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Of Possible Futures- The Monday Night Wars...


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Wait, was this before or after WCW had nearly 100 people under contract to the point that creative didn't even realize some people were actually getting paid for staying home for months? WCW having a small roster at this point strikes me as a little weird, but that might have been more late-1998 when there were 5 NWOs among other rampant stupidity thanks to Bischoff being a moron.

 

Really enjoying this so far. Bret getting to participate in a screwjob on Hogan less than a month after the one he got from Vince would be awesome.

 

This is the Post Montreal mod, so it's December of 97. Roster is a bit bloated but not quite multi-NWO era. Lots of clearing out to do post Starrcade, but maybe not quite what anyone is expecting.

 

Thanks so much for reading!

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Bischoff walked in to Jackson’s new office on Tuesday morning all smiles and hair-product, riding high on yet another win over the competition in the ratings. After seeing the lock on his bosses face, however, Bischoff suddenly realized this was not a congratulatory sort of meeting. Jackson looked more serious than Bischoff had ever seen him. Usually the younger man exuded an air of calm confidence, even excitement, but today he seemed annoyed, even angry.

 

“What’s going on, boss?” Bischoff asked with a hopefully disarming grin, taking a seat across from Jackson.

 

“Take a look at this,” Jackson said shortly, passing a small packet of papers to Bischoff. Eric glanced over them and saw they were that day’s dirtsheets. He looked at them disdainfully, and immediately realized that was not the proper call for the situation as Jackson continued. “Read them.”

 

Bischoff, taken aback, scanned the pages, feeling a knot in his stomach form as he did.

 

“This stuff… I mean…” he started to say, but was quickly cut off.

 

“I don’t have a problem with Meltzer reporting that we’ve signed Liger. I don’t care that he knows we’ll be doing a ladder match. Hell, his reporting on that could bring a few buys in, who knows?” Jackson said deliberately.

 

“Right… Right… That could…” Bischoff agreed, not really buying it.

 

“What I do have a problem with is Meltzer knowing about my plans for Jericho after Starrcade,” Jackson continued, voice rising in agitation. He let Bischoff continue to read and saw the subtle shift in the man’s demeanor as he got to the coup de grace. “And what I really have a problem with is Meltzer somehow having more information than I do about how our world champion is feeling about our Starrcade plans!”

 

Bischoff recoiled, if only slightly, as his boss was now standing in front of him, shouting. Jackson wasn’t an imposing man, though he was slightly taller, but his anger was intense. Bischoff immediately went in to damage-control mode.

 

“Boss, look, this kind of stuff, it’s always bullsh*t,” Bischoff answered hastily, immediately regretting it. “It was probably one of the boys trying to stir the pot. Someone probably found out we had a meeting and they’re just sending crap to the writers to pad their ego.”

 

Jackson was obviously not buying the explanation.

 

“All the true stuff he printed, but that one piece is made up? You really expect me to believe that? And who would be stupid enough to do that? What’s the point? What’s the benefit?”

 

Bischoff wanted to remark that Jackson obviously hadn’t spent enough time around the boys to know, but held his tongue. He took a deep, calming breath, sensing the situation was poised to spin wildly out of control.

 

“Boss, I don’t know. We’ve had problems with leaks for a long time now. It’s… It’s not ideal, but we can usually keep it under control. Hell, Dave thought Mabel was going to be the third man in the NWO!” Bischoff tried to force a laugh, but Jackson didn’t smile. “I’ll look in to it, okay? If I find out who Hulk told about the meeting, I can…”

 

Jackson cut him off.

 

“Fine. Look in to it. But what I need to know is very simple, Eric. Is Hogan going along with the plan?”

 

The plan, as they’d come to call it, was the intricate, long-term vision for WCW that Jackson had been laying out for Eric, piece by piece. They’d told Hogan about his part to play in it, though not every detail, and his cooperation was paramount.

 

“As far as I know he has no reservations.” Eric said as calmly as he could. Jackson regarded him coldly for what felt like an entire minute.

 

“Find out for sure. As of right now your primary responsibility is to ensure that Hulk Hogan is on board and cooperating with the plan. Everything else comes second.”

 

Jackson said it calmly, evenly, but with intensity. Bischoff, filled with a newfound respect for his young boss, realized that his job was likely dependent on his success, regardless of how many weeks Nitro had thumped Raw in the ratings.

 

“And if he has concerns?” Bischoff asked, mouth suddenly a bit dry.

 

“Not everything is set in stone. If he has concerns we can try to work with them. He’s a vital part of the future of this company. But some things are non-negotiable. Starrcade is the first of them,” Jackson let the words hang between them.

 

“Understood.”

 

Bischoff left the office feeling somewhere between confused and pissed off. He was barely out of the building before he had Hogan on the phone.

 

“Terry, it’s me. We need to talk…”

 

Next: “You just don’t understand Attitude, bro…”

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Eric: Hey Terry, it's Eric. Could you please give me your assurance that you'll play along with this kid at Starrcade?

 

Hulk: Eric, brother, we both know I'll probably be so high off my ego that neither of us will know until the finish is coming.

 

Eric: Yeah, I get that, but this kid is really on our ass bout it.

 

Hulk: Oh look my phone slipped and fell into the pool.

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<p>Titan Towers, Wednesday morning-</p><p> </p><p>

The creative brain-trust of the WWF sat assembled in the chairman’s office. Vince McMahon sat flanked by Bruce Prichard, Pat Patterson, Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, and the newest addition to the ‘inner circle’, Vince Russo. </p><p> </p><p>

Russo looked smug, a self-confident smile plastered on his face. He had been pivotal in the direction of the two new signings they were gathered to discuss, and was obviously quite proud of his work. As the others filed in Russo flipped through the latest RAW magazine, which he still oversaw, and appeared disinterested in the pleasantries usually associated with these types of meetings. Ross, per usual, was the last to arrive, likely coming fresh from another meeting in his role as head of Talent Relations. </p><p> </p><p>

“We all here? Good!” McMahon boomed, looking excited and clapping his hands together. “What have we got today, Bruce?” </p><p> </p><p>

Bruce always kicked off these meetings. No one was quite sure why, least of all Bruce. </p><p> </p><p>

“Well Boss we’ve got the two vignettes for our new signings. Vince worked closely with both of them to get the creative going and I produced.”</p><p> </p><p>

“Excellent, EXCELLENT!” McMahon boomed. “Let’s see what we’ve got.” </p><p> </p><p>

The lights dimmed and a large TV was wheeled in to the room, VCR attached. The tapes were played, back to back. Russo beamed the whole time. Ross was stony-faced. Prichard watched McMahon’s response like a hawk, and McMahon seemed interested, but not overjoyed. The strongest reaction, however, was from Cornette. </p><p> </p><p>

As soon as the second clip, this one for the now-former Vampiro’s debut, was finished Cornette let loose with a tornado of expletives, culminating in calling it “the drizzling s***s!” </p><p> </p><p>

Patterson and Ross looked shocked at the outburst, if not the content. Prichard regarded Cornette blankly, as did McMahon. Russo, however, blew his top.</p><p> </p><p>

“Whatareya talkin’ about bro? That s**t was GOLD BRO. Pure GOLD. You just don’t understand attitude, bro!” </p><p> </p><p>

“Gentlemen!” McMahon boomed. “Calm down.” </p><p> </p><p>

Cornette and Russo glared at each other. </p><p> </p><p>

“Jim,” McMahon continued. “What’s your issue with the vignettes?” Cornette took another deep breath, preparing to launch in to another tirade, so McMahon held a hand up. “Calmly,” he added. </p><p> </p><p>

Cornette took a deep breath which didn’t seem to do anything to actually calm him down. </p><p> </p><p>

“Look at the first one, what are we calling him?” </p><p> </p><p>

“Val Venis.” Prichard replied evenly. </p><p> </p><p>

“Right. What kind of name is that? And the gimmick is what? Some Wal-Mart brand Rick Rude knockoff who thinks he’s a porn star? It’s ridiculous. No one will take it seriously!” </p><p> </p><p>

“Shows what you know bro, his gimmick is that he IS a porn star,” Russo responded with the satisfied smirk of someone who had obviously scored a point. Cornette blanched, sputtering indignantly. “Don’t try to act like it ain’t perfect for him, bro. Just look at him!” Russo twisted the knife. </p><p> </p><p>

“I love the gimmick!” McMahon boomed, effectively ending the argument on Venis. “I think the vignette is perfect! No beating around the bush with this one, just in your face attitude!” </p><p> </p><p>

“Well let’s talk about this other one, then!” Cornette raged on. “What in the hell is this whole Azabell, Azcrapail, Azawhatever all about? Are we supposed to believe he’s a demon? Or is he just an evil priest? I mean what the hell?” </p><p> </p><p>

“He’s a fallen angel, bro. It ain’t hard to understand if you listen to the damn promo,” Russo sniped.</p><p> </p><p>

“Did he say that? I couldn’t make it out over all the second-rate Kevin Sullivan knockoff mumbo-jumbo!” </p><p> </p><p>

“Who?” Russo asked, genuinely confused. Cornette went full apoplectic. </p><p> </p><p>

“Are you sh***ting me!? You’re going to write a bargain basement occult gimmick and have the balls to not know who Kevin Sullivan is? You stupid, idiot, moron, inbred, New York piece of-” </p><p> </p><p>

McMahon stood up abruptly as Ross put a hand on Cornette’s arm to try to calm his compatriot down. </p><p> </p><p>

“Enough!” McMahon boomed. “Jim, take a walk and cool off.” </p><p> </p><p>

Cornette looked ready to argue but thought better of it, standing dramatically and marching off. Russo didn’t bother to hide his glee as the door closed behind him. </p><p> </p><p>

“Now then,” McMahon continued. “Any other concerns? Pat? You’ve been quiet.” </p><p> </p><p>

Patterson made a quiet ‘hmmm’ sound. </p><p> </p><p>

“I thinka Jimmy has a point-a,” he said after a moment. “It’s a long way from the wrestling trash-man. Will the peoples understand it? Will they believe it?” </p><p> </p><p>

Russo was not as quick to respond to Patterson, knowing how deeply Vince trusted the veteran. To his surprise it was Prichard who spoke up. </p><p> </p><p>

“They will if we present it right,” he said. “They don’t necessarily have to believe he is a fallen angel, they just have to believe that HE believes it.” </p><p> </p><p>

“Exactly!” Russo chimed in. Patterson nodded, apparently satisfied with the explanation. McMahon beamed. </p><p> </p><p>

“We’ll get these right in to the show then. Great work everyone.” </p><p> </p><p>

The meeting disbanded a few minutes later. As Ross was leaving Vince asked him to stay behind. </p><p> </p><p>

“What is it boss?” Ross asked. </p><p> </p><p>

“We need to talk about Cornette,” the chairman said seriously. “Is he going to be able to work with Russo?” </p><p> </p><p>

“Well they go together like oil and water, but Jim’s a professional. He’ll cool off.” </p><p> </p><p>

McMahon looked unconvinced. </p><p> </p><p>

“I want to have a plan for Shotgun just in case. Got me, pal?”</p><p> </p><p>

Ross though about making a case for his long-time friend, but stopped short. It was obvious McMahon was starting to favor Russo’s new, edgy ideas, and this wasn’t the hill to die on. </p><p> </p><p>

“Understood boss.” </p><p> </p><p>

Vince chortled and thumped the Oklahoman on the back. </p><p> </p><p>

“Attitude! I LOVE IT!”</p>

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I understand that Jimmy Corn is a hot topic any day of the month or anytime at all, but his deadset traditional ways are absolutely NOT going to work in the Attitude Era. Maybe you have somebody to reign in Russo here and keep him from going full Kennel from Hell, but either way, Cornette will not last long if he vetoes every single ioda of an idea Russo puts out there.
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  • 3 weeks later...

Saturday Night B-Block- December, Week 2, 1997

 

WCW Saturday Night-

 

Show opens with ALEX WRIGHT picking up a win over ERNEST “THE CAT” MILLER. Basic match here designed to showcase Wright, who looked solid if unspectacular. Wright picked up the win after a German Suplex.

 

Rating: 52

 

Up next Chris Jericho has some microphone time, and he spends it saying he plans on making 1998 his year, and dropping some subtle-but-not-subtle hints about a possible future heel turn.

 

Rating: 72

 

Match two was THE PUBLIC ENEMY vs JUVENTUD GUERRA & PSICOSIS in a what was little more than a car-crash, nothing but big spot followed by big spot. Juvi was the key to this match, totally carrying it, which was made all the more difficult due to the fact that Johnny Grunge was obviously wrestling wasted. TPE get the win after their big slam/senton combo.

 

Rating: 68

 

This is followed by a promo from Randy Savage, who verbally runs down DDP. Typical Macho Man heel promo, which is to say good but unspectacular.

 

Rating: 85

 

We come back from break with a hype video showcasing Goldberg and his streak. Lots of spears, a jackhammer or two, end of video, Who’s Next?

 

Rating: 78

 

This is followed by some cruiserweight action as KIDMAN takes on EVAN KARAGIAS. Pretty much a showcase for Kidman, as Karagias is just a young jobber. Not much to write home about here, Karagias isn’t ready for prime time, so to speak. Kidman gets the win after his Seven Year Itch.

 

Rating: 53

 

Then we head to the back where Buff Bagwell has words for Lex Luger. Bagwell has some charisma, but no real mic skills to speak of, so this was just okay.

 

Rating: 68

 

Another disappointing promo follows as Curt Henning calls out Booker T. Henning has never been an all-time great on the mic, but he seemed to be phoning it in here.

 

Rating: 64

 

Up next we get SATURN vs. PRINCE IUKEA in a forgettable match. Commentators spent most of the time talking about The Flock’s ongoing issues with Goldberg and Chris Benoit. Saturn gets the win after a DVD.

 

Rating: 53

 

This is followed by a Raven vignette, where he waxes poetic on the idea of stardom, and how it’s reserved for the “Chosen Few”, never people like him. Good stuff, but not quite as good as his recent Nitro efforts.

 

Rating: 78

 

The main event, at least as far as matches goes, pits CHRIS BENOIT vs. STEVEN REGAL in what could be an under-the-radar must see match. They got a lot of time out there and were allowed to build slowly, and put on a technical wrestling clinic. This could have been a full-on MOTYC but the crowd didn’t have any real stakes in it, since there was no story going in. Benoit got the win after reversing the Regal Stretch in to the Crossface.

 

A side note, the commentators started referring to Benoit as “A Wrestling Machine” throughout the match, indicating they’re changing up his gimmick.

 

Rating: 78

 

This is followed by a promo from The Outsiders, who run down The Giant. After a few minutes of this he’s run out of patience and attacks, leading to a big ol’ brawl throughout the ringside area, which he fares surprisingly well in despite it being 2 on 1.

 

Rating: 95

 

Show ends with a hype video for the Starrcade main event between Sting and Hogan. Dramatic music, slow-mo video, the whole shebang.

 

Rating: 95

 

OVERALL: 82

 

 

 

WWF Shotgun Saturday Night-

 

Show begins with a Light Heavyweight showcase as AGUILLA defeats BRIAN CHRISTOPHER in a back and forth match. Crowd doesn’t care much, but by the end the flashy high-spots have their attention. Aguilla wins after a picture-perfect moonsault, much to the crowd’s surprise.

 

Rating: 46

 

We head to the back where Sunny is interviewing Ahmed Johnson. Yes, Ahmed Johnson gets promo time. He shouts unintelligibly for a few minutes and Sunny does her best to Vanna White the segment in to something watchable, just about succeeding.

 

Rating: 64

 

Up next is a match between two promising young stars in D’LO BROWN against MARK HENRY. While both of these guys have potential, there’s only one of them ready to be working on TV right now, and that’s D’Lo, who gets the win after his “Lo-Down” frog splash in a mercifully short match.

 

Rating: 37

 

We then throw to the back for a promo from Owen Hart, who has words for Triple H. Owen is a world-class in ring talent, but on the mic he is just average, which is exactly what this segment was. Average.

 

Rating: 65

 

This is followed by a pre-taped segment with Marlena, real-life wife of Goldust. She has a teary, over-acted message for Goldust, as she’s “worried about him”. Seems like they’re going with some sort of “lost in the character” story for him, which is interesting.

 

Rating: 38

 

Next up is JEFF JARRETT taking on CHAINZ. Not much rhyme or reason to this one, but these are two capable workers who put on a decent little match. Jarrett picks up the win after his Stroke finisher.

 

Rating: 60

 

The show ends with a vignette from everyone’s favorite lunatic, Mankind. He cuts a rambling but highly entertaining promo saying that he’s entirely focused (“or, at least as focused as someone like me can be”) on winning the WWF title, no matter who the champion is.

 

Rating: 100

 

OVERALL: 66

 

Another week where the WCW show was the better show by a mile, though they’re B-shows so they don’t really matter that much. Time will tell if the direction of the B-shows change as we get further in to THE MONDAY NIGHT WAR.

 

OOC: Hey guys I’m back! Real life jumped in for a while, but I’m hoping to be able to get at least one or two updates out a week going forward. Thanks for sticking with me!

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<p><strong>The Wrestling Observer Breaking News Report</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Two pieces of news have come to light following the airing of WCW Saturday Night, which was taped earlier this week. The first of which is that one half of The Public Enemy, Johnny Grunge, has been fired for wrestling while wasted. Rumor has it he was not simply drunk as initial reports from the taping indicated, but wrestling while high on "hard" drugs. No word on the future of Rocco Rock, but it is a safe bet he is not pleased with the outcome.</p><p> </p><p>

Also in trouble for drug use is Marcus "Buff" Bagwell, who failed a drug test after the show and has been sent to rehab. Some have grumbled at the seeming disparity in the treatment between Bagwell and Grunge, but the official press releases stressed the difference in circumstances. A source with knowledge of the situation has told me that the official policy is that wrestlers will be given a chance to go to rehab if they fail a test but aren't working inebriated, but if they are endangering their coworkers they will be fired. </p><p> </p><p>

One side effect of Bagwell's failed test is that his planned match for Starrcade with Lex Luger is now obviously off, leaving one of WCW's top babyfaces without a story or match going in to the biggest show of the year. </p><p> </p><p>

More as it develops.</p>

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  • 3 weeks later...

THE MONDAY NIGHT WAR WEEK THREE PREVIEW

 

WCW MONDAY NITRO

 

Abismo Negro vs Ultimo Dragon

 

Konnan vs Steve McMichael

 

The Giant vs Mortis

 

Riggs vs Goldberg

 

Booker T & DDP vs Curt Henning & Randy Savage

 

 

WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW

 

Mark Henry vs Jeff Jarrett

 

New Age Outlaws vs New Blackjacks

 

Savio Vega vs Vader

 

Steve Austin vs Ken Shamrock vs Mankind vs The Rock- Winner gets title shot at PPV

 

BONUS POINT: Which show will have the higher rating?

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<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="infinitehallway" data-cite="infinitehallway" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47389" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>THE MONDAY NIGHT WAR WEEK THREE PREVIEW<p> </p><p> WCW MONDAY NITRO</p><p> </p><p> Abismo Negro vs Ultimo Dragon</p><p> </p><p> Konnan vs Steve McMichael</p><p> </p><p> The Giant vs Mortis</p><p> </p><p> Riggs vs Goldberg</p><p> </p><p> Booker T & DDP vs Curt Henning & Randy Savage</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW</p><p> </p><p> Mark Henry vs Jeff Jarrett </p><p> </p><p> New Age Outlaws vs New Blackjacks</p><p> </p><p> Savio Vega vs Vader</p><p> </p><p> Steve Austin vs Ken Shamrock vs Mankind vs The Rock- Winner gets title shot at PPV</p><p> </p><p> BONUS POINT: Which show will have the higher rating?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Dragon</p><p> </p><p> Mongo</p><p> </p><p> Giant</p><p> </p><p> Goldberg</p><p> </p><p> NWO</p><p> </p><p> Jarrett</p><p> </p><p> Outlaws</p><p> </p><p> Vader Time</p><p> </p><p> Shamrock</p><p> </p><p> RAW</p>
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WCW MONDAY NITRO

 

Abismo Negro vs Ultimo Dragon

 

Konnan vs Steve McMichael

 

The Giant vs Mortis

 

Riggs vs Goldberg

 

Booker T & DDP vs Curt Hennig & Randy Savage

 

 

WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW

 

Mark Henry vs Jeff Jarrett

 

New Age Outlaws vs New Blackjacks

 

Savio Vega vs Vader

 

Steve Austin vs Ken Shamrock vs Mankind vs The Rock- Winner gets title shot at PPV

 

 

BONUS POINT: Which show will have the higher rating? Nitro

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