WCW 2001: One Last Chance

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

 

It’s 2001. World Championship Wrestling are circling the drain. Hogan has walked out and the only way to contact him is through his legal team. Vince Russo has been fired for crimes against wrestling. No one has seen David Arquette. WCW is heaving, straining, anchored by huge contracts, no leadership and a network looking to offload unprofitable business. Vince McMahon waits like a vulture, ready to pick over the carcass of his only true rival.

 

Eric Bischoff meanwhile does not have the luxury of waiting. It’s the 11^th hour and Eric is doing what he does best: scheming, plotting and being the creative mind responsible for 83 weeks on top of the industry.

 

Jamie Kellner is having a good day. It is his job to remove WCW from Turner Broadcasting and end the Monday Night Wars once and for all. He’s never liked wrestling. Jamie Kellner has never liked anything.

 

And then, with all the pieces in place, comes the move that no one was expecting. As Kellner’s fax machine whirred the death knell for WCW, Eric Bischoff received a phone call. It turns out that Vince McMahon wasn’t the only one waiting on WCW’s demise. Bischoff smiled as a charming man at TNN confirmed that yes, they would be interested in having WCW on their network.

 

It was the final roll of the dice, the hail Mary play, but it had worked. Eric Bischoff had found WCW Monday Nitro a new home and the Fusient Media consortium were ready to make it happen. Bischoff knew how lucky he was. The real work started now. This was his one last chance.

Edited September 29, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

     

'BIG POPPA PUMP' SCOTT STEINER

 

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPION

     

HUGH MORRUS

 

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

        

CHUCK PALUMBO AND SEAN O'HAIRE

 

WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION

     

JAMIE KNOBLE

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION

     

LASH LEROUX

 

WCW HARDCORE CHAMPION

     

THE WALL

 

 

Edited October 26, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

 

World Championship Wrestling had been off the air since late January. It was not as if anyone had noticed. The company had become stale, nonsensical and for many fans unwatchable. Eric Bischoff had made the decision to remove WCW programming in preparation for a big reset in addition to a life-saving move away from Turner Broadcasting. It was proposed that all championships be vacated but Bischoff held his nerve. He knew he had a main event scene that, while not in their prime, were wrestlers fans still cared about. He also knew that there were a select few on the undercard hungry to make that step up. Eric proposed the big relaunch and christened it: The Big Bang.

WCW would be reborn on pay-per-view with a triple main event:

 

 

WCW World Heavyweight Championship match

‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner vs Sid Vicious

 

The Insiders vs Totally Buff

 

Goldberg vs Jeff Jarrett

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

Sunday, Week 1, May 2001

Florence, SC, USA

 

PRE-SHOW

Norman Smiley defeated Reno

ANGLE: Gene Okerlund interviewed Sid Vicious on his World Heavyweight Championship match with Scott Steiner

KroniK defeated The Mamalukes (w/Madusa)

 

_ _ _

 

 

     vs      

LANCE STORM (w/ Tylene) vs LASH LEROUX - Storm won by submission with a Single Leg Crab. The Canadian dominated the youngster from New Orleans. The former US champion may have been hoping for a match higher up the card but his professionalism never wavered.

 

Kanyon defeated Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller

 

ANGLE: Jarrett came out and said his advertised match against Goldberg had been postponed. Goldberg was already in the ring, pacing. Jarrett was at the entrance way, flanked by the Harris Twins. He called the new faction “Planet Jarrett” and said he has a special opportunity for a potential new member. Double J then invited Kwee Wee out to the stage and told him to take on Goldberg as his replacement. “Beat him and we can talk membership.”

 

     vs     

GOLDBERG vs KWEE WEE - Goldberg won in under 3 minutes with a Spear and Jackhammer combo. Jarrett on the ramp way, still flanked by the Harris Twins looked unhappy but not surprised.

 

ANGLE: The Harris Twins and Jarrett then ran to the ring and attacked Goldberg. Goldberg took a guitar shot from Jarrett but didn’t stay down for long. He speared one Harris twin and then Jackhammered the other as Double J ran from the ring. Jarrett backed away as his goons lay crumpled on the mat.

 

WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: Jamie Knoble defeated ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan (c)

 

WCW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Wall defeated Terry Funk (c), Meng and Crowbar (w/ Daffney) in a Four Way Hardcore match

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Stacy Keibler backstage. Stacy had set a challenge for two teams in WCW’s tag team division to fight for her management skills. Shane Helms and Shannon Moore were the first team to approach Stacy… and then The Boogie Knights, Disco Inferno and Alex Wright. Stacy showed Gene the contract and said the winner will get to sign on the dotted line.

 

        vs        

SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE vs THE BOOGIE KNIGHTS – In a competitive match Helms and Moore were cheered on by the crowd. The former Three Count members used high flying offence to stun Disco and Wright before Helms pinned Disco after a Vertebreaker.

 

ANGLE: With Mark Jindrak already in the ring Ric Flair came out and cut a promo. Flair kept it short which is just as well as it involved a lot of red-faced shouting punctuated by “Woo!” noises. At least his trousers stayed up.

 

     vs     

RIC FLAIR vs MARK JINDRAK – Flair went into this match giving up a size and strength advantage to his much larger foe... but you should never count the Nature Boy out. Jindrak hit some powerful looking offence but failed to keep an eye on the Dirtiest Player In The Game and Flair caught him with a roll up and a handful of tights for the win.

 

     vs     

STING vs RICK STEINER – A surprisingly even contest. The finish came as a Steiner Bulldog attempt was reversed into the Scorpion Death Drop. Sting wins.

 

ANGLE: Gene Okerlund interviewed Scott Steiner backstage on his upcoming match with Sid Vicious. If you thought the Flair interview was loud it was nothing compared to the aggressive shouting from the World Heavyweight champion. Like Flair, Steiner didn’t make a whole lot of sense but it sounded impressive. The champion looked confident.

 

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

        vs         

CHUCK PALUMBO AND SEAN O’HAIRE (c) vs REY MYSTERIO JR AND BILLY KIDMAN – Another tag match that the crowd got behind. Mysterio and Kidman looked slick and made their experience count against their opponents. Palumbo and O’Haire had the size and strength advantage but were caught out by the speed of their foes. In the end Mike Sanders and Shawn Stasiak ran in to attack the challengers for the DQ finish. Rey and Kidman win but the belts stay with the Natural Born Thrillers.

 

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

HUGH MORRUS (c) vs CHAVO GUERRERO JR - Morrus has ditched his M.I.A. name, General Rection, as have all his former Misfits In Action stablemates as the faction has disbanded. Shorn of his army fatigues Morrus was back in colourful attire and his old, odd mannerisms. Chavo had said before the match that as the current WCW Cruiserweight champion he would look to be a dual belt holder by winning the US title. It was not to be though as Morrus caught Chavo with a Powerslam and hit an impressive Moonsault to retain.

 

     vs     

‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs ‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES – Dustin promised a no-frills brawl and he delivered. Both men are a little older, a little heavier than maybe what is considered their prime but it didn’t show tonight. Rhodes went close on a couple of occasions but was caught with a School-Boy and Douglas was smart enough to use the ropes for leverage when the opportunity presented itself. The Franchise is victorious.

 

ANGLE: Gene Okerlund interviewed The Insiders before their match with Totally Buff. Nash confirmed Bagwell and Luger wanted this match and he and Page were happy to accept.

 

        vs        

THE INSIDERS vs TOTALLY BUFF – Nash and Page had the crowd firmly on their side for this one. A fairly standard contest that The Insiders never looked like losing. DDP pinned Bagwell after a Diamond Cutter and Nash took Luger out with a Jacknife Powerbomb for good measure.

 

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

‘BIG POPPA PUMP’ SCOTT STEINER (c) (w/ Midajah) vs SID VICIOUS - Main event time. Two men who could best be described as unpredictable, battling it out for the World Heavyweight title. It was a slugfest with both competitors determined to prove to the other that they were the harder hitter. Neither backed up an inch. After several heavy blows and a couple of close falls Steiner took the advantage with an enormous German Suplex and followed it up with a Spinning Belly-To-Belly Suplex. With Sid in trouble Scott lock in the Steiner Recliner to force the tap.

 

Edited October 13, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 2, May 2001

Sioux City, Iowa, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Fit Finlay defeated Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller

Rick Steiner defeated Norman Smiley

 

_ _ _

 

Shane Helms defeated ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene interviewed Stacy Keibler backstage. Stacy said she’s ready to have Helms and Moore sign the contracts to be under her management, only for the Boogie Knights to interrupt. The Knights told Stacy that Helms and Moore got lucky and that there needs to be a rematch. Helms and Moore then crashed the interview and told the Knights “Right here, right now.” Disco and Wright then backed off telling them “Next week.” Stacy shrugged, apparently agreeing.

 

Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Lash Leroux

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

CHAVO GUERRERO JR (c) vs EVAN KARAGIAS – Chavo was unsuccessful at The Big Bang where he attempted to defeat Hugh Morrus and become the United States champion and dual belt holder. He faced Evan Karagias here in a straight forward match, dispatching him with a Brainbuster and then a Frog Splash. The champ retains.

 

ANGLE: Sting was backstage cutting a promo on Mike Awesome regarding their main event match tonight. He then heard a noise and stepped back as Kevin Nash and Diamond Dallas Page came into view. The Insiders were friendly but Sting said nothing only raising his bat slightly as he made his exit. Nash and DDP looked confused.

 

Billy Kidman defeated Shawn Stasiak

 

     vs     

TERRY FUNK VS LANCE STORM (w/ Tylene) – Terry Funk was up for this match. A veteran of over three decades, Funk took the fight to Storm and laid in some hard shots. Storm survived the onslaught though and wore Funk down with excellent technical wrestling securing the win with a Superkick.

 

ANGLE: Scott Steiner came out and said that he injured Sid so bad that no one’s seen him since. He told everyone that they better get used to him as champion as the belt is going nowhere. This brought out Ric Flair who told Steiner that he will never be The Man. “To be The Man, you gotta beat The Man.  Wooooooo!” Flair and Steiner locked eyes and it looked as if a fight would break out. Eric Bischoff then came to the ring to tell Flair not to get ahead of himself. “You’re not the number one contender yet, Flair. But maybe next week...”

 

‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes defeated Kaz Hayashi

 

ANGLE: After the match Mike Tenay got in the ring to interview Dustin but ‘The Natural’ grabbed the mic and called out Shane Douglas. Dustin was unhappy with Douglas’ cheating at The Big Bang and challenged ‘The Franchise’ to a rematch next week. Douglas came out, with Torrie Wilson on his arm, and accepted.

 

     vs     

GOLDBERG vs RON HARRIS (w/ Jeff Jarrett and Don Harris) – Goldberg was unhappy at not facing Jeff Jarrett at The Big Bang and tonight took his frustrations out on Ron Harris. Brother Don attempted to intervene in the match but was knocked to the floor by a big elbow smash. Jarrett kept his distance as Goldberg defeated Ron with a Jackhammer in quick measure.

 

     vs     

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE vs BUFF BAGWELL (w/ Lex Luger) – The Insiders were victorious last night at the PPV but it would seem Bagwell and Luger haven’t finished with them yet. Bagwell requested this match with DDP and the two brawled inside and outside the ring, narrowly avoiding the count out. Page controlled the match but interference from Luger saw him fall to a cheap shot and Bagwell hit the Buff Blockbuster for the win.

 

ANGLE: Totally Buff went to attack DDP but Kevin Nash made the save and cleared the ring.

 

ANGLE: Jeff Jarrett stormed into Eric Bischoff’s office with the camera crew barely keeping up. Jarrett complained to Bischoff that Goldberg destroyed two of his men at The Big Bang and now Ron Harris again tonight. Bischoff tried to calm Jarrett and told ‘Double J’ he’ll let him pick Goldberg's match next week.

 

     vs     

STING vs MIKE AWESOME – The Stinger took the fight to Awesome in tonight’s main event. Near falls from both men with Sting hitting great elevation on a Stinger Splash and Awesome narrowly missing a Splash from the top rope. The fight spilled to the outside and into the crowd. Both men ignored the referee and continued to brawl. The ten count was reached resulting in a slightly disappointing double count out.

 

 

Edited October 5, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

1 hour ago, James The Animator said:

This was a time period with so many exciting possibilities. You posting this reminded me to pick up my dormant Invasion-era WWF save on TEW 2016, so thank you for that!

That's ace.  It really was!

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

 

Monday, Week 3, May 2001

Rochester, MI, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

The Mamalukes (w/Madusa) defeated Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo

ANGLE: Stevie Ray interviewed his brother Booker T. Booker said he’s still working through a shoulder injury but he’ll be coming back real soon.

Crowbar (w/ Daffney) defeated Fit Finlay

 

_ _ _

 

WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

JAMIE KNOBLE vs LASH LEROUX – Knoble grounded the speedy Leroux and put on a clinical wrestling match. WCW made something of a reputation for having an exciting wrestling product on it’s undercard and Knoble looks to have fitted in seamlessly. Leroux fought back but ultimately tapped to the Reverse Figure Four.

 

ANGLE: Bischoff came to the ring and announced that there will be a No.1 Contenders match for the WCW World Heavyweight title, naming Sting, Sid Vicious and Ric Flair. He was then interrupted by Jeff Jarrett demanding to be in the match. Jarrett was of course accompanied by his muscle, The Harris Twins. Bischoff made it a Four Way and told Jarrett he’s in.

 

Lance Storm (w/ Tylene) defeated Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene interviewed Meng backstage and they were interrupted by Kwee Wee. He asked Meng to join his stable. Meng grabbed Kwee Wee by the throat and told him he is offended he would ever think he’d join forces with him. He only released him when he agreed to meet him in the ring.

 

     vs      

MENG vs KWEE WEE (w/ Paisley) – Meng beat up Kwee Wee for daring to ask him to join his stable. He hit him with punches, kicks and a clothesline that almost decapitated him. Over and over. Meng dragged Kwee Wee across the ring by his hair – utterly lifeless – but as he bent to pick him up, Kwee Wee caught him with a small package and the surprise victory.

 

        vs        

REY MYSTERIO JR AND BILLY KIDMAN vs JUNG DRAGONS – Fast paced action from four of the smaller competitors on the roster. The Dragons hung in as long as they could but were clearly outmatched. Rey pinned Yang after a Springboard Splash.

 

ANGLE: Chuck Palumbo, Sean O’Haire and Mike Sanders of the Natural Born Thrillers then came out on to the stage to taunt Rey and Kidman. The commentary team reminded viewers that the Thrillers caused the DQ that led to them retaining the World Tag Team titles against Rey and Kidman at The Big Bang. This brought out Eric Bischoff who announced a rematch for next week.

 

Mike Awesome defeated Norman Smiley

 

ANGLE: Helms and Moore came out for their rematch against the Boogie Knights with Stacy already at ringside. Out came the Knights and they told Helms and Moore that there has been a change of plan. KroniK then came to the ring to take the Knights’ place.

 

        vs        

SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE vs KRONIK – Helms and Moore were quicker and were able to keep KroniK at a distance but their luck only ran so far. Clark caught Helms with a Pumphandle Slam and then both KroniK members finished Moore with the High Times. Disco and Wright, who had stayed at ringside with Stacy, laughed on. KroniK left with a sports bag full of cash.

 

HANDICAP MATCH

     vs        

GOLDBERG vs HARRIS TWINS (w/ Jeff Jarrett) – Jarrett had arranged this match after complaining to Eric Bischoff last week, but even with a numbers advantage The Harris Twins could not keep Goldberg down. Goldberg speared Ron off the apron and then pinned Don after a Jackhammer. Jarrett was already half way up the aisle before the ref had finished counting three.

 

ANGLE: Ric Flair cut a promo backstage on Sid Vicious, Jeff Jarrett and Sting. He trashed Sid and Jarrett but was more respectful towards Sting. He then told Scott Steiner he is coming for him.

 

     vs     

‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs ‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES – In a rematch from The Big Bang PPV Rhodes and Douglas had another hard-hitting brawl. Douglas brought the match to the ground but Rhodes was able to fight back to his feet. Douglas attempted another illegal pin, as he did at the PPV, but the referee spotted the feet on the ropes this time and Dustin landed the Bulldog as The Franchise was arguing with the official. Rhodes then hit the Lone Star State Of Mind for the pin.

 

NO.1 CONTENDERSHIP MATCH FOR THE WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

     vs          vs          vs     

STING VS RIC FLAIR VS SID VICIOUS VS JEFF JARRETT – This match was fought under Tornado rules – one fall, all participants legal, no tags required. All four men fought and had chances to win. A Double Chokeslam by Sid was especially well received. The end came with Sting struggling at ringside after a Jarrett guitar shot and Flair slumped in the corner. Jarrett attempted to hit Vicious with The Stroke… only for Sid to elbow out and hit another Chokeslam! Sid dropped to a knee attempting to clear his head and this stumble cost him as Flair draped an arm over the prone Jarrett for the three count. Flair stole one!

 

 

 

Edited October 15, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Old School Fan]

What I'd like to see happen for WCW under Fusient is a return to the quality of matches that made mid-'80s JCP as popular as it was back in the day.  On that basis, I'm subscribing.  😁

[Wrestling Machine]

Rey and Kidman together are must-seen 

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

8 hours ago, Old School Fan said:

What I'd like to see happen for WCW under Fusient is a return to the quality of matches that made mid-'80s JCP as popular as it was back in the day.  On that basis, I'm subscribing.  😁

Thanks for the comment, though if it’s quality you’re after you may be in the wrong place. 😂 I’m trying to keep this as authentic as I can so the majority of the roster will remain. There’s a lot of rubbish on 2 year contracts. I can’t wait! 😂

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

2 hours ago, Wrestling Machine said:

Rey and Kidman together are must-seen 

They’re ace! A bright spot in quite a struggling roster. Straight into a feud with NBT. 😀

Thanks for stopping by.

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 4, May 2001

San Diego, CA, USA

 

DARK MATCH

Fit Finlay defeated Kid Romeo

 

_ _ _

 

ANGLE: Scott Hudson interviewed Lance Storm but they were interrupted by Kwee Wee. Kwee Wee asked Storm if he’d like to join his faction. “Who’s in it?” asked Storm. “Just you and me so far” came the reply. Storm got in Kwee Wee’s face and told him he would never be in a faction with him. Puffing his chest out Kwee Wee challenged Storm to a match at the PPV with the condition that if he wins then Storm has to join his faction. Storm agreed saying that if Kwee Wee lost then he is never allowed to speak to him again.

 

Konnan defeated Johnny The Bull (w/ Madusa)

 

ANGLE: Gene interviewed Stacy. She said that she has listened to the Boogie Knights and made the competition for her management a best of three matches… but she is not prepared to accept KroniK stepping in for the Knights last week, so they’ll need to fight again tonight. The Knights attempted to plead their case but Stacy wasn’t interested.

 

     vs     

KANYON VS EVAN KARAGIAS – Karagias looked hesitant and with good reason. Kanyon, the master innovator, reversed the opening lock up into a Flatliner and that was it. Karagias out for the count and Kanyon victorious.

 

ANGLE: Mike Tenay interviewed Kevin Nash with DDP backing him up. Nash said that Buff Bagwell needs a dose of reality and he’s the one to give it to him.

 

        vs        

SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE VS THE BOOGIE KNIGHTS – A back and forth tag match that Helms and Moore found themselves ahead in before underhand tactics from the Knights put them in trouble. Shane rallied and came close with a Nightmare On Helms Street but again the Knights snaked out. With the ref distracted Disco hit Moore with a low blow and wrapped up the win.

 

ANGLE: Backstage Scott Hudson announced that Eric Bischoff has signed Hugh Morrus vs Kanyon for the WCW United States Championship at Slamboree.

 

     vs     

STING vs MARK JINDRAK – Jindrak looked in great shape and displayed speed and strength… but he’s not The Stinger. Sting took Jindrak’s offence and responded with a Stinger Splash for a near fall and came close with the Scorpion Deathlock. Jindrak attempted a suplex but Sting floated over and nailed a satisfying Scorpion Death Drop for the three count.

 

ANGLE: Storm came out and challenged Sting to a match at Slamboree. Sting looked to be considering this when from behind Mike Awesome hopped the guard rail and attacked him. Storm then clarified that it’s not him challenging him but Awesome.

 

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

        vs        

CHUCK PALUMBO AND SEAN O’HAIRE (c) vs REY MYSTERIO JR AND BILLY KIDMAN – Eric Bischoff booked this rematch after seeing the champions taunting Rey and Kidman last week. The crowd were happy for another championship match for the Filthy Animals team. Palumbo and O’Haire tried to use their size to their advantage but Rey and Kidman were too quick to pin down. Kidman came close with a Face Jam on Palumbo and this prompted Mike Sanders to run in and cause the DQ. Rey and Kidman win but the champs retain.

 

ANGLE: There was some post-match commotion in the ring as Konnan joined his Filthy Animal teammates. Eric Bischoff then came out with a mic and told everyone he will settle this. He announced that there would be a Six Man Tag match at Slamboree… and to combat any further interference it’ll be inside a steel cage.

 

ANGLE: Mike Tenay interviewed Ric Flair backstage. He said he understands that Flair has been challenged by the Steiner Brothers for a tag match tonight. Flair confirmed it and said that he accepted the match without question. Arn Anderson then appeared saying he has found Flair his tag partner… and in walked Dustin Rhodes. Flair and Rhodes looked each other in the eye and the tension was visible but they shook hands. Tenay remarked that the Steiners have a fight on their hands tonight.

 

SIX MAN TAG

           vs           

GOLDBERG AND KRONIK vs PLANET JARRETT – Goldberg, Adams and Clark bounced the Harris Twins around the ring with relative ease. Jarrett stayed back on the apron or dropped to the floor to escape Goldberg. He has made it clear he wants no part of the former Atlanta Falcon. Jarrett waited for his opportunity though and struck Adams with his guitar to gain the tainted win just before Goldberg could break the count. A jubilant 'Double J' escaped Goldberg’s lunge and exited quickly.

 

     vs     

KEVIN NASH vs BUFF BAGWELL- This was fairly one-sided as ‘Big Sexy’ dominated Bagwell for the majority of this match. Nash called for the Jacknife Powerbomb but was clotheslined hard by the interfering Lex Luger, causing the disqualification.

 

ANGLE: Bagwell and Luger looked to beat down on Nash but DDP made the save. He then grabbed a mic and challenged Totally Buff to a match at Slamboree. “We’ll keep kicking your ass for as long as it takes for the message to sink in.”

 

        vs        

STEINER BROTHERS vs RIC FLAIR AND ‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES – The Steiners back together as Scott needed big brother Rick to have his back. It’s not the feel-good reunion fans would have wished for. The Michigan natives bounced their opponents around the ring with suplexes but Flair and Dustin put up a spirited fight back. In the end it was not enough as Scott put Dustin away with a Belly-to-Belly after Rick’s Steinerline.

 

Edited October 5, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

World Championship Wrestling returns to pay-per-view with Slamboree on May 27.

Sting has accepted Mike Awesome’s challenge and is looking for payback from the ambush on Nitro. The last time the two met it resulted in a double count out so this is a rematch the fans are looking forward to.

Stacy Keibler has said she will offer her managerial services to the winner of the ladder match between Helms and Moore and The Boogie Knights. These two teams have been fighting week after week and there will be a winner.

The Natural Born Thrillers have selected three of their best to face the Filthy Animals in a cage match. No one is getting in or out – it’s six men in four sides of steel.

The Insiders will continue their rivalry against Totally Buff in a rematch from The Big Bang. Nash and DDP have beaten Luger and Bagwell before but will it be the same result this time?

And in the main event ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner defends his WCW World Heavyweight title against Ric Flair. These two have a storied history and are known to genuinely despise one another. Flair has promised he will be walking away with the gold. Steiner has said Flair will be leaving on a stretcher.

All this and much more. May 27, live from Maples Pavilion in Stanford, CA. This is WCW Slamboree!

 

Edited October 6, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Sunday, Week 4, May 2001

Stanford, CA, USA

 

PRE-SHOW

Jung Dragons defeated Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo

Mark Jindrak defeated Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller

 

- - -

 

ANGLE: Bischoff opened the pay-per-view and called out Chavo Guerrero Jr. Bischoff dropped a bombshell for Chavo and told him the next match will be Chavo vs Lash Leroux vs Evan Karagias vs Crowbar for the Cruiserweight championship. Bischoff was then interrupted by Shane Douglas who asked why he doesn’t have a match on the card. Bischoff took a moment, smiled and told Shane he will be facing… Sid. Douglas’ jaw dropped.

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs          vs          vs     

CHAVO GUERRERO JR (c) vs LASH LEROUX vs EVAN KARAGIAS vs CROWBAR (w/Daffney) – Chavo was not prepared for this match, thinking he had the night off. The commentators questioned whether Bischoff had tipped the challengers ahead of time. The match was at a frantic pace and was won when Leroux pinned Karagias after a Whiplash. Chavo looked incensed as he lost the title without being pinned.

 

     vs     

RICK STEINER vs ‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES – Dustin had teamed with Ric Flair against the Steiner Brothers on Nitro and as The Nature Boy is set to face Scott Steiner for the title tonight, brother Rick challenged Rhodes. The two had an uncomplicated brawl with Dustin hitting a Bulldog for a near fall before hitting the Lonestar State Of Mind for the three.

 

STIPULATION MATCH

     vs     

LANCE STORM (w/ Tygress) vs KWEE WEE (w/ Paisley) – Kwee Wee had laid down the challenge: if he defeated Storm then the Canadian would be the first recruit in Kwee Wee’s new faction. However, should Kwee Wee lose then he is forbidden for ever talking to Storm again. The commentators pondered whether Kwee Wee would be able to shut up for five minutes. Kwee Wee started off well but it quickly became clear that he did not have the skills to compete with Storm. Storm put him in the Single Leg Crab and forced the tap.

 

     vs     

SID VICIOUS vs ‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) – Douglas may have regretted asking Eric Bischoff for a match right about the time that Sid stepped over the top rope and hit him between the eyes. This was not a long match. The two brawled and Douglas held on as long as he could but Vicious hit a Chokeslam and then the Powerbomb for the win.

 

ANGLE: Jamie Knoble headed to the ring and announced an open challenge for the World Television title. Almost immediately vaguely familiar music played... and out stomped Tank Abbott!

 

WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

JAMIE KNOBLE (c) vs TANK ABBOTT – Tank had not been away from WCW all that long but there were still a surprising number of fans pleased to see him return. That may have ended once the bell rang and Knoble took the sluggish Abbott down and garnered the submission with a Reverse Figure Four.

 

        vs        

KRONIK vs HARRIS TWINS - In a fall out from the Goldberg and KroniK vs Planet Jarrett match on Nitro, these two teams now faced each other on pay-per-view. In a brutal, and mercifully short, affair Clark pinned Don after High Times.

 

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

HUGH MORRUS (c) vs KANYON – The two brawled with neither gaining an extended advantage. Morrus evaded a Flatliner attempt while Kanyon avoided a Moonsault. Chavo Guerrero Jr then headed to the ring to become a ringside spectator. The commentators reminded viewers that Chavo has made clear his intention to be the next US champion. Morrus argued with Chavo and dropped to the floor to get in his face. Guerrero seized the moment with the referee’s back turned and struck Morrus with a chair as he attempted to climb back into the ring. He kicked the chair under the ring to remove all evidence. The ref’s count reached ten to count Morrus out and award the match to Kanyon.

 

LADDER MATCH

        vs        

SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE vs THE BOOGIE KNIGHTS – Suspended above the ring was a contract for the winning team to be managed by Stacy Keibler. Stacy sat at ringside surveying the action. Both teams put on a show and had opportunities to claim the prize. With Moore and Wright down on the canvas Helms and Disco battled atop the last remaining ladder. They went blow for blow until Shane rammed Disco’s head into the ladder and hit him with a Chokeslam. As the last man standing Shane claimed the contract and victory for his team.

 

ANGLE: Helms and Moore signed the contract and Stacy raised her new clients arms in victory.

 

     vs     

STING vs MIKE AWESOME – Their previous encounter had ended in a double count out so fans were eager to see a resolution in this match. The two brawled and showed great agility, especially Awesome who nailed a Springboard Splash for a near fall. The match ended as both men collided head first with the referee who was out of position. All three men went down and this brought Kevin Nash to the ring. ‘Big Sexy’ attempted to revive the ref without success. He then looked over at Sting and helped Awesome to his feet… only to hit him with the Jacknife Powerbomb! He draped Sting across Awesome and the ref came round to count three. The commentators argued whether Sting was aware of what just happened or if he was in on Nash’s plan.

 

CAGE MATCH

           vs           

FILTHY ANIMALS vs NATURAL BORN THRILLERS – Rey and Kidman had come close to winning the World Tag Team titles before other members of NBT had run in and forced the disqualification finish. Eric Bischoff then decided that a match between the two factions would be fought with no chance of further interference, three on three, inside a steel cage. The two teams fought and used the caged to it’s full advantage with several men bleeding. In the end Konnan hit Sanders with a wicked Cradle DDT to win the match.

 

        vs        

INSIDERS vs TOTALLY BUFF – A rematch from The Big Bang pay-per-view, these two teams were itching to get at each other again and the fans were just as eager to see it happen. All four men hit their patented moves. DDP hit a Spinning Powerbomb, Buff did that dance of his, and jaws dropped as Luger managed to get Nash up in a Torture Rack. The match ended with DDP rolling through a second Torture Rack attempt and hitting Luger with the Diamond Cutter for the three.

 

ANGLE: Nash raised DDP’s arm in victory… before drilling him with an enormous clothesline. Nash, Bagwell and Luger all stomped Page into the mat before Nash hit him with the Jacknife Powerbomb. Nash, Buff and Luger all made the ‘Too Sweet’ sign of the Kliq as they left the ring to boos.

 

     vs     

GOLDBERG vs JEFF JARETT – Jarrett had put a lot of work into avoiding Goldberg all month but now there was nowhere left to run. This was a short match that showcased Goldberg’s raw power. He hit Jarrett with a Spear and then the Jackhammer for the finish.

 

ANGLE: Main event time. Before the match started, with both champion and challenger in the ring, Scott Steiner grabbed a mic and revealed a few choice words for Ric Flair. Flair then snatched the mic from Big Poppa Pump and returned fire with some of his personal feelings about the champ. The atmosphere was already tense but the clear animosity just raised it another notch.

 

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

‘BIG POPPA PUMP’ SCOTT STEINER (c) (w/ Midajah) vs RIC FLAIR – This was not the massacre that some predicted. Steiner had the clear size and strength advantage but Flair has spent his career outwitting larger opponents and used every trick in the book to stay in this match. Steiner went for a clothesline but, for the second time this evening, the referee was out of position and was knocked through the ropes to the outside. Perhaps the crowd could sense it but it wasn’t a great shock to see Kevin Nash strolling to the ring making the ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture. The numbers game quickly added up for Flair as Nash and Steiner beat him to the mat. The referee dragged himself back into the ring to see a bloodied Flair locked in the Steiner Recliner and called for the stoppage. The champion retains.

 

ANGLE: Nash celebrated with Steiner as Bagwell and Luger quickly joined them in the ring. Out came Rick Steiner and they all beat down on Flair. They all froze as ‘Pomp and Pagentry’ signalled the return of ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage. Fists taped, Savage ran to the ring and shoved everyone away from Flair… before turning around and delivering a series of kicks to the ‘Nature Boy’ himself. Macho went up to the top and delivered the Savage Elbow. As the commentators screamed in hysterics the camera showed Sting on the rampway, bat in hand. He stood there watching, not joining the attack but making no attempt at a rescue.

 

Edited October 12, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 1, June 2001

Dallas, TX, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Norman Smiley defeated Kid Romeo

Yang defeated Johnny The Bull (w/ Madusa)

 

- - -

 

ANGLE: The newly reformed Wolfpac opened the show – Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Rick Steiner, Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger all sauntered out making the ‘Too Sweet’ sign of The Kliq. Nash got on the mic and told everyone that this was not a “comeback” as they never left. Nash called the Wolfpac the “keystone of WCW - the ones that stayed and held the whole thing together.” This brought out Diamond Dallas Page who looked ready to fight. He told Nash he has busted his ass for 9 years to make this company what it is “and I didn’t need a job in New York to get over!” Nash smirked at this comment. Water off a near 7ft duck’s back. Page challenged Nash to match tonight but ‘Big Sexy’ stepped aside and told Buff to handle it.

 

KroniK defeated Mark Jindrak and Shawn Stasiak

 

WCW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Wall (c) defeated Fit Finlay in a Hardcore match

 

ANGLE: Scott Hudson interviewed Kanyon who was unhappy that Chavo Guerrero Jr cost him the United States title at Slamboree. He asked Hudson, “Who betta than Kanyon?” Hudson struggled to find an answer before Kanyon stormed off saying that someone needs to “make this right.”

 

     vs     

‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs ERNEST ‘THE CAT’ MILLER – Miller is not on the greatest run at the moment in WCW and this outing was no different. The martial artist let fly with some fancy kicks but Douglas outmanoeuvred him and hit the Belly-to-Belly Suplex for the three.

 

ANGLE: Miller’s night was not over though as Douglas returned to beat him down in the ring. The camera cut to Torrie who looked very uncomfortable and a little scared.

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene attempted to interview Goldberg on his match with Chuck Palumbo. Goldberg however was ready for a fight and had no interest in interview obligations. He growled and stomped off.

 

Konnan defeated Road Warrior Animal

 

ANGLE: Mike Tenay interviewed Shane Helms and Shannon Moore on their match tonight with Rick Steiner and Lex Luger. Their new manager Stacy Keibler was with them. It’s youth versus experience and the former Three Count members were chomping at the bit.

 

     vs     

‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES vs DISCO INFERNO – Disco attempted to impress Dustin with his dancing and even encouraged ‘The Natural’ to bust out some moves alongside him. Rhodes began clicking his fingers to an imaginary beat, delighting Disco. Disco adopted the Saturday Night Fever pose… only for Dustin to nail him with a Bulldog. One Lonestar State Of Mind later and this one was over.

 

        vs        

LEX LUGER AND RICK STEINER vs SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE (w/ Stacy Keibler) – Rick Steiner looked every bit the grizzled veteran, Luger alongside him was ripped but also showing a few miles on the clock. Both knew that this was not the 80s and they were not young men anymore. Could the future of WCW be standing across the ring from them? Helms and Moore took it to the Wolfpac members in a relatively even contest. Luger took the advantage but with the referee out of position, Ric Flair ran to the ring and hit the ‘Total Package’ with a low blow for Helms to wrap up the pin.

 

ANGLE: DDP cut a wild promo backstage with Mean Gene Okerlund. Page had words for Kevin Nash, Buff Bagwell and Randy Savage. He told the Wolfpac it wouldn’t matter if they recruited twenty men – he will go through whoever they put in front of him.

 

     vs     

GOLDBERG vs CHUCK PALUMBO – The Natural Born Thrillers are a promising young stable in WCW and Palumbo has as much chance as any of them of making it to the top. But Bill Goldberg is a force of devastation. Palumbo jumped Goldberg before the bell but it made little difference as Goldberg rallied and hit several brutal power moves. With Palumbo staggered Goldberg hit the Spear then a Jackhammer for the win.

 

     vs     

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE vs BUFF BAGWELL (w/ Kevin Nash) – DDP tore at Bagwell from the opening bell. Although it was Nash Page wanted to get his hands on he would have to settle for Buff tonight. Nash made several attempts at distracting the Jersey Shore native but Page kept his composure and rolled through a Bagwell suplex attempt to hit the Diamond Cutter and gain the win.

 

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

Kevin Nash, Monday Nitro, Dallas, TX

 

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 2, June 2001

Bozeman, MO, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Johnny The Bull defeated Reno

Fit Finlay defeated Kid Romeo

 

- - -

 

Rey Mysterio Jr defeated Kaz Hayashi

 

ANGLE: The Wolfpac hit the ring and called out DDP. Instead they got Ric Flair who told them they have unfinished business. Flair still had visible bruising from the beatdown he took from them at Slamboree. He did not appear to be 100%. Kevin Nash asked Flair if he had a match in him but then Sting’s music hit. Flair was ready to storm the ring but Sting gently put his bat in front of the Nature Boy like a barrier but not taking his eyes off Nash. Nash asked Sting when he’s going to join the party but got no response. Nash then told Flair that Lex Luger will face him tonight.

 

     vs     

CROWBAR (w/ Daffney) vs KWEE WEE (w/ Paisley) – This was a meeting of two of the stranger wrestlers on the WCW roster: the flamboyant, enigmatic Kwee Wee and the deranged Crowbar. In a hard-hitting match Crowbar won with a Mindbender. Daffney did not stop shrieking throughout.

 

Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller defeated Shawn Stasiak

 

ANGLE: Scott Hudson interviewed ‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes backstage on his upcoming match with Big Vito. Dustin told Vito to bring his fighting game coz that’s what they’re gonna do.

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

     vs     

LASH LEROUX (c) vs YANG – A fast-paced match with both men yet to reach their prime. Yang wowed with his athleticism and high flying offence but it was not enough to defeat the champion. Leroux caught Yang with the Whiplash and this one was over.

 

‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes defeated Big Vito

 

     vs     

‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs EVAN KARAGIAS – Douglas dominated in this match. Bigger, stronger, more experienced. Karagias attempted to rally but it was not enough as ‘The Franchise’ hit the Belly-to-Belly Suplex for the three count.

 

ANGLE: Shane Douglas attacked Evan Karagias after the match. The Franchise took his time sizing up his shots and inflicting damage. It became too much for Torrie Wilson and she got in the ring to plead with Douglas to stop. Douglas grabbed a mic and admonished Torrie - “Your job is to stand out there and look pretty while I do what I do in the ring.”

 

ANGLE: Sting cut a promo on Mike Sanders. He was alone in some dimly lit part of the backstage area and spoke without looking at the camera, seeming distracted. It was clear that The Stinger had something on his mind.

 

     vs     

LANCE STORM (w/ Tylene) vs KONNAN – The technically superb Lance Storm against the gangsta brawling of Konnan. Konnan hit Storm with a Rolling Lariat, Storm responded with a picture-perfect dropkick. The two battled some more before Storm whipped Konnan to the ropes and then rolled through into the Single Leg Crab and the submission victory.

 

     vs     

STING vs MIKE SANDERS - ‘Above Average’ tried to talk to Sting before the match but The Stinger knocked the mic from his hand. Clearly he was in no mood for games. They locked up and Sting proceeded to best Sanders with a series of hard-hitting moves. Sanders hung on and came back with a knee lift and clothesline. Sanders attempted a splash in the corner but Sting evaded and hit his own Stinger Splash before locking in the Scorpion Deathlock for the tap.

 

     vs     

RIC FLAIR vs LEX LUGER – The ‘Nature Boy’ versus the ‘Total Package.’ This would have been a headlining feud back in the eighties and, for Ric Flair at least, nothing has changed. Cunning and guile versus raw power. Luger hit some heavy blows but Flair kept coming. Naitch came close with a Figure Four before Rick Steiner came down the aisle to make his presence known. Luger threw Flair to the outside and grabbed the referee’s attention. It wasn’t for long but it was enough for ‘The Dog Faced Gremlin’ to send Flair into the guard rail and drill him with a Steinerline. Steiner headed to the back and a worn-down Flair staggered after him, ignoring the referee’s count. Lex Luger won by count out.

 

Edited October 23, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

WCW Magazine Relaunch

Issue #1

[Old School Fan]

15 minutes ago, Bigelow Cartwheel said:

WCW Magazine Relaunch

Issue #1

I remember that version of WCW Magazine, but I'm more familiar with the version published by London Publishing from 1991 to 1994 (which, even though it was WCW's official publication, would've technically made it one of the Apter mags at the time).

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

12 minutes ago, Old School Fan said:

I remember that version of WCW Magazine, but I'm more familiar with the version published by London Publishing from 1991 to 1994 (which, even though it was WCW's official publication, would've technically made it one of the Apter mags at the time).

Hey, thanks for stopping by!

I actually had to make that logo from scratch as I couldn't find a version of it without a wrestler obscuring it.  If it's not completely obvious it's all done from scratch on paint.net.  Hoping to provide a visual aid to some of the bigger stories going on.

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 3, June 2001

Utica, NY, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Jung Dragons defeated The Mamalukes

Sean O’Haire defeated Air Paris

 

- - -

 

ANGLE: Mike Tenay interviewed Goldberg backstage on his match tonight with Buff Bagwell. Goldberg said he is going to crush him.

 

WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: Jamie Knoble (c) defeated Norman Smiley

 

Billy Kidman defeated Road Warrior Animal

 

     vs     

‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs KWEE WEE (w/ Paisley) – The veteran Douglas used his years of experience to wear down Kwee Wee and force painful submission holds on him. Kwee Wee attempted to fight back and caught ‘The Franchise’ square in the jaw with a dropkick but it wasn’t enough. Douglas hit the Belly to Belly Suplex for the win.

 

ANGLE: After the match Douglas beat down on Kwee Wee until it was too much for Torrie Wilson and she attempted to drag him back. Douglas responded by shoving her to the mat and scolding her. This brought out Billy Kidman who shoved Douglas away from her and the two argued. Kidman was furious. He looked away for a split second and Douglas sucker punched him and hit the Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Snarling, he dragged Torrie away by the wrist as the crowd booed.

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene Okerlund attempted to interview Sid Vicious backstage but they were interrupted by Lance Storm and Mike Awesome. Sid told Storm to shut his mouth and then squared up to Awesome. He got in his face and callled him “big man” all while grinning. He cracked his knuckles and told Awesome he’ll see him in the ring. Storm then cut between them and said “Next week.” He dragged Awesome off as Sid continued to grin.

 

     vs     

REY MYSTERIO JR vs CHAVO GUERRERO JR – A fast-paced flyer harking back to the golden age of WCW’s Cruiserweight division. Mysterio wowed the crowd early on in the match and Chavo attempted to ground the high flyer to no avail. Chavo can fly too though and caught Rey with some good offence. Both men went to the top on more than one occasion and garnered near falls. The commentators mentioned Chavo’s ongoing feud with Kanyon and it was prescient as a short time later the referee was bumped and Kanyon ran to the ring. He hit Chavo with a Flatliner and Mysterio, unaware of the interference, covered Chavo for the ref to make a groggy three count.

 

NO.1 CONTENDERSHIP MATCH FOR THE WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES

        vs             vs

        vs        

KRONIK vs BOOGIE KNIGHTS vs HARRIS TWINS vs SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE (w/ Stacy Keibler) – KroniK brought the power, Harris Twins brought the size, Helms and Moore brought the speed… and the Knights brought the dancing. Disco and Wright dragged the audience back to 1977 for Saturday Night Fever and it was not appreciated. Certainly not by KroniK who smashed the pair into oblivion. Helms and Moore combined with some smart offence on the Harris boys before KroniK took control. Brian Adams pinned Ron Harris after a High Times.

 

ANGLE: The Natural Born Thrillers then hit the stage with Mike Sanders as their mouthpiece. The group sarcastically applauded KroniK and even wished them a phony “good luck.” Sanders then proposed a match for next week: Chuck Palumbo vs Bryan Clark. Palumbo looked shocked and it was clear that Sanders had not discussed it with him, but before he could say anything Clark had accepted.

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene attempted to interview Sting backstage and asked him if the rumours are true that he’s considering joining the Wolfpac. Sting turned and walked away without a word.

 

Jeff Jarrett defeated Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller

 

ANGLE: Ric Flair came down to the ring and cut a scathing promo on Lex Luger and Rick Steiner. He also had words for his opponent tonight, Dustin Rhodes, but these were more respectful. Flair spoke of his rivalry with Dustin’s father and that he can see the same intensity in his eyes. He finished by stating that he respects ‘The Natural’ but will never have any respect for the Wolfpac.

 

     vs     

RIC FLAIR vs ‘THE NATURAL’ DUSTIN RHODES – This was a slick babyface match with Flair treating his opponent with respect and Dustin, while wary, returning it in kind. Rhodes came close with a Bulldog attempt and Flair hit a Back Suplex for a two count. In the end Dustin wrapped Flair up in a Small Package and ‘The Nature Boy’ rolled through, adjusting his shoulders to reverse the move and gain the pin.

 

     vs     

GOLDBERG vs BUFF BAGWELL – This was a thunderous start from Goldberg who hammered Bagwell with clotheslines and a huge elbow smash. Bagwell attempted to get back into the match with a flying lariat but Goldberg caught him and dumped him on his head. Goldberg signalled for the Spear but Randy Savage ran to the ring and attacked him from behind. The referee awarded Goldberg the match by disqualification.

 

ANGLE: Kevin Nash came out to join the attack on Goldberg but Diamond Dallas Page ran out and cut him off. The two brawled in the aisle as Goldberg contended with Savage and Bagwell in the ring. Scott Steiner then appeared brandishing a lead pipe. He went to swing for DDP but the pipe was grabbed by… Booker T! Booker joined in and the fight continued as everyone brawled to the back.

 

Edited October 23, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Monday, Week 4, June 2001

West Palm Beach, FL, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Crowbar (w/ Daffney) defeated Air Paris

Mark Jindrak and Shawn Stasiak defeated The Harris Twins

Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo defeated Jung Dragons

 

- - -

 

ANGLE: Scott Hudson attempted to ask Shane Douglas about Billy Kidman but ‘The Franchise’ cut him off: “If he wants a fight he can speak to Bischoff and I’ll see him at the The Great American Bash.”

 

La Parka defeated Big Vito

 

ANGLE: Mike Tenay interviewed Hugh Morrus on defending the United States championship at The Great American Bash when Kanyon barged in and accused Morrus of hiding from him. Morrus and Kanyon squared up and it looked like it was going to come to blows when Chavo jumped Kanyon from behind and hit him with a steel chair. Morrus took a step back and stood in front of a grateful Tenay, shielding him.

 

     vs     

SID VICIOUS vs MIKE AWESOME – Two of the bigger men in WCW squared off. Awesome has incredible agility for someone his size but there’s very few men in the business that can match the sheer size and aggression of Sid. Awesome hit Vicious with a barrage of blows but when Sid plucked him out of the air by the throat it spelled disaster. One Chokeslam later the referee counted Awesome’s shoulders to the mat for three.

 

ANGLE: After the match Lance Storm ran in and hit Vicious with a Superkick then locked in the Single Leg Crab. He refused to release it and it took several referees and agents to prise him off.

 

Konnan defeated Shannon Moore (w/ Stacy Keibler)

 

ANGLE: Scott Hudson was backstage with Eric Bischoff who announced Hugh Morrus vs Kanyon vs Chavo Guerrero Jr for the United States title at The Great American Bash in a Triple Threat match. Bischoff then revealed he wanted to see ‘The Franchise’ Shane Douglas take on Billy Kidman – so that is booked for the event as well.

 

     vs     

JEFF JARRETT vs REY MYSTERIO JR – This was almost a game of cat and mouse. Jarrett struggled to pin down the lively Mysterio and was caught several times by dropkicks, planchas and hurricanranas. Eventually ‘Double J’ managed to get a hold on the match but it was all for naught as Rey wrapped him in an inside cradle for the pin.

 

ANGLE: A visibly perturbed Jeff Jarrett then grabbed a microphone and demanded a rematch with Mysterio at the PPV. Rey accepted grinning from ear to ear.

 

     vs     

CHUCK PALUMBO vs BRYAN CLARK – This match came about because Mike Sanders challenged Clark on behalf of his NBT stablemate. It was clear to anyone watching that he had not agreed it with Palumbo first and this brought some tension within the ranks. The match was a straight out brawl – who can hit the hardest? As it turns out, it was Bryan Clark and he won the match with a Pumphandle Slam.

 

ANGLE: Sean O’Haire ran to the ring but was quickly joined by Clark’s KroniK partner Brian Adams and the two teams brawled. NBT called for backup and this brought out Mike Sanders only for him to be taken out by… Kwee Wee?! The commentators were left struggling to explain that one.

 

     vs     

RIC FLAIR vs RICK STEINER – A short, back and forth match that ended as Steiner attempted to back suplex Flair from the second rope. Balancing precariously, the ‘Nature Boy’ shifted his weight mid-move allowing him to land on top of Steiner and score the pin.

 

ANGLE: Lex Luger ran to the ring and attacked Flair from behind. Luger and Rick Steiner put the boots into Flair but Dustin Rhodes came running out to make the save!

 

SIX MAN TAG

           vs           

WOLFPAC (w/ Midajah) vs GOLDBERG, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE AND BOOKER T – The team of Goldberg, DDP and Booker T stood across from Nash, Scott Steiner and Bagwell like they were the only thing stopping the Wolfpac ripping through WCW. It may end up being true. All six men hit their signature moves but Page came closest after hitting Steiner with a Diamond Cutter, only for Randy Savage to intervene and distract the ref. The chaos continued as the Wolfpac asserted their dominance. They would have been victorious but for a mistake from Buff Bagwell allowing Booker T to hit the Book End and gain the win.

 

ANGLE: The match ending did not bring a resolution to the conflict as all six, now seven, men continued to brawl. Referees and agents attempted to separate them but fists were still being thrown as Tony Schiavone told the viewers they were out of time.

 

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

 

Two Nitros ago we saw the return of Booker T. He arrived to fight the Wolfpac and made the WCW World Heavyweight champion Scott Steiner his target. The WCW fans all waited - would Eric Bischoff make the match? And now we know. At The Great American Bash, in Springfield, MS, Booker T will face the ‘Big Bad Booty Daddy’ for the biggest prize in the game. Steiner defeated Booker T back in November 2000 to become champion and now Booker at last has his rematch.

 

In the co-main event there will be a grudge match like no other as Diamond Dallas Page and ‘Big Sexy’ Kevin Nash will finally stand across the ring from one another, one-on-one. Nash turned on his long time friend and showed his true colours by reforming the Wolfpac a month ago.  At The Great American Bash Page will be out for revenge.

 

Elsewhere Sid Vicious wants to get even with Lance Storm. Sid may not be 100% after Storm targeted his leg in a brutal, sustained attack.  Ignoring the advice of medical professionals the 'Master and Ruler of the World' has sworn that he will destroy Storm.

 

And Hugh Morrus will defend his United States Championship in a Triple Threat match against Kanyon and Chavo Guerrero Jr.  This is a feud that has been building as all three men look to take home the gold.  Three men, one ring, one United States title.

 

It’s all on the line as WCW returns to Pay-Per-View this Sunday with The Great American Bash! Don’t you dare miss it!

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

    

Sunday, Week 4, June 2001

Springfield, MS, USA

 

DARK MATCHES

Norman Smiley defeated Yang

Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller defeated Fit Finlay

 

- - -

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - SIX MAN

     vs          vs          vs

     vs          vs     

LASH LEROUX (c) vs KAZ HAYASHI vs EVAN KARAGIAS vs CROWBAR (w/ Daffney) vs KID ROMEO vs LA PARKA – This was a fast-paced six man bout. It didn’t run too long and all competitors looked to hit their signature moves. The commentators noted that La Parka might be a little heavy to qualify for the cruiserweight division but applauded when he hit his Corkscrew Senton. The finish came as Leroux pinned Romeo after a Whiplash.

 

WCW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP – HARDCORE MATCH

     vs     

THE WALL (c) vs BRIAN KNOBBS – This was a chaotic match with lots of sloppy brawling. The match was on-on-one for only a short time though as the Harris Twins joined the match and sided with The Wall. With a three-on-one disadvantage Knobbs was in trouble very quickly. The Wall hit Knobbs with a Chokeslam onto a garbage can and made the pin.

 

ANGLE: Jeff Jarrett came to the ring and, flanked by the Harris Twins, introduced The Wall as the newest member of Planet Jarrett.

 

ANGLE: Backstage Booker T had some words for his opponent, the WCW World Heavyweight champion Scott Steiner. Booker told Steiner that he’s beaten him before and he will again. “Now can you dig that… suckaaaa?!”

 

        vs        

SHANE HELMS AND SHANNON MOORE (w/ Stacy Keibler) vs MARK JINDRAK AND SHAWN STASIAK – As with the majority of Helms and Moore’s matches, what they lack in size they overcome with speed. Jindrak and Stasiak were the latest victims of this approach as the cruiserweight team flew at the Natural Born Thrillers members from the start. The NBT duo struggled to get a hold in this match and Moore pinned Stasiak after a Corkscrew Senton. Second one of the night!

 

ANGLE: Mean Gene interviewed Diamond Dallas Page backstage on his match tonight with former friend Kevin Nash. DDP said that true friends are hard to come by in this business and that he feels like he’s lost a brother. Nash is gonna pay for his betrayal.

 

     vs     

MIKE SANDERS vs KWEE WEE (w/ Paisley) – This was an even affair - two of WCW’s young stars, legends in the making! Sanders hit a dropkick, Kwee Wee responded with a big boot. The two traded strikes and holds until Sanders dropped Kwee Wee with a back elbow and then made the pin with his feet on the rope for leverage. The ref did not see the illegal move and counted three.

 

ANGLE: This brought out KroniK who were unhappy with Sanders cheating but as they made their way to the ring they were attacked from behind by Palumbo and O’Haire. The World Tag Team champions brawled with KroniK to the ring.

 

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

        vs        

CHUCK PALUMBO AND SEAN O’HAIRE vs KRONIK – Two teams with some intense brawling. While both teams trade in power, the Natural Born Thrillers have a few athletic moves up their sleeves as well. The two combos brawled but O’Haire wowed as the big man landed a Seanton Bomb on Adams for the pin.

 

ANGLE: Backstage Ric Flair entered the building looking confident and greeting staff warmly, letting out the occasional “wooo!” It was clearly another good day of being ‘The Nature Boy’ ... until Lex Luger and Rick Steiner arrived and attacked him from behind. In full view of reception staff the Wolfpac members beat Flair bloody and left him face down in the arena entrance. Reception had radioed for event security but they arrived too late to stop the assault on ‘The Nature Boy.’

 

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‘THE FRANCHISE’ SHANE DOUGLAS (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs BILLY KIDMAN – Torrie came to the ring with Douglas despite his shove on her the other week. She did not seem her usual buoyant self though. Kidman and Douglas began with a technical bout that soon descended to throwing fists. Torrie was noticeably torn as her client battled her boyfriend. Kidman came close with a Top Rope DDT but it was Douglas that took the win after a Pittsburgh Plunge and his signature Belly to Belly Suplex. He dragged Torrie to the back by her wrist as the crowd booed.

 

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

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HUGH MORRUS (c) vs KANYON vs CHAVO GUERRERO JR – This has been a heated feud first sparked by Chavo Guerrero declaring he will be a “dual champion” holding the Cruiserweight title and then defeating Morrus for the US title. That did not come to pass as Chavo failed to defeat Morrus and then lost the Cruiser belt. It’s been said that Chavo has not been the same since! Similarly Kanyon has been on a path of destruction, feeling marginalised in WCW and asking “Who betta than Kanyon?” Tonight both men had to contend with the reigning United States champion Hugh Morrus. All three competitors had their chances to win and came close with their trademark moves. An impressive Frog Splash from Chavo on Kanyon came the closest before Morrus scooped up Guerrero and delivered a Reverse Neckbreaker for the three.

 

ANGLE: Kevin Nash, the Steiner Brothers, Lex Luger and Randy Savage were backstage in the Wolfpac dressing room laughing about what Rick and Luger did to Flair. Mike Tenay tried to interview them but they were largely uninterested and kept throwing cocktail olives at him. They heard an angry knock on the door but it went ignored. Tenay then told The Pac that he’s got a message in his ear piece that Ric Flair has been taken to the hospital and won’t be able to team with Dustin Rhodes tonight against Rick and Luger. This brought about more laughter from the faction. There was banging on the door for a second time and then it was nearly kicked off it’s hinges. Standing there was Goldberg. He barked at the Wolfpac that they’re looking at Dustin Rhodes’ new tag team partner.

 

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SID VICIOUS vs LANCE STORM – There were questions about Sid’s health going into this bout as the commentary team believed there was no way he could be at 100% following the ambush from Storm on Nitro. Storm had attacked Vicious from behind and then locked in the Single Leg Crab and refused to release it as referees and agents surrounded them. So it proved as Storm targeted Sid’s leg and lower back, reducing his mobility and momentum. Storm was also smart enough to keep his distance as Sid attempted to grab at his foe. Sid, though, only had to be lucky once – and he was as he landed a huge Chokeslam. He couldn’t follow up though as his leg buckled, giving Storm the much needed seconds to kick out at two. Storm continued to chop away at Sid and, with the giant on one knee, blasted him with not one but two Superkicks to take the win.

 

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GOLDBERG AND ‘THE NATURAL DUSTIN RHODES vs LEX LUGER AND RICK STEINER – Goldberg, standing in for the hospitalised Ric Flair, looked incensed as he faced off against the Wolfpac members. He matched Steiner and Luger for power as Rhodes brawled alongside him. The bout was not a long one as Goldberg took out first Steiner and then Luger with Spears. Rhodes then dropped Luger with a Bulldog for good measure and got the pin.

 

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JEFF JARRETT vs REY MYSTERIO JR – Jarrett cut a frustrated figure as Rey bested him on Nitro with a roll up. ‘Double J’ immediately demanded a rematch at The Great American Bash and the Filthy Animal was quick to accept. Mysterio has honed his game plan with over a decade of facing foes larger than himself and Jarrett fell into familiar traps as Rey came close with springboard and top rope assaults. Jarrett fought back and looked to ground Mysterio but once again Rey took advantage of Jarrett’s overconfidence and rolled him for the three count.

 

ANGLE: Mysterio’s victory brought out The Wall coming to Jarrett’s aid. The odds looked bleak for Rey but Konnan made his way through the crowd brandishing a steel chair and ‘Double J’ and The Wall backed away.

 

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KEVIN NASH vs DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE – This was the grudge match that everyone was waiting for, not least Diamond Dallas Page. DDP did not wait for the opening bell and attacked Nash on the ramp way as Big Sexy made his entrance. The two brawled up the aisle and into the crowd as the referee called for the match to get started. The battle was intense and the crowd roared Page on. The fight finally got to the ring with both men having already taken a significant amount of punishment. DDP blocked Nash’s Snake Eyes, countering with an attempt at a Diamond Cutter which was also blocked. But he couldn’t block it a second time! Nash went for a body slam and Page rolled through and hit the Diamond Cutter in the centre of the ring. The referee was not in position to count the pin though as Rick Steiner was on the apron causing a distraction. From nowhere ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage ran in and drilled DDP with a chair shot right between the eyes. Savage bailed, Nash covered and the ref turned to count the three.

 

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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‘BIG POPPA PUMP’ SCOTT STEINER vs BOOKER T – Booker T went into this match confident, telling Scott Steiner he had beaten him before and would do again tonight. Steiner, for his part, is always confident, especially when members of the Wolfpac are never far away. Booker had Steiner reeling early on in the match, the crowd really getting behind the Houston native - it was clear that Booker had been missed during his injury layoff. An attempt at an Axe Kick was close before Steiner countered with a German Suplex for a two count. Steiner called for a Belly to Belly Suplex but Booker T blocked it and landed the Book End for an excruciatingly near fall. That was too much for the Wolfpac and, after the referee was knocked down – the commentators questioned whether the collision was accidental – Kevin Nash made his return to the ring and took Booker out with a Jacknife Powerbomb. Scott locked in the Steiner Recliner and the referee came round as Booker T was forced to submit. Steiner retains.

 

ANGLE: But the Wolfpac wasn’t finished. Steiner and Nash continued to beat down on Booker T as Randy Savage joined them to celebrate. They were interrupted though by the arrival of Sting. He strode down the aisle but paused, watching the carnage in the ring. The commentators asked what must be going through his mind – will Sting join his old Wolfpac stable mates or is that chapter over for good? Sting stood in the centre of the aisle, not moving, until Goldberg’s music signalled his arrival and The Stinger turned to face him. Goldberg strode towards him and Sting raised his bat, barring his way. Nash found this amusing and, leaving Booker destroyed in the centre of the ring, signalled for the Wolfpac to exit through the crowd. Sting continued to block Goldberg’s path as The Great American Bash went off the air with Tony Schiavone shrieking hysterically.

 

Edited November 1, 2022 by Bigelow Cartwheel

[Bigelow Cartwheel]

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