WCW 2001: A Paradigm Shift

ThatYoung450 · January 8, 2022

Just caught up to this diary. Great work so far man. Great presentation. Love those commissioner teams great way to introduce new talent and potentially stables.

WCW WORLDHEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Goldberg © vs. Booker T

w/ Special Referee: Sting

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT FINAL

The Ace's vs. The New Born Thrillers

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Natural Born Thrillers © vs. The Insiders vs. The Filthy Animals

Scott Steiner vs. Rick Steiner

*If Scott Steiner loses, he will have to abondon the Steiner name.

Dustin & Dusty Rhodes vs. Jeff Jarrett & Mark Jindrak

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT MATCH B

The Ace's vs. The New Born Thrillers

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Scott Helms © vs. Shannon Moore vs. Evan Kargias

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT MATCH A

Miller & Friends vs. Team Canada

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Filthy Animals © vs. The Weeping

DGenerationMC · January 9, 2022

WCW WORLDHEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Goldberg © vs. Booker T

w/ Special Referee: Sting

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT FINAL

Team Canada vs. The Aces

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Natural Born Thrillers © vs. The Insiders vs. The Filthy Animals

Scott Steiner vs. Rick Steiner

*If Scott Steiner loses, he will have to abandon the Steiner name.

Dustin & Dusty Rhodes vs. Jeff Jarrett & Mark Jindrak

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT MATCH B

The Aces vs. The New Born Thrillers

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Scott Helms © vs. Shannon Moore vs. Evan Kargias

COMMISSIONER WAR TOURNAMENT MATCH A

Miller & Friends vs. Team Canada

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Filthy Animals © vs. The Weeping

Ippon · January 11, 2022

Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas,

WCW presents…

On FX…

INTRO

As always, the announce team kicked off the show, with a breakdown of the big title matches to come and some of the grudge matches on the card also. The emphasise the stipulation in the match between Scott Steiner and his brother, Rick Steiner, in which Scott Steiner could have to abandon the family name if he was to lose. They also discuss the importance of the Commissioner War tournament and the potential reverberations of what could happen if certain people won, with Lawler having a strong preference for Team Canada, surprisingly. Within that they hype the debut of Rob Van Dam, and several other debutant talents. Up first though, is the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship match in which the challenging team, The Weeping are far from cruiserweights.

~~

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

TAG TEAM MATCH

The Filthy Animals © w/ Konnan & Tygress vs. The Weeping

The two monsters of The Weeping dominated early, as would be expected, with both Kidman and Mysterio doing their best to utilise their speed and agility but both ultimately falling to the strength of their opponents. Konnan was more vocal than ever on the outside, alongside Tygress, and both did their best to make their presence felt without overstepping the mark. Vampiro and Mortis appeared to be targeting Rey though, on both occasions when Kidman was tagged in, they bested him and sent him back to the corner for Rey to enter. This eventually backfired, as a rested Rey entered with some authority with a springboard Tornado DDT that planted Vampiro in the centre of the ring, Mortis having to save him from the three count. Rey and Vampiro exchanged rolling sweeps, takedowns, and arm drags, both highlighting their luchadore skills. Ray almost caught Vampiro with a three count after a sunset flip, but Vampiro escaped at the last minute and kicked Rey in the back of the head. Tagging in Mortis afterward saw a return to their dominance. Kidman soon got the hot tag though, and the teams began exchanging big moves, with Konnan even getting involved when the referee was distracted, nailing Mortis with a Rolling Lariat at ringside, Mysterio springboarded to the outside to land a leg drop on the fallen Mortis to put him down for a prolonged period. Vampiro rolled out of the way of the Shooting Star Press though, and countered Mysterio’s Tornado DDT into a devastating Tombstone Piledriver. He and Kidman traded blows, but the bigger man won out, and slammed him to the mat with a Chokeslam that was soon followed by a NAIL IN THE COFFIN and the three count for the victory.

Match Result: The Weeping win via submission to win the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship.

[58]

~~

POST MATCH

As the referee raised the hands of Vampiro and Mortis and handed them the championship belts with a little hesitation, neither man accepted them and simply left them discarded in the ring. Both men had something else they wanted, Rey Mysterio Jr. Vampiro hit a stirring Kidman with another NAIL IN THE COFFIN, and scared Tygress off when she attempted to save him. Mortis meanwhile assaulted Konnan, tossing him into the guardrails and eventually into the crowd. With Mysterio isolated, Vampiro set up a table and Mortis lifted the Mexican onto his shoulders, carried him to the top rope and brought him down through the table with the BRIBE FOR THE FERRYMAN (Avalanche Samoan Drop). Vampiro dragged the broken Mysterio up the ramp and backstage, whilst Mortis had some unheard words for Konnan who had attempted to intervene, before retreating and checking on Kidman. The commentators table are shocked at the attack, and wonder whether the team will be stripped of the titles, or if they were ever sanctioned to win them in the first place.

[63]

~~

COMMISSIONER TOURNAMENT MATCH A

FOUR VS FOUR ELIMINATION MATCH

Miller & Friends w/ Miss Jones vs. Team Canada

Miller and Storm kicked off the match, with Storm sneering at Miller’s attempts to grapple with him. Miller laughed it off and punched Storm in the face, which resulted in both teams pouring into the ring and the match falling into immediate bedlam. The debuting Steve Corino went straight for Miller and the two men traded insults, before trading blows, with Corino blocking a high kick and backing Miller into a corner for several thumping knife edge chops to the chest. Elsewhere Mike Awesome ran through Smiley and Wright before bumping into Morrus who proved a tougher fight and the two brawled to the outside of the ring. Roode, another debutant, cautiously watched on, calculating when to pounce and when Smiley was dropped by Awesome he went for the kill. The referee quickly restored order, and chose to ignore Morrus and Awesome beating two bells out of each other at ringside. We then had a sequence of Corino, and Roode taking turns to beat down Miller until Wright made a hot tag and cleared house. Storm popped up to counter his momentum though with a cracking SUPER KICK, and Corino pounced on the pinfall to eliminate Wright.

ALEX WRIGHT IS ELIMINATED BY STEVE CORINO.

The first elimination kickstarted a more frantic pace to the match with Miller eager for his team to level it up, however it proved to be a mistake, Storm and Roode were able to isolate The Cat, leaving Smiley to get low blowed and rolled up by Corino.

NORMAN SMILEY IS ELIMINATED BY STEVE CORINO.

The odds were beginning to stack against Miller and what remained of his team, but they didn’t give up. Morrus had got the better of Awesome, after Miller had caused the distraction. Miller managed to lay out both Storm and Roode with Feliners, before planting Corino with one in the ring, and Morrus followed up with a NO LAUGHING MATTER (Moonsault) to get the pinfall.

STEVE CORINO IS ELIMINATED BY HUGH MORRUS.

The action spilled outside, with all men brawling, until Mike Awesome crashed the party with a crazy Suicide Dive over the top rope. The commentators couldn’t comprehend a man of the size taking such risks, Lawler was loving it however, emphasising the Awesome in his name. Roode and Miller found themselves one on one in the ring, and Roode’s eagerness hurt him, as Miller ducked a rushed clothesline and countered with the FELINER and got the pinfall.

ROBERT ROODE IS ELIMINATED BY ERNEST MILLER.

With the teams level, the match returned to some order, and played out as a tag team match until Awesome rescued Storm from a pinfall, and Morrus was quick to intervene. They resumed their brawl, whilst Miller was left with Storm, who took advantage of Miller’s fatigue, out wrestling him and manoeuvring him into a CANADIAN MAPLE LEAF submission, Miller was forced to tap out, and tap out quickly.

ERNEST MILLER IS ELIMINATED BY LANCE STORM.

Morrus was the last hope for Miller, but Awesome was getting the better of him ringside, sending him crashing repeatedly into a set of stairs. Awesome rolled back into the ring and went for another dive, but Morrus being a lone target was able to sidestep the attempt, and Awesome went face first into the mat and guard rail. Morrus and Storm battled in the ring, with Morrus catching a Superkick attempt and suplexing Storm, before planting him with a sidewalk slam, and then a Powerbomb, before climbing to the top rope. Unfortunately, Awesome snuck back into the ring, and took advantage of Morrus’s position to hit him with an AWESOME BOMB, before dragging Storm onto him for the pinfall.

Match Result: Team Canada wins with two remaining members to advance to the final.

[54]

~~

BACKSTAGE

We cut backstage to two men who are not booked to appear on the show, but stand in a hallway backstage regardless. Totally Buff members, Buff Bagwell and ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger had failed in their bid to gain a rematch with the tag team champions on the last episode of Nitro. Bagwell was stalking up and down, he kept attempting to say something whilst pointing his finger at Luger, but cut himself short before Luger demanded he spit it out. Bagwell vents his frustration at their lack of involvement, and Luger’s indifference to their treatment by Bischoff on Monday night. He wants to see commitment from Luger, Flair and the rest of the seven disappeared and betrayed them, they were on their own. From this point on, they had to step it up, take things to the next level, they were going to go on a winning streak that all but ensured they could not be denied at the Great American Bash, if not before. Bagwell fumbles into his bag and offers Luger his vintage bottle of tanner, referring to it as though it were a century old bottle of whisky. They were going to do whatever it took to get Bagwell… and Luger, a gold strap around their perfectly chiselled abdomens. Luger watched on unsure, but accepted the tanner with the slightest grin.

[59]

~~

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

TRIPLE THREAT LADDER MATCH

Shane Helms © vs. Shannon Moore vs. Evan Karagias

A rematch from last week at BIG BANG, but this time ladders were introduced to the match to give Helms an additional worry to that of fighting against two former allies with his title on the line. The match, surprisingly took a slower approach early on, with Karagias and Moore taking turns to try and take Helms out of the match, and or injure him. They both alternated, until Moore had Helms in a tight sleeper hold and Karagias drop kicked Moore to the back of the head, causing him to hit Helms with a Sleeper Slam. Karagias was the first to pick up a ladder and held onto it firmly as he slammed it into the midsection and then head of Moore, and the ribs of the stirring Helms. Karagias asserted some dominance, hitting several bodyslams, and showing off his strength. He set up several ladders across the outside, bridging them from the apron to the barricade, but before he could get the chance to use them, Helms had recovered and planted him with a Sugasmack super kick. Several ladders began to pop up with all three competitors eager to now use them to their advantage. The action also began to get riskier, or more desperate depending on your viewpoint, as Helms and Karagias both stood on one of the bridging ladders trading blows, Moore ascended the top turnbuckle and flew on to both of them with a Halo (corkscrew senton). It wasn’t the only finishing manoeuvre to not result in the finish though; as Helms hit a Vertebreaker onto Moore on to a ladder, and Karagias tossed Helms on to a ladder on the outside with a Military Press Slam, but then missed with his attempted Corkscrew Splash and landed on the ladder solo. Moore and Helms both began climbing the ladder, whilst Karagias eventually got to his feet, he attempted to tip the ladder, but Moore dived off and connected with a Mooregasm (somersault neckbreaker), before the ladder tipped and Helms fell with it. The finish came when Karagias rolled to the outside half conscious, leaving Moore and Helms to battle on the ladder once again, this time Helms managed to lift Moore into a VERTEBREAKER OFF THE LADDER. His former teammates were motionless as he climbed the ladder and retained his Cruiserweight Championship belt.

Match Result: Shane Helms wins via capturing the belt to retain the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.

[58]

~~

BACKSTAGE

We cut backstage to a concerned Billy Kidman & Tygress and an irate Konnan, who all barged into the office of Eric Bischoff. Bischoff attempted to assert some authority but Konnan was quick to interrupt him with a tirade around the attack on Mysterio. They have been unable to find him or Vampiro and Mortis. Kidman and Tygress are worried for his well being and want security or the police involved, whilst Konnan is concerned about the World Tag Team Championship match. Bischoff assures them that Arn Anderson, the backstage enforcer, has it all under control, and if they want to continue on tonight, Konnan can step in for Mysterio. Konnan is pleased with this, but it doesn’t appear to ease the concerns of the other two members of The Filthy Animals.

[54]

~~

COMMISSIONER TOURNAMENT MATCH B

FOUR VS FOUR ELIMINATION MATCH

The Ace’s vs. The New Born Thrillers w/ Mike Sanders

Sanders immediately demanded to be the centre of attention, despite being at ringside. Loud and brash, he was pacing and barking orders to his new stable, and the recruits he had put so much faith in. Rob Van Dam on the other hand was calm and did not seem fazed as he appeared to lead the team that Johnny Ace had put together, although Ace was nowhere to be seen. Cena and RVD began the match, going through the motions, with RVD looking at any point like he could flip to the next level, instead he tagged in Tanaka, who immediately went to that level. He traded blows with each member of the New Born Thrillers, before all four piled in in an attempt to topple the Japanese brute. Monty Brown hopped the rope to intercept this and levelled Anderson with a Pounce, before fighting off the others. Tanaka hit Anderson with a SHOTGUN STUNNER to secure the first elimination.

KEN ANDERSON IS ELIMINATED BY MASATO TANAKA.

Anderson remained ringside at Sanders orders and eventually aided the team when the action spilled outside and became chaotic. Anderson, gaining some revenge, teamed up with Cena to powerbomb Tanaka onto the stairs at ringside. Meanwhile, The Kentucky Bend Outlaws had isolated Monty Brown, and like a cornered animal, he put up a good fight, but a DEATH SENTENCE from the tag team put an end to his time in the match.

MONTY BROWN IS ELIMINATED BY CHRIS HARRIS.

As the action continues to be frantic and have no order, RVD highlights his athleticism and martial arts training with several impressive feats of agility and kicks the living hell out of Harris. Storm attempts to help him but receives a Windmill Kick for his efforts. Both men crawl into and slump in a corner, and RVD then proceeds to land Van Terminator’s on both men. He celebrates as the crowd cheers him and is blindsided by Cena. Dos Caras is quick to Cena’s aid however, and puts him down with a combination of suplexes. RVD hits the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH and gets the pinfall.

JOHN CENA IS ELIMINATED BY ROB VAN DAM.

Once again, Cena remained ringside and attempted to aid Harris and Storm. The match fell into a tag team match again briefly, but this one couldn’t be controlled, with the two eliminated Thrillers jumping Dos Caras and Tanaka, RVD wiped them out with a Moonsault to the outside, but back in the ring, he was unable to fight off both Harris and Storm. They connected with another Death Sentence, but Tanaka made the save. He fought Harris to the outside, whilst Dos Caras tagged himself in and finished Storm off with a LEGACY PLEX (military press into a bridging german suplex).

JAMES STORM IS ELIMINATED BY DOS CARAS JR.

Tanaka rolled Harris back into the ring and he and RVD cut off the remaining Thrillers at ringside. Harris and Dos Caras brawled in the ring, but Sanders snuck in and low blowed the Mexican wrestler. Harris hit a Catatonic, but RVD made the save. The three remaining Ace’s chased off Sanders, and hit their finishers; SHOTGUN STUNNER into a LEGACY PLEX followed by a FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH, and Dos Caras made the cover.

Match Result: The Ace’s win with three remaining members to advance to the final.

[44]

~~

VIDEO PACKAGE

A video package airs for our next match to come, the tag team match between The Rhodes Family and Jeff Jarrett and his new protege, Mark Jindrak. We see where the feud began, with highlights from their interaction at BIG BANG, including highlights from the previous incarnation of WCW in which the Rhodes family humiliated Jarrett towards the end of its existence. We then catch the highlights from Dustin’s match against Jindrak on the last episode of Nitro, with several replays of the brutal guitar shots to the heads, spliced with interviews from both teams. The Rhodes family want to put an end to the rivalry, Jarrett has got a point to prove and Jindrak, he just wants to break some heads.

[58]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

Dustin & Dusty Rhodes vs. Jeff Jarrett & Mark Jindrak

Dusty and Dustin had a slight disagreement on who would start the match, with the son clearly looking out for the wellbeing of his father. Jarrett on the other hand, was more than happy to let Jindrak start the match, regardless of the opponent. Dusty won over Dustin and kicked off the match with Jindrak, and it became immediately clear that the 55 year old would struggle with his larger, younger, stronger opponent. He easily outmuscled Dusty in the grappling exchanges, with Dusty resorting to chops to the chest to get some authority in the duel. Jindrak, though, was quick to match the up in intensity and dropped Dusty with a clothesline before tagging in Jarrett. With Dusty cornered, the two men double teamed him and kept him isolated, but the veteran was durable and found a way out of each pinning predicament. Dusty rallied with Jarrett’s attempt at a punch, blocking the shot and clocking him with a Bionic Elbow. Jindrak rushed in and ate one too. Dusty got the hot tag and in came Dustin, he made quick work of both men and had them retreating. He hit both men with bulldogs, and set both men up in each corner, lifting them onto the middle ropes to deliver Shattered Dreams to both, one after the other. Both crumpled, but Jarrett rolled out of the ring to avoid the pin. As the match went on, both teams traded big moves, with Dusty even teasing a Piledriver on Jarrett, before Jindrak blindsided him with the Mark of Excellence knockout punch. Dusty collapsed unconscious, and when Dustin went to check on him, Jarrett nailed him with an Enzuigiri to the back of the head. Jindrak screamed for Dustin to get to his feet, and when he finally did, he was immediately dropped with another Mark of Excellence. Jarrett dragged Dusty to his feet and nailed him with THE STROKE to get his team the pinfall victory.

Match Result: Jeff Jarrett & Mark Jindrak win via pinfall.

[62]

~~

VIDEO PACKAGE

After the completion of the tag team match, the commentary team hyped up our next match and we went straight to another video package, highlighting the feud up to this point. We see the clip from the end of the first episode of Nitro, with Flair telling Scott to attack his brother, and Scott obliging after some brief hesitation. We also see clips from the past of Scott’s previous betrayal, and his change into his current persona. Rick is in the interview, reiterating what he said on Monday, that Scott had hurt him and his family too much. But not only that, this was now a matter of professional pride, Rick couldn’t allow any man to step on him time and time again, let alone a family member. Scott on the other hand states he never wanted the fight but right now, Rick was in his way, and he would go through anybody to get back at Flair and Goldberg for what they did. Red mist fades over the video package to bring it to an end.

[71]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

Scott Steiner w/ Midajah vs. Rick Steiner

This match began with some hesitation, both men looking to grapple at first, with tests of strength and countering holds, until they both separated with a nod to one another, although Rick immediately poked Scott in the eye following what appeared to be a show of respect between the brothers. Rick took control, working Scott stiffly around the ring with heavy punches, a clothesline and a crunching DDT. Scott countered an attempted bulldog and slammed Rick with a back suplex. They both bounced back to their feet and traded suplexes, before they levelled each other with Steiner-Line Lariats. Scott was first to his feet and showed no hesitation in brutally taking down his brother, heavy shot after heavy shot, and eventually a nasty Frankensteiner, that Rick barely kicked out of. The brothers once again traded moves, showing how well they know each other’s tactics, but Rick was tiring and Scott was more fired up than ever. Midajah cheered him on from ringside as he tossed Rick with an overheard belly to belly suplex and followed it up with an Elbow Drop. He dropped into some cocky push ups in front of his valet, but the smile has gone from her face, she slides an object into the ring and quickly walks away from Scott. Steiner is perplexed and hops out to chase after her, the referee calls him back with the count, but as soon as Scott rolls into the ring we see Rick is wearing brass knuckles and he clocks Scott in the jaw with a big right hand. Nick Patrick doesn’t see, and when he turns around, Rick is locking Scott into the STEINER RECLINER with no brass knuckles in sight. Scott doesn’t tap, as he is already unconscious, so Patrick rings for the bell.

Match Result: Rick Steiner wins via TKO.

[65]

~~

POST MATCH

Rick makes a quick exit, and celebrates on his way up the ramp, a childish grin on his face as he holds his neck and wipes the sweat from his face. Scott eventually stirs, his brother watching from the ramp. As he comes to, and the realisation of what happens hits him, he screams for a microphone and threatens the referee, Nick Patrick, who also makes a strategic exit from the ring. Scott takes to the microphone and curses his brother, and Midajah, he says that all his life people have leeched off of him, he was always the successful one and the one people gravitated towards. Midajah used him for that, and Rick used him for that. The Steiner name had lost it’s value to Scott a long time ago, Rick was welcome to keep it. He had been the Big Poppa Pump for a while now, and with Rick no longer family, all bets were off.

[66]

~~

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

TAG TEAM MATCH

Natural Born Thrillers © w/ Shane Douglas vs. The Insiders vs. The Filthy Animals w/ Tygress

The Filthy Animals were the intrusion on what would have been a rematch from BIG BANG, but having pulled double duty and losing Mysterio to The Weeping, they were more than happy to allow DDP & Palumbo to kick off the match. Douglas was at ringside with The Natural Born Thrillers for the first time and he was quick to make himself heard. DDP and Palumbo picked up where they left off, trading blows, before the bigger man outmuscled DDP and hit a big Chuck Deluxe (overhead belly to belly suplex) early. Konnan leaned in to get the tag before Palumbo could capitalise, but DDP kicked out. DDP and Konnan traded arm drags and counter holds, until DDP countered Konnan’s momentum into a Tilt-a-Whirl Slam for a nearfall. The action continued with everyone entering the ring and trading moves without any team becoming dominant. The match fell into chaos when Douglas jumped on to the apron after Kidman had landed a dropkick on Palumbo, the referee was distracted and O’Haire blindsided Kidman with a big roundhouse kick. Konnan dragged Douglas off the apron and the two of them began brawling, which led to everyone else piling into the ring and brawling too. As Douglas and Konnan’s fight tumbled into the crowd, a figure emerged from the darkness…

Mortis came from nowhere, going straight for Konnan. Douglas made a quick retreat, allowing Mortis to nail Konnan with a Flatliner, and the BRIBE FOR THE FERRYMAN onto a stack of chairs. He dragged the body of Konnan out of sight. The action returned to the ring, and with Kidman on his own, O’Haire and Palumbo isolated him and hit him with several big moves. Nash made the save, dropping both men with big boots, whilst DDP and Douglas exchanged words. O’Haire countered a Jackknife Powerbomb and DDP slipped a Jungle Kick as both teams avoided the other's finishers. As both men traded moves, at one point Palumbo had Nash locked into the Padlock, an inverted Boston crab, and DDP had O’Haire in a Figure Four Leg Lock around the ringpost. Douglas intervened once again, blasting DDP, causing Palumbo to release his hold and distract the ref, with Nash out on the mat, Kidman came from nowhere with a Shooting Star Press on Nash. He was unable to get the pinfall, not being the legal man, but he tried anyway. Palumbo took him out with a Jungle Kick, and tried the pin on Nash himself. It was unsuccessful, the finish however did come soon after as Douglas attempted to put an end to things himself by nailing DDP with a Franchiser, but the veteran countered it and suplexed Douglas into Palumbo. Palumbo stumbled into a JACKKNIFE POWERBOMB, and DDP held off O’Haire whilst he got the pinfall.

Match Result: The Insiders win via pinfall to win the WCW Tag Team Championships.

[62]

~~

VIDEO PACKAGE

The commentary booth moves us on to our next match up, which is the final of the Commissioners War Tournament. They recap the results from tonight's matches between The Ace’s & The New Born Thrillers, and Team Canada & Miller & Friends. We see a video package highlighting the beginning of the tournament, with Bischoff announcing the competitors, with more emphasis on the teams Storm and Ace went on to build. We also see brief interview clips from Ace, Storm, Corino and RVD, all commenting on what it would mean to win the tournament.

[38]

~~

COMMISSIONERS TOURNAMENT FINAL

FOUR VS FOUR ELIMINATION MATCH

Team Canada vs. The Ace’s

Lance Storm’s Team Canada were feeling cocky going into this once, with none of the team members in awe of the Ace’s international stars, or Monty Brown. Awesome started the match and immediately called out his one time nemesis, Masato Tanaka. He duly obliged and the two men went to war. For the most part, this match was just these two men delivering an ever increasing amount of violence upon one another. Awesome eventually hit Tanaka with an Awesome Bomb on to the top turnbuckle, but Tanaka immediately bounced out of it with a Roaring Elbow before both men collapsed to the canvas. Roode tagged himself and attempted to pin Tanaka, but the Japanese wrestler got a foot on the rope. As Roode attempted to hit Tanaka with a Jumping DDT, Tanaka held firm and planted Roode with a SHOTGUN STUNNER (vertical suplex into a stunner) and made the quick pinfall.

ROBERT ROODE IS ELIMINATED BY MASATO TANAKA.

Tanaka was still out on his feet when Lance Storm entered and dropped him with a Superkick, but he fortunately toppled into his corner, and RVD got the tag. The next sequence saw each remaining team member exchange moves with another member of the opposition. Each time one team got the advantage, the momentum swung the other direction. RVD and Storm became the rescuers for their collective teams, tagging in to bring momentum back their way, and it was Storm who got the next elimination. Awesome tagged him in after dropping Dos Caras Jr with a big boot, and Storm immediately went to work on his leg, Dos Caras fought back, but the momentum it took to fight, allowed Storm to trap him in the CANADIAN MAPLE LEAF and Dos Caras had no option but to tap out.

DOS CARAS JR IS ELIMINATED BY LANCE STORM.

Monty charged at Storm, but the team captain ran from the ring, circled it and as Monty came back in, Corino greeted him with an Eternal Dream (sliding lariat) followed by the OLD SCHOOL EXPULSION. Storm quickly rolled him up for another quickfire elimination to swing the momentum in Team Canada’s favour.

MONTY BROWN IS ELIMINATED BY LANCE STORM.

Storm tagged in Awesome as RVD came back in to try and get the match up back level, but Corino was having none of that and tagged himself in, telling Mike he’d take care of him. It didn’t quite go as Corino planned as he was immediately kicked in the face and never really got back into the fight with RVD. Fortunately for him, the numbers game worked for Team Canada, and every time RVD went for a big move, Storm or Awesome were quick to intervene. Tanaka finally grew tired of the rules and charged into the ring to attack Corino and Storm, who were in the process of double teaming RVD between tags. Corino ate a Roaring Elbow, but Storm ducked his, and connected with a Superkick to the back of Tanaka’s head. Awesome tagged himself in and tossed Tanaka over the ropes before leaping over with a suicide dive, sending Tanaka into the barricade. Whilst Awesome basked in his Awesomeness, RVD came flying over the ropes with a springboard Moonsault to the outside. RVD took control back in the ring before tagging in Tanaka, but it proved to be a mistake as he was feeling the fatigue and Corino and Storm took advantage, being fresher men. They worked him down and eventually tagged in Awesome who hit him with an AWESOME SPLASH (frog splash) to put The Ace’s down to one man.

MASATO TANAKA IS ELIMINATED BY MIKE AWESOME.

RVD doesn’t take the infringement lightly and launches into Awesome with a springboard Savate kick, with the big man stumbling RVD follows it up with a step-up Enzuigiri and hits a Rolling Thunder into a splash for a nearfall. Storm intervenes, but RVD fights him off, and dropkicks Corino as he attempts to get through the ropes. Awesome is still out and RVD is quick to jump on to the top turnbuckle and land a frog splash of his own, the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH gets the pinfall.

MIKE AWESOME IS ELIMINATED BY ROB VAN DAM.

Corino, remembering how the last tussle with RVD went, tried to blindside him with a chairshot, but the ECW vet avoided the shot and countered with a VAN DAMINATOR and got the quick pinfall on Corino.

STEVE CORINO IS ELIMINATED BY ROB VAN DAM.

With Storm and RVD the last two men standing, they both fought a traditional match, to an extent. Both men were tired and Storm seemed desperate to get the win, quickly resorting to any measure possible to put RVD away. They both traded spinning heel kicks, they both avoided Superkicks and leaping kicks, and Storm could not get RVD locked into a submission. RVD on the flip side could not land anything significant on his slippery opponent. Storm had apparently scouted RVD well. The finish came when Storm gots his knees up to counter an Air Van Dam, but Johnny Ace finally made an appearance and came charging down to the ring. Storm was unsure what Ace had intended but he took his attention from RVD for too long, and the martial arts specialist levelled him with a leg sweep, followed by a standing moonsault and then the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH finished him off and got The Ace’s the victory.

Match Result: The Ace’s win with one remaining team member to win the Commissioners Tournament.

[47]

~~

POST MATCH]

Johnny Ace climbed into the ring to celebrate with Rob Van Dam post match, after the well regarded wrestler had been recruited by him and led his team to victory almost single handedly in the final. RVD, however, was not accepting of the praise, instead, remonstrating to Ace that he had the match won and didn’t need the distraction. Ace ignored him and got the other members of The Ace’s into the ring to celebrate as the music for Eric Bischoff hit and the WCW CEO entered the ring and immediately shook Ace’s hand before bringing him in for a hug. Both men were all smiles and laughing as Bischoff took the microphone and told Ace that he knew he could do it and that he never doubted he would be the man by his side. RVD looked disgusted at the reveal of their friendship before Ace took to the microphone and thanked his team for their efforts, he was thoroughly disappointed in everyone but RVD and with his new found power, he would like to wish them all well in their future endeavours. RVD was livid at this, squaring up to both Ace and Bischoff, before Ace fired him too. RVD shrugged and planted Ace with a Spinning Heel Kick before he and the others exited the ring and Bischoff checked on Ace.

[57]

~~

VIDEO PACKAGE

With the main event happening any minute, we are given the final video package of the night, one which highlighted the feud between the men vying for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Goldberg was shown defeating Jeff Jarrett and earning his title shot, and then blindsiding Booker T at BIG BANG before aligning himself with ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. We are shown Booker T and Sting’s coming together after the events of the past week, with Booker T calling Sting a coward, and Sting being announced as the special referee for tonight's title match. All four men have clips from interviews shown, with Flair announcing that Goldberg was the real damn deal, and he didn’t need a streak to prove it. Whilst Booker T questioned why Goldberg needed to beat him at the end of another match, questioned his ability to get it done whilst Booker was fresh. Sting simply wished both men good luck, and warned them he was coming for the winner.

[69]

~~

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

SINGLES MATCH w/ SPECIAL REFEREE

Goldberg (c ) vs. Booker T

Special Referee: Sting

Goldberg and Booker T squared off in the ring, both men were WCW Triple Crown winners, having held the Heavyweight, Tag Team and United States title, however only one man could walk out with the Heavyweight Championship tonight. Goldberg approached the match the only way Goldberg knew how, full throttle offence. Booker T attempted to match it early, but found himself out muscled, and after barely escaping a Gorilla Press Slam, he switched up his tactics. Instead of meeting Goldberg head on, he used his speed to out manoeuvre him, and lure him into overreaching and being open to counters. This slowly infuriated Goldberg, who struggled to get his hands on Booker. Having had one too many spears crashing into the ring post instead of his title challenger, Booker began landing more frequently, catching Goldberg with two big kicks that had him staggered, but as Booker attempted to down him with a clothesline, Goldberg surprised him with a judo throw into a cross arm-breaker that had Booker scrambling for the ropes. Booker wasn’t expecting that from Goldberg, and the surprises didn’t stop there as Goldberg caught another kick from Booker, sweeped the leg and locked him in a Figure Four Leg Lock. Flair had been teaching Goldberg more than just the art of stealing a win, and Booker barely escaped the submission attempt. Sting had to warn Goldberg on both occasions that he had to break the hold, coming just short of physically intervening. The action picked up with Booker more eager to put Goldberg down, but the more frenetic pace suited Goldberg and he caught Booker with a huge spear. Booker managed to roll out of the ring though.

With the action going to ringside, Flair made his entrance, Sting was quick to intercept him but when the two competitors fought back into the ring he had to leave him be. Booker began gaining some momentum, landing a 110th Street Slam (high impact spinebuster), followed by a Harlem Hangover (somersault leg drop), but Goldberg kicked out at two. Booker was furious with the count from Sting, but kept on the offensive, dropping the champion with a Harlem Sidekick but before he could follow it up Flair grabbed at his ankle. Booker remonstrated with Sting but Goldberg kicked Booker in the face to resolve the matter. Stevie Ray came flying to ringside and was straight in the face of Flair, the two men argued as Booker once again gained control and dropped Goldberg with a big vertical suplex. Flair and Ray came to blows with Flair eventually hitting Ray with a low blow, Booker T seeing this climbed the turnbuckle and went for a missile dropkick. Flair, however, avoided the move and Booker hit Ray. Booker chased after Flair, before the ringside became an all out brawl. Sting had seen enough and booted Flair and Ray from ringside, but not before Flair had slid the World title belt into the ring. Goldberg planted Booker with it and tossed it out of the ring, before picking Booker T up into a delayed JACKHAMMER and scoring the pinfall. Goldberg celebrated his victory, snatching the title from Sting and heading out up the ramp. Sting offered a hand to Booker T to help him up, but Booker slapped it away and the two men stared each other down as the show came to a close.

Match Result: Goldberg wins via pinfall to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

[74]

~~

SHOW RATING: [70]

ATTENDANCE: 8,270

SLAMBOREE RECAP:

THE WEEPING defeated THE FILTHY ANIMALS to win WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships

TEAM CANADA defeated MILLER & FRIENDS

SHANE HELMS defeated SHANNON MOORE & EVAN KARAGIAS to retain WCW Cruiserweight Championship

THE ACE’S defeated THE NEW BORN THRILLERS

JEFF JARRETT & MARK JINDRAK defeated DUSTIN & DUSTY RHODES

RICK STEINER defeated SCOTT STEINER

THE INSIDERS defeated NATURAL BORN THRILLERS & THE FILTHY ANIMALS to win WCW World Tag Team Championships

THE ACE’S defeated TEAM CANADA

GOLDBERG defeated BOOKER T to retain WCW World Heavyweight Championship

</div>

Predictions Leaderboard after Slamboree:
DHK1989 17/21
DGenerationMC 16/21
falling_star 15/21
Helginho 13/21
Old_School_Fan 12/21
KyTeran 10/21
Tyler2020 5/21
ThatYoung450 5/21
ctessier197 3/21
CactusHack 1/21

Congratulations DHK1989 on winning the predictions round for this cycle. I will have a PM sent to you shortly. Thanks again for everyone who has commented and predicted so far! The next cycle will begin at Nitro and run until Great American Bash.

Ippon · January 13, 2022

~~~~

SEVERAL HOURS AFTER SLAMBOREE WENT OFF THE AIR

THERE IS NO PLAN B

Eric Bischoff fell back into his chair, it wasn’t as comfy or as luxurious as the one he got to use on camera, but the wear and tear from its daily usage had left a groove that only he fit. It was an unusual comfort to him, after a hard day's work to sink into his groove, put his feet up on his desk and contemplate how his day had gone. Sure, he could retire, roll around L.A. on a Harley and smoke and drink until his heart has had enough, but this, this was what he missed, this was what he wanted.

Now if only he had more.

The event had gone to plan, no botches, no injuries, no mis-timed segments or matches running over, everything went as they had planned. It might not be highly rated amongst some of their fan base, but King had insisted on integrating new talent early, and for that talent to guys that could mould into WCW stars. They were good prospects, some of them were better workers than the others, some of them already had tons of experience and were prime to break out sooner rather than later, but most needed time. The fans were not highly invested in the Commissioner Tournament, but he was, and King was. Bischoff couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was keeping tabs on him backstage, King and his lackey had too much information, they were too in the know of what was happening at ground zero. Bischoff had to route it out, he had to certify his position in the company and tonight his plan had gone exactly as he had planned.

He looked down at the script on his desk, a barebones draft for the next Nitro episode. His segment had him introducing his team, three men who would be a part of his on screen taskforce and make up a group of authority figures that kept Bischoff becoming too involved in the shows. Eric hated the idea at first, but the more he thought on it, the better it worked from a storyline and character perspective, but also when it came to his ambitions. The Commissioner, and his team leaders, men overseeing the Tag Team and Cruiserweight divisions. The three more set of eyes and ears that Bischoff knew he could depend upon:

JOHNNY ACE - THE COMMISSIONER

MIKE GRAHAM - CRUISERWEIGHT DIVISION TEAM LEADER

MIKE ENOS - TAG TEAM DIVISION TEAM LEADER

It was all starting to fall into place, and before long, Bischoff and his team would be back in control of WCW, for real.

~~~~

ELSEWHERE

THE FIRST RAPTURE

Angus King had just got off the phone with another member of the Paradigm Board of Operations and was not looking overly pleased. He had some issues in the last week, and his time in charge of WCW had come with plenty of issues. Even in such a short time, there had been fighting in the locker rooms, drug use, failed drug tests, clicks forming and bullying amongst other things. The atmosphere was almost hospitable in the backstage area at times. He had a solution, but the board of operations had overstepped him and introduced their own.

Another board member would be getting involved in the running of the show, and King did not have much say in the matter. Fold had befriended a few of the lesser known guys, but they had no influence, and Enos had been brought into Bischoff’s inner circle and wasn’t trusted. King agreed that they needed that influence within the group, someone who was on their side, and someone who could pinpoint who the main culprits were. King was open to giving them opportunities to improve, but the board had been less forgiving, Hart in particular was outspoken on several issues, but they had plans for him, and they weren’t happening yet.

Instead, they had to bring him in. He was King’s least favourite associate, well liked in the industry, charismatic, successful, but King was an atheist, raised a Catholic and hated it, and this man was born again, King couldn’t stand the preaching. Half their meetings were held up with disagreements between the pair, but King was a professional, and he still had final say on the creative direction of the company.

So far.

He called in Fold to arrange a meeting with their new comer, Enos and himself tomorrow, they had a new show to plan, and there was no doubt he had the experience and knowledge to assist, it was going to be that guy, no matter how much King disliked the man. Fold dialled the number and muttered his greetings as he left King in his office. Fold was getting close to him lately, he had noticed, and he couldn’t help feeling the situation was going to become more complicated.

Could he rely on Tully Blanchard?

~~~~

ONE DAY LATER

YOU BRING THE HEAT, I’LL BRING THE THUNDER

Casper Fold could have cut the tension with a knife, and at times he wished he had one. Enos and Tully towered either side of him, and being barely over five and a half feet, he felt as though they could squash him at any moment. It was one of the reasons he had been hesitant in taking the job, but it paid well and had a large upside should he manage to be successful. It had been harder than he thought, though, King wanted him as a go between from the talent to him, but half the talent didn’t know he existed and the rest seemed to consider him something they’d rather avoid stepping on. Paris and Styles had befriended him and he often spent his time backstage with them and some of the newer recruits, but it was not an enjoyable place to be, even when the mood was high. Regardless, King was adamant we persevered, claiming success, bonuses, and better run shows would result in the situation getting better. Fold had his doubts, but he had no say. Thankfully Tully had got involved, and he commanded more respect than anyone else there. Even Enos kept his mouth shut when he spoke.

The matter at hand was not the backstage morale though, instead it was about moving forward, and the plans for the next PPV. Paradigm had negotiated with FX to bring back Thunder, as a supplementary show to Nitro, as it was previously. They had also ironed out plans for a third show, but that was still in the organisation phase and Fold had heard little else about it, apart from it not being held in the US. Thunder had always been a secondary show, but still featured prominent talent, but King had wanted more as a platform to have developing talent perform on. It would still have storylines, and would hopefully draw an audience that was interested in the overall product, but King wanted people to watch it knowing they would see people more regularly than they might on Monday nights.

The other big change was that the show was going back on tour, they had begun local advertisement last week and had already begun the process of moving the show. The initial plan was for them to tour across the US until they reached Florida, were they intended to honour the hosting of Bash At The Beach in Florida. Tully had fought the idea, finding the idea of Spring Break immoral, but King had always thought that the product was aimed at various age groups, and whilst they avoid associating with partying and underage drinking and the such, they couldn’t dismiss that they had an audience within that age bracket, Tully eventually accepted the matter, but he seemed to content in doing so. Fold had been monitoring him carefully since he had arrived this morning, he could be another avenue into Paradigm, but King seemed the more likely route still.

Either way, the Thunder was getting closer, it was only a matter of time until the Lightning struck.

~~~~

Ippon · January 13, 2022

WCW Presents, from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas...

Card is subject to change.

Totally Buff vs. Ernest Miller & Hugh Morrus

Rob Van Dam vs. Lance Storm

Jung Dragons vs. Disco Inferno's new tag team - The HYW (Hide Your Wives) Express

Who will be the members of Inferno's HYW Express?

PLUS, the TV tournament bracket will be revealed, Big Poppa Pump will be in action, Jeremy Borash will be speaking to The Weeping, and much, much more!

Tune in to Monday Night Nitro, ONLY on FX!

DHK1989 · January 13, 2022

Totally Buff vs. Ernest Miller & Hugh Morrus

Rob Van Dam vs. Lance Storm

Jung Dragons vs. Disco Inferno's new tag team - The HYW (Hide Your Wives) Express

Who will be the members of Inferno's HYW Express?

Johnny Swinger & Simon Diamond

KyTeran · January 14, 2022

Totally Buff vs. Ernest Miller & Hugh Morrus

Rob Van Dam vs. Lance Storm

Jung Dragons vs. Disco Inferno's new tag team - The HYW (Hide Your Wives) Express

Who will be the members of Inferno's HYW Express?

Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger

Ippon · January 15, 2022

Live from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

FX presents…

<img alt="MfBG7Gf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MfBG7Gf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

INTRO

<img alt="AqNHqPm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AqNHqPm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IeleKiZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IeleKiZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gsgIRHX.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gsgIRHX.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The commentators table welcome us to another night of high intensity, Nitro action! They briefly recap the biggest moments of last night's Slamboree event on FX and discuss some of the announced matchups for tonight's show. However, first, Eric Bischoff makes his entrance, flanked by three men.

<img alt="UsopKUN.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UsopKUN.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ge8wkES.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ge8wkES.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Tsfnn3p.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Tsfnn3p.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pq5oDXj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pq5oDXj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Bischoff kicks off the show with his three new stooges, he congratulates the first, Johnny Ace with a big handshake, hug and congratulations on winning the role of Commissioner of Nitro. He then introduces the other two men, both former competitors within WCW, and both are men that Bischoff and Johnny trust to act on their behalf. The second man is Mike Enos, who will be the Team Leader for the Tag Team division and will ensure that everything within that division runs smoothly. Enos takes to the microphone and announces his first act is to strip The Weeping of the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship. Bischoff then introduces Mike Graham, who will be the Team Leader for the Cruiserweight division, he also announces his first act and that is to announce the new Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships will be crowned at the Great American Bash, and that strict weight division enforcements will be made. With the introductions out of the way, Bischoff finally reveals the sixteen man tournament bracket for the new WCW Television Championship.

<img alt="DH7WmXf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DH7WmXf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

He states that the first round matches will be fought over the next few weeks, and that the champion will be crowned before Bash at the Beach. However, he is soon interrupted by…

<img alt="40HCKWp.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/40HCKWp.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rob Van Dam came out to a huge applause, the man who kicked Johnny Ace in the face had appeared to have been fired last night, and Ace was quick to remind him of that after he had made his way to the ring. Van Dam wanted only one thing, besides the opportunity to kick Ace in the face again, he wanted what he was owed. He won one tournament, and since he and his team mates were cheated out of that, he wants in on this one. Bischoff tells him the bracket is complete, but again proceedings are interrupted by…

<img alt="ONHmeYm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ONHmeYm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="z6o3udx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z6o3udx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="v5de18G.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/v5de18G.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vy141ad.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vy141ad.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Team Canada’s Lance Storm, surrounded by Mike Awesome, Steve Corino and Robert Roode make their way on to the stage. Storm has a bone to pick with Ace, and RVD. Firstly, he demands Bischoff allow him another opportunity to vye for the Commissioner role, but if it was as fixed as it seems, the least he could do is give him another shot at RVD. RVD tells him that not only has he already beaten him, he’s beaten most of his team. Storm is furious and demands he faces him again, RVD suggests they do it now, Bischoff suggests they do it later on, in the main event. Ace doesn’t look pleased about this at all.

[73]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="5uxXNma.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5uxXNma.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KlANq3X.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KlANq3X.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jZ9G1AB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jZ9G1AB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fgfEnhZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fgfEnhZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo vs. Norman Smiley & Lash LeRoux

Match Highlights:

~ Skipper & Romeo demonstrated an increased physicality to their offence, slapping and insulting both men throughout the match.

~ LeRoux got the hot tag, surprised with the momentum he had at actually getting some offence in, he invited Smiley to come celebrate in the ring with him.

~ Skipper, whilst showing increased physicality, also highlighted his amazing agility with both a springboard somersault lariat and a double moonsault.

~ The commentators announced they had been informed of a new team name for Skipper & Romeo, and that they would now go by The Bullyweights.

Match Finish:

The Bullyweights defeated Smiley & LeRoux - Elix Skipper got the pinfall victory after landing the PLAY OF THE DAY on LeRoux.

[43]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="DtBxX9T.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DtBxX9T.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="T4vTG83.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/T4vTG83.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FYajrXR.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FYajrXR.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

We cut backstage to a nervous looking Jeremy Borash, who introduces his guests for this interview, the team of Vampiro and Mortis, known as The Weeping. He attempts to ask what their motivations were in attacking Mysterio & Konnan last night, and what happened to these men, and Chris Kanyon when they were dragged off. Mortis growled at the mention of Konnan, and Vampiro simply stated that he was not a part of the plan. Borash asked what the plan was, and Vampiro just told him to wait and see, whilst Mortis repeatedly muttered that he was hungry before both men exited the interview. Before Borash could sign off though, three other men barged in…

<img alt="9dJAyMA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9dJAyMA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8uMgTfP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8uMgTfP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XsiFD4A.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XsiFD4A.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Disco Inferno apologised with zero sincerity for interrupting, but his new tag team was debuting tonight, and this was his brainchild, these were two men who he felt he could take to the absolute pinnacle of wrestling. The Hide Your Wives Express were coming for your women, and your belts, they were coming for it all. Karagias posed beside Inferno, flashing his abs and pouting for the camera, whilst Wright looked less comfortable. Inferno leaned into Wright and told him that he still owed him one, and that this would work out far better than those Miller and Friends would. Inferno proclaimed Karagias to be the bad boy, and Wright to be the man you wish you’d married. Tonight, however, instead of the ladies they would be dragon slaying.

[44]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="DhLMdsQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhLMdsQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0aMHP7c.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0aMHP7c.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Johnny Swinger

Match Highlights:

~ Scott wasted no time in smashing into Swinger with a barrage of heavy blows and impactful suplexes.

~ Swinger attempted to walk away from the fight, but BIG POPPA PUMP chased him down.

~ Scott was fired up for the entire bout, though it was short lived, and his aggression toward anyone in his path proved to intimidate both fans and the referee alike.

Match Finish:

BIG POPPA PUMP defeated Johnny Swinger - Scott got the pinfall after hitting the GENETIC FREAK DRIVER (previously known as the Steiner Screwdriver).

[48]

~~

POST MATCH

<img alt="DhLMdsQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhLMdsQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Scott wasn’t finished with just the one GENETIC FREAK DRIVER, as he peeled the half conscious Swinger off the floor to land another. The referee calls for assistance and several backstage staff members rush out to get thrown around by BIG POPPA PUMP. He calls for Rick Steiner, screaming that he wants him right here, right now, and he will put an end to him. Instead, another man enters the stage and stares Scott down, looking less than impressed…

<img alt="wCgdUtn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wCgdUtn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[63]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="Sx8eKe3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sx8eKe3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wfohH6Z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wfohH6Z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8uMgTfP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8uMgTfP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XsiFD4A.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XsiFD4A.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jung Dragons vs. The HYW Express

Match Highlights:

~ Wright & Karagias had awkward timing between them, with Karagias more used to dirtier tactics in tag team matches. Disco was the peacemaker and got in Wright’s ear again.

~ Hayashi and Wright had a sequence of quick counters and various pinfall attempts before Karagias got the cheap shot in on Kaz.

~ Disco spent most of the match flirting and dancing for women in the crowd, but managed to prevent a pinfall or two when required.

~ Yang took out Disco with a dive to the outside, but in doing so took a big hit himself and isolated his partner.

Match Finish:

The HYW Express defeated Jung Dragons when Karagias, unseen by Wright, hit Hayashi with a low blow and then a standing dropkick into Wright’s BRIDGING BÖHM SUPLEX.

[39]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="ymcdx6f.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ymcdx6f.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WcxbgnD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WcxbgnD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

We go backstage to see two popular figures, and the current WCW World Tag Team Champions, Kevin Nash and DDP, Diamond Dallas Page. Nash discusses his hesitancy in teaming with DDP again, but after the last few weeks feels confident that the two men have each other's back and can have a long successful reign with the titles to bring some legitimacy to the division. They both agree that the past is the past, and with Natural Born Thrillers wanting a rematch, and several new tag teams arriving, they will be fighting champions, facing whoever is willing to step up against them. And after they have beaten them all, then they will aim for the biggest title of them all, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Both men stared each other down at that, both of them smiling wide, before fist bumping.

[80]

~~

IN RING

<img alt="gojW86H.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gojW86H.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Back ringside, the intro music for Dustin Rhodes hits and he made his entrance alone on this occasion. He makes his way to the ring after a friendly reception from the crowd and climbs into the ring without celebrating his arrival too much. Dusting apologised for not giving the fans what they wanted last night, and that was an ass whooping for Jarrett and his new sidekick. Dustin wanted to make amends though, and he called Jarrett out, to settle this once and for all, one on one, man to man. The challenge did not got unanswered…

<img alt="ZEWFH4r.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZEWFH4r.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yV8XRYN.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yV8XRYN.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jarrett swaggered out onto the stage with Mark Jindrak not far behind him, Jindrak massaged his knuckles, grinning at Rhodes. Jarrett told Dustin that whilst it was a tempting offer, he had to recuperate after last night's post match celebrations. He asked Dustin why Dusty wasn’t out with him, asked him if he was okay, sarcastically, before insinuating that Dustin no longer wanted his dad involved in the fight because he believed he was holding him back, rather than seeking to protect him. Dustin snapped back that he just wanted to end the damn matter by punching Jarrett in the face and if he wasn’t man enough to step up, he would find a way to get what he wanted. Jarrett’s shit eating grin grew jeers from the crowd as he relished telling Dustin how it must have shattered his father’s dreams for him to have been such a failure of a wrestler, a husband, and a son. Dustin charged up the ramp, but the numbers made it an uphill challenge for Rhodes, and he was quickly put down. Jarrett hitting him with THE STROKE on the stage floor to put a cap in the segment.

[54]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="2z4k0l0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2z4k0l0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HO2Iyaw.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HO2Iyaw.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oSiHytD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oSiHytD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5gFUiH7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5gFUiH7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Totally Buff vs. Miller & Friends

Match Highlights:

~ Bagwell played the cheerleader for large portions of the match, constantly bickering with the referee, fans and whoever was around him, sometimes even Luger himself.

~ Luger almost got Miller locked into a Torture Rack, but Morrus hit him with a big spear before Bagwell could intercept.

~ Luger and Morrus brawled around ringside, whilst Bagwell and Miller shared insults and jawed off at each other in the ring which resulted in Miller hitting Bagwell with a Feliner and knocking him out cold.

Match Finish:

Miller & Friends defeated Totally Buff - Miller landed another Feliner on Luger, who came in to check on Bagwell, before tagging in Morrus who hit the NO LAUGHING MATTER for the pinfall.

[44]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="V5Th8J5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/V5Th8J5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NfNaLnk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NfNaLnk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

We joined Billy Kidman and Tygress, the remaining members of The Filthy Animals backstage before Kidman’s match against James Maritato, which was up next. Kidman was busy strapping himself up for the match, whilst Tygress paced the locker room. She eventually asked him what he was going to do, but Kidman had no answer. She insisted on one though and Kidman eventually told her there was nothing he could do. He couldn’t take The Weeping on by himself and he had no idea where Rey or Konnan were or could be. Tygress said that they were a family, and they shouldn’t give up, telling Billy that Rey always said Chavo Guerrero Jr was trained by his dad, and could be trusted when it came down to it. Billy scoffed at the idea, he told her The Filthy Animals were nothing if he was on his own, and for her own safety, Tygress should be nowhere near him until the whole thing blew over. He told her to keep her head down, whilst she reiterated that he should go talk to Chavo. Billy promised he would think about it, but right now, he had something else to deal with.

[42]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="V5Th8J5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/V5Th8J5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fZKSJL2.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fZKSJL2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kI1SaIz.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kI1SaIz.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Billy Kidman vs. James Maritato w/ ‘Tommy Gun’ Tomko

Match Highlights:

~ Maritato grounded Kidman for large portions of the match by outgrappling him and keeping him grounded with holds, locks, and other such techniques.

~ Kidman fought back and hit a series of high flying moves, including a suicide dive onto Tomko on the outside after he’d clocked Billy with a cheap shot earlier in the match.

~ Kidman almost had the match won after connecting with The Kid Krusher, but Tomko dragged Maritato out of the ring under the bottom rope. Something Maritato wasn’t too happy about when he crashed into the mat.

Match Finish:

Billy Kidman defeated James Maritato - Kidman countered a Tornado DDT into a big spinebuster before hitting the SHOOTING STAR PRESS for the pinfall win. Kidman advances to the quarter finals.

[52]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="U4DJ6qI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/U4DJ6qI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3COli5D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3COli5D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bzu0KYJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bzu0KYJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

We go backstage to a chaotic scene with men scuffling and shouting, the image begins to focus and we can see Sean O’Haire standing between two men, Chuck Palumbo and Shane Douglas. O’Haire is actively holding back Palumbo who is chastising Douglas for costing them the championships last night, but Douglas retorts that he was just as much to blame. Douglas backs down though, he tells them they have the rematch next week, and from that point on he has bigger things planned for them. Promising that he already has opportunities in place for them to advance even further up the card and before long they’ll be a headline act, and stars of the company, just like he promised when they first met. Palumbo laughed off the promises of Douglas and just told him not to get in the way again, whilst side-eying O’Haire who didn’t appear to attempt holding back Douglas.

[54]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="40HCKWp.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/40HCKWp.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ONHmeYm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ONHmeYm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rob Van Dam vs. Lance Storm

Match Highlights:

~ Storm made a point in his entrance to send back all the Team Canada members, telling them he could do this on his own.

~ Storm and RVD both traded big kicks and battered each other with a barrage of strikers, with neither backing down, to the delight of the crowd.

~ Storm began utilising his technical wrestling and slowed RVD down with submission attempts, RVD barely escaping a Boston Crab attempt.

~ RVD wowed the fans with a handspring moonsault, followed by a Rolling Thunder.

Match Finish:

Rob Van Dam defeated Lance Storm - RVD ducked a tired Superkick attempt before sweeping Storm’s leg and hitting a quickfire Split-Legged Moonsault, he then quickly followed that up with a FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH for a hard fought victory.

[65]

~~

IN RING

<img alt="6JNOtIW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6JNOtIW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The commentators begin to close off the show and thank everyone for watching, but they are soon interrupted by the intro music for Booker T who gets a huge ovation from the crowd. He is shouting, hold up, hold up, making it clear that the show was going to run over because he had something to say. He had his beef with Goldberg, he had his beef with Flair, and he promised the fans he would get his titles back for them. But on this occasion he wanted to speak to the man who cheated him out of it last night, because it was neither of those men, it was Sting…

<img alt="Bae08kr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bae08kr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Sting made no hesitation in entering the stage and marching down to the ring to get in Booker’s face, it almost came to blows but instead Booker slammed the microphone into Sting's chest and told him to say his piece, and explain himself. Sting told Booker he wasn’t in that role to look out for him, he was in it to make sure it was a fair fight, and he failed, but he had no intention of cheating him out of anything. Sting told Booker that last week on Nitro he asked him why he didn’t help out when he was attacked, and it was because he was always the man being ambushed, blindsided, always the one being betrayed, and where was Booker? Where was the rest of the locker room? And on that note, another intro hit the sound system…

<img alt="MhmeI68.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MhmeI68.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="t8ZDIl1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/t8ZDIl1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Flair came out with Goldberg at his shoulder, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship proudly strapped around his waist. Neither man was dressed for a fight, but Goldberg always had that look in his eye, ready to go at the drop of a finger. Flair couldn’t help but interrupt the woes of two men who had done nothing but fail since the WCW was reborn, claiming that some of them would always succeed, no matter the era, the TV network, the executives in charge, or the friends they had backstage. Some of them were built to succeed, and two of them just happened to be out here putting a stop to two men who need to grow a set and stop whining about the circumstances that led to their failure. Booker went to answer, but Sting snatched the microphone from his hand. He said he had lost count of how many times he had beaten Flair, but if he wanted to run it back one more time, next week, with the US Championship on the line. If Sting wins, he takes the title and he gets his shot at Goldberg at Great American Bash. Flair checked with Goldberg who simply nodded, and before Booker could intervene, Flair agreed.

[79]

~~

NITRO RECAP:

SHOW RATING: [68]

ATTENDANCE: 2,276

ROB VAN DAM defeated LANCE STORM

BILLY KIDMAN defeated JAMES MARITATO to advance in the TV Title tournament.

MILLER & FRIENDS defeated TOTALLY BUFF

THE HYW EXPRESS defeated JUNG DRAGONS

SCOTT STEINER defeated JOHNNY SWINGER

THE BULLYWEIGHTS defeated SMILEY & LEROUX

</div>

</div>

Ippon · January 15, 2022

<div style="padding: 6px; border: 6px solid #2e4237; margin:6px;background: #</div>; max-width:20%; ";">

Predictions leaderboard after Nitro:

DHK1989 2/4

KyTeran 2/4

</div>

<img alt="D913DbY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D913DbY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

WCW THUNDER

Chiles Center, Portland.

THUNDER Recap:

Road Warrior Animal defeated Lash LeRoux

Johnny The Bull defeated Boyce LeGrande

Sanders and his New Born Thrillers issue an open challenge for anyone on Thunder to come and face them.

Air Raid defeated Lodi & JR Ryder

The Maritato Family mocked their opponents, requesting a tougher challenge. Warned Johnny The Bull they hadn't forgotten about him.

The Maritato Family defeated Reno, Rick Michaels, Caprice Coleman & David Young.

Jason Jett defeated Pablo Marquez

</div>

WCW Presents, from the Chiles Center in Portland...

<img alt="MfBG7Gf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MfBG7Gf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Card is subject to change.

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

PLUS, Jung Dragons will look to bounce back from their surprise defeat last week, we will hear from WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Shane Helms, and much, much more!

Tune in to Monday Night Nitro, ONLY on FX!

</div>

Hitman74 · January 16, 2022

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

Old School Fan · January 16, 2022

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

DHK1989 · January 16, 2022

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

KyTeran · January 17, 2022

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

ThatYoung450 · January 17, 2022

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers for WCW World Tag Team Championships

Alex Wright vs. Shannon Moore - TV Tournament 1st Round

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Sting vs. Ric Flair © for WCW United States Championship

Ippon · January 17, 2022

Live from the Chiles Center, in Portland, Oregon

<img alt="MfBG7Gf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MfBG7Gf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

INTRO

<img alt="AqNHqPm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AqNHqPm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IeleKiZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IeleKiZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gsgIRHX.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gsgIRHX.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

As always, the commentary team of Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, Tony Schiavone and Mike Tenay introduce us to another night of non-stop action on the FX network. They briefly discuss the challenge laid out by Sting last week, with the US Title match coming up next. They also discuss the two announced TV Title Tournament matchups on the show, and the main event between The Insiders and the Natural Born Thrillers, who are looking to get back the WCW World Tag Team Championships they lost at SLAMBOREE. Up first though, Flair vs. Sting for the US Title.

~~

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="MhmeI68.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MhmeI68.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Bae08kr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bae08kr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Ric Flair © vs. Sting

Match Highlights:

~ Both posture up and trade whooo's and knife edge chops, with Sting eventually getting the upper hand, turning Flair's chest into a reddened mess.

~ Sting showed off his strength with a big Gorilla Press Slam.

~ Both men teased their submissions throughout, with Flair being the first to lock in the Figure Four Leglock, Sting barely managed to escape by dragging Flair across the ring.

~ When the fight went to ringside, Sting hit a series of Stinger Splashes against the guardrails.

Match Finish:

The match was declared a DRAW after Goldberg speared Sting and hit him with a JACKHAMMER on the outside whilst the referee was down. Flair was still out at ringside after a Stinger Splash, but Nick Patrick eventually stirred and counted both men out.

[75]

~~

POST MATCH

<img alt="t8ZDIl1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/t8ZDIl1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Bae08kr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bae08kr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Frustrated at not being able to get Flair the win outright, Goldberg took the fight back to a barely conscious Sting, setting him up for another brutal Jackhammer, this time with the announcers table in mind. However…

<img alt="6JNOtIW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6JNOtIW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Booker T made the save, he rushed the booth from the crowd with a chair, and forced Goldberg to drop Sting and back away. The WCW World Champion contemplated taking Booker on, not wanting to back down from the fight, but a groggy Flair convinced him to retreat, promising they’d fight another day.

[79]

~~

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW

<img alt="ujVb8ZA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ujVb8ZA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="DtBxX9T.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DtBxX9T.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Shane Helms, was next seen backstage with interviewer, Jeremy Borash. Borash asked what Helms had to discuss, and who was next in line for his title, Borash also congratulated Helms on being the only remaining champion from the old WCW era. Helms announced his intention to dominate the entire Cruiserweight division before turning his attention towards Goldberg and Flair, and to do that, he had to focus on the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships. Mike Graham promised him a spot in the match, but first he needed a partner, and he was open to applications. Borash reiterated that Helms was seeking a tag team partner for Great American Bash, before we returned to ringside.

[51]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="jNwiIJ7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jNwiIJ7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8uMgTfP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8uMgTfP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hwuKdFH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hwuKdFH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Shannon Moore vs. Alex Wright w/ Disco Inferno

Match Highlights:

~ Inferno challenged Moore to a dance off, from his 3 Count days, but Moore declined him with a dropkick to the face.

~ Wright and Moore traded fast paced hip toss’, judo throws, monkey flips, and other various shows of athleticism, to the delight of the crowd.

~ Wright hit Moore with a springboard Corkscrew Senton, with Inferno smugly announcing that Moore’s old partner, Evan, taught him that one.

~ Moore countered a dropkick attempt into a tight Boston Crab, but Wright got to the ropes with help from Disco.

Match Finish:

Alex Wright defeated Shannon Moore after Disco Inferno hit Moore with a low blow, allowing an reluctant Wright to hit him with a BRIDGING BÖHM SUPLEX for the pinfall.

[43]

~~

IN RING

<img alt="ELwGGwU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ELwGGwU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZEWFH4r.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZEWFH4r.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yV8XRYN.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yV8XRYN.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

After an advert break, Dusty Rhodes made his entrance to the ring. The crowd responded well to the WCW veteran who had not been seen since being knocked out at Slamboree. He thanked the fans for their concern and told them that he was fine, and fully able to compete once again after resting up. He told the fans he heard what Jarrett had to say last week and invited him out to discuss the matter. Jarret and Jindrak entered to jeers from the crowd. Rhodes ridiculed the idea that he was disappointed in his son, but better yet, that Jarrett was any better a man or son. Jeff shouldn’t forget that Dusty know’s his father very well, and knows just how disappointed he truly is the nut slapping, Double-J, country singing dweeb of a son he had trained in the industry. Jarrett asked him where Dustin was, but Dusty shrugged off the request and challenged Jarrett to a match, tonight. Jarrett said he could have one next week… if he beat Jindrak, now.

[57]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="yV8XRYN.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yV8XRYN.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ELwGGwU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ELwGGwU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Mark Jindrak vs. Dusty Rhodes

Match Highlights:

~ Jindrak dominated early on with a series of brutal strikes that busted Dusty open.

~ Dusty hit Jindrak with a suplex, assisted by the ropes to the outside of the ring.

~ A bloodied Dusty headbutted Jindrak multiple times, but Jindrak hit back with his own, leaving both men busted open.

~ Dusty went for a Bionic Elbow off the top rope but Jindrak caught him with the MARK OF EXCELLENCE punch.

Match Finish:

Mark Jindrak defeated Dusty Rhodes with a second MARK OF EXCELLENCE KO punch.

[46]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="V5Th8J5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/V5Th8J5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GP6SF7g.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GP6SF7g.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Backstage we see Billy Kidman standing outside the locker room of Chavo Guerrero Jr. He hesitates before entering but shakes it off and knocks before opening the door. Chavo greets him with some hostility, but Kidman attempts to ease the situation saying he is only looking for some help. He explains that he hasn’t seen Mysterio since The Weeping dragged him off, how he can’t find them alone, doesn’t know where to look, and asks if Chavo can reach out to his father, but also if Chavo could help him take the fight back to Vampiro and Mortis. Chavo scoffs at the suggestion, and tells Kidman not only is he alone in the fight, but he wishes The Weeping well. Kidman brings up family, but Chavo spits at his feet at the mention of family, and barges past him out of the room.

[39]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="Sx8eKe3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sx8eKe3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wfohH6Z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wfohH6Z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="L41ormP.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/L41ormP.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wPjBMxH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wPjBMxH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Jung Dragons vs. Boyce LeGrande & Pablo Marquez

Match Highlights:

~ This is a squash match for Jung Dragons, who take out weeks of frustration on the unknown tag team.

Match Finish:

Jung Dragons defeated LeGrande & Marquez when Hayashi hit LeGrande with the HAYASHI CUTTER.

[33]

~~

POST MATCH

<img alt="PRjz1Sk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PRjz1Sk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wfohH6Z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wfohH6Z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Sx8eKe3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sx8eKe3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

After the match, Hayashi and Yang waste little time celebrating, but seem happy at least to have got back in the win column. As they begin to exit the ring, legendary wrestler, Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat enters the arena to a loud reception. He doesn’t say anything, but he nods his approval to them, before we cut to commercial.

[52]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="DhLMdsQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhLMdsQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wCgdUtn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wCgdUtn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

BIG POPPA PUMP vs. Road Warrior Animal

Match Highlights:

~ Animal and Scott trade big shots, before Scott lands several uppercuts and follows up with a huge Lariat.

~ Scott tries for a Frankensteiner from the top rope, but Animal counters with a Powerbomb, followed by a big Fist Drop.

~ Animal lifts Scott up onto the announcers table, and attempts a Military Press Slam, but Scott counters it into a DDT through the table.

~ Scott teases the previously named Steiner Recliner, but instead slams a barely conscious Animal into the mat and stomps on his head repeatedly.

Match Finish:

BIG POPPA PUMP defeated Road Warrior Animal with the GENETIC FREAK DRIVER.

[60]

~~

POST MATCH

<img alt="T0e47QU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/T0e47QU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="DhLMdsQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DhLMdsQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Scott doesn’t leave the fight there though, he loses it completely after the bell is rung, pushing the referee out of the way as he continues to attack Animal. He sets him up for another Genetic Freak Driver, but Rick Steiner from nowhere is in the ring and cracks Scott in the face with a chairshot. Rick doesn’t follow up the shot, but instead just shakes his head at his little brother, before exiting the ring, leaving both Animal and BIG POPPA PUMP out cold.

[66]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="40HCKWp.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/40HCKWp.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ge8wkES.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ge8wkES.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

We go backstage to the office of the new Nitro commissioner, Johnny Ace. He is sitting, shuffling paperwork and looking rather uninterested in the man sat across from him, Rob Van Dam. RVD pops his feet up on the table, knocking Ace’s Dynamic Dudes logo’d mug onto the floor. RVD asks him why he brought him here, to fire him again, or should they finish where they left it at Slamboree. Ace expressed his disappointment in how things had unfolded since he had recruited RVD to be his Ace in the pocket, and how he had been thoroughly disappointed in RVD’s unwillingness to be a team player. RVD just demands he re-instate himself and his teammates' contract, or pick a hand. Ace said he thought it would come to that, and tells RVD he invited some of his colleagues to the meeting also…

<img alt="ONHmeYm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ONHmeYm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="z6o3udx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/z6o3udx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="v5de18G.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/v5de18G.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="vy141ad.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vy141ad.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

All four Team Canada members rush into the office and begin attacking RVD, Corino taking the Dynamic Dudes mug and smashing it over the head of RVD who is eventually left in a heap by all four men.

[44]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

SINGLES MATCH

<img alt="jZ9G1AB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jZ9G1AB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gROVMQB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gROVMQB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gABhVxU.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gABhVxU.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Norman Smiley vs. Shawn Stasiak w/ Stacy Keibler

Match Highlights:

~ Smiley frustrates Stasiak early with his surprising technical ability, consistently slipping out of Stasiak’s grasp and countering his holds.

~ Smiley spins Stasiak around several times before hitting the Smiley Slam, but he was too dizzy to make the pin.

~ Keibler attempts to admonish Stasiak, but Smiley asks when his turn was and shows her the Big Wiggle in an attempt to convince her.

~ Stasiak ups the violence as Smiley is almost mocking him, landing a big Diving Clothesline, followed by a Hangman’s Neckbreaker.

Match Finish:

Shawn Stasiak defeated Norman Smiley when Keibler did her own version of the Big Wiggle for Smiley, distracting him long enough for Stasiak to hit him with the PERFECT PLANT.

[38]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="PRjz1Sk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PRjz1Sk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Sx8eKe3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Sx8eKe3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wfohH6Z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wfohH6Z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Backstage, Kaz Hayashi and Jimmy Yang were seen asking around for Ricky Steamboat, before eventually bumping into him in a corridor. Steamboat tells them he sees great potential in them, from one Dragon to another, he believes they could be destined for greatness, and if they ever needed his help, he would be watching.

[50]

~~

BACKSTAGE

<img alt="6JNOtIW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6JNOtIW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Bae08kr.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Bae08kr.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="26BpIAn.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/26BpIAn.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In another area backstage, we join backstage enforcer, Arn Anderson and other staff standing between and trying to calm down Sting and Booker T. Both men are at each other's throats, with Sting demanding why he got himself involved and that he didn’t ask for his help. Booker responded stating that he couldn’t stand around and see him get beaten down, no matter how much a man had wronged him. He calmed down slightly, saying maybe Sting had been right a few weeks back but he was too focused on Goldberg and Flair to see the bigger picture. Sting’s anger also faded, and Arn waved his staff enforcement team back. Sting told Booker that he had no problem with him, until he started bringing his name to it all. Sting just wants a fair shot at the title he deserves, and to stop getting stabbed in the back. Booker agreed, reluctantly telling him that he wasn’t sure he could trust him, but they wanted the same thing, and next week, they were going to get it.

[69]

~~

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

TAG TEAM MATCH

<img alt="WcxbgnD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WcxbgnD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ymcdx6f.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ymcdx6f.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bzu0KYJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bzu0KYJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3COli5D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3COli5D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZKAplW3.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZKAplW3.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Insiders © vs. Natural Born Thrillers w/ Shane Douglas

Match Highlights:

~ Palumbo and O’Haire argued over who started the match, with Douglas insisting it was O’Haire. Palumbo forced a tag not long after to the frustration of the other two men.

~ Both O’Haire and Palumbo hit impressive synchronised Springboard Dropkicks to their opponents.

~ O’Haire lifts DDP up in a Military Press before dropping him to his shoulders and landing a Fireman’s Carry Facebuster. DDP needed the ropes to avoid the pinfall.

~ Palumbo inadvertently caught Douglas with a Jungle Kick ringside, as DDP lured him into the trap and Douglas was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

~ Douglas caught the foot of Nash, tripping him when he had O’Haire up for a Jackknife Powerbomb.

~ The Weeping entered the ringside area, causing Douglas to join the announcers table, whilst they watched the fight without interfering.

Match Finish:

The Insiders defeated Natural Born Thrillers after DDP hit Palumbo with a DIAMOND CUTTER.

[64]

~~

POST MATCH

<img alt="T4vTG83.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/T4vTG83.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="FYajrXR.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FYajrXR.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

As soon as the bell rang, The Weeping shot under the bottom ropes and began attacking The Insiders. Nash and DDP fought back, and Chuck Palumbo joined in, fighting them back. Mortis caught the Jungle Kick and hit Palumbo with a FINAL CUT, before receiving a big boot to the face. Nash and DDP fought the two men of into the crowd, following them out amongst the fans.

<img alt="3COli5D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3COli5D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="U4DJ6qI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/U4DJ6qI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bzu0KYJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bzu0KYJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

As Palumbo fought alongside The Insiders, Douglas held O’Haire back, and after The Weeping and The Insiders had disappeared back into the crowd, Douglas and O’Haire left a half conscious Palumbo alone in the ring.

[62]

~~

NITRO RECAP:

SHOW RATING: [68]

ATTENDANCE: 1,738

THE INSIDERS defeated NATURAL BORN THRILLERS to retain WCW World Tag Team Championships

SHAWN STASIAK defeated NORMAN SMILEY to advance in the TV Title Tournament

BIG POPPA PUMP defeated ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL

JUNG DRAGONS defeated BOYCE LEGRANDE & PABLO MARQUEZ

MARK JINDRAK defeated DUSTY RHODES

ALEX WRIGHT defeated SHANNON MOORE to advance in the TV Title Tournament

STING and RIC FLAIR went to a NO CONTEST Flair retains the WCW United States Championship

</div>

</div>

Ippon · January 17, 2022

<div style="padding: 6px; border: 6px solid #2e4237; margin:6px;background: #</div>; max-width:20%; ";">

Predictions leaderboard after Nitro:

DHK1989 5/8

KyTeran 4/8

ThatYoung450 3/8

Hitman74 2/8

Old_School_Fan 1/8

</div>

<img alt="D913DbY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D913DbY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

WCW THUNDER

CentureLink Arena, Boise, Idaho.

THUNDER Recap:

The HYW Express & The Commission [Maritato & Mamaluke] defeated Johnny The Bull, Billy Kidman & Air Raid

KroniK challenge Sanders & The New Born Thrillers.

KroniK defeated Waste Management [big Vito & Tomko]

Corino congratulates himself on the hard fought victory, and calls out RVD.

Steve Corino defeated Stan Lee

The New Born Thrillers defeated Adam Jacobs, Rick Michaels, Caprice Coleman & David Young

Johnny The Bull enlists Air Raid to assist him against The Maritato Family, says he has a surprise partner for them in the main event.

Jason Jett & Norman Smiley defeated Boyce LeGrande & Pablo Marquez

</div>

WCW Presents, from the CentureLink Arena in Boise...

<img alt="MfBG7Gf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MfBG7Gf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Card is subject to change.

Hugh Morrus vs. Mark Jindrak - TV Tournament 1st Round

Jung Dragons vs. Totally Buff

Ernest Miller vs. Disco Inferno - TV Tournament 1st Round

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws

PLUS, Sting and Booker T will be trying to earn another shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, Shane Helms will audition his first tag team partner in the Cruiserweight Tag Team division, Johnny Ace will address the controversy over his sacking of former Ace team members, and much, much more!

Tune in to Monday Night Nitro, ONLY on FX!

</div>

Hitman74 · January 18, 2022

Hugh Morrus vs. Mark Jindrak - TV Tournament 1st Round

Jung Dragons vs. Totally Buff

Ernest Miller vs. Disco Inferno - TV Tournament 1st Round

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws

KyTeran · January 18, 2022

Hugh Morrus vs. Mark Jindrak - TV Tournament 1st Round

Jung Dragons vs. Totally Buff

Ernest Miller vs. Disco Inferno - TV Tournament 1st Round

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws

Old School Fan · January 18, 2022

Hugh Morrus vs. Mark Jindrak - TV Tournament 1st Round

Jung Dragons vs. Totally Buff

Ernest Miller vs. Disco Inferno - TV Tournament 1st Round

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws

DHK1989 · January 18, 2022

Hugh Morrus vs. Mark Jindrak - TV Tournament 1st Round

Jung Dragons vs. Totally Buff

Ernest Miller vs. Disco Inferno - TV Tournament 1st Round

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws

Ippon · January 19, 2022

CentureLink Arena,

Boise, Idaho…

INTRO

The commentary team welcomed us to another episode of Monday Night Nitro, with the Great American Bash only a few weeks away, they emphasised the importance of tonight for dictating what could happen at the pay per view. They hype the united front of Booker T & Sting, and we will get an update on Dusty Rhodes after his bloody brawl with Mark Jindrak last week. We also have three TV Title Tournament matchups, and our World Tag Team champions are in action… next.

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

The Insiders vs. The Kentucky Bend Outlaws w/ Mike Sanders

Match Highlights:

~ The Outlaws dominated DDP early on, with Sanders aiding by throwing the occasional punch. Nash got the hot tag, but Storm immediately countered his momentum with a Calf Wrangler [sling Blade].

~ Nash levels Sanders at ringside with a big boot, before Storm hits him with a diving crossbody, but Nash catches him and tosses him over the guardrail.

~ Nash & DDP hit simultaneous Power Bombs on both New Born Thrillers.

~ Harris counters an attempted JackKnife Powerbomb into a DDT, before applying a Sharpshooter on Nash.

Match Finish:

The Insiders defeated The Kentucky Bend Outlaws when DDP caught a Super Kick attempt and spun it into the DIAMOND CUTTER.

[51]

~~

IN RING

After the break, BIG POPPA PUMP makes his entrance, all grimace and spite, he marches down to the ring with a purpose. Once he has a mic in his hand, he demands Rick come out and look him in the eye, after everything, the least he can do is look him in the eye like a man and accept his challenge for a match at Great American Bash.

It wasn’t Rick who appeared though, instead Scott’s former Valet, Midajah appears on the ramp. Scott seem’s confused but seethes at her appearance, clearly this being the first time he has seen her since she turned her back on him and caused the loss at Slamboree. He asked her what she wanted, asking her if she knew what she’d taken from him, and for what. Midajah told him she had only the motivation to no longer be associated with a manchild who could barely control his emotions, let alone a successful career in the WCW. She went on to tell him she was ashamed of herself for ever believing he was capable of greatness, and even more she was ashamed she ever felt any attraction to what Scott had become. Scott could only take the abuse for long, before tossing the microphone at referee Billy Silverman, and charging up the ramp toward Midajah. She made a quick exit as he chased after her.

[57]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

SINGLES MATCH

Disco Inferno vs. Ernest Miller

Match Highlights:

~ Inferno suggests both men have a dance off to see who will advance, Miller agrees, but knocks Inferno cold with a Feliner half way through his routine. Disco fell through the ropes to avoid the pinfall.

~ Inferno managed to gain some dominance by focusing on the knee of Miller’s lethal weapon, with a series of holds and stretches, before taking the fight to the outside and slamming it into the steps and ring posts.

~ A limping Miller attempts a rebound, but Inferno catches the telegraphed kick and sweeps him into the Last Dance, a Standing Figure Four Leglock. Miller only just gets to the ropes.

~ Miller again fights back, this time the two men both duck clotheslines, and wild haymaker attempts before Miller connects with a Thrust Kick to the chest of an on rushing Inferno.

Match Finish:

Ernest Miller defeated Disco Inferno after a Jumping Switch Kick with his weaker leg.

[50]

~~

BACKSTAGE

Johnny Ace is in his office backstage, joined by three for Ace’s members, and three men who assisted him in gaining his current position; Masato Tanaka, Dos Cara Jr & Monty Brown. All three of whom he fired following their victory in the tournament. Ace said he regrets how things unfolded between them, and whilst he usually stands by his convictions, RVD has swayed him and he has decided that on this week's episode of Thunder, all three men will get a chance to earn their contracts back.

[48]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

SINGLES MATCH

Chavo Guerrero Jr vs. Johnny The Bull

Match Highlights:

~ Johnny caught an attempted Flying Crossbody, and lifted Guerrero into a Gorilla Press Slam, but he slipped out of it and rolled The Bull into a roll up for a near fall.

~ The Bull levelled Chavo with a series of shoulder barges and clothesline, before lifting him up into a high impact Spinebuster.

~ The Maritato Family made their presence felt, Maritato himself aiding in distracting the referee whilst Chavo hit The Bull with a low blow followed up with a school boy, but Johnny kicked out.

~ Again, the distraction was made, this time Chavo got involved, and Tomko snuck into the ring. Setting up The Bull in the corner, he hit him with the MOUTHFUL OF LEAD, a destructive Yakuza Kick that nearly decapitated The Bull.

Match Finish:

Chavo Guerrero Jr defeated Johnny The Bull after Chavo took advantage of the Maritato Family’s attack, hitting an easy GORY BOMB on his barely concious opponent.

[47]

~~

BACKSTAGE

Following the break, we go backstage, where we see Chavo Guerrero Jr celebrating his victory with a couple of unknown wrestlers. They are laughing, eating chicken and patting him on the back when Billy Kidman walks into the shot, Chavo’s smile drops and turns into a sneer. Kidman congratulates him on his hard earned victory, and tells him he should be embarrassed by winning in such a way. Chavo told him that winning was all that mattered, and he clearly had too privileged an upbringing as he felt like he didn’t need to take every opportunity he got. Kidman says we’ll see whose methods take them further, and that he doesn’t need to cheat to win the TV Title, and neither would Rey Mysterio Jr either.

[42]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

Shane Helms & Jason Jett vs. The HYW Express w/ Disco Inferno

Match Highlights:

~ The commentators discuss the tag team partner for Helms, Jason Jett, hyping his athleticism and high octane offence.

~ As though to show they knew what they were talking about, Jett gets a hot tag in and hits a handspring elbow to both members of the HYW Express before hitting a suicide dive onto the black-eyed Disco.

~ Karagias gained control back for HYW Express, cornering Jett and encouraging Wright to double team with him. Wright goes along with it, before offering Helms the tag in. Helms trusts Wright, but it was a mistake to do so as he eats a sucker punch from the German, and Jett is dragged back into their corner.

~ Helms clears house with Superkick’s and Jumping Neckbreakers, before Inferno blindsides him.

Match Finish:

The HYW Express defeated Helms & Jett when they hit their combination finisher of a German Suplex followed a Corkscrew Senton.

[50]

~~

BACKSTAGE

We go backstage to Eric Bischoff about to bite into his lunch in his office, when Booker T enters. Bischoff tells him his schedule is full right now, but Booker T isn’t in the mood for jokes, or being brushed aside. He tells Bischoff he has had everything taken from him since he became CEO, and if he had an issue with him, they should deal with it like men. Bischoff brushed this off, simply claiming he was beaten fairly, and asked for what he got. Booker again reiterates that his titles were stolen from him and that he wanted a fair fight, no special referees, no Ric Flair, just Goldberg one on one, he knows he can beat him.

A laugh comes from the doorway to Bischoff’s office, Flair and Goldberg are both standing there, both with a championship belt slung over their shoulders. Goldberg cracks his knuckles and asks him to repeat that last part again. Booker isn’t intimidated and goes straight at the two men. The brawl turns Bischoff’s office in a chaotic scene, with paperwork, furniture and Tuna sandwiches flying everywhere. The numbers win out though and Goldberg sets Booker up for a Jackhammer through Bischoff’s table but…

Sting makes the save! He charges into the room with a baton in hand and begins to go to town on everyone in sight. Goldberg and Flair make their escape, before Sting and Booker turn on Bischoff. Eric gives them their last chance, tonight, in the main event, since Goldberg ruined his lunch, he can find himself a partner and take on Booker T & Sting in a tag team match, if they win, they get their shot at Great American Bash, in a triple threat match.

[81]

~~

SINGLES MATCH

Shawn Stasiak w/ Stacy Keibler vs. Joseph Parks

Match Highlights:

~ The commentary team commented on the gentle giant, Parks, who was making his debut, but Stasiak made short work of him and eventually clotheslined him to the outside.

~ Keibler kicked him in the nether regions and rolled him back in the ring.

Match Finish:

Shawn Stasiak defeated Joseph Parks with the Perfect Plant after Keibler’s intervention..

[27]

~~

POST MATCH

Stasiak kicks Parks to the outside of the ring to allow Keibler in so they can celebrate their victory, but both of them cower to the other side as Vampiro and Mortis appear from nowhere at ringside. They immediately begin beating Parks down further before dragging him through the audience and out of sight.

[64]

~~

TAG TEAM MATCH

Totally Buff vs. Jung Dragons

Match Highlights:

~ After all four men were at the ring, Ricky Steamboat made his way to the commentary booth to discuss the help he had been giving to the Jung Dragons, including challenging themselves against opponents of various styles, and not feeling limited to the Cruiserweight division.

~ Bagwell enjoyed the early stages of the match where he was able to show off his strength and physique against his smaller, lighter opponents. Luger simply beat them up.

~ Hayashi was the first to get some real offence in for them, cornering Bagwell and butchering his chest with a ridiculous number of knife edge chops.

~ Yang made a hot tag and hit several big high flying moves, before being caught by Luger and trapped in the Tortue Rack, but Hayashi broke it up with a Missile Dropkick.

Match Finish:

Jung Dragons defeated Totally Buff when Hayashi trapped Bagwell in the CRUNCH LOOP, a reverse Figure Four Leg Lock, and forced the tap out.

[47]

~~

BACKSTAGE

Another episode of Nitro, and another backstage argument between Douglas and Palumbo, who were once again arguing over who was at fault for the loss. On this occasion though, Palumbo wanted to know why they didn’t help him fight off The Weeping, and why they left him alone in the ring after the match. Chuck asked O’Haire directly, ignoring Douglas, but Sean echoed what The Franchise was saying. Chuck told them if they wanted to end things, they should do it now, rather than drag it out, but Douglas talked him down, telling him he had got him a huge opportunity tonight, one that could see him truly redeem himself.

[50]

~~

TV TITLE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Mark Jindrak w/ Jeff Jarrett vs. Hugh Morrus

Match Highlights:

~ Jarrett & Morrus almost immediately go at it at ringside, the former leader of the Misfits in Action taking exception to his presence in the match. Jindrak cuts off the attack with a big boot.

~ Jindrak keeps Morrus from gaining momentum by staying on the attack. Forearm strikes, uppercuts, suplexes, anything and everything he could throw at him, but he could not keep him down for the three count.

~ Morrus rallied, headbutting Jindrak, who clearly wasn’t healed up from last week, and busted him open.

~ Morrus took control and looked to have the match won when he went for the No Laughing Matter, but Jarrett dragged Jindrak out of the way.

Match Finish:

Mark Jindrak defeated Hugh Morrus when he landed a MARK OF EXCELLENCE punch after both men had recovered.

[49]

~~

PRE-RECORDED SEGMENT

We are shown a scene with Dustin Rhodes visiting his father, Dusty in his hotel room. He is sporting several bandages, and has an ice pack held up to his head. Dustin apologises for not being there for him, explaining that someone had locked him in his locker room, but there seemed some uneasiness from Dustin as he told Dusty the story. The American Dream smiled weakly, and told him that this was all on him, he took the challenge full well knowing what could happen. He wasn’t the athlete he used to be, but he could still help Dustin shut Jarrett and his man up for good, he just needed a week or two. Dustin told him not to worry about that, he had spoken to Bischoff, he would have a solution in place next week, and at Great American Bash, he was going to put an end to this feud, for Dusty.

[60]

~~

MAIN EVENT

TAG TEAM MATCH

Sting & Booker T vs. Goldberg & Chuck Palumbo

Match Highlights:

~ Booker demanded Goldberg start the match with him, asking him whether he was keeping his World Title polished for him, Goldberg let Palumbo start the match in his place, the former Tag Team champion eager to take on an opponent like Booker.

~ Sting and Palumbo both trade chops before Booker and Goldberg get involved, with both men receiving a swarm of chops themselves from their respective opponent.

~ The commentators big up Palumbo who barely misses Booker with a Jungle Kick and gets hung up on the ropes, Booker then hits a big dropkick, sending Palumb crashing to the ringside mats.

~ Goldberg out slugs Booker T, lifting him up into a Gorilla Press and tossing him over the ropes on to Sting and Palumbo who were fighting at ringside.

~ Palumbo gets Sting tied up in a Padlock submission [inverted Boston Crab] but Booker intercepts with a Harlem Sidekick.

~ Sting locks Palumbo in the Scorpion Death Lock but Goldberg ends it with a huge Spear.

[62]

~~

MID MATCH

As the match continues, the titantron shows footage backstage where Ric Flair can be seen attacking Stevie Ray. The former Harlem Heat member puts up a good fight, but Shane Douglas and Sean O’Haire charge into the shot and lay waste to Ray. O’Haire hit him with a huge kick to the face. Back in the ring Booker T rushes out from the ring and heads toward the back, leaving a still recovering Sting alone against Palumbo and Goldberg.

[77]

Match Finish:

Goldberg & Palumbo defeated Booker T & Sting after Sting was left alone, Goldberg hit him with another Spear and the JACKHAMMER got the pinfall.

~~

NITRO RECAP:

SHOW RATING: [64]

ATTENDANCE: 1,872

GOLDBERG & PALUMBO defeated STING & BOOKER T

MARK JINDRAK defeated HUGH MORRUS to advance in the TV Title Tournament.

JUNG DRAGONS defeated TOTALLY BUFF

SHAWN STASIAK defeated JOSEPH PARKS

THE HYW EXPRESS defeated Shane Helms & Jason Jett

CHAVO GUERRERO JR defeated JOHNNY THE BULL to advance in the TV Title Tournament.

ERNEST MILLER defeated DISCO INFERNO to advance in the TV Title Tournament

THE INSIDERS defeated THE KENTUCKY BEND OUTLAWS

</div>

Ippon · January 19, 2022

<div style="padding: 6px; border: 6px solid #2e4237; margin:6px;background: #</div>; max-width:20%; ";">

Predictions leaderboard after Nitro:

DHK1989 8/12

KyTeran 6/12

Hitman74 4/12

Old_School_Fan 3/12

ThatYoung450 3/12

</div>

WCW THUNDER

Burns Arena, St George, Utah.

THUNDER Recap:

Steve Corino defeated Ernest Miller

KroniK confronts The New Born Thrillers.

Chavo Guerrero Jr & Shawn Stasiak defeated Bam Bam Bigelow & Hugh Morrus

Mortis defeated Dos Caras Jr

The Bullyweights defeated Monty Brown

Corino & Miller have backstage altercation, leading to main event match being made.

The New Born Thrillers [Harris, Storm & Cena] defeated Masato Tanaka

Johnny Ace follows up on Nitro's promise, and gives them all a chance to earn their contract tonight!

</div>

~

WCW Presents, from the Burns Arena in St George, Utah...

Card is subject to change.

Sting & Booker T vs. Natural Born Thrillers

Jeff Jarrett vs. Hugh Morrus

KroniK vs. Totally Buff

Jung Dragons vs. Team Canada [Corino & Roode]

PLUS, we will have the remaining first round matches from the TV Title Tournament, Rick Steiner will respond to BIG POPPA PUMP, RVD will be making an appearence, and much, much more!

Tune in to Monday Night Nitro, ONLY on FX!

Hitman74 · January 20, 2022

Sting & Booker T vs. Natural Born Thrillers

Jeff Jarrett vs. Hugh Morrus

KroniK vs. Totally Buff

Jung Dragons vs. Team Canada [Corino & Roode]

Old School Fan · January 20, 2022

Sting & Booker T vs. Natural Born Thrillers

Jeff Jarrett vs. Hugh Morrus

KroniK vs. Totally Buff

Jung Dragons vs. Team Canada [Corino & Roode]

DHK1989 · January 20, 2022

Sting & Booker T vs. Natural Born Thrillers

Jeff Jarrett vs. Hugh Morrus

KroniK vs. Totally Buff

Jung Dragons vs. Team Canada [Corino & Roode]

Sign In

WCW 2001: A Paradigm Shift

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation