A new generation.....a new attitude?

[to4sty]

 

Week 2, July 1997

Charlotte Coliseum (Charlotte, North Carolina)

ATT: 17,192

TV: 17.94

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff and Mike Tenay

 

 

 

In somewhat of a reoccurring theme here in WCW, Monday Nitro once again opens up with the arrival of the Titans of Wrestling.....these opening monologues however have been a little more.......let’s say, tense......with each passing week, and tonight is quite possibly (alright not possibly, it outright is) the tensest of the bunch.....with neither Hollywood Hogan, nor Jean Paul Levesque looking to be in the greatest of moods following the events of last week.....where Hogan essentially wanted Levesque to take a dive, and hand him the WCW Championship on a technicality.......Levesque however had different ideas, claiming that even if it was Hogan vs. Himself at Bash at the Beach, the end result would be the same, with the World Title coming home to the Titans of Wrestling......

 

.....Hogan isn’t buying it however.....telling Levesque that he needs to remember who bought him to the dance......

 

”.......after all dude, without Hollywood man, there would BE no dance......Hollywood Hogan built Wrestling......and I carried it on my massive shoulders to heights that no one had ever seen......Hollywood Hogan made WCW what it is today.......and when you were shown the door up north brother, it was Hollywood Hogan that welcomed you into the fold with open arms......it was Hollywood Hogan that made YOU relevant dude......and while MOST people would be down on their hands and knees worshiping the ground that Hollywood walks on, you basically slapped me in the face brother........”

 

......Levesque outright laughs at that, telling Hogan that the LAST thing he did was make HIM relevant......

 

”.......let me tell you something.....”brother”.......just how ‘relevant’ were you when I was kicking your ass in the ratings week in week out?......ratings that have been solidly going UP may I add, ever since I arrived here in WCW.......so maybe.....just maybe.....it should be YOU down on your hands and knees, worshiping the ground that I walk on......for making WCW relevant again......and maybe......just maybe........what would be even more of a ratings draw.......would be Jean Paul Levesque as the WCW Champion.......”

 

.......things get a little bit heated from there, with Savage, Traylor and the Nasty Boys having to get between the arguing Titans, because this looks like it may come to blows......fortunately Savage is able to calm both men down (amazing really considering he’s not the most stable of men himself) telling Hogan that he was in the wrong for interfering in Levesques match........BUTTTTT........on the same hand, it wouldn’t have hurt Levesque to take one for the team either........

 

”.......because believe me, Jean Paul Levesque WILL be the World Champion, Yeah........but sometimes you've got to know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em, dig it?.......”

 

.......Savage says that right now, the only thing they should be doing, is making sure that the WCW Championship comes back to the Titans.....and as far away from Roddy Piper as possible......whatever it takes......

 

”.......and tonight, we get to eliminate a few problems along the way, yeah......because the Macho Man and Hollywood ride one more time tonight......and we get to crush Lex Luger for sicking his nose in our business.......the Giant’s gonna fall and won’t get back up.............and you Mr. Jean Paul Levesque......brother, brother, brother......you get to take care of a little problem for the Macho Man tonight, yeah.......”

 

......Macho says that at Bash at the Beach, he’s going to be going on on one with the Sting man again, because the Stinger wants another shot at taking Savage out....which is fine by Macho......he has no problem going to Bash at the Beach to face Sting.......whether Sting is in any condition to perform however, is an entirely different matter altogether, yeah......

 

......who would have ever thought Randy Savage would be the voice of reason?.....but he was.....and the Titans walk out of here tonight far more unified than they were when they came in.

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

VS.

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Semi-Final Match

 

You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a time warp in our first match, and woken up in the NWA circa 1989......because it’s The Road Warriors facing off against the Samoan SWAT Team in the first semi-final match in the NWA Tag Te.......erm......WCW Tag Team Championship tournament......

 

......the match had a very old school feel to it too to be fair......the Samoan’s no sold any blows to the head......Road Warrior Hawk no sold a Piledriver (because why would an age old finishing move cause any damage eh Hawk?)......Animal did a powerslam......and the Road Warriors won with the Doomsday Device to Fatu........Hawk and Animal best pack their swimsuits......because they’re off to the Bash at the Beach to compete for the WCW Tag Team Championships.

 

Winner(s): The Road Warriors

Rating: B

 

 

 

 

It’s backstage we go now, and it’s Mean Gene standing by with the man who will be facing off against Hollywood Hogan at the Bash of the Beach for the vacant WCW Title, Rowdy Roddy Piper......Gene says that last week, Hollywood Hogan was willing to go to any lengths in an attempt to get his hands on the Big Gold Belt, including sacrifice his own man.......Piper survived that.....but he’s got to be concerned about what lengths the Titans will go to in order to recapture that Championship......

 

”.......welllllllll, to be honest with you Gene, I don’t really remember too much about what happened last week.......I kinda got my bell rung out on that concrete floor......you ever taken one of those Pedigree’s?.....”

 

“......no, I can’t say I have......”

 

“.......yeah, do yourself a favour.....don’t......it ain’t fun.......but survive it I did, and on to Bash at the Beach we go......and as for wondering what lengths Hogan will go to to get hold of that belt, maybe he should be worrying about what lengths I will go to.......because let’s face it Gene, he might think he’s a bad guy now......but I’ve been a bad guy all my life......I’m pretty good at being bad ya know?......”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“..........yeah you might be bad.......but we’re Nasty............”

 

 

 

......still churning out the cheesy (very) early 90’s lines, it’s Knobbs and Saggs....the Nasty Boys.......they tell Piper (who’s currently wrapping the belt from his kilt around his fist as a makeshift weapon) that “the big man” doesn’t want him to make it to the Bash.......

 

”.......and what the big man wants.....unfortunately for you......the big man gets.........”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“......WELLLLL......WE’RE PRETTY BIG GUYS.......WHAT ABOUT WHAT WE WANT?......”

 

 

 

 

 

......it seems as though Hawk and Animal have made it to the back following their previous victory......because they appear directly behind the Nasty’s, still looking ready to fight......and there’s every possibility that they WILL be fighting Knobbs and Saggs this coming Sunday Night, should the Nasty's overcome the Pitbulls later in the evening......but for now, the Road Warriors will have to wait.....because with the odds no longer in their favour, the two Titan members tuck their tails between their legs and walk off......telling both Piper and the Warriors that.....

 

”......this ain’t over......”

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

VS.

 

Next up we see Mike Awesome in action, as he faces off against The Renegade.......Awesome is in a bad mood following his early elimination from the WCW United States Championship tournament, thanks in part to the distraction caused by the Giant.......originally I was going to have this a far more open contest than it turned out......but the Renegade decided he was going to turn up late for the show.....and then got p!ssy when he received a warning.......so f*ck him.........squashhhhhhhh.........and Awesome won with the Awesome bomb after dismantling the moody Renegade.

 

Winner: Mike Awesome

Rating: C

 

 

 

 

As the Renegade skulked off to buy a new wristwatch to make sure he’s not late for any future events, Mean Gene makes his way out onto the ramp, shilling the WCW Hotline, before stopping Mike Awesome in his way to the back to get a few words.......

 

.......Awesome does have a few words......not that he’s a great talker......he could do with a mouthpiece in all honesty......but he’s big and bad enough to get his point across.......he’s dismantled Vader......he destroyed Bam Bam Bigelow.......and now, since he’s not going to be competing for the US Title at Bash at the Beach......he wants the Giant instead.......

 

”........so Giant, get ready........because once I chop you down to size, there will be no doubt who the REAL best big man in the business is.........ME!......”

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:10%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/VLXypXK.jpg"> VS.

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Semi-Final Match

 

It’s time to see who the Road Warriors will be facing off against at the Bash of the Beach now.......as the Pitbulls face off against the Nasty Boys in the final semi-final match of the Tag Team Tournament......and in all honestly, considering the two teams involved, this wasn’t a bad match by any stretch of the imagination.......don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t pretty......these four men went out there and did what it is that they do best.......brawl.........and it was a wild fight......but in the end, it was the Titans that came out on top, after The Enforcer Ray Traylor made his way out to introduce that nightstick to the back of Gary Wolfe’s head......and just like that, the Nasty Boys advance to the WCW Tag Team Title match at the Bash at the Beach.

 

Winner(s): The Nasty Boys

Rating: B

 

 

 

VS. <img style="max-width:10%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/P0J5S3C.jpg"><img style="max-width:10%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cm3d3SD.jpg">

 

It’s time to crown the first Champion of the new regime around here.....as Lord Steven Regal faces off against unlikely contender Brad Armstrong.....who’s only real title credentials around here is a brief run as the Light Heavyweight Champion back in the early 90 (defeating current WWF main event superstar Raven) and as one third of the six man tag champions along with Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin (and you wouldn’t even know that unless you were aware that the Badstreet character was actually Bradstreet under a mask)......

 

.....his Lordship however virtually made this Title his own in late 93-94.....holding on to it twice for a total of eleven months combined.....so he will be looking to become a three time Champion tonight......and he has the Duke, Douglas Williams and Earl Robert Eaton at ringside with him......and while Brad Armstrong would love to be walking out tonight as the Television Champion of the world, it wasn’t too be......and after countless interference on the part of the Duke and The Earl, Regal was finally able to put Armstrong away with the Regal Stretch.

 

Winner: .......and New WCW Television Champion......Lord Steven Regal

Rating: C

 

 

 

 

Eaton and Williams join Regal in the ring, each offering him a hearty handshake as he displays the Television Championship for his (less than) adoring fans. Armstrong pulls himself to his feet and shakes his head in disappointment, knowing that this was a big opportunity for him....Regal sees the forlorn expression on his face and picks up a microphone, telling Brad not to be so hard on himself.......

 

”.......you fought courageously lad, Her Majesty would be proud of you tonight.....I myself offer you my most sincere congratulations on your admiral display, and humility in the face of defeat...........Earl Eaton......Duke Williams.......don’t just stand there gawping like imbeciles.......offer this fine athlete your congratulations like the gentlemen that you are.........”

 

......pfttt, “gentlemen”......these two gentlemen pounce on poor Brad.....and commence in beating the tea and crumpets out of him, as Regal stands on in the background displaying the Television Title proudly........Brad Armstrong’s night just goes from bad to worse..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......at least until the one time model, Rick Martel comes running down the aisle.....and you would think it was the second coming of Jesus Christ himself the way Tony Schiavone acts, stating that we haven’t seen Rick Martel in wrestling for over two years now.......but he’s here......he’s in World Championship Wrestling.......and luckily for Brad, he’s here to help......

 

.....he sails into the ring unbeknown to Regal who is still hamming it up for the crowd, and begins laying into Eaton and Williams, finally driving the two Noblemen to the outside.....just as Regal turns around to be greeted with a drop kick from Armstrong that sends HIM tumbling through the ropes too, before the Blue Bloods beat a hasty retreat......the Television Title is theirs.....and that’s all that matters right now.

 

Rating: B-

 

 

 

VS.

 

Last week we saw the WCW debut of former NFL player turned pro-wrestler, Bill Goldberg......as he squashed ring veteran Craig Pittman In next to no time.......it was an impressive introduction to the WCW audience for this beast of a man......and tonight it was Kid Kash stepping between the ropes to see if they could do better than Pittman.......or at least last longer than Pittman......spoiler alert......he didn’t......Goldberg picked up the victory not convincing style, hitting a Spear and Jackhammer combination in little over two minutes......your winner......Bill Goldberg.

 

Winner: Bill Goldberg

Rating: D+

 

 

 

 

Jean Paul Levesque makes his entrance ahead of our semi-main event of the evening.....and as he climbs into the ring Mean Gene sneaks out from the back and stands in the aisleway, looking to ambush (the rather elusive as of late) Sing for a few words......

 

......he’s stood there for a few minutes.....because the Stinger doesn’t seem to be in any rush to make an appearance......but when he finally does show Gene charges, microphone in hand......he tells Sting that it’s been nigh on impossible to reach him for comments in recent weeks......maybe now he could share a few words?.....

 

......Gene says that Sting has made it perfectly clear that he no longer has time for friendships or allegiances.....and while most people seem to be reluctantly accepting that.....the same cannot be said for the Warrior......who continues to repeatedly come to Sting’s aid when the situations arrive......does Sting care to comment?.....

 

......Sting stares at Gene emotionless for a moment, that white painted face giving nothing away......before he finally pushes Gene back a few steps with a hand to his chest.....before simply continuing his walk to the ring......apparently we won’t be hearing from the Stinger tonight.

 

Rating: B-

 

 

 

VS. <img style="max-width:10%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/4gulGr7.jpg">

 

We will be seeing him in action however, because now he’s due to face the man who may well have been competing for the WCW TItle at the Bash of the Beach, has Hollywood Hogan not taken it upon himself to interject himself in last weeks match between Levesque and Roddy Piper......that backfired on two levels......because for one, Levesque is now on less than good terms with his Titans team mate.....and for two.....Hollywood Hogan now has to face off against his long time nemesis, the Hot Rod.....Rowdy Roddy Piper......

 

.......Sting in the other hand will be facing the Macho Man at the Bash at the Beach, in a rematch from their stalemate encounter a few weeks back on Nitro.....and while Levesque may not be Hollywood’s biggest fan right now, he and Savage are still on good terms, so should he happen to soften the Stinger up for his team mate here tonight, then all the better......it helps that Helmsl......oops.....Levesque hasn’t come alone......he has the Enforcer on the outside, who is constantly interfering in this......or he was.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

......until the Warrior came cannonballing down the aisle with a rocket pack strapped to his back........running straight through Traylor at warp speed.....which caused enough of a distraction to Levesque that the Stinger was able to take him out with a Scorpion Death Drop for the victory.

 

Winner: Sting

Rating: B

 

 

 

 

The Warrior is quick to join Sting in the ring (that sounds like something I get after a particularly hot curry) but the Stinger again reiterates to him that he neither wants, nor needs his help.........although as the Titans regroup on the floor.......and the Nasty Boys join them on the outside......Sting might need all the help he can get.......

 

.....the Warrior turns to Sting......asking him if he is ready to transcend this mortal realm do do battle like the gods of old......but Sting’s reply is pretty final......”No”.........and he hops out of the ring, telling the Warrior to next time, stay out of his business......as he disappears into the crowd, leaving Warrior all alone.......and as the four Titans charge the ring, even the Warrior is no match with those odds......as the Titans systematically beat him to the mat, while Schiavone sends us to commercial.

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

VS.

 

It’s main event time.......as Lex Luger and The Giant look to continue their war with the Titans of Wrestling, when they face off against the Mega Powers, Hollywood Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage......and truthfully.....this match wasn’t great......

 

......both Hogan and Savage are past their prime......neither man is at his best physically.....and because of both of these men, the atmosphere in the back can only be described as toxic at best......Problem is, they are also two of the biggest names in the company (and the business of in honest).....and since WCW has spent so long pushing them......and spent so little time pushing new talent.......your main event sucks.......give it time though......because one new talent made his presence felt here tonight at least..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

........as Mike Awesome made his way down the aisle towards the end of the contest.....where he starts hurling insults at the Giant......asking the Big Man if he accepts his challenge for Bash at the Beach......obviously the Giant says he does, before telling Awesome that he’ll see him Sunday, but right now he’s got other things to do.......

 

......Awesome apparently doesn’t take too kindly about being dismissed like a child, and snatches a cold drink from a fan at ringside, which he launches in the face of the Giant......who stands there like an angry wet mess with a face like thunder as Awesome tells him that on Sunday, he’s going to finish him off for good.......Mike turns and heads to the back, but the Giant suddenly lets out a mighty roar and hops off the apron to follow him.......unfortunately that leaves Luger high and dry........and it’s not long until a Big Boot, Top Rope Elbow, Legdrop of Doom combination has put him down for the three.

 

Winner: The Titans of Wrestling

Rating: B-

 

 

 

 

Hogan and Savage have won the match.....and judging by the fallen body of Lex Luger, they may have taken out one of their biggest challenges.....or at least they will have done shortly........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

........as they wave out the rest of the Titans of Wrestling, and the entire group joins Hogan in the ring......the Nasty Boys pick Luger to his feet and hold him in place while The Enforcer delivers a series of shots to those chiselled abs with the nightstick......

 

......Hogan grabs a microphone and tells Roddy Piper to watch closely.....because this is what’s in store for him on Sunday night brother......as Hollywood mounts the fallen body of Luger and delivers a series of eight hands to his skull.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......which is when help finally arrives......as Roddy Piper makes his way out......along with the returning Giant and the Road Warriors.....and as Hawk and Animal charge into the ring to go at it with the Nasty Boys, Savage and Traylor have their hands full with the Giant.......but not as full as it looks like Piper ms hands are going to be.....because Hogan and Levesque put on a united front, hopping out to ringside to cut the Hot Scot off in the aisle......although it really doesn’t go according to plan......because while they DO get the initial upper hand, Piper manages to clip Levesque right in the balls, doubling him over.......before giving Hollywood a double finger poke, straight in each eye, which temporarily blinds the former World Champion.......and as Hogan swings his arms around trying to find Piper, his hand brushes over Levesques shoulder......and believing to have found his target, Hogan lays a mighty right hand straight into the jaw of his team mate........

 

......Levesque goes down, just as Piper sneaks behind Hogan and locks on the sleeper hold that won him his only Title in the WWF, the Intercontinental Championship......Hogan is flailing his arms but he’s clearly fading, screaming at Levesque to help him......but Jean Paul is clearly p!ssed about the shot to the jaw that he just took courtesy of Hogan, and he waves the plea’s off, before marching to the back as Hogan drops down to one knee........and as the action continues in the ring, Tony Schiavone is going mad on commentary.........

 

”.......HOGAN’S DOWN TO ONE KNEE.....HE’S DOWN TO ONE KNEE.....RODDY PIPER IS PUTTING HOLLYWOOD HOGAN TO SLEEP......AND IF HE CAN DO THIS IN SIX DAYS, THEN WE WILL HAVE A NEW WCW CHAMPION, AND HIS NAME WILL BE ROWDY RODDY PIPER.....”

 

......and we may well indeed see that fans.....and we’ll see YOU at Bash at the Beach......Hollywood Hogan vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper.....with the World Title on the line.......what is this 1984 brother?

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: B+

 

 

[to4sty]

Little bit of a poor showing from two of my most constant performers in Bret Hart and Steve Austin this week......I was expecting good things from the pair, and while I knew the ending would mar the match slightly, I didn’t realise quite how much.....still you live and learn......fortunately our closing segment was much better received.....and we even snuck a debut in there......no not Neidhart....don’t expect to see him for too long, he has a specific number of dates that I need him for and he’ll be gone again.....not Jim’s not a nice guy, he just has a few too many demons right now to be a main part of my roster.......no I’m talking about the big blonde lad.....Andrew Martin. He’s a big old unit.....greener than goose sh!t but he’s been down in developmental for a while now and he’s gone about as far as he’s going to go down there....he needs some real ring time....plus he has a great look, and he was actually trained by Bret Hart so he must have something going for him other than the fact that he’s Canadian for the Hitman to take an interest.....

 

......Martin wasn’t the only call up this week either, The Headbangers are heading to the main roster after a lengthy stay in development.....speaking of Tag Teams, we shan’t be seeing Harlem Heat taking on the Nations Kama and Nelson at In Your House after all.....Nelson went and ruptured his bladder in that tag match with Malenko and Mysterio.....no ones fault, it was just one of those things......he will be out for a month however, so maybe Harlem Heat will have to wait till Summerslam before they make their Pay Per View debut......unless I scramble about for a replacement match for them, but I don’t like to really just stick throwaway matches onto Pay Per View so we’ll see......

 

......while we’re on the subject of Pay Per Views, it’s Russo’s first one on Sunday.....and that’s quite the roster you have there Vinnie.......Hogan, Savage, Piper, the Road Warriors and the Nasty Boys.....Rick Martel, the Big Bossman.....even IRS is in there.....Summerslam 91 called Vinnie, they want their Roster back.....

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Bash at the Beach, Week 2, July 1997

 

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

 

[Uncrewed]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[Satyr24]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[crackerjack]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments: Creative control, brother

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments: Total toss-up here. Guessing you pick youth here

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments: The Nastys suck

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments: It's smart to build up Awesome, but I don't know if it's wise to do it at the expense of The Giant

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments: Eh, I never like Lex

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[bonnie]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors

Comments:

 

The Giant

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal ©

Comments:

 

The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg

[ElectricX]

Preview for WCW Bash at the Beach, Week 2, July 1997

 

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[Mattitude90]

Preview for WCW Bash at the Beach, Week 2, July 1997

 

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[Kijar]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[MisterRomanini]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

Comments:

[Nobby_McDonald]

WCW Heavyweight Championship Match

Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Hollywood Hogan

Comments:

 

Sting vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

WCW United States Championship Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Road Warriors vs. The Nasty Boys

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

WCW Television Championship Match

Lord Steven Regal © vs. Rick Martel

Comments:

 

The Total Package, Lex Luger vs. The Enforcer, Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Mike Enos

[Beejus]

Hollywood Hogan - Big win, brotherjackdude.

Sting - Gotta build Stinger for that epic finale.

DDP

Nasty Boys - It would seem like the Warriors should just run over the Nastys, but the Nastys have the backing of the ToW. They should pick up the Tag belts, unless you plan on sending them out.

The Giant - Awesome will look good in defeat.

Time Limit Draw - Good pick up with Martel, this should be a great title match to prop up the undercard a little.

Lex Luger - Solid win for the Package.

Chris Benoit

Goldberg

[to4sty]

 

Week 2, July 1997

Cox Arena (San Diego, California)

ATT: 12,000

PPV BUY: 1.49

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

 

 

 

It’s time for the first WCW Pay Per View of the Russo Regime.......and since the set here at the Cox Arena has been decked out like something straight out of Baywatch, that can mean only one thing......it’s time for the Bash at the Beach 1997......Tony Schiavone welcomes us to the show, along with the team of “The Professor” Mike Tenay and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan......and frankly they all look ridiculous decked out in gaudy Hawaiian shirts.....with Heenan going so far as to be wearing a large sun hat with a big covering of pink sun cream on his nose. They talk briefly about the upcoming show, promising a hot night here in SoCal, stating that the action already heated up earlier in the day, with the Bash ON the Beach, Battle Royal taking place on the beautiful Imperial Beach....where Buff Bagwell came out victorious....with Bobby Heenan letting everybody know that not only is Buff the Stuff, but he's also one to watch around here......

 

......Schiavone says that while that may well be true, the one to watch around here tonight is going to be our main event......because while Hollywood may have been the man around here for the last six months, using the Titans of Wrestling to ensure his iron grip stays firmly wrapped around the WCW Championship, the Titans don't appear to be quite the cohesive unit they once were.....in fact if anything, Jean Paul Levesque is beginning to question whether Hollywood Hogan should be the man around here.......or whether it should be Mr. Levesque himself.....and all that animosity has left the front door open.....all Rowdy Roddy Piper has to do, is walk right in and take the prize......

 

Rating: N/A

 

 

 

VS.

 

The first match of the evening sees a Giant facing of against a man with a giant chip on his shoulder.....as Mike Awesome continues his quest to prove to the world that he's the best big man in wrestling today. He's already left his mark on two of the best big men in wrestling's yesterday, (and two former WCW Champions) in Bam Bam Bigelow and Vader.....but with the upmost respect, while both of those gentlemen can still go, you could hardly say they are in their prime.....tonight's opponent however is an entirely different matter.......because the seven foot Giant is barely 25 years old, and has a lot of years left in him yet.....

 

......and it appears that Awesome may have bitten off even more than he can chew here, because the Giant shrugs off all of Awesome's offence, including a running clothesline that would have decapitated most people.....the Giant isn't most people however, and while it does rock the big man, not enough to put him down....and the Giant answers with a running clothesline of his own that DOES put Awesome on his ass....

 

.....that's not to say Awesome doesn't impress during this, after all he's not the self proclaimed "best big man in the business" for nothing.....and he uses his deceptively quick agility to sidestep the rampaging Giant, who crashes chest first into the turnbuckles on a corner splash attempt, before finally dropping the wobbling seven footer with a clothesline from the top rope. From there Awesome does his best to keep his opponent grounded, after all, being seven foot tall doesn't matter when you're flat on your back.....of course, PUTTING the Giant on his back and KEEPING the Giant on his back are two entirely different things....and it was only a matter of time before the Giant got back to an offensive position.....

 

......and from then it descended into an out and out brawl, as these two battled for superiority, and it looked as though it was going to be a very bad night for Awesome......especially when the Giant wrapped a big hand around his throat......it looks like it's Chokeslam time here tonight.......except it wasn't........because it was just at that time that a rather over enthusiastic fan in a hooded top hops the rail and dashes into the ring with a steel chair......

 

.......dropping down to their knees behind the unsuspecting Giant, this "fan" delivers a low blow to the seven footer.....who releases Awesome.....just as the "fan" hands him the steel chair.....which Awesome in turn smashes over the head of his opponent, leaving the official no choice but to call for the bell.

 

Winner: The Giant (via Disqualification)

Rating: B

 

 

 

 

Not that Awesome seems overly concerned with his loss.....as he nails the Giant again.....and again......and again......until finally the big man is flat on his back in the middle of the ring....which is when the hooded fan takes the chair from the hands of Awesome, placing it on the chest of the Giant, before pointing up to the top turnbuckle.....

 

....quick to comply, Awesome climbs the ropes and raises his arms in triumph, before leaping off with a mighty Awesome Splash, driving both his own weight and the stationary steel chair into the chest of the Giant, who is truly down and out here.....

 

......to be fair, that took quite a bit out of Awesome too, as he stays down on the mat beside the Giant, clutching at his midsection.....the difference is, Awesome has a "fan" there to help him stand to his feet......and rather bizarrely give him a big hug too.......although it does become a slightly less bizarre sight when that "fan" pulls the hooded top off........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......to reveal a rather more scantily clad Missy Hyatt......and Schiavone has a mini aneurism at the sight of "the walking riot", demanding to know "...what is she doing here?......the last I heard, she was managing drunks in bingo halls....."

 

.......and she may well have been.....but it looks as though the Sandman is going to have to find a new valet, because Missy Hyatt is here in WCW.....and apparently Mike Awesome has secured her services.....good decision Mike, because you can't talk for sh!t.....at least now your interview segments won't entirely suck.

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

 

Speaking of interview segments, we go to the back now, where Mean Gene is standing by with the Television Champion, Lord Steven Regal (along with his Gentlemen at Arms, Earl Robert Easton and The Duke, Douglas Williams.) this is really nothing more than a quick two minute segment to fill time while the Giant is making his way to the back.....Gene says that one could argue that was it not for the interference of Easton and Williams, it could well be Brad Armstrong standing here tonight with the WCW Television Title around HIS waist.....

 

......Regal tells Gene not to be so absurd....stating that the Earl and the Duke are the very epitome of gentlemanly conduct....obviously they are not infallible.....

 

"......I mean, nobody is perfect Gene......with the exception of Her Majesty The Queen obviously......and if they "accidentally" happened to have caused Mr. Armstrong to lose, well......while I'm sure that while they would be deeply saddened by that, they can't be held to account for one little mistake......everyone makes mistakes......just like Rick Martel made a mistake demanding this match tonight......"

 

.....Regal says that Mr. Martel has been out of the business for a few years now....and stepping into the ring with a man of the ability of his Lordship, well....that's just madness....but if he insists on carrying on with this charade, then the Blue Bloods shall have to show him the error of his ways.

 

Rating: B-

 

 

 

VS. <img style="max-width:11.24%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/nQQzEBD.png">

 

His Lordship isn't wrong, Rick Martel hasn't stepped foot inside a wrestling ring for over two years now, since his World Wrestling Federation run came to an end....while Regal has been wrestling consistently (for WCW) for the last four years.....holding the WCW Television Championship for a quarter of that time.....so asking Martel to to come out victorious here tonight is a big ask....especially when you factor in Eaton and Williams on the outside as well.....

 

.....of course, Martel is a veteran of the game.....he also no stranger to bending the rules himself, so he's a little more aware of how to neutralise the threat that the Earl and The Duke pose at ringside than Brad Armstrong was....and this was a good match too.....and considering the fact that Martel has been a cocky arrogant heel ever since turning his back on Chico Santana back in 1989, the fans here in WCW seem to have accepted this babyface return.....but then, there's a good chance they would cheer anyone who was in there against the stuck up Steven Regal.....

 

.....and they were cheering all the more when Martel was able to turn Regal over in the Boston Crab.......slap bang in the middle of the road too, so there is nowhere for Regal to go......and the pompous Brit looks to be only seconds away from conceding the match.......which is when the Gentlemen Rouges on the outside, Eaton and Williams, storm into the ring to break up the hold, drawing the disqualification in the process as they quickly grab their Nobel Peer and drag him to the outside (picking up the Television Title on the way) and disappear quickly up the aisle.....Martel picks up a big debut win, but it's not the win he wanted.

 

Winner: Rick Martel (via Disqualification)..........however, Championships can ONLY change hands via pinfall or submission.......therefore Still WCW Television Champion.....Lord Steven Regal.

Rating: B

 

 

 

 

We go straight to the back from there, where Mean Gene shills the hotline....(you know the number by now, 1-900-909-9900)......stating that the deals are almost done......and you can get all the dirt on exactly WHO will be jumping ship to WCW, for just $1.59 a minute.....and one man who knows ALL the dirt, is the man making those deals, Gene's guest right now, Vince Russo......Gene says that we have just seen one Championship match.....there are four more to go.....and with the exception of the Giant (who wasn't entered into the Television Title tournament) ALL the former Champions have made it to the finals of their respective tournaments.......leaving Gene to question, if we potentially leave this evening with all the Championships back with their previous owners.....what was the point of vacating them to begin with?........

 

......Vince says that the reason, was to create an even playing field around here, he says that for too long WCW has been the "good old boys" club.....with talented up and coming stars not being given the title opportunities against the established hierarchy......how many tag team title opportunities would a Juventud Guerrera and a Super Crazy got?......most people run a mile from the thought of Mike Awesome chasing their gold.....how many US title shots would he have got?.....Brad Armstrong may not be an up and coming star, but when was the last time he received ANY title opportunity? Vince says that we may well see the same Champions at the end of the night that we saw at the start of the regime......BUT, the opportunity was there.....and that's what WCW is going to stand for from here on in......opportunity.

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

VS.

 

Our next match sees two men that don't have a great deal of chemistry in the slightest in action.....in fact, their matches are damn right awkward....but, they'd started something, so they may as well finish it.....plus, I didn't have anything any better for either man right now....(to be fair, I'm unlikely to ever have anything better for Wallstreet. Benoit I'm sure can be a big player, but Wallstreet, he's going to be more of a jobber to the stars at this stage of his career)........

 

.......with that being said, you got pretty much what you would expect from this one.....some time filled, some decent action.....and Benoit winning clean with the Crossface.

 

Winner: Chris Benoit

Rating: C+

 

 

 

 

Back to Gene now, who's standing by with the Road Warriors....who are looking to add some new gold to their already impressive resume.....with Gene saying that a victory here tonight will make the Road Warriors the only team in history to hold the AWA Tag Team Titles, the NWA Tag Team Titles.....the WWF Tag Team Titles......and finally, the WCW Tag Team Titles......Animal says that right, they've been at the top of the mountain around here before, but they never held those WCW Titles.....well tonight, that's all going to change.....because they've beat the Nasty's before to win gold, and tonight, they're gonna do it again......"TELL 'EM HAWK".......

 

"........WELLLLLLLL.........MEAN GENE...........DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE LIKE FIGHTING THE NASTY BOYS?.........THEY'RE OUR FAVOURITE TEAM TO FACE, BESIDES EVERY OTHER TEAM WE'VE EVER FACED........YOU KNOW WHY?........ITS BECAUSE THEY SMELL LIKE THREE DAY OLD GUTTED TROUT................LOOK LIKE IT TOO............THE NASTY BOYS ARE THE REASON GOD STOPPED TALKING TO US......BUT THATS OK......BECAUSE TONIGHT, WE'RE GOING TO HIT THEM SO HARD, WE'LL KNOCK THEIR SPIRITS STRAIGHT UP TO THE BIG MAN HIMSELF.........AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE'S GONNA TELL 'EM?.........UHHHHHHHHH.....WHAT A RUSHHHH!!!

 

 

Rating: B-

 

 

 

VS.

 

Back in 1991 the Road Warriors made history by becoming one of the few teams to have captured both the NWA and WWF World Tag Team Titles, when they defeated the Nasty Boys at Summerslam.....now, six years later the Nasty Boys are again the only thing standing in the way of Hawk and Animal adding the WCW World Tag Team Title to that list.....except this time, the Nasty’s have some serious back up in the form of the Titan’s of Wrestling.....but then, with the exception of Jean Paul Levesque, the Titans are all in action tonight....so their collective attention may well be elsewhere tonight.....

 

.......you would be forgiven if you didn’t have particularly high expectations for this match, especially given the participants involved......because while The Road Warriors have never failed to garner a reaction from the crowd, they aren’t exactly known for their five star classics.....and as for the Nasty’s, they are about as far removed from technical wizards as you can get......but in all honesty, this was a pretty good match......Hawk and Animal are more comfortable in a brawl than in a wrestling match, and Knobbs and Saggs are more than happy to oblige.....

 

......in the end however, this match went down much the same way as their Summerslam encounter did, with Saggs eating a Doomsday Device.....and with the rest of the Titan’s of Wrestling surprisingly absent from ringside, there was nothing Knobbs could do to prevent Road Warrior Animal from making the cover.....and just like that, we have brand new WCW Tag Team Champions.

 

Winner(s): ........and New WCW World Tag Team Champions.....The Road Warriors

Rating: B

 

 

 

 

The Enforcer, Ray Traylor makes his way out next for his clash with the Total Package Lex Luger.......while the Road Warriors have departed to the back however, taking their brand new Tag Team Titles with them, the Nasty’s have remained at ringside......where they appear to be having a difference of opinions with Traylor, with the nearby camera picking up on the fact that it would seem that Knobbs and Saggs aren’t happy that Traylor wasn’t there at ringside during their match with Hawk and Animal......questioning what sort of Enforcer he is......

 

.......Traylor tells the Nastys that they aren’t the only ones with matches tonight.....he has Lex Luger to worry about, before saying that the real question shouldn’t be what sort of Enforcer HE is......the question should be, if they can’t beat the Road Warriors without HIS help, then what sort of Titans of Wrestling are THEY......

 

......that p!sses the Nasty’s off, who tell Traylor that they at least have held some gold around here.....what was the last Title he held?.....before sarcastically wishing him “good luck” in his match as they storm off to the back.

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

VS.

 

That match is indeed next, as the Total Package Lex Luger faces off against The Enforcer Ray Traylor, who’s really found a new lease of life here in his role with the Titans after a slew of questionable gimmicks here......gone is The Boss.....The Guardian Angel and Big Bubba.....this is Ray Traylor doing what bought him to the dance....beating people up.....

 

.......his opponent tonight may have some “Titan” experience of his own, but this isn’t the Narcissus or the All American......this is the Total Package, and World Championship Wrestling is in his blood.....which is why he is so intent on taking the fight to the Titans of Wrestling......a group that see themselves as bigger than WCW.....badder than WCW......and yes, better than WCW......a claim that Lex has taken very personally.....

 

.....this match wasn’t great truth be told....it wasn’t horrible, but these two just didn’t match up well at all.....their chemistry was terrible and their timing was all over the place......thankfully it didn’t last too long.....and much like our previous contest, the rest of the Titans of Wrestling were surprisingly absent from ringside, as Luger hoisted Traylor up on his shoulders for the Torture Rack, giving the so called Enforcer no option but to concede the match, as the Titans go 0 for 2 tonight.

 

Winner: Lex Luger

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:10%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ng9t1MU.jpg"> VS.

 

It was time to crown a new United States Champion now......or possibly an old one.....because while Eddie Guerrero may never have held the gold, Diamond Dallas Page certainly has, in fact the only reason he is challenging for the title here and not defending it, is because he willingly relinquished the Championship to Vince Russo to kickstart a new era here in World Championship Wrestling.....

 

......Eddie Guerrero must surely be relishing the prospect of WCW becoming the land of opportunity, because for all of his unlimited potential, you could argue that this talented wrestler has been over looked because he doesn’t fit the mould of your average professional wrestler......but then the same could be said for DDP.....a man who decided to begin his career as an in ring competitor at an age that many wrestlers are contemplating the end of their career.....

 

......with that being said, both men here have something to prove, not only to the Wrestling world as a whole, but to themselves.....to prove that they do indeed belong here in the big leagues....and in this land of opportunity, who knows where a United States Championship win can take you.....it would surely not be a stretch to assume that an opportunity at the Big Gold Belt wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility.....

 

......it’s a case of one step at a time here though, and the first step means picking up a win here tonight....this match, much like our previous one, was actually a little bit of a disappointment.....but not as much of a disappointment as it was for Diamond Dallas Page, when not only did he get caught with a basic roll up, Guerrero hooked a big handful of tights for the added leverage, and for the WCW US Title.

 

Winner: ........and New WCW World United States Champion.....Eddie Guerrero

Rating: B-

 

 

 

 

As Guerrero heads to the locker room with the US Title in his possession, and Diamond Dallas Page slumps in the corner of the ring with a look of severe disappointment on his face, we head back to the private locker room of the Kings of Wrestling......where Hollywood Hogan looks far from pleased.....

 

.....he says that the Titans have wrestled two matches tonight.....and lost them both.....

 

”......and that’s just not good enough brother.......”

 

......he tells Traylor that regardless of who he was facing, he should have been out there with the Nasty Boys tonight......Knobbs and Saggs agree, but Hogan shuts them up, telling them that they had their match......they lost......they should have then stayed out there for The Enforcers match....

 

”........but the biggest culprit dudes, is YOU Jean Paul.......not only did you leave me high and dry on Nitro brother, but you don’t even have a match tonight......YOU should have been out there for both matches, taking care of Titans business.....”

 

......he tells Levesque that not only did he leave him high and dry, trapped in an illegal choke hold from Rowdy Roddy Piper (it wasn’t.....it was a perfectly legal sleeper-hold).....but now tonight, he’s not even out there supporting his brothers......Hogan says that there are two matches left involving the Titans.....Macho Man against Sting, and Hollywood against the Hot Rod.....and Hogan expects to see a better display of unity for those.

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

VS.

 

After an impressive start to his WCW career so far on Nitro, Bill Goldberg looks to carry that momentum into his first Pay Per View outing.....as he faces off against Mike Enos of the Destruction Crew......who fares no better here than either Craig Pittman or Kid Kash did on Nitro, as the Destruction Crew member got destroyed with the Spear and Jackhammer combination in around 3:45.

 

Winner: Bill Goldberg

Rating: D+

 

 

 

 

From that display of dominance we head to the back, where Mean Gene is standing by with the Warrior.....Gene says that for weeks now the Warrior has been coming to the aid of Sting.....unwanted aid at that, so much so that we have actually seen Sting walk away from the Warriors help, leaving him all alone and at the mercy of the Titans of Wrestling.....Gene’s question is simple....when is enough, enough?.......

 

.......the face painted superstar says that he is, by very definition, a Warrior.......and a true warrior never gives up on the attainable.....he could no more give up on Sting that the earth could stop orbiting the sun......he says that Sting may think he is a lone figure fighting for the fate of good, but their very essences are tied and joined as one.........in an intergalactic war for the ages that will see an end to the Titans tyrannical reign of terror......

 

......The Warrior lets out an almighty snort, before walking out of shot, leaving Gene looking slightly bewildered as he tells us that he THINKS what the Warrior is saying, is that he’s not given up on Sting yet.....back to ringside.

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

VS.

 

It’s not been a very good night thus far for the Titans of Wrestling, with both the Nasty’s and Ray Traylor losing their respective matches, Jean Paul Levesque being absent and apparently uninterested in the fates of his Titan team-mates.....as well as bickering inside the camp.....all of which meant that Hollywood Hogan had to call a come to Jesus meeting in the back to try and pull things together.....the Titans really need a victory to get the momentum of the night swinging back into their favour......and is there really any bigger victory to claim right now, than a victory over Sting? The man who could arguably be called the franchise of WCW.......

 

......this really was an excellent match too....easily the best of the night, and a showing of what WCW can actually do when they put their mind to it. Both men were at the top of their game tonight, and really worked hard to deliver a match worthy of the main event spot (had the orange goblin not already booked his place there).....unfortunately it looked like Hollywood’s little pep talk had worked its magic......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......because The Enforcer and The Nasty Boys (although still no Jean Paul Levesque interestingly enough) make their way down the aisle and surround the ring.....which doesn’t bode well for Sting.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

......at least until the Warrior comes sprinting down the aisle, where he begins running the arriving Titan members over with Clothesline after Clothesline.....

 

.......and in the ensuing chaos, Sting is able to catch the Macho Man with the Scorpion Death Drop.....and three seconds later the Titans have ANOTHER loss under their belt tonight.

 

Winner: Sting

Rating: A

 

 

 

 

Warrior rolls into the ring and stands side by side with Sting as the Titans of Wrestling circle the face painted duo......Sting looks like he’s contemplating walking out again, but Warrior grabs him by the arm and drags him back to the middle of the ring, demanding that he stays and fights......not that the Titans give him much choice.....as all four men dive into the ring as one.....

 

.......the Warrior is ready, and he instantly drops both Knobbs and Saggs with a Double Clothesline......and as Traylor and Savage advance, Sting has little choice but to stand his ground and fight side by side with his one time tag team partner......and the Warrior is fresh as a daisy too, while all four Titans have competed once tonight.....and before long he and Sting have driven their attackers from the ring, as Savage orders his men to retreat to the safety of the aisle, before eventually heading to the back.....

 

......and the crowd is in a frenzy as Sting and the Warrior come face to face, staring each other down......before Warrior finally extends his hand in a sign of solidarity......

 

.......Sting looks down at the offer of friendship for a moment, before batting it away and shaking his head, as he turns and exits the ring, leaving the Warrior hanging.....again

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

VS.

 

That brings us to our main event.....and a clash between age old enemies.....as Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan go at it one more time.....except this time the roles are very much reversed......because while the Hot Rod is very much a crowd favourite, Hollywood Hulk Hogan is one of the most hated men in the Wrestling business.........unfortunately this isn’t 1984.....Hell, it’s not even 1994.......this is 1997, and neither of these two men are anywhere near their prime.....that being said, they still managed to garner a great reaction from the crowd on name value alone.....and fortunately we had already had one great match to compensate for the less than stellar work rate here......

 

......what this is, is more of a dog and pony show....with a lot of playing to the crowd to try and hide the fact that these two men can’t go quite like they used to.....and while Hogan has fully embraced his heel persona.....scratching the back and raking the eyes.....this is Rowdy Roddy Piper he’s in there with.....and Piper wrestles like a heel whether he’s being cheered or booed......so it goes without saying that this was far from a clean affair.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......and it becomes even less of a clean affair, when the Titans of Wrestling (although STILL conspicuous by his absence is Jean Paul Levesque.....and Randy Savage tips the scales in Hogans favour immediately with a simple trip of Pipers ankle....... it looks as though Rowdy Roddy Pipers Title aspirations could be coming to a screeching halt here.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......fortunately for Piper, help is at hand.....as Vince Russo has clearly seen enough.....and he leads the troops out to even out the odds on the outside......Lex Luger, The Giant and the Road Warriors all make their way out behind him.....and immediately go to work on negating the effects of the Titans.....with the Nasty’s and the Road Warriors picking right up where they left off earlier.....while Luger goes for Savage, leaving The Giant and Ray Traylor to exchange blows.......Russo isn’t afraid to get in on the action either, as he hops onto the apron to scream at Hogan that things are changing around here “brother”......just as Roddy Piper slaps on the Sleeper Hold......

 

.......the official doesn’t notice this however.....he’s too busy trying to get Russo off the apron.....who (rather inexplicably) doesn’t appear to want to......if anything......he seems to be DELIBERATELY distracting the attention of the referee........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

......which is when Jean Paul Levesque comes out of the crowd, sliding into the ring behind Piper and dragging him off Hollywood......before kicking the Hot Rod in the gut......and driving his head into the mat with the Pedigree and rolling Hogan on top of his opponent.....before returning to the outside, where he nails Lex Luger with a steel chair.......

 

......Russo frantically indicates for the official to turn around and do his job.....which he does, registering the one.....the two.............and the three.......meaning that once again, Hollywood Hogan is the reigning WCW Champion......and after being locked in that Sleeper Hold, I don’t think he even realises.

 

Winner: ........and New WCW Heavyweight Champion.....Hollywood Hogan

Rating: B+

 

 

 

 

Russo snatches the WCW Title from the hands of the timekeeper, climbing into the ring to present the Championship to the Champion, before laughing like a Bond villain as he pulls his jacket off to reveal a black (& white) Titans of Wrestling shirt underneath.....Piper is still down from the Pedigree......Lex Luger is down (thanks to a steel chair shot by Levesque)......that just leaves The Giant and The Road Warriors still standing......against six Titans.....and regardless of their size, those are some insurmountable odds for ANYONE to overcome......the odds get even worse when Hogan takes the Giant out, using the Big Gold Belt (double ax-handle style) to come off the apron, nailing the seven footer in the back of the head with the gold......

 

.......from there the Road Warriors are swarmed and beaten down to the concrete, as the crowd cover Hogan, Russo and the ring in general with trash.......before the show comes to a close with Vince Russo raising the hand (and the WCW Title) of Hollywood Hogan.....surrounded by the fallen warriors of WCW and the soldiers of the Titans of Wrestling........but not before this man (the Warrior) walks out onto the Entrance Ramp........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.......and this man......(the Stinger) is seen standing....watching.....unwavering, from the confines of the crowd.....

 

 

 

 

 

......the WCW roster might be down and out right now.....but The Warrior and the Stinger are still standing.......Warrior looks into the crowd, yelling at Sting that now is the time to fight......but Sting simply stands with that unreadable expression on his face.....before he again turns and walks away, as the show fades to black

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: B

 

 

[to4sty]

Bit of a delay in posting, Wrestlemania season and all that, there’s been soooooooo much to watch. Only just caught up with Takeover and Wrestlemania, still got half of Ring of Honor to finish, but Bash at the Beach is done and in the books.....a little bit of a by the numbers show, I don’t think any of the results were ever going to be too surprising. Hopefully the new talent should all be moved over following Summerslam and that should breathe a bit of new life into WCW.....now I just need to sort this sh!tty locker room moral out.......

 

......oh and for the record, I know a lot of people assume Hogan has creative control.....he actually doesn’t. He DID, but I edited his contract length down to a day to renegotiate since he was on an “events only” contract (which is stupid) he was on $100k a month with creative control.......he’s now on $120k a month without creative control, but with hiring veto and wage matching (not that anyone will ever earn more) and 10% Per PPV appearance......its more than I would pay (hell, I didn’t even want to negotiate with him before I took over WCW because his demands were so high), but then it’s not my money it’s Uncle Ted’s.....and it gets rid of that creative control sh!t that I imagine would have driven me crazy.

 

 

Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997

 

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

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Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

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Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

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Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments:

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

 

[Kijar]

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments:

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

 

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

 

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments: OHHH YEEEAAAAAHHH

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments: Goldberg matches=free space in Bingo

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

[ElectricX]

Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997

 

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments:

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

 

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

Quote:

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments:

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

[Nobby_McDonald]

Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997

 

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments: Lance to WCW I reckon

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments:

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

Quote:

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments:

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

[crackerjack]

<p>Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win</p><p>

<strong>Scott Steiner </strong>vs. Lance Storm</p><p>

Comments: <em>See ya down south, Lance!</em></p><p> </p><p>

The British Bulldog vs. <strong>Owen Hart</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Jim Neidhart vs.<strong> “Jericho’s Security”</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. <strong>Edge & Christian</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw</strong> vs. Southern Justice</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Jeff Hardy vs.<strong> The Road Dogg</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997</p><p> </p><p>

The Warrior vs. <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Diamond Dallas Page</strong> vs. Buff Bagwell</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Giant <strong>vs.</strong> Mike Awesome</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bill Goldberg</strong> vs. Wayne Bloom</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Television Title Match</p><p>

<strong>Lord Steven Regal </strong>vs. Dave Finlay</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Scotty Riggs vs. <strong>Disco Inferno</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Soul Train vs. <strong>The Blue Bloods</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p>

[bonnie]

<p>Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win</p><p>

Scott Steiner</p><p>

Comment</p><p> </p><p>

Owen Hart</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

“Jericho’s Security”</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Al Snow & Chris Candido </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Jeff Hardy </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Quote:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997 </p><p> </p><p>

The Warrior </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Diamond Dallas Page</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Giant</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Bill Goldberg</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Television Title Match</p><p>

Lord Steven Regal </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Disco Inferno</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Blue Bloods</p><p>

Comments:</p>

[Satyr24]

<p>Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997 </p><p> </p><p>

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win</p><p>

<strong>Scott Steiner</strong> vs. Lance Storm</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The British Bulldog vs. <strong>Owen Hart</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Jim Neidhart vs. <strong>“Jericho’s Security”</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. <strong>Goldust & Marcus</strong> vs. Edge & Christian</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw</strong> vs. Southern Justice</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Jeff Hardy vs. <strong>The Road Dogg</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Quote:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997 </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Warrior</strong> vs. Randy Savage</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Diamond Dallas Page</strong> vs. Buff Bagwell</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Giant</strong> vs. Mike Awesome</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bill Goldberg </strong>vs. Wayne Bloom</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Television Title Match</p><p>

<strong>Lord Steven Regal</strong> vs. Dave Finlay</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Scotty Riggs vs.<strong> Disco Inferno</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Soul Train vs. <strong>The Blue Bloods</strong></p><p>

Comments</p>

[MisterRomanini]

Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997

 

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments:

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

 

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

Quote:

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments:

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

Reply With Quote

[Beejus]

<p>Scott Steiner - <em>Now that Jericho has turned heel, Storm doesn't really have much of a role in the WWF, so shipping him off to WCW is a solid idea.</em></p><p>

Owen Hart</p><p>

CJ Security - <em>Let's see if Neidhart fails the test.</em></p><p>

CandiSnow</p><p>

BradShamrock</p><p>

Road Dogg</p><p> </p><p>

Randy Savage</p><p>

DDP</p><p>

Mike Awesome</p><p>

Goldberg</p><p>

Lord Regal</p><p>

Disco Inferno</p><p>

Blue Bloods</p>

[Uncrewed]

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments:

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

 

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments:

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments:

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

[kingvps3]

Preview for WWF Raw is War, Week 3, July 1997

 

Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win

Scott Steiner vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart

Comments: Draw

 

Jim Neidhart vs. “Jericho’s Security”

Comments:

 

Al Snow & Chris Candido vs. Goldust & Marcus vs. Edge & Christian

Comments:

 

Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. The Road Dogg

Comments:

 

Quote:

 

 

Preview for WCW Nitro, Week 3, July 1997

 

The Warrior vs. Randy Savage

Comments:

 

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buff Bagwell

Comments:

 

The Giant vs. Mike Awesome

Comments: Didn't pull off the ppv win, but I think he'll get it tonight.

 

Bill Goldberg vs. Wayne Bloom

Comments: ...just kidding.

 

WCW Television Title Match

Lord Steven Regal vs. Dave Finlay

Comments:

 

Scotty Riggs vs. Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Blue Bloods

Comments:

[to4sty]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><p> <img alt="Qsi2WSr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Qsi2WSr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <strong>Week 3, July 1997</strong></p><p><strong> Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)</strong></p><p><strong> ATT: 20,789</strong></p><p><strong> TV: 32.42</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> <img alt="o8GrTsa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/o8GrTsa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qQmwebo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qQmwebo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="xsr2jxl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xsr2jxl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="emOqLPr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/emOqLPr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="46EV5Y1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/46EV5Y1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> The show this evening opens up to the iconic guitar riff that is the music of the Hart Foundation......as Bret and Owen Hart make their way to the ring with their newfound friend Chris Jericho.....his personal security guard provided by the Harts last week.....and surprisingly (given his tumultuous relationship with Chris Jericho) Lance Storm.....</p><p> </p><p> .....the quintet enter the ring, where Bret is quick to run down this rabid New York crowd, telling them that if they want to see a prime example of what’s wrong with America today, then they need to look no further than New York, New York......a cesspit of a city populated by criminals, miscreants and misfits..........in fact, the total polar opposite of beautiful Calgary.......as you would expect that provoked quite the negative reaction from this crowd......which Bret revels in, stating that America is all about “free speech” until someone says something that they don’t want to hear.......</p><p> </p><p> <em>”........and like it or not......Canada and Canadians, are simply better than America and Americans.......which is exactly why this man......this great Canadian, Chris Jericho....is just six days away from bringing the World Wrestling Federation Championship back where it belongs......”</em></p><p> </p><p> .....Bret says that if there’s one thing you can take to the bank, it’s the unscrupulous personalities of the average American.....which is why he has chosen to align himself from now on with only people he can trust.....honest CANADIAN people.....people that he can rely on not to screw him over to make a quick buck.....which is exactly why this man (indicating to the large blonde figure standing behind Jericho) is the TRUSTED personal security for the BEST light heavyweight there is, the BEST light heavyweight there was.....and.....well, you know the rest......Chris Jericho......and that’s why Jim Neidhart is NOT.....Bret says that it was only a matter of time before Jim Neidhart tried to screw them over......Bret and Owen simply pre-empted that.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>”......and if you needed anymore proof that Canadians are simply better people.....look no further than Lance Storm and Chris Jericho for two shining examples.....two men that have had their differences.....but two men that are working together for the greater good.....and that greater good, is taking the WWF Title away from Scott Steiner, before he tarnishes that once prestigious title for good......”</em></p><p> </p><p> ......Bret says that ever since that Winged Eagle belt has been out of his possession, it’s been marred by controversy and undeserving Champions.....but that all changes on Sunday Night.....Jericho takes the microphone now, stating that Bret is correct.....because on Sunday night, YOUR Canadian Hero, the Ayatollah of RocknRolla Chris Jericho, will be main eventing In Your House......where he will be defeating that big bloated muscle head Scott Steiner for the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....</p><p> </p><p> <em>”......that’s if there’s even anything left of Scott Steiner to face.....because tonight, my good close personal friend Lance Storm will be taking him to school.....because like it or not Steiner, this is the World WRESTLING Federation.....not the World Beat People With a Pipe Federation......and while like most Americans, you can only fight with a weapon in your hand, tonight you will be WRESTLING Lance Storm......a man wrestling for the pride of Canada.....for the pride of the Hart Foundation.....and for the pride of Chris Jericho......and while you might have got the better of my friend Lance in the back last week, I guarantee that Big Ploppa Dump will NOT get the best of Lance Storm in a wrestling match......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ......in fact......Lance Storm is SO confident that he will defeat you tonight......that he will even put his WWF career on the line.......that’s right, if Lance Storm doesn’t defeat Big Ploppa Dump tonight, he will QUIT the World Wrestling Federation there and then........”</em></p><p> </p><p> ......Lance looks rather taken aback by that revelation.....it’s safe to say that he DOESN'T agree with that stipulation at all, and looks as though he’s about to correct Jericho, but Bret and Owen are quick to congratulate Storm on his dedication to the cause, telling him that they knew they had made the right decision in putting their faith in him.....and reluctantly, Storm allows Jericho’s stipulation to stand......if he can’t defeat the World Wrestling Federation Champion Scott Steiner in our main event, he is DONE.....good luck Lance, you’re gonna need it.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p></div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="cr5i0Lz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cr5i0Lz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pLtZNWI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pLtZNWI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="Y9FHBdx.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Y9FHBdx.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cpQ8EAh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cpQ8EAh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img style="max-width:10%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/o3LlZPp.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/o3LlZPp.jpg"></a></p><p> VS <img alt="2fXhEmS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2fXhEmS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bfRp3Dn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bfRp3Dn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Last week, Al Snow and Chris Candido’s Tag Team match with Goldust and Marcus was rudely interrupted by Edge and Christian.....and as the contestants are making their entrances for this one we find out why, because we’re treated to an old school pre-taped picture in picture promo, as the two Canadians appear in the bottom left corner of our screen....they tell us that they were in the back last week, watching two non-teams in Snow/Candido and Goldust/Marcus wrestle, and all the commentators were talking about was the fact that a win here could give the victors a future Tag Title shot......they say that neither of these duo’s are even a real Tag Team.....Edge and Christian are a Tag Team......and Edge and Christian are getting that Tag Title shot......</p><p> </p><p> ....sure neither Al Snow and Chris Candido or Goldust and Marcus might be what you would consider a “real” Tag Team.....but then this time last year, neither were The New Age Outlaws, and they are the current reigning WWF Tag Team Champions....and Snow and Candido have been regularly teaming (and rather successfully so) for going on four months now.....they might not have an official team name, but then neither do Edge and Christian.....</p><p> </p><p> ......only two men can be legal at any one time here, and it’s one fall to a finish, meaning that getting in the match and staying in the match is the story of the bout, as the three teams battle it out with blind tags off the backs of their opponents in an attempt to be able to garner a pinball....it was a decent little match, which I’m sure would have been even better received.....</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="9Pq4mh7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9Pq4mh7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bJUS4jG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bJUS4jG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> .......had the Headbangers, Mosh and Thrasher (a team seen only once before in the WWF, back in February’s Tag Team Battle Royal at In Your House) come running down the aisle, and give Edge and Christian a taste of their own medicine......because their interference, and the mass brawl and chaos that follows, leaves the official little choice but to declare a no contest for the second week running.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner(s):</strong> No Contest </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B-</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="xNCHeK4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xNCHeK4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> We take a commercial break as the (now four) warring teams are separated.....and when we come back we are treated to the sight of Cactus Jack making his way down the aisle. He climbs into the ring. With a microphone to a great reception from the crowd, who have really taken to Mick Foley’s (one of many) alter ego.....Cactus thanks the crowd for their support....and more importantly their acceptance.....but if he could have their attention for just a moment, there are a few things he needs to get off his chest.......</p><p> </p><p> <em>”......see last week.....last week, Cactus Jack came out here and did what Cactus Jack does best......hurt someone.....I took Bill DeMott, a man disillusioned by the master manipulator Raven.....I took Bill DeMott and I brutalised him.....I tenderised him like a piece of meat.......I battered, bruised and beat the man to a pulp..........and I liked it.......I loved it.........it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.......and when I drove his skull into this canvas...........euphoria......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ......but then I went home......I went home to my wife......to my children......and I tucked my little boy in to bed.....I kissed his head and told him goodnight.....I got my little girl.....my princess......and I read her her favourite bedtime story.....and when I kissed her goodnight, she asked me one question......”when is the bad man going to go away daddy?”........do you know the things that go through a fathers head, when his little girl starts talking about the “bad man”?.....</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> .....I sat her up and I asked her.....begged her to tell me.....who is the bad man....where is the bad man......and she said six words that carved a scar on my soul deeper than any broken glass.....than any barbed wire ever could......six simple words........”the bad man.....the bang man”.........and that’s when it hit me.......it was ME.......in the eyes of my daughter, I WAS THE BAD MAN......but as quickly as I realised that, I realised something else.......I was wrong......Raven was wrong......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ......when Raven was doing everything he could to wake the monster.....to drag Cactus Jack back to the forefront.....I told him one thing......I told him that once it was free, there was no putting the genie back in the bottle......that once the monster was free, I couldn’t control it.....I couldn’t contain it......it would consume me until everything and everyone was burned in its wake.......but I was wrong......there was something that could contain it........and that is the look on my little girls face, when she looks in my eyes and doesn’t see daddy......she sees the bad man........well NO MORE......”</em></p><p> </p><p> .......Cactus paces around the ring for a moment, before telling the crowd that if there's one thing that these last few months have taught him, it's that deep down inside, the monster will always be there.....Cactus Jack will always be there.....but what these last few DAYS have taught him....is that HE can control the monster....not the other way around....and what that means right now......</p><p> </p><p> <em>".........is that it's time for the bad man to go away......."</em></p><p> </p><p> .....suddenly Cactus tears his shirt off with as much urgency and aggression as he usually reserves for his opponents........</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="PVk3FwK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PVk3FwK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> .......to reveal a Dude Love shirt underneath.....and as the Dudes music starts to play, it looks like the Coolest Cat around is back, as the Dude boogies and jives all the way around the ring and up the aisle, before coming to a halt at the top of the entrance ramp, cutting a groove for the fans.......</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="iXAv5bk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iXAv5bk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> ......when the Corporate Cannon Brian Pillman comes running out from the back, whiplashing the Dudes neck with a stiff clothesline, before landing on top of him where he rains both blows and rabid spittle down on Love. Pillman finally picks the Dude up by the scruff of his tie-dye shirt and screams in his face that he's nothing but a disappointment, before tossing the Dude hard off the stage and onto the concrete below, where Love lands with a sickening "splat".....</p><p> </p><p> ......Jim Ross questions Pillman's motives here, but says that when you're dealing with a an individual as unpredictable as Brian Pillman, all bets are off when it comes to understanding the reasons that he does anything....and as the medical personnel rush out to attend to the Dude, we go to commercial.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="YMPG1tH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YMPG1tH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="xSsdOoM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xSsdOoM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> In six days time the New Age Outlaws will be putting the WWF Tag Team titles on the line against the Hardy Boys.....and with the tag team division really heating up around here, it could be the challengers only shot at the Gold for quite some time.....tonight however he get somewhat of a sneak peek at the action waiting for us Sunday, as The Road Dogg Jesse James and Jeff Hardy go one on one, it what turned out to be a pretty decent TV match.....</p><p> </p><p> ......both men agreed to keep their respective partners in the back for this one....but while Jeff Hardy was indeed a man of his word, did you really expect the New Age Outlaws to do the same? Of course not.....they're not called Outlaws for nothing.....and the essentially stole a victory here.....because as Jeff ascended to the top rope, looking for the Swanton Bomb, Bad Ass Billy Gunn came running down the aisle to cause the distraction that took Hardy's eye off his opponent.....Road Dogg scrambled back to his feet and took Jeff's feet out from under him, resulting in the youngster crashing hard to the mat......and one Pump Handled Slam later, it's the Outlaws heading into In Hour House with the momentum on their side.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> The Road Dogg</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="zOzEAu5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zOzEAu5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="xSsdOoM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xSsdOoM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="YMPG1tH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/YMPG1tH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="eX846RT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/eX846RT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> And by the looks of it, the Outlaws are looking to do more than just pick up the victory here tonight, as Billy enters the ring with a steel chair, which he smashes into the leg of the younger Hardy Brother, before tossing the foreign object onto the mat, as Road Dogg drags the wounded Jeff to his feet and holds him in position for what looks to be a Famouser attempt onto the steel chair.....</p><p> </p><p> .....luckily for Jeff, before Gunn can deliver the final blow, Matt Hardy comes running out from the back.....sliding into the ring, and nailing Road Dogg in the back (which releases Jeff from his grip) then hits Billy Gunn with a dropkick that sends him bailing to the outside. Matt drags The Road Dogg back to his feet and looks to connect with the Twist of Fate, but Gunn reaches under the bottom rope and drags his partner to safety by the ankle, before the Champions retreat up the aisle, leaving Matt to check on his brother, as this tag team contest heats up just six days before In Your House.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B+</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="W4oTIs4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/W4oTIs4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="lrss6Dn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lrss6Dn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="k6DGuKj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k6DGuKj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2Kz9qfQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2Kz9qfQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img style="max-width:10%;</p><p> "src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/NJr4NXD.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/NJr4NXD.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p> This match comes about as a direct result of Ken Shamrock's match with Mark Canterbury....which saw Bradshaw interfere on Shamrock's behalf.....but only AFTER Bradshaw had been....."propositioned" shall we say, by Ted DiBiase.....surprisingly however, it seems that not EVERYONE has a price for the Million Dollar Man, and Bradshaw's services are NOT for sale, as illustrated by the Clothesline from Hell that Canterbury was on the receiving end of.....</p><p> </p><p> .....so tonight, Bradshaw and Shamrock team up to face the Million Dollar Combination of Southern Justice, just six days before Ken Shamrock and Rich Steiner finally step between those ropes at In Your House. Southern Justice should have the upper hand in this one, being that they are the established team....but while Bradshaw and Shamrock may both be primarily singles competitors right now, Bradshaw is no stranger to tag team wrestling, having cut his teeth here in the WWF as a part of the Texas Long Riders (alongside Barry Windham) so Shamrock is in safe hands......and in a pretty decent match, it was the babyfaces that picked up the win, as Shammy makes Dennis Knight submit to the Ankle Lock.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:(s)</strong> Ken Shamrock & Bradshaw</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> B</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="HHdul53.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HHdul53.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3aG14Jp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3aG14Jp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> From there we go to a pre-taped sit down with Jerry "The King" Lawler and Mr. Perfect, where the King quickly recaps the fact that Perfect will be facing Faarooq at In Your House, in a match that really is all or nothing.....because while the winner will walk out of In Your House as the WWF Intercontinental Champion, the loser will walk out of In Your House with his pink slip, because his contract here with the WWF will be immediately terminated.....and The King has just one question......why did Perfect accept those terms? After all, Faarooq had no say in the matter, he was competing in this match regardless of his opponent, but Perfect didn't have to put his WWF career on the line, so why did he?......</p><p> </p><p> .......Perfect says that it's simple, ever since he made his return to the ring back at the Survivor Series, he's been caught up with doubters, ungrateful punks and backstabbers......doubters that don't think Mr. Perfect can still go like he used to....that his back can't carry him to the heights of success that it once did......ungrateful punks like Billy Gunn and Jesse James.....and so called friends like Rick Rude stabbing him in the back.......Mr. Perfect needs to get back to doing what he does best.....and what he does best, is wear that Intercontinental Championship proudly around his waist.....he needs to prove that Mr. Perfect is STILL exactly what he says he is, and that is absolutely perfect.....he needs to prove it to the fans.....to the boys in the back.....but more importantly, he has to prove it to himself......why put his WWF career on the line to do so? Because if he CAN'T win.......if he ISN'T absolutely perfect anymore.......then he shouldn't be competing in the World Wrestling Federation to begin with......</p><p> </p><p> .......Perfect cut a great promo here....heartfelt and to the point from one of the best talkers in the business, and considering the limited build for this match, Perfect really put across the importance of winning the bout in the space of one interview.......</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="Rc3NoDZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rc3NoDZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FOurmAt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FOurmAt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GTVuL5X.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GTVuL5X.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yiIP524.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yiIP524.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="PST0d7r.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PST0d7r.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> .......an interview that is followed up by heading straight to the back, where Dok Hendrix is standing with four fifths of the Nation of Domination (poor Nelson is currently sat at home p!ssing blood with a ruptured bladder) as they stand gathered around a monitor watching the end of Perfects interview.....</p><p> </p><p> .....Dok says that it's clear by watching that and hearing Perfect's words just how important winning the Intercontinental Championship is to him.....is Faarooq not concerned that a very fired up Mr. Perfect could not only spell the end of Faarooqs title reign, but the end of his World Wrestling Federation career as well.....</p><p> </p><p> ......Faarooq give Dok the old stink eye, telling him to shut the hell up......he says that the only thing coming to an end at In Your House, will be Mr. Perfects pathetic career...he says that despite whitey's best efforts, the Nation will continue to Dominate around here....because there's nothing more dangerous than a brother with his back to the wall.....he says make no mistake, Vince McMahon and the powers that be may be trying to stack the deck against the Nation......forcing Scorpio to defend the Light Heavyweight Championship against two men....basically handing the Rock's European Title to Sean Waltman, by making him put the belt on the line on a minutes notice......putting Faarooqs very career on the line......but make no mistake, Scorpio is keeping hold of that Light Heavyweight Gold......The Rock is going to make short work of the Kid, and take back his European Title.......and as for Faarooq, well you can all kiss goodbye to Mr. Perfect......because MAYBE you can hold a brother down......but you can't hold a Nation down......and the Nation of Domination are going to walk into In Your House a unit......we win as a unit......we WILL walk out victorious......by any means necessary.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="y62fRn3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y62fRn3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="emOqLPr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/emOqLPr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Our next match sees Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart in action inside a WWF ring for the first time in over two and a half years, as he looks to gain a measure of revenge against the Hart Foundation for betraying him, and Chris Jericho for embarrassing him....as he goes one on one with the Ayatollah of RocknRolla's (as yet un-named) personal security guard....a position that Neidhart himself thought he was filling last week, before Bret and Owen turned on him....</p><p> </p><p> ....speaking of Owen, he joins the commentary table for this one, where he essentially reiterates what was said earlier in the evening, that they simply pre-empted Neidharts inevitable attempt at screwing them over.....and replaced him with a superior, TRUSTWORTHY, Canadian counterpart.....when asked if this young man has a name, Owen simply says that you can call him Test.....and just like in high school, there's no way Neidhart is going to pass this Test....</p><p> </p><p> .....so at least we have a name now......as for the match itself, it was pretty bad.....Test is still as green as green can be, and despite having a great look, is an absolute unknown.....Neidhart hasn't been seen here in the WWF for years and so has seen his popularity wane....plus he was never the greatest worker to begin with.....but in fairness, this match wasn't booked to give the fans a five star classic.....it was booked to showcase Test, and that's exactly what it did, because with an assist from Owen, the big man from Ontario, Canada was able to put the much more experienced Neidhart away with a running Big Boot......a big upset here, and a huge win to kickstart Test's WWF career.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Test</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> C-</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="LjBLTcA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LjBLTcA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="j24FAoX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j24FAoX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dnLuBx8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dnLuBx8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Following that we have a quick commercial break, before we go over to Jim Ross at the commentary desk, where he informs us that we are going to attempt to get some words from both Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ahmed Johnson ahead of their upcoming clash at In Your House......however, due to the two men’s volatile nature, Vince McMahon has decreed that neither man will be in attendance in the arena tonight.....instead we are treated to a split screen with Austin on one side and Ahmed, along with his manager Jim Cornette on the other, with both parties live on satellite from their respective homes......</p><p> </p><p> ......Ross thanks both men for agreeing to speak to us this evening, to which Jim Cornette says they SHOULD be thanking Ahmed Johnson for not turning up live at the building tonight, and kicking the hell out of the first person he saw......in fact, Ahmed Johnson being forced to stay at home tonight is probably the WORST thing that could happen to Stone Cold Steve Austin......actually it’s not the worst thing......the worst that could happen to Stone Cold Steve Austin is going to happen in just six days time, when Ahmed Johnson destroys the myth that Steve Austin is the so called toughest S.o.B in the WWF, just like Ahmed Johnson destroyed the myth and the legend that is the Undertaker at the King of the Ring.....but keeping Ahmed at home tonight is pretty bad too......because all that means is that Ahmed has a full week to sit......and get angrier......and get restless......and by the time that bell rings on Sunday night, he’s going to be chomping at the bit to take someone’s head off.....and unfortunately for Steve Austin, that someone is him.......and THEN, the countdown will be on until Summerslam......when Ahmed Johnson will quite rightfully be crowned as the man to beat, when he takes that World Wrestling Federation Championship......</p><p> </p><p> ......Austin interrupts here, telling Cornette to shut the hell up, because he wants to speak to the horses head, not the horses ass......</p><p> </p><p> <em>”.......Ahmed Johnson, never mind the toughest S.o.B in the WWF, but you must be the stupidest son of a bitch in the World Wrestling Federation to be picking a fight with Stone Cold Steve Austin.....all you had to do son, was sit around with your thumb up your ass until Summerslam, greasing yourself up with all that damn baby oil, and then maybe......MAYBE your ass would have had a shot at taking that WWF Title.....but now, now you’ve gone and p!ssed me off, and the only thing your ass has a shot of taking now, is Stone Cold Steve Austin's boot straight up in it.......</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em> ......you walk around thinking you're the biggest and the baddest just because you beat the Undertaker, but I promise you son, you bought this all on yourself by being a damn jackass and putting your greasy little hands on me....the way I see it, is this right here is win win for Steve Austin.....cause you got something I want.....and it's something I've never had.....and that's a one on one shot at the World Wrestling Federation Championship...."</em></p><p> </p><p> ......Austin says that Ahmed isn't the only one around here to win the King of the Ring tournament....except unlike Johnson, Steve Austin's WWF Championship match was a triple threat match between himself, Scott Steiner and Shawn Michaels......just like his LAST WWF Championship match was a triple threat match between himself, Scott Steiner and Brian Pillman.......as far as Steve Austin is concerned, he and Scott Steiner have some unfinished business and if Ahmed Johnson is unable to compete at Summerslam, well then Stone Cold Steve Austin would be happy to take his place......</p><p> </p><p> .....Jim Cornette chuckles at this, stating that Steve Austin couldn't fill Ahmed Johnson's jock strap let alone his boots....and the only thing that is going to be replaced around here, is the man who holds the World Wrestling Federation Championship.....because after Ahmed is done tossing Steve Austin around like the waste of oxygen that he is, Ahmed Johnson is going to go right on to Summerslam, where he will take his rightful place at the top of the WWF mountain....</p><p> </p><p> <em>"......and Austin, don't blame Ahmed Johnson because you're too stupid to negotiate a one on one WWF Title match.....and don't blame Ahmed Johnson for being intelligent enough in the first place to align himself with a manager that knows how to get the best for his client......but I'll tell you what, since Ahmed Johnson knows that there is NOBODY in the WWF that he can't defeat, when he DOES win that WWF Championship at Summerslam......he'll give you that one on one title shot that you've been wanting.....except, once In Your House is done......you won't want to face Ahmed Johnson ever again......"</em></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="AvJwLJZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AvJwLJZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="qQmwebo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qQmwebo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> It's time for the semi main event of the evening now.....and a match so good it could easily have main evented the show on its own merit.....as the British Bulldog went one on one with his brother in-law Owen Hart, in what was a particularly heated contest, both from an in ring aspect as well as in the crowd response, because they were on fire for this one.....and rightly so, because Davey and Owen put on a hell of a showing for them, and even though the match wasn't overly long they managed to keep the fans on the edge of their seats throughout.....</p><p> </p><p> ......obviously these two men are hardly strangers to one another, not only are they family but they are also former WWF Tag Team Champions, and up until a few weeks ago, stable mates too.......all that changed however, when the Hart Brothers paranoia changed THEM....as they turned on Davey Boy, who in all honestly had done little to deserve their abuse......he did plenty in this one however.....</p><p> </p><p> .....being the powerhouse, as well as the fan favourite in the match, Davey looked like an absolute superstar in the opening minutes of this, with Owen going all out to make sure that the Bulldog looks like an absolute star, bumping like a selling machine for his brother in-law, before taking control of the match for himself.......Davey then returns the favour, selling for his smaller opponent like his life depended on it as Owen utilises his technical ability to work over the Bulldog on the mat....at least, until Owen took that Hart patented sternum first turnbuckle bump, and Davey Boy was able to claw his way back into this.........so much so that it looked as though he was going to run to victory as he hoisted Owen up onto his shoulder for that Running Powerslam..........</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="o8GrTsa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/o8GrTsa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> .......which he would have probably used to pin Owen Harts shoulders to the mat for the three count, had The Hitman not hit the ring, pulling Owen off of Daveys shoulder, before nailing the Bulldog right in the balls with a low blow, directly in front of the official......who has little choice but to disqualify Owen Hart, as Owen and Bret pounce on their brother in-law.....</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> The British Bulldog (via Disqualification)</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="o8GrTsa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/o8GrTsa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qQmwebo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qQmwebo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AvJwLJZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AvJwLJZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Obviously punishing their brother in-law is more important to the Harts here than actually picking up the victory.....but then as Davey Boy is pounded into the mat, he doesn’t look like much of a victor either....in fact, he looks to be in serious trouble......especially when the Hitman drags him over to a nearby corner, where he wraps his legs around the steel post, before applying a figure four leg lock to the Brit, who screams out in pain as Bret hangs off his legs......</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img alt="y62fRn3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y62fRn3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> ......and he may have inflicted permanent damage, had The Anvil not come running down the aisle with a steel chair in hand, chasing Bret and Owen from the ring area and retreating to the back, before checking on Davey Boy, who looks to be in some considerable pain, as we go to a promo for Sunday nights In Your House event.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="j2Tooev.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j2Tooev.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> VS. <img alt="46EV5Y1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/46EV5Y1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Pride of Canada Match: Lance Storm will quit if he does not win</strong></p><p> </p><p> It’s main event time now, and also time for possibly the most important match of young Lance Storm’s career......victory here is a victory over the World Wrestling Federation Scott Steiner.....a win that will surely grant him a title opportunity somewhere down the road.......defeat however, means that Lance Storm’s career here in the WWF will come to an abrupt end.....it really is all or nothing here for the young Canadian.....</p><p> </p><p> ......his odds do improve slightly however just before the opening bell rings, because once the two men have made their entrances the music of Chris Jericho begins to play, as the Ayatollah of RocknRolla makes his way out, with his bodyguard following closely behind....he makes his way over to the announce desk where he joins Jim Ross and Rick Rude on commentary, while the man dubbed “Test” earlier in the evening positions himself behind Jericho, arms crossed, surveying for threats to Jericho’s safety......</p><p> </p><p> ........there’s a pretty big threat to Jericho’s safety right there in the ring, as Scott Steiner has some choice words for his In Your House opponent.....in fact he’s so distracted by the appearance of Jericho that Lance Storm is able to blindside the WWF Champion from behind, and this match is underway.....</p><p> </p><p> ......and what a match it was, this really was tremendous.....I was a little hesitant at placing this in the main event, simply because of the fact that while Lance Storm is an excellent in ring worker, he is nowhere near Scott Steiner in terms of position on the card, he really is a midcarder at best and that’s on a good day....which is why I was tempted to put the Owen and Bulldog contest as the final match of the evening, in the end though I decided to trust my Champion, and boy did Scotty deliver.....he worked his ass off in this, putting in a real A* performance, managing to not only look like a dominant Champion, but also managed to make Storm look like a real threat at the same time.......so much so that even the slightly screwy ending to this one didn’t derail from the match quality......</p><p> </p><p> ......and it was an ending that saw Chris Jericho remove his headset and stand to whisper something in Test’s ear....the big man nodded and made his way around the opposite side of the ring, where he hopped up onto the apron, drawing the attention of the official, while Chris Jericho snatched the WWF Title belt from the timekeepers table and entered the ring...........</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> ........where he nailed Lance Storm right in the back of the head.........</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> .......he hops back out the ring, with neither the official OR Scott Steiner any the wiser, with both of them distracted by the presence of Test.....who seeing that Jericho has done the deed, jumps down from the apron and resumes his position, arms crossed behind his client.......</p><p> </p><p> .......Steiner returns his attention to his opponent, and while he does look confused as to why Storm is face down on the mat, it doesn’t stop him from locking on the Steiner Recliner......and as the referee raises and drops Storms arm for the third time, this one, just like Lance Storm’s WWF Career......is over....... </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner:</strong> Scott Steiner</p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43289" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p> </p><p> <img alt="xsr2jxl.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xsr2jxl.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="emOqLPr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/emOqLPr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="j2Tooev.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j2Tooev.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> .....the second the bell rings however, and before Steiner even has chance to release the hold, Jericho is back in the ring, nailing the WWF Champion in the back of the head with his own title belt.....Scotty goes down and Jericho informs Test to go to work on him, while he helps a groggy Lance Storm to his feet.......Storm tries to shake the cobwebs away as Jericho dusts him down, asking what just happened? Jericho waits for Storm to regain his composure, before telling him......</p><p> </p><p> <em>”.......I happened you stupid son of a bitch.....”</em></p><p> </p><p> .....and nailing him with a short Clothesline, before dropping down and hammering him with blows to the face, shouting at him to remember that it was Chris Jericho that cost him his job......that it was Chris Jericho who proved which of them is the better man......and it’s going to be Chris Jericho that is the World Wrestling Federation Champion, while Lance Storm is out of a job like the waste of space talent that he is......</p><p> </p><p> ......Steiner is still down thanks to that belt shot from Jericho, and Test has ensured that he stayed down, but now Jericho drags him back to his feet, telling Test to back up and take his head off with that running Big Boot.......Test complies and Steiner soon finds himself flat on his back......where Jericho follows it up with a Lionsault that drives all of the air out of the WWF Champion, before Jericho picks up the winged eagle belt......holding it high in the air as he proclaims himself to be not only the best light heavyweight in the world.......but the NEXT World Wrestling Federation Champion......and of In Your House goes the same way as this beatdown, he just might be.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Rating:</strong> A*</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Final Rating:</strong> A</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p></div><p></p>