WCW: The one where Russian oligarch bought the company

[Dimos]

Quote

Memo #000: Does Russian "dirty" money is the only way to save WCW?

 

Ain't it ironic?

 

After all negotiations between WCW, AOL, Bischoff, Vince and whoever you can think of... I have placed newly signed rights to all WCW licenses and everything they had right next to my cup of Russian tea.

 

I can already hear the shrieks of wrestling marks:

 

"How can WCW get into the hands of Russian oligarch? What he can know about wrestling? Is he from Russian mafia? Is it only for money laundering? That is inappropriate!"

 

Maybe it is.

 

I don't really know.

 

What I do know is this:

 

1. I have been a wrestling fan since 1998 and WCW was a promotion I dig deeply into.

 

2. While AOL, Fusion and Vince tried to get a better deal for themselves and threw all kinds of shenanigans into each other... I had cold, hard cash from my "oil business", so I could buy WCW right away. And I did just that.

 

3. I can write my ideas, my opinion and my... well... diary here to gain trust of wrestling fans all over the world. I would do that not for praise and kudos but to learn English writing in a practical way.

 

Will it be readable?

 

I don't know.

 

(My bet is ‘no”. That is my first try to write in English after all… and I hated English lessons since school where the teacher told us about ‘American capitalists that want to destroy our happy country’ in 1976…)

 

Will it be interesting?

 

I don't know.

 

But I already "played" with WCW for almost 2 years now and wrote all my journey in a journal. I have that journal in my vault right next to Gazprom stocks. It is all in Russian. Why not translate it? Why not write my memoirs about what Russian money could do for World Championship Wrestling? And why not practice English writing (for the first time in my life!) during that?

 

Now it's time to drink some tea...

 

23.05.2003

 

Quote

 

WCW Nitro

 

Episode #1

Week 1, May, 2001

From Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL

 

Rating: 58

 

Announcers: "The Professor" Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko

 

Video about WCW history, traditions and its legacy. From the beginning and to the very end, which was a match between Ric Flair and Sting at last Nitro. (46)

 

First episode of the new era was opened by Eric Bischoff. He welcomed everybody to the new WCW and even said sorry for "mistakes of the past". Now it's a new era. Everybody would be given a choice - stay here and make WCW great again, or go home, go to Vince or go anywhere else. But in that WCW you should deserve the place. (65)

 

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Title: In the first match of new Nitro Shane Helms defended WCW Cruiserweight Title against his former partner Shannon Moore. Althrough it wasn't the best cruiserweight match ever. At 13-minute mark Helms caught Moore at Vertabreaker and retained championship. (13:23, 46)

 

Lex Luger cuts promo: there wouldn't be WCW without guys who helped to create it. Like Sting, Flair, Hogan... and Luger! Now everybody blames them for destroying the WCW. Eric Bischoff answers: "Right now your pal Buff Bugwell started a fight backstage... And he was fired! You won't see him at WCW show ever again. You have a choice, Lex... Be here and fight for your place or go home. No more Millionaire Club." Luger wanted to answer... but that was the moment when he was attacked by Mark Jindrak! (54)

 

Match 2: Air Reid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) won a 4-way tag team match over Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo, Jung Dragons, Jamie Noble and Kid Kash after Styles gave Kash Styles Clash. (10:33, 34)

 

World and US champ Booker T is next for promo: he is glad to be back at WCW, but doesn’t trust Eric. He is ready to give him a benefit of the doubt. Here comes Eric Bischoff. He offers a handshake and a new WCW contract, which was signed by Booker right away on his title belt. But now Booker T should choose which belt he would defend... Booker T stays with a World title. So a couple of news: US title from now on is vacated. New US champion will be determined in an 8-men tournament (final at Great American Bash). And Booker T will defend his title today! (80)

 

Match 3, WCW Tag Team Championship and WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship: In third match of the evening Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire fought against Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio for WCW tag titles unification. Chuck and Sean used size to dominate. At one moment they throw out Rey. Mysterio got up... and went backstage! O'Haire and Palumbo easily won over lonely Kidman to become undisputed tag champions. (12:42, 63)

 

Kidman is trying to find Rey, but Mysterio is gone. (44)

 

Jeff Jarrett is coming for promo: he never got any real chance to be the face of WCW. But he heard Eric before and now is wanting one. Eric Bischoff comes here and announces that today JJ will get a chance - to become a World champion nonetheless! (61)

 

Chavo Guerrero announces that he is sick of playing stupid gimmicks at 'old WCW'. He is a great wrestler. He is Guerrero. And he will participate in the US title tournament. (39)

 

Match 4, US Title Tournament: Chavo Guerrero defeated another ‘lucha libre’ guy Konnan after Frog Splash. (6:44, 60)

 

Diamond Dallas Page cut promo: he is staying with WCW, he is loyal, so he wants title shot. But DDP was attacked by Mike Awesome. Awesome Bomb through table was next. (58)

 

Match 5, US Title Tournament: Lance Storm defeated Alex Wright in the US title tournament first round after Mapleleaf submission. (7:44, 54)

 

Match 6, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Booker T and Jeff Jarrett fight to decide who will be a World champion in the new WCW... But no one got first hand, because Scott Steiner attacked both with steel pipe. There was no winner. Only Scott Steiner at the ring centre with pipe in his hand to close the first Nitro of the new era. (12:55, 69)

 

Quote

 

WCW Nitro

 

Episode #2

Week 2, May, 2001

From Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL

 

Rating: 66

 

Announcers: "The Professor" Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko

 

Video replay of Scott Steiner's actions last week. (70)

 

Scott Steiner starts the show with promo: he dominated in 2001 before and doesn't want to stay at benchside. He wants his title back. Jeff Jarrett answers: he understands, but Steiner attacked JJ, and Jarrent didn't like it. Jarrett wants to be friends again and dominate together in the new WCW. Steiner accepts... but now Booker T is here with a chair. Steiner runs away, Jeff isn’t. Jarrett had got a chair shot. After a minute Steiner came back to help Jarrett get up... and destroyed him with a vicious pipe shot! (77)

 

After a commercial break Eric Bischoff talks to Steiner. Eric isn't happy. Steiner will get a match tonight. (69)

 

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Shane Helms defended WCW Cruiserweight title against former 3 Count member Evan Karagias after Vertabreaker (11:43, 42)

 

Mysterious video about wrestler debut. You can't say who he is... but there's a lot of black water from the sky. (60)

 

Mike Awesome cuts promo backstage: "No more stupid gimmicks, no more 70s guy, no more Fat Chick Killa... I am a Career Killer. Always was. Always will be. DDP was just an example". (67)

 

Match 2: Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo won over Air Reid after Skipper used brass knuckles on Air Paris. (9:33, 32)

 

Match 3, US Title Tournament: Billy Kidman and Kaz Hayashi tried to decide who's going to the semifinals... and had a good match. Kidman was more experienced in singles performance so he was more likely to win... but Rey Mysterio in luchador mask came to the aisle. Kidman tried to talk to him... but Rey attacked Billy! Hayashi did Hayashi Cutter to win and advance to the semifinal. (10:11, 46)

 

Match 4: Mark Jindrak dominates again: after attacking Lex Luger last week he defeated Alex Wright. (3:32, 38)

 

Chavo Guerrero did a promo again about not being respected in WCW and being in shadow of his "famous uncle". But it's all the past now. He will be "the main Guerrero" from now on. (48)

 

Match 5: Chavo Guerrero not without problem won over Hugh Morrus using every tactic from Guerrero's playbook. Chavo finished the match after chairshot and... Frog Splash! (7:44, 58)

 

Disco Inferno cuts in-ring promo that "Disco gimmick was stupid". He is serious performer. And he is Glen Gilberti. Glen wants to prove himself by winning US title. He is waiting for his opponent... and it's ROB... VAN... DAM! (50)

 

Match 6, US Title Tournament: Rob Van Dam made a debut in WCW by winning against Glen Gilberti after Five Star Frog Splash. (8:24, 52)

 

Ric Flair comes to ring. With a tear in his eye he did a promo about not trusting Eric, but WCW is his home. Maybe he is not the "Nature Boy" he was before. But if he can be useful to the company and fans, he'll be here. Eric Bischoff comes to the ring! Eric says he's sorry for past mistakes. Bischoff is ready to work together with Ric for WCW sake. Bischoff and Flair handshakes in the middle of the ring! Eric leaves... and Chris Kanyon comes to ring from behind and destroys Flair with chairshot! (71)

 

Match 7: Scott Steiner was punished by getting a match against Bam Bam Bigelow. It was a hard match for him until the referee's bump. Then Steiner used steel pipe for win. (4:55, 62)

 

After the match Steiner continues beating. Booker T made save. Eric Bischoff came again. He is sick of Steiner's actions. He promised him a hard match... hard match it is! Eric made a tag match - Steiner and Jarrett against Booker T and Bigelow... right now! (66)

 

Match 8: Booker T and Bam Bam Bigelow won over Scott Steiner and Jeff Jarrett in spite of Bigelow having been hurt in a match before. It happened when Booker T got a hot tag - Steiner left ringside leaving Jarrett alone - JJ got Axe Kick and lost. (12:11, 63)

 

After ring bell Booker T with title belt stared down at Scott Steiner at ramp. (68)

 

Quote

Memo #001: Is there one way to...?

 

True story:

 

During my time in prison I've met a guy with prostate cancer. When looking at his options, he went to several different specialists. Each told him their way of treatment was the best and only way worth doing.

 

The surgeon said the ONLY solution was removing his prostate.

 

Another doctor said drugs would be the best

 

And the naturopath said he should use only natural approaches.

 

That was what I was thinking about getting all that backstage problems and wondering what I should do about it. And that was only my third week as WCW owner... RVD was influenced by drugs and couldn't make it to the next Nitro, same as Mike Awesome, Konnan was getting fines for "backstage heat" every time he come to show , Scott Steiner taunted lowcard guys and made locker room hate DDP, although Page wasn't the angel himself...

 

There wasn't a show without incidents.

 

So I was wondering...

 

What was "THE way" to deal with it?

 

Talk to them?

 

Yell at them?

 

Fine them?

 

Fire them?

 

Make a trip to Chernobyl with them?

 

For now I decided to go along with a situation. Whatever happens is ok.

 

But there will be a day when I must deal with it...

 

Quote

 

WCW Nitro

 

Episode #3

Week 3, May, 2001

From Jenkins Arena, Lakeland, FL

 

Rating: 72

 

Announcers: "The Professor" Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko

 

Video about what happened last week. (68)

 

Announcement - Diamond Dallas Page will be here tonight - for the first time after brutal attack from Mike Awesome. (67)

 

Jeff Jarrett opened the show and blamed Scott Steiner for lying to him. Steiner betrayed him last week. Eric Bischoff answered and wanted to solve it "WCW-style": Jarrett against Steiner tonight! Jeff wasn't too happy... Booker T came to save him and wanted Steiner for himself. Jarrett was ready to step aside. Bischoff agreed: Booker T will fight Steiner tonight in non-title action and Jarrett will be a special enforcer. (76)

 

Match 1: Shannon Moore won over Evan Karagias. Shane Helms was observing the match. Announcers told that Helms will defend WCW Cruiserweight title in triple threat against Karagias and Moore at Great American Bash. (10:11, 39)

 

Video about debuting mystery wrestler... Now we know his name: Black Reign (59)

 

Match 2: Mark Jindrak dominated over Konnan after Superkick at 7-minute mark. (6:15, 43)

 

Last week footage: Rey Mysterio was back to his masked style and attacked Billy Kidman. (32)

 

Match 3: Chavo Guerrero won over Billy Kidman after Rey Mysterio interference. (11:16, 51)

 

Gene Okerlund found Rey Mysterio backstage. Mysterio cut promo about not being recognized at WCW. Mask was a synonime of "great wrestler" for him. All lucha libre behind Rey. Rey will prove that lucha libra can dominate in WCW. (35)

 

Diamond Dallas Page in neckbrace did an in-ring promo: he isn't scared by Mike Awesome. Page did nothing wrong. But if Awesome has problems with him, they could solve it at the ring. Mike Awesome is here. He has problems and wants to solve it "ECW-style": no talking, no tears, no drama. Only in-ring action. DDP isn't ready for a match tonight, but he will be ready at Great American Bash. Awesome is leaving... but only to come back and make another Awesome Bomb to injured DDP. (68)

 

Scott Steiner backstage interview: he needs no alliance or allies. He wants World title and will get it. Alone. (54)

 

Match 4, US Title Tournament: Lance Storm won over Kaz Hayashi. (8:31, 43)

 

Last week footage: Chris Kanyon is back and attacked Ric Flair. (64)

 

Chris Kanyon is here for an in-ring promo: he was sick hearing "drama queen Flair" about him helping WCW... Flair is the reason of WCW bankrupcy. If it wasn't Flair, there won't be some shady Russian guys backstage. And now he wants to help? Kanyon and new WCW needs no help from Flair and other old millionaires. So his attack was to make that statement. Flair can go home the same way as other "big WCW stars". Ric Flair is here to answer... He taunts Kanyon. Maybe Kanyon is just envious of Flair's career? Because Kanyon couldn't make 1/100 of what made Ric. Now Flair is grabbing a chair and going to ring, but Kanyon ran away. (62)

 

Match 5: In the main event we had a non-title match between Scott Steiner and Booker T. It was WCW-style: ref bumps, interference from special enforcer Jeff Jarrett, steel pipe... Jarrett distracted Booker T, Steiner used steel pipe and choked Booker T out in Steiner Recliner. (16:32, 75)

 

Right after the match, Jeff Jarrett crashed the guitar over Steiner's head! (68)

 

Quote

 

WCW Nitro

 

Episode #4

Week 4, May, 2001

From Superdome, New Orleans, LA

 

Rating: 46

 

Announcers: "The Professor" Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko

 

Footage from last week: Jeff Jarrett attacked Booker T first and Scott Steiner next. (56)

 

Scott Steiner is looking for Jeff Jarrett backstage. (53)

 

Match 1: In tag triple threat Air Reid defeated team of Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo, and Jung Dragons to become #1 contenders for WCW Tag Team Championship at Great American Bash. (6:45, 30)

 

After, Elix Skipper wasn't happy with Kid Romeo's performance. Champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire attacked Styles and Paris. (30)

 

One more video vignette about Black Reign's debut. (59)

 

Match 2: Shane Helms and Jamie Noble fought Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias. Miscommunication between Evan and Shannon was the reason for their loss after Vertabreaker on Karagias. (9:41, 40)

 

Jeff Jarrett came to the building... only to be attacked by Scott Steiner! Jeff Jarrett jumped into the car. Steiner broke the window with his pipe. Jarrett ran away in a car. (52)

 

Mike Awesome backstage interview: "There are no real 'extreme' guys in WCW. I was the champion in most tough organizations in the world - ECW and FMW. I want to do the same in WCW. Right after I will destroy DDP career at Great American Bash." (56)

 

Match 3: Mike Awesome defeated Hugh Morrus after Awesome Bomb. After the match DDP attacked Awesome and did Diamond Cutter. Page broke his neckbrace and yelled "I will wait for you at PPV!" (5:41, 46)

 

Eric Bischoff is speaking over the phone to Jeff Jarrett, calming him down and promising to take care of Steiner's rage. (52)

 

Rob Van Dam gave his first interview since WCW debut: he is here for the titles and is wanting to become United States champion at Great American Bash. (36)

 

Eric Bischoff is trying to calm down Scott Steiner and promising him Jarrett - in a tag match tonight. Booker T and Steiner against Jarrett and his partner. (71)

 

Match 4, US title tournament: Chavo Guerrero won over Rob Van Dam after using brass knuckles. But referee reverses his decision after seeing foreign object in the ring. Decision was overruled and RVD won by DQ. After the match Lance Storm attacked RVD with Superkick. (13:11, 50)

 

Billy Kidman told Gene Okerlund he has no idea what is inside the head of Rey Mysterio... But they will have a match at Great American Bash. (29)

 

Ric Flair's backstage promo: he is ready to come to ring and do the same he was doing for 30 years - win tonight and win over Kanyon at PPV. (58)

 

Match 5: Ric Flair and Rey Mysterio have different styles. And that made their match interesting. Mysterio had his moments, but Flair was far more experienced. Flair put Rey into Figure-Four Leglock, and Rey tapped out. (15:23, 46)

 

After the match Chris Kanyon did Flatliner to tired Flair. Kanyon proposed to Rey to join him in beating down the legend... and Rey accepted! Billy Kidman saved Flair. (52)

 

Booker T backstage interview: he is ready to fight back to back with Steiner tonight, but at Great American Bash there will be no such thing. (42)

 

Match 6: Scott Steiner and Booker T defeated Jeff Jarrett and his partner Mark Jindrak. Match was full of arguments between Booker and Steiner, but at the end Booker T kicks Jarrett with Harlem Sidekick - and Jarrett have fallen right into Steiner Recliner (13:11, 46)

 

Right after the match Scott Steiner tried to attack Booker T, but champion was ready and kicked Scott out of the ring. (58)

 

And now World Championship Wrestling proudly presents...

 

WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH

Quote

WCW Cruiserweight Title

Shane Helms vs Shannon Moore vs Evan Karagias

 

WCW World Tag Team Titles

Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire vs Air Raid (AJ Styles & Air Paris)

 

Rey Misterio vs Billy Kidman

 

Extreme Rules Match

Diamond Dallas Page vs "Extreme Career Killer" Mike Awesome

 

WCW United States Heavyweight Title

Lance Storm vs Rob Van Dam

 

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs Chris Kanyon

 

WCW World Heavyweight Title

Booker T vs Scott Steiner vs Jeff Jarrett

 

Quote

Memo #002: Should I brace myself for more messages like this?

 

Got amusing MSN message this week after publishing first part of my "bought-WCW-and-hope-I-can-save-it" diary.

 

=====

 

"Dude I have no idea who you are and what you do in Russia... but your writing sucks. It's not readable. Do not post your letters anymore. I am not interested. DO NOT SEND ANYTHING ELSE IN ENGLISH. EVER!!!!"

 

=====

 

Well...

 

The lad sounds like he was pissed off.

 

Usually I just delete these. (Well... kinda... since I live in European Union now. When I lived in USSR we had other options to dealing with guys like him...)

 

But in this case I wondered:

 

Maybe he has a point?

 

Maybe I shouldn't write my diary at "western" boards?

 

Maybe I should just settle to publish my memoirs at Russian boards, where I already published 2 full years of "game", went through exodus all of my champions to Vince (all at once!), repaired my bank balance and could fight with Vince stealing his superstars in 2003? I even had 1 (one) reader here. But he was gone lately... (Maybe I should call my "bratva" guys to find him? I am worrying...)

 

Well... there is only one way to know.

 

I decided to do what every Russian leader did like never:

 

I decided to ask people!

 

Was it readable?

 

Should I write more?

 

Could you stand my sick "Russian-styled" English?

 

Tell me.

 

Well...

 

Tell me!

 

P.S. LOL, I even made a typo in the title ('Then' instead of 'The')

Edited March 19, 2023 by Dimos

[Greggyb]

More of this delightfulness must be published.

MORE!

MORE!

MORE!

[Dimos]

WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH

 

<a href="https://imgbb.com/"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/0FKppHH/dae8ee071a88.gif" alt="dae8ee071a88" border="0"></a>

 

Week 4, May, 2001

From Hara Arena, Dayton, OH

 

Rating: 58

 

Announcers: "The Professor" Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko

 

Show started with WCW key moments from the very beginning... and up to the latest stuff. Who will be the first champion of new era? Jeff Jarrett? Scott Steiner? Booker T? We’ll figure it out soon. (56)

 

Match 1, WCW World Tag Team Championship: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire were defending titles against Air Reid. Before the match AJ Styles and Air Paris introduced their new manager - Torrie Wilson! Torrie actively helped youngsters, not forgetting to tease guys in first rows with her beauty. Air Reid were close to big achievement in their careers... but Palumbo used a title belt on Paris and went to keep Styles away from the ring. Sean O'Haire did Senton Bomb on Paris to win the match. Palumbo and O'Haire are still World Tag Champions. (14:21, 42)

 

Match 2, WCW World Cruiserweight Title: Triple threat of former 3 Count - Shane Helms, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias are deciding a fate of WCW Cruiserweight Championship. Match looked good on paper, but wasn't in real life. Anyway it ended with Vertabreaker on Karagias. And Helms retained the title. (13:11, 40)

 

Jamie Noble came to ring for promo: he said that nothing really has changed in WCW. He wants his chance to shine at first PPV and issues an open challenge to anybody in the locker room. Lights went off. We had James Mitchell on aisle... who introduced to us his new client - Black Reign! (34)

 

Match 3: Black Reing made a debut in WCW by winning Jamie Noble after BlackOut. (5:33, 45)

 

Match 4: Rey Mysterio won over former friend Billy Kidman. After a couple of nearfalls Mysterio catched Kidman with Springboard Hurricanrana which he rarely used after losing the mask. But now this move is back to his arsenal. (16:11, 50)

 

Diamond Dallas Page interview: he isn't scared by Mike Awesome and he will show Mike that some guys here are familiar with the word "extreme". (48)

 

Match 5, Extreme Rules match: Diamond Dallas Page and Mike Awesome made quite a wild brawl using every weapon available at ringside. There was blood. There were bumps. There was a lot of motivation to win. And Mike Awesome showed us that he is ready for bigger leagues. Awesome finished match with Awesome Bomb. DDP can't leave the ring on his own feets and needs help. (12:44, 57)

 

Match 6, WCW United States Title: Former ECW wrestlers were deciding who will be the new US champion... And we had another great match from 'extreme' guys. Even better than the last one. No one showed mercy for his opponent. Storm had his chances, but victory went to RVD after Five Star Frog Splash. RVS is the new United States champion! (14:58, 60)

 

Match 7: "Nature Boy" Ric Flair had a lot to prove in his match against Chris Kanyon. But it was Kanyon who had problems with more experienced legend. Flair really did the match and showed that it is too early for the retirement. Much too early. Match was full of storytelling, psychology and drama. At the end Flair couldn't win cleanly and put Kanyon in "Figure-Four Leglock" while grabbing rope. Kanyon tapped out. (18:44, 60)

 

Match 8, WCW World Heavyweight Title: In the main event we had to determine the 'real' world champion of new era. There was a lot going on in the match: alliances, betrayals, spots and psychology as well as steel pipe, chairs, title belt and bodies of opponents. Everything goes. But in the end Scott Steiner literally stealed victory from Booker T by pinning very tired and beaten Jeff Jarrett. Scott Steiner finished first PPV by becoming a new WCW champion. (19:53, 70)

 

<hr>

Memo: Wanna go? Then go.

 

There is a lot of bad management advice out there, but I guess I found the worst.

 

You see, I never was good at people management. At my Russian corporations I prefer to pour a lot of money to my employees and expect them to do good work with a smile on their face.

 

(OK, I don't really care about their smile...).

 

So when my backstage morale was as low as support for Soviet communist's party in 1991... and believe me it wasn't pretty back then, I remember... I decided to go for one advice I heard:

 

"Do a stern speech and give them a way out if they aren't happy."

 

It was good advice on a paper.

 

Most unhappy will go, more or less unhappy will stay and I could make them happy, happy will stay happy = backstage morale will rise, right?

 

Right?!

 

Not really.

 

Scott Steiner, Mike Awesome, Rob Van Dam, Shane Helms wanted to go... And I didn't have any choice or power to change it.

 

My World Champ is gone. (He will come to Vince later... I liked Scott. He reminds me of my first bodyguard Vasily. I wanted to create all my booking around him. Around Scott. Not Vasily. We won't see Vasily around for next 6 years.)

 

My United States champ is gone. My cruiserweight Champ is gone.

 

And I have just lost a month and should rewrite everything from zero.

[Dimos]

Well, this topic did not age well, haha.

I'm not sure if I will (or should) continue the story about the Russian oligarch.

We'll see.

Nonetheless, I can still publish new shows for my version of WCW and hope it gets traction.

 

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #5

The show begins without any pyro or intro, with Eric Bischoff standing in the ring. Bischoff states the obvious, that key WCW stars are gone, but he doesn't care where they go because WCW will rebuild with whoever is left. Bischoff makes a couple of announcements: first, the "Z1" cruiserweight tournament starts tonight, featuring eight of the best cruiserweights from the USA, Japan, Mexico, and Canada, fighting to determine the next cruiserweight champion. Second, tonight's main event will determine the new World Heavyweight Champion. (63)

Match 1: Air Reid vs Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias. Very fast-paced match, with Reid coming out on top. Pre-match, Reid is introduced by the new manager, Torrie Wilson. (6:53, 39)
Booker T talks to Bischoff and asks about the World Title match tonight, as he is a former champion. Bischoff loses his cool and blames Booker for the current situation, saying that he couldn't beat Steiner yesterday and now Scott is gone as a champion. (66)

Before the next match, the announcers discuss the Z1 tournament structure. The eight participants are split into two groups, with each cruiserweight fighting everyone in their group. Two winners from each group will advance to a four-way match at Bash at the Beach to determine the new WCW Cruiserweight champion.

Match 2, Z1 First Round: Kaz Hayashi vs Jamie Noble. Hayashi showcases his puro moveset and wins after delivering some stiff kicks to the groin and finishing with the Hayashi Cutter. (10:15, 49)

Ric Flair cuts a promo on everyone who left WCW, stating that staying with the company during tough times is how legends are made. Flair stays here no matter what. No matter Bischoff as a president. No matter bad finances. No matter nothing. Flair stays and has intention to become World Champion one more time! Booker T responds by reminding Flair that he was a former champion, and goes on to give a heel promo about giving young guys a chance. Booker blames Flair for WCW almost died because he and other old-timers wanted everything for themselves. The argument between Flair and Booker leads to Bischoff announcing that they will face off in the main event to determine the new WCW champion. (76)

Ted DiBiase sits in first row.

Match 3: Diamond Dallas Page vs Mark Jindrak. DDP is visibly injured and Jindrak takes advantage by using his new MMA-style to kick DDP in the ribs. Jindrak is disqualified after refusing to stop beating DDP, and Hugh Morrus makes the save. Black Reign then appears in the ring and does "Blackout" to DDP. (8:31, 51)

Rey Mysterio gives an interview, stating that lucha libre is in his blood and no one at WCW understands it. (29)

Lance Storm comes to the ring wearing black and white pants instead of his Canadian colors and cuts a realistic promo about his ECW past. "But here is the big league. Mike Awesome couldn't stand real pressure and is made for little leagues like ECW and Japan."  Chavo Guerrero interrupts and mocks Lance, telling him his place is in the basement along with ECW and guys like Awesome. Lance attacks Chavo and throws him out of the ring. Chavo tries to get back but is stopped by security. (33)

Match 4: Rey Mysterio vs Billy Kidman. It was a rematch from yesterday's Great American Bash. The match showcases the new WCW style announced by Bischoff before, with more drama and psychology, unique moves, and almost-pinfalls. Kidman wins after hitting a Shooting Star Press, but replay shows that Rey's leg was on the rope. (15:11, 51)

Match 5, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Ric Flair vs Booker T. Match to determine the new WCW World Champion. The match is typical Flair style, with lots of psychology, drama, almost-pinfalls, and cheats. Fans are behind Flair, which makes Booker T resort to using heel tactics, further endearing Flair to the audience. Chris Kanyon comes to the ring and delivers a Flatliner to both Flair and Booker T, causing the referee to stop the match. Kanyon celebrates with the title. (23:22, 70)

 

Overall: 64

Edited March 6, 2023 by Dimos

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #6

Booker T starts the show with an in-ring promo, expressing his frustration with Chris Kanyon's interference in his match. Booker calls Kanyon out and he shows up to mock Booker. The two agree to face off in a match later that night. (56)

Match 1, Z1 Tournament: AJ Styles (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Shannon Moore. In the fast-paced match Styles seems likely to win, but Vampiro interferes by pushing him off the top rope. Moore takes advantage (not seeing what happened before) and gets the win after Bottoms Up. (9:12, 46) After the match, Vampiro comes to the ring and stares down Moore, leaving everyone confused.

Black Reign and James Mitchell cut a backstage promo, criticizing DDP, mocking his “positive attitude” and challenging him to a match at Bash at the Beach. (62)

Ric Flair delivers an in-ring promo, targeting Kanyon and promising to get back into the World Title race. Jeff Jarrett interrupts with a promo about WCW veterans, and announces that he’s got an info from Bischoff’s office: at the Bash at the Beach main event will be a Fatal 4-Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship featuring Flair, Jarrett, Kanyon, and Booker T. Flair challenges Jarrett to a match tonight. (58)

Ted DiBiase is spotted in the first row.

Match 2: Diamond Dallas Page vs Glen Gilberti. DDP nearly gets the win, but the lights go out and Black Reign's music plays. DDP is distracted and Gilberti capitalizes, hitting the Chartbuster. It was not enough for a win. DDP goes for Diamond Cutter… That time  Black Reign interrupts by himself and destroys Page with Blackout, resulting in a disqualification. (6:33, 57)

Match 3: Mark Jindrak vs Hugh Morrus. Jindrak incorporates MMA-style moves while Morrus brawls. The match spills outside of the ring and ends in a double count-out. (6:12, 46)

Chavo Guerrero gives a backstage interview, mocking Lance Storm and challenging him to a match for the US Championship at Bash at the Beach. (30)

Match 4: Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero vs Lance Storm and Billy Kidman. Mysterio wins with a roll-up and his feet on the ropes. (14:55, 58)

Match 5: Booker T vs Chris Kanyon. Booker T and Chris Kanyon face off in the fifth match. The two wrestlers are evenly matched and tired towards the end. Kanyon shocks everyone by hitting Booker with a ring bell and finishing him off with a Flatliner for the win. (17:11, 56) The announcers begin to see Kanyon as a serious contender for the World Title.

Match 6: Ric Flair vs Jeff Jarrett. Ric Flair and Jeff Jarrett deliver a classic wrestling match in the final bout of the night, with Jarrett using every trick in the book to gain the upper hand. Flair counters and puts Jarrett in the Figure-Four Leglock, grabbing the ropes for leverage to get the win. (17:18, 62)

Overall: 51

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #7

Tonight - Ric Flair and Booker T vs Chris Kanyon and Jeff Jarrett!

Ric Flair’s in-ring promo: Flair is boasting about his win over Jeff Jarrett last week. Flair thinks that Jarrett would never be "Nature Boy" even now, in relatively easy times when WCW needs new stars. In the '80s, he would never have gotten out of the midcard and would have remained a simple country singer. Jeff Jarrett showed up and once again talked about how it was time for Flair to retire, and he isn’t the only one who feel that way. From behind, Chris Kanyon climbed into the ring and attacked Flair. Although Ric tried to fight back, Jarrett joined in and the two of them trampled Flair. Booker T rushed out to help, but by then, Jarrett and Canyon had already done quite a bit of damage. (59)

Match 1: Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias vs Air Raid (w/ Torrie Wilson). It’s a rematch from two weeks before. Styles and Paris were closer to winning. Karagies started to use heel tactics to give his team an advantage. At the end Vampiro snuck into the ring and put Karagias down with the Nails to the Coffin, unnoticed by the referee. Styles made a pinfall. (8:48, 44).After the match, Vampiro climbed into the ring. Moore is getting ready to defend himself, but Vampiro just stared him down. Vampiro made some weird gestures, and Moore dropped to his knee a second later and bowed his head. Next, Vampiro gave Shannon some order… and Moore performed a Bottoms Up on Karagias! Vampiro did another Nails to the Coffin and then brought a chair into the ring, ordering Shannon to do another Bottoms Up – this time on the chair. Evan Karagias was seriously injured, and Moore leaves the ring with Vampiro.

Ric Flair is getting help backstage, with Booker T checking in on him. Flair hinted that Booker T wasn't in much of a hurry to get help, but eventually, the wrestlers came to peace and agreed to partner up tonight to take on Kanyon and Jarrett.

Match 2: The Wall vs Chris Harris. The Wall returned to WCW ring and in his first match easily took down jobber Chris Harris in two and a half minutes, finishing him off with a Chokeslam. (2:33, 25) After the match, Vampiro again is here! Now he stared into Wall's eyes. He seemed pleased with what he saw and left the ring.

Match 3, Z1 Tournament: Billy Kidman vs Elix Skipper. In a good match, Kidman was very close to winning, but a man the commentators introduced as Frankie Kazarian snuck into the ring. Kasarian grabbed Kidman as he prepared to do the Shooting Star Press and performed his own finisher - Back to the Future. All that left to Skipper is to get a win by pinfall to score two points in the Z1 tournament. (10:12, 44)

Backstage, Jeff Jarrett and Chris Kanyon are talking about tactics for the main event tonight and Fatal 4-Way at Bash at the Beach. Both conclude that the more they wear out Flair and Booker T tonight, the easier it will be for them at the PPV, where every man will be for himself. It appears we have an alliance here. 

Ted DiBiase in the audience again. He raises up a banner with a money symbol and the words "Bash at the Beach."

Match 4, WCW World Tag Team Titles: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs Hugh Morrus and Fit Finlay. Morrus was good, but he fell out of the ring eventually and was immediately attacked by Mark Jindrak. Morrus and Jindrak went off to fight in the aisle, and meanwhile, Palambo and O'Hair easily defeated the lone Finlay. Palumbo and O’Haire defended the titles. (11:10, 48). After the match, Jindrak performed Gutbuster on concrete floor on Morrus. Morrus needs help, as it looks like his ribs are broken.

Backstage, Ric Flair is getting ready for a match. He just finished getting help as Jeff Jarrett and Chris Kanyon attacked him from behind! A little beating with all backstage stuff leaves Flair laying down in blood. (53)

Diamond Dallas Page comes out for a promo. He brings up that Reign talks a lot about his darkside, but he has no idea about Page's darkside. DDP promises to show him that at Bash at the Beach. Suddenly the lights go out, and when they come back on, Black Reign is already in the ring. He attacks DDP and does some of his signature moves, but DDP after every one of them! Black Reign surprised. Eventually, DDP takes advantage with a series of punches and knocks Reign out of the ring! Black Reign wants to get back to the ring, but is stopped by his manager James Mitchell. (70)

Backstage, Ric Flair is getting help again, but this time he seems to be seriously injured, and his participation in the main event is in doubt. Booker T arrives and is met with a wave of accusations from Flair for not helping. Booker also loses his temper, and the teammates have a serious argument. (63)

Match 5: Lance Storm vs Rey Mysterio. It was a cool 15-minute match. Storm was able to block Hurricanrana and change it into Maple Leaf to get a win by submission. (15:13, 52) After the match, Storm offers Rey a handshake, but before Mysterio can accept, Lance was attacked from behind by Chavo Guerrero! Chavo offers Rey to join the beating… and he does! (32)

Match 6: Ric Flair and Booker T vs Jeff Jarrett and Chris Kanyon. There was an obvious miscommunication between Booker T and Ric Flair, while Kanyon and Jarrett acted like a team and using heel tactics gave them even more edge. At the end, after a series of mistakes by Booker T and Flair, Kanyon managed to get Flatliner on Flair for three. (17:44, 55). After the match, Ric Flair and Booker T continued to argue. To the point when Flair slapped Booker! As Booker was ready to answer, WCW officials separated them. (65)

Overall: 50

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #8

Ric Flair is here for an in-ring promo. He accused Booker T of being a bad teammate last week. That's when Booker T shows up, and both wrestlers exchange some taunts, with Booker T acting more like a heel in this situation! In the end, Booker T challenges Flair to a match tonight at Nitro, and Flair accepts! (62)

Match 1: Enforcers (Steve Corino and Cal Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley). All four are making their debut in WCW with their new managers. Pitbulls were over with fans, when Corino and Anderson were old-school heels. At the end Arn Anderson gave Corino a brass knuckles, Corino used it on Reyes to get a win in their debut match. (9:49, 44)

Backstage, Arn Anderson and his Enforcers meet Ric Flair. Flair greets an old friend, then judges the newcomers saying that if they work hard enough, they can reach the same heights as Ric and Arn. (42)

Match 2, Z1 Tournament: Jamie Noble vs Shannon Moore (w/ Vampiro). Moore came out accompanied by Vampiro, who watched his protégé closely. The protégé, in turn, now wore new black clothes, a Mohawk on his head, and black and white makeup with a cross across his face. The change in image has also affected Moore's arsenal of moves - he now does more brutal moves and punches. Nevertheless, Noble proved to be a decent opponent and almost recorded a victory. Vampiro distracted a referee, when some man in a hoodie snuck into the ring and knocked out Noble with a Superkick and a move that indie fans know as Angel Wings. Moore got a pinfall and the win. (8:33, 40) After the match, mystery man removes his hood. He has same black and white cross makeup, but announcers recognize indie star Christopher Daniels anyway! Vampiro enters the ring, and all three pose in the ring. (39)

Ted DiBiase jumps over the fence and makes his way to the ring. He delivers a promo about seeing great potential for investment in WCW. He announces his first investment opportunity, which he will present at Bash at the Beach. WCW security arrives and escorts Ted out. (52)

Match 3: Mark Jindrak vs John Cena. Cena is another rookie making his debut tonight. Cena made a quite good impression, but Jindrak was better. Mark would definitely get a victory, but Morrus ran in and attacked him. DQ. (6:01, 30) After the match, Jindrak hits injured ribs of Morrus. But Hugh is a tough guy who just spears Mark into a barrier. It is ending with a big brawl, and we need a lot of officials to put end to it. Announcers are talking about their upcoming match at Bash at the Beach that could be a massive and brutal brawl. (35)

WCW World Tag Team champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire are here to deliver about their dominance in tag team division. For now they defeated every tag team and left with no opponents. They are making an open challenge, and there is one team to accept it… KRONIK! (46)

Match 4, WCW World Tag Team Titles: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire vs KroniK. Very intense match with both teams fighting all over the arena. The match ends in a draw by double count-out. (7:21, 44)

Black Reign and James Mitchell are here for an in-ring promo promising again to destroy DDP's body and take his soul. The lights go out, and when they come back on, DDP is in the ring! He attacks Reigns with his own “weapon”. DDP kicks Reign out of the ring and then challenges him to face Diamond’s dark side at the PPV. (63)

Match 5: Lance Storm, Billy Kidman and AJ Styles vs Chavo Guerrero, Jeff Jarrett and Chris Kanyon. Announcers highlighted the fact that Kidman and Storm chose Styles to be their teammate as he is the one of the most promisingyoung talents in WCW. However, even that did not help them in their match against a group of heels who familiar with cheats and tricks. In the end, Jarrett smashed his guitar over Styles head, Chavo executed Frog Splash and made a pinfall victory. (15:47, 53)

All set for our main event... as something completely unplanned occured (at least judging by the reaction of WCW officials). Kevin Nash entered the ring! Nash is back in WCW, and it seems like a surprise to everyone. Nash delivered a great promo about finally being back when he saw that his old friend Eric Bischoff was back at the top. Now Hogan works for the WWF, Scott Hall is in Japan, but Kev is here and doesn't mind having some fun. Nash wants everything just like the good old days -- money, cars, girls, and all of WCW belonging to the “bad guys” alone. Nash asks Bischoff to be sure to call him when he gets a chance so they can wreak havoc and have fun again. With those words, Nash leaves the ring. Eric Bischoff shows up, waving his arms. This seemed to have been completely unplanned, and few people knew what all that means. (58)

Match 6: Ric Flair vs Booker T. Finally we’ve got to the main event. It was a match full of drama and psychology, although the wrestlers were a bit exhausted by the end. The match was interesting in how Booker T's demeanor went from typical babyface to downright heel when he saw there was no way he could beat the veteran fairly. Ric Flair avoids Axe Kick and put Booker into Figure-Four Leglock. This is the moment when Jeff Jarrett and Chris Kanyon jumped into the ring, attacking the exhausted match participants ending match in draw. (18:12, 63) After the match, brawl continies. Flair and Booker T are trying to defend themselves. Jarrett missed his punch and knocked out Kanyon. Kanyon answers... and now they started brawling with each other! Officials intervened, separating all of them. In six days they will meet again at Bash at the Beach to determine the new WCW Champion. But as for now, Nitro goes off the air. (57)

Overall: 54

======================================================

WCW Bash at the Beach
Final Card

Z1 Tournament Final/WCW Cruiserweight Title
Ladder Match
AJ Styles vs Shannon Moore vs Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi

No DQ Match
Hugh Morrus vs Mark Jindrak

WCW World Tag Team Titles
Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire vs KroniK

Rey Misterio vs Billy Kidman

“Show Me Your Darkside” Match
Diamond Dallas Page vs Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell)

WCW United States Heavyweight Title
Lance Storm vs Chavo Guerrero

WCW World Heavyweight Title
Booker T vs Chris Kanyon vs Ric Flair vs Jeff Jarrett

[Dimos]

WCW Bash at the Beach 2001

Eric Bischoff starts the show by making an in-ring promo. He is once again emphasizing the importance of the Cruiserweight division to the new WCW. Bischoff calls them "the future of wrestling" and himself "the guy who brought them on a large scene". Eric introduces the annual Z1 trophy. The winner of the next match will receive the trophy and become a new WCW Cruiserweight champion. (57)

Match 1, Ladder Match, WCW Cruiserweight Title: AJ Styles vs Shannon Moore (w/ Christopher Daniels) vs Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi. Christopher Daniels actively intervened in the match on Moore's side. So active, in fact, that he managed a few high-risk spots himself. Each wrestler was close to winning and showed everything he had in his arsenal, but in the end, it was Jamie Noble who was victorious. He became the first Z1 trophy winner and the new WCW Cruiserweight champion. (17:44, 53)

Match 2, WCW World Tag Team Titles: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark). It was only the second match of KroniK after return, but it ended as a disappointment. Bryan Clark didn't really keep up with the rest of the match. Both Adams and Clark were slow and sloppy. Nevertheless, participants were trying to make it up for the crown by making the fight intense and brutal. It is safe to say that KroniK were the strongest opponents the current champions had faced in the new WCW. But they defended it clearly as the result on Senton Bomb by O'Haire on Clark. (15:33, 51)

Match 3, No Holds Barred: Mark Jindrak vs Hugh Morrus. A brutal brawl... again. But this time, there was a big involvement of every possible weapon. Attacking the injured ribs was the tactic Jindrak chose for the match. Later he attempted the same move on the concrete floor that originally injured Hugh. This time Morrus blocked and came back with a couple of moves himself. So much that in the end, Morrus was surprisingly closer to winning... It was the moment when Ted DiBiase came out of the crowd. Ted hits Hugh with a steel briefcase. Jindrak finished Morrus with a Gutbuster on the chair and made a pinfall. (10:33, 47) After the match, Ted DiBiase announces that he has just made an investment in the future of WCW - in Mark Jindrak. (46)

Video recap of Mysterio-Kidman feud. (55)

Chris Kanyon backstage interview: "It is time for me to shine, to solidify my status as the top dog in the new WCW... and become a new WCW World Heavyweight champion." (42)

Match 4: Billy Kidman vs Rey Mysterio. An intense match that was worthy of ending their long and tangled history. Mysterio positioned himself as a heel (not very skillfully and not well received by the crowd) but won by a clean pinfall. (18:01, 63)

Jeff Jarrett backstage interview: he gave his reasons why he should become a new champion tonight. (39)

Match 5, WCW United States Title: Lance Storm vs Chavo Guerrero. A match to determine the new US champion. Both wrestlers were skillful in the ring and had a really exciting match. Chavo actively used all sorts of tricks (Guerrero-style), but Storm was much closer anyway. In the end, Chavo pulls out the Maple Leaf by hitting Lance with a low blow and putting him down the Three Amigos. Next... Frog Splash and pinfall. Chavo Guerrero is the new WCW United States champion! (16:44, 60)

Booker T backstage interview: "The WCW Title will get back where it belongs... on my waist." (43)

Kevin Nash makes his way back into the ring through the crowd. Security tries to stop him, but with not much success. "What's up? Bischoff hasn't called me back, hasn't answered any calls, hasn't sent me a plane ticket, hasn't paid for my hotel... And now he's throwing security on me! What's the matter? Where is all the fun?" Eric Bischoff shows up. "I would love to talk about old days. It was fun, that's true. But the past must remain in the past. It's a new time - the time of Noble, Chavo Guerrero, Kanyon... The time of all the new stars. I do not want to do business the old way. Hogan, nWo and stuff... It is OVER!" Nash winks and says that he understands - Eric can't say it outright. "You cannot talk about it honestly - fine. Don't talk. Do." Eric once again repeats himself so Nash should have no illusions. Kevin replies that he's willing to wreak havoc alone if necessary. Every week. Every show. Until he'll get the respect he deserves. "There is no future for WCW where little guys get all the showtime. You either know it and just say nice words, Eric, or you're delusional". Bischoff orders security to escort Nash out of the building. Nash replies that he will leave on his own. But it is not over… (69)

Match 6, Show Me Your Darkside Match: Diamond Dallas Page vs Black Reign. One more brutal and intense match. Everything was used - chairs, tables, trash cans, and even thumbnails! It was on the thumbnails that Black Reign almost got Diamond Cutter... but James Mitchell intervened. Page grabbed Mitchell and was about to throw him on the thumbnails... but Reign grabbed him and destroyed him with BlackOut. 1-2-3, Black Reign wins. (12:13, 59)

Ric Flair backstage interview. As the last of the contenders, he talks about tradition and the importance of the world title to him. And promises that he has it in himself to become WCW champion one more time. (47)

Match 7, WCW World Heavyweight Title, Ric Flair vs Booker T vs Chris Kanyon vs Jeff Jarrett. As usual in matches like this, there was a lot of action, near pinfalls, surprise alliances, betrayals, and taking over the advantage. Guitars, the championship belt, and all the "dirty tricks" came into play. By the end of the match, Kanyon was seen as a serious contender. Especially when during the referee's bump, Kanyon pinned Jarrett for a good 5 seconds, but there was no one to count. Booker T avoids a shot with the belt by Jarrett and does a Bookend on the lying guitar. 1-2-3, and Booker T regains the world title once again. (20:25, 62)

After the match, Booker T is exhausted. He happily raises the belt. But the celebration comes to an end when familiar music blares in the audience. Out comes...

... GOLDBERG!...

Goldberg walks into the ring, looks at the new champion, smirks... ...and Spears the hell out of him! See you at the Nitro tomorrow night! (67)

Overall: 58

============================================

Quote

Memo #004: Difficult men

I once read book "Difficult Men: Behind the Scenes of a Creative Revolution".

That book contains interviews with the creators of some of the most highly esteemed recent television series. Like The Wire, The Sopranos, Mad Men, Deadwood, The Shield. Things that will be popular in 2000s, but nobody knew about them in 2001.

One denominator that all these shows had in common was a difficult protagonist

The main hero wasn't always a perfect, likeable guy like before.

Instead, they were complicated characters. They were not perfect. They had their flaws and sins.

Yes, they were 'difficult'.

That is what I think about when I remember Bash at the Beach 2001.

I had bet on Chris Kanyon, seeing potential in him as a main eventer. But he turned out to be difficult.

Because Chris Kanyon is the guy I bet on, taking him as potential main eventer. But he was difficult. In the main event, he seriously injured Jeff Jarrett and broke his ankle so badly that he'll be out for the next 12 months, give or take. After the show, we had to call in several road agents to separate Jarrett and Kanyon when they went into a full-scale brawl.

Well...

Jarrett will be missed.

Kanyon...

He's now got serious heat with the WCW locker room.

On the other note...

We had a lot of firing after PPV. Some of the guys that were offered new contracts just a couple of months ago showed that they weren't on the same level as the others.

Lash LeRoux, Alan Funk (formerly known as Kwee Wee), Road Warrior Animal, Kid Romeo, and Evan Karagias were among those who were leaving. Romeo and Karagias even formed a new team on the indy scene.

They won't be missed, but there's one guy who definitely will be.

And it's all his fault that instead of getting the push I had prepared for him, he preferred to smoke marijuana.

The Wall.

It's all his fault that instead of getting the push I had prepared for him, he preferred to smoke marijuana.

He was supposed to be part of the Dark Society, a new stable formed by Vampiro, and potentially get the biggest push of his career. But he was high as a giraffe's p*ssy in his first match after his return. So his push was stopped, and his WCW contract was terminated right away.

There were others who left.

Johnny the Bull.

And... KroniK. They made an impactful return but had two awful matches. There was nothing I could do but thank them and release them from WCW.

Anyway...

It's been two months since WCW reboot.

We've taken some bumps

But we're still on the road.

 

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #9

Last night: Goldberg made a thunderous return, spearing the new WCW World Heavyweight champion Booker T! (62)

Booker T, the new World Heavyweight champion is here for an in-ring promo. He gave a very brief speech about the importance of this title to him and the fact that Booker is now a 5-time WCW Champion (5 time, 5 time, 5 time... you know it). Then he moved to another topic: Goldberg. Booker T has no idea what Goldberg needs or why he did what he did, but if he has a problem, Booker T offers to solve it right here and now. No one comes out. Booker T calls out to Goldberg a few more times, but he has to leave with nothing as Goldberg never shows up. (73)

Time for a major announcement. Mike Tenay revealed that the WCW Executive Committee has brought back the Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles. And guess what? They'll be up for grabs in a three-way tag team match at the upcoming PPV, Red Alert. Qualifying matches will be held at Nitro..

Match 1, Qualifying for WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles match: Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels (w/ Vampiro) vs Billy Kidman and Paul London. London is making his debut in WCW. Vampiro's new faction is called the Dark Society. Kidman was rightfully the most formidable weapon in this match, so Moore and Daniels tried to push him back. When they couldn't, they were actively assisted by Vampiro. In the end, Vampiro once again intervenes, pushing London off the apron. Moore performs Bottoms Up, and Daniels finishes London with Angel Wings to win. Kidman couldn’t make it to break a pinfall. (12:11, 45) After the match, the Dark Society attacks Kidman and beats him down to the mat. (23)

Backstage, Gene Okerlund reports that Goldberg is not in the building, but he and a group of fans are waiting for him in the parking lot.

Angry Chris Kanyon comes to the ring and immediately shows us the PPV video of him holding Jarrett for a good 5 seconds, but since the ref was unconscious, there was no one to count the win. Kanyon talks about the unfairness of Booker T's win. All his WCW career has been synonymous with the word "unfairness." Chris talks again about how WCW oppressed young wrestlers - and even gets the fans to cheer him for that. Kanyon ends his speech by saying that even now, Booker T became a champion not fairly and instead of that, what our most popular topic now? Goldberg. Good old Goldberg. Kanyon demands his rematch for the world title. (62)

Last night: Kevin Nash was escorted out of the ring on Eric Bischoff's orders at Bash at the Beach. (56)

Gene Okerlund keeps waiting for Goldberg, but instead of him, there is... Kevin Nash! Okerlund asks what the hell he wants here. Nash answers that it is not his business and he has every right to be here. (62)

Match 2, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Jamie Noble vs Yang (w/ Kaz Hayashi). Despite Hayashi's interference, Noble caught Yang with a Gibson Bomb and scored the pinfall for his first title defense against the former partner! (12:33, 48)

Kevin Nash is making his way through the crown right to the first row, showing security his ticket, giving him the right to be there. (58)

Match 3: Enforcers (Steve Corino and Cal Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs Kings of Wresling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli). Last week Corino and Anderson made their Nitro debut and tonight they already fight against another debutants - team of Hero and Castagnoli. While the debutant team of Hero and Castagnoli fought well, they were no match for the more experienced Enforcers. However, before the match could end, there was a ref bump, and Kevin Nash stormed into the ring. Nash hit a Big Boot on Hiro and destroyed him with Jacknife Powerbomb. Same Jacknife Powerbomb got Castagnoli. Enforcers then took advantage of the situation and recorded a win. (8:44, 37)

Kevin Nash grabbed the microphone and did a promo strikingly reminiscent of Scott Hall's 1996 promo. "You know who I am, but you never understood why I'm here." Nash says they wreaked havoc in WCW once and may well do it again. Nash meant well. But if WCW and Bischoff want war, they'll get it. The guards show up to take Nash away, but he leaves on his own through the crowd. (62)

Backstage, Eric Bischoff is furious, looking at Nash's performance on the monitor. Booker T comes to him and demands Goldberg. Bischoff replies that he has no idea where Goldberg is or what he wants. Eric knows exactly as much as Booker does, and the whole situation is a big surprise to him. Today, Bischoff has another situation that needs attention -- Chris Kanyon. Kanyon is right. Booker will have to prove his championship - tonight in the main event of Nitro against Chris Kanyon! (66)

Bam Bam Bigelow is here for an in-ring interview with Gene Okerlund. Bigelow complains about being left on the sidelines after WCW reboot. Bigelow demands TV time. He promises to give back what the new WCW lacks -- true hardcore. (33) He is interrupted by... Mike Sanders! Sanders too hasn't appeared in the new WCW yet, but now he's here and he's trashing hardcore style. 'Hardcore is by all means the average. Average wrestling for average people. And all these people in the crowd are to see "above average". You wanna see true future of WCW, Bigelow? Turn around!" Bigelow is immediately attacked by Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond, a team well known for performing in ECW and thus making their WCW debut! They beat Bigelow down to make Sanders happy. (29)

Match 4, WCW United States Title: Chavo Guerrero vs Fit Finlay. It was a pretty good match in which Guerrero made a win after Frog Splash. (12:55, 55)

Match 5: Diamond Dallas Paige and Hugh Morrus vs Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) and Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiase). DiBiase and Mitchell actively interfered in the match. Jindrak accidentally superkicked Reign and got Diamond Cutter right after it. No Laughing Matter from Morrus... and Morrus and DDP recorded a win. (10:13, 51)

Gene Okerlund is still waiting at parking lot... and Goldberg finally arrived! Goldberg pays absolutely no attention to Gene and walks right into the building. (63)

Match 6, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Booker T vs Chris Kanyon. Kanyon once again showed himself to be a serious contender, breaking out of Booker's finishers time after time and kicking out of near-pinfalls. Nevertheless, at the end, Booker T did a BookEnd to get a clean win. (17:33, 62) After the match, Booker T is seriously exhausted from the match. He can barely stand, getting the championship belt. Goldberg rushes into the ring! Goldberg and Booker T look at each other, Goldberg smiles - and a fight ensues. Goldberg easily wins over tired Booker T. Booker T gets Spear and right after it... Jackhammer! Still, Goldberg say no word at all... and Nitro went off the air. (63)

Overall: 58

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #10

Last Week: Goldberg took down Booker T with a spear and a Jackhammer, leaving the World Champion unconscious. (77)

Booker T opens the show, still reeling from the attack. He calls out Goldberg, demanding to know why he interfered in his match and what his problem is. Booker T can repeat once again: Goldberg can solve any problem with Booker right now, not when Booker is exhausted from a tough match. Again - no responde from Goldberg. (82). Instead of him, we get the WCW President Eric Bischoff, who has no idea about Goldberg’s reasons, but the fans want to see Booker T vs. Goldberg… then they’ll see it! At WCW Red Alert! As far as Eric knows, Goldberg is not in the building now. But Booker T has a match tonight. He will defend the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Black Reign! (76)

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team TItles Qualifying: Air Reid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) vs CM Punk and Julio Dinero. Punk and Dinero are making their debut in WCW. The match exceeded the wildest expectations - Punk and Dinero performed well, although they lost to the slightly more experienced Styles and Paris (10:33, 57) After the match, Dark Society runs into the ring and beats up the winners. Billy Kidman saves them and chases Vampiro and company away. (38)

Kevin Nash arrives at the building, showing security some paperwork that give him right to get inside. (79)

Match 2: Bam Bam Bigelow vs Simon Diamond (w/ Mike Sanders and Johnny Swinger). Bigelow looked stronger, but as early as the 6th minute, Mike Sanders distracted the referee and Johnny Swinger hit Bigelow with the steel chain. Three count, and Simon Diamond wins his debut match. (5:58, 43) After the match, the three of them beat up Bigelow, but he gets help from... Crowbar, making his return to WCW! Crowbar chases Sanders' company away. (41)

Lance Storm comes to the ring and gives a promo against Kevin Nash. Storm doesn't know how Nash managed to get into the building, but Lance knows he's here. Storm praises WCW and the talents that work here. Castagnoli and Hero, who Nash attacked last week, are the future of wrestling. They have already conquered the indie scene and will soon conquer the big league. Storm reports that Nash can't take it all down. Storm doesn't care if it's nWo or any other new entity, but Lance will be the first to be on the defense of WCW. (65) Kevin Nash shows up. Nash taunts Storm and says that WCW has always been a place where the "big guys" play. Lance challenges Nash to a match. Nash mocks Storm's challenge and gets slapped in the face. Kevin smiles and promises a "big surprise" next week. It's just like 1996 again. (60)

Match 3, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi (w/ Yang). Hayashi proved to be a much more serious opponent than Yang was last week. In a back and forth match Noble became close to winning, but Yang intervened and led the match to DQ. Noble still holds the title. (15:41, 69)

Ric Flair is here for an in-ring promo. Flair talks about Goldberg and Booker T. In short, Flair doesn't understand why all the attention is on Goldberg, who doesn't deserve this. Right now Flair has been having great matches and essentially pulling WCW back to its heights. He demands to be the one to get the world title shot, not Goldberg. (70) Chris Kanyon answers, talking once again about the injustice that haunts him. He believes he should have been the champion back at Bash at the Beach, had it not been for the ref bump. He also should have won title last week, but was exhausted after a hard fight at PPV. So Kanyon challenges Flair to a rematch at WCW Red Alert, which Flair accepts. (78)

Match 4, WCW United States Title: Chavo Guerrero vs Lance Storm. Chavo Guerrero defends the US title against Lance Storm in a rematch of their previous bout at Bash at the Beach. The wrestlers have great interaction with each other, and this fight was even better, more dramatic, and intense than the last one. Lance was very close to winning, but Kevin Nash intervened in the 19th minute. Chavo immediately took advantage and finished Storm off with a Frog Splash. A smiling Nash is escorted out of the arena by security, but it's too late - Chavo Guerrero retains the United States Championship. (18:52, 76)

Match 5, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Booker T vs Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell). In an intense and interesting match - and with help of Mitchell - Reign dominated. Nevertheless, at the end Booker T wins cleanly again after Axe Kick and successfully defends the title again. (16:01, 79)

As Booker T goes backstage with the world title, he is suddenly attacked by Goldberg! Goldberg pummels Booker T with punches that the champion is unable to handle, ending with a Spear through a glass wall! The broadcast goes silent, as it looked really brutal. Booker T is lying in the glass wreckage, covered in blood and not moving. The commentators are seriously worried about not just Booker T's health, but his life, and at this point, the show goes off the air. (76)

Overall: 74

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #11

We were shown a video of Goldberg's brutal attack on Booker T. The commentators reported that they had no information about Booker's health yet except that he was alive. They assured the audience of having information about the world champion's condition a little later. (81)

WCW President Eric Bischoff opened the show in a bad mood and immediately called Goldberg into the ring. Goldberg appeared with the satisfied grin. Bischoff shouted that he would not let his world champion get hurt and wouldn't allow him to vacate the title again. Eric didn't know what was driving Goldberg, but he insisted that it didn't belong in his WCW. Bischoff suspended Goldberg and stripped him of his title match at Red Alert! (78) The smirk faded from Goldberg's face, and he grabbed Bischoff. Eric pleaded for mercy and screamed that he had overreacted. Goldberg forced Bischoff to retract his words. Eric left Goldberg with the title match, and as Goldberg was leaving, Eric added that since Bill remains an active wrestler, he should fight as an active challenger. He had a match tonight against Black Reign. Goldberg smirked again, but there was nothing good about that smirk. (82)

Tonight: We will receive a health update on the WCW World Heavyweight champion Booker T (74)

Tonight: There will be a four-man match tonight to determine the #1 contender for the WCW United States Title at the next Nitro - Rey Mysterio vs. Billy Kidman vs. Vampiro vs. Diamond Dallas Page. (55)

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team TItles Qualifying: Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley) vs Elix Skipper and Frankie Kazarian. After departure of Kid Romeo, Elix takes his chances with a new partner, rookie Frankie Kazarian. Although Kazarian looked weak and not ready for big league in his first match. But Pitbulls really won the hearts of the WCW fans. Unfortunately, it didn't get them the win as Ricky Reyes was pinned after Moment of the Day from Skipper. (9:21, 50)

Mike Sanders entered the ring with Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger. Their team was now called Above Average. Sanders once again mocked hardcore and ECW. Mike said that the only decent thing to take from ECW was Swinger and Diamond. (45)

Match 2: Above Average (Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond) (w/ Mike Sanders) vs Bam Bam Bigelow and Crowbar. Bigelow and Lom looked surprisingly harmonious as a team. However, because of Sanders' interference, Diamond and Swinger celebrated the victory. (7:01, 55)

Match 3: Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiasi) vs Fit Finlay. Finley proved to be a real brawler, but Jindrak's youth and power won out. Mark finished the match with a Superkick and a Gutbuster. (6:33, 56) After the match, Jindrak picked Finley up for another finisher, but Hugh Morrus ran out and saved his teammate.

Lance Storm enters the ring and calls out Kevin Nash, knowing that Nash is hiding in a building somewhere. Storm blames Nash for him not being the U.S. Champion tonight and challenges him to a match. If Storm wins, Nash will go where he belongs - home, sitting on his pension from AOL Warner like other old egomaniacs. Kevin Nash comes out and mocks the challenge, saying he only fights against the "big guys." Nash is about to leave when he suddenly remembers his promise of a "big surprise" a week ago. A masked man, who is quite tall, attacks Storm from behind with a baseball bat and quickly leaves. (51)

After a commercial break, Lance Storm gets help from half of the young WCW locker room, including the Havana Pitbulls, Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, Kazarian, John Cena, and many others.

Eric Bischoff finds Kevin Nash backstage and reprimands him for attacking Lance Storm and causing mayhem on Nitro. Bischoff sets up a match between Nash and Storm at Red Alert, whether Nash wants to or not. Nash notes that he needs to be an active WCW wrestler for the match, and since he is, he can be in the WCW building in any room. Eric agrees to the stipulation, and Nash agrees to the match. (66)

Match 4, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Jamie Noble vs Shannon Moore (w/ Christopher Daniels and Vampiro). Noble defends his title again like every previous week. Now it’s against Moore, with Christopher Daniels and Vampiro actively interfering in the match. The referee orders them out of the backstage area in the 8th minute, and couple minutes later Noble performs some kind of Driver move. (10:15, 73)

Gene Okerlund provides an update on the health of WCW Champion Booker T, reporting that he is alive but far from healthy, with several broken ribs, a sprained right shoulder, and a suspected spinal injury that could jeopardize his career. A world title match between Booker T and Goldberg at Red Alert is highly unlikely. Okerlund promises more details next week on Nitro, when fans will hear everything firsthand from Booker T. (77)

Chris Kanyon delivers a great promo against Ric Flair, accusing Flair of all his sins and promising to retire "Nature Boy" and then pursue a world title. Kanyon also promises to become "Nature Boy" himself, but do it better. Flair responds with a promo of his own, fueling interest in their match at Red Alert. (78)

Match 5, #1 Contendership for WCW United States Title: Rey Mysterio vs Diamond Dallas Page vs Billy Kidman vs Vampiro. US champion Chavo Guerrero joins the announcers to follow the match that determines his opponent next week. The match turned out to be quite interesting and dynamic. In the end, Vampiro and Kidman just started fighting out of the ring and went to the ramp. That's when Kidman was attacked by Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels, but almost instantly he was saved by AJ. Stylesand Air Paris. The six of them started fighting all over the arena. Meanwhile, in the ring, Rey Mysterio tried to hold a Hurricanrana on DDP,  but the Page counters with powerbomb. Diamond Cutter, three count, and DDP became #1 contender for US Title! (16:10, 71)

Match 6: Goldberg vs Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell). Goldberg returns to the ring after nearly a year off, facing one of WCW's most promising newcomers, Black Reign. Goldberg's arsenal of moves has been updated to be more realistic and powerful, making him look more like a strong MMA wrestler. Black Reign with the help of his manager takes over several times, but Goldberg mostly dominates and wins with Spear and Jackhammer. (14:01, 76)

Overall: 76

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #12

The announcers, Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco have revealed there will be an interview with Booker T from his home tonight, providing first-hand information on the WCW World Heavyweight champion condition and whether he can defend the title against Goldberg at Red Alert. (74)

Match 1, #1 Contendership for WCW World Tag Team Titles: The Enforcers (Steve Corino and Cal Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs, Bam Bam Bigelow and Crowbar vs Above Average (Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger) (w/ Mike Sanders). The match was hectic, with Bigelow and Crowbar focusing on taking down Diamond and Swinger. The four of them ended up fighting all over the arena, and the Enforcers managed to win by countout. (8:01, 58)

Kevin Nash arrives at the building and meets Chris Kanyon. Kanyon says he doesn't have a problem with Nash, even though he might be building ten new nWo's here. (770

Match 2: Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley) vs Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli). That match had literally zero audience reaction. It was short and to the point and ended with a undisputed win for Hero and Castagnoli. (5:01, 18)

Match 3, #1 Contendership for WCW Cruiserweight Title: Kaz Hayashi vs Yang vs Paul London vs CM Punk. In a chaotic and eventful match. There was need for a second referee as first one got bump. In the end Hayashi pinned London for three, but at the last moment his foot went to the ropes, which the referee overlooked. At the same time, Punk hit Yang with a chair and was disqualified. Two referees argued over who won, Hayashi or Yang. Wait… Is there DQ in 4-way matches? Nevermind, welcome to WCW. (10:33, 51)

After the commercial, the commentators made the announcement that as Enforcers’s victory wasn’t decisive, by decision of WCW office Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire would defend WCW World Tag Team Titles against the all three teams that fought for contendership earlier. Noble, on the other hand, will defend the title in a triple threat against Kaz Hayashi and Yang. At Red Alert!

Kevin Nash comes to the ring and delivers a short promo about how great it is to be back in WCW. Nash is pretty sure that the good old days will come back. Suddenly, he's interrupted by Ric Flair, who in a classic promo runs over nWo and all that Nash did to WCW with his buddies Hall and Hogan. Flair challenges Nash to a match tonight, and Kevin suggests making it a team match where everyone chooses a partner. Flair picks Lance Storm, and Kevin promises to announce his partner right before the match. Will Nash's "big surprise" be revealed tonight? (79)

Match 4: Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiase) and Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) vs Hugh Morrus and Fit Finlay. Ted DiBiasi distracted the ref. CM Punk and Julio Dinero run out into the ring! They attacked Finlay, and all Jindrak had to do was finish him off and record the win. (6:31, 64) After the fight, Ted DiBiase welcomes CM Punk and Julio Dinero to his group! (44)

Match 5: Billy Kidman and Air Reid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Dark Society (Vampiro, Christopher Daniels and Shannon Moore). It was a quick and intense match. Vampiro was close to bringing victory to himself and his protégés, but Kidman knocked him out of the ring. Meanwhile, AJ Styles caught Christopher Daniels in Styles Clash and made a pin. (11:22, 69)

Match 6, WCW United States Title: Chavo Guerrero vs Diamond Dallas Page. Chavo proved himself a worthy champion, but DDP was the most serious challenger he had so fat. At the end of the match, Page was extremely close to winning, but Rey Mysterio intervened and brought the match to a disqualification. (15:39, 74)

Match 7: Ric Flair and Lance Storm vs Kevin Nash and mystery partner. Mystery partner turned out to be… Chris Kanyon! The commentators speculated throughout the match if Kanyon was masked man. But all questions were answered the 14th minute when the real masked man appeared in the arena and struck Storm in the back with a baseball bat. Kanyon finished Storm off with a Flatliner and secured the victory for his team. (14:55, 73)

Booker T gave a terrific promo from his home in New York. He spoke about how important wrestling is to him and how it had saved his life in the past. Despite serious injuries, Booker cannot imagine his life without wrestling. He plans to appear on Red Alert and show Goldberg a new side of Booker T. Goldberg's attack had taken something from Booker T, but if Goldberg wants the title, he'll have to defeat all of Booker. (90) Goldberg enters the ring and grins at the titantron, signaling the end of the show. (89)

Overall: 75

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #13

Tonight: WCW World Heavyweight champion Booker T will finally return to Nitro and face Goldberg at a contract signing for a match that will take place in just six days at Red Alert! (77)

Match 1: Hugh Morrus and Fit Finlay vs CM Punk and Julio Dinero (w/ Ted DiBiase). Punk and Dinero were admittedly raw to perform in front of such a wide audience, yet their talent allowed for some interesting moves. Ted DiBiase tried to intervene in the match but found himself knocked off the apron by Hugh’s clothesline. Only Mark Jindrak's intervention saved Punk and Dinero, and the match was stopped due to DQ. (7:44, 55)

The camera quickly takes us backstage, where Kevin Nash and his mystery partner are beating the young WCW wrestlers with baseball bats! John Cena and Chris Hero are already lying on the floor. Nash throws a few more punches at Hero. (50)

After the commercial break, Hero’s teammate Claudio Castagnoli and the other wrestlers are outraged by Nash's behavior. Gene Okerlund is here for some comments. Castagnoli yells into his mic that he's challenging Nash to a match tonight! There's also Lance Storm, who pats Claudio on the shoulder in approval. (43)

Match 2, WCW World Tag Team Titles: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire vs Bam Bam Bigelow and Crowbar. Bigelow had several chances to bring his team the win, but the tag team champions were a little more experienced as a team. It ended with a Senton Bomb on Bigelow by O’Haire. Palumbo and O’Haire retained the titles. (11:48, 64) After the match, Bigelow and Crowbar were attacked by Above Average, led by Mike Sanders. (41)

An outraged Lance Storm gets in the ring and delivers another good promo about how all of the WCW locker room is ready to stand up to Kevin Nash and the rabble he's pulling for the company again. Storm doesn't care who's hiding under the mask, whether it's Scott Hall, Hogan, or any of the other privileged pieces of garbage. Storm intends to come to Red Alert for a match and send Kevin Nash to the trash can, where he belongs. (62) The promo is answered by Chris Kanyon. Kanyon reminds us that as recently as last week, everyone thought Chris was the one hiding under the mask. He was not. But speaking of Storm, maybe he's just a crybaby looking for excuses for his defeats. For example Kanyon needs no excuses. Lance challenges Canyon to a match tonight, and Chris accepts the challenge. (75)

Match 3: AJ Styles vs Christopher Daniels vs Elix Skipper. There are three participants of 3-way tag team match at Red Alert, that will determine the new WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team champions. In a quick and intense match Daniels wins by surprise roll up on Styles. (11:33, 66).

Match 4: Kevin Nash vs Claudio Castagnoli. Claudio Castagnoli had the biggest match so far. Nash's experience was evident, but Castagnoli also surprised his opponent several times with his techniques, leaving Kevin worried about the outcome of the match. Nevertheless, more experienced Kevin manages to catch Claudio with a Jackknife Powerbomb in the end and win. (7:11, 52) After the match, Nash lifts Claudio up again for the second Jackknife Powerbomb. Lance Storm runs to save him, but immediately gets hit from behind by a baseball bat from the masked man! Storm takes a few more hits to the ribs and a Jackknife Powerbomb from Nash. (50)

Match 5: Diamond Dallas Page vs Rey Mysterio. DDP seeks revenge on Rey Mysterio for denying him the chance to be the U.S. champion last week. It was a great match, the best in all of Nitro's new WCW, thanks to Mysterio. Both wrestlers had chances to win, but at the end, it was DDP who catched Rey into Diamond Cutter to win. (16:08, 82)

Match 6: Lance Storm vs Chris Kanyon. In the main event of the evening Storm and Kanyon also made a match that was worthy of being called the best match in new Nitro history. Are we seeing the cornerstone stars for the company? Storm would have had a much better chance of winning had it not been for the injuries from the beating earlier in the show. Kanyon took advantage of his damaged ribs and finished the match with a Flatliner. (17:55, 82)

Now it’s time for a contract signing between Goldberg and Booker T. There was visible tension between future opponents. Booker T uttered another promo about how Goldberg would need to destroy him to take the world title. Goldberg only smirked, indicating he was unlikely to be stopped. No words from him through. Eventually Booker T went wild and shoved Goldberg, wiping the smirk off Bill's face and causing him to approach Booker. Still no words. Only a dangerous look from Goldberg. Eric Bischoff intervened before anything could happen, and Goldberg silently signed the contract. "You're next," Goldberg said with only his lips, the first words we've heard from him since his return, and the last on this Nitro. (75)

Overall: 77

======================================================

WCW Red Alert 2001
Final Card

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles
Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Dark Society (Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) vs Elix Skipper and Frankie Kazarian

WCW Cruiserweight Title
Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi vs Yang

Full Mayhem Match
Hugh Morrus vs Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiase)

Billy Kidman vs Vampiro

Kevin Nash vs Lance Storm

WCW World Tag Team Titles
Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire vs The Enforcers (CW Anderson and “King of Old School” Steve Corino) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs Bam Bam Bigelow and Crowbar vs Above Average (Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond) (w/ Mike Sanders)

WCW United States Heavyweight Title
Chavo Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio vs Diamond Dallas Page

“Nature Boy” Ric Flair vs Chris Kanyon

WCW World Heavyweight Title
Booker T vs Goldberg

[Dimos]

WCW Red Alert 2001

The show begins with a video hyping up the main event - WCW World Heavyweight champion Booker T versus the returning, angry, and hungry for destruction Goldberg. (75)

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Dark Society (Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) vs Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Elix Skipper and Frankie Kazarian. In a classic WCW style Cruiserweight Tag Team titles were retired just to be brought back a month later. And tonight we will determine the new champions. In a fast-paced and intense match with many high-flying moves, Styles was close to winning his first WCW title, but at the last moment, Christopher Daniels stole the win, catching him to Angel Wings. Daniels and Moore are the new champions! (13:33, 60)

Match 2, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi vs Yang. Cruiserweight action continues as Noble defends his title against his both former partners. Hayashi and Yang began cooperating early in the match, but as is common in triple threat matches, it wasn't long before it became every man for himself. Noble was able to catch Yang to some kind of driver he used a couple of times already and get another successful title defense. (14:44, 70)

Match 3, Full Mayhem Match: Hugh Morrus vs Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiase). Jindrak and Morrus were ready to tear apart the entire arena to determine who was better. This match was much more hardcore than the previous one… and it was a mistake. It was evident that both wrestlers were uncomfortable in this style. Morrus came close to winning several times, but the final victory went to youth and more athletic Mark Jindrak. (10:12, 53).

Match 4, WCW World Tag Team Titles: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire vs The Enforcers (Steve Corino and CW Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs Bam Bam Bigelow and Crowbar vs Above Average (Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger) (w/ Mike Sanders). Palumbo and O’Haire had their toughest title defense so far as three teams tried to take these title from them. There was a lot of exciting moves and unexpected momentum shifts. But in the end Palumbo knocked out Diamond with the Jungle Kick, and Sean fended off the Senton Bomb. Palumbo and O'Haire are still the champions! (13:48, 58)

Match 5: Billy Kidman vs Vampiro. Both opponents are skillful in technical style of wrestling. So match was quite interesting for the fans even with nothing on the line or much previous storyline. There were many reversals, innovative holds, and at the end, despite all of Vampiro's tricks, Kidman managed to win after the Shooting Star Press. (15:48, 74)

Match 6: Kevin Nash vs Lance Storm. Lance Storm defended WCW's honor against an angry veteran who’s missing old times, Kevin Nash. It was an unusual match considering the size difference between the wrestlers, but Lance proved to be such a skilled wrestler that he was able to make a technical match even with a slow giant like Nash. On the other hand, Kevin's punches and moves were much more devastating for Storm, and several times Nash came close to winning. In the end, however, Lance caught Nash in the Maple Leaf, and the crowd went silent. Would Nash really give up? Kevin was about to tap his hand on the ring, but then a masked man, Nash's mysterious partner, ran out to the ring. He climbed onto the apron. Lance released the hold and tried to unmask the stranger. Those few seconds were enough time for Nash to recover and catch Storm with the Jackknife Powerbomb for the win. We still don’t know who helps Nash all the time. (11:12, 70)

A video package showed the latest twists and turns around the WCW U.S. title. (55)

Match 7, WCW United States Title: Chavo Guerrero vs Diamond Dallas Page vs Rey Mysterio. It was a great match, although DDP was clearly the weakest link in this trio. Most of the exciting spots and holds were performed by Rey and Chavo. Nevertheless, in the end, Page came closest to winning, knocking Rey out with Diamond Cutter. Chavo took the advantage, knocked DDP out of the ring and finished off Mysterio with the Frog Splash for the win and successful title defense. (16:01, 78)

A video package hyped Chris Canyon and Ric Flair facing off, including replaying moments from their excellent match at the Great American Bash. Would their match tonight be any better? (69)

Match 8: Ric Flair vs Chris Kanyon. Another great match between these two wrestlers, full of drama, psychology, and technical mastery. Flair can have a great match with anyone. It is definitely too early to retire Flair. Kanyon came close to winning again, but Flair seemed unstoppable. In the end Ric caught Canyon in the Figure-Four Leglock. Chris refused to give up, but his shoulders touched the mat within three seconds. The referee awarded Flair the win. (20:10, 80)

A video package showed Booker T and Goldberg's feud. (80)

Match 9, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Booker T vs Goldberg. The main event determined whether Booker T could defend his world title against a so dangerous opponent like Goldberg. This wasn't the same Goldberg we knew well from his previous WCW appearances. Now he was a deadly weapon. He performed in a more realistic and MMA style. His punches were incredibly effective. They looked real. It was as if Goldberg was actually fighting Booker T, who wasn’t told that it’s not a scripted fight, but a real one. And the audience believed it, cheering for Booker T, who looked like an underdog. Booker fought back like a beast and escaped from many near pinfalls that seemed impossible to escape from. Nevertheless, the injuries from Goldberg's beating took their toll. Another Spear, another Jackhammer, a pinfall. After great and tough match, Goldberg became the NEW WCW World Heavyweight champion. (17:15, 81)

Overall: 73

================================

Memo 005: #1 fan?

I can hardly believe it.

I've just received an email from a reader. Yes, you read that right. An oligarch like me likes to get attention too.

I mean...

Of course, I'm in that business out of passion. Of course, I like to see my numbers, ratings and revenue going up. That means I started to do something right after first failures and mistakes. (I still do some stupid mistakes in booking, but that is topic for another memo.) And of course I will continie to write it, because it is fun.

But I have never got a positive comment on this thing I write.

And the funny thing is, I've been craving that kind of positive reaction for a while now. I mean, I know I'm successful and all, but sometimes I wonder if people really like me for me or just for my money. But this email, it feels genuine. It feels like this person really admires me.

All right, he only did picks for an upcoming PPV.

I'm feeling pretty darn joyful.

Just...

Don't tell anybody I liked it that much, ok?

I'm still an oligarch, after all. I'm not exactly known for my warm and fuzzy personality. I'm more the type who orders people around and expects them to jump. I have a reputation to protect, lol.

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #14

Images of Goldberg's triumphant victory last night at Red Alert were shown (74)

WCW President Eric Bischoff is already in the ring with the championship belt and welcomes the new WCW World Heavyweight champion, Goldberg! Bischoff gives a brief speech about how great Goldberg was in the match and hopes that Goldberg will be the face of the new WCW. Eric solemnly hands the belt to the new champion and gives him the microphone. But Goldberg just smirks and leaves the ring with the championship belt without a word (80)

Match 1: Jung Dragons (Kaz Hayashi and Yang) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley). It was a short and quick match in which the Dragons were slightly closer to winning, but in the end, Reyes and Romero scored an important and surprising victory for themselves. (6:48, 66)

Ric Flair arrives at the show in a limo and on his way to the locker room just happens to see a replay of Goldberg's award ceremony on monitor. Announcers are actively discussing Goldberg's silence. What's that? Disrespect for the fans? Or "deeds instead of words" attitude?

Match 2: Hugh Morrus and Fit Finlay vs Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. Castagnoli and Hero were still quite raw for such a big stage, yet they tried really hard. And the match might well have ended differently if Kevin Nash hadn't shown up at the crucial moment and distracted Castagnoli. This was followed by a Powerslam and a Moonsault from Morrus. Veterans win. (7:01, 50). After the match, Nash enters the ring and executes a Jackknife Powerbomb on Castagnoli. Nash picks up Hero for his finisher, but then Morrus and Finlay get back to the ring and save the rookie. (48)

Match 3: Sean O’Haire (w/ Chuck Palumbo) vs Alex Wright. Tag team champion quickly began to blatantly gag and taunt Wright, confident in his opponent's weakness. Alex quickly proved that it was too early to write him off. He had some interesting holds, nearly rolling O'Hair into a pinfall a couple of times. Chuck Palambo distracted Wright at the crucial moment - and that alone allowed Sean to win. (6:33, 72) After the match, Palambo and O'Hair continued beating up Wright. Former teammate Glen Gilberti saves Wright! (72)

Diamond Dallas Page gets in the ring and complains that he didn't lose last night's U.S. title match but still lost his chance at the belt. DDP wants another match for the belt, with no interference (69). Chris Kanyon answers. Kanyon thinks that all Page has done his entire career is whine. Unlike DDP, Chris actually has his reasons for complaining. From the times he wasn't appreciated by WCW to the fact that he's not getting a chance now. Page responds that Kanyon may well not have been given a chance because he wasn't enough. He wasn’t enough then and he isn’t enough now when he loses match after match and lost to Flair last night. Page challenges Kanyon to a match, but Chris responds that DDP is not his priority. Right now Kanyon will be getting ready for his match with Goldberg, which will happen sooner rather than later. And that's when Chris beats Goldberg and becomes world heavyweight champion, then maybe DDP will get his chance (69).

Match 4: Crowbar vs Johnny Swinger (w/ Mike Sanders and Simon Diamond). Crowbar defeats his opponent, and the victory was made possible by the referee sending Simon Diamond and Mike Sanders backstage at a critical moment. (6:01, 61) After the match, the lights went out, and when they came back on, Black Reign was already in the ring. He kicked Crowbar with a Big Boot anc Chokeslams him through the table! (55)

Ric Flair got in the ring and gave a promo where he shamed Goldberg by calling him a fake champion. A champion is supposed to be a people's champion. A champion is not just someone who gets in the ring, but behaves like a champion behind the ring. He's an example to the kids, the face of the company. What about Goldberg? He has no words for fans? He acts like he doesn't give a crap. Does he think it's enough that he can perform in the ring? Maybe he will take his chances in the ring with the real man, “Nature Boy”! Ric Flair challenges Goldberg to defend his title against the 16-time champion! (93) Booker T responds. Booker admits that Flair has every right to demand a title shot, but Booker would like to remind him that there's no telling how the match would have ended had Goldberg not brutally attacked him three weeks before. That's why Booker T wants his rematch first. Ric Flair admits the truth in Booker T's words. But he beated Kanyon last night, who was one of the possible contenders, and today he is ready to beat Booker T to prove his right to be the next opponent for Ggoldberg. So tonight there will be Ric Flair vs. Booker T for the #1 contendership! (94)

Match 5: Billy Kidman vs Shannon Moore. It took only six minutes for Kidman to defeat his opponent after Shooting Star Press. (6:10, 71). Just a seconds after the match winner was attacked by Vampiro and Christopher Daniels. They tied Kidman to the ropes and beat him. Next, they performed some weird ritual, and Vampiro gave a speech in the style of the best speeches of the Undertaker and the Ministry of Darkness. About how darkness will now pan out in WCW, and the Dark Society will lead this revolution. WCW wrestlers don't have much time left to join them, or this force will sweep them away. (46)

Match 6, WCW Cruiserweight Title: Jamie Noble vs Rey Mysterio. Of course it was a very tough opponent for Noble. This match also tucked into WCW's new policy, where lightweights get the same attention as heavyweights. In an intense, interesting, and dramatic 16-minute match, Rey was incredibly close to winning, but to the surprise of fans and commentators, Noble was able to take the lead and catch Rey on Tiger Driver from the top. Clean win for Noble! (16:23, 69). After the match Rey Mysterio was absolutely furious with the loss. It took several referees and road agents to calm the luchador down. In the meantime Jamie Noble was celebrating his victory when suddenly he was attacked by Jung Dragons! Kaz Hayashi and Yang both handled the tired champion with ease until TAKA Michinoku ran out to save him. Wait… TAKA Michinoku! Michinoku was in the WWF ring just a few weeks ago, and now he's making his WCW debut! Hayashi left the ring, but Yang got the Michinoku Driver. (40)

Match 7, #1 Contendership for WCW World Heavyweight Title: Ric Flair vs Booker T. This match deserves to be called the best match of the entire three months after WCW reboot. Ric Flair and Booker T put on an amazing match, keeping the fans in suspense for the entire 15 minutes. In the end, Booker T misses with an Axe Kick, and Flair rolled him up. Booker T kicked out… but merely a moment after third count. Ric Flair won an opportunity to become WCW World Heavyweight champion one more time! (15:22, 86) However, Flair doesn't have time to recover before Goldberg appears and spears him! Goldberg then shows Flair the championship belt, indicating that he accepts Flair's challenge. (76)

Overall: 85

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #15

Last Week: Ric Flair won over Booker T to become #1 contender for WCW World Heavyweight TItle, but immediately after the match was speared by current champion Goldberg. (72)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco welcomes us to Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. (77)

Ric Flair opens the show with a promo. He acknowledged all the dangers of making a challenge to Goldberg. Goldberg is big, strong, and athletic while Ric’s body bears the marks of the decades he's dedicated to the business, fighting great opponents like Dusty Rhodes, Terry Funk, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, and many others. Flair can’t compete with Goldberg in athletic department. But… Flair has something else. Heart. Honor. And desire. Burning desire to become a world champion one more time. Flair recalled dreaming of becoming world champion since the day he saw the belt on Jack Briscoe's waist. He became him 16 times. He will become it again. WHOOOOO! (84) Goldberg interrupts. He said a short speech: “Real champion is the one who destroys all opponents in his path, not the one with the most motivation or titles”. After that words, Goldberg started to come to the ring, but here is WCW President Eric Bischoff to stop him. He promises serious consequences if they touch each other. No, that fight is reserved for Fall Brawl. But tonight they both will be in action: Flair will face one of the most promising athlete in WCW and tag team champion Sean O’Haire, and Goldberg will fight Diamond Dallas Page. And yes… WCW World Heavyweight Title WILL be on the line! (81)

Backstage, WCW World Tag Team champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire discuss the news. They ponder if it is time to make a name for themselves in singles competition and dominate WCW completely, but to do that, they must first defeat Flair tonight. (58)

Backstage, Alex Wright thanks Glen Gilberti for his help last week, but he didn't ask for it. He didn't need it. Glen acknowledges they had their differences in the past, but why not to be a team once again? Alex refuses as wants to focus on his singles career. (58)

Match 1: Chuck Palumbo (w/ Sean O’Haire) vs Glen Gilberti. It's first match of Glen since returning to WCW. Gilberti tried to take a lead, but O'Haire immediately intervened. Gilberti gets ready for the Chartbuster, but Palumbo pushes him into the ropes, where O'Haire is already on the apron and hits him in the face with his championship belt. The referee was distracted. Gilberti turns around to get the Jungle Kick and pinfall for three. (4:34, 60) After the match champions continie to beat Glen down. Palumbo hits him with a title belt one more time. O'Haire does Senton Bomb. No one comes to save Gilberti. (64)

Last Week: Taka Michinoku made his debut in WCW by saving Jamie Noble from being attacked by Jung Dragons. (41)

Match 2: TAKA Michinoku vs Yang (w/ Kaz Hayashi). Kaz Hayashi attempted to interfere, but Taka sent him out of the ring with a dropkick. Ultimately, Michinoku hit his opponet with the Michinoku Driver and secured the pinfall victory in his debut match. (4:26, 68)

Match 3, #1 Contendership for WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley) vs Rey Mysterio and CM Punk. Rey Mysterio found 'rookie' CM Punk to go on a title hunt with him. All participants put on an impressive match, with Styles executing a 450 Splash out of the ring on CM Punk through the table. Near the end of the match, Mysterio kicked Styles with Enziguri, and the Havana Pitbulls took out Air Paris and Punk. The Pitbulls executed the Cuban Missile Crisis on Styles and made the pinfall. (8:24, 71)

Booker T made an in-ring promo. "I've heard so much talk about the new WCW, but what has changed? Goldberg is still in the main event. Ric Flair is still there. It was me who pulled this company through, when all the others - like Steiner, Awesome etc. - left!”. WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero interrupts. “I agree. Real talent is in the minority here. But look at me. I am already a WCW United States champion here. I am on the main roster here. And while my own uncle went to lick Vince McMahon's ass for money, I’m on my way to the top. Because real talent can't be rubbed out. And if all you has to do is whine, then maybe you don’t deserve anything more and you don't belong here.” Booker T challenges Chavo to a match at Fall Brawl and suggests he’ll put the US title on the line. Chavo accepts. (73)"

Diamond Dallas Page did a backstage interview: “Goldberg is undeniably strong. But I’m ready as ever. And I’ll be the one who will walk away as champion tonight.” (71)

Chris Kanyon joins the announcers for the next match. (62)

Match 4, WCW World Heavyweight Title: Goldberg vs Diamond Dallas Page. Kanyon actively mocked Page on commentary. Goldberg was in the lead right from the start. At first, Page's moves didn't even hurt Goldberg until DDP dodged Spear and did the swinging neckbreaker with fast DDT right after it. DDP goes for Diamond Cutter... Goldberg blocks and destroys Page with Spear and Jackhammer. (7:39, 79) After the match Kanyon openly laughs at DDP. Page heard it and went for confrontation, but they were separated before it escalated. (68)

Backstage, Lance Storm is doing a promo on Kevin Nash. He's tired of Nash and his mysterious partners, and he doesn't care who it is, whether it's Hogan himself, Hall, or any of the other seniors. Lance challenges them to a six-man match next week. And his partners will be the ones who have suffered the most from their gang... the camera pulls away... it's Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero! (51)

Last Week: Black Reign attacked Crowbar and put him through the table. (57)

Black Reign is in the ring for a promo while James Mitchell is holding the mic for him. “I am sorry for interrupting your nice little hardcore party last week. But your plastic trash cans, your cardboard kendo sticks or your ridiculous road signs is not hardcore. I am hardcore. You never saw it before. I'll show you. When I'm done, that's the only hardcore that will stay in WCW." (59)

Match 5: Ric Flair vs Sean O’Haire (w/ Chuck Palumbo). O’Haire was certainly fresher and more athletic, but Flair did his best. Palambo tried to interfere a couple of times, but to no avail. At one point, Ric faked a punch from Chuck, and the referee sent him backstage despite Palambo's protests. Now Flair hits with a low blow and puts O’Haire into a Figure-Four Leglock. O'Haire gives up. (8:48, 70)

After the match, Goldberg's music blares! Flair immediately gets into a fighting stance and is ready to take the fight. But no one shows up. Instead, O'Haire hits Ric from behind with the title belt! Palambo returns to the arena to join the beatdown. Flair gets the Jungle Kick from Chuck and the Senton Bomb from O'Haire. Now Goldberg comes out onto the ramp and observe it with a smile. (77)

Overall: 73

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #16

Last Week: Goldberg retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Diamond Dallas Page. Ric Flair won over Sean O'Haire, but got beaten down by tag team champions after being distracted by Goldberg. (78)

We are LIVE for WCW Monday Nitro from Pan American Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Our announcers are Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco. (78)

Tonight - Kevin Nash will finally reveal his two mystery partners in a six-man match against Lance Storm, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli. (64)

Tonight - Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page. (77)

Ric Flair is here, looking serious and in his wrestling attire. "I am not here to deal with Goldberg, as I'll take care of him at Fall Brawl. I am here to confront two rats, Palumbo and O'Haire". Flair challenges them to face him in 2-on-1 match right now! Suddenly Glen Gilberti comes out and stands in Flair's corner, ready to be his partner. Flair accepts it. (65)

Match 1: Ric Flair and Glen Gilberti vs Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire. Obviously, tag team titles are not on the line here. Palumbo and O'Haire dominated Gilberti, preventing Flair from even entering the ring. However Flair got a hot tag and kicks Palumbo with a low blow. Referee didn't see it. Flair and Gilbergi knocks O'Haire out of the ring. Then Flair applies Figure-Four Leglock on Palumbo, who submits. (6:59, 74) 

After the match, Flair grabs the mic: "Now I'm ready to face Goldberg. Tonight I don't care about our match or title. I want a real fight, man to man. At the end of the show I'll wait for you on this very ring, Bill. And if you're the man, you'll be here!" (77)

Backstage, Glen Gilbergi brags about his win to Alex Wright, who looks skeptical. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire pounce on both with chair and quickly beat them down, before officials intervene. (57)

Goldberg arrives at the building and ignores info about Flair's challenge. "I don't want to kill the old man tonight". (77)

Match 2: Jung Dragons vs Jamie Noble and TAKA Michinoku. At the end all four jump into the ring. Noble missed with missile dropkick and knocked TAKA down, Dragons took the advantage and pinned Michinoku after tag team finisher. (4:25, 72) After the match, Noble apologize. Michinoku accepts, but is clearly not happy. (53)

Black Reign and James Mitchell in-ring promo. "You know nothing about real hardcore." Mitchell issues an open challenge to a street fight on behalf of Reign. Bam Bam Bigelow accepts.

Match 3, Street Fight: Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) vs Bam Bam Bigelow. Bigelow seized the initiative and was about to wrap things up with board with barbed wire. But Reign kicked Bam Bam with big boot - board bounces into Bigelow's face. Leaping Leg Lariat finished the job and brought Black Reign the win. (4:35, 67) After the match Black Reign leads Bigelow to the ramp. Then he starts dumping all hardcore stuff from the prepared cart: barbed wire boards, chairs, thumbnails etc. It is now a whole mountain. Reign is about to throw Bigelow on it... but Crowbar made a save. Reign is forced to retreat. (49)

Backstage, Kevin Nash arrives at the building, but without his mystery partners. (78)

Lance Storm backstage promo. "Hero and Castagnoli have been eager to make a name for themselves in WCW for a long time, and beating up Nash and his crew is the best way to do it" (40)

Match 4: Lance Storm, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli vs Kevin Nash and mystery partners. Nash started to introduced his partners: "Now, they really wants to make a name for themselves in WCW..." and stepped aside, but nobody is here. That's when Castagnoli and Hero attack Lance Storm! Storm got Neutralizer from Claudio and Hero's Welcome from Hero. Nash enters the ring, finishing off Storm with a Jackknife Powerbomb. All three men hug and exchange their trademark "wolf" symbols over Storm's body. Announcers are shocked that Hero and Castagnoli were that "mystery partners" all the time. (52)

Backstage, Diamond Dallas Page confronts Chris Kanyon after badmouthing him at the announce table last week. Kanyon replies that it's not his fault if it's truth. (40)

Last Week: AJ Styles shocked WCW crowd by doing some crazy daredevil moves. (41)

AJ Styles backstage interview. "It is my style and I am happy to bring it on national TV". Gene Okerlund announces that as reward Styles got US title shot tonight. Rey Mysterio interrupts. "Check some VHS from 1996 to see who was a real innovator in WCW, kid". (40)

Kevin Nash, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli leave the arena in a limo. (54)

Match 5, WCW United States Championship: Chavo Guerrero vs AJ Styles. Great match. Chavo missed the Frog Splash, and Styles rolled him up into a pinfall, but only for two. Styles goes for 450 Splash. Rey Mysterio ran out to the ring and shoved him down. Chavo got up and finished Styles off with a Frog Splash to retain the title. (9:50, 77) After the match, Rey Mysterio pulled out a ladder and finished Styles with legdrop through the commentary table from it. Both needed help of paramedics. (43)

Chris Kanyon joins the announcers. (77)

Match 6: Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page. The announcers emphasize that both wrestlers have been on a losing streak lately, and this match is a chance for them to get back in the world title race. Kanyon argues that WCW management should look at younger wrestlers, like Chavo, who just had a great match, Sean O'Haire and himself! He also points out the technical inaccuracies in Page's holds and grabs, talking about how he would have done it better. Both wrestlers close to winning more than once. But in the end, Kanyon gets up from the table and grabs Page's leg when he prepared a move, screaming "I can't watch this anymore." That distraction is enough for Booker T to quickly execute the Axe Kick and get a pin. (11:52) (78)

Eric Bischoff backstage interview. "I slightly overestimated how much effort it would take to turn WCW around to success. I used to have to dance at the beck and call of Turner and the corporate executives. Now, I have to report to sponsors, negotiate with TV stations and arenas, and create matches all at the same time. That's why I need someone to restrain the order here. That's why there will be a new WCW commissioner introduced soon". 

Ric Flair comes out to call out Goldberg for a fight once again. No response. After several taunts, Goldberg shows up and immediately spears Flair. However, it seems to hurt Goldberg more than Flair. Flair unzips his robe, and removes the iron tab attached to his belly, which Goldberg crashed into, clearly injuring himself. OK, Flair took some tricks from the book of Bret Hart. Nice. Flair taunts Goldberg, saying, "You want to play with the dirtiest player in the game, buddy? Then bring it on!" Flair grabs a chair and throws about a dozen shots at Goldberg, smashing his face and causing him to bleed profusely. Eventually, the officials manage to pull “The Nature Boy” away from the champion, and the show goes off the air. (88)

Overall: 77

Edited March 28, 2023 by Dimos

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #17

Last Week: Ric Flair called out Goldberg to a fight, but had prepared himself well by hiding the iron plate under his robe. Goldberg needed the help of the paramedics after spearing that plate. (78)

WCW President Eric Bischoff is furious at the parking lot. He yells that Goldberg is injured, and his Fall Brawl main event is in jeopardy. And it's all Flair's fault. Bischoff wants to see Flair in his office as soon as Flair will come to the arena. (73)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco officially welcome us to WCW Monday Nitro from Civic Center, Dallax, TX. (75)

Tonight - The Havana Pitbulls and returning Sting will face Dark Society!

Tonight - Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero vs. Booker T and AJ Styles.

Match 1, #1 Contendership for WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Kaz Hayashi vs Yang vs TAKA Michinoku. Cruiserweight champion Jamie Noble was at announcers table for this match. Match was fast and dynamic, which isn't surprising - with that selection of competitors. Yang was the weak link, but Kaz and Michinoku had some very cool moves. It makes sense that Yang and Hayashi worked together up to a point, but then the match rolled into a classic triple threat. Michinoku was the closest to winning, but at the end Noble got provoked and involved in the brawl accidentally hitting Michinoku. It ended up being a big mess, and the ref was forced to stop the match with no winner as a result. (7:53, 70)

Backstage, Ric Flair arrived and got instructed to report to Bischoff immediately. (80)

After the commercial break, Ric Flair is getting reprimanded in the office of Eric Bischoff for putting Fall Brawl main event in danger. As a punishment, Ric Flair will meet Black Reign in a match tonight ! (74)

Match 2: Alex Wright and Glen Gilberti vs Above Average (Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger) (w/ Mike Sanders). Wright and Gilberti are officially named #1 contenders for the WCW team titles and will get their chance at the Fall Brawl. And this match was a great test for them. Wright knocked trying to intervene Sanders out of the ring, and Gilberti did Chartbuster on Diamond to win.(5:33, 59) After the match, tag team champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire attack the winners. But to everyone's surprise, Wright and Gilberti managed to repel the attack. 

Kevin Nash, Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero arrive in another limo. Hero and Castagnoli have been rebranded. Now they are dressed very "cool." It's just like the nWo style. Nash: "Get used to limos and suites, guys. Now you're going to get the best this business has to offer." (43)

Last Week: Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero swerved on Lance Storm to form an alliance with Kevin Nash. (44)

Backstage, Nash, Hero and Castagnoli are getting relaxed in a locker room. Eric Bischoff is here to remind them that he wants no nWo or any that stuff here. "But it would be a problem for a new WCW Commissioner, who will be here soon." Bischoff puts Nash into a match with Lance Storm tonight. Nash played out a serious leg injury. Bischoff then orders Castagnoli to change and get ready for his match with Storm. (44)

Lance Storm backstage interview: "Hero and Castagnoli have chosen their path. To achieve success not with the hard work but by aligning with trash like Nash? Fine. But they shouldn't be offended when I'll finally get my hands on them." (61)

Match 3: Lance Storm vs Claudio Castagnoli (w/ Kevin Nash and Chris Hero). Storm was obviously more expierenced and stronger. Castagnoli lacks both in terms of storytelling and in-ring skills. On the storyline side, Nash and Hero interfered multiple times during the match. In the end Lance put Castagnoli into Mapleleaf. While Nash distracted the ref, Hero punched Storm in the back of the head with Cyclone Kill. Castagnoli rolled Storm up for 3 and won. (5:15, 58). After the match, officials and couple of wrestlers checked on Storm's condition, including Billy Kidman, who glared angrily at Nash and his company celebrating on the ramp.

Backstage, Goldberg unexpectedly arrived at the building, even though he wasn't supposed to be there tonight. His shoulder is bandaged, and he is furious, looking for someone. Eric Bischoff sees it at monitor. (77)

Goldberg in-ring promo. He demanded Flair to come here. He is ready for a fight, even if it meant risking his title, career, or even life. Instead of Flair, WCW President Eric Bischoff appeared and tried to calm Goldberg down, claiming that he had already punished Flair. Goldberg threatened to smash Bischoff in the ring if he didn't get Flair immediately. Bischoff begged for mercy and explained that Flair was already in a match that couldn't be undone, promising Goldberg that he would figure something out for next week. Goldberg calmed down. (83)

After the commercial break, Goldberg ran into Chuck Palambo and Sean O'Haire backstage. Goldberg attacked them, blaming for not finishing Flair off last week! (71)

Match 4: Dark Society (Vampiro, Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley) and Sting. Sting returns to WCW... and I kinda dropped the ball not giving that fact enough attention or making storyline of it. In match Vampiro handled his team perfectly, keeping the experienced Sting from tagging in. However, Sting burst into the ring at the end, taking down Vampiro with the Scorpion Deathdrop and putting Moore into Scorpion Deathlock for the win. (6:06, 51)

Backstage, Eric Bischoff was on the phone with the new WCW Commissioner, discussing his concerns about Goldberg. Commissioner suggested making Flair and Black Reign fight in a steel cage match.

Chris Kanyon in-ring promo: "There is no place in WCW for brawlers like DDP. It's a millenium! Fans are craving beautiful moves, innovation, technical skills. Let's enjoy an innovative in-ring skills in the next match." (72)

Match 5: Chris Kanyon vs John Cena. Kanyon did some interesting moves as promised. It is not surprising that Kanyon dominated, but rookie Cena was able to snap back a couple of times, which only annoyed Kanyon. Anyway, Flatliner brought a win for Kanyon. (4:22, 71) After the match, Chris Kanyon puts Cena into modified Octopus Hold. He refused to release the hold, until Diamond Dallas Page made a save and chased Kanyon away. (51)

Rey Mysterio backstage interview: “AJ Styles is only a spot monkey and it is not enough to impress WCW fans." Gene Okerlund tells us that there will be a match at Fall Brawl - Rey Mysterio vs AJ Styles. (46)

Backstage, Booker T in a locker room of Air Raid. Air Paris pays his respect to a former champ. Booker T appreciates, but wants to speak with AJ Styles only. “Are you ready to be on the team with the 5-time champion, kid?”. AJ responds that he is honored and won't let him down. (61)

Match 6: Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero vs Booker T and AJ Styles. Mysterio and Guerrero had great teamwork. Same cannot be said for Booker and Styles. Their styles (lol) weren't similar and that affected the quality of the match. Nonetheless, the audience still enjoyed it. Towards the end, Booker T got a hot tag and took down his opponents. Styles kicked Chavo out of ring with Pele Kick, and Booker T finished Rey with Axe Kick. (8:35, 67).

Match 7, Steel Cage Match: Ric Flair vs Black Reign. Very intense match. Both wrestlers used the cage walls to inflict damage on each other. Flair started bleeding early on. Towards the end of the match, Reign was about to finish Flair with a Blackout, but Flair took a kick to the groin. Flair then focused on the leg of his opponent and tried to lock him in a Figure-Four Leglock. Mitchell ran around the cage furiously trying to do something. He eventually opened the door and threw a chair inside. Reign picked it up and hit Flair over the head. Only for 2. Then Mitchell hands Reign a bag with thumbnails. Reign goes for Chokeslam... Ric counters with a drop toe hold, sending Reign face-first into the steel chair. Backdrop on thumbnails, causing Reign to scream in pain. Flair takes advantage of the confusion and quickly gets out of the cage, winning the match (8:28, 79)

After the match, Goldberg runs out and attempts to hit Flair with a Spear, but Ric dodges, causing Goldberg to fly shoulder-first into the cage wall. Flair retreats to the ramp with a satisfied, even sadistic smile, while Goldberg holds onto his injured shoulder with a grimace of pain. (80)

Overall: 75

Edited March 30, 2023 by Dimos

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #18

Last Week: Ric Flair was punished by being put in a steel cage for a match against Black Reign, but managed to win and afterwards "accidentally" injured Goldberg again. (77)

Backstage, Goldberg storms into Eric Bischoff's office. "You promised me Ric Flair today. One-on-one. Will you keep your promise? Or are you going to regret it?" Bischoff says he gonna keep his word. He promised Flair, but not one-on-one. Today they will have a tag team match!

We are live from HSBC Арена in Charlotte, NC. It's only 6 days till Fall Brawl, and our announcers are Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco!

Tonight - Sting vs Vampiro.

Tonight - Goldberg and Chris Kanyon vs Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page.

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs TAKA Michinoku. Considering that last week's #1 contendership match ended without a winner, WCW management has decided after reviewing the tape that TAKA Michinoku was closest to victory, and therefore he will get title shot tonight. The match began with a handshake. On another arena, another show, and with more time, they could have given a five-star match. Here we had only match for a TV show. Both wresters were close to a win, but in the end match was ruined by Jung Dragons, who attacked both participants. (6:50, 71).

After a commercial break, Mike Tenay gives us the news: at Fall Brawl Jamie Noble, TAKA Michinoku, Kaz Hayashi and Yang will compete for the WCW Cruiserweight Title in a fatal 4-way match.

Terry Funk enters the ring to a standing ovation as a special guest! He expresses his pleasure at being there and wishes everyone a pleasant evening. Suddenly, the lights go out, and James Mitchell appears on the ramp. Mitchell addresses Funk, saying that he has had a great career but questions his fame and whether the audience should cheer him on. Mitchell claims that Funk has never moved beyond where he started and looks like a bum instead of an intimidating wrestling legend. Mitchell then introduces the Black Reign, who attacks Funk with Blackout. Reign scatters a bag of thumbnails into the ring, and although Funk prepares to get Chokeslammed onto them, Crowbar and Bam Bam Bigelow come to save him. (50)

Backstage, Air Paris accuses AJ Styles of ignoring him. "You chase titles, you have a singles match tonight... What about me?". Styles apologizes, offers to discuss it later and leaves with Torrie Wilson. (35)

Match 2: AJ Styles vs CM Punk. The commentators mention Punk's straight-edge lifestyle. Styles, on the other hand, is praised as the possible key performer of WCW in a future. The match is fast-paced and interesting, with Punk showing his heel side. However, Styles catches him in a Styles Clash to win. (4:50: 67) After the match, Rey Mysterio attacks Styles with a chair, and the commentators wonder why Paris didn't come to help. (41)

Backstage, AJ Styles is getting help by paramedics. Air Paris apologizes for not arriving on time.

Match 3: Chuck Palumbo (w/ Sean O'Haire) vs Alex Wright (w/ Glen Gilberti). Palambo takes the lead, but he can't seem to seal the deal. Wright eventually gains the upper hand, and Palambo's teammate Sean O'Haire interferes, leading to a DQ. (4:26, 61) After the match, Glen Gilberti makes a save. Wright and Gilberti chase champions away, looking more and more like strong contenders for a tag team championship at Fall Brawl.

Lance Storm and Billy Kidman backstage interview. They challenge Kevin Nash's band to a match at Fall Brawl. (42)

Match 4: Lance Storm and Billy Kidman vs Above Average (Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger) (w/ Mike Sanders). Storm and Kidman showcase their teamwork that was surprisigly good. So they easily won after Storm applied Mapleleaf on Diamond and Kidman pinned Swinger after Shooting Star Press simultaneously. (5:46, 64) After the match Kevin Nash, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli attacked the winners. Diamond, Swinger and Sanders joined them. Storm and Kidman were outnumbered and got a beating. (50)

Diamond Dallas Page in-ring promo. “I know well that my time is over. I had a great career. And maybe it's time to quit. But not before I'll have one more run to the top. One more push. One more title." Chris Kanyon responds. "You can't do one more run, because you has never have one before. You are where you are today, because of your friendship with the right people. They didn't care that Hogan couldn't make a single move, Nash was a sloppy fat giant, or you hurt your opponents. No one cared about the in-ring skills as long as you had the right connections. You had main events, money, contracts, sponsorships, media coverage, while I was working hard to perfect my skills. Now I am true "innovator of violence" and getting ready to be the face of WCW. Meanwhile you are trying to gather your strength for another run. Listen... At the Fall Brawl in just six days I can guarantee, I'll finish that "run" before it even starts." (72)

Backstage, Vampiro is pumping his proteges up before the next match.

Backstage, Havana Pitbulls enter Sting's locker room, showing him respect and asking him to be in their corner for the Fall Brawl title match. Sting accepts.

Match 5: Sting (w/ Havana Pitbulls) vs Vampiro (w/ Dark Society). Two old rivals who knew each other inside and out. The match was exciting and worthy of being on PPV. Representatives from both teams actively intervened in the match, making it feel like a continuation of last week's six-man match. Moore and Daniels fought Reyes and Romero at ringside, while Vampiro had several nearfalls. However, in the end, Sting put Vampiro down with the Scorpion Deathdrop on a steel chair amidst the confusion when everyone poured into the ring and pinned for three. (9:06, 82). After the match, Sting raised the hands of Havana Pitbulls, urging fans to cheer them on in six days at the Fall Brawl.

Backstage, Chris Kanyon watched Goldberg prepare for the match and stressed that all moves should be technically correct. If Goldberg wanted to, Kanyon was ready to show him a couple of holds that no one had ever seen before. Goldberg replied that he didn't care about the holds and was there to destroy everything around him. He warned Kanyon not to stand in his way when that happened. (76)

Match 6: Booker T vs Mark Jindrak (w/ Ted DiBiase). WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero joined the commentary table. It is just six days away from defending his title against Booker T. Chavo hyped up the match, saying it would be his best title defense yet since Booker was a five-time world champion and serious opponent. Booker T emerged victorious, dodging a Superkick and ending the match with a Bookend. (7:39, 73). After the match, Chavo Guerrero hit Booker with the championship belt on the head, then did the Frog Splash.

Ric Flair backstage interview: "Goldberg, you may be a great athlete and competitor, a mountain of muscle, and a real athlete. Any other day, you might have been better than me. But you know what the trick is here and now? I'm not Ric Flair, the better wrestler anymore. I'm Ric Flair, the smartest wrestler and the most ruthless wrestler you've ever met. I'm willing to beat you for as long as it takes to win because I'm willing to endure it. Now you don't just have to beat the man to be the man. You have to kill the man to be the man. And you're getting a free trial today, buddy, WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!" (76)

Match 7: Goldberg and Chris Kanyon vs Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page. Each wrestler gets their moment to shine. Flair relies heavily on dirty tactics. At the end, DDP misses a shot, and Goldberg quickly takes advantage by performing Spear and Jackhammer to make a pin, while Kanyon and Flair brawl at ringside. In a close match, DDP's mistake is the deciding factor, and the commentators suggest it may be time for him to retire due to his age. Nevertheless, Goldberg and Kanyon are the winners. (10:56, 80)

After the match, Ric Flair got into staredown with Goldberg. Their match is only six days away. See you at Fall Brawl!

Overall: 74

================================================

WCW Fall Brawl 2001
Final Card

WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi vs Yang vs TAKA Michinoku

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship
Dark Society (Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) (w/ Vampiro) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Sting)

Anything Goes Match
Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) vs Crowbar (w/ Terry Funk) vs Bam Bam Bigelow

Lance Storm and Billy Kidman vs The Band (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) (w/ Kevin Nash)

AJ Styles vs Rey Misterio

WCW World Tag Team Championship
Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs Alex Wright and Glen Gilberti

Diamond Dallas Page vs Chris Kanyon

WCW United States Championship
Chavo Guerrero vs Booker T

WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Goldberg vs "Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Edited March 30, 2023 by Dimos

[DHK1989]

Jamie Noble

Dark Society

Black Reign

The Band

Rey Misterio

Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire

Chris Kanyon

Booker T

Goldberg

[Dimos]

WCW Fall Brawl 2001

The highlights of the Goldberg/Ric Flair feud are shown, starting from Goldberg's return to WCW and his domination over opponents. No more squash matches, no more silly talk, no more interviews - Goldberg just went out and destroyed his opponents. But could Ric Flair stop him? At first glance, it seemed like no one could, but Flair has been able to do the most damage to Goldberg so far. Can experience and dirty tactics overpower strength and athleticism? We gonna find out today. (76)

We are LIVE for Fall Brawl from KeyBack Center in Buffalo, NY. Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco are your announcers.

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship: Dark Society (Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) (w/ Vampiro) vs Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Sting). The commentators note that Sting must have seen something important in the young Pitbulls, as he agreed to mentor them for this match. The Pitbulls take the lead from the start, knocking Moore and Daniels out of the ring a couple of times. Vampiro intervenes, and the current champions regain the advantage. Sting attacks Vampiro and puts him in the Scorpion Deathlock at ringside! Ref tries to break the hold. Meanwhile Moore hits Ricky Reyes with the championship belt, and Daniels performs Angel Wings for three. Great opening match. (13:03, 67).

At the parking lot WCW President Eric Bischoff meets someone who came in a limo. "I'm glad you made time to come today. As the new WCW Commissioner, you get to see all the superstars in person to make your mind about their future in WCW." (66)

James Mitchell backstage promo. "Hardcore is not a garbage can. Not a road sign. Not a toy head, damn it. It's passion. It's a willingness to kill and be killed. It's the willingness to go all the way, not to win, but to destroy. Hardcore titles? Hardcore awards? Ahahahahaha. The only thing that matters is the number of souls destroyed. And today, my apprentice Black Reign will add two more to his collection." (56)

Match 2, Anything Goes Match: Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) vs Crowbar (w/ Terry Funk) vs Bam Bam Bigelow. Terry Funk accompanies Crowbar to the ring after Black Reign attacked him last week on Nitro. Although there's no hardcore title in WCW, this match has great significance for each competitor to establish themselves as the top "extreme wrestler" on the roster. The match was held in the best traditions of ECW, with chairs and other stuff involved very quickly. As expected Crowbar and Bigelow teamed up against Reigns at first. As the match progressed moves were tougher and tougher. Reign tried to use thumbnails, but Terry Funk climbed into the ring and kicked him with a 2x4. Bigelow took advantage and hit a powerbomb on the thumbnails... only for two. Bigelow dragged a table into the ring, and another was set up behind the ring. James Mitchell ran around the ring trying to do something, but was caught by Terry Funk. Funk tried to put him through the table at ringside, but manager was saved by Reign. Bionic Elbow and Schizophrenic through the table for Funk! In the ring, Crowbar takes down Bigelow with reverse DDT on chair... 1...2... Black Reign stops it. BlackOut! 1...2... Bloodfaced Bigelow breaks a pin. Bam Bam puts table in a corner and places Reign near it. Runs with avalance... Reign dodges, and Bigelow ripped the table to shreds with his body. Reign made the pin for three. (10:22, 68)

At the parking lot, The Band - Kevin Nash, Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero arrived in the limo. They try to look into the first limo (supposedly with the WCW Commissioner inside), but it's closed. (46)

Video reminds all the events that led to the formation of The Band and the feud between Nash and Storm. (50)

Match 3: Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli (w/ Kevin Nash) vs Lance Storm and Billy Kidman. Storm and Kidman quickly took the initiative over their less experienced opponents. In terms of match quality and audience engagement, Storm and Kidman were head and shoulders above the rest. Castagnoli and Hero still have a lot to learn, and maybe they could learn from Nash? Speaking of Nash, he repeatedly interfered in the match, causing the referee to send him backstage. In that time Kidman goes for a Shooting Star Press on Hero, but Castagnoli struck him from behind with a chair. Hero quickly pins Kidman for three, while Castagnoli held Storm. Dirty win, but not unexpected from Kevin Nash's disciples. (12:29, 61)

AJ Styles got a message to meet with a new WCW Commissioner in his limo. AJ went here, got in and after a while came out. Gene Okerlund is here for a comment. Styles replied that the Commissioner had just wished him good luck. (37)

Match 4, WCW World Tag Team Championship: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs Alex Wright and Glen Gilberti. Gilberti and Wright gave the champions a hard time with a few quick moves, forcing them to regroup. Palambo and O'Hair then resorted to underhanded tactics and managed to take the lead, which they held onto until the end. Gilberti managed to get a hot tag and hit Palambo with Chartbuster. O'Haire breaks a pin. Gilberti and Palambo ended up fighting at ringside, while O'Haire blocked tornado DDT from Wright and finished him off with a Senton Bomb. Palambo and O'Haire retained their titles once again. (12:56, 68)

Chris Kanyon arrives at the parking lot and says he needs to find out who the new WCW Commissioner so he could plan his moves in the company accordingly. He looks through the dark windows, then wants to open the door, but pulls away and leaves the arena. (77)

Match 5, WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs Kaz Hayashi vs Yang vs TAKA Michinoku. There was some speculation that they might not be able to handle the pressure, judging by their performances at Nitro. But everyone played a great game and thrilled both crowd and management. TAKA Michinoku and did most of the work and almost won , but Jamie Noble managed to kick Michinoku out of the ring and make opportunistic pin on Yang to retain the title. (14:40, 74) 

Diamond Dallas Page backstage interview. DDP is blaming himself for the mistake in a tag team match last week on Nitro. Page knows that his best years are behind him, but he'll have enough left for one more run, and Chris Kanyon will be the first to fall in that run. (51)

Video highlights Diamond Dallas Page and Chris Kanyon's feud. (71)

Match 6: Diamond Dallas Page vs Chris Kanyon. The wrestlers put on a great match filled with drama and psychology. In fact, they told the whole story in this one match better than dozens of promos before. By around 12th it was clear that the match was headed towards the end. Kanyon executed the Snake Eyes on Page. 1...2. Russian Leg Twist" followed. 1...2. Canyon held up the Rocker Dropper. 1...2...NO! That was close. Page blocked goes for Diamond Cutter, but Kanyon pushed him into the ropes and took him down with a crowning Flatliner! 1...2...NO! Canyon climbed the ropes... What was he going to do? Moonsault! 1...2... still NO! Kanyon couldn't believe his eyes. He got Page ready for the Flatliner again, but DDP blocked.-Both fell out of the ring. Kanyon goes for a Flatliner on announce  table... Page blocked and did Diamond Cutter! Both wrestlers lay in the wreckage of the table and didn't even think about getting up. The referee counts them out of the ring. On the count of 7, the wrestlers started to move and crawl towards the ring... 8!... Page climbed onto the apron, Kanyon here as well... 9!..... 9.5.... Page rolled into the ring and Kanyon didn't make it. 10! (14:48, 70)

Booker T backstage interview. Booker had been a world champion five times, but the U.S. title means a lot to him. It was a title held by the best of the best. Booker reminded Chavo that he won the title, which Booker gave away voluntarily. Chavo could never take the title away from Booker. And today Booker is determined to get back what was rightfully his. (70)

All the events that led to Booker T challenging current WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero to a title is shown in a video vignette. (62)

WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero backstage interview. Chavo said he had been in the shadows his whole life. In the shadow of the big boys of WCW. In the shadow of his uncle. In the shadow of his family name. Chavo wasn't supposed to get anywhere above the cruiserweight division, but here he is with a title that had so much history... And despite all obstacles, Chavo is determined to write himself into history as one of the greatest US champions of all-time. (49)

Match 7, WCW United States Championship: Chavo Guerrero vs Booker T. Booker T was a really serious opponent for Chavo. After all, 5 world titles under his belt when this was Chavo's first such serious title. It made sense that Booker showed right away his in-ring expierence. Chavo had to regroup. Series of cheat moves allowed him to grab the lead. Booker T missed with a Harlem Hangover from the top. Chavo jumps on the top-rope right away and performes Frog Splash. Pin with feet on the rope for three. (15:08, 78)

Ric Flair backstage interview. Many people are asking when he will retire. Flair responds with a resounding "No!" and explains that wrestling runs in his blood. He admires the hardworking, younger individuals in WCW locker room who are willing to take his place. Flair considers it a great honor to be in the same building as them and is ready to win the title tonight to demonstrate that anyone can be a champion with enough ambition, passion, and love for the business. "WHOOOOOOO! Diamonds are forever. So is Ric Flair." (80)

Video hyping Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles feud. (38)

Match 8: Rey Mysterio vs AJ Styles. While Styles still needs to learn how to work the audience, both wrestlers live up to expectations and deliver a thrilling match. Styles misses a 450 Splash and Mysterio quickly seizes the opportunity to roll him up, but only for two. Styles climbs the top rope again, but Mysterio jumps in and executes a crowning Frankensteiner off the top for another close count of two. Mysterio goes for Corkscrew Moonsault from the top... and does it. Pinfall for three. Although Styles lost his performance tonight was great. (16:21, 76)

Highlight video of the feud between current WCW World Heavyweight champion Goldberg and former 16-time world champion Ric Flair. (76)

Match 9, WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Goldberg vs Ric Flair. Despite both wrestlers not being in great athletic shape for a big match, whether due to age or ability, the match was still a significant event. Even with his injured shoulder, Goldberg was a real threat, showering his opponent with hard punches. Flair, on the other hand, demonstrated in every way that Goldberg would have to kill him to take the title. Midway through the match, Flair sent Goldberg's injured shoulder into the steel steps and worked that particular "achilles' heel" for several minutes. Flair takes the steel chair, ref takes it away, and Ric kicks Goldberg with a low blow. Figure-Four Leglock at ringside! Referee breaks the hold. Back in the ring, Goldberg catches Flair with a killer Spinebuster for two. Flair begs for mercy. Goldberg grabs Ric's throat with both hands. Flair lands a kick to the groin! And again! And again! And again! Goldberg rolls around the ring, and Flair puts him in the Figure-Four Leglock again. Goldberg kicked out and accidentally hurts referee Nick Patrick. Flair hits Goldberg with a championship belt! Pinfall, but no ref. Ric wakes up Nick Patrick, turns around, and gets hit with the Spear! 1...2...NO! Goldberg finishes Flair with Jackhammer. And this time for three count. (17:14, 75)

Goldberg celebrates his victory with the championship belt after the match, and commentators pay tribute to Ric Flair's efforts. No one seems to be able to stop Goldberg now. Will he find a worthy opponent? We'll find out on the next Monday Nitro. Stay tuned!

Overall: 72

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #19

Highlights from last night's Fall Brawl, including Goldberg's tough but still winning match against 16-time World Champion Ric Flair. (77)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Larry Zbysko welcome us in Des Moines, Iowa. 

WCW President Eric Bischoff immediately opens the show and thanks everyone for the success of last night's Fall Brawl. He reminisces about the matches - AJ and Rey, Chavo and Booker - and commends their performances. However, one match stands out even from this impressive lineup. One achievement stands alone, and that is another victory for the undefeated world champion, Goldberg. Eric wants to celebrate and calls the champion into the ring. Goldberg comes out. “I don’t care about celebrating. I have just one question. Who’s next?”. Eric Bischoff: “It is up to a new WCW Commissioner who will be revealed next week!”  Goldberg is about to respond when Sting interrupts him. “I watched your match against Flair last night. I saw a moment of doubt and fear in your eyes. If you are eager to defend your title tonight, I am ready.” It is official! Goldberg will defend the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Sting tonight. (95)

Last Night: In a supermatch Rey Mysterio defeated AJ Styles.

Match 1: Rey Mysterio vs Air Paris (w/ Torrie Wilson). Paris is trying to avenge his teammate and shows great wrestling skills, which few expected from him since he is mostly in the shadow of Styles in team matches. Air Paris misses with the moonsault, and Mysterio executes a Springboard Hurricanrana to win. (5:52) (76) After the match, AJ Styles enters the ring. As Mysterio prepares to fight, Styles reaches for the mic. “It was a great match yesterday and you won fairly.” Styles offers a handshake. Rey accepts and leaves the ring, while Paris asks Styles what the hell. (46)

Backstage, Booker T arrives. He is greeted by two guys – Homicide and Hotstuff Hernandez. "Hey, homie, it's Booker T!" They surround Booker and introduce themselves. Today, these guys have their debut match in WCW. Homicide says that Booker is a true hero for all the people that aren’t privileged to be born in a good place. Booker thanks them and wishes luck. (46)

Match 2: Above Average (Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger) (w/ Mike Sanders) vs L.A.X. (Homicide and Hotstuff Hernandez). LAX are immediately attracting the commentators' attention to their potential. So much so that Sanders was forced to intervene to bring advantage back to his proteges. Hernandez got a hot tag. He quickly takes out everyone, even Sanders who had climbed on the apron. Hernandez finishes off Diamond with a sit-out powerbomb, while Homicide jumps with a Frog Splash to win. (6:23)

Booker T in-ring promo. “I have never got a rematch for the world championship. And yesterday I was ready to regain my US title. But Chavo cheated. I started in WCW from the bottom, it was hard, but never once, despite the temptations, I didn’t achieve victory like Chavo. That's not the game of a champion.” Booker wants to resolve this injustice. And he challenges Chavo Guerrero to a match. If Chavo isn't a coward – he'll accept. (78)

Last Night: Jamie Noble defended his Cruiserweight Championship against three opponents – Kaz Hayashi, Yang, and TAKA Michinoku. The commentators are thrilled with the athleticism of these young athletes. (37)

Legendary wrestler Marty Jannetty is in the crowd tonight! 

Match 3, WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs TAKA Michinoku. Commentators wonder what Marty Jannetty is thinking as he looks at tonight's cruiserweights. The match itself was over the top and worthy of being on PPV. Jamie manages to put his foot on the ropes after Michinoku Driver. Michinoku prepares for the second one, but Noble counters with a Jumping Tombstone to win. (12:19) (77) After the match, Noble and Michinoku help each other up, and the crowd (including Marty Jannetty) gives them an ovation.

Tonight - Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire defend the WCW World Tag Team Championship against Lance Storm and Billy Kidman.

Backstage, Kevin Nash is furious in the office of WCW President. “Why the hell Storm and Kidman got a title shot instead of my guys, who defeated them just 24 hours ago?!” Bischoff answers that it was his decision and if Nash wants to make a clail, he should do it to the new WCW Commissioner next week. Nash: “You better make better decision, if you don’t want my guys to destroy your company. I hope a WCW commish will see the next match…”. (75)

Match 4, WCW World Tag Team Championship: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire vs Lance Storm and Billy Kidman. The entire crowd was on Storm and Kidman's side tonight and really wanted to see them with the championship belts. They had a great chances, but Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero hit Kidman in the back with baseball bats. O’Haire quickly pins him to retain the titles. (9:53) (79) 

WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero in-ring promo. “Booker T talks about injustice? Booker was placed at the top by people like Russo or Bischoff. I worked my way here from the bottom. Same in life. Right now I am the United States champion and want to be considered the best in history. Booker T doesn’t deserve a title shot. I'll challenge anybody, but on one condition. It has to be a former U.S. champion.” Hugh Morrus accepts. (69)

Match 5, WCW United States Championship: Chavo Guerrero vs Hugh Morrus. Morrus missed a No Laughing Matter, and Chavo finished him off with a Frog Splash. (7:29) (78)

Last Night: Chris CKanyon and Diamond Dallas Page almost killed each other. It was literally a split second that decided the winner, when DDP managed to get in the ring and Kanyon didn't.

Chris Kanyon in-ring promo. “Page managed to get away with a countout rule. It was act of cowardice. Because he couldn't stand a real wrestling innovator in a fair fight.” Diamond Dallas Page responds. “I don’t make the rules. But if you want to finish it, I am ready to do it right here and now”. Kanyon replied that they will do it again, but on Kanyon’s terms. He is about to leave the ring, but cheap shots DDP and performs a Flatliner. (81)

Match 6, WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Goldberg vs Sting. A great match that was the highlight of the evening. Afterward, the commentators called it the best Monday Nitro match of the "new era," and many would have to agree with them. Sting almost captured a win after choking Goldberg down with a cable. Ref takes a bump. Vampiro comes to the ring and takes Sting down with a Nail in the Coffin. Goldberg finishes Sting with a Jackhammer to retain the title. (15:10) (80)

Overall: 80

Edited April 5, 2023 by Dimos

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #20

Backstage, WCW President Eric Bischoff is waiting for a new WCW Commissioner. A limo slowly pulls into the parking lot. (68)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysko welcomes us to Monday Nitro from Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY.

Eric Bischoff in-ring promo. "I've run WCW in different periods. I challenged Vince and kicked his ass. It was these corporate idiots in nice suits killed what we had built together. When I managed to buy out WCW and brought it back to life, man, my dream came true! I became the happiest person in the world! But guess what? Now I'm in the shoes of those corporate guys. I can no longer give you the show you deserve, as I need to balance between here and office. So I found a man. His name, his life, his existence means wrestling. Not soap opera. Not sports entertainment. But wrestling. So please welcome the new WCW Commissioner... 'THE AMERICAN DREAM' DUSTY RHODES!" (62)

Dusty Rhodes is here! Bischoff welcomes him and leaves the arena… forever? Rhodes takes the mic. “Wrestling is not what it used to be. I've seen a lot. Now it doesn't count who can put on the best match. Now it counts who is more brightly dressed, who has the weirder entrance theme, who can attract the news headlines. When we first started, it was about who is the best to win. The best athlete. The best fighter. The best wrestler. Was there controversy? There was. But we knew, in the end, the title always goes the best. Ric Flair. Harley Race, Buddy Rogers, Jack Briscoe... Now? No one has any honor now. No honor code. And I'm here to make this sport great again. You want cartoon stars and funny stories? Then go see Vince and his WWE. I'll release anyone from the locker room who wants to go there. But if you want to stay here -- in what will very soon be an oasis of authentic wrestling like it used to be -- then you must become a true athlete, competing with honor and pride. From now on, only fair fights will take place here, and only the best will win. I'll do everything in my power to make that happen!”...

Ric Flair is here to respond! "I agree with you. We had a lot of history, but I agree with you. You saw my match with Goldberg at Fall Brawl. It was all that you talked about. What about rematch tonight?". Dusty responds: "There won't be another Flair-Goldberg rematch as there are many other gyus ready to challenge World Champion. Goldberg was scheduled to have the day off, but in my era, there weren't such things for a champ. So Goldberg is better to dress up, pack up and head over here, as he has a new contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship." Rhodes reveals that Flair will get a title match tonight - for WCW World Tag Team Championship if he'll find a partner by the end of the night. (84)

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs Elix Skipper. Noble blocked a top-rope maneuver from Elix and finished him with a Tombstone. (6:48) (73)

Backstage, Ric Flair offers Diamond Dallas Page to be his partner tonight. Page doesn't want to make the mistake like last time that cost them the titles. "You better find a younger and more reliable partner." (73)

Backstage, Marty Jannetty approaches WCW Cruiserweight champion Jamie Noble and praises him for his last matches. (47)

Backstage, Ric Flair visits his friend Arn Anderson and his protégés, Steve Corino and CW Anderson. Anderson informs him that they already have a match tonight and competing in a second match won't help Flair much in his fight for the titles. But in the future Arn would be happy to help. (77)

Match 2: Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes and Rocky Romero) (w/ Paisley) vs The Enforcers (Steve Corino and CW Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson). CW Anderson puts Reyes down with a Spinebuster at ringside, and in the ring Steve Corino performs an Old School Expulsion to win. (5:47, 74)

Vampiro, accompanied by Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels, in-ring promo. “Do you remember old Sting? Vigilante. Mysterious. Everyone was scared of him. But then, he became like everyone else. Weak. Spoiled. A shadow of his former self. That what happens when you want to be nice and good. If you go to the dark side, you stay there. Or you don't go at all. These two guys beside me did right choice. And I'll bring them to the top." Vampiro issues an open challenge for the titles. Air Raid accept. (72)

Match 3, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship: The Dark Society (Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels) (w/ Vampiro) vs Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson). Vampiro again tries to help his guys. Sting attacks Vampiro and locks him in the Scorpion Deathlock at ringside! Shannon Moore was distracted by this and got caught in Styles Clash. 1-2-3... and we have the NEW WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team champions! (8:54) (77)

Backstage, Booker T, Homicide and Hernandez arrive together. Looks like they became friends. (52)

Backstage, Rey Mysterio comes to Dusty Rhodes. "I defeated AJ Styles at Fall Brawl, but he got a title shot?". Dusty replies: "As far as I know, you don't have a partner now. If you'll find a partner, you'll get a title shot." (59)

Backstage, Ric Flair runs into Chris Kanyon, who cheekily offers to be Flair's partner tonight on the condition that he decides the tactics. Flair declines and says he'll make to find a partner. (81)

Backstage, Booker T asks Dusty Rhodes for another US title shot. Dusty makes a match between his and Rey Mysterio, the winner will get US title match next week. (65)

WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero in-ring promo. He insults Booker T for crying his way into a title shot. As last week he is eager to prove himself as the best US champion in history and issues an open challenge to any former US champion. It’s answered by Jim Duggan! (70)

Match 4, WCW United States Championship: Chavo Guerrero vs Jim Duggan. Duggan manages to annoy Chavo, but Chavo ultimately wins with a Frog Splash. (5:01) (61)

Match 5, #1 Contendership for WCW US Championship: Booker T vs Rey Mysterio. Booker T counters Springboard Hurricanrana with a Bookend to win. (11:49) (77)

Backstage, Ric Flair is talking to an unknown person, and it seems that he has found a partner for tonight! (77)

Furious Goldberg arrives at the building in a bad mood and prepares to find out the name of his next opponent. (80)

Match 6, WCW World Tag Team Championship: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire vs Ric Flair and mystery partner. Flair introduces his partner. It's... STING! The old rivals will fight together tonight. They were great. Sting accidentally attacks ref with a Stinger Splash. O'Haire tries to save the match and hits Sting with the title belt. Flair kicks O'Haire with a low blow and then takes the belt to hit Palumbo in the head! Pinfall, ref comes to count. 1… 2… and 3! Ric Flair and Sting are NEW WCW World Tag Team champions! (11:50) (81)

WCW World Heavyweight champion Goldberg in-ring promo. "No one will tell him what to do. Not Bischoff. Not Rhodes. Now... who is my next opponent? Who's next?" WCW Commissioner Dusty Rhodes comes to the ramp. "You've beaten everyone in WCW. No one here can match you, I agree with that. But that's the beauty of it because your future opponent, even though he was a world champion too, has never stepped into a WCW ring before. Until now. You may have no equal among wrestlers. Try fighting a fighter. So, I present to you your opponent in the world title match at Halloween Havoc... KEN SHAMROCK!" The famous UFC champion "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock steps onto the ramp and stares Goldberg down. (92)

Overall: 80

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #21

Last Week: The new WCW Commissioner Dusty Rhodes brought a new opponent for the undefeated WCW World Heavyweight champio Goldberg. It's the famous MMA fighter and former UFC champion Ken Shamrock! (79)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysco welcomes us to a new episode of WCW Monday Nitro from Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA. 

Tonight - Chavo Guerrero vs Booker T for WCW United States Championship. (67)

Tonight - Ric Flair and Sting will fight Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire in WCW World Tag Team Championship rematch… in no holds barred match! (63)

Ken Shamrock in-ring promo. “I am excited to stand in WCW ring. Before wrestling, I had been destroying my opponents in the MMA ring for years. I choked them. I was kicking them. I was punching them. I broke their ankles. I was suplexing them. That was part of me. And in wrestling it was different. But I found my home here. Sports entertainment was good. But something inside of me demanded that very fight that I had in MMA. And that's when WCW came along. The new WCW. There's a real spirit of fighting. There's a real fight. And there's a champion here that I haven't beaten yet. Goldberg. I've beaten the best of the best. I've beaten the most formidable, the most evil, the most fearsome fighters in the world. And now I'm here for you, Goldberg!" (73)

... WCW World Heavyweight champion Goldberg is here! "Maybe you did beat the meanest, most formidable, most fearsome fighters in the world. But here? In WCW? In MY ring? You're only next!" (88)

Match 1, WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs Christopher Daniels. Daniels lost his Cruiserweight Tag Team belt last week, but tonight has a chance to become Cruiserweight singles champion. It was the worst title defence for Noble so far. Simply because the styles of Noble and Daniels somehow didn't match up. Nevertheless, Christopher proved to be a great challenger. He missed Best Moonsault Ever and  got caught into Tombstone. Jamie Noble retains the title. (9:48) (65)

WCW Commissioner Dusty Rhodes in-ring promo. "It's only been a week since I became a WCW Commissioner, but I've met so many talented guys who could be WCW superstars. And I've met those who haven't gotten a fair chance in the new WCW so far. So, I decided to organize a special tournament for them - the Dusty Rhodes Invitational. Anyone can enter it. This is your opportunity to make a name for yourself and appear on national TV. The winner will receive a special $100,000 prize. Final part of tournament will be held at Halloween Havoc. And qualifying is starting right now!"

Match 2, Qualifying for $100,000 Dusty Rhodes Invitational: Lance Storm vs Chris Hero (w/ Claudio Castagnoli and Kevin Nash). Storm was leading until Kevin Nash interferes and placed him with a Jackknife Powerbomb, while Hero was distracting ref. Heromakes a pinfall and advances tournament. (4:45) After the match, The Band continues the beatdown. Billy Kidman makes the save with a chair. Lance Storm challenges Nash to a one-on-one match. Nash replies: “You need to grow up to the level of the big guys first. The challenge is denied”. Dusty Rhodes comes here! He makes his move: Lance Storm and Billy Kidman will face Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli in a tag team match. If The Band win, there won't be Nash-Storm match ever. If Storm and Kidman win, Storm will fight Nash at Halloween Havoc, with Hero and Castagnoli banned from the ringside. (73)

Match 3, Qualifying for $100,000 Dusty Rhodes Invitational: Black Reign (w/ James Mitchell) vs Crowbar. The commentators highlighted that they have a history. Match quickly turned into a brawl. They used chairs, monitors, and other objects to attack each other. The wrestlers continued their fight backstage. Referee declared a double DQ. (5:20) (58)

Backstage, Booker T arrived at the building with his buddies, Homicide and Hernandez, who cheered him on before his title match. (44)

Backstage, Gene Okerlund interviews... Bobby Heenan! Okerlund asked why he came to the event. Heenn expressed his resentment that the new WCW has excluded him. However, he claimed to know WCW better than anyone else and the talent that's out there. He planned to find real talent, invest in it, and lead it to a world title, just like he had done in the past.

Match 4, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship: Air Raid (AJ Styles and Air Paris) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Jung Dragons (Kaz Hayashi and Yang). Yang comes from the top rope, and Styles catches him into a Styles Clash to make a first title defence. (4:52) (73)

After the match, the champions were attacked from behind at the ramp by Rey Mysterio and... Juventud Guerrera! It looks like Rey had brought Juventud from Mexico to compete for the Cruiserweight Tag Team titles in WCW! (48)

Backstage, Black Reign and Crowbar continie to brawl. The referees and road agents surround them, but no one dares to intervene. Reign catches Crowbar and runs him into a glass door. Both wrestlers require medical attention. (59)

Backstage, the new WCW World Tag Team champions Ric Flair and Sting arrive in a limo. (77) 

Chris Kanyon comes to the ring with DDP's entrance music and mocks him for being too old and weak. Diamond Dallas Page enters the ring and chases Kanyon away, demanding a match with him. (66)

WCW US champion Chavo Guerrero backstage interview. Chavo acknowledges that tonight will be his toughest defense yet, but he's determined to become the greatest WCW US champion in history. (59)

Backstage, Dusty Rhodes confronts Chris Kanyon and disapproves of his behavior. Dusty schedules a match between Kanyon and Paige for Halloween Havoc with no DQ and no count-out. (72)

Match 5: The Enforcers (Steve Corino and CW Anderson) (w/ Arn Anderson) vs Alex Wright and Glen Gilberti. Corino and Anderson kicked Wright out of the ring with a double superkick. Then Corino performs Old School Expulsion on Gilberti to win. (7:04) (70)

The video highlights of the feud between Chavo Guerrero and Booker T. (68)

Match 6, WCW United States Championship: Chavo Guerrero vs Booker T. Chavo knocked out the ref, when things went south. Homicide and Hernandez come to the ringside to watch. Match goes back and forth. Championship belt in the ring… Both are down. Homicide and Hernandez come to the ring… and attack Booker T! Homicide takes out Booker T with a Gringo Killer. Chavo makes a pin for three and retains the US title. (9:51) (80)

Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire backstage interview. They were surprised last week that Sting teamed up with Flair, which led to their loss the previous week. But today, they're ready to take back the championship belts. (65)

Match 7, No DQ for WCW World Tag Team Championship: Ric Flair and Sting vs Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire. Wrestlers used a lot of weapons in the match. Sting did a Stinger Splash and Scorpion Deathdrop on Palumbo... but Vampiro hits him from behind with a steel chain! Palumbo secured the win... and we have the NEW tag team champions! (14:10) (77) After the fight, Flair helps Sting up, and Vampiro walks away with a smile.

Overall: 80

Edited April 8, 2023 by Dimos

[Dimos]

WCW Monday Nitro
Episode #22

Last Week: Vampiro unexpectedly interfered in the WCW World Tag Team titles match and caused Sting and Ric Flair to lose their belts merely a week after winning them. (58)

Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbysko welcome us to WCW Monday Nitro from Long Beach, CA.

Tonight - Arn Anderson has requested a TV time on the show for an important announcement.

Tonight - Ken Shamrock will make his WCW debut match against Chris Kanyon.

Sting in-ring promo. He's had enough of Vampiro and their unfinished business. He wants to end their feud once and for all, right here, right now. Vampiro is here to respond, accompanied by Shannon Moore and Christopher Daniels. He again cuts a promo about Sting wanting to be good for everybody, but neglecting his darkside, that makes him weak. Vampiro sends his troops to the ring - Daniels got a Scorpion Deathdrop, Moore was catched into powerbomb. Dark Society retreats. Vampiro gives them steel chains and sends them to the ring again! Havana Pitbulls make a save. Sting grabs a mic. He has a proposition for Vampiro if he won't do the job himself. Six-man tag match at Halloween Havoc: Sting and Havana Pitbulls vs Dark Society. Vampiro accepts on one condition - it will be a match with no rules, no limits... in a steel cage... with steel chains inside… Full Mayhem match! (50)

Match 1, #1 Contendership for WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Shannon Moore vs Christopher Daniels vs Yang vs Paul London vs Elix Skipper vs Kid Kash. WCW Cruiserweight champion Jamie Noble and his new friend Marty Jannetty join the commentators. Former ECW TV champion Kid Kash returns to WCW! The commentators highlight the talent of Paul London, who Dusty Rhodes personally appreciates and put in the match. It was a fast-paced match, with Moore and Daniels teaming up to beat London, while Kid Kash puts Yang down with a Money Maker for the win. (8:26) (66) After the match, Kid Kash stares down at Jamie Noble.

Match 2, 1/4 Finals of $100,000 Dusty Rhodes Invitational: TAKA Michinoku vs CM Punk. The commentators again emphasize the straight-edge lifestyle of CM Punk, and the fact that all those who do not lead this lifestyle - do not fit into the picture of Punk's world. During the match, Bobby Heenan, who is on the lookout for his new client, came to the ring. Michinoku as the more experienced wrestler rightfully took the lead and was the favorite. But in the end CM Punk blocks the Michinoku Driver, performs Pepsi Twist and wins to the great surprise of the crowd and commentators. (4:07) (65)

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Air Raid backstage interview. But before they could answer a single question, they were attacked from behind by Rey Mysterio and Juventud Guerrera! (49)

Match 3, 1/4 Finals of $100,000 Dusty Rhodes Invitational: Kaz Hayashi vs Alex Wright. Kaz Hayashi had been thinking about singles success for a long time, and this tournament was a great chance for him. For Wright, it was a chance to get some wins under his belt and climb higher in the WCW roster. Both wrestlers had little to show for the time allotted. And in the end Wright rolls up Kaz after German Suplex to win. (3:50) (55)

Arn Anderson, with Steve Corino and CW Anderson, is here for a special announcement. He calls out his friend Ric Flair. "I've seen your matches since the beginning of the new WCW. I've always been a realist. You and I are both going downhill. The business doesn't revolve around us anymore. It ended for me four years ago. For you, it's over now. The business is behind the young ones, the guys who are standing in this ring now. CW Anderson is a better Anderson than I ever was. Steve Corino is a future world champion. They're the future. Look...  I'm just an average guy who built a successful career, thanks to you, Ric. Thanks to being surrounded by the best of the best - Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, Dean Malenko... and other Horsemen. I'm telling you as your best friend - you can't do everything alone anymore. Now you are average. You need the same kind of team that I had my whole career. You need the Horsemen, Ric. And when I look at these guys, I see that they're ready, they're worthy. Let us help you, Ric. With us, you'll go back to the gold. We guarantee it!" Wait... Does Arn Anderson propose to resurrect the Four Horsemen? It looks like it is... (77)

... But before Flair can respond, WCW World Tag Team Champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire come out on the ramp. They taunt Flair and Anderson and call themselves the future, as they've beaten every team in WCW, and there's no one here to take the titles away from them. And that retirement home in the ring makes them, real athletes, want to puke. Ric Flair grabs the mic. He says it pained him to hear Arn call him "average." Ric Flair is Ric Flair, always. But Arn is right - all of his big successes have always been with The Horsemen. It was the most elite group. Ric doesn't know Steve Corino, doesn't know CW Anderson, but since Arn sees something in them, Flair will try to see it. Flair is not sure if reviving Horsemen is a good idea right now... But what Ric does want is to kick those two punks' asses and get their gold back. Flair suggests that Steve Corino be teamed with The Nature Boy. Corino replies that it's a huge honor for him. Flair and Corino challenge the champions to a match at Halloween Havoc. Palumbo and O'Haire accept the challenge. But Flair also wants some action... right now! (67)

Match 4: Ric Flair (w/ Arn Anderson, Steve Corino and CW Anderson) vs Chuck Palumbo (w/ Sean O’Haire). Corino hit Palumbo in the head with a brass knuckle. Flair and ref didn't see it. But Flair uses the opportunity and rolls up Palumbo for three counts. (4:50) (77)

Ken Shamrock arrives to the building. Tonight he will debut in WCW ring! (72)

Backstage, Ric Flair is celebrating. Corino told him that he had helped Flair. This news came as a surprise to Flair, and he appeared unhappy as he thought he won in his own. (64)

Backstage, Diamond Dallas Page wishes Ken Shamrock luck and tells him he will watch his back tonight as he knows Kanyon's sneaky nature. (66)

Last Week: L.A.X. swerve on Booker T and help Chavo Guerrero to retain the WCW United States Championship. (72)

Booker T in-ring promo. "I saw potential in LAX, but they made a wrong choice. Now they'll have to reckon with what I have in store for them." WCW US Champion Chavo Guerrero and L.A.X. are here. "Looks like you're not a 5-time champion anymore, but a 2-time loser to me... My whole career I've been blown in my ears that I'd never get anything done. That I'm too small. Too low. Too not_superstar_material. Even in the Guerrero family - there was always the great Eddie and everybody else. It was a struggle for me. But I overcame it. Now I see the same struggle in these guys. Together, we're going to overcome everything. I'm going to be the greatest U.S. champion in history. And these guys will dominate WCW like nobody else." Chavo Guerrero says that Booker won't get another shot at the title. But he is interrupted by WCW Commissioner Dusty Rhodes. "It is not your decision to make, it is mine. In fact, I have three decisions. First, Chavo and L.A.X. are fined $1,000 each. Second, Chavo will defend WCW US title at Halloween Havoc vs Booker T in the final match. And third, one of you should bring his ass  to the ring for a match against Booker right now!" (62)

Match 5: Booker T vs Homicide (w/ Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez). Despite Chavo and Hernandez's attempts to interfere, Booker T wins after Harlem Sidekick and Axe Kick. (4:44) (59)

Last Week: Dusty Rhodes made a tag team match The Band vs Storm and Kidman. If The Band win, there won't be Nash-Storm match ever. If Storm and Kidman win, there will be a match Nash vs Storm at Halloween Havoc, with The Band banned from the ringside. (46)

Match 6: The Band (Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli) (w/ Kevin Nash) vs Lance Storm and Billy Kidman. It makes sense that Kevin Nash actively interfered in the match. But in the end Lance Storm blocks Cyclone Kick from Hero and puts him in Half-Boston Crab after a spectacular roll up. Kidman eliminates Castagnoli from helping with a top-rope dropkick. Hero taps out. (9:17) (66)

Chris Kanyon backstage interview. "I don't understand all the hype around Shamrock, as I am much more interesting wrestler.” (74)

Match 7: Ken Shamrock vs Chris Kanyon. This match was meant to test Ken Shamrock's ability to challenge Goldberg and to see if he was worthy of the main event. And Ken certainly proved himself. Both wrestlers put on an excellent match that will surely go down in Monday Nitro history, at least after the reboot. Chris Kanyon goes for a Flatliner, but Ken blocks and puts his opponent into Ankle Lock, causing Kanyon to tap out. (14:01) (82)

After the match, Goldberg appears on the ramp with WCW World Heavyweight title on his shoulder, and the two wrestlers stare each other down. (74)

Overall: 74

====================

 

Memo 006: Why to be good in the ring, when you can become 'toxic' leader of the locker room

 

You might think that things have calmed down since I haven't sent out many memos lately.

 

But, no.

 

I didn't lose all the champions in one day like it happened before. And the other guy with a bright future wasn't injured for a year. Also, the guys that I liked and planned to give a big push to didn't decide to try all the drugs in the world.

 

However:

 

There are a lot of shenanigans happening in the locker room. Every show seems to have some kind of brawl, drunk superstars, conflicts, or all of them happening at once.

 

For instance, Marty Jannetty missed the show (only his third absence ever!), because he was too drunk to stand on his legs. I don't expect him to fly from the top-rope to ringside. I just want him to be with Noble, able to walk, and say some words every once in a while. It's not a hard job, but apparently, it is for him.

 

Everyone in the locker room is unhappy with Diamond Dallas Page's behavior. DDP is completely isolated from the rest of the guys. Nobody talks to him, and nobody wants to do anything with him. If even happy and cheerful DDP can't find himself in our locker room, then there is no possible save for our backstage morale.

 

Kevin Nash has become the leader of the negative part of the locker room in the absence of other "toxic" superstars. Good job, Kev! That's quite an achievement. Maybe you could try to do something in the ring, but I guess it would be too boring for you. Anyway, just in the last month, Nash has been involved in a couple of brawls, pranks, missed meetings with the road agents, and has received plenty of fines and stern warnings.

 

We've had a couple of good shows.

But if you ask me, I would still say that the ship is sinking.

Edited April 8, 2023 by Dimos