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

[Satyr24]

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments:

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments:

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

Comments:

[crackerjack]

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments:

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments:

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

Comments:

[ElectricX]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 2, February 1998

 

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments:

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments:

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

Comments:

[James Casey]

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments: This should be an A* match.

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments: If Rhodes and Mero are ever going to win a match, it should be here.

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments: Scorp needs a win sometime

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments: How healthy is Stevie Ray?

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments: Deano Machino has no luck at all.

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments: I figure there's going to be shenanigans.

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments: Canadian Violence!

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments: Assuming it's Jinsei, but could be a setup for Mitchell and co to rob Juvi of a chance.

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments: One side has a title match to build to. The other side was last seen in the vicinity of the Soul Train.

 

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments: Schmozz.

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

Comments: Does Doug Williams ever end up on the winning side?

[Mattitude90]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 2, February 1998

 

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments:

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments:

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

Comments:

[Nobby_McDonald]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 2, February 1998

 

Steve Austin & Brian Pillman vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret & Owen Hart)

Comments:

 

Billy Gunn & Al Snow vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

Billy Kidman vs. Scorpio

Comments:

 

Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice

Comments:

 

The British Bulldog vs. Jake Roberts

Comments:

 

Dean Malenko vs. Test

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 2, February 1998

 

The Rock & Sid Vicious vs. Shawn Michaels & JPL

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lance Storm

Comments:

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

Juventud Guerrera vs. ????

Comments:

 

The Nasty Boys vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

Jeff Hardy vs. VK Wallstreet

Comments:

 

Dallas Page, Lex Luger & The Patriot vs. The Blue Bloods (Regal, Eaton & Williams)

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/BC8Hy9X.jpg">

 

Week 2, February 1998

Baltimore Arena (Baltimore, Maryland)

ATT: 14,000

TV: 38.35

 

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/qNJEBFK.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aXt2Bzj.jpg">

 

We open up tonight at the announce table, where Jim Ross and Rick Rude briefly highlight the action that took place last week, particularly focusing on the fact that Bret Hart's tag team "partner" Brian Pillman, left him high and dry in his match against Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kane.....

 

.....Ross says that for as much of a Loose Cannon as Brian Pillman is known to be, even HE didn't think he would stoop so low as to walk out of a match.....Rude is more forgiving, stating that the Champion has an important Title defence upcoming at No Way Out, the intelligent move WOULD be to avoid potential injury.....

 

.....JR looks as though he's about to argue that statement, but he cuts himself off mid thought, telling us that he's getting word in his headset that there is a situation unfolding in the back.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZsRu0sp.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/7ZNiBQh.jpg">

 

.....that situation being that (after their interactions last week) Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are clearly still not happy with the assault that they (but more importantly, that the absent Sean Waltman) received last week at the hands of Scott Steiner and The Million Dollar Corporation, because they are currently battling it out in the back with Big Poppa Pump and his Million Dollar Brother, Rich Steiner.....

 

.....Scotty Steiner doesn't seem to be particularly forgiving of his brothers betrayal (which was obvious by how how quickly Scotty eliminated Rich from the Royal Rumble match) but he's at least been more open to interaction in recent weeks, especially after Rich came to Scotty's aid last week after the Wolfpac attacked.....

 

.....the four men are causing quite the scene in the backstage area (and causing quite the mess too) as they hammer into each other, crashing into walls, sets, and pretty much anything else that gets in their way.....

 

.....security finally rushes into the scene to try and separate the two sides, but the first wave doesn't have much luck, with most of them getting payed out for their trouble as the war wages on.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GZUV6Ix.jpg">

 

.....finally it takes the words of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (along with a small army of midcarders/jobbers) to finally put a stop to the carnage, and with the four men now kept separate (and physically restrained) McMahon tells the back up to remove these men from his arena.....

 

".....all four of you can consider this your first (and ONLY) warning.....take the night off, go back to your hotel, go back home, go wherever you want, I don't care.....but get OUT of my building.....

 

.....if you four men want to kill each other, that's fine by me.....but you'll do it NEXT week, live in the middle of the ring.....when Kevin Nash and Scott Hall face.....The Steiner Brothers....."

 

.....but for now, Vince has more important things to concern himself with.....

 

.....so get them out of here.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/blQ8rbD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fx47cJ3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/YgC3Fh5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rcJ5Zth.jpg">

 

.....ok, now that's over with we can finally get the show underway.....

 

.....oh wait.....never mind, because it looks as though Bret Hart (and the rest of the Hart Foundation) are coming out here to address the crowd.....

 

.....actually scrap that, Bret Hart isn't here to address the crowd at all, he's here to address the World Title situation, as well as the fact that Brian Pillman left him high and dry last week.....

 

.....he starts out by saying that first of all, the fact that Kevin Nash has managed to "persuade" Vince McMahon to give him an opportunity at BRET'S opportunity, shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, after all, Nash and his little buddies have got form when it comes to screwing Harts out of World Titles.....

 

".....but Nash, I can categorically state right here, right now, that you will NOT screw me out of the chance to regain MY title at Wrestlemania.....you might have made whatever promises to Vince McMahon, telling him that you're going to take your shot the night after No Way Out, but the fact of the matter is that you won't be getting that shot.....period....."

 

.....Bret says that IF Kevin Nash makes it through next week, without that musclebound lunatic Scott Steiner taking him out permanently, he still has the small matter of a match with the Hitman, and if there's one thing Bret Hart knows it's how to defeat Kevin Nash.....

 

".....because I WILL go on to Wrestlemania, just like my brother Owen WILL go on to Wrestlemania, because just like Kevin Nash, Steve Austin is nothing more than a formality....."

 

.....Owen says that the whole world saw HIM win the Royal Rumble (editors note: he didn't) the whole world saw HIM eliminate both Ahmed Johnson and Steve Austin at the same time (editors note: he really didn't) and everyone knows, even these dumb Americans know, that Owen Hart is the rightful number one contender for the World Wrestling Federation (editors note: he isn't) and Owen Hart got screwed at the Royal Rumble, just like he and his brother have been getting screwed over for two years now.....

 

".....but Steve Austin, your con comes to an end at No Way Out when I take that bum leg of yours, lock on the Sharpshooter.....and cripple you permanently....."

 

.....Bret takes the microphone back, saying that just leaves the small matter of Brian Pillman walking out of their Tag Team match last week, leaving Bret Hart to fend off TWO opponents.....

 

".....now maybe I shouldn't have been surprised.....after all, it wasn't the first time that Brian Pillman has screwed me over.....but i though (especially since WE were instrumental in you capturing the WWF Title in the first place) that you would at least have the decency to wait until Wrestlemania to try and stick the knife in my back again.....

 

.....Brian Pillman, you like walking OUT of matches, how about for a change you walk IN to one instead......right here, right now, how about you face ME.....no titles, no clauses, just Bret Hart vs. Brian Pillman and I'll show you why they call me the best there is.....the best there was.....and the best there ever will be....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/mTL46g9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/urbCHOA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ALDSbe5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....it doesn't take long for Bret to get his reply, as the WWF Champion makes his way out.....

 

.....not alone though.....in fact, far from it.....

 

.....The Corporate Cannon walks out onto the entrance ramp with the World Title draped over his shoulder, flanked by the WWF Tag Team Champions (Flair and Anderson) with Vince McMahon and (the shirt and tie wearing) Mankind.....

 

.....it looks as though that match is going to happen as well.....because Brian Pillman is fired up, ranting and raving that he's going to break Bret Hart in two.....he's going to put a Hit on the Hitman and then desecrate his corpse.....

 

.....he's going to.....

 

.....he's going to.....

 

.....actually he's not going to.....

 

.....because Vince McMahon cuts Pillman off, telling him that the match is NOT going to happen.....

 

.....it was clearly never going to happen either, because then Pillman begins to oversell the disappointment, leaving JR to speculate that Brian Pillman had no intention of accepting that challenge.....

 

.....Vince says that both Bret Hart and Brian Pillman WILL be in action though.....and they WILL be facing each other.....

 

".....but not in singles competition.....no, this will be a Tag Team affair.....and since I'm feeling particularly generous right now (after evicting Kevin Nash from the building) I'm going to give both you Bret AND you Owen the chance to face two men that you both have issue with......because it will be Bret and Owen Hart of the Hart Foundation.....facing The World Wrestling Federation Champion Brian Pillman.....and his partner......

 

.....Stone Cold Steve Austin....."

 

.....actually, the Harts seem pretty pleased with that, but Brian says that they won't be pleased for long.....

 

".....after all, me and my good buddy Steve Austin have beaten you two chumps more times than I can count.....me and my good buddy Steve Austin have beaten the super scary Wolfpac.....me and my good buddy Steve Austin are MULTIPLE time Tag Team Champions.....and me and my good buddy Steve Austin are going to take you out tonight.....because the Blondes will ride again.....

 

.....oh and Steve.....old buddy, old pal.....you have my word.....I promise that I will NOT walk out of that match tonight....."

 

.....with that Pillman breaks out into his maniacal laugh, before he and his entourage head to the back.....leaving JR to speculate as to whether the Loose Cannon is even going to show up for his match later this evening.....

 

.....speaking of matches, we should probably have one about now.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/N7eA2AJ.jpg">

 

.....Bret and Owen head off to the back, but Chris Jericho and Test stick around.....Test because he has a match, Chris Jericho because of who that match is with.....

 

.....Dean Malenko hasn't had much luck as of late.....he lost to Jeff Jarrett at the Royal Rumble, he lost in the tag team match last week, he failed in his bid to become the European Champion, failed (despite currently owning the physical belt) in his bid to become the Light Heavyweight Champion, and got mocked at every failure by the new Intercontinental Champion, the Ayatollah of RocknRolla, Chris Jericho.....

 

.....Malenko (the announcers inform us) specifically requested this match, citing a desire to prove that despite his recent fortunes, he DOES have what it takes to defeat anyone here in the WWF, so he's starting with the biggest member of the Hart Foundation.....Jim Ross finds this admirable, while Rick Rude points out that he's not just picked the biggest Hart Foundation member, he's deliberately picked the least experienced, with Test still being a virtual rookie in terms of ring time.....

 

".....still impressed JR?.....yeah, I didn't think so....."

 

.....Ross says that be that as it may, Malenko is going to have to be at his very best against the bigger man here.....

 

.....he was at his very best too.....

 

.....don't get me wrong, Test certainly dominated the middle part of the match, but Malenko didn't look as though he was planning on quitting anytime soon and all the power in the world didn't look like it was going to be enough to hold him down.....

 

.....cheating might though.....

 

.....because Chris Jericho clearly stopped at ringside for a reason......

 

.....Jericho spends a little bit of time at the announce table (particularly crowing as Test took control of the match) but he was soon out of his seat as Malenko began fighting back to regain the advantage.....

 

.....Test tried to retain control, but an errant Big Boot attempt saw his leg get caught up in the top rope, which (after a dropkick to the knee by the Man of 1000 Holds) saw him trapped n the Texas Cloverleaf.....

 

.....this one MUST be over.....

 

.....except it wasn't.....

 

.....because Chris Jericho just HAD to get involved, jumping up onto the apron to berate Malenko.....

 

.....now had Malenko taken the high road, ignored the taunting and just kept the Cloverleaf locked in, he'd have probably won this.....months of barbs from the Intercontinental Champion have obviously grated on the nerves of Malenko, as the Ice Man loses his cool, breaks the hold and smacks Jericho right in the mouth, sending him crashing to the floor.....

 

.....unfortunately when he turned back around, Test was waiting.....and one Pumphandle Slam later, this one was all over.....

 

.....and Dean Malenko lost again.....

 

Winner: Test

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ib4zdAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/N7eA2AJ.jpg">

 

.....and wasn't Chris Jericho pleased by that, grabbing a microphone like the smug pr!ck that he is to apologise to the fans for them having to sit through the snooze-fest that was Bore-Us Malenko Jr.....

 

".....fortunately, your hero and mine, the Paragon of Virtue Chris Jericho, is here to make sure that you're never.......eeeeeeeeeverrrrr......bored by Bore-Us.....again.....now wipe the sleep out of your eyes my Jericho-holics, because things are about to get interesting....."

 

.....with that, Jericho joins Test in the ring, as the two men begin to put the boots to the already defeated Malenko.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vN0BOgM.jpg">

 

.....fortunately help is at hand.....is it a bird? Is it a plane? Wait, is it Superman?.....oh god no.....Rey Mysterio does look like a superhero though, as he comes speeding down the aisle in his brightly coloured outfit, flying through the air with a Springboard Dropkick that knocks Test down, before running the ropes with a duck and weave combination that sees Jericho staggered and finally levelled with a Hurricanrana.....

 

.....the two Hart Foundation men decide to take their victory and bail, leaving the man who will challenge Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship at No Way Out to help Dean Malenko to his feet.....

 

.....who thanks him by shoving him away.....

 

.....and then decking him when Mysterio asks what his problem is.....

 

.....JR says that frustrations are clearly getting the better of Dean Malenko right here.....a man who is usually so composed is on the verge of a full blown meltdown after yet another loss.....

 

.....he tells Mysterio that he didn't ASK for his help, didn't NEED his help.....and certainly didn't WANT his help.....

 

.....he tells Rey that the very fact that Mysterio constantly feels compelled to come to Malenko's aid only compounds the fact that Rey clearly believes (much like Jericho does) that Dean Malenko can't get the job done.....

 

.....well he will prove to him that he CAN get the job done.....

 

.....next week.....

 

.....because he's challenging Mysterio to a match.....

 

.....Rey doesn't look particularly happy about this turn of events, but he's not about to turn down a challenge.....so it looks like we have another match set for next week.....

 

.....Rey Mysterio.....

 

.....vs. Dean Malenko.....

 

.....Chris Jericho is going to love that.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ywuv6zy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg">

 

.....we have a quick commercial break so that everyone can calm down a little bit, before we come back ready for our next match.....before we get their though, Raven (who's accompanying Jake Roberts here) slumps himself into the corner of the ring, microphone in hand.....

 

.....he says that disappointment is a feeling he knows oh too well, but it doesn't make the sting any less painful.....he says that he has opened his doors and his arms wide.....

 

".....all you had to do was welcome my dark embrace.....all you had to do was come with me.....I COULD have set you free.....

 

.....I know what you are thinking.....you ARE free.....you ARE unbound by the limitations of man.....you ARE the best you can be.....

 

.....but you are not.....

 

.....Jake Roberts thought himself to be a better man.....reborn under the watchful and scornful eye of his false prophet.....bolstered by an overinflated sense of self importance when in reality his warped vision of improvement was merely a mask to hide the truth.....

 

.....he thought himself a visionary but he was blind to reality.....

 

.....he thought himself the Voice.....but he was merely an Echo.....

 

.....an echo of the man he WANTED to be.....and an echo of the demon he USED to be.....a man without a home.....a man stuck in limbo.....I gave him a home.....I gave him a purpose.....I gave him.....freedom.....

 

.....under the watchful eye of this Deity of the Damned, you too can eradicate the echo you have become, but only if you come to me.....

 

.....come to me.....

 

.....before I come for YOU.....

 

.....Quote the Raven.....Nevermore....."

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg">

 

.....it's time now for the British Bulldog to face Jake Roberts, but as the match gets underway the announcers spend a few minutes speculating as to who it is that Raven has been speaking to these last few weeks.....

 

.....obviously we don't know YET, but for now Raven has turned his attention away from that particular target, to watch his former mentor (and current student) face off against Davey Boy.....

 

.....this match was actually surprisingly decent, with Smith dominating the opening portion of the match, before stupidly getting distracted by Raven (who wasn't actually doing ANYTHING at the time) leading to the Snake taking control of the contest.....

 

.....and he wasn't a pleasant Snake either.....

 

.....Raven has ignited that dark spark in Jake that he'd tried so hard to extinguish, and because of that, this was indeed a Sadistic Snake.....

 

.....he scratched, clawed, gouged and outright cheated his way through this match, even going so far as exposing the concrete floor on the outside, looking to drive Davey Boys skull into it with the DDT.....

 

.....fortunately for the Bulldog he was able to power out of that, driving Jake spine first into the steel ring-post, before (rather unnecessarily) punching Raven in the mouth and rolling Jake back inside the ring.....

 

.....it looks like he's considering going for that patented Running Powerslam too, but Raven has other ideas, reaching under the bottom rope to hook Davey's ankle, dragging him to the outside.....and there he does what Jake couldn't, as he drives Smith skull first into that exposed concrete with the Evenflow DDT.....

 

.....ring the bell referee.....that's a blatant Disqualification.....

 

Winner: The British Bulldog (via Disqualification)

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JJkmjYB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NyeLRHa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg">

 

.....with the Bulldog still down (and out, courtesy of that concrete floor) Raven grabs a microphone again.....he tells The Bulldog that much like his namesake, he must have a very thick skull.....because not only was he stupid enough to place his hands on the Deity of the Damned, but he's still (somewhat) alive, even after getting Evenflowed on the concrete floor.....

 

".....Bulldog, you're not THE one.....not the one I desire.....but you can be ANOTHER one.....another one to fall.....another sacrifice for the alter.....another light extinguished in the dark.....Jake, get him....."

 

.....and Jake does just that.....

 

.....Bulldog isn't in much condition to defend himself, but Jake isn't going to let a little thing like that stop him.....especially a Jake Roberts who is clearly deep under the spell of Raven.....

 

.....Roberts begins putting the boots to Davey Boy, stomping on the back of his head, the impact of which drives that skull into the concrete floor again (and again) before grabbing an electrical cable, which he uses to choke the life out of the British Bulldog.....

 

.....a slew of officials come rushing out to try (unsuccessfully) to attempt to put a stop to this assault, even going so far as to plead with Raven to order Jake to release the man.....

 

.....Raven just laughs at that.....

 

.....he tells the officials that while he IS the Snake's council, he's NOT his keeper.....

 

".....Jake Roberts has been reborn.....Jake Roberts has risen from the ashes of his past.....the Phoenix from MY flames.....I have little interest in stunting his creativity, and even LESS interest in Davey Boy Smith....."

 

.....with that, Raven wishes the officials luck, before simply standing and walking to the back, leaving Davey Boy at the mercy of The Snake.....

 

.....as we go to commercial.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qBeE4n3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....we come back from commercial (giving security time to FINALLY free Davey Boy from the grasps of Jake Roberts) and we head straight to the back, where Dok Hendrix is standing by with Bradshaw and (the man who made his return last week) Faarooq.....

 

.....Dok says that while both men have had their fair share of problems with Ahmed Johnson and The Nation of Domination, at No Way Out they will BOTH have the opportunity to gain a measure of revenge when they face The Walking Armageddon, Ahmed Johnson and his partner Scorpio.....

 

.....Bradshaw agrees, telling Dok that he's taken his fair share of licks when it comes to facing the Nation, so he went out and found himself a partner that knew the Nation better than perhaps anyone, the man who used to LEAD the Nation.....Faarooq.....

 

.....Faarooq says that this is going to be all about redemption for him.....he says that leading the Nation left him soft.....left him reliant.....left him lazy....because instead of relying on himself, he allowed the Nation to do his dirty work for him.....

 

.....well no more....

 

".....Ahmed Johnson, me and you, we done been around the block and back again a few times now.....and yeah, you might be a former WWF Champion now, but that doesn't change the fact that Faarooq has kicked your ass more than he's not....."

 

.....Faarooq says that out of all of the Nation, he's glad that it's Scorpio that they will be facing, because that ungrateful SoB seems to have forgotten who it was that lead him to not one, but TWO Light Heavyweight Championship reigns.....but don't worry.....

 

".....because come No Way Out, Ahmed Johnson, Scorpio.....and ALL the Nation.....are going to remember exactly who Faarooq is....."

 

.....Dok asks Faarooq if he has any words of advice for Harlem Heat, considering the fact that the Nation are actively pursuing both Booker and Stevie to become part of the group, a decision to which Faarooq says would be extremely stupid on their part.....

 

.....he says that he knows exactly how talented Harlem Heat are (after all, Faarooq offered them a place in the Nation himself back in the day too) but he says that they don't need the Nation of Domination.....everything that Harlem Heat have done they have done alone, just like Booker T will be successful in his European Title match at No Way Out without the help of the Nation.....all they need is each other and Faarooq knows for a fact that while Stevie Ray took a licking at the Royal Rumble, he's going to keep on ticking here tonight, when the Heat face Southern Justice.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ja5nVyS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ja5nVyS.jpg">

 

.....a match which is happening right now by the way.....

 

.....it's the former tag team champions first match as a unit since losing the titles to Ric Flair and Arn Anderson three weeks back at the Royal Rumble, although while this is Stevie Ray's first match back since then period, Booker T has been involved in singles competition.....and has even bagged himself a shot at the European Championship at the upcoming No Way Out event.....

 

.....with that being said, Booker has vowed not to let the lure of singles gold distract him from the fact that he and his brother want the tag team titles back....and now that Stevie Ray is (mostly) fully fit following the damage his knee took in the lead up to the Rumble, it looks like they can get back to doing what they do best.....

 

.....winning tag team matches.....

 

.....it just so happens that tonight, Booker gets to scratch both itches at once.....he gets to compete in tag team action with his brother, against two stable mates of his No Way Out opponent Jeff Jarrett, because it's Harlem Heat vs. Southern Justice.....

 

.....Stevie is still moving gingerly on that bum leg of his, and it makes a fine target for DiBiase's men to focus on as they isolate the elder Harlem Heat member.....their advantage only last ps for so long though, before Booker T makes the hot tag and takes control.....

 

.....it's about this time that Ted DiBiase could perhaps do with Rich Steiner NOT getting himself evicted from the building earlier this evening, because Southern Justice could probably do with a helping hand about now.....luckily they DO have Deebs at ringside, and as Stevie Ray tags himself back in, Ted reaches under the bottom rope, catching Stevie's ankle on an Irish Whip reversal, causing the Harlem Heat man to not only make a misstep, but tweaking that knee again in the process.....

 

.....maybe Southern Justice will pick up that victory after all.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....or maybe not.....because with Booker busy on the outside with Canterbury, the Nation of Domination's D'Lo Brown and Mark Henry come rushing out from the back.....

 

.....D'Lo distracts the official, long enough for Henry to climb into the ring, clobber Knight, then drive him into the mat with the World's Strongest Slam.....

 

.....Booker T sends Canterbury crashing into the safety rails, before turning around to see (not only) D'Lo distracting the official, but Mark Henry climbing out of the ring.....and Stevie rolling himself on top of Dennis Knight for the one....the two.....and the three.....

 

Winner(s): Harlem Heat

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg">

 

.....Brown and Henry casually make their way to the back, but not before sharing a look with Stevie (and throwing the Nation salute up towards Booker) as a show of solidarity.....

 

.....Stevie is certainly pleased with the victory, even if he has hurt that knee in the process.....Booker looks to be less pleased, rolling into the ring to ask Stevie what that was all about?.....

 

.....Booker tells his brother that they had that.....they had the match won, Southern Justice beat and they did it all on their own.....they didn't need the Nation sticking their nose into Harlem Heat's business.....

 

.....Stevie isn't listening to that though, telling Book that a wins a win.....however it comes.....to which Booker replies that they don't win "by any means necessary".....if they did, they wouldn't be fit to call themselves champions.....Stevie just shakes his head at that, telling Booker that "we AREN'T champions".....

 

.....he says that Flair and Anderson are the tag team champions, because they were willing to do whatever it took to dethrone Harlem Heat, INCLUDING smashing Stevie's knee to bits.....

 

".....so DO whatever it takes.....win those matches 'by any means necessary'.....take the help.....take the wins.....and at No Way Out, you can take the title too.....now can you dig that?....."

 

.....Booker doesn't look like he wants to dig that, but he reluctantly follows his brother to the back....he TAKES the victory, but it doesn't look as though he WANTS the victory.....

 

.....not that way anyway.....

 

.....let's go to the back shall we.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/y03lGtE.jpg">

 

.....where Michael Cole is currently in the trainers room with Davey Boy Smith, who's getting the once over from the medical personnel on hand.....

 

.....The Bulldog looks in pretty bad shape, and when he DOES talk, it's clear that his throat has been punished by that electrical cable earlier this evening, because he sounds terrible.....

 

.....Cole asks Davey how he's feeling after the assault (that was instigated by Raven) earlier this evening, as well as wondering what Smith's actions will be now?.....

 

.....the Bulldog (gravely voice and all) says that he's certainly felt better, but it's going to take more than a pair of sick (pun intended I guess) puppies like Raven and Jake, because Davey Boy Smith is still the top dog around here....

 

".....as for my actions Michael Cole, that's simple.....by actions will be hazardous to Raven's health.....so bird boy, at No Way Out, why don't you leave the snake in the back.....and I'll show you why THIS British Bulldog, is at the very top of the food chain....."

 

.....yeah, Davey never was a great promo.....let's leave him to get patched up and head down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rceAVfq.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....where (after their appearance a few moments ago) the Nation are in action again.....although this time legally at least, and it's two former Light Heavyweight Champions going at it here, as Scorpio faces off Billy Kidman.....

 

.....in fact, it was Scorpio that put an end to Kidman's brief (and only) title reign, back in May of last year.....and although I'm sure Billy isn't out for revenge after all this time, it must be playing out somewhere there in the back of his mind.....

 

.....the two men had a great match, which showcased exactly WHY they were both former Light Heavyweight Champions, as they flew about the place with seemingly little regard for the risks involved.....Kidman looked to be the better of the two as well, putting Scorpio in serious risk of losing this one as he headed up to the top, presumably aiming to connect with that Shooting Star Press of his.....

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....which is when D'Lo Brown and Mark Henry AGAIN make their way out from the back.....

 

.....Ahmed Johnson HAD been confident in Scorpio's ability, but after a number of high profile losses (including the one responsible for the tag team match that Ahmed and Scorp will be involved in at No Way out) he's obviously decided that Scorps needs a little helping hand.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg">

 

.....and they are quickly followed by Harlem Heat......

 

.....although Stevie looks like he's trying to talk Booker into going back to the dressing rooms.....

 

.....Booker doesn't.....but he DOES get to Brown and Henry before they can interfere in this match, and he quickly positions himself between them and the ring, telling them to go back to Ahmed Johnson and watch the match on a tv screen like everyone else.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FJQI0iH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2Yx2bo2.jpg">

 

.....I already mentioned that Ahmed and Scorpio would be competing in Tag Team action at No Way Out right? Did I mention who their opponents were?.....

 

.....no? What do you mean no?.....

 

.....for what it's worth, it's two men who get a great pop here (as they make their way out from the crowd) and climb into the ring behind Scorpio, where (with the official distracted by the commotion on the outside) Bradshaw drags the Nation man back to his feet, before tossing him to Faarooq, who drives his former team mate into the mat with a hard Dominator.....

 

.....the two newest arrivals quickly leave by the same route that they entered, leaving Kidman still perched on the top rope, with Scorpio down and out on the mat.....

 

.....and prone in position to receive a Shooting Star Press.....

 

.....the referee finally turns around and three seconds later, Billy Kidman has defeated Scorpio, thanks in no small part to the interaction of Booker T at ringside.....

 

.....Ahmed Johnson won't like that.....

 

.....not one little bit.....

 

Winner: Billy Kidman

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qzCf1GY.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xGyfYpZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....he doesn't either, as the Nation leader makes his way out from the back (alongside Kama) to ask Harlem Heat just what in the hell they are doing.....

 

.....Booker looks like he's had about enough of the Nation of Domination's advances now though, telling Ahmed in no uncertain terms that Harlem Heat don't need their help.....Harlem Heat don't want their help.....in fact, Harlem Heat don't want nothing to do with the Nation of Domination period.....

 

".....so take a hint dog, you dig that? You want an answer to your little club invite, the answer is the same answer it's been for weeks now.....hell no sucka....."

 

.....Booker tells Ahmed to go bark up a different tree, 'cause that dog don't hunt sucka.....before turning and heading to the back, leaving even the protesting Stevie Ray standing there.....

 

.....Stevie tells Ahmed to leave his brother to him, he'll see.....he doesn't see the advantages of joining the Nation yet, but he will.....especially when he's got that European Title around his waist.....

 

.....Ahmed doesn't look particularly pleased by this latest development, telling Stevie to talk to his brother, get his head on straight, and do it soon......because the invitation to join the Nation, it's about to be revoked......

 

.....permanently.....

 

.....let's head to the back.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rHZItT9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fLHZhhe.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/etJmo92.jpg">

 

.....where Dok Hendrix is standing by with two men who WON'T be challenging for the WWF Tag Team Titles at No Way Out, Dustin Rhodes and Marc Mero, who (along with their manager Terri) don't look especially happy.....

 

.....Dok says that both Dustin AND Mero had the opportunity to become number one contenders last week on Raw is War but they failed.....instead it will be the unlikely pairing of Al Snow and Billy Gunn that will challenge for the tag team titles, so with that being said, where do this pair go from here?.....

 

.....Dustin does the talking here, telling Dok that the fact that Al Snow and Billy Gunn get a shot at the Tag Titles before Rhodes and Mero do is an absolute travesty.....as for where they go from here, well that's simple.....

 

".....see, the way we see it, Wrestlemania is right around the corner.....and I can't think of a better place to take those Tag Team Titles, than at the biggest show of the year.....so tonight.....right now in fact.....we're going to go out there and defeat the so called 'number one contenders', which means that come Wrestlemania, either we beat the new tag team champions, or the last number one contenders.....which by my reckoning, means that WE get the next shot....."

 

.....Dustin says that Vince McMahon never wanted to give Goldust and Marcus a shot at the titles, well that's fine.....Dustin Rhodes and Marc Mero will just TAKE a shot at the titles.....and there won't be a damn thing that ANYONE can do about it.....

 

.....let's go down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Mz6kcGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/A6LCW03.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1wwHAn4.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gifH11o.jpg">

 

.....well.....if there's one thing Al Snow knows, it's odd.....

 

.....he's odd.....his friendship with 'Head' is certainly odd.....his general demeanour is odd.....but do you know what else he knows? How to win Tag Team Titles as one half of an odd partnership.....

 

.....Al Snow and Chris Candido were finally (after months of false starts and close calls) able to dethrone the (then) tag team Champions a few months back.....

 

.....their reign lasted less than 24 hours.....

 

.....now Al has an even odder partner, because he's teaming up with one half of the team that he won AND lost those titles too.....Billy Gunn.....

 

.....obviously this reluctant pairing aren't nearly as cohesive a unit as their counterparts tonight, a team that have recently shed their rather unconventional skin in recent months in an effort to be granted a Title opportunity of their own.....

 

.....Dustin Rhodes might have a point too.....because should they defeat the current number one contenders tonight, SURELY they would have to be considered the NEXT number one contenders.....

 

.....they're certainly the better team here as well.....they have been performing as a tandem for quite some time now, as opposed to their opponents (for whom this is only their second match together) so they capitalise on the frequent miscommunication between Gunn and Snow.....

 

.....things only get more convoluted too.....

 

.....because Chris Candido and Jesse James are right there at ringside.....and when you consider all the history between Snow, Candido and the Outlaws, it's perhaps no surprise that the four men are often bickering.....

 

.....that's ultimately the downfall of Gunn and Snow, who capitalise on one of those exact moments, sending Gunn flying into his own partner (who is up on the apron) before quickly rolling up Snow for the one, two, three.....

 

Winner(s): Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2XtnaLe.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/RH7SiNh.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/nDKnQkD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/tIzn7el.jpg">

 

.....which can only mean one thing.....

 

.....brawl.....

 

.....or rather skirmish.....

 

.....because while the WINNING team (Dustin and Mero) decide that they've proved their point and head to the back, the 'team' that will be challenging Ric Flair and Arn Anderson at No Way Out are currently shoving each other in the chest, while their significant others do the same on the outside.....

 

.....you've got two teams here that have really been the backbone of the tag team division for the past year now....Al Snow and Chris Candido and their long time rivals, The New Age Outlaws.....three Tag Team Title reigns between them, which COULD become four should Al Snow and Billy Gunn manage to co-exist.....

 

.....I don't think they're going to co-exist.....

 

.....in fact, as Billy Gunn swings (but misses) at Snow, it looks like they're about to end that partnership right here.....

 

.....I did mention that this was only a skirmish though yeah?.....and fortunately for our upcoming tag title match, security rushes down to the ring to break the brawl up before it even started.....

 

.....tensions are definitely high though.....

 

.....let's go to the back.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UENhPQI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7HKNVU2.jpg">

 

.....where Steve Austin is alone and just putting the finishing touches on securing that knee brace of his.....he WAS alone anyway.....before the cackling figure that is our WWF Champion comes walking into the room.....

 

.....Pillman is dressed and ready to go, standing over Austin with that Winged Eagle Championship wrapped firmly around his waist.....of course, since Austin is currently in a seated position, that puts the very prize that he desires so greatly right in his line of sight.....

 

.....Pillman tells Austin that he sees him looking.....he sees him seeing.....but looking at the WWF Title right now is about as close as he's ever going to come to it, because even if he DOES beat Owen Hart at No Way Out, Brian Pillman is on an unstoppable voyage of destruction.....a runaway train that can't be derailed, by Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Kevin Nash, or anyone else that thinks they can reverse the revolution.....

 

".....but Steve.....old buddy, old pal.....tonight isn't about the World Wrestling Federation Title.....tonight is about doing what WE always did best.....and that is taking OUT the Hart Foundation.....together....."

 

.....Austin finishes buckling that brace, and only then does he finally get to his feet.....he tells the Loose Cannon that there ain't no WE.....ain't no you and me.....and as for together, the only thing they're going to be doing together, is competing for that damn world title at Wrestlemania.....

 

".....of course, that's IF you get past that Big Dumb Summbich Kane (which you probably won't) and that's IF Bret Hart don't get his ass whipped at No Way Out by Kevin Nash (which he probably will) either or, it don't matter.....the way I see it, you got one, maybe two giants to slay before you even think about going to Wrestlemania son.....

 

.....now old Stone Cold, he don't give a damn if it's Kane, Kevin Nash, Bret Hart or you.....I could really care less who's standing across the ring from me at Wrestlemania, because don't matter who it is, the result is gonna be the same.....and that's Stone Cold Steve Austin, opening up a can of whoop ass, walking it dry.....and walking out of Wrestlemania as THE World Wrestling Federation Champion......

 

.....now you don't have to like it.....Ric Flair don't have to like it.....Arn Anderson, Mankind.....hell, I don't care if Vince McMahon likes it or not, it's just the way it is and that's the bottom line....."

 

.....the two men share a tense look for a moment, before Pillman again breaks out that (slightly unhinged sounding) laugh, telling Austin to stop being so damn serious.....he says that this isn't about the title.....in fact, this is just going to be an honest to goodness match for nothing more than pride.....

 

".....and I know how much pride you take in beating up on the Harts.....so come on partner.....the Blondes ride.....again....."

 

.....with that Pillman slaps Austin on the back (in the most insincere display of solidarity known to man) before walking out of the room, presumably towards the ring.....

 

.....because our main event? It's up next.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FqDwwAO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0Cx980t.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8b9McPX.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Biiyb21.jpg">

 

.....and this is two teams that Know each other very, very well.....because they've faced each other (even over the Tag Team Titles) many, many times over.....

 

.....of course, DURING those times, Steve Austin and Brian Pillman were very much a co-beside unit, but now......yeah, not so much.....in fact (for all of his earlier gusto) Brian Pillman does a very good job of constantly being out of position whenever Austin looks for a tag.....

 

.....not that Austin seems to care, he was only trying to make the tag to prove a point (that being that Pillman has no intention of being his "partner") he's perfectly happy to beat up on the Harts all by himself.....Bret Hart on the other hand would quite like to get his hands on Pillman for leaving him high and dry last week (which is probably why Pillman is keen to stay OUT of the match) but eventually he and Owen take control, and Austin and the Hart Brothers have enough history between them that beating up on Steve Austin is always a good time.....

 

.....Owen in particular could benefit from this situation right here, after all, he's set to face Austin in just under two weeks time, with Austin's Wrestlemania Main Event spot on the line.....so should Austin take a lot of punishment here, then all the better.....

 

.....it was never going to last though.....because after a prolonged beating, Austin (with Pillman facing away from the action, berating the crowd) finally drops Owen with the Thesz Press, before slapping The WWF Champion on the back, FINALLY making him the legal man, before he grabs Pillman by his hair and drags him into the ring.....

 

.....Pillman gets back to his feet, only to be greeted by a double bird from his own partner, who kicks him in the gut and goes for the Stone Cold Stunner.....

 

.....fortunately for the Corporate Cannon he is able to shrug Austin off before he can drop the WWF Champion, shoving The Rattlesnake backwards into the ropes, where Owen Hart is waiting (holding onto that top rope, pulling it down) leaving Austin to tumble to the floor below.....

 

.....Stone Cold is quickly back up and goes straight after his No Way Out opponent Owen Hart, leaving The Hitman to nail Pillman with a series of right hands that backs him into the corner.....

 

.....Bret has been looking forward to this all night, but he doesn't get to enjoy it for long.....because despite his earlier promises, Pillman brings an Irish Whip sequence to an abrupt end, holding onto the ropes as he rebounds into them, then dropping to the mat and rolling to the outside, waving the match off in frustration and heading up the ramp.....

 

.....he's walking.....

 

.....again.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....::::!!!!PYRO'S ERUPT!!!!::::....

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3imRhOD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Y4mNOw5.jpg">

 

.....hold that thought.....

 

.....because as Brian Pillman scampers up the aisle, the pyro' blaze and the organ plays, as the Big Red Monster comes storming out of the back like a Halloween Monster stalking his way towards the WWF Champion.....

 

.....Pillman comes to an abrupt stop at the sight of Kane, before frantically backing up (until he collides back first into the ring apron) where he quickly rolls back into the ring.....

 

.....Kane keeps coming though, so Pillman keeps backing.....

 

.....right into the Hitman, who quickly rolls him up out of nowhere for the one, two, three.....

 

.....Bret Hart just pinned the WWF Champion, and I don't think Brian Pillman could care less.....

 

Winner(s): Bret and Owen Hart

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3imRhOD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ldxNCBq.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/sBDSK1J.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8b9McPX.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Biiyb21.jpg">

 

.....because as the bell rings, he's more interested about getting away from the still incoming Big Red Monster.....

 

.....he doesn't get far though, because as Kane steps over the top rope (and Pillman tries to bail) a still ticked off Bret Hart cuts off the WWF Champion's exit route, giving the Big Red Monster the opportunity to snatch hold of Pillman by the throat.....

 

.....looks like it's time for Brian Pillman to take a ride on the Chokeslam Express.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Bn2VdRx.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg">

 

.....which rather predictably brings Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Mankind rushing out from the back.....

 

.....what's perhaps LESS predictable however, is the fact that Bret Hart (who has remarkably decided to stick around after watching his brother disappear into the crowd along with Steve Austin) has positioned himself at the end of the aisle, steel chair in hand, cutting off the cavalry at the pass.....

 

.....the Hitman may be anything but a fan favourite around here, but Brian Pillman's actions last week obviously angered him enough that he's willing to stand back and let Kane do whatever he pleases to the WWF Champion.....

 

.....Flair and Arn are screaming at the Big Red Monster to let Pillman go, demanding that he doesn't deliver that Chokeslam.....

 

.....a request that Kane grants.....

 

.....by instead picking the Corporate Cannon up, spinning him upside down.....

 

.....and driving his skull into the canvas with the Tombstone.....

 

.....I don't think that's what either Flair OR Anderson meant when they told Kane not to deliver the Chokeslam.....

 

.....we really are out of time.....and (if Kane has his way at No Way Out) so is Brian Pillman.....

 

.....we'll see you next week folks.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: A

 

 

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/hzf7tIZ.jpg">

 

Week 2, February 1998

North Charleston Coliseum (North Charleston, South Carolina)

ATT: 14,600

TV: 29.49

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/r1dvVYA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SeialaI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5XrTwCg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJt4Wpa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aNE9X2Q.jpg">

 

......we open up tonight's show with the Titans of Wrestling already inside the ring.....which in itself isn't a strange sight.....

 

.....what IS a strange sight however, is the fact that they are completely enclosed on all sides (including above) by the confines of a (roofed) steel cage.....a steel cage that looks remarkably like a one ring version of the War Games cage.....a steel cage (the announcers inform us) that Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Shawn Michaels will find themselves locked inside in just a little under three weeks time at SuperBrawl.....

 

.....surprisingly the cage isn't acknowledged by the Titans to begin with, with Russo taking the microphone to declare that while Eric Bischoff (and the Championship Committee) have been making some questionable decisions as of late, they have at LEAST put the right man in the SuperBrawl main event.....a noble man, but more importantly, a TITAN man.....a man who is going to return that WCW Championship back where it belongs.....The Warrior.....

 

".....and Sting, what you don't understand bro, is that while you're going around here slaying Giant's and having your little lovers quarrels with Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque, the REAL giant's of wrestling are right here.....

 

.....this man, Warrior, he's a fricking icon in this business.....he's a man that's beaten everyone there is to beat.....seen it all, done it all.....he knows what it takes to be the World Champion, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to beat YOU.....he knows your strengths.....your weaknesses.....bro, he fricking broke into the business carrying you on his back.....and when Hollywood gets done filming his latest mega blockbuster, he's going to be a very happy man, because the Titans Belt is going to be right back where it belongs....."

 

.....Warrior doesn't say much.....in fact he doesn't say anything.....the formerly animated and colourful Warrior that we all knew seemed to die back when this man turned his back on Sting to join up with the Titans......he does seem slightly more intense than usual though, slowly pacing the ring behind Russo.....

 

.....Savage starches up the microphone next.....and if you were looking for intensity, you don't have to look much further than here.....

 

.....Macho tells Russo that first of all, IF Mr. Hollywood, Hollywood DOES decide to come back, he's going to have to have a very, very, very, very serious talk with the Macho Man first, after disappearing off the face of the earth to film his "movie".....

 

"......and brother, brother, brother.....the question isn't what happens WHEN he comes back.....the question is IF we want him back, yeah.....see it seems to me, that when the going got tough, Hollywood got going yeah, but come SuperBrawl, the Warrior Man is going to be the World Champion.....and the Macho Man is going to be next in line, when he takes OUT Shawn Michaels inside this cage, yeah....."

 

.....Savage says that the Titans have flourished in the face of adversity on all sides, and one by one they are going to continue to set the standard around here.....Roddy Piper wants a match with Buff Bagwell? Well the Macho Man accepts on Buff's behalf.....The Forgotten have the tag titles? The Nasty Boys have the next shot? Well maybe Copeland and Cage will do someing about that, yeah.....and then take Vader and Bigelow and make SURE they're Forgotten, yeah.....

 

".....because at SuperBrawl VIII, the Warrior Man is going to the top of the mountain.....the Macho Man is putting an end to Shawn Michaels inside this cage.....and the Titans of Wrestling are going to show the WORLD, exactly why they're the cream of the crop, Oh Yeah....."

 

.....erm Macho.....I don't think you consulted the Freaking Awesome Foursome before you made that proclamation did you.....because Buff looks less than pleased at the prospect of having to face Roddy Piper again, while we all saw last week how eager Copeland and Cage were to step into the ring with the rampaging Forgotten.....I mean, it's great that you're feeling confident and all, but I don't know that the rest of the Titans share that confidence.....

 

.....either way, we should probably go to commercial while they get this cage out of the way.....maybe we'll have a match when we come back.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

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.....well look at that.....we do have a match too.....

 

.....this one comes off the heels of Diamond Dallas Page's defeat to His Lordship, Steven Regal, and the three on one assault that proceeded it.....DDP had probably gotten used to Chris Benoit always being there to watch his back, so that fact that his on/off tag team partner DIDN'T see fit to lend a hand as the Blue Bloods assaulted him was a little surprising, fortunately help WAS at hand (eventually) when Lex Luger and The Patriot ran out to halt the assault.....

 

.....so from there, we're here.....three proud Americans facing off against three members of Her Majesty's Sovereignty and The Blue Bloods might have bitten a little more off than they can chew here.....sure, His Lordship has amassed some impressive victory in recent week (Curt Hennig and Diamond Dallas Page being noticeable names) but Eaton and (especially) Williams are nowhere near the level of a DDP or a Total Package.....

 

.....that's probably why they lost.....

 

.....I mean, they did hold their own for a good portion of the match (isolating The Patriot and working him over with quick tags) but in the end it wasn't enough, and after the Stars and Bars wearing Superstar was able to make a hot tag of his own, it was The Duke that was defeated, quickly submitting to Lex Lugers Torture Rack.....

 

.....your winners, Team USA.....

 

Winner(s): Lex Luger, Diamond Dallas Page & The Patriot

Rating: B

 

 

 

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.....and Team USA celebrate like they just won gold in the olympics.....

 

.....they don't get to celebrate for long though, because while The Blue Bloods may be current card carrying members of the Anti-USA gang, this all started with Lance Storm and Lance Storm (along with the Amazing French Canadians) is out here right now.....not that our babyfaces realise it at first, because (as I said) they're busy celebrating.....

 

.....Storm and his Jaques Rougeau go straight for the man that wears America on his sleeve (and on his tights) by blindsiding the Patriot from behind, as The Blue Bloods and Carl Oulette set upon Luger and DDP.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.....at least until the OTHER man that this all started with (Jim Duggan) comes rushing out to make the save, along with Hawk and Animal, The Road Warriors.....

 

.....The Sovereignty have had their fun, so the sight of a 2x4 wielding Hacksaw being flanked by Hawk and Animal means that they make a hasty retreat, rapidly retreating up the aisle, as a battered Patriot snatches up a microphone.....

 

.....he tells Lance Storm that he's had about enough of all the America Bashing and it's time that America started bashing back, starting at SuperBrawl.....because he's officially challenging Lance Storm to face him one on one in the middle of the ring.....

 

.....speaking of challenges.....we're not done yet.....

 

.....because Dallas Page takes the microphone next, saying that while The Patriot takes care of Lance Storm at SuperBrawl, that still leaves the Amazing French Canadians and the Blue Bloods.....and while no-one will ever accuse DDP of being the sharpest tool in the box, even HE can count to five.....

 

".....that makes five of you.....and one, two, three, four, five of us.....so whaddya say boy's? How about you get Banged in the USA......sound good to you? Because it sounds good to me.....tell 'em Hawk....."

 

".....UHHHHH.....WHAT A RUSHHHHH......"

 

.....man that was cheesy.....but a challenge is a challenge.....The Patriot wants Lance Storm, while DDP, Lex Luger, Jim Duggan and The Road Warriors want a ten man tag match with the rest of the Sovereignty.....will they accept? I guess we'll have to wait and see.....

 

.....but for now, let's play some super patriotic music.....

 

.....because we're about to have some new additions that are probably going to spoil the moment.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

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.....as Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque make their way out, in the most ridiculous Uncle Sam get up known to man.....

 

.....the two prance their way down to the ring, where Levesque gives a halfhearted "Hooooooo", while Shawn tries to lead a little USA chant, before looking at Old Hacksaw and giving a discreet "jerk-off" motion.....

 

.....Michaels tells the Red, White and Blue crew that as a red bloodied American, he wishes them all the best in their upcoming matches, saying that he's had troubles with Canadians himself over the years, so he gets it.....

 

".....and Dallas....Flexy Lexy, I think you've finally found your level.....curtain jerking with the 80's rejects where you belong....."

 

.....ah Shawn.....loveable as ever......those 80's rejects (that being Hacksaw and The Road Warriors) don't look to pleased at the slight either.....in fact, Hawk looks like he wants to shove Hacksaw's 2x4 right into Shawn Michaels big mouth.....Luger and Page are used to Shawn's crap now though, telling their compadres that Michaels can wait because they have more important things to deal with than these pair of idiots.....

 

.....Hawk and Animal in particular take some persuading (especially after Michaels and Levesque get right up in their faces with those cocky smirks) but eventually the five men head to the back, leaving Shawn and JPL to get on with what they are out here for in the first place.....

 

.....Shawn says that they know that they have a match later this evening, but in all reality, that's already a formality.....

 

".....I mean, we've been beating on that big dummy Sid for weeks now.....and his partner tonight, the little People's Pebble.....I mean, c'mon.....the last I checked he was running around up north holding the THIRD tier title.....now granted, that third tier title is still more prestigious than that piece of tin that Sting has around his waist, but come on people.....is that really the best that WCW can do?....."

 

.....Michaels says that The Rock (the perennial jobber that he is) couldn't even beat the little Mexican Midcarder Eddie Guerrero (after two tries) do you REALLY think he stands a chance against Michaels and Levesque?.....

 

.....JPL grabs the mic next, to say that it's ok.....because what the People's Pebble couldn't do, the People's Python will.....

 

".....and the People's Python is right down there (down where?) down THERE.....and ladies, if you really want to see this Python spitting venom, all you gotta do.....is Suck It....."

 

.....Levesque says that he and Shawn are out here as All American Boys in celebration of the inevitable.....the inevitability that at SuperBrawl, Jean Paul Levesque is going to be your new United States Champion, while The Crock will be getting his ass handed to him by Curt Hennig.....

 

".....and THAT.....will be absolutely.....Perf(inaudible)....."

 

".....absolutely what?....."

 

".....Perf(inaudible mumbling)....."

 

".....nope, still didn't get that.....one more time?....."

 

".....we can't say it, you know we can't say it....."

 

".....god damn it, can we say ANYTHING in this god forsaken company?....."

 

.....Shawn says that while they can't open their mouths around here without the risk of a lawsuit, they can CLOSE a few mouths.....The Rock and Sid Vicious tonight.....Eddie Guerrero when JPL takes his crappy little title.....and Randy Savage.....when Shawn Michaels shuts his mouth permanently, by kicking him so hard in the face with some Sweet Chin Music at SuperBrawl, that the Macho Man is going to have to have his jaw wired shut.....

 

".....and then whether it's the Warrior, or everybody's favourite little moody teenager, the 'Stinger', it really doesn't matter.....because whichever one of you two walks out of SuperBrawl with your hands raised, is going to get the make up kicked right off their face courtesy of Mr. Wrestling and some Sweet Chin Music.....why?.....because I can....."

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

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.....let's have a match.....not necessarily a GOOD match, but a match non the less.....

 

....it's going to be a match between two men who's styles couldn't be more contradictory if they tried.....the high speed, high impact, devil my cry style of Jeff Hardy, facing off against.....well, VK Wallstreet.....

 

.....why?.....

 

.....well, mainly because Mr. Hardy here has offered his services to Konnan in his current war with Jimmy Hart's First Family.....a family which VK is now a member of.....

 

.....Wallstreet is nothing if not fundamentally sound.....no one is going to accuse him of being the most energetic guy in the match, but he can lock on a rear chinlock like no other.....he grounds the high flying Hardy for a good portion of the match, but in the end Jeff's speed and resiliency is just too much for him, as he gets put away with the Twist of Fate.....

 

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Rating: B

 

 

 

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.....and Jimmy Hart isn't happy about that at all.....

 

.....Hardy raises his arms in celebration, but he's soon blindsided by the incoming First Family, who all come rushing out from the back at the behest of their manager.....

 

.....Hugh Morris is the first to hit the ring, nailing Hardy in the back of the head with a hard forearm blow that knocks the man to the mat.....

 

.....from there Meng and The Barbarian climb between the ropes to join in the assault, and once Wallstreet has regained his senses HE joins in the attack too, meaning that Hardy is now prone on the mat and in the middle of a four on one beatdown.....four and a half if you count the little kicks that Jimmy Hart is swinging too.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.....at least until Konnan, Mike Awesome and Gideon Cain come running down the aisle to make the save, fighting off the onslaught of Jimmy Harts men.....

 

.....the First Family make a hasty retreat (with Wallstreet and Morrus having to physically remove the Faces of Fear....they want to stay and fight) leaving Awesome and Cain to help Hardy back to his feet, while Konnan grabs a microphone.....

 

".....Órale, Jimmy Hart, you little cockroach.....I told you I wasn't done with you esè.....you and your little Family....."

 

.....Konnan says that Jeff Hardy already offered his services, so K-Dogg is here to return the favour.....he bought some BIG back-up with him too, thanks to Missy Hyatt's Boys.....so at SuperBrawl, how about the First Family step into the ring with Konnan, Hardy, Awesome and Cain, and they'll break up the Family once and for all.....

 

.....Jimmy has taken his men to the back, but it's safe to say that he will accept the challenge.....and if they do, that's two huge multi-man matches booked this evening.....a ten man tag between Team USA and The Sovereignty, and now this eight man outing.....SuperBrawl VIII is shaping up to be a very hectic affair.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

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.....from that we have a quick commercial break, before returning to the middle of the ring, where Mean Gene welcomes his guest for the evening.....The Giant.....

 

.....Giant towers over (the slightly intimidated) Gene, who asks him what the plan is now? He says that Giant had focused all his attention on becoming the WCW Champion (a task in which he failed) so now at SuperBrawl, it's going to be Sting defending the World Title, while the Giant does.....what exactly?.....

 

.....Giant tells Gene that if he thinks that one fluke loss means that Giant isn't STILL focused on the WCW Title, then he's as stupid as he is short.....

 

".....Sting.....yeah, by some fluke you won at Souled Out.....but I'm not done with you, not by a long shot.....but there's a whole roster of wrestlers back there that I can amuse myself with while you have your little match with the Warrior.....starting with the smallest giant I ever saw in my life.....Sid Vicious....."

 

.....Giant says that HE is the only giant in WCW.....Sid, he just doesn't measure up.....so maybe at SuperBrawl he'll show Sid what a REAL angry giant looks like.....

 

".....or maybe Gene, maybe I'll come out here later tonight.....after all, Sid is going to be out here.....and so are Shawn Michaels and his little girlfriend....."

 

.....Giant says that he's had his interactions with the unpopular pair, and in all honesty he's not a fan.....

 

.....he says that he might not be Mr. Popular himself around here, but one thing he does want, is TO be here.....Giant says that he's WCW through and through and he's PROUD to be a WCW wrestler, just like he would be proud to wear the WCW Title.....

 

".....Shawn Michaels.....he's just a little, little man with a big, big mouth.....me, I'm a big, big man Gene, with a big, big fist.....so maybe it's time someone shut 'Mr. Wrestling' up.....permanently....."

 

.....maybe it is.....but then again, maybe it isn't.....either way, the Giant seems to be on a collision course with Sid.....with maybe a Shawn Michaels sized speed bump along the way.....

 

.....let's go to the back.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

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.....where the Totally Awesome Trinity are deep in conversation with Buff Bagwell.....

 

.....the Freaking Awesome Foursome (as they are sometimes called) don't appear to be particularly pleased with the words of their de-facto leaders words earlier this evening.....Randy Savage took it upon himself to accept a match for Buff Bagwell (which will see him clash with Roddy Piper again at SuperBrawl) while also suggesting that Copeland and Cage take out the Nasty Boys and take their title shot.....

 

.....neither halves of that equation look to be too pleased about it.....

 

".....I mean, Buff.....did you SEE what the Forgotten did to those two schmo's last week? They totally kicked their ass.....like, TOTALLY, totally.....I went down to ringside after everyone had gone home, I swear to god one of Rocco Rock's teeth were totally stuck in the concrete....."

 

.....Buff says that he saw.....and while he wouldn't want to get in there with the Forgotten either, at least there's TWO of them.....

 

".....me, I gotta go out there with a p!ssed off geriatric cross dresser who I already beat once, when I SHOULD have been getting my shot at the US Title....."

 

".....this totally sucks.....you know, this wouldn't be happening if Hulk was here right?.....YOU know that right Big Ray-Ray?....."

 

".....{silence}....."

 

".....see, Ray-Ray knows....."

 

.....Cage says that they need to formulate a totally awesome plan.....tonight should be simple enough, Knobbs and Sags, they're in action next.....they can totally handle the Not-So Nasty Boys (after all, they did it before) then all they have to do is kick Vader and Bam Bam's butts.....which is where Buff comes in.....

 

".....after all, there might be three of them......but there's Freaking Four of us.....maybe you scratch our necks and we scratch yours....."

 

".....backs.....you scratch our BACKS....."

 

".....whatever.....I'm totally on to something here.....you help us take out the Forgotten, and we'll totally make sure that Retired Roddy Piper doesn't lay a single liver spotted hand on you....."

 

.....that actually doesn't sound like a bad plan.....I guess since the Nasty Boys are in action next, they should go and implement it eh?.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

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.....and the Nasty Boys opponents? Well, it's two gentlemen who picked up a rare win last week on Thunder, after clearly being inspired by Vince Russo no Eric Bischoff's dismissiveness to the idea of Alex Wright and Disco Inferno being granted a tag title shot.....a shot that was handed to the (unaware at the time) Nasties, simply for NOT being Wright and Disco.....

 

.....our two Dancing Diva's actually requested this match personally, wanting to prove a point to Bischoff (and perhaps the Championship Committee as a whole) after all, a victory over the number one contenders would have to put them in good stead right?.....

 

.....as it was, Disco and Wright spent a good portion of the match getting their asses handed to them......

 

.....unfortunately, when it comes to wrestling, the only portion of the match that matters is the ending.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.....and THIS was how it ended.....with Kevin Sullivan making his way out to clock Sags in the back of the head with a steel chair behind the back of the official.....

 

.....Disco capitalises on the interference, making the quick cover.....and three seconds later the Dancing Fools are victorious again.....

 

.....who's laughing now Mr. Bischoff?.....

 

Winner(s): Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Rating: B

 

 

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg">

 

.....ok.....so their planned assault didn't exactly go down as expected last week, but it looks like the Freaking Awesome Foursome have decided to modify their plan of attack.....LAST week they came out looking to take out the tag team champions (Vader and Bam Bam) but changed their mind after they witnessed the brutal beating that the Forgotten delivered to the Public Enemy.....

 

.....THIS week they have decided to forgo the Forgotten and instead concentrate on the current number one contenders The Nasty Boys.....because as Knobbs helps his partner (and Disco and Wright dance in celebration) here they come.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.....hold that thought.....

 

.....because the Foursome procrastinate in the aisle-way (well trio really, Ray-Ray doesn't take part, he's focused on the ring) posing and generally goofing around, Vader and Bigelow come storming out from the back to join their partner (leader?) in the ring.....

 

.....and they're ticked off.....

 

.....they immediately pounce on their SuperBrawl opponents (as Disco and Wright literally run for their lives) and instantly begin pounding them into the mat.....

 

.....The Enforcer clearly thinks this is their best time to strike, as he goes to head to the ring (nightstick in hand) only to be stopped by Copeland pulling him back by his flack jacket.....Ray-Ray wants to fight, but as Copeland simply points towards the ring, clearly he's not the only one.....

 

.....Sags has already been rendered practically useless by that chair-shot, which leaves Knobbs to virtually fend for himself.....

 

.....that doesn't go well.....

 

.....and as Sullivan laughs on like some satanic leprechaun in the background, Vader sets up the Nasty Boy and then Powerbombs him hard straight into the mat, just as Bigelow comes flying off the top with that patented Diving Headbutt, that completely finishes off Knobbs.....

 

.....that's a firm 'Nope' from Copeland and Cage (and Bagwell too) and they as one grab hold of the back of Traylor's flak jacket, dragging the reluctant Titan to the back as Vader and Bam Bam stand tall over their fallen number one contenders, leaving Tony Schiavone to ponder if ANYONE can stop The Forgotten.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

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

 

.....it's time for a pre-recorded segment now, as once again we check in on the progress of the WCW Television Champion Bill Goldberg's rehabilitation.....

 

.....it's gratuitous gym shots galore here, as the undefeated rookie grunts and snorts and snarls his way through another physiotherapy session, before we see shots of him back lifting weights.....clearly that shoulder is practically fully healed.....

 

.....Goldberg has nine days remaining until his next mandatory title defence, which means that if he can't get his physician to declare him medically fit for competition between now and then, he WILL be stripped of that Television Championship.....

 

.....so how close is he?.....

 

.....pretty damn close.....

 

.....the physician tells us that Bill Goldberg is (remarkably) way ahead of his predicted rehabilitation time and is right now 99.99% medically clear, there is just the small matter of that 00.01% of rehabilitation to go, which at this rate, should be in around four to five days.....

 

".....so while Mr. Goldberg is not currently medically cleared, nor will he be medically cleared to compete on WCW's upcoming Thunder show.....HOWEVER, I am fully confident that Mr. Goldberg will be fully fit and cleared to compete on NEXT WEEKS edition of WCW Monday Nitro.....in fact, I'd bank my reputation on it....."

 

.....with that we cut back to Goldberg in the middle of a sparring session in the ring.....a 'sparring' session that sees him let out a loud roar, before cutting his opponent in half with a hellacious Spear.....

 

.....Goldberg gets back to his feet and rotates that shoulder, clearly happy with the fact that he can once again plough into people with it, before turning towards the camera and asking one simple question.....seven days from tonight.....WCW Monday Nitro.....Television Title on the line.....

 

".....WHO'S NEXT?....."

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/KvDgZcZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cfcuN2G.jpg">

 

.....and from there we go back to Mean Gene, who decides it's time to shill the hotline (1-900-909-9900) telling us that Option 1 gives us all the up to minute news on the upcoming SuperBrawl show, while Option 4 is the one where you'll get the news that "the other guys" don't want you to know, in particular the news that there are some grumblings backstage about the behaviour of a certain "Pac" of individuals.....

 

.....from there he calls out his next guests, current WCW United States Champion Eddie Guerrero and his nephew, Chavo Guerrero Jr.....

 

.....Gene tells Guerrero that in just a few short weeks, he'll be putting his United States Championship on the line (a Championship that's much in demand if all the men vying for a shot are anything to go by) against Jean Paul Levesque.....which is going to be a challenge in itself.....

 

".....but after seeing that footage there Mr. Guerrero, it would seem that one Bill Goldberg is going to back in action next week also, and I would suggest that he is going to be on the look out for you two gentlemen....."

 

".....oh you would suggest would you esè? Well I would suggest that you shut up holmes, how about that....."

 

.....Eddie says that of course the US Title is in great demand, that's because in the six months he's held it (the longest reigning current title holder in WCW remember) he's taken it from secondary title to THE title.....the title EVERYONE wants.....

 

".....it's so in demand holmes, that even though JPL "doesn't" want the belt, he STILL wants the belt esè....."

 

.....but no one needs to worry.....Eddie Guerrero, he's not going to let Jean Paul Levesque or Shawn Michaels get their hands on THIS WCW Title.....because Eddie Guerrero LOVES World Championship Wrestling.....not because he gives a damn about these fans, or the boys in the back.....no, Eddie Guerrero LOVES WCW, because WCW showcases to the world just how much of a top calibre star the Papi of Perfection really is......

 

".....and JPL, holmes you ain't gonna stop that.....Eddie Guerrero is on the greatest streak in professional wrestling history.....in fact, when you think about it esè, Eddie Guerrero is the greatest champion in WCW history.....it's true.....look at my list of losers holmes.....Jeff Hardy.....the fat Samoan Rikishi.....Curt Hennig.....The Rock.....Eddie Guerrero has been beating those rejects from up north for six months now, so never mind Sting esè, Eddie Guerrero is Señor WCW....."

 

.....Eddie says that SuperBrawl, it's going to be just like every other title defence for the Papi of Perfection.....it's going to be Eddie Guerrero walking in as US Champion and it's going to be Eddie Guerrero walking OUT as US Champion.....streak in tact.....

 

".....and speaking of streaks.....Bill Goldberg.....you coming back next week esè? Good for you holmes, good for you.....there's that fighting spirit that got you the THIRD tier Title around here.....you wanna hold on to that title holmes, you might wanna stay out of our way....."

 

.....brace words there from the United States Champion.....let's see if he's as brace next week, when Bill Goldberg is in the arena.....

 

.....time for a match.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/yv7CIna.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: #1 Contenders Match

 

.....and that match is a Cruiserweight Match.....a Number One Contenders Cruiserweight Match to be precise.....

 

.....James Vandenberg has been quite candid about the fact that while he is willing for Hayabusa to defend that newly won title against anyone (as evidenced this past Thursday, when he put the title on the line against Super Crazy) but NOT Juventud Guerrera....and NOT former Champion Jeff Hardy.....Jeff Hardy (for now at least) seems to have turned his attention to the First Family, but Guerrera apparently is not giving up so easily and has convinced Eric Bischoff to put him in this number one contenders match tonight.....

 

.....now quite who Juvi was expecting is anyone's guess, but if he had visions of facing a Kid Kash or a Blitzkrieg he was very much mistaken, because Bischoff had other ideas.....a brand new signing to WCW in the form of former WWF star Brian (formerly Christopher) Lawler.....

 

.....Schiavone says that this is just further evidence of the prestige of the Cruiserweight Championship, with competitors literally banging on the door to come to WCW and compete for it.....Brian LAWLER (as he'll be going by here) is a prime example of that and he's walked into a fantastic opportunity here.....

 

.....unfortunately for him, he's also walked into an extremely fired up Juventud Guerrera.....

 

.....there's somewhat of a differencing style here, with the more high flying Lucha style of Juvi going up against the more Memphis based Dog and Pony Show style that Lawler brings, but that's not to say Lawler can't take to the air when the need arises, so it was for all intent and purpose a decent match.....Lawler (and his questionable attitude) didn't exactly rack up a lot of victories during his time in the World Wrestling Federation, and he didn't start his WCW career much better, missing with what looked to be a Leg Drop attempt from the Top Rope, only for Guerrera to scoop him up and drill him into the mat with a Juvi Driver for the one, two, three.....

 

.....and a shot at Hayabusa.....

 

Winner: Juventud Guerrera

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/l6DFGbg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....Mean Gene is really earning his pay cheque here his evening because he's back out again, this time to get word with the new number one contender to the Cruiserweight Championship.....

 

.....now I could attempt to recount Juvi's promo word for word, but honestly.....have you ever heard of the infinite monkey theorem? Basically it's the suggestion that if you had an infinite number of monkeys bang on an infinite number of typewriters, sooner or later they would accidentally reproduce the complete works of William Shakespeare......in reality, I think what they would actually reproduce is a Juventud Guerrera promo.....

 

.....so yeah.....long story short, Juvi is happy to have won tonight and he's going to give it his all in an effort to become the next Cruiserweight Champion.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8El8DGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Qy7A7qD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFbiE5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0V7cJLX.jpg">

 

.....this man on the other hand, has no problems stringing a sentence together.....as James Vandenberg makes his way out onto the entrance ramp, leading his congregation of Mortis, Jinsei Shinzaki and the current Cruiserweight Champion, Hayabusa.....

 

.....Vandenberg says that this was exactly his concern.....a man who can't even cohesively verbalise his plans challenging for the prestigious Cruiserweight Title.....a man that would tarnish the very reputation of a Championship that he has fought so hard to establish.....

 

".....you Juventud would be a blemish on the face of the Cruiserweight Championship.....a blemish that we shall fight with our dying breath to cleanse.....

 

.....although perhaps......we shan't need to....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....perhaps not.....because (clearly irate at losing his debut match) Brian Lawler decides that this is the right time to reap his revenge, rolling back into the ring to blindside Guerrera while he's distracted by Vandenberg.....

 

.....Lawler fares better here than he did in his match a few moments ago, probably because Guerrera wasn't expecting the attack.....and he cackles a frankly obnoxious laugh as he lays a beating on the number one contender, while Vandenberg gives a cackle of his own up there on the entrance way.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1c6ueOk.jpg">

 

.....at least until ANOTHER new arrival makes his presence felt, as Psychosis comes rushing out from the back to chase off Lawler.....

 

.....Psychosis is another interloper from 'up north' looking for a new home following the disbanding of the WWF's Light Heavyweight Division and he appears to have taken exception to the assault of his countryman, helping Juvi back to his feet as Lawler disappears to the back (giving Vandenberg and his band of misfits a wide berth as he goes).....

 

.....clearly things are heating up in the Cruiserweight Division.....at this rate, Juventud Guerrera isn't going to be the only problem for Hayabusa.....but at least we have another match set for SuperBrawl.....

 

.....Hayabusa vs. Juventud Guerrera.....for the Cruiserweight Championship.....

 

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/i3UTPrR.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJEyYKG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1MgoOOh.jpg">

 

.....from there we head to the back, where Chris Benoit is taping his wrists ahead of his upcoming match with Lance Storm.....

 

.....he WAS briefly alone, but a soon joined by both Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly.....and Page clearly has something on his mind.....

 

.....he wishes his occasional partner good luck in his upcoming match, telling him that he's finally made the right decision by joining the fight against Storm and his Scumbags, but Benoit tells him that's not what he's doing.....he says that he didn't ASK for this match, he was simply BOOKED in this match.....and he's never turned a match down in his life.....

 

.....Benoit reiterates that he's not a part of this little war that DDP has placed himself smack bang in the middle of, he's just a man looking to pick up wins and earn a title opportunity (and since Page is too busy to be going for the tag team titles, then he wagers that a SINGLES title is his best bet) so maybe Page should leave.....because Benoit is in action.....next.....

 

.....Page isn't overly pleased by that response, rather sarcastically wishing Benoit luck, before telling him to watch out for the Amazing French Canadians and The Blue Bloods.....

 

".....although hey, if they DO decide to jump you, you can be sure that I'll be out there to lend a hand just as quickly as you came out to help me last week....."

 

.....there's some passive aggression.....because Chris Benoit was NOT there to offer a hand when DDP was getting his ass handed to him last week, instead that fell to The Patriot and Lex Luger to make the save.....Benoit however doesn't even acknowledge the subtle sarcasm, telling Page that he highly doubts that Lance Storm would do anything underhand to him......but if he DOES, Benoit will deal with it himself.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JjTal3v.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/izACez5.jpg">

 

.....and yes, that match is next.....it's Calgary vs. Edmonton here, as these two Alberta natives clash for the first time in a WCW ring.....surprisingly Lance Storm offers a handshake to start the match, which (perhaps even more surprisingly) Chris Benoit accepts.....and this one is underway.....

 

.....as you would expect given both men's in ring ability, the match itself was excellent.....if you wanted a technical masterclass then you perhaps couldn't have picked a better pair to showcase it.....and (considering Lance Storm's willingness to bend the rules at times) a surprisingly clean fought contest.....Lance Storm clearly has a lot of respect for his Countryman, so much so that after a hard fought back and forth battle of these two Canadians, when Storm finds himself locked in the Crippler Crossface in the center of the ring (and The Amazing French Canadians look as though they are about to slide into the ring to break it off) Storm shakes his head at his cohorts, instructing them not to interfere in the contest.....

 

.....even Tony Schiavone is surprised at that.....and he's even more surprised that Lance Storm sticks to his guns while locked in that Crossface, before finally being able to take no more, conceding the match right there in the middle of the ring.....

 

Winner: Chris Benoit

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JjTal3v.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/izACez5.jpg">

 

.....the match is over (and it was a hard fought victory) but it's Chris Benoit that stands tall with his arm raised.....is the Canadian Cripple really has aspirations of competing for Championship gold in the future, then wins like this are exactly what he needs.....

 

.....Rougeau and Oulette join their man in the ring, helping Storm back to his feet, before turning to face (the back of) Benoit, clearly poised to strike before Storm pulls them back, clearly not looking for revenge here.....

 

.....Storm walks over to Benoit and spins him around and the two men share a tense look, before (much as he did to start the match) Lance Storm offers Chris Benoit his hand, congratulating him on a well fought contest.....

 

.....Diamond Dallas Page has been pushing for Benoit to join him in his war against the Canadian/British revolution, but Benoit has made it clear that he's neither for Page, nor against Storm....he's just interested in climbing the ladder, with or without DDP.....which is probably why he accepts the offered handshake from his opponent, allowing Storm to raise his arm in victory.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....as the shot switches to a view of Diamond Dallas Page, watching all this unfold on a monitor in the back.....and honestly, he doesn't look happy.....

 

.....and to think, it was only a few short weeks ago that these two men were Tag Team Champions.....

 

.....how things change.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f4Hz3ai.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/dICBV2c.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/isSRl4K.jpg">

 

.....since we're already in the back, we may as well stay there.....going over to the interview position, where Mean Gene is standing by with Sid Vicious and The Rock.....

 

.....Gene says that there's been a reoccurring theme around World Championship Wrestling as of late.....a theme which see's WCW Wrestlers getting distracted from their original targets, in order to butt heads with Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque.....

 

.....we saw it with Sting.....we saw it with Diamond Dallas Page and Chris Benoit.....we saw it with Lex Luger.....

 

".....and now, we're seeing it with you two gentlemen.....Sid Vicious, you sir had your sights set on a clash with the Giant, but instead have found yourself these last few weeks in the ring with Shawn Michaels and JPL respectively, while you Rocky, you clearly had a score to settle with one Curt Hennig, and yet here you are tonight, about to stand across the ring from arguably the two most hated men in WCW.....your thoughts?....."

 

".....thoughts?.....you want the Rocks thoughts Mean Gene? The Rock will give you his thoughts.....The Rock thinks that Shawn Michaels, Mr. Wrestling himself and Jipple his Hairy Left Nipple, are two of THE most annoying things to come out of professional wrestling since Mrs. Hennig pushed and pushed and pushed.....and pushed out that Perfect Pile of Minnesota Monkey Crap that she calls a son.....

 

.....Shawn Michaels, The Rock told you....he told you not to play your little games on The Rock's show.....the Rock told you that if you carry on being a monumental jackass, that The Rock would have to lay the smack down on your candy ass, and here we are.....

 

.....The Rock hasn't forgotten about Curt Hennig Mean Gene, no, no, no, no, no.....but the Rock already has that date stamped.....February 22nd.....1998.....SuperBrawl.....the night that Curt Hennig is going to find out that The Rock's size 14 boot fits Perfectly straight up his candy ass.....don't worry about Curt Hennig Gene.....but tonight, the Rock is about to stamp something else.....not the time, not the date.....tonight the Rock is gonna stamp his place in the annuals of professional wrestling history, because you're gonna witness a First tonight Gene......a genuine, bonafide (it's February, but goddamn if we don't have a) Christmas Miricle.....because TONIGHT is going to be the night that someone FINALLY (and the Rock means FINALLY) shuts Shawn Michaels mouth once and for all....."

 

.....Gene turns his attention to the big man to the Rock's left, and Sid is waiting with a response.....he says that Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque have been bugs waiting to be swatted for months now.....and that's ok, because tonight he's finally going to crush them under the heel of his boot.....but he has bigger things to consider......GIANT things.....because unless his ears were deceiving him, he's fairly sure that he heard The Giant calling him out earlier this evening.....challenging him to a match at SuperBrawl.....

 

".....well Giant.....you might find out first hand.....that your dreams.....are about to become your nightmares.....because at SuperBrawl, you're not going to be in there with an Icon....or a franchise....you're not going to be in there with a mere man, or even a giant.....at SuperBrawl, you're going to be in there with the Master.....and Ruler.....of the World.....and you won't come out alive....."

 

".....:::::!!!!!IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLL......what the ROCK.......is cooking!!!!!:::::....."

 

.....I guess it's main event time.....hit the music.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NDHKuSs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/eZhQXnt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zobXiDw.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TrIA3dp.jpg">

 

.....and here we are.....it's everyone's least favourite pair, Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque, facing off against the pairing of Big Sid Vicious and The Rock.....

 

.....Sid has had his hands full with these pair of degenerates as of late, facing each man in succession on back to back shows, and NEITHER of those meetings has gone well for him.....luckily for Sid, JPL (or Jipple I guess) managed to get under the skin of The Rock when he captured the next shot at Eddie Guerrero's US Title, while Shawn Michaels p!ssed the Great One off by just being Shawn Michaels.....

 

.....because of that, Rocky was there to make the save at the end of last weeks Thunder.....and because of that, THIS week we have this match.....

 

.....was it a great match? As great as any match involving Sid can be.....was it a hot match? Damn right it was.....you had The Rock (the most electrifying man in sports entertainment) you had Sid Vicious (who never fails to evoke a reaction from the crowd despite his limited in ring skills) and then you have Shawn Michaels and JPL, two men that are possibly as hated by these WCW crowds as anyone ever has been.....so yeah, it was heated.....

 

.....it was busy too.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WH2bm4L.jpg">

 

.....because for one (after finally making the hot tag to Sid after taking a lengthy beating from Shawn and JPL) The Rock got side tracked by the appearance of Curt Hennig, who looked to "revive" his SuperBrawl opponent by snatching a cold beverage out of the hands of a crowd member and tossing it in The Rock's face, before retreating up the aisle with a smirk on his face.....

 

.....the cold liquid certainly revives the Great One, who goes wide eyed with anger as he rolls down off the apron and follows Curt up the aisle, clearly looking to start their SuperBrawl battle early.....

 

.....unfortunately that leaves Sid all on his lonesome.....and Michaels and Levesque take full advantage of that, by throwing the rule book out of the window to deliver a two on one assault of the Seven Footer.....so much so that the official looks to be about a hairs width away from disqualifying the duo.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/OAG1jFB.jpg">

 

.....I mentioned it was busy right?.....

 

.....because as The Rock leaves the WCW Champion decides that he's seen just about enough of Michaels and Levesque's escapades, as he comes rushing down the aisle and into the ring, where he drags the two men off of Sid, before trading right hands with the pair.....

 

.....and as Sid joins in on the fun, the official (who was already at breaking point) decides that enough is enough, throwing this one out.....

 

Winner(s): No Contest

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/eZhQXnt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/OAG1jFB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zobXiDw.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TrIA3dp.jpg">

 

.....not that the four men in the ring give a damn about that.....sure, the match is over but the fight continues.....

 

.....which is when something strange happens.....

 

.....because as the four men continue their war, that steel cage that's hung ominously over the action all evening (remember that?) begins to lower, until it's fully encased the ring.....

 

.....which in all honesty, appears to suit these four men just fine, because now they have steel to work with too.....

 

.....and that's when a huge hole opens up in the corner of the ring.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ntB0NUE.jpg">

 

.....and like some b-movie monster rising from his lagoon, the huge figure of The Giant climbs inside the ring.....

 

.....Tony Schiavone says that The Giant hinted at showing his face here earlier this evening and he's making good on that promise now, going straight for Sid Vicious, dropping his SuperBrawl opponent to a knee with a headbutt to the back of the skull.....

 

.....our last match was busy.....this angle is busier.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SeialaI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5XrTwCg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJt4Wpa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aNE9X2Q.jpg">

 

.....because if an angry Giant wasn't bad enough, the Titans of Wrestling come rushing out from the back too, sliding under the ring one by one and emerging through that hole that the Giant made a few moments ago.....

 

.....and then it was utter carnage.....

 

.....Sting gets held in place (arms behind his back) by Adam Copeland, leaving him wide open for the Warrior to hammer with blows.....these two will be clashing at SuperBrawl and it'll likely be less one sided than this, but with Copeland there to restrain the WCW Champion Sting is taking a beating here.....

 

.....Sid is already groggy from taking that shot to the back of the head and The Giant is taking full advantage of that as he chokes him across the bottom rope.....

 

.....and then there was Shawn.....and Levesque.....

 

.....Shawn Michaels and Randy Savage are the reason that this Cage is even here tonight to begin with, with these two men set to clash inside a steel enclosure designed to keep people OUT.....clearly it hasn't done it's job tonight, because Ray Traylor, Christian Cage, Buff Bagwell and The Macho Man are proof that the Titans will always find a way.....

 

.....JPL was doing his best to fight off Buff and Cage, but he's just competed in a match while they're all fresh as a daisy, so he soon finds himself overwhelmed.....

 

.....as does Michaels.....who was restrained by Traylor long enough for the Macho Man to unleash a series of blows, and is now having his face ground into that steel mesh wall by his SuperBrawl opponent.....and if this is anything to go by, the Titans are going to be riding high in a few weeks time, with Warrior standing tall as the WCW Champion and Randy Savage right there behind him as the number one contender.....

 

.....who needs Hollywood Hogan huh?.....

 

.....apparently, not the Titans of Wrestling.....

 

.....and on this despicable display we shall say goodnight fans.....

 

.....we'll see you Thursday Night for Thunder.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: B+

 

 

[to4sty]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><p>

<strong>From Thunder to the Extreme: Week 2, February 1998</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<img style="max-width:15%;</p><p>

"src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/2Tb7b5r.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/2Tb7b5r.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 2, February 1998</strong> </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>WCW Championship Match</strong></p><p>

Sting vs. Adam Copeland</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Road Warriors vs. Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Soul Train vs. The Lumana'i </p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Psicosis vs. Brian Lawler</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Disorderly Conduct vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Ultimo Dragon vs. Kid Kash</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Patriot vs. Lord Steven Regal</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<img style="max-width:15%;</p><p>

"src="<a href="https://i.imgur.com/9CadHVo.jpg" rel="external nofollow">https://i.imgur.com/9CadHVo.jpg"></a></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Matches From ECW House Party 1998</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Terry Funk vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Taz vs. Chris Chetti</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Val Venis vs. Blue Meanie</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

</p></div><p></p><p></p>

[crackerjack]

<p><em>Another solid set of shows. Really feel like we'll close to a boiling point in the WWF, and I'm really excited to finally get to see a somewhat finalized for Mania after NWO. For WCW - I'm really enjoying this DDP/Benoit slowburn storyline. Made me really excited to see a stable with Benoit, Storm and Regal - even if the odds are low that we'll ever get that. To the guesses!</em></p><p> </p><p>

WCW Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Sting </strong>vs. Adam Copeland</p><p>

Comments: <em>Oh jeez - Edge vs. Sting...</em></p><p> </p><p>

The Road Warriors vs. <strong>Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Soul Train vs. <strong>The Lumana'i</strong></p><p>

Comments: </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Psicosis </strong>vs. Brian Lawler</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Disorderly Conduct vs. <strong>Alex Wright & Disco Inferno</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ultimo Dragon</strong> vs. Kid Kash</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Patriot vs. <strong>Lord Steven Regal</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

ECW</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Terry Funk</strong> vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Taz</strong> vs. Chris Chetti</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Val Venis</strong> vs. Blue Meanie</p><p>

Comments:</p>

[ElectricX]

<p>Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 2, February 1998</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Sting</strong> vs. Adam Copeland</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The Road Warriors vs. <strong>Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Soul Train</strong> vs. The Lumana'i</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Psicosis vs. <strong>Brian Lawler</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Disorderly Conduct vs. <strong>Alex Wright & Disco Inferno</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ultimo Dragon</strong> vs. Kid Kash</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Patriot</strong> vs. Lord Steven Regal</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998</p><p> </p><p>

Matches From ECW House Party 1998</p><p> </p><p>

Terry Funk vs. <strong>Buh Buh Ray Dudley</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Taz</strong> vs. Chris Chetti</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Val Venis</strong> vs. Blue Meanie</p><p>

Comments:</p>

[Satyr24]

From Thunder to the Extreme: Week 2, February 1998

 

Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 2, February 1998

 

WCW Championship Match

Sting vs. Adam Copeland

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Lumana'i

Comments:

 

Psicosis vs. Brian Lawler

Comments:

 

Disorderly Conduct vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Ultimo Dragon vs. Kid Kash

Comments:

 

The Patriot vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998

 

Matches From ECW House Party 1998

 

Terry Funk vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley

Comments:

 

Taz vs. Chris Chetti

Comments:

 

Val Venis vs. Blue Meanie

Comments:

[joshbrady91]

Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 2, February 1998

 

WCW Championship Match

Sting vs. Adam Copeland

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Lumana'i

Comments:

 

Psicosis vs. Brian Lawler

Comments:

 

Disorderly Conduct vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Ultimo Dragon vs. Kid Kash

Comments:

 

The Patriot vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998

 

Matches From ECW House Party 1998

 

Terry Funk vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley

Comments:

 

Taz vs. Chris Chetti

Comments:

 

Val Venis vs. Blue Meanie

Comments:

[Nobby_McDonald]

Preview for WCW Thunder: Week 2, February 1998

 

WCW Championship Match

Sting vs. Adam Copeland

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Lumana'i

Comments:

 

Psicosis vs. Brian Lawler

Comments:

 

Disorderly Conduct vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Ultimo Dragon vs. Kid Kash

Comments:

 

The Patriot vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998

 

Matches From ECW House Party 1998

 

Terry Funk vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley

Comments:

 

Taz vs. Chris Chetti

Comments:

 

Val Venis vs. Blue Meanie

[Kijar]

WCW Championship Match

Sting vs. Adam Copeland

Comments:

 

The Road Warriors vs. Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque

Comments:

 

The Soul Train vs. The Lumana'i

Comments:

 

Psicosis vs. Brian Lawler

Comments:

 

Disorderly Conduct vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Ultimo Dragon vs. Kid Kash

Comments:

 

The Patriot vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for ECW Hardcore TV: Week 2, February 1998

 

Matches From ECW House Party 1998

 

Terry Funk vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley

Comments:

 

Taz vs. Chris Chetti

Comments:

 

Val Venis vs. Blue Meanie

Comments:

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/yBV7cXp.jpg">

 

Week 2, February 1998

Breslin Center (East Lansing, Michigan)

ATT: 14,708

TV: 28.88

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Dusty Rhodes and Larry Zbyszko

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/XAYhgc0.jpg">

 

It's Thursday Night.....it's the new tradition on TBS.....it's WCW Thunder.....and we're on the air.....

 

.....we're starting a little differently here tonight (no, not with a match....hush) because while we would usually be seeing The Titans of Wrestling about now.....Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque.....maybe a Sting.....a Lex Luger.....The Rock? We WOULD usually get that.....instead, we get the public face of the Championship Committee.....

 

.....Eric Bischoff.....

 

.....Bischoff makes his way out and he does NOT look as though he's in the best of mood.....he grabs a microphone, telling the crowd that he's man enough to admit it when he makes a mistake.....

 

".....and as far as Shawn Michaels and Randy Savages number one contenders match at SuperBrawl goes.....

 

.....I made a mistake.....

 

.....see stupidly I believed that taking that match, placing it inside a steel cage and THEN putting a roof on that cage, would ensure that we had a clean contest with NO outside interference.....clearly I was expecting too much though, because I didn't think I'd have to account for people coming THROUGH the ring itself....."

 

.....Bischoff says that if people are going to be going to such ridiculous lengths as tearing through the canvas to get inside that steel cage, then he's clearly going to have to go one step further.....

 

".....because make no mistake, considering that this IS a number one contenders match, I don't want ANYONE influencing the result of the match.....

 

.....so.....

 

.....we have Shawn Michaels.....we have Randy Savage.....we have a steel cage surrounding the ring.....we have a roof on the top.....now since we can't do anything as overdramatic as having a cage on the mat, we're going to have to improvise a little bit.....so we're going to take that steel cage and we are going to expand it a little bit.....instead of enclosing the ring, it's going to enclose the entire ringside area.....AND it's still going to have a roof.....AND the officials are going to check underneath that ring before the match begins.....

 

.....there will be NO outside interference in this match.....don't make me have to add a shark filled moat out here people....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Jnw8Tyq.jpg">

 

.....sounds like we are basically getting a Hell in a Cell match upcoming at SuperBrawl.....but why is Sting making his way out?.....

 

.....I'll tell you why (since it would be a pretty dull diary if I didn't) it's because of one man.....and surprisingly it's NOT the Warrior.....Sting says that he has The Warrior at SuperBrawl, so tonight, he wants the stooge.....he wants the man who held him in position for the Warrior's assault this past Monday.....

 

.....he wants Adam Copeland.....

 

.....Sting tells Bischoff that he knows that the so-called 'Totally Awesome Trinity' are here this evening (in fact, he knows Buff Bagwell is here too) but he doesn't need a cage tonight, because if ANY other Titan gets involved in that match, he has a baseball bat ready and waiting.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IZ4NTrO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....which brings Copeland (and Cage) out from the back, to tell Sting that this match is totally NOT going to happen.....

 

.....the pair climb into the ring, with Copeland telling Sting that he doesn't get to make matches for the Titans.....

 

".....and YOU Bischoff, after booking us in that totally heinous dog-collar match at Souled Out, YOU don't get to book us in any matches either.....the REAL man with a plan around here (our totally awesome boss) Vince Russo might not be here in person, but he already has the show planned.....you have a main event already and that's going to be the Chode Warriors Hawk and Animal, against Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque....."

 

.....Cage agrees with his partner, telling Sting to go shimmy back up into the rafters, because tonight, the Totally Awesome Two have the night off.....

 

".....and there's nothing you can do about it Mr. Championship Committee....."

 

.....Sting says that Copeland and Cage seem to be having a LOT of nights off at the moment, mainly because they keep running away from the possibility of a fight with the Forgotten.....but they....or rather, HE (with 'he' being Adam Copeland) WILL be facing Sting tonight.....and Eric Bischoff is going to make it happen.....

 

.....Bischoff looks pained to say it, but he actually agrees with Copeland, telling Sting that while he CAN make matches in the absence of Vince Russo (on evenings such as this) but the match schedule has already been arranged.....

 

.....Sting isn't taking no for an answer though, telling Bischoff that he can go and take any ticket from any of these great WCW fans in the crowd and they will all say the same thing.....

 

".....and that's 'card is subject to change'.....things happen Eric.....things change.....matches change.....and I'm sure that these fans aren't going to mind when YOU.....the public face of the Championship Committee makes the match.....Adam Copeland vs. Sting.....

 

.....with the WCW Championship on the line....."

 

.....the crowd do pop for that, after all, who doesn't like an unscheduled Championship Match.....and since it IS a proposed title match, Eric Bischoff is WELL within his rights to make the match.....

 

.....so that's exactly what he does.....

 

.....we're still going to have The Road Warriors facing Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque, but that's now going to be our SEMI main event, because in our main event is going to be Adam Copeland getting his first ever World Championship opportunity.....

 

.....and in all honesty, he doesn't look too thrilled about it.....

 

.....let's have a match.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gLOR7w6.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Bn6ee3h.jpg">

 

.....and it's a continuation of the current feud between Team USA and The Sovereignty.....America vs. Britain.....Old Glory vs. The Union Jack.....it's The Patriot, facing off against His Lordship, Steven Regal.....

 

.....Steven Regal has been involved in some surprisingly well received matches as of late, in particular a tag team affair with Lance Storm, which saw the two heads of state defeat The Road Warriors in what was the match of the night a few weeks back on Nitro.....

 

.....this match wasn't at that standard, but it was still pretty damn good.....

 

.....Regal is a bit of a maintenance player on the roster.....he can go in there against the big stars like Hawk and Animal (who are still even at their advancing ages on the cusp of the main event) and not look out of place, or he can step in the ring with the lower tier stars and elevate them enough during the match that even what 'could' be perceived as a squash match looks competitive.....

 

.....then there are matches like this.....matches where he SHOULD be winning.....but he doesn't......and it really doesn't hurt his momentum at all, because win, lose or draw he goes out there and puts on a mechanically good match.....

 

.....Patriot isn't quite the name he was a few years back as a member of Stars and Stripes, a few years away from the American audience saw his stock diminish quite a bit actually.....wins like this will likely see him move back up the card, although he did only win with a roll up out of nowhere.....

 

Winner: The Patriot

Rating: B-

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gLOR7w6.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7Yb8Gwz.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LcEfQAC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NpV26wt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HhRsCY1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8jhvXnL.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LfFs7ac.jpg">

 

.....if Regal was considering some kind of revenge assault for that loss (because he really wasn't happy in the aisle-way, calling The Patriot a "bloody cheating yank") he soon changed his mind when Mike Tenay made his way out.....

 

.....probably because Mike Tenay didn't come alone.....he bought The Road Warriors, Jim Duggan, Lex Luger and DDP with him.....and if a victory over Regal didn't give the Patriot a little jolt up the ladder, sharing the ring with these men certainly will.....

 

.....Tenay says that Team USA made the challenge(s) and he can tell us that The Sovereignty have accepted.....at SuperBrawl we will see Steven Regal, the Blue Bloods and The Amazing French Canadians facing The Road Warriors, Jim Duggan, Lex Luger and Diamond Dallas Page, in a HUGE ten man tag match.....but as well as that we will also be seeing the Patriot in one on one action, facing the man that started this whole thing.....Lance Storm.....

 

.....there's a lot of patriotic talk from these men here, with all six men keen to step between the ropes with their opponents at SuperBrawl (although DDP becomes uncharacteristically tight lipped when questioned as the the allegiances of his one time partner Chris Benoit) but that doesn't mean that Hawk and Animal are looking past their opponents tonight.....

 

.....Tenay that they're going to beat Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque like they're Canadians tonight.....they say that Michaels and JPL don't only see fit to mock and ridicule WCW, but Monday night they even saw fit to mock the USA (donned in their Uncle Sam suits) and then saw fit to get in the faces of the Road Warriors.....

 

".....BIG MISTAKE.....NOT YOUR BIGGEST.....YOUR BIGGEST WAS AGREEING TO THIS MATCH TONIGHT.....YOU TWO MIGHT THINK YOU'RE PRETTY FUNNY GUYS.....WELL ME AND ANIMAL, WE'RE PRETTY FUNNY GUYS TOO.....JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO, ANIMAL TOLD ME WHAT HE WAS PLANNING TO DO TO JEAN PAUL LEVESQUE AND WE JUST LAUGHED AND LAUGHED AND LAUGHED.....THEN I TOLD ANIMAL WHAT I'M GOING TO DO TO SHAWN MICHAELS AND HE LAUGHED SO HARD THAT TEARS ROLLED DOWN HIS FACE.....JUST LIKE SHAWN MICHAELS EYEBALLS ARE GOING TO BE ROLLING DOWN HIS FACE, WHEN I SQUEEZE HIS HEAD SO HARD THAT THEY POP LIKE PIMPLES....."

 

.....the Patriot rounds the promo out, promising that at SuperBrawl, Lance Storm is going to either love America, or leave it.....because the Patriot is going to hurt him so badly that he's going to be running back to Canada with his tail tucked between his legs.....

 

.....yawn.....

 

.....whatever, Patriot isn't a great promo.....this American crowd don't care though, and as Hacksaw leads them in a loud "USA" chant, we go to commercial.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5RT8sxe.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/27KEe2J.jpg">

 

.....it's time for Cruiserweight action now, as the Ultimo Dragon makes (I believe) his television debut for the company.....

 

.....Dragon made his official WCW back in November, as a participant in the Mayhem Match, while still officially under contract with CMLL.....he was bought over in part of what WAS a brief working relationship between the two companies, but Vinnie Ru don't like sharing, so he's severed those ties and secured a written (exclusive) deal with Ultimo.....

 

.....it's going to take a while to get Dragon up the card.....he's a big star north of the boarder, but in terms of worldwide television exposure (which is what WCW caters to) his opponent here tonight is actually the bigger name.....and since his opponent is relative rookie Kid Kash that should tell you something about where Dragon is.....

 

.....with that being said, the actual match quality (if not the crowd reaction) here was very good.....what Kash lacks in experience he makes up for with charisma, while Dragon is very good at what he does.....

 

.....and what he does here, is win.....

 

.....Kid Kash (as I've said before) has all the tools to become Cruiserweight Champion somewhere down the line, but tonight his job was to put the Dragon over on his debut, which he did, going down to the Dragon Sleeper in the middle of the ring.....

 

Winner: Ultimo Dragon

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8El8DGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Qy7A7qD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFbiE5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0V7cJLX.jpg">

 

.....from the Cruiserweight action we head over to the Champion of that division.....or rather, to the mouthpiece of the Champion of that division, as we go to what looks to be the Vestibule of Vandenberg.....WCW Cruiserweight Champion Hayabusa is there (inside this candlelit location) along with a praying Jinsei Shinzaki, Mortis, and finally the Minister to this Sinister bunch, James Vandenberg.....

 

.....Vandenberg states that he wants to take this opportunity to clear up any misconceptions regarding HIS Cruiserweight Champion Hayabusa and his upcoming title defence

 

".....you see, I've heard rumblings on the grapevine that my Hayabusa was trying to avoid defending MY Cruiserweight Championship against Juventud Guerrera, when in all honesty (and I'm nothing if not an honest man) nothing could be further from the truth.....Juventud Guerrera was simply a victim of his own arrogance....."

 

.....Vandenberg says that Juventud Guerrera arrogantly believed that he would simply be HANDED an opportunity at the Cruiserweight Title.....Juventud Guerrera believed that one little victory ensured him a shot at the Cleansed Championship.....

 

.....Juventud Guerrera was wrong.....

 

.....Vandenberg claims that had Guerrera simply waited, his day of reckoning would have come, Hayabusa was content to face one and all in turn, but now Guerrera has unleashed the beast and willingly moved to the front of the line.....a willing sacrifice to the cause.....

 

".....so be it.....another of the reckless youth shall be purged from the Cruiserweight Division.....because just as Jeff Hardy before him, Juventud Guerrera shall be struck down.....felled.....by a Falcon Arrow....."

 

.....with that, Vandenberg begins to cackle an evil little laugh.....as we go back down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B-

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/AAhTSYz.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/H5AU4wf.jpg">

 

.....where Mike Tenay is standing on the entrance ramp, waiting to welcome his guest this evening, the man who will be facing Curt Hennig in just a few weeks at SuperBrawl......The Rock.....

 

.....Ricky's music hits and the crowd erupts as the Great One himself comes marching out from the back with a look of sheer determination on his face.....

 

.....he doesn't break stride as he struts down the aisle towards a waiting Mike Tenay, before snatching the microphone from the hands of the bewildered announcer and carrying on towards the ring, telling Tenay that.....

 

".....Mike Tenay, this is The Rock's night, The Rock's segment and The Rock's show......and The Rock doesn't need someone to hold his microphone for him, because he's got two hands of his own.....one to hold this mic and the other to smack you upside the head if you don't get out of the Rock's way....."

 

.....Tenay takes the hint, disappearing to the back as The Rock climbs into the ring, looking to address Curt Hennig.....

 

.....Rocky says that at SuperBrawl, Curt Hennig is going to find out first hand exactly WHY they call him the Great One......

 

".....greater than great, better than perfect, THE most electrifying man in ALL of sports entertainment, the People's Champion, The Rock.....

 

.....but see, while the Rock is already the champion of the people, at Souled Out the Rock SHOULD have become the champion of ALL of America....instead, that 250lb pile of Minnesota Monkey Crap by the name of Curt Hennig, decided that he was going to cost The Rock and all the millions of the Rock's fans the chance to become the US Champion.....but who's in the US Title match now? It's not the Rock.....

 

.....it could have been The Rock.....defending the US Title against Lex Luger.....it could have been The Rock.....going one on one with Jeff Hardy.....with Chris Benoit.....Diamond Dallas Page.....it could even have been The People's United States Champion The Rock, against the Television Champion.....Bill Goldberg.....but no.....no, no, no, no, no.....instead we get Eddie Guerrero.....

 

.....and Jipple the Hairy Left Nipple....."

 

.....Rocky says that Curt Hennig did that.....Curt Hennig cost the Rock the United States Championship, he cost the People the United States Champion that they want.....and at SuperBrawl, the Rock is going to whoop Curt Hennig, like the Soul Man beat up his daddy back in 75.....

 

".....and the Rock says this.....The Crypt Keeper, Gamesmaster, Task Master-bater Kevin Sullivan.....Bam Bam Bigelow and that 500lb pile of brontosaurus crap Big Van Vader, YOU Curt Hennig.....for six months now the Rock has gone from one distraction to another, but it all stops at SuperBrawl.....because the Rock guarantee's....he guaran(damn)tees that at SuperBrawl, he's going to lay the smack down on your candy ass like no other.....he's going to go out there in front of the people and he's going to electrify like only the Rock can.....he's going to take his boot, and the Rock ain't even gonna shine that sumbich up, no, no, no.....the Rock's gonna take his boot, his dirty boot, he's gonna turn it sideways and shove it straight up your candy ass......

 

.....and then whoever it is.....whether it's Eddie Guerrero or Jipple the Hairy Left Nipple, it doesn't matter.....no more distractions, no more interference.....no more no more's.....because whoever walks out of SuperBrawl with the United States Championship, you're gonna have to go one on one with the Great One......

 

.....IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLL.......WHAT THE ROCK.....IS COOKING....."

 

.....someone's fired up.....let's calm this down a little bit shall we.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/AS0rMen.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CQy3hfd.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/48KEVY1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/owb2y1y.jpg">

 

.....how? Well by having Disorderly Conduct in action obviously.....

 

.....obviously any team consisting of "Mean" Mike and "Tough" Tom aren't really going to cut it as we approach a new millennium.....1988 maybe, 1998 not so much.....to be fair though, this pair aren't here to get over, they're here to PUT over.....and tonight they're putting over a team that's been on quite the roll as of late, Disco Inferno and Alex Wright.....

 

.....this dancing duo apparently took exception to Eric Bischoff's declaration that even The Nasty Boys were more viable number one contenders to the tag team titles, firing this pair on to a number of victories now, INCLUDING one over said number one contenders Knobbs and Sags.....

 

.....this victory (over perennial jobbers) wasn't nearly as impressive, but it was a victory non the less, with Wright picking up the pinfall for his team with (rather aptly) a Bridging German Suplex.....

 

Winner(s): Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Rating: C-

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1jycJQN.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/w2llODN.jpg">

 

.....not just happy with winning, they're going to dance too..... it not until they get a few things off their chest.....

 

.....Disco says that the office doubted them.....they beat The Soul Train.....the office mocked them.....they beat the number one contenders.....

 

".....and tonight, we beat some REAL nasty boys.....nasty MEN.....men so Nasty that their names are literally "Mean" and "Tough", but they were no match for us.....so you can all stop doubting us now, because we are the real deal....."

 

.....ahem, Disco.....you beat Disorderly Conduct, calm down a little bit.....

 

".....me and Alex, we've been here in WCW for years and you fans and the people in the back still treat us like jokes.....maybe Shawn Michaels is right about this place after all....."

 

.....Alex takes the microphone next, telling the crowd that maybe now they will start believing what he and Disco already know.....and that's the fact that they are the best team period.....

 

".....so Bam Bam Bigelow and Big Van Vader, next week......forget about the Nasty Boys.....forget about EVERYTHING.....because Alex Wright and The Disco Inferno want the Forgotten.....and we want them on Nitro....."

 

.....the commentary team question the life choices of Wright and Disco here, stating that this might be the biggest (and last) mistake that these two idiots ever make.....they may be right, but that remains to be seen.....for now we get stuck with the sight of the two fools dancing, as we go to the back.....

 

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jUJKFVx.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/KMoemF3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bo3WUqu.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/d9Qy0KJ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/mlsgR16.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1TMb3lf.jpg">

 

.....where the rest of the Sovereignty are consoling a furious Steven Regal.....

 

.....His Lordship clearly isn't happy about his loss earlier this evening, citing it a "bloody disgrace to be rolled up by that red, white and blue wearing pillock The Patriot.....he had my tights you know.....here I am, a gentleman.....a Lord of the realm.....and this cheating little toerag rolls me up and grabs on to my tights like it was a....a....a pancake trying to escape off his plate.....a disgrace.....Her Majesty shall hear of this travesty......"

 

.....the Blue Bloods and the Amazing French Canadians try to calm His Lordship down, but it takes the dulcet tones of Lance Storm to finally soothe this savage beast.....he tells Regal that he will have his revenge.....and he will have it at SuperBrawl, when he, Eaton, Williams, Rougeau and Oulette, show those American Dogs exactly what TRUE professional wrestling is.....

 

".....and as for The Patriot.....you have my word Mr. Regal, as a Proud Canadian and as a proud servant of Her Majesty The Queen, at SuperBrawl I will make that masked moron cry out in pain, before he submits to the Canadian Maple Leaf, just like the big American quitter that he really is.....

 

.....now if you will excuse me, I have some business of a personal matter to take care of....."

 

.....and with that, Lance Storm heads off to wherever his "personal business" is being conducted, leaving Regal to continue his tirade on the evil, cheating, American Patriot.....

 

.....let's have a match shall we.....

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/y8xpNTI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and it's our second Cruiserweight Match of the evening (you lucky, lucky people) as two newcomers clash in direct response to their encounter on this past Monday's edition of Nitro.....

 

.....Brian Lawler made his WCW debut in a losing effort to current number one cruiserweight contender Juventud Guerrera, only to assault the Youth Warrior post match in retribution.....

 

.....that was when Psychosis made HIS debut in World Championship Wrestling, coming to the aid of his fellow Luchador and chasing off Lawler.....

 

.....hence this match right here.....

 

.....Brian Lawler is viewed as a pretty hot prospect to some in business insiders.....whether he lives up to that potential remains to be seen, but he does put on a decent showing here, as these two men both display their talents.....Psychosis' talents consist of high flying, death defying moves, while Brian Lawler's talents involve p!ssing off the crowd with his annoying laugh and generally cocky demeanour.....

 

.....funnily enough, both of these men utilise a top rope legdrop as their signature moves.....as far as debut's go though Psychosis made a pretty good one here, because it was he that hit the legdrop first, finishing off the cocky Lawler for the one, two, three.....

 

Winner: Psychosis

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/y8xpNTI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....great debut for Psychosis.....but that's back to back losses for Brian Lawler, who is amassing a streak not unlike Bill Goldberg.....except while our undefeated Television Champion is currently 61-0 (and set to make his return on this weeks upcoming Nitro) Brian Lawler is currently 0-2.....

 

.....yeah, not quite so impressive.....

 

.....he obviously knows that too, because as Psychosis celebrates his victory Lawler decides to re-enter the ring and (much as he did this past Monday) jumps his opponent from behind, before commencing in stomping him to the mat as he cackles his annoying laugh.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/l6DFGbg.jpg">

 

.....and much as it was this past Monday, help is at hand, this time in the form of Juventud Guerrera, returning the favour from Nitro.....

 

.....he flys down the aisle and slides into the ring (managing to get about two shots on Lawler) before Jerry's Kid rapidly bails away from the action, diving to the floor and retreating up the aisle laughing as he goes, while Juvi helps Psychosis to his feet.....

 

.....there's a war a brewing in the Cruiserweight Division it would seem.....

 

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/XUfPbdt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lYNpqj2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qbWVoeF.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5LaNZFJ.jpg">

 

.....from there we head backstage, where the rest of the Freaking Awesome Foursome are currently attempting to hype a less than enthusiastic looking Adam Copeland up, ahead of his first ever World Title match later this evening.....

 

.....I say less than enthusiastic looking, because it soon becomes clear that Copeland is somewhat hesitant about the thought of facing a p!ssed of Sting, and he's also somewhat conflicted about the prospect of taking "Hulk's" title.....

 

.....both Copeland and Cage are huge Hulkamaniac's (even donning the yellow and red regularly for their ring attire) and clearly think it's only a matter of time until Hollywood comes back to regain his throne.....

 

".....I mean, it's bad enough that Randy, Warrior and Vinnie Ru aren't even here tonight (Hollywood would have totally been here tonight) but now, not only does Warrior have a shot at the Hulksters belt at SuperBrawl, but when Macho beats Shawn Michaels (because he'll totally beat Shawn Michaels) then HE gets the NEXT shot at Uncensored.....that's totally NOT awesome for Hollywood 'brother'....."

 

.....Bagwell agrees, telling Copeland that Savage has got a bit too big for his boots lately, even going so far as to accept a match on Bagwell's behalf, for Buff to face off with Roddy Piper at SuperBrawl.....

 

".....I mean, not that I care or anything.....I beat that skirt wearing freak once before, I'll do it again.....but still, that's just not cool....."

 

.....honestly, Buff sounds about as thrilled at the prospect of facing Piper again as Copeland sounds to be facing Sting tonight, but Christian, he's trying to see the silver lining.....

 

.....he tells his partner to look at it this way, if he goes out there tonight and beats Sting ("and c'mon, you can totally beat Sting") then he's the WORLD champion.....he's the man.....

 

".....and as the man, you'll totally have the stroke around here.....Savage and Warrior, they'll totally have to remember that the Titans of Wrestling ain't just about them.....you've seen the Trinity shirts in the crowd.....Me....You....Big Ray-Ray.....we're Total Merch Magnets.....Buff Daddy here, he's a Totally Awesome fourth wheel.....if Macho and Warrior don't want to see that.....if they don't want to show Hollywood the respect that he deserves, then maybe the Freaking Awesome Foursome should become the Famous Five....."

 

.....Cage tells his partner to picture it.....he can give Hollywood the shot he deserves.....it'd be like a boyhood dream come true.....Adam Copeland vs. Hollywood Hogan.....for the World Title.....

 

".....that would be totally awesome....."

 

.....Copeland seems to be warming to this idea a little bit, but he still doesn't seem overly keen on the prospect of facing Sting.....telling Cage that he takes that big big damn bat everywhere he goes.....

 

".....look at me Christian.....look at me.....I'm too pretty to be hit with a bat....."

 

.....Cage just smiles, telling Copeland not to worry about it.....after all, where HE goes, Cage goes.....and where Cage goes, Ray-Ray and Buff-Buff go.....

 

".....and where Cage, Ray-Ray and Buff-Buff go.....well....."

 

.....Cage and Bagwell both hold up a steel chair a piece, while Traylor bounces that nightstick off the palm of his hand.....

 

".....let's just say that Warrior and Savage aren't the only friends that the Freaking Awesome Foursome have....."

 

.....that match is later.....and if Copeland ISN'T confident about his chances, it would seem like his team mates are very confident.....

 

....let's go down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5RBMsDS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/i2GFy0d.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....where Ernest Miller and Ice Train (The Soul Train) are making their way out, along with their manager Teddy Long.....

 

.....clearly the pair are set for tag team action, but before that it looks at though Ernest Miller has something to get off his chest.....

 

".....because last week, we was out here to wrestle those two dancing fools Alex Wright and the Disco Inferno.....now, I don't know what they called those moves they was doing, but Mrs. Miller she didn't raise no dancing fool.....she raised the coolest cat on the block, so somebody call my momma, because she'll tell you that wasn't no damn dancing....."

 

.....Miller says that had that been a dancing contest, ain't no way they would have lost ("but then, had this cat been in the ring at the end, we wouldn't have lost the damn wrestling match either") because Ernest Miller can both dance AND wrestle circles around anyone.....

 

".....in fact, I'll kick your head right off your shoulders and two step all over your face....."

 

.....Ernest isn't coming out and outright saying it, but clearly he blames Ice Train for their defeat last week to Wright and Disco.....Train knows it too, you can tell by the look on his face that the thinly veiled insults aren't going over his head, but he's letting it slide.....

 

.....for now.....

 

.....Ernest on the other hand is on a roll, saying that it don't matter who they send out.....those dancing fools, The Road Warriors, Big Fat Vader and Bad Body Odour Bigelow, Hell, they could send out the (insert obligatory "local team" shout-out here) defensive line out from the back, and Ernest Miller would still whoop them.....

 

.....the crowd don't like that.....Miller knows he's a babyface right?.....apparently not, because he then proceeds to tell some "fat-boy" in the crowd to sit down before he slaps him upside the head.....

 

.....Train is getting more and more irate by the actions of his team mate, but Teddy Long finally quietens Miller down, as we find out who the opponents are going to be.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/L9zZ2r1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/N9nIuAu.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xUc9aac.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/n21UiQS.jpg">

 

.....oy that's a lot of beef.....Ernest Miller might want to rethink his boasts here.....because the Soul Trains opponent tonight, looks to be The Lumana'i.....

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/w96EUju.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gC3ccn7.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xUc9aac.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/n21UiQS.jpg">

 

.....which members of the Lumana'i isn't initially obvious, but as Ekmo and Kimo take up position in the ring, it soon becomes clear that they are the chosen pairing here.....

 

.....Ice Train is a big lad and can usually throw most men around the ring with ease.....these two Samoans don't look like pushovers however and even the powerhouse of the Soul Train struggles to knock them down.....Miller is surprisingly still feeling pretty cocky (even with the presence of Kokina and LA Smooth on the outside) but he soon takes a step back when one of those patented martial arts kicks barely phases Kimo.....

 

.....these Lumana'i boys might be dubbing themselves the "future" of the Samoan dynasty, but they still fight with a lot of the savage offence of their forefathers.....Ernest Miller might have been confident of a victory tonight, but because of this he didn't get a victory.....

 

.....granted, he didn't lose either.....it was Ice Train that ate the loss, after getting crushed with a huge splash from the top by Ekmo.....but still, The Lumana'i won.....the Soul Train lost.....

 

Winner(s): The Lumana'i

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/w96EUju.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gC3ccn7.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/L9zZ2r1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/N9nIuAu.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xUc9aac.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/n21UiQS.jpg">

 

.....Miller isn't happy about it either.....and as Kokina and Smooth join their stablemates in the ring, he waves off his own team mate (much to Teddy Long's disbelief) and heads to the back, as The Lumana'i surround the downed Ice Train.....

 

.....poor Ice Train has already been crushed by Ekmo, but his night hasn't ended there, because these Samoan's preceded to stomp the tar out of him, only to have the assault punctuated by a huge (and I do mean HUGE) leg drop from Kokina.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/RsTxVl2.jpg">

 

.....which is when ANOTHER Samoan makes his way out from the back.....Rikishi Fatu.....

 

.....Rikishi has a lot of history with the team that the Lumana'i assaulted to make their debut (after being a former SST, as well as a former Headshrinker.....but he also has his fair share of history with Kokina (aside from the obvious family ties) because the two men spent several years teaming up as the Sons of Samoa in the World Wrestling Federation up until 'Kishi's jump to WCW last year.....

 

.....Rikishi puts a stop to the assault, before questioning just what the hell is going on? He says that the Samoan SWAT Team are their kin....their family.....their BLOOD.....

 

.....Kokina disagrees though.....telling Rikishi that the Samoan SWAT Team are an embarrassment.....a stigma.....a stereotype.....

 

".....this ain't how Samoa is now brutha, you know that.....THEY (pointing at the rest of The Lumana'i) know that.....these ain't mute savage morons, chewing on coconuts and raw fish.....THIS is Samoa.....THESE are Samoa.....and WE are the future.....The Lumana'i.....

 

.....we evolved brutha.....YOU evolved.....don't get stuck in the past.....and DON'T get in our way....."

 

......with that, Kokina leads his group to the back.....leaving a disappointed looking Rikishi in the ring.....

 

.....families.....am I right?.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vfjy3q0.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/i3UTPrR.jpg">

 

.....we go to the back ourselves from there.....and remember that "business" that Lance Storm had to take care of? It would seem as though that business involved Chris Benoit, because we see the two men here, deep in conversation backstage.....

 

.....these two men were opponents this past week on Nitro, but Storm was surprisingly respectful towards his fellow Canadian, refusing to stoop to his usual lowbrow methods and ordering the Amazing French Canadians to halt their numerous interference attempts.....

 

.....because of this, Chris Benoit was happy to accept Storms handshake following the match, even allowing Lance to raise his arm in celebration for him.....clearly the two men have at least a passing mutual respect for each other.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJEyYKG.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/mTBLH6Z.jpg">

 

.....this man however has ZERO respect for Lance Storm, as Diamond Dallas Page and the gorgeous Kimberly walk into shot.....

 

.....Dallas asks his one time partner what he's doing fraternising with the likes of Lance Storm, but Benoit is nonplussed, asking Page what he means by "the likes" of Lance Storm.....

 

".....Canadian?....."

 

.....Page tells Benoit not to be so ridiculous, saying that it's not Storm's homeland that's the problem.....

 

".....it's his attitude.....and he has a bad one.....he's got some pretty disrespectful things to say about the country where YOU make your living too bro.....or don't you care about that?....."

 

.....Benoit tells Dallas that the only one who doesn't care around here is HIM.....after all, he cared so little about their tag titles, that after HIS wife was to blame for them losing the gold to the Forgotten, DDP swanned off and joined Team USA, leaving Chris Benoit with little to do but stand around waiting for Page to decide that he was worth the effort of teaming with again.....

 

".....problem with that is that I was never very good at waiting, so I went out and found my own competition.....Lance Storm put up a hell of a fight last week, but when I beat him fair and square in the middle of the ring, he shook my hand like a MAN.....nothing disrespectful at all.....so while YOU might have a problem with Lance Storm, it's not MY problem....."

 

.....Storm tells Benoit that this was exactly what he was talking about.....America and Americans with their superiority complex.....they truly believe themselves to be the greatest nation in the world and woe betide anyone that doesn't see the world in their warped view.....

 

.....Page tells Storm that HE'LL have a warped view in a minute, when DDP makes him feel the bang right here, right now, but Benoit tells his partner that that's not going to happen.....he tells Page that he is having a conversation with Storm.....a PRIVATE conversation.....and if DDP has ANY respect for him at all, he'll walk away and leave them to continue their discussion.....a statement that leaves an uneasy silence between the former tag team champions.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....jeez.....you could cut the atmosphere with a knife around here huh....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2WMmUwT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....just when you thought things couldn't get any tenser, here come Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque.....in full Americana Regalia.....

 

.....the two Uncle Sam clad degenerates walk into shot and tell Page not to take that kinda backchat from a no good stinking Canadian like Chris Benoit, with Shawn egging Dallas on to do it for Truth.....for Justice.....

 

".....damn it man, do it for the American way.....do it for Uncle Sam and Grandma's Apple Pies.....do it for the Stars and Stripes.....do it for your NEXT United States Champion.....do it for JPL....."

 

.....Levesque joins in there, telling Dallas that he's got the faith of a Nation on his back.....he's got the American people on his side.....he's got the support of Shawn Michaels and JPL.....he's got.....actually, Levesque has forgotten what other (blatantly insincere) things he has to say, because he's gotten distracted by the ample chest of Kimberly.....

 

".....HEY.....eyes up here Monkey....."

 

.....Page tells the pair to save their energy, because they have the Road Warriors to contend with next, and Hawk and Animal, they have their own way of keeping them quiet.....breaking their jaws.....before walking away, with Kim on his arm.....

 

.....Storm looks Levesque and Michaels up and down for a moment, before actually physically shuddering, telling Benoit that it was time for to go, before THEY walk off too, leaving Michaels to slap JPL in the chest.....

 

".....now look what you did Jipple, you big Hairy Left Nipple.....

 

".....don't you start that too Shawn.....I swear to god....."

 

".....come on.....we have a match to get to.....'USA....USA.....USA'.....come on champ....."

 

.....let's go as well.....down to ringside.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/euDJPjl.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TdRIFsT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zobXiDw.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TrIA3dp.jpg">

 

.....so now it's time for what WAS scheduled to be our main event of the evening, before Sting (and Eric Bischoff) intervened to make our unscheduled World Title match the main event, and it's a match that stems from the briefest of interactions.....

 

.....Shawn and Levesque made their way out during a segment involving The Road Warriors that was hyping up their upcoming ten man tag team bout at SuperBrawl.....it was both a match AND a segment that had absolutely nothing to do with either Michaels or JPL, but as the who,e of World Championship Wrestling has found out, when you're dealing with Shawn Michaels, EVERYTHING is about Shawn Michaels......

 

.....Hawk and Animal took exception to that interruption.....and here we are.....

 

.....The Warriors are usually greeted by a monstrous pop from the crowd, and given their opponents here tonight is no different......these WCW crowds are getting increasingly more eager to see someone shut the mouth of the former Heartbreak Kid (even going so far as to cheer the dastardly Titans of Wrestling against the artists formerly known as HBK and Triple H) so they will have high hopes that Hawk and Animal can slap the pair about a bit here.....

 

.....they weren't disappointed.....

 

.....the Road Warriors absolutely batter the antagonising duo (who are still clad in their Uncle Sam outfits) for a good portion of the bout, with Shawn in particular bouncing around the ring like a pinball for them, looking like absolute monsters as they manhandle the pair.....finally Hawk gets cut off and transcends into the "face in peril", with Levesque and Michaels using every underhand trick in the book to retain the advantage, even using the tried and tested 'distract the official, just as the babyface makes the hot tag' trick, which draws massive heat from the crowd when the (technically illegal since the official never saw the tag) fresh Animal hits the ring, only to be ordered back to his corner by the referee.....

 

.....it was never going to last though.....and Hawk DOES finally manage to tag out, leaving Animal to hit the ring like an absolute house of fire, nailing everything in sight.....

 

.....Hawk eventually gets back into the action, and the match breaks down to chaos as the four men begin to brawl both in and out of the ring.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....at which point, an irate (still obviously ticked off by his earlier loss) Steven Regal makes his way out to the ringside area.....

 

.....he climbs onto the apron, where he gives Animal a bloody good tongue lashing, telling the Road Warrior that they are associated with a low down and dirty cheat in The Patriot, before saying that he doesn't suppose he should be surprised given that they are all shady Americans......

 

.....so Animal smacks him in the mouth, sending him crashing to the floor......

 

......only to turn back around to eat a mouthful of Sweet Chin Music.....and that's enough for the one, the two....and the three.....

 

Winner(s): Shawn Michaels & Jean Paul Levesque

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/tRUJF2n.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IZ4NTrO.jpg">

 

.....we air a brief promo package hyping the return of Bill Goldberg to this weeks upcoming Monday Nitro, and then when we're done with that, it's straight onto our main event.....

 

.....the biggest main event in Thunder history according to Tony Schiavone.....

 

.....alright, calm down Tone, we ARE only 6 weeks into the run of Thunder after all.....although in fairness to the WCW Hype Monster, since this IS for he WCW Title, he might not be that far off the mark.....

 

.....Sting is on a collision course with the Titan's of Wrestling's own face painted phenom The Warrior at SuperBrawl, but since Warrior isn't here tonight Sting is more than happy to put the gold on the line in order to secure a match with the man who held him wide open for a Warrior assault on Nitro, Totally Awesome Trinity manner Adam Copeland.....

 

.....as we saw earlier, Mr. Copeland isn't as excited about securing his first ever World Title opportunity as one would expect, and in all honesty (while he IS most certainly a main eventer here in WCW) he's not quite World Title calibre just yet.....one thing you should know about Copeland though, he very, very rarely fails to put on a tremendous performance in his matches, and tonight is no exception.....

 

.....we have a little bit of ballyhoo before the bell, as Cage, Big Ray-Ray and Buff make their way out with Copeland, but the official is absolutely not standing for any shenanigans here, ordering all three men to the back before this one gets underway.....

 

.....it takes some persuading on the part of the referee, but the rest of the Titans finally leave and we get underway in what was actually a very good match.....Sting has never been afraid to sell for his opponent (even those slightly below him in the pecking order) so after a strong initial showing, he goes out of his way to make Copeland look as though he absolutely belongs in this league.....

 

.....despite that initial reluctance, Copeland soon finds his groove, and actually begins to become a little cocky as he takes control of the match, letting everyone know that he's bringing the belt home to Hollywood.....

 

.....he maybe shouldn't have been so cocky.....

 

.....Sting isn't the World Champion for nothing, and after taking everything Copeland could throw at him he eventually finishes the man off, converting what looks like a missile dropkick attempt into a Scorpion Deathlock, leaving Copeland little choice but to concede the match, right in the middle of the ring.....

 

Winner: ....and Still WCW Champion.....Sting.....

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/9v5UqjM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WqjrxR2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/wYulN53.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg">

 

.....the official may have banned the rest of the Freaking Awesome Foursome from ringside for the duration of the match but the match is over now, so here they come.....

 

.....Copeland rolls out to the floor (clutching at his lower back as he sells the effects of the Scorpion) to meet his team mates, where Cage tells him that it looked like being trapped in that Scorpion Deathlock totally sucked.....

 

.....but not as much as this is going to suck for Sting.....

 

.....Copeland and Cage have been somewhat reluctant in recent weeks to get physical with The Forgotten.....this is one man though, so they have no problem with trying their luck here.....

 

.....well, I say one man.....it's actually one man with a bat.....oh, and that one man happens to be the WCW Champion and it doesn't look as though Sting is backing down an inch......

 

.....the Awesome Foursome circle the ring (now Copeland has recovered) and while Sting does have that bat in hand, he IS still severely outnumbered.....Bagwell climbs up onto the apron first, but soon retreats when Sting swings wildly at his head.....Cage tries his luck, but he quickly drops back down to the floor too when that black bat misses his skull by inches.....

 

.....the four men stop for a minute to regroup, with the Enforcer telling his three (totally awesome) compadres to each pick a side of the ring.....Sting can't swing that bat at all of them at the same time.....

 

.....and that's exactly what they do.....

 

.....four sides of the ring, a man at each exit point.....and as Traylor, Copeland, Cage and Bagwell each climb onto the apron in unison, it looks like the Stingers luck has just about run out.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....until that is, Roddy Piper comes running (ok, briskly walking) down the aisle, with a steel chair in hand that he crashes across the back of The Enforcer.....

 

.....Big Ray-Ray goes down, with the distraction giving Sting just enough time to nail first Copeland, then Cage in the side of the head with that bat, as both men stare dumbfounded at Piper.....

 

.....that just leaves Buff.....Buff who took advantage of a one legged Piper at Starrcade.....Buff who has verbally insulted (and berated) Piper for weeks now.....Buff, who claims to have no problems with facing Piper one more time at SuperBrawl.....and Buff.....

 

.....who looks absolutely terrified here.....

 

.....Bagwell is stuck between a rock and a hard place.....Reservoir Dogs was released about five years ago now, but much like the soundtrack to that great film said, he has Piper to the left of him, Sting to the right ('here I am, stuck in the middle with youuuu') and Buff Daddy is snapping his head back and forth, trying to decide his best option.....

 

.....retreat.....retreat is his best option.....

 

.....he quickly drops off the apron (away from the bat wielding Sting) turns, dives over the safety rail.....and disappears into the crowd, leaving the Totally Awesome Trinity laying on the arena floor.....

 

.....Piper watches him leave, before collecting the World Title from ringside, rolling under the bottom rope and presenting it to Sting, before raising the WCW Champions arm in victory, as we close the books on another edition of WCW Thunder.....

 

.....we'll see you Monday fans.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: B+

 

 

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

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

Week 2, February 1998

Highlights from ECW House Party 1998

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/H32LWER.jpg">

 

.....it's that time of the week again.....parents, take the kids out of the room because it's about to get a little bit Hardcore up in here.....

 

.....we open up this weeks show with the Hardcore Host himself (Joey Styles) in the control centre, as he runs down the action we're going to see tonight.....because the party is still going strong.....House Party that is.....and we might not have Kid 'N' Play, but we do have Val 'N' Jenna.....

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/deOhEIO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....so let's head to the ECW Arena now, where ECW's most Hardcore Duo are making their way out.....

 

.....they get a good reaction too.....but then why wouldn't they, it's Jenna Jameson in a predominantly male environment, I'm sure that more than one or two of the gentlemen in the crowd has got happy memories of Jenna.....

 

.....the two climb into the ring, where Val grabs a microphone.....he says that last time he was in the ECW arena he showed Stevie Richards and his gang what a REAL Supernova looks like when it explodes.....

 

".....because when the Big Valbowski is cocked....locked....and loaded.....and his Interstellar Instrument enters that black hole.....you'd better believe you're going to be seeing stars....."

 

.....Val says that's one down, two to go.....and since the Big Valbowski always saves the best for last, that means that the Blue Meanie is up next.....

 

".....so send out the fat man, because he's about to find out what a TRUE.....BLUE.....Meanie is all about....."

 

.....Jenna says that she's already got up close and personal with the Meanie.....and his 'Little Meanie' is exactly that.....little.....

 

".....so I'd LIKE to say come out here and face my man if you've got the balls.....but Meanie, from what I felt, balls are something that you're seriously lacking....."

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5c8SYaj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CKGxraU.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/R0GaQhR.jpg">

 

.....which DOES bring out the Three Musketeers.....as the Tiresome Trio make their way down the aisle and into the ring.....

 

.....Nova's job last week WAS to job.....THIS week his job is as censor for the Meanie, holding his hands over his Chubby Buddy's ears, stopping Jenna's jibes from hurting his feelings.....Stevie on the other hand is as chatty as ever.....

 

".....because Jenna.....honey.....I know you're used to having BIG things in your mouth, but this time you've bitten off even more than YOU can chew.....

 

.....see Val, we watched your latest 'movie' (if you can even call it that.....I mean, the storyline was sketchy at best) but we watched it.....some of us more than others (Meanie, I'm looking at you) but me, I only had to watch it once to see that when it comes to 'performance', you ain't got nothing on Dancin' Stevie Richards, the King of Swing.....

 

.....Val, you can't hang with Big Stevie Cool, but luckily for you that's not going to be a problem.....because my Blue Meanie is going to have you flat on your back quicker than Jenna Jameson on prom night....."

 

.....strong words from Stevie there.....and words that fire Ms. Jameson up, but Val calms her down, sending her to the outside so that this one can get underway.....

 

Rating: C

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bXRiTjz.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Eh85fRt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/R0GaQhR.jpg">

 

.....now, no one has ever accused the Blue Meanie of being a maestro of the mat.....a technical wizard he is NOT.....so let's be honest, you weren't expecting a classic here were you.....

 

.....it's entertaining enough though.....

 

.....Jenna is on the outside, along with Stevie and Nova.....and between Stevie's taunting of her and her stalking after him (no doubt looking to give him the same treatment Meanie received a few weeks back) the crowd barely noticed the 'quality' of the match.....

 

.....a match which saw Val win pretty convincingly, finishing off the Meanie with the Money Shot for the one, two, three.....

 

.....what?.....you wanted a longer match write up?.....

 

.....you're not getting one.....back to you Joey.....

 

Winner: Val Venis

Rating: D+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/H32LWER.jpg">

 

.....it's back to the 'studio' now, where Styles points out that Val came, Val saw......and Val came again.....taking out first Nova and now Meanie in successive matches.....that just leaves Dancin' Stevie, who we're going to right now.....

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5c8SYaj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CKGxraU.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/R0GaQhR.jpg">

 

.....because we're post match and we're in the locker room of the Three Musketeers.....

 

......Stevie repeats what he said pre match, stating that Val Venis doesn't know what he's letting himself in for.....

 

".....yeah ok, you beat Nova.....and yeah, you beat the Meanie.....but you won't beat ME.....I'm Dancin' Stevie Richards and I do the beating around here.....tell 'em Nova.....tell 'em Meanie.....Meanie?.....Nova?......HEY!....."

 

.....Meanie and Nova are busy.....although for once, NOT with a copy of Jenna and Val's latest release 'Good Will Humping'.....instead they are off to the side......and I dunno if they're comparing notes, or just comparing full stop, but Nova appears to be trying to peek down The Blue Meanie's (very tight) waistband on his daisy dukes.....

 

".....what in the name of Van Halen are you two doing?....."

 

".....it's not that small right Nova?.....Stevie.....Stevie, come and see....."

 

.....nope.....that's just about enough of that.....

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jYEyr2I.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LHYTIFp.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3BLNboC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aRJz2us.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Oj11tW9.jpg">

 

.....instead we go to a D-Von-less Dudley Boys, as the five other brothers huddle together in an undisclosed location.....

 

.....clearly Buh Buh has had just about enough of the constant bullying that their (much meaner) brother has been inflicted, telling the (much more timid) Chubby, Dances with, and Sign Guy that they all need to find their inner Dudley.....they need to man up and put a stop to D-Von's bullish!t.....

 

".....I'm a Dudley.....you're a Dudley.....you're a Dudley.....you, you, you, you, you, you're a Dudley.....D-Von thinks that he's the only one that can carry on Big Daddy Dudley's legacy.....well there's five Dudley's right here, maybe it's time that we reminded D-Von of that....."

 

.....Buh Buh says that he's been keeping Big Dick on a leash because he was worried about what D-Von would do to his brothers, but it's time for them all to put on the big boy tie dye.....and it's time that they began to show D-Von what being a Dudley is all about.....

 

".....and it's time that he found out that if he keeps pushing his five brothers, eventually they're going to push back....."

 

 

".....eight....."

 

.....eight?.....Dances with Dudley isn't usually one to open his mouth, and he only said one word here.....but it's one word that sends his brothers into a frenzy as the rest of the clan quickly huddle around Dances with, frantically shushing him (with Sign Guy even clamping a hand over his mouth) while Buh Buh tells his brothers that D-Von can NEVER find out about that.....

 

.....ever.....

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QrnBC5X.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qaatDJe.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ffK2sJr.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cd03mBi.jpg">

 

.....curious.....

 

.....let's go to the FBI.....who are currently sat around a table laden with all manner of Italian delicacies, just like you're momma used to make.....Little Guido has a huge helping of Lasagne.....a huge pizza for Tracy Smother, while the Big Don, Tommy Rich is tucking into a huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs.....

 

.....that's when JT Smith comes walking into shot.....

 

.....not that the FBI are very happy to see him.....in fact there are Italian Stereotypes and 'shaddupa your face's' aplenty as one of the founding fathers of the FBI pleads his case on making his return to the family.....

 

.....The Big Don tells Smith that he had it all.....he was a made man.....one of his lieutenants.....a member of the greatest family in the world.....he was a member of the FBI.....

 

".....but you threw it all away like the mook that you are.....now you want back in? Lucky for you JT I'm a forgiving Don.....let me just confer with my consigliere here....."

 

.....the FBI huddle together, leaving Smith standing there with a look of anticipation on his face, before the trio finally break and look back towards JT.....

 

.....the Big Don has his decision.....

 

 

 

"......fuggedaboutit.....get outta here ya mook....."

 

.....the FBI laugh at Smith, with Guido and Smothers throwing cannoli's at the retreating JT Smith, who tells the trio that he'll win his place back.....he'll prove himself.....he'll be a made man again, whatever it takes.....

 

Rating: C-

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZfowObI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Eh85fRt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....it's back to the party we go now, as we continue to display the matches that took place at House Party.....

 

.....we briefly saw Chris Chetti a few weeks back in a losing (but impressive) display against Shane Douglas.....this week, the House of Hardcore graduate has perhaps an even more difficult opponent, because he's facing a man that has been steamrolling opponents in recent weeks (and incidentally, was key in the training of this young rookie) the Human Suplex Machine, Taz.....

 

.....the rookie impressed again here, particularly because his opponent WAS Taz (so the fact that he left the match alive was impressive in itself) and even managed to get some offence in.....certainly more so that Nova a few weeks back.....in the end though there was only ever going to be one result here, Taz choking out his opponent with the Kata-Ha-Jime.....

 

Winner: Taz

Rating: D

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....the match is over and in a rare show of respect Taz helps young Chris Chetti back to his feet.....he grabs a microphone and pats the rookie on the back, saying that the kid might not have won tonight, but he's got more guts in his little finger than Rob Van Dam has in his whole body.....

 

".....because at least Chris Chetti had the balls to step into the ring with me.....unlike Bill Alfonso's latest little b!tch.....Van Dam, I know you're in the building brudda.....you've been spending all your time running your mouth about me, well I'm right here.....why don't you walk down that aisle and do something about it....."

 

.....or not.....apparently RVD has better things to do than come out here to answer the challenge of Taz, because there's no sign of him OR Bill Alfonso.....I guess we'll just leave Taz to celebrate his victory.....

 

.....not that he's exactly a celebratory person.....miserable b@stard that he is.....

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cfzE8Lw.jpg">

 

.....instead we head over to someone that DEFINITELY likes to celebrate his victories (no matter how hollow they are) the ECW Television Champion, Shane Douglas.....

 

.....Douglas is with his Head Cheerleader Francine in a pre-taped segment, where he is still crowing about nailing Beulah.....

 

.....with the Belly to Belly that is.....minds out of the gutter please people.....

 

".....and all we've been hearing everywhere we go, is 'how could you do that to Beulah.....how could you do that to a lady'.....and what do we tell them Francine?....."

 

".....that b!tch ain't no lady....."

 

".....you're damn right she's not.....Tommy Dreamer, THIS is a lady.....that little gutter skank on your arm is nothing more than a tramp....."

 

.....Shane has a good laugh at that, before saying that at House Party, he'll be defending the Television Title against a man who's made a career out of Choke-slamming people.....

 

".....well that's fine.....because 911, know this.....I made a career out of BEATING people.....I made a career out of winning championships and I made a career out of being the Franchise....."

 

.....Douglas says that 911 is nothing but a one trick pony.....take away the Choke Slam and what does he have in his arsenal? Nothing, that's what.....at House Party, Shane Douglas will neutralise the Choke Slam and take 911 OUT.....

 

".....and Tommy Dreamer, I know you've got ideas about showing up....because take it from me Tommy, anything you THINK you're going to do, only pales in comparison to what I WILL do if you stick your nose in my business.....take your loss, mourn your week long title reign, and go back to looking after your tramp.....because if you show up at House Party, 9.1.1 won't be the numbers you need to concern yourself with....."

 

.....with that, Douglas laughs again, as he holds up three fingers.....is three the number Tommy Dreamer should worry about?.....

 

.....nah.....the Triple Threat is dead and buried.....

 

.....isn't it?.....

 

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/WDDFPo8.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Eh85fRt.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jYEyr2I.jpg">

 

.....from there we go back to the ECW arena, as we continue to recap the events from House Party 1998.....

 

.....the event opened up (as we saw last week) with Terry Funk interrupting the victorious Justin Credible (and challenging him to a match) a challenge which Credible refused, stating that the Philadelphia State Athletic Committee would not appreciate him wrestling twice in one night.....

 

.....Funk scoffed at this, stating that he would wrestle ten times in one night if he wanted too, before making not so subtle hints at coming out here again later that evening to challenge the winner of the Sandman/New Jack ECW Title match immediately following their bout.....

 

.....of course, losing here might take the wind out of his sails a little bit.....after all, we can't have some loser challenge for the World Title now can we.....

 

.....Buh Buh isn't going to want to lose either.....especially not after his brothers already put one loss under the Dudley belt tonight, tasting defeat at the hands of the rookie pairing of Danny Doring & Roadkill.....

 

.....so D-Von is already p!ssed.....

 

.....he's about to be even more p!ssed too.....

 

.....because despite a tremendous display from Buh Buh (which saw these two men brawl all over the arena) the match finally came to an end after Funk crushed the Dudley Boy underneath a ladder, with a moonsault from the top rope.....

 

Winner: Terry Funk

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cf64mRq.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jYEyr2I.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aRJz2us.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/LHYTIFp.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3BLNboC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Oj11tW9.jpg">

 

.....oh dear.....oh dear, oh dear......another loss for the Dudley Clan and again, D-Von is (expletive deleted) furious.....

 

.....he climbs into the ring and drags Buh Buh back to his feet, grabbing him by the shirt and slapping him right in the mouth.....

 

".....first, these two fat f##ks lose to a pair of f*%#ing kids, and now you're out here losing to a f*%#ing old man.....it makes me sick to my stomach to call you my brothers....."

 

.....D-Von continues to berate the rest of his clan (as he has done for weeks now) while Buh Buh and Big Dick share a look.....we've already seen a glimpse of where Buh Buh believes the Dudleys should be about now earlier this evening, and as D-Von turns his attention back to him, clearly he has had enough of the abuse, telling D-Von to.....

 

".....shu....shu....shu....shu....shu....shu...."

 

.....until Big Dick slaps him on the back to jog his stutter along a little bit.....

 

".....shu....shu....shut the f*%k up before I knock your teeth down your throat....."

 

.....the crowd pops for that as D-Von actually smirks, asking Buh Buh if he finally found his Buh, Buh, Buh, Balls.....before shoving him in the chest and telling him to do something about it.....

 

.....Buh Buh stares at his brothers (who obviously haven't found Buh Buh's sudden surge of determination) before shoving D-Von right back.....

 

.....that's when D-Von swings a big right hand at his brother.....

 

.....which Big Dick blocks, catching D-Von's hand in his own.....

 

.....and then Buh Buh clocks D-Von right in the mouth.....

 

.....D-Von goes down (and the crowd pops) and Buh Buh is fired up now.....he screams at D-Von to get back to his feet, because he's going to beat the living (expletive deleted) out of him.....

 

.....D-Von DOES get back to his feet.....but it's not to fight.....as he smiles at Buh Buh (and Big Dick) telling him that that's more like it.....that's what he was looking for.....and THAT'S what he wants to see later at House Party, when D-Von Dudley goes up against Balls Mahoney.....

 

.....will we see that? Well I guess we'll find out, because we'll see that match next week.....but for now we're out of time, as D-Von heads to the back, leaving (the still p!ssed off) Buh Buh, Big Dick and the rest of the Dudleys in the ring.....

 

.....we'll see you next week with some more action from House Party 1998.....

 

Rating: B

 

Final Rating: C+

 

 

[to4sty]

The Monday Night Wars: Week 3, February 1998

 

 

 

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 3, February 1998

 

Kane vs. Ahmed Johnson

Comments:

 

The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Comments:

 

Rey Mysterio vs. Dean Malenko

Comments:

 

Faarooq & Bradshaw vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

High Voltage vs. The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Raven

Comments:

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998

 

Sting & Shawn Michaels vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Forgotten vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Curt Hennig

Comments:

 

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis vs. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki

Comments:

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ray Traylor

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another solid set of shows. Really feel like we'll close to a boiling point in the WWF, and I'm really excited to finally get to see a somewhat finalized for Mania after NWO. For WCW - I'm really enjoying this DDP/Benoit slowburn storyline. Made me really excited to see a stable with Benoit, Storm and Regal - even if the odds are low that we'll ever get that. To the guesses!

 

Well we have around 6 weeks worth of television before my self imposed end point of Wrestlemania XIV, with WCW still having 2 PPV offerings between now and then (since I fiddled with the schedule) so the question isn't whether we are or aren't going to see a stable with those guys, it's whether we are or aren't going to find out before he diary comes to a close

 

WCW Championship Match

Sting vs. Adam Copeland

Comments: Oh jeez - Edge vs. Sting...

 

And they pulled a hell of a grade for 1998 Edge too. A's have been rare in WCW but they're starting to come thick and fast now.....for what it's worth (spoiler alert) Benoit/Regal (both of whom have been putting in some great "performances") pulled out an A in the next show too.....WCW's New Generation are starting to blossom

[ElectricX]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 3, February 1998

 

Kane vs. Ahmed Johnson

Comments:

 

The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Comments:

 

Rey Mysterio vs. Dean Malenko

Comments:

 

Faarooq & Bradshaw vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

High Voltage vs. The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Raven

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998

 

Sting & Shawn Michaels vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

Comments:

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Forgotten vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Curt Hennig

Comments:

 

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis vs. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki

Comments:

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ray Traylor

Comments:

[Kijar]

<p><strong>Kane vs. Ahmed Johnson</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall)</strong> vs. The Steiner Brothers</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rey Mysterio </strong>vs. Dean Malenko</p><p>

Comments:</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Faarooq & Bradshaw</strong> vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

High Voltage vs. <strong>The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Booker T vs. <strong>Raven</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting & Shawn Michaels</strong> vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Chris Benoit</strong> vs. Lord Steven Regal</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>The Forgotten</strong> vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Rikishi Fatu vs.<strong> Curt Hennig</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis</strong> vs. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Roddy Piper</strong> vs. Ray Traylor</p><p>

Comments:</p>

[Satyr24]

<p>Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 3, February 1998</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kane</strong> vs. Ahmed Johnson</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) </strong>vs. The Steiner Brothers</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rey Mysterio</strong> vs. Dean Malenko</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Faarooq & Bradshaw</strong> vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

High Voltage vs. <strong>The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Booker T vs. <strong>Raven</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sting & Shawn Michaels</strong> vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Chris Benoit</strong> vs. Lord Steven Regal</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

WCW Tag Team Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>The Forgotten</strong> vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Rikishi Fatu vs. <strong>Curt Hennig</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis vs. <strong>Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Roddy Piper</strong> vs. Ray Traylor</p><p>

Comments:</p>

[Nobby_McDonald]

Preview for WWF Raw is War: Week 3, February 1998

 

Kane vs. Ahmed Johnson

Comments:

 

The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Comments:

Rey Mysterio vs. Dean Malenko

Comments:

 

Faarooq & Bradshaw vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments:

 

High Voltage vs. The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Raven

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998

 

Sting & Shawn Michaels vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

Comments:

Chris Benoit vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Forgotten vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments:

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Curt Hennig

Comments:

 

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis vs. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki

Comments:

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ray Traylor

[crackerjack]

Kane vs. Ahmed Johnson

Comments:

 

The Wolfpac (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Comments: Is Ricky still in the MDC? I've learned to never bet against them.

 

Rey Mysterio vs. Dean Malenko

Comments:

 

Faarooq & Bradshaw vs. Dustin Rhodes & Marc Mero

Comments: I'm torn, but now that they're on the outside of the tag title race, I'm giving the APA the W

 

High Voltage vs. The Nation of Domination (D'Lo Brown & Mark Henry)

Comments:

 

Booker T vs. Raven

Comments:

 

 

 

 

Preview for WCW Monday Nitro: Week 3, February 1998

 

Sting & Shawn Michaels vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

Comments: I'm seeing some shenagins here. Maybe some Music that "accidentally" hits Sting?

 

Chris Benoit vs. Lord Steven Regal

Comments:

 

WCW Tag Team Championship Match

The Forgotten vs. Alex Wright & Disco Inferno

Comments: My two loves collide! It's disco dancing... vs Kevin Sullivan!

 

Rikishi Fatu vs. Curt Hennig

Comments:

 

Juventud Guerrera & Psychosis vs. Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki

Comments:

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ray Traylor

Comments: Call me crazy here - but when was the last time the bodyguard got a big win? Guessing Buff shows up here.

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/BC8Hy9X.jpg">

 

Week 3, February 1998

Worcester Centrum (Worcester, Massachusetts)

ATT: 13,334

TV: 38.16

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zQrjwv0.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jEZc7RN.jpg">

 

.....we open up tonight, not with a bang (or a gong) but an explosion of pyro and the ominous organ music, which usually signals the arrival of The Big Red Machine Kane.....

 

.....he's not alone either.....because right there by his side as he walks the aisle, is the man who suffered a heinous beating at the hands of the Loose Cannon Brian Pillman a few weeks back, Paul Bearer.....

 

.....the two men (if you can call them that) climb into the ring, and since Kane isn't really one for speaking it's Paul Bearer that takes a microphone.....

 

.....he says that Brian Pillman has no idea of the demons he's unleashed upon this world when he opened up the gates of hell.....

 

".....a smile on your lips and a glint in your eye, but that smile will morph into a scream and that glint in your eye will be replaced by the glint of the viscera seeping out of your bloody socket....."

 

.....Bearer says that Brian Pillman brutalised him.....Brian Pillman tortured Kane.....Brian Pillman attempted to kill the phenomenon of The Undertaker.....but you can't kill the unkillable, and you can't torture the torturer.....

 

".....you may have taken the WWF Title from my Undertaker Brian Pillman.....you may have shattered my leg.....but all that pain will be delivered back to you tenfold.....my Undertaker will return.....my Undertaker will rise.....my Undertaker is immortal.....

 

.....but my Kane is here.....

 

.....Brian Pillman, you believe yourself to be a Loose Cannon.....a little crazy?.....a little unhinged?.....all you are is a little man with a big belt and it's a belt that this Demon of Destruction is going to take.....

 

.....along with your head....."

 

.....Bearer says that at the aptly named No Way Out, there will BE no way out for Brian Pillman.....there will be no Hart Foundation to do his dirty work, and unlike at the Royal Rumble (where Mankind made his shocking return) there will be no surprises either.....because Kane is ready for anything and Brian Pillman will not make it out alive.....

 

.....with that Kane raises his arms, as we prepare for that eruption of fire that usually follows suit.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....HOLD ON.....WAIT JUST ONE MINUTE DAMN IT....."

 

 

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/arEN6T5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/urbCHOA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....hold on indeed.....because the boss is here, and he's not come alone.....

 

.....Mr. McMahon makes his way out onto the entrance with, along with his usual entourage of Mankind, the WWF Tag Team Champions Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.....and finally, last (but not least) the World Wrestling Federation Champion, Brian Pillman.....

 

.....The Corporate Cannon will be putting the gold on the line at No Way Out, but one things for sure.....he won't be competing tonight.....because he's currently wearing a neck brace, courtesy of the Tombstone Piledriver he received last week on Raw.....

 

.....McMahon says that last week, the Big Red Machine saw fit to stick his nose in the affairs of Brian Pillman, risking (not only) permanent injury to HIS Corporate Champion, but jeopardising the very main event of Wrestlemania XIII.....

 

".....because make no mistake, Brian Pillman WILL be walking into Wrestlemania as the World Wrestling Federation Champion....and Brian Pillman will be walking OUT of Wrestlemania, still your....AND my.....WWF Champion.....

 

.....make no mistake Mr. Bearer, Kane, he's nothing more than a blip on the radar, but a blip that must be punished non the less.....now while I'm sure (being the fighting Champion that he is) Brian Pillman would nothing more than to be competing here tonight, however, due to Kane's actions last week that just won't be possible......

 

.....YOU on the other hand.....you WILL be in action, right here tonight.....in that very ring....."

 

.....Jim Ross is somewhat sceptical here, saying that he highly doubts that Brian Pillman had ANY intentions of stepping in the ring here this evening (just six days out of his first title defence at No Way Out) but of course Vince McMahon is going to make the challenger compete.....

 

.....McMahon says that he hunted high and low for a competitor to face Kane, and he truly believes he's found the right man.....

 

.....a man that's fought and defeated The Undertaker.....a man that is physically able to match strength with Kane.....and more importantly, a former WWF Champion in his own right.....

 

".....because tonight Mr. Bearer, your so called Demon will be going one on one with a Walking Armageddon.....Ahmed Johnson....."

 

.....meh, Kane don't care.....he just raises his arms and then snaps them back down, sending those flames erupting from the ring posts.....

 

.....I guess that's his way of accepting the challenge.....

 

.....but we'll see that match later this evening.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....but for now, we're opening up the action with somewhat of an unusual match up.....Booker T vs. Raven.....

 

.....these two men have had little (to no) interaction as long as both men have been within the company, so why are they competing tonight? Well, the announce team clue us in on that.....because Jim Ross remarks that he has it on good authority that Ted DiBiase wanted the man that will be challenging Jeff Jarrett for the European Championship at No Way Out, to face a Monster of his own tonight (a different kind of monster to Kane, but Raven is a monster non the less) and he flexed his considerable wealth with the match makers to make this happen.....

 

.....Raven cares little about money, he's more concerned about.....well, something (or someone) unclear at the minute, but money is certainly not what he has been speaking to in recent weeks.....

 

.....this match was actually very good.....Booker has quietly been putting on some solid performances week in and week out, while Raven has been something of a sleeper star for about 18 months now.....a man solidly established as a main event star despite having very few "main event" feud's or matches.....

 

.....and then there's Jake on the outside to consider too.....

 

.....but it wasn't Jake that influenced the outcome of the match.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FusafzU.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/EbKLwhg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....it was the Nation of Domination.....

 

.....except perhaps not in the way you were expecting.....

 

.....in their efforts to enrol Harlem Heat into their ranks, the NoD have been frequently helping (a reluctant) Booker T win matches.....so as they make their way out here during this one, you'd be forgiven for assuming that they were out here again to do that.....

 

.....except the fact that Stevie Ray seems to be trying to talk them out of interfering g would suggest otherwise.....

 

.....the camera picks up Ahmed Johnson telling Stevie that they tried the easy way.....Booker ain't playing easy.....means it's time to play the hard way.....

 

.....and the hard way isn't helping Booker WIN.....it's helping Booker LOSE.....because Kama distracts the official king enough for Henry and D'Lo to slide into the ring.....one Worlds Strongest Slam (followed by a D'Lo frog splash) later, and all Raven has to do is make a cover, as the Nation gift him a victory here to open up Raw.....

 

Winner: Raven

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ywuv6zy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/36M8SYR.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fpnOx00.jpg">

 

.....although apparently, WINNING isn't enough for Raven.....

 

.....he grabs a microphone (as Stevie and the Nation look on from ringside) to tell everyone that the whispers in the wind have yet to reach their destination.....the voices unheard.....the questions unanswered.....a destiny unfulfilled.....

 

.....but that doesn't mean that the world won't feel his pain.....

 

.....and with that, Raven (and Jake) proceed to pounce on the fallen Booker T.....

 

.....now, considering the fact that Booker T's partner.....nay, BROTHER is right there at ringside, you'd THINK he'd have some help here.....

 

.....didn't quite pan out like that though.....

 

.....sure Stevie WANTED to help.....desperately.....but Ahmed placed a hand across his chest, telling him that sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.....Booker will realise (one way or another) that it's better to work WITH the Nation, than it is to work AGAINST the Nation.....so reluctantly, Stevie Ray stands back and watches while Raven and Jake do their thing.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....fortunately help IS at hand.....because the man who was on the receiving end of this same beating LAST week has seen enough, and the British Bulldog comes rushing down the aisle.....

 

.....Davey Boy charges through the ranks of the Nation on the floor and slides into the ring, where he charges straight for the unsuspecting Raven.....Bulldog made the challenge official last week, and he will be facing the Deity of the Damned at No Way Out, but it doesn't look as though he's interested in waiting here.....

 

.....Raven on the other hand is perfectly happy to wait until Sunday and quickly rolls to the safety of the outside, before heading to the back, leaving Davy Boy to attend to a very groggy (and betrayed looking) Booker T, as the Nation of Domination play follow the leader.....because Ahmed is leaving, so it's time for them all to leave.....

 

.....including Stevie Ray.....because (as Ahmed tells him).....

 

"it's for his own good.....he'll see.....

 

.....or he won't....."

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2Rg3uOK.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/URlW5Ox.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/o8o6ZHo.jpg">

 

.....from there we go to the back, where Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are preparing for their upcoming match with a team they know all too well, the (tentatively) reunited Steiner Brothers.....

 

.....Michael Cole enters the Wolf Den to ask Hall and Nash (first) how Sean Waltman is doing, and second, just how united they think Rich and Scott will really be tonight, after all, these two brothers have not teamed up in over 18 months.....

 

.....Nash says that first of all, Sean Waltman is doing just fine.....

 

".....yeah, Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Dumbasses took him down, but it takes more than that to take the Kid out Michael Cole.....Sean Waltman has been proving people wrong since he first stepped through the ropes as a skinny little rookie.....Jeff Jarrett, Southern Justice, they're gonna find that out first hand once Sean comes back....."

 

".....and Rich Steiner?.....is he going to find out too?....."

 

".....Rich Steiner?.....take it from me Cole, Rich Steiner ain't gonna be finding nothing out about nothing by the time me and Scott are done with him tonight....."

 

.....Hall agree's, telling Michael Cole that Rich Steiner might have played a part in putting Waltman on the shelf, but by the end of tonight, he ain't gonna be nothing more than a stain on the mat.....

 

".....as for the Steiner Brothers reuniting (Hall wiggles his fingers in fear) "who do you think it was that took the tag titles off those two morons in the first place Chico?.....the Wolfpac, we been taking out the Steiner Brothers since day one.....Rich Steiner, you took out my little buddy man(g), what happens to you tonight, that's for the Kid.....but Scott Steiner.....Chico, you took my WWF Intercontinental Championship away from me.....tonight, we gonna hurt you real bad man(g) but at No Way Out, I'm gonna carve you up....."

 

.....Nash says that luckily for Scott Steiner, Big Sexy has his hands full at No Way Out.....because he's going to be sticking Bret Hart with a big Jackknife Powerbomb and taking his rightful WWF Title opportunity.....

 

".....so it looks like I got a busy week Cole.....tonight, we're going to ruin this little family reunion.....Sunday I'm going to take out The Hitman.....Monday, I'm taking the strap.....but Scotty, me and you we're not done by a long shot.....Scott Hall, he's got you at the Pay Per View, but I got you somewhere down the line big boy.....and if you're lucky, maybe I'll give you a shot at the title that's going to be around my Big Sexy waist....."

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rYyWLFU.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/VcKrnL8.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QTC0OZH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....we've already seen the Nation of Domination once tonight.....of course, that was in an unofficial capacity.....they're out here again right now (although without Stevie Ray this time) but at least THIS time is to compete in a scheduled match.....

 

.....it's Mark Henry and D'Lo Brown doing the honours, as they face off against the pairing of Kenny Kaos and Robbie Rage, or High Voltage as they're more commonly called.....

 

.....I keep meaning to push High Voltage, I really do.....then I usually forget or get sidetracked by another tag team.....both these men are somewhat tipped for success by the people in the know (Kaos more so than Rage) but without a hot storyline to sink their teeth into they're nothing more than a pair of muscleheads with a good look.....

 

.....maybe tonight will be the start of that push.....

 

.....or not.....because all the muscles in the world weren't enough to negate the pure power of Mark Henry, nor the high flying ability of D'Lo.....and after Henry crushed Rage with a World's Strongest Slam, Brown finished the man off with a crushing Frog Splash from the top.....and three seconds later, High Voltage lose.....

 

Winner(s): The Nation of Domination

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f0WG1yC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/kXjgb1c.jpg">

 

.....we leave the Nation to celebrate in the ring and cut to backstage, where our WWF.com representative Kevin Kelly is hot on the trails of a downtrodden looking Stevie Ray.....

 

.....after being convinced by Ahmed Johnson to stand back and watch as his brother was decimated by Raven and Jake Roberts, Stevie Ray has obviously decided that he's had enough Raw for one night, because as Kelly catches up with him he has one foot out of the door and his bags packed and in hand.....

 

.....Kelly asks Stevie about the condition of his brother, wanting the hot scoop for the fledgling website.....is Booker T going to be in any condition to compete for the WWF European Championship at No Way Out?.....

 

.....Stevie says that as far as his brothers condition is concerned, he has no idea.....he says that he doesn't think he would be particularly welcomed in that treatment room right now, and after his behaviour tonight, he wouldn't blame his brother for not wanting him there.....

 

".....but as for my brother being at No Way Out, you can bet your ass he will be.....my brother (just like me) cut his teeth on 110th Street.....my brother (just like me) has been playing the game since before he even knew what game was.....and my brother WILL become the European Champion at No Way Out.....because as much as it probably doesn't feel like it right now, the Nation of Domination got his back.....and IF my brother makes the right choice, The Nation of Domination will GUARANTEE that he (and I) get everything he wants....."

 

.....Kelly clearly has more questions, but Stevie has answered just about enough of them, telling the interviewer that if he wants to know anymore than that, then all he has to do.....

 

.....is tune into No Way Out Sunday.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/kaE9igD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/fLHZhhe.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and since we're already in the back, we may as well go over to Dok Hendrix, who's standing by with Dustin Rhodes, Marc Mero and Terri.....

 

.....Dok says that Rhodes and Mero have made no secret of their desire to become the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions (even dating back to their days as Goldust and Marcus) but it won't be them who challenge for the titles at No Way Out, but rather the (very unlikely) teaming of Billy Gunn and Al Snow.....a fact which Dustin Rhodes is NOT pleased with.....

 

".....is that the same Billy Gunn and Al Snow that we defeated last week Dok Hendrix? Do you want to explain to me how Marc and me, we beat the so called number one contenders, but we don't even have a match at No Way Out, let alone a TITLE match......

 

.....the way we see it Dok, WE ARE the number one contenders.....and no matter how many misfit teams you give that shot to before us, ain't no one taking those titles BUT us.....not Gunn and Snow, not Snow and Candido, not the New Age Outlaws......US......and you can tell Ric Flair from me, that as far as HIS old ass goes, just like a decade ago, there's still a Rhodes ready to take his gold.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....Woooooooooooo....."

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

".....and just like a decade ago, the Nature Boy will be the one left holding the gold, because just like your daddy found out before you, a Rhodes doesn't (and never has) held a candle to a Ric Flair pal....."

 

.....speaking of the tag team champions, here they are.....as The Nature Boy and The Enforcer walk into shot.....

 

.....Anderson tells Dustin (and Mero) that a shot at the WWF Tag Team Titles was there for the taking, all they had to do was earn it.....win a match.....

 

".....but when the time came, you showed the world that you're not Championship Calibre, but instead that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.....because just like your fat daddy before you, Dustin Rhodes is still playing second fiddle to Flair and Anderson....."

 

.....Flair let's out another Wooooooo, before telling thetwo men that they might feel like big shots (after beating the CURRENT number one contenders last week) but when you consider the fact that Billy Gunn and Al Snow can't stand it other, it's not quite the impressive feat after all is it.....

 

".....but I'll tell you what boys, since we've already got No Way Out in the bag, how about the Enforcer and The Nature Boy come out and watch your match now.....maybe if you impress us you'll be next in line for a shot at these World Titles.....Woooooooooo, we'll see you out there....."

 

.....with that, the tag champions walk off in the direction of the ring.....I guess they really are coming out to watch that match.....

 

.....let's get to it then.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FJQI0iH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2Yx2bo2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/d4UIr5Z.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gifH11o.jpg">

 

....."that match" being Bradshaw and Faarooq facing off against Dustin Rhodes and Marc Mero.....and true to their word, Flair and Arn do indeed make their way out to ringside, with the Nature Boy taking up residence at the announce table, while Arn stands beside him.....Enforcing.....

 

.....interestingly enough (or not) considering that it's Rhodes and Mero that are angling for a title opportunity, they don't even have a match at No Way Out, while their opponents tonight do.....Faarooq and Bradshaw shall be competing in Tag Team action at the Pay Per View, facing the Nation of Domination combination of Ahmed Johnson and Scorpio.....

 

.....that means that Bradshaw and Faarooq have no one to impress, but that doesn't mean they don't want the victory.....these two are a brand new team, of course they want to start strong, and while they presumably have no real beef with their opponents tonight, a win here would certainly give them some momentum going into No Way Out.....

 

.....with all that being said, this was actually a decent match.....it was certainly helped along by the presence of Flair and Arn on the outside too.....The Nature Boy is one of the best talkers period (and a hell of a multi-tasker too) and he uses this stint on commentary to not only build his (and Arn's) title defence this Sunday (basically laughing at the prospect of Al Snow and Billy Gunn being able to co-exist) but also found the time to mack on Terri as well.....

 

.....a fact which didn't sit too well with Dustin.....

 

.....Dustin Rhodes might be a heel right now, but he's not going to let someone try and slide up on the mother of his child like that.....ESPECIALLY Ric Flair (considering the history his father had with the Nature Boy) so it comes as no surprise when he climbs to the outside and knocks the headset right off the platinum blonde dome of Ric.....

 

.....he should really have concentrated on his partner, because all the while he was picking a fight with the Nature Boy, Marc Mero was fighting off two men, culminating in Bradshaw turning the man inside out, almost taking his opponents head clean off with a Clothesline straight from Hell.....

 

.....and that was all she wrote for Marc Mero.....

 

Winner(s): Faarooq & Bradshaw

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/btVcwTQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UmjkjmT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/d4UIr5Z.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/gifH11o.jpg">

 

.....victory in the bag, Faarooq and Bradshaw head to the back, win their sights firmly set on Sunday Night and The Nation of Domination.....Flair on the other hand grabs a microphone, where he climbs into the ring (with Arn) as Dustin Rhodes tends to his fallen partner.....

 

.....Flair says that there's only one certainty in professional wrestling, and that's the fact that when it comes to a Flair vs a Rhodes, the Rhodes is always going to come up short.....

 

".....because Dustin.....you might not be your old man pal, but a Rhodes is a Rhodes is a, Woooooooo, still a Rhodes.....and what a Rhodes is, is not in my league.....

 

.....I have prided myself on being the greatest wrestler alive today for the last twenty years.....and for the last twenty years that's exactly what I've been.....I have been, the jet flyin'.....limousine ridin'.....kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin'......Wooooooooo.....son of a gun.....Rolex watches, diamond rings, custom suits.....I've been living the life of a champion since before I EVER wore the gold.....while YOU Dustin.....you're just the SON of a son of a plumber pal....."

 

.....Flair says that whether it's singles or tag team, when it comes to wrestling, his name is synonymous with World Champion, while Dustin Rhodes is best known for being a golden drag queen.....

 

.....Anderson says that on Sunday Night, he and Flair will walk into No Way Out alongside Brian Pillman, holding ALL the World Titles going, and the night is going to be a clean sweep.....because just like Kane isn't in the same league as The Corporate Cannon, in terms of tag team cohesion, Al Snow and Billy Gunn aren't even in the same SPORT as Flair and Anderson, let alone in the same league.....

 

".....no one is....."

 

.....be it Rhodes and Mero, The New Age Outlaws, OR Al Snow and Chris Candido, the fact of the matter is that Flair and Anderson could beat any combination of them on any given night.....IN FACT, they could beat all six men at once, and STILL make it to the bar in time for last call with their championships in tact.....

 

".....so at No Way Out, we WILL walk out with the titles still around our waists, and Dustin, when we do maybe we'll still give you that shot that you want.....

 

.....then again.....maybe we won't....."

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Mz6kcGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8mH4E6z.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/mbKVXmw.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/mMiopoP.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....we head to the back from there, to two teams who also have a vested interest in the WWF Tag Team Titles, because one man from each pairing will be facing Ric Flair and Arn Anderson in just six days time.....

 

.....now Billy Gunn and Al Snow (as the tag champs pointed out) haven't exactly been the most cohesive of units, in fact they (and their respective partners) have been at each other's throats on and off for almost a year now.....

 

.....it looks like they've reached some sort of parley here though, because they're sharing a room.....and they're not trying to kill each other.....

 

.....that's gotta be a start.....

 

.....right?.....

 

.....anyway, they're watching Flair and Anderson's promo on a shared monitor, but it seems like Sunny has a solution to all their problems.....

 

.....she says that Al Snow doesn't want to be teaming with Billy Gunn.....Billy Gunn CERTAINLY doesn't want to be teaming with a weirdo like Al Snow, so she has a proposition.....

 

".....because let's face it, Mr. Ass here is MORE than capable of carrying this idiot to the tag team titles, but after that all bets are off....."

 

.....Sunny says that she and the Outlaws are going to give Al Snow a gift.....the gift of a spot in the record book.....and that's with the record of being the only man to have TWO consecutive tag title reigns last less than a day.....

 

".....because WHEN Billy wins the tag team titles, we go onto Monday night....and we get rid of you two idiots once and for all....."

 

.....Al let's out a subtle cough, whispering at Sunny that she's forgetting someone (while making not so subtle eye motions towards Head) telling her ixnay on the wotsay, because 'she's' already pouting.....

 

.....Sunny lets out a sigh (and an eye-roll) telling Snow, fine.....the three of them, whatever.....either way she has a proposition.....next Monday.....one night removed from No Way Out, WWF Tag Team Champion Billy Gunn vs. WWF Tag Team Champion Al Snow.....winner take all, winner gets to pick his new co-champion.....you can't say fairer than that.....

 

.....I guess you can't.....as Snow and Gunn (cautiously) shake on it and for the first time in god knows how long, these two teams share to time without an altercation.....so I guess next week we will be seeing Gunn vs. Snow for the WWF Tag Team Titles?.....

 

.....maybe someone should tell them that they have to actually WIN the titles first.....

 

.....from Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.....

 

.....with the backing of Vince McMahon.....

 

.....yeah.....good luck with that.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ycj3a7t.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/UWxqT6x.jpg">

 

.....from there we go back down to ringside, where Dean Malenko and Rey Mysterio are preparing for their upcoming match.....

 

.....against each other.....

 

.....why?.....

 

.....well, mainly because of Chris Jericho.....the current WWF Intercontinental Champion has taken it upon himself to keep himself amused by constantly belittling and ridiculing the Man of 1000 Holds, to the point that Dean Malenko is severely doubting his own ability.....leading to frustrations building to such a boiling point that Malenko actually challenged Mysterio to this match here tonight, because he just HAS to know who the better Cruiserweight is.....

 

.....so here we are.....

 

.....Mysterio doesn't actually look to enthralled at the prospect of this match, and he grabs a microphone to let Malenko know that they don't actually have to do this.....

 

".....all these doubts, they're just in your head.....it's just Chris Jericho messing with your mind, you don't have to prove anything to anyone....."

 

.....Rey says that everyone knows what a great wrestler Malenko is, there's nothing and no one to prove wrong.....Dean disagrees though, telling Mysterio that there is one person that he has to prove wrong.....

 

".....myself....."

 

.....because right now, he's doubting everything he ever thought he knew about himself, so he has to know.....he has to win.....so this match IS happening.....and it's happening now.....

 

.....ok.....let's get on with it then.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vN0BOgM.jpg">

 

.....ring the bell then, because this one is underway.....

 

.....Malenko probably doesn't realise it, but he's actually doing Chris Jericho a favour here.....after all, Rey Mysterio has a shot at that WWF Intercontinental Championship in just six days time at No Way Out, but while he is (rather needlessly) competing here tonight, the Champion is not.....

 

.....advantage Jericho.....

 

.....as for the match itself, well obviously it was very good.....whether you were looking for high flying escapades or mat based proficiency this match had you covered.....granted, the face vs. face dynamic might have left fans at a bit of a loss as to which guy to root for (or rather root against) but it still didn't take too much away from the contest.....

 

.....the ending did though.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Ib4zdAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/82t7GZt.jpg">

 

.....because with both Mysterio and Malenko down, these two gentlemen made their way out.....

 

.....Test was obviously running distraction, because he instantly hopped up onto the apron to draw the attention of the official away from the fact that Chris Jericho had rolled into the ring (with a steel chair in hand) and with Malenko still down and oblivious he positions himself behind Mysterio, before driving the edge of that chair right into the back of Rey's knee, almost chop block style.....

 

.....damage done, Jericho quickly dives out of the ring and he and Test retreat back up the aisle, just as (the still oblivious) Malenko gets back to his feet.....

 

.....Dean sees Mysterio down and clutching at his knee.....he sees opportunity too.....because he quickly locks on the Cloverleaf, turns Mysterio over.....and with the damage already done by the chair, Rey has little option but to concede.....

 

.....and Malenko finally gets a big win.....

 

Winner: Dean Malenko

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PiAX9tC.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vN0BOgM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/74NcwgY.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/82t7GZt.jpg">

 

.....there was no real animosity in this match, it was literally (in Malenko's case) a match for pride.....so the delighted victor has no hesitation on helping his opponent back to his feet and offering a handshake on a match well fought.....

 

.....Rey slaps that hand away though (much to the surprise of Dean) asking him what the hell that was? A question that clearly confuses Malenko, who has no idea what Mysterio is going on about.....

 

.....fortunately Chris Jericho is there at the top of the ramp with a microphone to let Malenko know exactly why Mysterio is so p!ssed......

 

".....because I was sat there in the back with my number one Jerichoholic Test and we were watching your match.....now Test, he doesn't say much usually (he's more of the silent but deadly type) but even my big buddy here had to say something.....because Bore-Us, you were boring us baby....."

 

.....Jericho says that they did what any self respecting Canadian would do, they came out here to liven things up a little bit, and that's exactly what they did.....

 

".....so Bore-Us, remember this.....when you go home tonight, and you pull out that old Light Heavyweight Title belt (because I know you wear it when no ones looking) and Great Aunt Mable Malenko (you know, the one with the questionable facial hair) congratulates you on a job well done, you be sure to tell her that the ONLY reason you won tonight, was because of The Ayatollah of Rock'n'Rolla, the Intercontinental Champion, the Paragon of Virtue.....your favourite wrestler and mine.....Chris "can't call me boring" Jericho.....because you would never.....eeeeeeeeeeeever......have won that match, without me.....thank you, goodnight!....."

 

.....now Malenko knows why Rey is so p!ssy.....and you've never seen a man go from jubilation to devastation quite so quickly as Dean Malenko here.....

 

.....this was quite the night for Jericho.....he got the night off, his No Way Out opponent had to wrestle (and looks to be favouring that knee) AND he got break Dean Malenko's spirit that little bit more.....that's a win on all fronts as we are just six days away from No Way Out.....

 

.....let's leave Malenko to his self pity and go to the back shall we.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1tBOrDQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/vzx2Nvo.jpg">

 

.....where Booker T is currently being attended to in the trainers room.....

 

.....Booker is clearly still feeling the effects of that beating he took at the hands of Raven and Roberts earlier this evening, but that isn't going to stop Interviewer Extraordinaire Dok Hendrix from trying to get word with him.....

 

.....he asks Booker his condition, reminding him that he is only six days away from facing Jeff Jarrett for the European Championship.....although, after tonight (with his own brother standing back and watching Raven and Jake Roberts assault him, is his head even in the game?.....

 

.....Booker (who's clearly in pain) tells Hendrix that his head is ALWAYS in the game.....and he's damn sure ready for Jeff Jarrett on Sunday Night.....he tells Dok, that he didn't ask for this shot, but he's damn sure going to take it, no matter WHAT condition he's in.....just like he's going to take the European Championship, no matter WHAT condition he's in.....

 

".....as for my brother, my brother is a damn fool.....where is he anyway? Send that sucka in here, we got some things to talk about....."

 

.....Dok tells Booker that he's got a little problem there.....Stevie Ray already left for the evening.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

".....but he, just like WE, made his intentions perfectly clearly....."

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/FusafzU.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SIIte9A.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/EbKLwhg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/oaoTLfs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lbl7Cno.jpg">

 

.....this room just got a whole lot smaller.....because the entire Nation of Domination is here.....

 

.....Booker struggles to his feet, clearly anticipating another assault, but Ahmed tells him to "sit your ass down before you fall down boy".....Booker rather stubbornly chooses to remain standing, but it's clearly a struggle for him.....

 

.....Ahmed again reiterates that they're not here to take him out, earlier on was just a little love tap to prove a point.....that it's better to be IN the Nation than it is to be AGAINST the Nation.....Stevie Ray knows that, which is why Stevie Ray is trying to convince his brother to join.....

 

".....but as much as we want Stevie in the brotherhood, he's made it clear that Harlem Heat are a package deal, either you're BOTH in, or ain't neither of you win.....now I can respect that loyalty and we DO want you in too Booker......you just gotta stop being such a jackass about it....."

 

.....Ahmed tells Booker that the time has ticked down, they want an answer by No Way Out.....but he might want to make sure he makes the right decision.....because Booker T IN the Nation of Domination means he's walking out of Sunday's show as the NEW European Champion......

 

".....where as Booker T AGAINST the Nation.....means you might not walk out at all.....you dig that? Sucka?....."

 

.....decisions, decisions Booker.....the clocks ticking.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8wIyKBM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/RZyFzcZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7hvpbFv.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/f1SRNNg.jpg">

 

.....we're about to go to commercial, but before we do we cut to a quick shot of the back where Rich and Scott Steiner are conversing ahead of their upcoming match.....

 

.....Scotty has Sable with him (while Rich has DiBiase) but Rude lets us know that his sources have informed him that Scott Steiner has point blank refused for the rest of the Million Dollar Corporation to be anywhere with him, stating that Scott might have agreed to work with his brother tonight, but that doesn't mean he's forgiven OR forgotten what the Corporation did to him when they recruited Rich Steiner into their ranks.....

 

.....Rich (for what it's worth) doesn't seem to be aware that Scotty is only just tolerating his presence, as he (soundlessly, the only audio is from the commentators) prances around the room like a jackass, thrusting money his brothers way.....

 

.....Big Poppa Pump doesn't like that though, he's made it clear that he's not joining the Corporation, and he emphasises the point by slapping the wad of cash out of his brothers hand, pointing a finger at him and shouting something we (probably fortunately) don't hear.....

 

.....and as Sable discreetly shoves the discarded cash into her cleavage for safekeeping, Jim Ross says that the Steiner Brothers might be back together, but they hardly look united here.....

 

.....as we finally go to commercial.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZrAHk5r.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/q4lIIrS.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TSkVfRF.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/7ZNiBQh.jpg">

 

.....and we're back.....and this one is set to be ugly.....not necessarily because of the skills of the participants, but more so due to the bad blood involved between them.....

 

.....the bad blood between Scott Steiner and the Wolfpac is well documented, beginning back at Novembers Survivor Series where Hall, Nash and Waltman (inadvertently) snubbed Big Poppa Pump during their Survivor Series encounter with The Hart Foundation.....since then Scott Steiner has gone out of his way to cause as much damage to the 'Pac as possible, putting Kevin Nash on the shelf with a lead pipe attack, assaulting Hall and Waltman on numerous occasions, costing Scott Hall the Intercontinental Championship, costing Kevin Nash the Royal Rumble match and finally, joining the Million Dollar Corporation in taking out Sean Waltman a few weeks back.....

 

.....it's going to be the battle of the Scott's at No Way Out, when Scott's Hall and Steiner meet in their encounter.....but then (like Kevin Nash said earlier) Big Sexy is only just getting started with Big Poppa Pump.....

 

.....as for tonight.....this was ugly, but good.....very good.....

 

.....these two teams clashed for the first time almost two years ago, where Hall and Nash dethroned the (then) WWF Tag Team Champion Steiner Brothers.....this was just as heated, and while Rich and Scott haven't teamed up since July of 1996, old habits die hard and they soon slip back into their Tag Team groove.....

 

.....Hall and Nash dominate the opening portion of the match.....and I do mean DOMINATE.....Rich Steiner in particular takes one hell of a beating until Scotty finally turns the tides on his No Way Out opponent, leaving Scott Hall to play the face in peril.....

 

.....obviously we were going to get that hot tag eventually, and when we did Big Sexy hit the ring like a man possessed.....so much so, that despite Scott Steiners original pleas, DiBiase desires that he has to rally the troops.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and the WWF European Champion Jeff Jarrett makes his way out from the back.....guitar in hand.....clearly looking to turn the tides in the favour of the Steiner Brothers.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/PUzMLl1.jpg">

 

.....except someone had a different idea, as Sean Waltman makes his return (still wearing a neckbrace) to nail Jarrett from behind, driving him face first into the steel ring post.....

 

.....that negates Jarrett, but Waltman ain't done.....

 

.....he picks up the discarded Acoustic Equaliser as Scott Hall tackles Scott Steiner to the outside, clipping the official as they go.....and with the referee (temporarily) down, Waltman crashes that guitar across the back of Rich (during a rope running sequence) causing Steiner to stagger forward, straight into the waiting hands of Kevin Nash.....

 

.....Jackknife.....

 

.....one, two, three.....

 

.....and Rich Steiner is toast.....

 

Winner(s): The Wolfpac

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/18yWLzn.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/basm3D4.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/3rP3hMk.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/o6hqSR6.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bdLto8s.jpg">

 

.....so much for brotherly love.....because with Rich Steiner down and out and the Wolfpac back in full force, Scott Steiner decides to beat a hasty retreat, clearly deciding that Sunday Night will be good enough for him, leaving Hall and Nash to celebrate with Waltman, as we go to the back.....

 

.....where Michael Cole is standing by with the Hart Foundation.....

 

.....No Way Out will be a big night for the Canadians, because Bret, Owen and Jericho are all going to be in competition, and they are all going to be in matches with Championship stakes.....

 

.....Bret does the majority of the talking here (although all Foundation members get a few minutes on the stick) telling Cole that Sunday is set to be a very successful night for the Hart Foundation.....

 

".....because while Chris Jericho will continue to tread the footprints of the Canadians that came before him, successfully defending that Intercontinental Championship just as Owen did, just as I did, Owen Hart is finally going to put an end to the vulgar phenomenon that is Stone Cold Steve Austin, when he snatches that dream of headlining Wrestlemania right out from under him.....just like I'm going to show Big Sexy that the Bigger they are, the harder they fall.....

 

.....Kevin Nash, you and your little degenerate KLiQ might have won tonight, but if you REALLY want to hold gold again here in the WWF then you might want to stick to tag team wrestling....because I WILL beat you at No Way Out, I WILL go on to main event Wrestlemania (for the fourth time may I add) and I WILL be walking out as your new World Wrestling Federation Champion, because I'm the best there is.....the best there was.....and you know the rest....."

 

.....Bret and Owen have a little playful back and forth here, with Owen telling his big brother that it will be HIM walking out of Wrestlemania the WWF Champion, not Bret.....but it's obvious there's no animosity here.....

 

.....the brothers agree to disagree in the end, choosing to settle for a "may the best man win" conclusion, before Bret addresses who the champion will be going IN to Wrestlemania.....

 

".....because honestly, it doesn't matter.....Kane or Brian Pillman, it's all the same to us.....but Brian, I can't stress this enough.....I hope it's you.....you're on the list of people that have screwed us over.....you left me high and dry in our tag team match a few weeks back.....and perhaps worst of all, you ushered in the cursing, middle finger waving era of Stone Cold Steve Austin.....

 

.....my baby brother Owen is going to take care of Steve Austin on Sunday just like I'm going to take care of that Big Idiot Kevin Nash, and then.....IF he can get past Kane, Brian Pillman is going to find out that a Loose Cannon is no match for a Hart Attack....."

 

.....that's one scenario I guess.....Michael Cole says that another scenario is WWF Champion Kevin Nash vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin.....Kane vs. Owen Hart?.....Bret vs. Owen vs. Kane?.....Brian Pillman vs. Owen Hart?.....the possibilities are endless, but rest assured, when the smoke clears at No Way Out, we could well know what our Wrestlemania main event will be.....

 

.....speaking of main events, Michael Cole sends us down to ringside for tonight's.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/MAtvB0n.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/xV2Bmd9.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and if our last match was branded ugly, this match takes ugly to a whole new level.....this was Hacksaw Jim Duggan ugly.....this was the Quasimodo of professional wrestling matches.....this was.....well, you get the point.....

 

.....it's Ahmed Johnson, the Walking Armageddon, taking on Kane, the Big Red Monster.....and while on the surface this is somewhat of a throwaway match, Vince McMahon picked about as good an opponent as possible if he wanted an opponent that could really make Kane suffer.....after all, The Undertaker might have defeated Ahmed back at the Survivor Series to capture the WWF Championship, but that was one victory.....Ahmed Johnson has a NUMBER of victories over the Deadman.....AND put him on the shelf for five months after crushing his larynx.....so if you want someone that can go toe to toe with Kane, go for the man who went toe to toe with his brother.....

 

.....as you would expect this match was filled mainly with punch/kick combinations and heavy hitting blows.....Ahmed is a former WWF Champion, but Kane is the one with a title opportunity just around the corner and he fights here like a man with Championship Intentions on his mind.....

 

.....in fact, as the match draws to a close, it looks like it's about to be curtains for Ahmed, as the Big Red Monster wraps a hand around his throat.....

 

.....cue the Nation of Domination.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/urbCHOA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ykRFOAf.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....or not.....

 

.....because it's not the Nation that make their way out, it's Vince McMahon's Corporate Champions (and Mankind) and Brian Pillman's neck has made a miraculous recovery.....because as he slides into the ring with Flair, Arn and Mankind, his neck brace is nowhere to be seen.....

 

.....the four men pounce on Pillman's No Way Out challenger, assaulting him from behind and beating him down to the mat.....

 

.....that's a disqualification if ever I saw one.....

 

Winner: Kane (via Disqualification)

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/zQrjwv0.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jEZc7RN.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/urbCHOA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ykRFOAf.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/NX2vOWD.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/HDRIAj2.jpg">

 

.....and this is NOT a good place for Kane OR Paul Bearer to be in now.....

 

.....both The Big Red Machine and his newfound Manager have felt the wrath of Brian Pillman in the past.....and that was when Pillman was trying to WIN the World Title.....he cobbled Kane and damn near crippled Paul Bearer, how far do you think he's prepared to go to KEEP the World Title?.....

 

.....well, figuratively about ten feet.....because that's how far he has to go to collect a steel chair from ringside.....but as Flair and Arn hold Kane in place (for Mankind to pummel him with blows in between squeals) it looks like The Loose Cannon, Brian 'F'n' Pillman is coming out to play, because after knocking Bearer right on his ample posterior with a right hand, he opens that chair up, slides Bearers leg inside and climbs up onto the second turnbuckle.....

 

.....someone is going to get Pillmanized.....again.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.....:::::!!!!!GLASS SHATTERS!!!!!:::::.....

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....at least until Stone Cold Steve Austin comes rushing out from the back, steel chair in hand.....

 

.....Mankind quickly breaks away from the pack to meet Austin in the aisleway.....or rather his head met the steel chair, as Stone Cold bashes his brains in and steps over his fallen body as he continues to the ring.....

 

.....Anderson is next to try.....he meets Austin at ringside, only to get the edge of the chair drove into his midsection, doubling him over and leaving him in position for Austin to crash that steel across his back.....

 

.....Flair is next, he gets backdropped over the top rope as he charges at the incoming Rattlesnake.....fortunately he lands on the apron.....not so fortunately Austin is waiting for him to stand, cracking that steel chair against his skull and sending him crumpling down to the floor below.....

 

.....and then there was one.....THE one.....the WWF Champion.....and Pillman isn't sticking around.....Brian Pillman is a pretty smart guy.....he crazy, don't get me wrong.....but he's crazy like a fox and he knows when it's time to fight and when it's time to run away.....

 

.....this is time to run away.....

 

.....Pillman quickly bails out of the ring, leaving Bearer (virtually) unharmed and makes his way up the aisle, coming to a halt at the entrance way with a manic grin on his face, as Austin mounts the corner, cursing like a sailor as he tells Pillman that at Wrestlemania, his ass belongs to Stone Cold.....

 

.....maybe it does.....maybe it doesn't.....I guess we'll find out on Sunday.....we'll see you there.....live only on Pay Per View.....

 

.....No Way Out.....

 

.....goodnight folks.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: A

 

 

[to4sty]

 

<img style="max-width:60%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/hzf7tIZ.jpg">

 

Week 3, February 1998

America West Arena (Phoenix, Arizona)

ATT: 16,221

TV: 28.50

Announce Team: Tony Schiavone, Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/r1dvVYA.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/SeialaI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg">

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5XrTwCg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/DJt4Wpa.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aNE9X2Q.jpg">

 

.....it's that time again.....it's WCW Monday Nitro and the credits have finished rolling, which can mean only one thing.....it's time for the Titans of Wrestling to make their entrance.....

 

.....Randy Savage and The Warrior clearly don't like to work Thursdays (since they rarely appear on WCW Thunder) but it's clear that the Macho Man has at least SEEN this past weeks show, and apparently he didn't like what he saw.....

 

.....he tells the Freaking Awesome Foursome that he saw their display on Thursday.....he HEARD their display too ("heard you crying for Hollywood, yeah.....Hollywood ain't here") and he didn't like it one little bit.....

 

.....Macho says that Sting presented them a perfect opportunity on Thursday night ("not the title opportunity, no, no, no.....the opportunity of an opportunity.....the opportunity to take the Stinger Man OUT.....the opportunity to put the Stinger Man DOWN.....the opportunity, yeah, to make sure that when the Stinger Man steps in the ring with the Warrior Man at SuperBrawl, he's only HALF the man he used to be, ya dig?").....

 

.....Macho says that while Adam Copeland was out here trying to take the WCW Title for himself, he (as well as Cage, Bagwell and Traylor) SHOULD have been weakening Sting in preparation for the Warriors big match.....NOT thinking about himself.....

 

.....Copeland tells Macho that he thought that all that mattered was the Titans bringing the WCW Title home, not WHICH Titan did it.....

 

.....before muttering under his breath that Hollywood would totally have been rooting for him.....

 

.....and Macho doesn't like that statement.....slapping Copeland right in the mouth.....

 

.....Randy Savage has never exactly been a 'stable' guy.....no one has ever accused him of being Mr. Calm and Collected either, so Copeland should have perhaps been expecting that response.....even so, it doesn't sit well with the rest of the Foursome (with Traylor even going so far as to place himself between Savage and Copeland) and as Savage screams at Copeland not to mention that man's name, Buff and Cage stand side by side with their partner.....

 

.....Savage says that Hollywood isn't here, Hollywood isn't GOING to be here, and if he WAS here, Randy Savage would be asking him where he's been for the last two months.....but tonight, the Macho Man is going to hand Copeland another opportunity (since he squandered the last one) to make things right.....because tonight, Copeland and Cage are going to face off against the Macho Man's SuperBrawl opponent AND the Warrior's SuperBrawl opponent.....when they meet Shawn Michaels and Sting in the main event.....

 

.....and since Buff Bagwell seems to be shaking in his britches at the prospect of stepping into the ring with Roddy Piper ("I saw you run, run, running for the hills on Thunder brother, yeah") then Ray Traylor ("Mr. Beady Eye, giving me the eye yeah") the so called Enforcer of the group can do his job, stop staring out the Macho Man and face Roddy Piper.....

 

.....next.....

 

".....do you think you can manage that? Get it? Got it? Get them good, yeah.....Russo, book it boss man, do the thing with the thing....."

 

.....and "the thing" is exactly what Vinnie Ru does, making the match official and we have our main event of the evening, as well as our opening contest, as (the very tense) Titans of Wrestling promo wraps up, while Warrior, Savage and Russo make their way to the back.....

 

.....before the bagpipes begin to play.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....doesn't look like Roddy Piper is too concerned about the prospect of facing Big Ray-Ray.....

 

.....let's get the action started shall we.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/AUvdGX6.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/wYulN53.jpg">

 

.....and what a huge match it is.....

 

.....it's not often that you see a name as legendary as Rowdy Roddy Piper curtain jerking a show, but here he is.....and against the Enforcer of the Titans no less, Ray Traylor.....

 

.....granted, on paper Ray Traylor isn't exactly what you would usually consider a big name in 1998, but Big Ray-Ray has benefitted immensely from his association with the Totally Awesome Trinity sub-group of the Titans of Wrestling, completely revitalising someone who's name would likely have been on the chopping block without it.....

 

.....speaking of the Trinity, Copeland, Cage AND Buff Bagwell (who keeps his distance from Piper as he enters, while still managing to taunt him) are all still out here at ringside, something that the official soon rectifies, evicting the trio from ringside.....

 

.....ish.....

 

.....because while not at ringside they still stick around in the arena, choosing instead to hijack the announce table (sending Bobby Heenan in particular, running for the hills) where they spend the duration of the match running down Piper, bigging up Hollywood Hogan, and choosing to completely ignore to mention Warrior and Savage.....

 

.....as for the match itself.....ehhh.....it was what it was.....

 

.....what it WAS, was a match between two men who are hardly in their primes.....it wasn't horrible, but in terms of In ring action it was hardly at the level of say Lance Storm vs. Chris Benoit.....

 

.....the crowd liked it though.....loved it actually.....Traylor played his Enforcer role perfectly a she overpowered Piper for the majority of the match, only for the wiley veteran to hook on the Sleeper Hold out of the blue, and it looks like Big Ray-Ray is ready for his nap time.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg">

 

.....until Buff Bagwell abandons the announce booth, grabs Traylors nightstick from ringside and rolls into the ring, where he nails Piper in the back of the head with the foreign object.....

 

.....that'll be a ding, ding, ding folks.....

 

Winner: Roddy Piper (via Disqualification)

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/lcrpmHQ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IZ4NTrO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/MGYUFWW.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/wYulN53.jpg">

 

.....and it's not long before Copeland and Cage join him too, leaving Piper on the receiving end of a three on one beatdown that soon becomes a four on one beatdown when Big Ray-Ray gets his bearings back.....

 

.....if the Macho Man's plan here was for Roddy Piper to be significantly weakened ahead of his upcoming SuperBrawl match with Buff Bagwell then he's getting his wish.....Buff has seemingly found his backbone too, what with Piper being down while Bagwell is surrounded by his friends, so he's particularly obnoxious as he hurls insults at the man, before directing the two Chairmen of the Freaking Awesome Foursome to go and collect their chosen weapons.....

 

.....we could be about to see Roddy Piper on the receiving end of a Con-Chair-To.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2ezxMT9.jpg">

 

.....but before they can deliver the blow, the now familiar sight of the WCW Champion rappelling down from the roof of the arena brings the proceedings to a halt, as the baseball bat wielding Sting storms the ring.....

 

.....since this Titan Foursome have already had one dressing down for failing to capitalise on a relatively vulnerable Sting (vulnerable in terms of numbers anyway) you'd think they would perhaps take this opportunity to deliver that beatdown that Randy Savage was looking for.....

 

.....they don't though.....

 

.....the bat in his hand (and the fact that Copeland tells a nearby camera that they got Sting later) means that the Freaking Awesome Foursome decide to bail, leaving the WCW Champion to help Roddy Piper back to his feet.....

 

.....Piper grabs a microphone and (between gasping breaths) tells Buff Bagwell that if that's all he's got then he's in for a whole world of hurt at SuperBrawl.....

 

".....because even Larry, Moe and Curly there aren't going to be enough to stop what I'm going to do to you at SuperBrawl.....you might think you're hot stuff prancing around here like some Greek Adonis, but Buff let me tell you, a Hot Rod will always beat a Hot Bod and I've been taking out Adonis' since 1987....."

 

.....Sting takes the microphone next, saying that it shouldn't really come as a surprise that the Warrior is going to be looking for Copeland and Company to do his dirty work for him and try to soften up his SuperBrawl opponent.....

 

".....not a surprise, but still a disappointment.....I'd have thought 'Jim' after the history we share, that you would at least be a man and face me head on.....but like I said, after you stabbed me in the back and joined up with the Titans of Wrestling like the coward you are, I'm disappointed.....not surprised....."

 

.....Sting says that while he'd rather have a man like Roddy Piper watching his back tonight, he'll STILL take out Copeland, Cage AND Buff and Traylor tonight.....

 

".....and Shawn Michaels.....'Sexy Boy'.....if you get in my way, I'll have no problem taking you out too.....because it's Showtime folks....."

 

.....so there we have it.....a fired up WCW Champion ready to go to war.....

 

.....let's go to the back.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/yv7CIna.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/cKW9eGw.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1c6ueOk.jpg">

 

.....where Mean Gene is preparing to go through the talking abomination that is a Juventud Guerrera interview.....

 

.....this one is about to be even worse than usual too, because not only do we have Juvi's gibberish to contend with, but we have Psychosis babbling away in broken English too.....

 

.....the main gist of the promo seems to be that both Juvi and Psychosis have their sights set on the WCW Cruiserweight Championship and while Guerrera may have the first shot at SuperBrawl, Psychosis is putting his name out there to be next in line.....

 

.....although apparently someone finds that hilarious, because a rather obnoxious laugh cuts the promo short.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....as Brian Lawler cackles his way into shot.....

 

.....he tells Gene (and the viewers at home) not to worry.....because he's from Memphis, Tennessee, which means (thanks to the superior education system this side of the boarder) that he's fluent in English, Spanglish AND Gringo, so luckily for us, he's here to translate.....

 

".....this one here, the one with the horns? He says that he's officially announcing right here, right now, that he's never seen a more complete Cruiserweight competitor than Brian Lawler.....he says that no other wrestler is at my level.....I'm too fast, too strong, too agile and honestly, Too Sexy for this division......what was that? Ok, ok, much-ass grassy-ass.....he says that quite honestly, the Cruiserweight Division NEEDS a competitor like me, so he's officially withdrawing his earlier challenge.....he says that Brian Lawler should be next in line for a shot.....not him, and not this other little Mexican Jumping Bean either, isn't that right Horn Head?....."

 

.....no, that's not right at all.....in fact Psychosis emphatically shakes his head no.....

 

.....Guerrera tells Lawler that there's no way he will be batting a Title shot any time soon.....Juventud Guerrera has been winning matches.....Psychosis has been winning matches (including a win over Lawler) while Brian Lawler hasn't won ANY matches.....

 

".....you a loser!....."

 

.....now it's the two Lucha Stars who laugh, before walking off to compete in their next match.....slapping (a p!ssed off looking) Brian Lawler on the back as they go.....

 

.....how embarrassing.....

 

.....let's go down to ringside.....

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/l6DFGbg.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/y8xpNTI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFbiE5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jMg73vi.jpg">

 

.....because whether Brian Lawler likes it or not, Juventud Guerrera IS next in line for a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.....a Championship currently held by a member of the opposing team tonight, Hayabusa.....

 

.....James Vandenberg has moved heaven and earth and cast his net far and wide in order to secure the possession of this Cruiserweight Championship, so you'd better believe that his Twisted Ministry is going to do everything possible to ensure that they keep hold of it now they have it, which is possibly why it's Guerrera that takes the brunt of the punishment here tonight.....

 

.....that's not to say that Psychosis gets off lightly, in fact NO ONE gets off lightly in this one, as these four men throw caution to the wind in a display or high flying, high risk action.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....that was ruined by this jackass.....

 

.....Mortis has been on the shelf for a few weeks now (with an injury which I constantly forget he has) so he's not here to lend a helping hand to his team mates.....

 

.....Brian Lawler is here though.....and he comes rushing out from the back (as Vandenberg distracts the official) to leap onto the apron and shove Guerrera from where he was perched on the top rope.....

 

.....Juventud lands hard, and one Phoenix Splash later Hayabusa racks up a big win on his next challenger, with only a few weeks before their scheduled title confrontation.....

 

Winner(s): Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki

Rating: C+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/wawFGqB.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/8El8DGj.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/uTZgfp1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QPFbiE5.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/jMg73vi.jpg">

 

.....Lawler is clearly delighted that his actions cost Juvi the match and rushes to the outside to pick up the Cruiserweight Title, waving it in Guerrera's face telling him that he's NEVER going to get his hands on this.....

 

.....only to turn around (bellowing out that obnoxious cackle) and coming face to face with James Vandenberg's entire Ministry.....

 

.....Lawler is wearing yellow trunks, but perhaps brown would have hidden the fear better, because he absolutely sh!ts himself when he sees Hayabusa, Shinsaki and Mortis staring at him, as he quickly tosses the title at Hayabusa's feet and hightails in the hell out of dodge before anything untoward can happen to him.....

 

.....Shinzaki collects the Cruiserweight Prize and hands it to Hayabusa, as the Congregation stand over the (still) fallen Juventud Guerrera in celebration.....

 

.....as we take a commercial break.....

 

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/0VzCRml.jpg">

 

.....and when we return, it's to the sight of Mean Gene standing in the middle of the ring.....

 

.....we shill the hotline just a little bit (1-900-909-9900, with Gene telling us that it seems like the not-so distinguished competition is so short of stars, that they are reduced to giving out pay rises to keep WCW cast-off's happy.....Option 2 will tell you all about the pay bump that Booker T just received) before saying that if it's REAL stars you want, then look no further than where the big boys play.....

 

".....because they don't get much bigger than my next guest.....he has had sixty one matches.....sixty one wins.....zero losses.....and he's the current WCW Television Champion.....ladies and gentlemen please welcome back, Bill Goldberg....."

 

.....he gets a good reaction too, and as the ominous music begins to play, the anticipation levels continue to rise.....and they rise because (as of yet) the Television Champion is nowhere to be seen.....

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....well, we might not have our Television Champion out (just yet) but we DO have the public face of the WCW Championship Committee, because Eric Bischoff is making his way out.....

 

.....Bischoff tells Gene that unfortunately, this right here is d-day.....he says that after suffering a separated shoulder at the hands of Eddie and Chavo Guerrero, Mr. Goldberg has been unable to defend the Television Title for the last 28 days.....

 

".....and as much as it pains me to say this, unless Bill Goldberg makes his way out this evening (to defend that Championship within the 30 day parameter) I and the Championship Committee will have no choice.....but to vacate the Television Title....."

 

.....there is a chorus of boo's to that statement, with Bischoff telling the crowd that he understands their frustrations, but unfortunately it will be out of his hands.....rules are rules, and ALL titles must be defended within that thirty day window, or ANY Champion can be stripped for failing to defend their gold.....

 

.....hold on to that thought.....

 

.....because the music begins to play for a second time.....

 

.....and the camera switches to a backstage shot.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/G5TCZIy.jpg">

 

.....as the Television Champion comes bursting out of his locker room, beginning the long march to the ring.....

 

.....he LOOKS fit.....he LOOKS medically cleared to wrestle.....and he LOOKS to be mightily pissed off as he storms his way through the backstage area.....

 

.....only to suddenly get taken out, by a steel chair crashing against his back, right in that shoulder area.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JmRqRET.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iQo90W2.jpg">

 

.....as Eddie Guerrero strikes again.....

 

.....the first blow doesn't put Bill Goldberg down (in fact, he still has enough wherewithal to shove Chavo halfway across the hallway) but it certainly rattles him though.....

 

.....Eddie isn't done though.....and if one chairshot wasn't enough to take out the rookie sensation, then the succeeding four more shots were.....

 

.....each blow was delivered with precise accuracy and as Eddie finally drops the chair (as security rush into shot) and he and Chavo retreat out of shot, as we go to a commercial for SuperBrawl.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/G5TCZIy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and when we return, we return to the backstage area, where Bill Goldberg is receiving treatment in the trainers room.....

 

.....he CLEARLY p!ssed off and looking to get out of there and his hands on Eddie Guerrero, going to far as to tell (the now entering) Eric Bischoff that he'll put the title on the line against anyone on the roster right here, right now, but he is going to tear both Guerrero's in half the moment he's done with that.....

 

.....the medical personnel on hand however are adamant that Goldberg will NOT be competing against ANYONE.....because thanks to this latest attack, he is once again not medically fit to compete.....they say that the shoulder isn't separated as it was last time, but it's one shot away from being and they can't in good conscious let him compete.....

 

.....so what does that mean for the Television Title?.....

 

.....hold that thought.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/6UuMoAM.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/O69T1oO.jpg">

 

.....because we can hear the sounds of Eddie Guerrero's music playing over the house speakers, as the camera shot switches to the uncle and nephew combination making their way out to the ring.....

 

.....they are in a VERY good mood too.....laughing and joking their whole way down the aisle, before climbing into the ring, where Eddie says that they can finally all stop talking about that silly little win streak.....

 

".....and start talking about the only streak that matters holmes.....Eddie Guerrero's streak....."

 

.....oh right.....this again.....

 

.....Eddie has rather bizarrely (yet repeatedly) taken offence to the fact that the undefeated streak of Bill Goldberg has been getting all the attention around here, while his "streak" has gone unnoticed.....

 

.....now, in fairness, Eddie's streak isn't quite so impressive.....in fact, in includes quite a number of losses.....BUT (like it or not) he does indeed have a streak.....he has walked out of every single US Title defence for the last seven months with the gold still around his waist.....it's just not quite as impressive as going undefeated since your debut match.....

 

.....none the less, Eddie says that there is only ONE Champion with a streak around here now (since Goldberg will have to be stripped of HIS title) so we may as well focus on that.....and at SuperBrawl, THE streak.....HIS streak will continue.....because Mr. JPL (just like Mr. Rock and Mr. Not-So Perfect before him found out) is NEVER going to be man enough to take this United States Title away from the Papi of Perfection.....but have no fear.....

 

".....because your favourite wrestler (Eddie Guerrero) will be taking the next few shows off esè, to make sure that (unlike Bill Goldberg) he is in PERFECT condition to perform....."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....someone is having a busy night.....because Guerrero is rudely interrupted by this gentleman, who marches down the aisle and grabs a mic of his own, to let Guerrero know that while Bill Goldberg is still the TV Champion for the next two days, HE is lucky that HE hasn't been stripped of HIS Championship for his actions.....

 

".....but in regards to your statement Mr. Guerrero.....NO.....you will NOT be taking the next few shows off.....in fact, you're going to be in action on WCW Thunder.....and you will be putting the US Title on the line too.....against an opponent that you will find out on the night....."

 

.....Eddie isn't happy about that, but Bischoff tells him not to worry.....because if he loses the title on Thursday night, then he WILL get a show off.....SuperBrawl.....because while JPL will STILL be getting a shot at the US Title.....it might just be against a different US Champion.....

 

.....and with that, Bischoff storms to the back.....with the protesting Guerrero's following him all the way.....

 

.....we should have a match really.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/48xRpDs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/CFs0lWM.jpg">

 

.....and it's a decent one too, as Rikishi Fatu takes on a gentleman who will be facing The Rock at SuperBrawl, Curt Hennig.....

 

.....I guess that should be incentive enough for Big 'Kish, after all, he and The Rock share the same blood.....but as we have seen in recent weeks, there doesn't seem to be much Samoan loyalty around here recently, especially if The Lumana'i are anything to go by.....

 

.....this match was pretty good.....it probably could have been better, but we aren't about to start throwing around twenty minute barnburners in the middle of the show.....this got just enough time to keep it competitive, but while Rikishi is flirting about on the outskirts of a Samoan Implosion (as he attempts to understand why the Lumana'i did what they did) Curt Hennig has a date with the Great One, so we should probably keep him strong right?.....

 

.....probably why he was able to catch Rikishi with a roll up for the one, two, three.....

 

Winner: Curt Hennig

Rating: B-

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/KvDgZcZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/k0IkY9r.jpg">

 

.....Mean Gene makes his way out again to catch a quick word with Hennig (and it is only a quick word, this isn't a long segment) asking him how he feels about his upcoming match with The Rock.....

 

".....because Curt Hennig, in my opinion you have appeared to be extremely reluctant to be in the vicinity of The Rock, but at SuperBrawl there won't be any more running....."

 

.....Hennig is aghast at that statement, stating that he's never run from a fight in his life.....he tells Gene that the only reason he hasn't wanted to be around the Rock recently, is because he doesn't want to put an end to the young man's career.....

 

".....because that's what would happen Gene.....Little Rocky, he knows he's no match for Curt Hennig.....you know it, I know it.....these fans, the Rock's "People", they know it.....so really, the "People" should be thanking me, for not putting their precious hero out of the sport once and for all....."

 

.....and that is why (Curt tells us) that he's been "running" from the Rock, no other reason.....

 

.....but as for SuperBrawl, that match with The Rock.....it might not happen.....because Curt Hennig is officially throwing his name in the hat to be the mystery opponent of Eddie Guerrero on Thunder.....

 

".....and when I beat that slippery little Mexican Jumping-Bean, well it's like Eric Bischoff said earlier.....I'll be defending the United Starers Championship at SuperBrawl, against Jean Paul Levesque.....

 

.....so Rocky.....

 

.....you might just have to wait....."

 

.....Hennig makes a good point, he WOULDN'T have to face Rocky should he capture the US Title this week.....

 

.....of course the announcers play it up as Hennig trying to duck The Rock again.....and they might be right.....but then, throwing you name in the hat for a match and GETTING a match are two entirely different things.....

 

.....will Curt Hennig be Eddie Guerrero's mystery opponent?.....I guess you'll have to tune into Thunder to find out.....

 

.....but for now, let's go to the back.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iYupHl8.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/quKAwS2.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/ZK57d1s.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1IsyqFl.jpg">

 

.....where Chris Benoit is currently receiving some (seemingly unwanted) career advice.....

 

.....Dallas is trying to convince his former World Tag Team Championship partner that Lance Storm, Steven Regal.....this so-called "Sovereignty", can't be trusted, before telling Benoit that he'll have to keep his wits about him in this next match, because His Lordship isn't adverse to bending the rules.....

 

.....there might be a war of sorts going on between the Nations at the moment, but if that is the case then right now, Chris Benoit is Switzerland.....neutral.....

 

.....with Luger, Dallas and The Patriot telling Benoit that no matter what garbage Lance Storm is feeding him, sooner or later their true colours will shine through and the Sovereignty won't think twice about stabbing him in the back, The Crippler cuts them all off.....

 

.....he says that last week, he went one on one with Lance Storm.....and when he DEFEATED Lance Storm, Storm offered his hand AND his congratulations.....tonight he has a match with Steven Regal.....

 

".....but as far as the Sovereignty stabbing me in the back goes, there will be no stabbing me in the back, because there is no allegiance to betray.....all I'm here to do, is win matches and win championships.....there's no us vs them, only me vs anyone that's in my way.....tonight, Steven Regal is in my way, so tonight I will beat Steven Regal.....for me.....not you.....and if Steven Regal wants to shake my hand after the match, I'll shake his hand after the match.....for me.....not him.....because the Crippler stands alone....."

 

.....Benoit is usually a man of few words, but he makes his feelings clear there, particularly when he barges past Page and Luger and storms out of the room.....

 

.....alone.....

 

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1jycJQN.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/w2llODN.jpg">

 

.....and we go down to ringside.....where a pair of dancing fools are making their way out from the back.....

 

.....I guess if you want to get technical, Disco Inferno and Alex Wright are on a bit of a hot streak.....granted, they haven't exactly been beating the cream of the crop week in and week out, but they have been winning.....including a victory over the current number one contenders to the tag team titles, The Nasty Boys.....

 

.....because of that, it seems like Disco and Wright think that THEY should be getting the tag title shot that the Nasty's have lined up for SuperBrawl, and they are here to reiterate that point now.....they say that while Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff found the though of them challenging for the titles laughable, their opponents haven't been laughing lately.....and Disco says that the Forgotten won't be laughing tonight.....

 

".....because Alex and I are officially challenging them right here, right now.....we want our shot.....we want what's coming to us.....and we want it now....."

 

.....Alex is in full ham mode here, telling the Forgotten that he is going to dazzle them with his European Wrestling style, before dancing on their stupid fat faces.....

 

".....and then we will have ze gold.....and that will be All Wright, alright?....."

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/sAPvGCk.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GkumtLy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GAv0MvB.jpg">

 

.....alright.....

 

.....they asked for it.....and here come the Forgotten, apparently to accept the challenge.....

 

.....oh boy.....

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/48KEVY1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/XbCqKVH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/QvkDvk8.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/1hv1duI.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/iMTTL4m.jpg">

 

.....this was not a pretty sight.....

 

.....I know I said that Wright and Disco had been on somewhat of a roll as of late but honestly, it came to a screeching halt here.....

 

.....Vader and Bigelow have been on more than a roll, they've been on a tear.....and they tore straight through their challengers here in no time, with Vader (mercifully) finishing off Disco with a hard, hard Powerbomb.....

 

Winner(s): .....and Still WCW Tag Team Champions.....The Forgotten

Rating: B

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/48KEVY1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/XbCqKVH.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/sAPvGCk.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GkumtLy.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/GAv0MvB.jpg">

 

.....The Forgotten don't look to be done any time soon either, with Kevin Sullivan joining his cohorts in beating on Alex Wright, while giving the flattened Disco Inferno a few good stomps along the way.....

 

.....there is a reason that Adam Copeland and Christian Cage have chosen NOT to attempt to jump the Forgotten in recent weeks and as they brutalise Wright and Disco here, that reason becomes apparent.....

 

.....you'd have to be nuts to get in between The Forgotten and their Prey.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/H0Owyem.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/5Plx1m4.jpg">

 

.....well, no ones ever accused Knobbs and Sags of being the sharpest tools in the box.....but they're clearly not completely stupid either.....because while they DO come rushing out to make the save, they DON'T come unarmed, because each man has a steel chair in hand.....

 

.....they slide into the ring and take Sullivan down first, before unleashing a series of strikes to the back of both Vader and Bammers, finally resulting in the Tag Champions bailing to the outside, where the camera focuses on the red welts already forming on the back of the Big Mastodon, Vader.....

 

.....Big Van and Bam Bam only take a moment to compose themselves, before they look like they're about to re-enter the ring (looking even MORE p!ssed off than usual) regardless of the weapons currently being wielded by the Nasty Boys, but Kevin Sullivan is finally the voice of reason.....

 

.....he convinces his (very) reluctant team mates that it would be a better idea to wait until SuperBrawl to destroy the Nasty Boys, and he leads the tag champs to the back, while Knobbs grabs a microphone.....

 

.....he tells the crowd (and the champions) that they might THINK they're Nasty, but they've never been down to Nastyville Baby.....and when it comes to holding Tag Team gold they know a thing or two about that as well.....

 

"....and Bam Bam.....Vader.....take it from me boys.....we've fought the biggest of the big and the baddest of the bad, and ain't no one as Nasty as me and Sags....."

 

".....SuperBrawl is right around the corner Sullivan, you might think you're making your mark but in reality, all you're doing is keeping those belts warm for us.....because by the time we're done with you, Forgotten is exactly what you will be....."

 

Rating: B+

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/svuTeLZ.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....we leave the Nasty Boys (thankfully) and head to the back with the Unpopular Boys.....unpopular with their peers that is, because it's public enemy one (and two) Shawn Michaels and Jean Paul Levesque.....

 

.....we're in the pair's dressing room (obviously they get their own, who'd want to share with them?) and Michaels is just finishing up taping his wrists ahead of his upcoming tag team match against the Titans of Wrestling's Adam Copeland and Christian Cage and he's clearly not happy with his designated partner.....

 

.....Shawn tells JPL that Sting knows for a fact that at SuperBrawl, it's going to be old Blue Eye's himself (the King of New York, New York.....the Titan of Titans.....the Icon that can still go) it's going to be Shawn Michaels who's going to be walking out of that cage match against Randy Savage with a shot at that Big Gold Plated Piece of Tin Belt that Sting calls a World Title.....so OBVIOUSLY he's going to try something tonight.....

 

".....not that I NEED him to beat those two little junior Titans.....I mean, between you and me (because you know I can't stand anything or anyone in this little pissant company) I actually kinda, sorta, might like those two little annoying jack-off's.....they remind me of, well.....me.....and you obviously.....but regardless of that, Shawn Michaels they ain't.....

 

.....so I know I can take care of them, but I don't want to have to spend the match waiting for Sting to finish applying his eyeliner.....finding just the right shade of black for his lipstick.....practicing his little pout......only to have him turn around and swing a bat at the back of my head, you know?.....

 

.....you know?.....

 

.....DO YOU KNOW?.....

 

.....am I talking to myself here?....."

 

.....it does appear that way.....because while Shawn IS talking, Levesque ain't listening.....he's too busy staring at a monitor.....

 

.....Michaels spins the screen around to see what is so interesting, and it's a whole bunch of clips that have been strung together.....all clips of The Rock's promo's.....and ALL clips that contain the phrases "Jipple", "Hairy", "Left" and "Nipple".....and Jipple, uhm I mean JPL isn't happy.....

 

.....he turns to Shawn to tell him that he's had just about enough of this crap.....who the hell does the Rock think he is to be making fun of Jean Paul Levesque?.....

 

".....and I mean c'mon, that's not even funny.....Jipple the Nipple? Really? That's the best he's got?....."

 

".....I dunno, it's kinda funny....."

 

.....Michaels let's out a little chuckle as Levesque scowls at him, but he tells his friend not to worry.....he says that at SuperBrawl, JPL is going to do one thing that Little Rocky couldn't.....he's going to take the United States Championship and then he's going to be able to rub it in EVERYONE'S faces, not just Rock's.....

 

".....see, this is the problem with this place.....this isn't you, getting your little feelings hurt by some nobody.....all this time in 'Dubbya See Dubbya' made you soft.....the man I handed a black and white shirt to all those years back wouldn't have cared about this.....he was an assassin.....a predator.....he was a HUNTER.....so don't worry about that, worry about this.....worry about Sting hitting me upside my handsome head with that dirty black bat of his.....Rock's time will come, Guerrero's time will come.....tonight, tonight is MY time.....so HUNT.....there's a Crow out there with your name on it, make sure he stays in his nest where he belongs....."

 

.....Hunt indeed.....but who is Levesque going to be hunting?.....I guess we'll have to wait and see.....

 

.....let's have a match.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JjTal3v.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/vrbhnV1.jpg">

 

.....and that match is the Chris Benoit/Steven Regal match that was alluded to earlier.....

 

.....as was also referenced earlier, Chris Benoit has no real animosity towards His Lordship (nor his recent allegiance and campaign with Lance Storm) he is just looking to win matches and advance to a possible singles title opportunity, since Diamond Dallas apage is currently too preoccupied to concentrate on regaining the tag team titles.....so if he has to beat Regal to move up the ladder, then he's going to do his best to beat Regal.....

 

.....the match was really very good (as you would expect) and a real technical masterclass.....much like Benoit's match with Storm, there was a lot of respect shown between both men too, something you don't see often from His Lordship.....something even more surprising (considering how irate Regal was after his loss to the Patriot) there was no sign of any outside interference either.....

 

.....at least not until the official took the obligatory ref bump.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/KMoemF3.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/bo3WUqu.jpg">

 

.....and the Blue Bloods made their way out.....

 

.....they were perhaps going to get involved in the match too, but as Benoit looks on warily at the new arrivals, His Lordship waves off any potential assistance, telling The Duke and The Earl to stand down as he and Benoit continue their bout.....

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/G9blWo1.jpg">

 

.....apparently Diamond Dallas Page isn't quite so trusting, because as the match progresses he comes rushing out from the back to try and prevent a threat that isn't actually there.....

 

.....Benoit isn't happy about the arrival either, telling Page that Williams and Eaton aren't doing anything, telling him that he hadn't asked for any help and to get out of here.....

 

.....a brief disagreement takes place between the former Tag Team Champions, and while Regal hasn't actually cheated at all during this match, he's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth....and as Benoit argues with Page, he rolls his opponent up from behind and gets a quick one, two, three.....

 

Winner: Lord Steven Regal

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/JjTal3v.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/vrbhnV1.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/bo3WUqu.jpg">

 

.....oh man, Benoit isn't happy about that.....

 

.....he eyes up Regal as the bell rings, but like Regal (rightly) points out, he didn't do ANYTHING illegal.....His Lordship tells Benoit that he can thank his 'oafish American friend' for that loss, before offering the Canadian Crippler a hearty handshake.....

 

.....perhaps realising that Regal is right, Benoit accepts the Brit's offer, before congratulating Regal on his win, before the three Noblemen leave without issue.....

 

.....oh man, Page isn't happy about that.....

 

.....Dallas is into the ring to tell Benoit that Regal stabbed him right in the back, just like he warned him that he would.....

 

.....Benoit on the other hand shoves Dallas right in the chest, telling him that it was HIM that cost him the match, sticking his nose into business that didn't concern him.....

 

.....Page takes offence to that and he shoves Benoit right back, telling him that he was just watching out for his friend.....now, this being professional wrestling, you know how these things go.....a push here, a shove there.....and JUST as it looks like things are about to descend into a physical confrontation, Doug Dillinger and his minions rush the ring and go about separating the two 'friends'.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....as Lance Storm makes his way out from the back, pausing on the entrance way (Maple Leaf Flag draped over his shoulder) to survey the situation, shaking his head at the sight of another Canadian being disrespected by a typical American.....

 

.....and as we go to commercial, the camera just catches sight of the look that Storm and Benoit share.....a look which seems to say "I told you so".....

 

.....but hey, maybe we're reading too much into it.....

 

.....our main event is up next.....

 

Rating: A*

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/rudumzm.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/Gb5WkAs.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/TFVQgbO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IZ4NTrO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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

 

.....and if ever the underdogs are actually going to be the favourites in a match, it's going to be in a match like this, where their opponents can't stand each other.....

 

.....I know it's a bit strange to think of former WCW Tag Team Champions as the underdogs, but while Copeland and Cage have seen a lot of success in their time here in WCW, they are still very early in their careers.....while their opponents are both former World Heavyweight Champions.....Shawn Michaels and Sting.....so yes, the Titan pairing ARE the underdogs.....but Michaels and Sting can't stand each other.....

 

.....and I don't mean can't stand each other in the "top this" kind of way that usually results in the opposition being overwhelmed and then defeated, I mean can't stand each other in a "either man is liable to attack the other at any given minute" kind of way.....

 

.....either way, the match here was great regardless....things might not be at their most harmonious with the Titans of Wrestling right now, but Copeland and Cage have been tasked with weakening the upcoming SuperBrawl opponents of Randy Savage and The Warrior, so while Michaels and Sting continue to bicker throughout the match, the Awesome Twosome continue to pick the bones of their opponents.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qQQiQxd.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg">

 

.....although obviously not quick enough for an impatient Macho Man.....who walks out from the back (with Warrior, Traylor and Bagwell) to start throwing orders around in Copeland and Cage's direction.....and with Michaels down on the mat (and Sting looking to be in no rush to help out) he slides two steel chairs in the ring, telling the pair to "do the thing they do", presumably telling them to nail Michaels with that Con-Chair-To.....

 

.....Copeland and Cage don't look to want to do that, telling Savage that they will be disqualified, before kicking the chairs away and turning their attention back to Michaels.....

 

.....who quickly grabs an unsuspecting Christian Cage (who he launches at Sting, sending the WCW Champion crashing to the floor) before ducking a Adam Copeland clothesline attempt, only to nail Copeland right in the mouth with some Sweet Chin Music, as a disgusted Randy Savage watches the Titan man get counted down for the one, two, three.....

 

Winner(s): Sting & Shawn Michaels

Rating: A

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/qQQiQxd.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/2EPs81y.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/IZ4NTrO.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/MGYUFWW.jpg"><img style="max-width:15%;

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"src="https://i.imgur.com/aQrP0BT.jpg">

 

.....now Shawn Michaels is a lot of things, but stupid he ain't.....

 

.....ok, he might be a bit stupid.....but not stupid enough to stand in the middle of the ring as the rest of the Titans of Wrestling storm the ring.....

 

.....instead he quickly rolls to the outside, throws a crotch chop at Savage, throws a crotch chop at Sting (telling him to Suck It for good measure) before heading to the back with his arms raised high in victory.....looks like he didn't need Levesque out there 'Hunting' after all.....

 

....Sting (for what it's worth) looks as though he's considering facing the overwhelming odds, as he picks up his black bat and loiters at ringside.....but (as Savage begins yelling at Copeland and Cage) it soon becomes clear that the Titans have lost interest in him for the time being, so he too heads to the back.....

 

.....that leaves the Titans of Wrestling to stand alone.....and Randy Savage isn't happy that Copeland and Cage didn't utilise those steel chairs, again repeating that this match wasn't about them getting a win, it was about weakening Sting and Shawn Michaels ahead of SuperBrawl.....

 

.....to which Cage replies that they totally could have done both if Savage hadn't come out.....

 

.....to which Savage replies with a slap across the face.....

 

.....to which Traylor replies by nailing Savage in the mouth.....

 

.....Brian Pillman might have coined the moniker, but Randy Savage has been the TRUE Loose Cannon of Professional Wrestling for over a decade.....they didn't dub him the "Madness" for nothing after all.....and the Madness is indeed unhinged here as he dives towards Big Ray-Ray.....

 

.....Ray Traylor might be the Enforcer of the Titans of Wrestling, but his bond with Copeland and Cage is apparently even stronger than that, because he's not about to stand back and watch his Totally Awesome Trinity brothers get pushed about like that.....he's not about to step back when Savage comes his way either.....

 

 

 

 

 

<img style="max-width:15%;

"src="https://i.imgur.com/nb8tiZ0.jpg">

 

.....meaning that Vince Russo has to come rushing out of the back to play peacemaker.....

 

.....not that Savage has any intention of doing ANYTHING peacefully here, and with Traylor egging him on it takes Warrior and Bagwell both to restrain the Macho Man while Russo attempts to calm things down.....

 

.....the Trinity have had just about enough of being seen as second class Titan citizens though, telling Russo that this totally wouldn't happen if Hollywood was still here, and that Randy Savage is totally schizo.....Copeland tells Russo that they don't even HAVE a match at SuperBrawl, so instead of being there week in and week out to help Savage and Warrior out, maybe they'll totally just take a vacation.....

 

.....and with that, the trio turn and walk away, heading to the back while Warrior and Bagwell continue to hold back the furious Macho Man.....

 

.....tense times indeed.....

 

.....we'll see you on Thursday fans.....

 

Rating: A*

 

Final Rating: A