panties and the useless goddess who wears ridiculously short skirts with no underwear are more WWF's style though.)

(Wow, that summary probably makes me sound like a giant pervert to anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about.)

I've had to learn photoshop for work (or rather pixlr aka poorman's photoshop) and now I look for reasons to work on my skills as it has become a fun hobby for me.....I may do this for more of your ppvs but I don't want to promise anything.

Anything you choose to do will of course be appreciated, but absolutely no pressure!

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}
This switch has been a long time coming, and it can begin the rise to legend status for WCW's future number one player

I can see it now: WCW World Heavyweight champion Chuck Palumbo!

K-Nection · February 21, 2017

This is me every time there is activity on this thread.....

SomeLazyMagic · February 21, 2017

Fan Scorecard:

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©}

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

World Tag Team Championship: True Heroes vs. Natural Born Thrillers {©}

Cruiserweight Championship: TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? RVD/Steiner

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes, betting on them costing Ric the match

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Shane Douglas

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 28:34

General diary comments/questions/critiques:

Texasrangers13 · February 21, 2017

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

--I will never go against Alex Wright...

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? Sting vs. Booker T

How many championships will change hands? One

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Shane McMahon

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 21:34

GingeyOne · February 21, 2017

Fan Scorecard:

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? TAKA vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? Don Callis

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 17.32

General diary comments/questions/critiques: Been awesome so far, absolutely love the Bret perspective. Only thing I would like to know more of would be the state of the rest of the world. Other than that, a great read so far!

lnic · February 21, 2017

World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner {©} RVD Era has begun

Misterio less headaches

Sting vs. Booker T

I am thinking a draw to try to keep Booker less annoyed

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? Flair vs Candido

How many championships will change hands? 2

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Hulk Hogan

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 14:02

Theheel · February 21, 2017

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night? Taka vs Liger

How many championships will change hands? 3

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight? Yes

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question) Ted DiBiase

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)? 18:21

Cro Cop Rules · February 21, 2017

2/3 Falls match for the United States Heavyweight Championship: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©}

Sting vs. Booker T

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Shane Douglas

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido

Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer

Terry Funk vs. King Corino

Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay

AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi

Cruiserweight Shootout, featuring Billy Kidman, Yang, "Sugar" Shane Helms, Cash, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagis

What will be match of the night?

I'll go out on a limb and say Taka-Liger.

How many championships will change hands?

Three

Will we learn who the "CEO" is tonight?

Yes!

Who is the CEO? (answer even if you answer no to the previous question)

Arn Anderson bc swerve!

TIEBREAKER: How long is the main event (minutes and seconds)?

19:25

The Final Countdown · February 22, 2017

December 30th, 2001: Starrcade <div style="text-align:center;">http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Box%20Art_zpsxjcpbubu.jpg~original From Ryougoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan Attendance: 11,500 Announce Team: "The Professor" Mike Tenay and Bret "The Hitman" Hart http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Tenay.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Hart.jpg Official Theme Song: "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin <iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kEGuHdKn0Lc?rel=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/kEGuHdKn0Lc?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;">AJ Styles vs. Kaz Hayashi (w/Stacy Keibler) http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Styles.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Hayashi.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SKeibler.jpg</div> Some nice cruiserweight action to open the show. It's no secret that I'm very high on the potential of AJ Styles as someone who could one day be a headliner, and even now he's a great in-ring performer. Hayashi may not have that kind of ceiling, but he's still a great high flyer and very good overall worker. I didn't think the time was right for a spotfest or all-out match, but I still fully expected some high quality in-ring work here and that's exactly what we got. There was the occasional dip in storytelling here that did hurt the match, but a lot of that was masked by great natural chemistry between Styles and Hayashi. They really brought out the best in each other as opponents, which was a nice bonus. Stacy Keibler hadn't gotten involved much throughout the match, but she factored in at the very end when she climbed onto the apron right as AJ was perched on the top rope to deliver the finishing blow. AJ yelled at her to get down, and that's all the opportunity Kaz needed to get up and kick the ropes. AJ lost his balance and fell to the mat, and Hayashi hit a senton backsplash off the top rope to win a match most expected him to lose. <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;">Alex Wright and Jamie Knoble vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Fit Finlay http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Wright.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Knoble.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Chavo.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Finlay.jpg </div> While neither of these are regular tag teams, I wanted to get all four of these guys onto the show. It doesn't hurt that I'd classify three of the four as great in-ring workers (and it's not like Alex Wright isn't also very good in his own right.) The workrate was predictably strong, which made up for a lack of tag team experience. Wright and Finlay did a lot of technical wrestling, while the pace picked up a lot when Knoble and Chavo shared the ring. Wright was getting worked over in the Chavo/Finlay corner, but he created some space with a dropkick and made the hot tag to Knoble. Chavo entered the ring illegally and charged at him, but he sent Guerrero over the top with a back body drop. Finlay tried to sneak up behind in the confusion, but Knoble was ready for him. He blocked a Finlay strike and got him in the guillotine choke, which led to a tap out after a brief struggle. <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;">Cruiserweight Shootout http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/STorrie.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Kidman.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Yang.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Helms.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Cash.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Moore.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Karagis.jpg </div> As planned, this was pretty much nonstop high spots from start to finish. With all six guys legal at all times, there was almost too much action for Mike and I to call, with everybody hitting dives to the floor and moves off of the top rope. None of the six struggled to work in this style, but two stood out in a positive way. I'd already seen that Kidman excelled in this style of match, so it was no surprise to see him do well. The spotty nature of the match also brought out the best in Yang, who produced maybe the single biggest highlight reel moment of the match when he wiped out all five of his opponents with a corkscrew asai moonsault to the floor. Amidst all the chaos, Shannon Moore showed off some improved technical skills during a brief exchange of holds with Cash. Despite the nature of the match, we DID have a story to tell here. Shane Helms joined up with his former 3 Count partners Evan Karagis and Shannon Moore to take control of the match, but it was all a ruse. He threw Moore over the top rope, then zeroed in on Karagis. He was just about to deliver the Vertebreaker when Kidman returned to the fray with a springboard dropkick that knocked Shane out of the ring. That left Billy alone with Evan, and he hit the shooting star press to win the match before anyone else could come back in to break it up. As a result of the win, Kidman gets the next shot at the cruiserweight title. <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;">"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chris Candido (w/Tammy Sytch) http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Flair.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Candido.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SSytch.jpg</div> I've seen some of our fans on the message board say that this build has been among the best of the show, at least from a storytelling standpoint, and I'd say I agree. This match was really more about continuing said story than it was trying to have an actual great wrestling match, so I told Flair and Candido to really focus on telling that story here. I thought Flair did a good job as far as understanding the psychology of how to work the match like he was enraged, doing a lot more brawling and focusing on trying to hurt the man who piledrove his son on the concrete floor, while Candido did his part as the guy who was wrestling a methodical match and waiting for his opponent to make irrational mistakes. One thing that has to be said here is Flair's age is really showing. Candido significantly outperformed him in the ring, and no disrespect to Chris, but he's nowhere near as good as Ric was in his heyday. Still, I'd say this match exceeded my expectations in many ways. It all led up to Flair getting Candido on the mat and applying the figure four in the center of the ring. That's when the master plan was set in motion. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Bischoff.jpg</div> "The CEO...is ERIC BISCHOFF?!" Mike exclaimed on commentary. Indeed, the former boss of WCW hopped over the guard rail and rolled into the ring, holding a baseball bat in his hands. He smacked Ric in the ribs with the bat for an obvious disqualification, but that was really just the beginning. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Taka.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Anderson.jpg </div> TAKA came down to the ring, and he, Bischoff and Candido all started beating on a helpless Flair. Arn Anderson eventually emerged from the back with a look of fury on his face, but he walked no further than the top of the entry way before stopping. Mike and I explained that he obviously wanted to come out and help his best friend, but getting physically involved would be a conflict of interest in his role as the commissioner of WCW. Instead he waved to the back for help, but it wasn't security that answered the call. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Liger.jpg</div> Jushin Liger ran down to the ring, and he surprised Candido with a running palm strike that sent him through the ropes. Bischoff quickly slithered out of the ring to avoid a one-on-one physical confrontation, leaving just Liger and TAKA in the ring. Arn began ordering everyone else to the back, but Bischoff smirked and handed over some paperwork. The paperwork revealed that he was the official manager of TAKA in all business matters, so he had a legal right to remain at ringside for his client's match. Arn had no choice but to let him stay, but Candido and Sytch were ordered to the back prior to the start of the cruiserweight title match. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Cruiser.jpg TAKA (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger {©} http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SBischoff.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Taka.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Liger.jpg</div> As I said previously, I thought that this match probably had the highest ceiling of any on the show. Considering Liger stole the show with Chavo Guerrero Jr. last month in Calgary, I thought pitting him against TAKA, particularly in Japan, had all the makings of the best cruiserweight match in a long time. I told the two of them to shoot for exactly that, letting them know that there were no restrictions and I wanted them to do everything they could to steal the show and produce a match the fans would never forget. They accomplished that objective without a doubt. Between both guys' versatile skill sets, they were able to present a seamless blend of high flying, technical holds, counter holds and mat wrestling. Everything they did just worked, and the fans in Tokyo were buzzing, knowing they were witnessing a classic. The only real misstep was made by me, as I penciled them in for around 22 minutes and that was a bit too long for them to maintain their intense pace the entire way through. Indeed, you could see that TAKA was slowing down ever so slightly towards the end, but I thought he and Liger both did an awesome job in this match overall. Jushin's in-ring performance was damn near flawless, and TAKA was only maybe a half a step behind with a fantastic effort of his own. This was right up there with the all-time classic matches from the glory days of the cruiserweight division, if not even better because of the crowd reaction. They not only had an amazing match from an athletic standpoint, but they told a really good story too. The concept was that while Liger is one of the most innovative aerial wrestlers of all time, he's lost some of that to Father Time and thus has to rely more on an improved mat wrestling game, while TAKA, who is nine years younger, used big aerial high spots to one-up the legend who created such moves as the shooting star press. Yet Liger was still a very good flyer and TAKA's no slouch in the technical wrestling department, which only added to the drama. Initially I was going to have Bischoff factor into the finish, but I changed my mind for multiple reasons. For one, we'd done a non-clean finish in the Styles/Hayashi opener and in the Flair/Candido match that immediately preceded this one, and doing another one here felt like it would be overkill. I also thought it would cheapen the match itself, and considering how good the match turned out I'm glad I made the decision I did. Eric merely stood in silent support as Liger connected with a rolling koppou kick and lifted the challenger for a Running Liger Bomb, only for TAKA to counter it with a hurricanrana. From there TAKA hit a precision springboard dropkick to the back of the head when Liger got up, and finally used the Michinoku Driver to win the match and the championship! <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/RVD.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SSteiner.jpg</div> Partly to give the fans in Sumo Hall and watching at home time to breathe after that match, and partly to make the main event feel like a big deal, we showed a brief split-screen shot of both RVD and Steiner going through pre-match warm-ups in their locker rooms. RVD was stretching and throwing kicks, while Scott did some push-ups on the floor. <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;">Diamond Dallas Page (w/Kimberly) vs. Shane Douglas http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SKimberly.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/DDP.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Douglas.jpg</div> In an unannounced surprise, Kimberly accompanied DDP to the ring. This was a true last-minute decision; she didn't even agree to the offer until a few days before the show. I thought it was appropriate to bring her back given how often her name has been brought up recently. Her "girl next door" gimmick (I don't think too many people grew up with a girl who looked like that next door) got a very good initial response. DDP was of course pleased to have his wife back in the company, but unfortunately her presence seemed to overwhelm him and drag his performance down. These guys had a tough act to follow coming off of that cruiserweight title match. Fortunately they were telling a totally different story and working a totally different style. The last match was filled with mat wrestling and aerial spots; this was a fight. It was a pure brawl from beginning to end, with both guys doing a great job selling the animosity of the rivalry as they fought not only in the ring but around ringside, slamming and throwing each other into various objects (the floor, the post, the steps, etc.) Douglas in particular was very well suited to working in this kind of match. Maybe he was relying on his ECW experience a bit, though there were no actual weapons used. Douglas controlled the middle portions of the match, but a discus clothesline opened the way for a late-match comeback from DDP. Dallas went through a few of his major spots before throwing up the sign for the Diamond Cutter. Douglas was able to narrowly avoid the move and went to the floor to regroup. Page followed him out, and thus began a chase around the ringside area. As Douglas ran past Kimberly he deliberately got behind her and shoved her towards Page, who had to put on the brakes to avoid colliding with her. Dallas checked to make sure she was okay as he gently moved her out of the way, and Shane hit him with a sneaky low blow amidst the confusion. He rammed DDP's head into the ring post before taking him back into the ring, where he used the Franchiser to finish the match. Maybe it wasn't an instant classic like the match right before it, but they did a great job at delivering a heated brawl and produced a match that would've been the night's best on some of our other PPVs. <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;">Terry Funk vs. King Corino http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Funk.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Corino.jpg</div> Having anticipated that the previous two matches would be very strong, and knowing there were still five matches yet to come after this one, I thought it would be a good idea to bring the fans back down a bit to make sure they weren't drained before we got to the final matches. I told Funk and Corino to let the crowd cool down and catch their breath, and they dutifully followed my directive with a simple, basic match. This was the worst match on the show, but it was designed that way. This was never going to be about trying to tear the house down, especially with Terry's physical condition. I love the guy to death, but he honestly should've hung his boots up (for real) a long time ago. That was pretty much the story we told in the match too, with the much younger Corino outwrestling Funk and pinning him with the piledriver. Yes, just like the "King" moniker, he co-opted the piledriver from Jerry Lawler. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Tag.jpg True Heroes vs. The Natural Born Thrillers {©} http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Storm.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Punk.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/OHaire.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Palumbo.jpg </div> The match psychology was fairly simple here. Storm and Punk tried to isolate one member of the Thrillers in their half of the ring and wear him down with mat wrestling, while Palumbo and O'Haire wanted to use their size and strength to their advantage. After some early shine for the Thrillers, O'Haire was cut off from his partner. Several times he'd seem to be on the verge of breaking free to make the tag, but Punk and/or Storm would do something underhanded to prevent it from happening. In many ways it followed the template of a traditional Southern-style tag team match, but that style became a template for a reason. It also probably helped that this wasn't as common a match layout in Japan, so it might not have seemed as cliché to the fans in Tokyo. I was pleased with how this match turned out, and I think it was in no small part due to the natural chemistry between Punk and Storm and the experience of the Thrillers, who have worked together frequently enough now that they're a pretty seasoned team. I'd say this was right at about the same level as the Thrillers' match with Hugh Morrus and Konnan as the best tag title matches we've put on. O'Haire finally made the hot tag to Palumbo. If there was a weak point of the match, this was it. Chuck really underperformed here. His "house of fire" offense was uninspired, with some phony-looking strikes and slams. Oh well. It ended with Palumbo getting Storm up over his shoulder and planting him with the running powerslam, which he's been winning a lot of matches with. One problem: Punk had slapped Storm's foot as he was up over Chuck's shoulder, tagging himself in. Palumbo wasn't aware of it, but Punk was, and more importantly so was the referee. Punk entered the ring, kicked Palumbo in the head as he was still covering Storm and wondering why the ref hadn't started counting, and drilled him with the Devil Lock DDT to win the titles! The Thrillers did a good job propping the tag division up throughout 2001 but it was time for a change. I really like the combination of Punk and Storm, and it's time to see what they can do as the centerpiece of the division. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Sting.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Booker.jpg</div> Time to slip in another non-wrestling segment after three matches in a row. We showed a video that recapped Booker T's frustration and heel turn built around his obsession with regaining the world title, and viewing Sting as an obstacle preventing him from doing so. Our production team came through here; this was great. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/US.jpg Two out of Three Falls: Kanyon vs. Rey Misterio Jr. {©} http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Kanyon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Rey.jpg</div> I knew two things going in based on Rey and Kanyon's previous two PPV matches: they'd work together really well as opponents, and the match would suffer for the lack of a true ring general in there to take it to the next level. What remained to be seen was how they'd fare with a longer runtime, because due to the 2/3 falls nature of the match I gave them a shade under thirty minutes to work with. I thought they both responded well to that challenge, as neither guy showed any real sign of fatigue at any point. After Rey showed off some of his aerial stuff in the opening minutes, Kanyon caught him out of mid-air and hit a Flatliner to win the first fall. This set Rey up as the underdog, and Mike and I really played up that aspect of his character as a man who never backs down despite the odds. Perhaps we should've come up with something a bit more interesting to focus on though, because the early feedback I've seen online has only been average. Kanyon carried his momentum into the second fall, very nearly putting Rey away several times as he pulled off as many innovative throws as he could think of. Rey, being the consummate courageous underdog, took everything Kanyon could dish out and keep coming back for more, eventually scoring with a twisting hurricanrana to even the match at a fall apiece. To the surprise of very few, it came down to the third and final fall to decide who would walk out as United States champion. The story of the third fall was both guys going back and forth, hitting every signature move in their arsenal to try and close the match out. They mirrored the closing minutes of their first match at WCW vs. The World when Kanyon caught Rey's springboard hurricanana and turned it into a sit-out powerbomb for a near-fall, but this time when Kanyon tried to follow it up with the Flatliner Rey slipped free. Kanyon kneed him in the gut and took him to the top rope for a super powerbomb, but Rey countered into a hurricanrana off the top! That was nicely executed, and a perfect way to close out this match. I was ultimately happy with the trilogy of matches these two had, but if one of them can improve enough in psychology to be able to put together stronger in-ring stories, this could be a dynamite feud to re-visit down the line with their chemistry as opponents. <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;">Dustin Rhodes vs. The Destroyer (w/Father Isaac) http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Dustin.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Destroyer.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SIsaac.jpg</div> This match avoided the pitfall of awkward and clunky timing that Dustin and Vampiro seemed to have together, but it had problems of its own. Some of that was my fault, because I told them to go out there and concentrate on working the crowd so they'd be as hot as possible for the final two matches. The crowd was already heated up enough though after two very good matches to follow the intentional cooling-down Funk and Corino provided, so this was unnecessary. The other major negative was not my doing. Dustin hasn't been the most consistent performer in recent years, and he had a pretty lackluster outing tonight, especially considering it was Starrcade. The match wasn't terrible or anything, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a mild disappointment to me based on what I know both guys are capable of. I'm sure most of the fans watching at home spent the whole match waiting for the inevitable Vampiro run-in, but those fans would be left waiting. There was no run-in, and there wasn't even any real part for Isaac to play (aside from simply supporting Destroyer by giving him instructions and telling him to "annihilate him!", which fits Awesome's new character perfectly and really adds to the act.) Instead it was a straight-up match, and a shockingly clean and decisive finish as the Destruction Bomb left Dustin staring up at the lights. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: C http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Vampiro.jpg</div> Only after the match did Vampiro show his face. He joined Destroyer in the ring as the two of them went to work on a fallen and defenseless Rhodes. After some stomps and punches, Vampiro used his Nail in the Coffin finisher. If you thought that was the end, you were wrong. Vampiro went to the floor and pulled a table out from underneath the ring, which he then set up in perfect position for what came next. The Destroyer took Dustin up to the top rope and put him through the table with a Super Destruction Bomb! That was very impressive visually, and it worked wonders as far as helping The Destroyer live up to his name. The Japanese fans clearly viewed him as a star here, which I'm sure also had something to do with his time in FMW as The Gladiator. Vampiro had no such reputation in Japan, and the fans in Tokyo didn't seem too impressed with him. I guess they have that in common with a decent percentage of our locker room. <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;">Sting vs. Booker T http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Sting.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Booker.jpg</div> This was either the biggest or second biggest match on the card as far as star power goes, but I had a few concerns heading in. The biggest was the performance of Sting, who is nowhere near the state of Flair, Funk or even his good buddy Luger, but is still past his prime physically. I was also worried about the kind of effort we'd get out of Booker T with his recent backstage frustration. While I think the big bonus I just gave him alleviated a lot of that, he still seems a bit grumpy and I worried it would affect his performance. Considering their match at Halloween Havoc had been fairly mediocre given their talents, my expectations weren't very high for this one. Boy, did they blow those expectations out of the water! I don't know if it was the marquee event that is Starrcade encouraging them to draw out a little something extra, Booker being firmly established as a heel this time around, him wanting to go out and prove a point to me, or maybe a combination of all of the above. All I know is that these two guys were fantastic tonight. Booker seemed sufficiently motivated, and Sting surprised the heck out of me by outperforming his younger opponent. This was miles better than their Halloween Havoc match, and one of the very best we've put on all year. It would've been match of the night on almost any other show we've run, but they had the misfortune of being on the same show as Liger vs. TAKA (and they weren't even too far from that benchmark.) Booker was able to work as a full-fledged heel this time, and he embraced his role to the fullest. He worked an aggressive style and disrespected Sting throughout, and continued his storyline by shouting and complaining about Sting stealing his title shot whenever he had the advantage. It all led up to Booker dropping Sting with the Harlem Sidekick, then strutting up to the top rope for the Harlem Hangover... ...but in a nod to the Sting/Flair matches, he was cut off and thrown down to the mat with a press slam! Booker got up and staggered back towards a corner, and Sting followed him in with the Stinger Splash. Booker got out of the way though, and Sting crashed into the buckles. Booker schoolboyed him and got a surprising 3-count. I'm not sure if I'll continue this feud going forward, but if I don't this match was a heck of a way to wrap it up. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/Hart.jpg</div> Before the main event, I temporarily took off the headset and went into the ring to address the fans. Well, more accurately I said stuff in English and then we had a guy who translated it for the fans, because me standing there cutting an English promo in Japan in front of an audience who had no clue what I was saying wouldn't have worked too well. It was pretty generic; just me thanking the Japanese fans for welcoming WCW and giving us our biggest audience of the year, and also thanking our partners at tv asahi for giving us a platform to showcase our brand of wrestling. I vowed that Japan would continue to be a big focus for WCW in the future, and invited the fans to join us again in 2002. Shots fired, Vince. <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://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/World.jpg Rob Van Dam vs. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner (w/Midajah) {©} http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/RVD.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/vs.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SSteiner.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/WCW/SMidajah.jpg </div> This was without doubt the hottest storyline in the company heading in, it had the benefit of being for the world title, and it featured two of our most popular wrestlers in Japan. It had all the makings of a classic, and from a performance standpoint that's exactly what we got. Both guys were absolutely at the top of their game tonight, with Steiner bringing the intensity, the suplexes, the stiff shots and the arrogance, and RVD throwing his kicks and pulling off his "one of a kind" spots, like the discus leg drop off the apron to the floor as Steiner was draped over the guard rail, and even a somersault from the top rope and onto Steiner as he stood just beyond the guard rail on the side of the fans (with security keeping the fans safely out of the way, of course.) It was an absolutely amazing match. I gave both guys an in-ring score of A for their performances, which I have never done before. Even in the Liger/TAKA classic from earlier; while Liger did get an A from me, I "only" gave TAKA a B+. Given all of that, you'd have expected this was an easy match of the year in WCW. One problem: this was in no way the match we'd built up to in the story. RVD was supposed to be wrestling much more aggressively as he fought to avenge Bill Alfonso, but he was still doing his usual acrobatic routine, complete with frequent "R-V-D-" finger points. The match may have been amazing athletically, but I'm sure the fans who'd followed the feud heading in were scratching their heads wondering what the hell was going on. The action was still good enough that the match was not what anyone could reasonably call terrible, but the disregarding of the established story we'd laid out kept it from being a serious contender for match of the night, never mind match of the year. RVD was up top for the Five Star Frog Splash, but it was too early and Steiner was able to cut him off. Scott got the better of a brief punching exchange as they both stood on the ropes, then showed he was truly pulling out all the stops by busting out a Frankensteiner from the middle rope! RVD got a shoulder up on the ensuing pin attempt, and when Scott whipped him off the ropes he ducked under a lariat and stunned the champion with a roundhouse kick to the head. After an array of kicks put Steiner down RVD went for a split-legged moonsault, but Scott blocked it with his knees. A release German suplex set up the Steiner Recliner! Scott had his signature submission on, and he had it on right in the center of the ring. It was a long crawl for RVD, but he fought through the pain and made it to the ropes to force a break. Steiner just barely broke before a 5 count that would've disqualified him, and he started yelling at Nick Patrick. Scott waved his arms as if to say "this is over," then put it more literally as he screamed "I'm gonna break your neck!" He pulled RVD up by the hair and lifted him into the air for the Steiner Screwdriver. That would've been a no doubt match-ender and Mike and I established it as such, but Van Dam was able to connect with several knees to the head even while upside down in the air and freed himself. He planted Scott with an elevated double underhook facebuster (like a Pedigree, but better!), then took another trip up to the top rope. He again went for the Five Star Frog Splash...and this time he connected! Nick Patrick got into position and counted once... twice... three times! Rob Van Dam is the new world heavyweight champion! <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: B</div> The Japanese crowds don't usually scream and yell like American fans do, but make no mistake: they were very happy to see RVD win the title. They applauded loudly when the three count was made twenty minutes and twenty-seven seconds into the match, and the ovation continued when Nick Patrick handed him the belt. He draped it across his shoulder and went up to the second rope, where he of course did his "R-V-D" pose. A big babyface contingent (primarily guys who weren't otherwise on the show, like American Dragon, Ernest Miller and Norman Smiley) came out from the back to congratulate the new champion. He accepted handshakes and congratulations, and Hugh Morrus and Konnan lifted him up onto their shoulders to celebrate. The closing shot of the show was RVD hoisted in the air, smiling and doing his pose with the belt on his shoulder as Mike and I wondered about how different WCW would look in 2002 with Rob Van Dam as the new top man. As I said, the Japanese fans love Van Dam. He's been heavily featured on our shows, and our deal with tv asahi has allowed him to become a budding star over here, to the point that even the WWF probably only has four or five guys max who are more popular. They reacted great to the title switch, which made this angle feel really special. If only the match itself had been this good. <div style="text-align:center;">Grade: A*</div> </div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Show Overall Grade: B+</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 (maximum possible points: 16) (+3 = correctly predicted RVD as the next world champion back in August) Satyr24: 15 K-Nection: 14 (+3) jscotty: 14 (+3) Dead_Jester: 13 Uncrewed: 13 LordofGustav: 13 Cro Cop Rules: 13 (+3) Beejus: 12 (+3) DGenerationMC: 12 Rateddc: 12 evileddie10: 12 michgcs: 12 Theheel: 12 crackerjack: 11 chrismday: 11 AMarc9-8: 11 deanohbk: 10 Briskout: 10 SomeLazyMagic: 10 smw88: 9 KnowYourEnemy: 9 Nobby_McDonald: 9 The_Lariat: 9 GingeyOne: 9 (+3) The Lloyd: 8 Happy0wns: 8 Wolfman84: 8 (+3) Inic: 8 rjhabeeb: 7 Warhawk8492: 7 (+3) 2Sweet: 6 franticloser: 6 Texasrangers13: 5 </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>FINAL STANDINGS in prediction contest to determine the next Ultimate Fan Series field: 1. K-Nection: 77 2. Beejus: 73 3. jscotty: 72 4. Dead_Jester: 69 (18:45) 5. Uncrewed: 69 (24:15) 6. Satyr24: 68 7. Cro Cop Rules: 67 8. crackerjack: 64 smw88: 63 evileddie10: 62 michgcs: 62 deanohbk: 57 Nobby_McDonald: 55 franticloser: 53 DGenerationMC: 53 BHK6: 52 Happy0wns: 52 KnowYourEnemy: 52 chrismday: 48 GingeyOne: 45 The Lariat: 43 AMarc9-8: 41 Rateddc: 41 LordofGustav: 40 rjhabeeb: 39 SomeLazyMagic: 37 Wolfman84: 37 Superkickparty: 35 2Sweet: 33 Briskout: 33 Warhawk8492: 29 HRTVAndrew: 24 Anderz: 23 Rainmaker: 22 StarshipAwsome: 14 Theheel: 12 Texasrangers13: 12 tg01: 8 The Lloyd: 8 Inic: 8 Armando Payne: 7 sportsfanmas: 6 Theheel: 6 PopeBrandonBrownson: 5 </div></blockquote> Congrats to the top 8! I'll be contacting all of you via PM very shortly (like as soon as I post this) to confirm whether or not you want to take part in the next UFS, which will start drafting very soon <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="smw88" data-cite="smw88" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> What will be match of the night? Sting vs. Booker T edit: although I had a dream it will be kanyon vs Rey (which is a wierd thing to dream but I'll stick with my first pick)</div></blockquote> Our subconscious really does dream about some strange things sometimes, huh? I'm pretty sure I've had a dream or two about my diaries over the years, but I wouldn't have expected someone else to do so. I guess I should be flattered by your subconscious. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GingeyOne" data-cite="GingeyOne" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43035" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> General diary comments/questions/critiques: Been awesome so far, absolutely love the Bret perspective. Only thing I would like to know more of would be the state of the rest of the world. Other than that, a great read so far!</div></blockquote> I do sometimes feel the same way, though I try to balance it out as focusing on things that Bret himself would be following most closely, which I would think would be primarily the WWF and only major stuff from anyone else. I'm definitely open to suggestions if anybody has an idea on what information they'd like to see and/or how they'd like to see it presented. I will be posting the year end awards and Power 100 (not doing all 500!) in two or three days, so you have that to look forward to if you're interested in seeing what's going on elsewhere in the game world. Most of the awards went about how I expected, but there was one MAJOR surprise in there too.

KnowYourEnemy · February 22, 2017

<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 style="text-align:center;"> The Japanese crowds don't usually scream and yell like American fans do, but make no mistake: they were very happy to see RVD win the title. They applauded loudly when the three count was made twenty minutes and twenty-seven seconds into the match, and the ovation continued when Nick Patrick handed him the belt. He draped it across his shoulder and went up to the second rope, where he of course did his "R-V-D" pose. I knew I should have photoshopped a "if Steiner wins, we riot" sign for the event! I forgot R-V-D was Cena's opponent at that one night stand.</div></blockquote>

LordofGustav · February 22, 2017

All i can say this was an impressive Starcade! RVD will be the leading the torch of the future of WCW. So, the Monday Night Wars... continue...

Now to respond to your comments, you forgot to mention the sadomasochistic paladin, who's also more WWF style.

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