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World Championship Wrestling 2002 - TTO: The Scorpion's Tales

246K views 1K replies 155 participants last post by  Deadman's Hand 
#1 ·
World Championship Wrestling was once looked as the greatest wrestling promotion in the world. Hell, it was the number one promotion in the world for quite a while, as it beat out World Wrestling Federation in the “Monday Night Ratings Wars” for 86 straight weeks. Through major angles like the New World Order, WCW propelled itself to greatness by using the older stars like Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Ric Flair, and Sting to headline Pay Per View’s while the younger and talented guys like Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Misterio Jr., Chris Jericho, Booker T, and many others were stuck in the midcard, putting in countless excellent matches, but receiving no credit for those matches. WCW started to get old, fast. Angles and storylines were stale, matches were over-done or they sucked, silly gimmicks, and mainly, the backstage politics, all led to the death of WCW. World Championship Wrestling was once the greatest thing in professional wrestling, only to turn into a complete joke. WCW had its last show March 26, 2001, in Panama City, Florida. It was a “Night of Champions”, headline by Ric Flair facing off against old time rival Sting, with both men hugging each other afterwards as WCW ended a show for the final time. WCW was dead.

But what if WCW didn’t die? What if the legacy of World Championship Wrestling continued on? Well, in this alternate reality, WCW hangs on. They fight back, under new ownership. But the problem there is, they have to find a financial backer for this new ownership!

March 25, 2001- WCW Headquarters- 3:33 PM

Eric Bischoff was roaming through the halls of World Championship Wrestling Headquarters, thoughts running through his mind at a mile a minute. What am I going to say to the wrestlers and staff? How am I going to get a new backer for WCW? Who am I going to get as a backer for WCW? How can I tell them WWF may buy out WCW? How many guys would I have to let go if WCW does survive? All of these questions were just a small amount of thoughts and questions rolling through Bischoff’s mind. In about 20 minutes, a meeting is going to be starting where all members of WCW will be in attendance. Every staff member, including the ring crew, and every wrestler, from the highest of the highs, to the lowest of the lows, will be at the meeting. Bischoff made his way to the meeting, figuring it’d be best to be there early, and greet everyone who came in. Eric made his way to the conference room of Headquarters, and walked into the room, and to his surprise, he wasn’t alone in the room. The two living legends of WCW themselves were in the room talking to each other; Steve Borden and Ric Flair, The Stinger himself and The Nature Boy.

Bischoff: Steve, Ric, how are you?

Steve Borden: Afternoon Er-

Ric Flair: Look Bischoff, I’m going to cut to the chase quick, screw all this other crap. What is the future of WCW? What is going on? And Bischoff, shoot me straight, Steve and I helped make this company, so damn it, we deserve to know now what is going on.

Bischoff: Ric, normally, I would just say wait until the meeting, but in these circumstances, I won’t. I will fill you in Ric, and you too Steve. Look, WCW is a dead fish. We have no owner, no one wants to financially back us, and worst of all… McMahon wants to buy the company.

Flair: Hell no! Hold on a God damn minute here Eric! Are you trying to tell me that Vince McMahon wants to buy WCW!? I said shoot me straight God damn it, so don’t lie to me!

Bischoff: I’m not lying Ric, Vince wants to buy WCW. He placed a bid to Turner for 10 million dollars. Ted told me I have until the end of Nitro tomorrow night to tell him I had a backer for WCW, or he was going to sell to McMahon.

Flair begins to speak again, but Bischoff cuts him off.

Bischoff: Look Ric, I’m trying to do everything I can here to get a backer. I have been calling any company I can. I almost struck a deal with Fuscient Media but the damn bastards pulled out on me at the last minute once they found out we’d have no TV deal at all. I mean, I’m in neck deep water here Ric, and the water is continuing to rise. I am trying to find a backer, but I’m not having any luck.

Borden: Eric, everything will work out in the end. I have a feeling that you’re going to find a backer.

A few staff members and lower placed wrestlers were starting to arrive, and the talk was cut short.

Flair: We’ll talk about this later, Bischoff. I want to know who you’re in contact with, everything. I want WCW to stay alive, and I am going to do whatever it takes to keep WCW alive, you hear me?

Borden’s eyes widen and he looks as if a light bulb just popped in his head. Before he can say anything though, Eric says…

Bischoff: I hear you Ric, now go sit down, the meeting’s about to start.

Ric and Steve go find a seat, as Eric goes up to the head of the room. He waits a few minutes for everyone to get settled, and begins the meeting.

Bischoff: Alright everyone, thank you for showing up, it means a lot. I am going to keep this relatively quick, so you should be out of here shortly.

Bischoff takes a deep breath, and begins.

Bischoff: As you all know, WCW, all of us, have a problem. Turner wants out, he no longer wants to back the company. After Nitro concludes tomorrow night, he will cease to exist as the ‘owner’ of the company, and the company could very well be non-existent. There are two options right now. One, WCW gets a new financial backer. Now, I have been working hard for all of this year to try and find a new backer, as Turned told me after Starrcade 2000 that if things continued to go badly, he would back out. Well, things have continued to go bad financially, and Turner is backing out. I almost had a deal with Fuscient Media, but they back out once they found out WCW would have no TV time at all. Turner and TNT have decided that even if we could find a new financial backer, Nitro would be taken off the air as TNT and TBS both look to go in a new direction for their TV shows. Option two is Ted Turner sells WCW to Vince McMahon for 10 million dollars.

There is a large amount of stirs and whispers from the group after Bischoff drops the bomb involving Vince.

Bischoff: Now no way in hell am I going to let Vince McMahon buy this promotion. WCW is a legacy that has been built by each and every one of you, and I am not going to let what you all built be ruin and destroyed by that egomaniacal jackass! I don’t know how I am going to find a buyer within the next 30 or so hours, but some how, some way, WCW will get by. WCW will move along, and by God, WCW will once again become a global powerhouse, taking the professional wrestling industry by storm!

A good amount of applause breaks out from Bischoff’s speech; the members of WCW don’t want WCW to die either.

Bischoff: But men, if we’re going to become a big threat in the wrestling industry, things are going to have to change. The politics backstage, will be thrown away with. From now on, everyone has an equal chance to be a someone in WCW. And also, if we are going to find a, no, when we find a financial backer, money is going to be tight. We’re not going to have Ted Turner’s billions to throw around to people. So when we find a backer, everyone, I mean everyone *tosses a look to the area where Nash, Luger, and Bagwell among other are sitting* will take a cut in pay. Quite a large sum cut of pay too for many of you. But if you truly love this company and care about WCW’s legacy, the cut in money won’t matter to you. You’ll be a part of this company because you love to wrestle, and because you love WCW.

Bischoff turns to his right, and grabs a thick stack of papers. He places the stack of papers on one side of the desk in front of him. He turns to his left then, grabs another stack of papers, this one thinner than the other stack, and he places them on the other side of the desk.

Bischoff: These two stacks of papers are two sets of contracts. The first stack of contracts I places on the table are a copy of your AOL-Time Warner contracts. The second stack of contracts is the new contracts for the new WCW when we find a buyer. I am going to give you all a copy of your current AOL-Time Warner contract, as well as a new contract for the new WCW. You have two options. You can either sign the new contract, making your AOL-Time Warner contract null and void, or you can sit-out the rest of your AOL-Time Warner contract and collect all the money from it. By tomorrow night before Nitro starts, I am expecting you to either give me a signed new WCW contract, or verbal confirmation that you are going to sit-out the rest of your AOL-Time Warner contract. The choice is now up to you ladies and gentleman, but let me remind you of something. Just because you sign the contract, does not mean you will still be apart of WCW.

Bischoff: As said before, money will be tight, so not everybody will be able to stay aboard WCW, and in that case, if you sign the contract but we say we can’t afford to keep you on the roster, you may then either keep your AOL-Time Warner contract and sit that out, or you may be a free agent and pursue other options. That actually reminds me of another thing, you may also just make the decision to pursue other options, like trying to go into other companies… up north. You can have your AOL-Time Warner contract ripped up, but not sign a new contract. You have those options, go home, and think about those options, make a decision, and either call me to tell me of your options, or tell me tomorrow at Night of the Champions. You are free to leave, I shall see you all hopefully tomorrow.

One by one, the staff and wrestlers of WCW stood up and left the conference room. Many men were talking amongst themselves, most likely asking each other if they thought WCW would get a buyer, and if they did, who would stay and leave WCW. The last men to leave the conference room were Booker T, Lance Storm, Ric Flair, and Steve Borden. Flair and Borden are the very last two, and Borden stares down Bischoff as Flair whispers into his ear. Bischoff wondered what was going on, and then… an idea popped into Bischoff’s mind.
 
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#803 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling
WCW Wednesday Nitro
Civic Center Coliseum, Charleston, West Virginia
January 2, 2002

*NITRO RECAP VIDEO*

*OPENING CREDITS*

*PYRO!*


Tony Schiavone: Fans across the world, welcome to World Championship Wrestling, and welcome to 2002! There is a new era of professional wrestling upon us, and it is sweeping this sport in once place, and one place only, WCW! Welcome to Wednesday Nitro fans, I am ‘The Voice of WCW’ Tony Schiavone, and alongside me, as always, is my good friend and colleague, ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay!

Mike Tenay: Thank you, Tony, and once again, welcome to World Championship Wrestling in this new year of 2002. It’s going to be a great one!

Tony Schiavone: And hopefully it will finally see the end of the New World Order!

Yay, lets cut off Tony quick and early tonight!

Riding Through The Gates Of Hell… Barefoot? On Donkeys? Tell Us!

“Also Sprach Zarathustra” hits the sound system, sending Charleston, West Virginia, to its collective feet as the theme of the WCW President, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair hits. The President marches out from the entrance chute sporting a fancy dark pinstripe suit, but “The Prez” ain’t alone, folks. Coming out behind him are his two enforcers: ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson and ‘The New Enforcer’ Cal Anderson. The three men make their way down to the ring, making sure to slap hands with some of the kiddies along the guardrails before actually entering the ring. Once in the ring, Cal gets a microphone from ring announcer David Penzer, who then hands it to “Uncle” Arn. Arn in turn hands it Ric. The crowd continues to cheer the entire time, and it is only after Ric motions for them to quiet down that they do.

Ric Flair: Charleston, West Virginia… WOO!

WOO~!

Ric Flair: It’s the year two-thousand-and-two, but baby, Space Mountain and Dubya-See-Dubya is still goin’ strong!

Yay, cheap pop.

Ric Flair: However, before I can talk about the here and now, 2002, I need to talk about… last week. You see, last week was meant to be a night of fairness and opportunity. Last week, was the start of my Presidency in WCW, and as President, the Nature Boy is going to be all about, fairness and opportunity. So last week, the Young Lions were supposed to score the upset of their career over the Outsiders. Last week, Cal Anderson was going to wrestle a whole match with Hulk Hogan, and pin him to the mat, one-two-three. And yet, not one of those happened! Instead, you saw Kevin Nash and Scott Hall beat the Young Lions after shenanigans from the WCW Tag Team Champions, the Natural Born Thrillers! Instead, you all saw Hulk Hogan walk out of his match like the yellow-bellied coward.. I always knew him to be!

Flair pauses while the crowd listens on.

Ric Flair: So last week, heading into that big main event – Jeff Jarrett, Booker T, and Scott Steiner, World Heavyweight Title – I saw my dream of equal chances diminishing. I knew that Jeff Jarrett would try and cheat his way to victory. Jeff Jarrett is a sly, sneaky, son of a gun! And I more than anyone.. know what Jeff Jarrett is like. Jeff has molded himself from the dirtiest player in the game, Ric Flair himself.

Flair pauses, smirking somewhat, clearly reminiscing on his own dirty ways.

Ric Flair: Booker T and Scott Steiner, they didn’t deserve to get screwed out of their match last week, not by Jeff Jarrett. I wasn’t gonna let it happen either! I had to turn to someone I could trust to make sure Jeff Jarrett didn’t screw both men last week! I had to turn to… the old guard. I needed a friend that I could trust not to let Jeff Jarrett soil the most prestigious Belt in the history of professional wrestling… I needed a – WOO – HORSEMAN! I needed… Dean – WOO – Malenko!

The WCW edited “Four Horsemen” theme hits, bringing out ‘The Iceman’ Dean Malenko to loud cheers from the crowd. The fact that he was introduced by Flair and coming out to the Horsemen theme definitely increased those reactions. Dean is dressed in his black trunks of old, and is sporting a classic 4 Horsemen t-shirt. Dean enters the ring, and proceeds to shake hands with Cal, hug Arn, and then hug Ric as well. Ric gives Dean the microphone, so The Iceman can quickly say whatever it is he wants and/or needs to say. Oh crap, this shouldn’t be too good.

Dean Malenko: Thanks, Ric, and let me just say… it feels great to be back in World Championship Wrestling!

Cheap pop.

Dean Malenko: It’s been about two years since I’ve been in a WCW ring, but it’s been two years too long. I’m back home where I belong, and now that I’m back, I’ve got some unfinished business to attend to! Throughout my last stint in this company, the New World Order was slowly killing off this company, and that remains the same today. Well not anymore! This time, we’re all banding together to fight the nWo, and we’re gonna kill the nWo off once and for all! And tonight, I’m starting this off when I wrestle Hulk Hogan!

The crowd cheers that match, and this may be the first time Dean Malenko ever got cheers after talking. Dean then proudly hands the microphone back to Ric, knowing what’s coming next. What is it? Well, keep reading.

Ric Flair: Iceman, you’re gonna have Hogan screaming in pain when you lock him in that Texas Cloverleaf! But now, now the reunion of old has occurred, which means it is time for the full fledged union to come about. Charleston, the Nature Boy has something that he needs to announce, and you’re all gonna be hearing it, live and in person. This is the start of 2002, and the Naitcha Boy has somethin’ huge to kick this year off right!

Flair takes a long, dramatic pause, grinning slightly.

Ric Flair: The New World Order has been a threat since 1996, and while their presence has not been a threat again until just this past September, nothing has ever been able to kill them, once and for all. However, now is the time to kill the New World Order once and for all… and to do that, the Naitcha Boy is gonna fight fire… with fire!

Flair takes another long pause before continuing.

Ric Flair: The New World Order is a collective entity of bad asses, a tight knit group that travels in packs, and has each other’s backs. World Championship Wrestling as a whole, will never be that. It’s a sad truth, but WCW cannot kill the threat of the nWo. WCW will always have supporters to the cause of fighting the New World Order, but there will also always be defectors to the New World Order. WCW is too complex, too different and versatile to unite as one. World Championship Wrestling needs help… WCW needs that fire to fight the fire of the New World Order! What we need, WCW, we need our own New World Order!

The crowd is confused, mmhmm.

Ric Flair: We need an nWo that defined the New World Order before it even existed!

Some fans get the hint and start to cheer, lightly, not knowing if this is going where they hope it indeed is going. Ric Flair is starting to find his rhythm, loosening his tie.

Ric Flair: WCW, you need a resurrection! You need to dig in a grave that has been six feet under for three years, WCW! You need to gather the saddle and the reigns, and ride right through the gates of hell where the nWo will be waitin’ for a fight!

Flair hastily yanks his suit jacket off of him, spiking it to the canvas.

Ric Flair: WOO! Dubya-See-Dubya, what you need, the Naitcha Boy is supplyin’!

Flair removes his cuff links and rolls up his sleeves, and proceeds to unbutton several of his top buttons on his dress shirt, WOO-ing all the while.

Ric Flair: Dubya-See-Dubya, next – WOO – week! You’re gonna get you’re – WOO – fire! Ric Flair! Arn Anderson! We’re bringin’ you a – WOO – rebirth! A new incar-NATION of the FOUR..HORSEMEN!!

And there is the crowd, going ape shit over this announcement. Cheers and screams of delight damn near blow the roof off of the Civic Center Coliseum, and the four men in the ring are grinning their faces off. They all look into the camera, grinning, and flash the four fingers of the Horsemen… and queue the Schiavone aneurism.

Tony Schiavone: Oh my goodness! Professor, can you believe this!? This is thee biggest way to start a new year! Folks, this is THEE greatest moment in our sport!

Time lasted in new year before Tony Schiavone said “the greatest moment in our sport” line: 1 day, 20 hours, 21 minutes

Mike Tenay: I cannot believe it either! We have not seen the Four Horsemen since 1999, but next week, right here on WCW Wednesday Nitro, the most prestigious faction is coming back to professional wrestling!

Tony Schiavone: The Four Horsemen were a New World Order before there ever was one! They could be the factor that wins this war for WCW!

Mike Tenay: They very well could be the winning factor, but the question that comes to my mind for me, fans, is who will be the new Four Horsemen!? Arn Anderson and Ric Flair are both retired from professional wrestling; they’re not active Horsemen anymore! Who takes their places!?

Tony Schiavone: We all but know that Cal Anderson will replace his uncle Arn Anderson in the Horsemen and that Dean Malenko will resume his role, but as for the other two Horsemen? We can only begin to speculate!

Mike Tenay: Fans, I am already excited for next week’s Wednesday Nitro, and we still have the rest of this show first! 2002 is already a red hot year, fans, and it’s only going to get better as coming off of this commercial break, Curt Hennig and Konnan wrestle in the first match of the new year! Stay tuned!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, the nWo theme “Rockhouse” hits, and the screen turns to a dark tint as ‘The Perfect One’ Curt Hennig comes out from the back, the crowd booing him all the while. Hennig looks cocky as ever as he chew on his gum, sporting an nWo tee over his black and white singlet. Hennig struts down the entrance ramp to the ring, spitting out his gum and swatting it away with his hand once he reaches the bottom of the ramp. Hennig then enters the ring as “Filthy” hits, bringing out the formerly-talented star, Konnan. Konnan jogs out onto the entrance stage, pumped up and ready for action. As Konnan walks down the entrance ramp towards the ring (sporting his baggy black sweatpants that expose the boxers nobody wants to see), he throws his arms up into the air, trying to make the WV crowd get rowdy, rowdy, rowdy. Sorry Konnan, all the men are currently enjoying a good cousin-fucking. Konnan eventually gets into the ring, and referee Scott Dickinson calls for the bell.

Match One
Curt Hennig vs. Konnan
Singles Match

To start 2002 – and hopefully throughout 2002 – we will all be introduced to shorter match write-ups. Hooray for Szumi! Hennig and Konnan have a surprisingly solid match up, considering the fact Konnan was a part of the match. However, the two tell an excellent story, and the crowd loves said match. Konnan is a house of fire in the early goings of the match, scoring a near fall after a rolling clothesline, but the tides turn after a Hennig eye gouge and knee lift. Hennig goes on the offensive, slowing down the pace and wearing Konnan down. The Perfect One eventually goes for the Hennig Plex, but before he can even lift K-Dawg up, Hugh Morris comes running out of nowhere, a steel chain in his fist. Scott Dickinson just happened to be down on the canvas with a convenient ref bump beforehand, and Morris whacks Hennig in the back of the skull with the steel chain and fist! Hennig drops like a ton of bricks, and as Dickinson starts to come to, Konnan plants Hennig with the K-Factor, his (terrible) version of the X-Factor. Konnan pins Mr. Hennig, and scores the academic one, two, three!

Konnan def. Curt Hennig at 6:36

Hugh Morris quickly enters the ring as the bell is rung, looking to get him some of Curt Hennig after Hennig attacked him last week. However, help is on the way as Mike Awesome sprints out from the back to give Hennig some assistance. Awesome dives into the ring as Morris pulls Hennig up to his feet, and rocks Morris with a vicious leg lariat to the skull before Hugh can even land an attack! The shot to Morris’ head drops him, and Konnan quickly tries to intervene. Konnan throws a right hand at Awesome, but the North American Champion blocks the right hand, and drills Konnan with a knee to the abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. Awesome quickly grabs Konnan and then lifts him up into the air… and slams him to the canvas with an Awesome Bomb! Konnan goes limp, and Curt Hennig then pulls Hugh Morris up to his feet. Hennig lifts Morris up into the air, and puts the exclamation point onto the beat down with the Hennig Plex! The New World Order men stand tall afterwards, looking macho.

Tony Schiavone: And the New World Order stands tall! Gosh darn it, Professor, the nWo is unified, and they stand tall!

Mike Tenay: Well Tony, it’s just like what Ric Flair said. Curt Hennig had back up right away in a fresh Mike Awesome; Konnan just wrestled a match and Hugh Morris is still injured from his beat down received at the hands of Curt Hennig last week!

Tony Schiavone: WCW needs unity, Professor, and I think next week, live in the Charlotte Coliseum, Horseman Territory, we will see that unity come back to World Championship Wrestling with the reformation of the Four Horseman!

Mike Tenay: That’s right, Tony, but now, let’s send you backstage where ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing by with the WCW Cruiserweight Champion, ‘Sugar’ Shane Helms!

Cut to the back!

Mommy, Why Is Shane Helms So Racist?

Gene Okerlund is indeed standing by with Shane Helms, who proudly has his Cruiserweight Belt on his left shoulder underneath his expensive silk shirt, coolly unbuttoned so he can show off his physique. He’s also rocking fancy silk pants and shades. What a bad ass. Okerlund looks a little perplexed. What a shocker.

Gene Okerlund: Well, uh, Shane, you specifically and personally asked for this interview time, so well, what’s on your mind?

Helms immediately gives Okerlund a look of disgust.

Shane Helms: Whoa, whoa, whoa; let’s get one thing straight, Okerlund. First off, you can either refer to me as ‘sir,’ ‘Champ,’ or ‘King of the Cruiserweights.’ And secondly, if by personally you mean my agent contacted WCW, then yes, I personally asked for this interview time. Shane Helms doesn’t have to ask people to do things for him; he either has his agent take care of tedious matters like these interviews, or Shane Helms just makes people do things for him.

Riiight.

Shane Helms: The reason why I’m here tonight is because I’m a little pissed off, Gene-O. Last week, my name was besmirched and slung through the mud. I was the victim of slander by yet another dirty Mexican, Chavo Guerrero. That jumping bean had the nerve to call me, the greatest Cruiserweight Champion ever, a dirty Champion! Look!

Oh, we get footage!

Last Week said:
Chavo Guerrero: The Natural Born Thrillers are dirty Champs, boys. They’re just like all the other Champs – Shane Helms, Mike Awesome, and Jeff Jarrett – they’ll do whatever it takes to get a leg up on their competition.
When we cut back to Helms seconds later, he is nodding his head in triumph.

Shane Helms: You see that, Genie baby? Chavo Guerrero said I was a dirty Champion!

Gene Okerlund: …Well, you have had a few questionable…

Shane Helms: You don’t have to say it, Gene; Shane Helms will say it for you. Shane Helms is a man of class, dignity, pride, and one big ingredient that Chavo Guerrero lacks: talent.

Helms gives Okerlund a hard glare as Gene looks to rebut those comments, but Okerlund, being the old pussy that he is, cowers away.

Shane Helms: Do you know how Shane Helms knows all of this, Gene?

Okerlund goes to answer, but Helms answers instead.

Shane Helms: …Of course you don’t. As Shane Helms recalls, it was Chavo Guerrero he beat – with ease, might I add – ten long months ago to win this Cruiserweight Title. And my victory over Chavo, my long and glorious title reign, it has proven something: little Chavito is inferior to Shane Helms, and needs to respect his superiors! If Chavo can’t fall in line, then Shane Helms is going to make him end up just like Super Crazy, a talent-less Mexican in the hospital!

Helms smirks cockily at the camera as the show cuts to a…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, “Avalanche” is already playing throughout the Civic Center Coliseum as the Natural Born Thrillers stand in the ring. While Mark Jindrak and Johnny Stamboli are both dressed for action (Mike Sanders in his traditional suit), it will be Jindrak who will fight tonight. After a few moments, “Filthy” hits, sending the crowd to cheers as Billy Kidman runs out from the back, the masked Rey Misterio right behind him. The newly reunited cruiserweights jog down the entrance ramp and dive into the ring, where the two tag teams have a bit of a stare off. Mark ‘Slick’ Johnson flashes his authority, ushering Misterio, Sanders, and Stamboli out of the ring, letting Kidman and Jindrak start their match.

Match Two
Billy Kidman (w/Rey Misterio) vs. Mark Jindrak (w/Johnny Stamboli & Mike Sanders)
Singles Match

Kidman and Jindrak have what will definitely be the match of the night in this eleven minute match. Kidman went through his usual (albeit awe-inspiring) routine of flashy, high-impact cruiserweight moves to Jindrak in the early goings of the match, most noticeably a tilt-a-whirl around Jindrak, turning it into a side Russian leg sweep. The high flying portion of the match ends when Kidman flies incredibly high, connecting with a shooting star press onto all three of the Natural Born Thrillers on the outside after spring boarding off the third rope. However, while on the outside, Johnny Stamboli was able to land a quick throat thrust when Johnson was all too convientently dealing with Mike Sanders.

Jindrak used his size to his advantage, beating up on Kidman on the outside, squashing him into the side of the ring and security guardrail, before taking the action back into the ring. Despite having the size advantage, Jindrak still showed his athleticism, hitting Kidman with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle, as well as running off the ropes and charging at the standing Kidman, leaping over him and snapping him down to the canvas with a flipping neck breaker. Buff Bagwell may need a second turnbuckle to hit the Blockbuster, but Mark Jindrak, he’s just so awesome he does it from the canvas. Jindrak did a great number on Kidman throughout, earning several near falls and the usual shit, but that resilient Kidman would not lose.

Jindrak ended up making the big mistake of trying to power bomb Kidman late in the match – you NEVER power bomb Billy Kidman! With Kidman up on his shoulders, Kidman refused to take the spot, firing off right hands before spinning himself off of Jindrak’s shoulders, grabbing him by the head and smashing him down to the canvas with a makeshift bulldog! Both men went down, and the rest period ensued. When the two got back up to their feet, Kidman ended up on the offensive, ducking a right hand from Jindrak and using his extended right arm to swing around him and plant him with a swinging DDT. Mike Sanders knew trouble was in store for his friend, so he quickly ran around the ring and blindsided the unsuspecting Rey Misterio, chop blocking him in the knee. Slick Johnson took his mind off the match in the ring, leaning through the ropes to try and get Sanders off of Rey-Rey. As this happens, Stamboli rolls into the ring behind both Johnson and Billy Kidman. Stamboli quickly turns Kidman around, kicks him in the gut, and Stamboli lifts Kidman off his feet and spikes him with the Double Underhook Piledriver! Stamboli quickly exits the ring, and Sanders backs away from Rey, strutting back over to his corner. Johnson turns around, only to see Jindrak covering Kidman. Johnson makes the count, and it’s a 1-2-3. Jindrak wins, and referees are officially stupid.

Mark Jindrak def. Billy Kidman at 11:19

After the match, Sanders and Stamboli immediately enter the ring, helping Jindrak up to his feet. The three men then start laying the boots to the fallen Kidman, but a recovered and furious Misterio enters the ring moments later. Misterio throws himself at the three men, punching away as hard and fast as he can, but he’s no match for three men. Misterio soon falls to the numbers, and Jindrak ends up heading to the top turnbuckle as Stamboli lifts him up for a Double Underhook Piledriver. Before Jindrak can leap off to make it a spike, Sanders drags Kidman across the canvas so he is laying right in front of Stamboli. Before the finishing blow can be administered, the crowd roars as ‘The Young Lions, Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire come sprinting out from the back, ready to get some revenge on their former friends and partners. Jindrak leaps off the top turnbuckle as Stamboli releases Misterio from his clutches. Just as O’Haire and Palumbo get to the ring, Sanders calls off his troops, and all three men quickly roll out from the ring, just as the Young Lions dive into it. The Natural Born Thrillers quickly back up the ramp, a stagehand handing Sanders the two WCW Tag Team Title Belts all the while. Palumbo helps up Rey while O’Haire helps up Kidman, and the four faces end up staring down the Thrillers, while Sanders proudly raises the Tag Belts.

Tony Schiavone: Now there is some of that unity, Professor!

Mike Tenay: Well last week the Filthy Animals sought out the Young Lions, and the two teams have made it clear they have one another’s back if it is ever needed. For the second week in a row, Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo have come to the aid of the Filthy Animals.

Tony Schiavone: The Natural Born Thrillers and the Young Lions have been at each others throats ever since the Thrillers returned to World Championship Wrestling back at Mayhem this past November.

Mike Tenay: The Thrillers pretty much stole the Tag Belts last month at Starrcade, and folks, you can be sure that the Lions will be chomping at the bit to get their rematch.

The show cuts away… yay, no more Tony!

Nobody Better

The screen is very dark and dim, but a shadowy figure can be seen hitting another shadowy figure with a STO. The same shadowed man is shown in the next clip with his back facing the camera, his arms raised to the side (It could be Jericho! It might even be Jesus! …Aren’t they one in the same?), holding a bottle of champagne in each hand. The clip cuts to a pure black background, and a lone bottle of champagne slowly zooms into the view. Gold text then appears above the bottle, reading, “He’s Coming Back… And There’s Nobody Better Than Him.”

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

When Nitro returns, there is silence for several moments until the crowd blows the roof of this place as…

This Has Been A Long Time Coming

…“Holla If You Hear Me” hits, marking the appearance of the NEW WCW World Heavyweight Champion, ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner. Freakzilla comes out onto the stage after almost twenty seconds, dressed in style, sporting a black suit and pants, and a tan sweater. However, he still has his trademark shades, and his coveted Title Belt on his left shoulder. Midajah is on his right arm, dressed in a stunning black dress. As the two start walking down the ramp and reach the ring, a loud noise echoes throughout the Civic Center Coliseum; it’s nothing scary, just loads of red, black, and white confetti and streamers falling from the ceiling, as well as red, black, and white balloons. Steiner climbs up the steps, a red S with a black background starts flashing in the center of the ring. Steiner enters the ring, and stands where the spotlight flashes, holding his head high as he looks out into the crowd. Steiner then raises his Title Belt over his head with his right hand, roaring out in success with his (artificially-injected) testosterone. Steiner proceeds to celebrate, standing up on the second turnbuckles of each corner, again raising the Title over his head. Finally, after a lot of celebrating, Scott Steiner gets a microphone from David Penzer, and stands in the center of the ring. The crowd, which had been giving Steiner a mixed reaction, as it always does (although the vast majority was cheers), silences as the man starts to talk.

Scott Steiner: Before I get too into this, lemme just say… to all me freaks in the nosebleed section, HOLLA… IF..YA..HEAR ME~!

No boos here, only cheers… it’s a cheap pop.

Scott Steiner: Now that I got that out of the way, good God is it about damn time Big Poppa Pump is standin’ here, the World Heavyweight Champion!

Again, cheap pop. As Steiner starts to speak again, he stares lovingly at the World Heavyweight Title

Scott Steiner: Ever since I won this bad boy last week, I’ve done a lot of thinkin’. I went through hell to win this Title. I spent nine months to regain my spot back in this company as the number one guy, and damn it, I put myself through hell to win you! I helped reform the New World Order…

Steiner is cut off by boo’s for that one. He looks up from his Belt at the crowd, and addresses them.

Scott Steiner: Yeah, and we both know that to be true. The New World Order, I don’t give a damn about their motives now, or what they ever were – if they got the Big Bad Booty Daddy what he craved, then it was fine by me!

Moderate jeers by the crowd, but Steiner ignores them, instead looking back down at his Belt.

Scott Steiner: I got my ass beat down and kicked out of the group I brought together, I put myself through frickin’ torture in the Super Cage at Mayhem – and damn near ended my career in the process. I had the nWo and WCW both put roadblock after roadblock in my way, but time and time again, Big Poppa Pump knocked down every roadblock those son of a bitches threw at me! Kicked out of the nWo? The only friend Scott Steiner needs is Scott Steiner! The Super Cage? Yeah, I got an ass kickin’, but nobody can whoop ass like Big Poppa Pump! Just ask Sting, baby!

Oh, that one gets Steiner a lot of heat. However, it’s Scott Steiner; he doesn’t give a damn. He just smirks at the jeers.


Scott Steiner: Oh yeah, you freaks boo me now, but no matter what I say, no matter what I do, you’ll cheer me in the end. You hate the New World Order like I do, and you know I’m the real frickin’ deal – I’m no *pussy bitch* like Booker T or anyone else in the back. I’m Scott frickin’ Steiner, and there ain’t nobody who can compare! And you know what, freaks? Last week, I proved just that!

Yay, cheers.

Scott Steiner: Last week was as sweet as can be, but once I woke up Tuesday evening from all the partyin’ and drinkin’ with the posse, and showin’ my number one freak over here (Looks at Midajah) just why the bitches call me the Big Bad Booty Daddy!

The crowd cheers while Steiner pulls Midajah into a horrifyingly sloppy kiss, and groping her ass all the while. What great family television! Steiner thankfully releases her, and continues on.

Scott Steiner: But like I was sayin’, when I woke up Tuesday evenin’, I was hearin’ some birds chippin’ in my ear… that Big Poppa Pump got lucky last week. You know what I got to say to them?

Dramatic pause please…

Scott Steiner: All those nay-sayers, you can KISS MY ASS! Ric Flair didn’t do a damn thing last week, and no vanilla midget like Dean Malenko helped Big Poppa Pump! I won that Title BY MYSELF! Ric Flair and Dean Malenko, oh yeah, they feared Jeff Jarrett holding on my Belt, but guess what? Boys, you’re gonna find out that Jeff Jarrett can’t hold a dumbbell to Scott Steiner! You feared Jeff Jarrett, Flair!? You don’t even wanna know how bad you’ll fear me if you screw with Big Poppa Pump!

Steiner glares at the camera intensely.

Scott Steiner: I already told you once, Flair, I don’t give a damn about your war between the New World Order, so don’t seek my help. I don’t give a monkey’s ass about you, Flair, and Dean Malenko ain’t got a thing on Scott Steiner. All that matters, is what’s on my shoulder right here…

Scott Steiner taps the World Heavyweight Title Belt multiple times.

Scott Steiner: This Title, this is what I have craved, this is what I have coveted, this is what I have lusted for, for nine damn months! This, this is my baby. Yeah, I’m sure Freakzilla has a few illegitimate ones, but this World Heavyweight Title, this is mine. I went through those nine months – my pregnancy – of labor and torture, but now, this is mine! Jeff Jarrett, I still think you’re a *pussy* and I’ll gladly kick your ass anytime you want it, but now that you’re not the Champion, I don’t give a damn about you. Booker T, you’re not the Champion, so you can go piss off back to Harlem. All that matters, is that Scott Steiner is the World Heavyweight Champion!

Steiner raises his Title Belt one last time, and starts walking towards the ropes to exit the ring. However, instead of his music playing, “Don’t Hate The Player, Hate The Game” hits, bringing out Booker T to a lot of cheers. Steiner looks surprised to see the Booker Man in West Virginia, but there he is, standing on the entrance stage in just tan slacks, dress shoes, and a bandage across his forehead from last week’s match and Jarrett chair shot. He has a microphone in his hand, and stares Steiner down, pissed off as can be. His music cuts off quickly.

Booker T: Ya’ know, Steiner, I’m pretty pissed off right ‘bout now, but first, I gotta say, congratulations. Steiner, you fought hard las’ week, n’ damn it, yo’ ass deserved ta’ win las’ week!

Steiner smirks, and the crowd is torn between cheers and jeers.

Booker T: Yeah, Booka’ knows how it went down; I ain’t gonna hate the playa, I’ll hate the game. Last week, the game screwed Booka’ T! A chair shot to muh face cost me muh chance! Muh Title! My hopes, n’ muh dreams! Muh aspirations! You got what ya’ wanted Steina’, but not me! The game denied my last week, so now, Steina’, I want the playa’ ta’ do wha’s right. Steina’, give me muh Title match against you, one on one!

The crowd breaks out into enormous cheers; they want Booker vs. Steiner. Steiner stares down Booker, but doesn’t seem convinced. Booker keeps talking after Steiner remains silent

Booker T: Steina’, you n’ I both know that if it wasn’t fo’ that coward Jarrett, I would’ve been in that match last week! Instead, I din’t have a chance! And Steina’, I’m a be completely honest wit’ ya’… I got yo’ numba’.

Booker nods his head from the stage, while Steiner looks taken aback.

Booker T: Yeah, ya’ heard me, Steina’. I din’t stutta’. This year, wheneva’ we met, it’s been me comin’ out on top. Night o’ Champions, March 2001; Souled Out, August; Supa’ Cage, Mayhem. Steina’, if you give me a fair shot, I’m tellin’ ya’ right now, ‘da new Worl’ Heavyweight Champion would be Booka’ T! Now dig that, sucka!

Booker nods his head and stares down at Steiner, while Steiner starts to speak again.

Scott Steiner: Do you honestly believe the crap comin’ outta your mouth!?

Some “ooh’s from the crowd as the two stare each other down intently.

Scott Steiner: Booker T, you may have beat me before, but you ain’t got a chance against Big Poppa Pump now! I’m the most dominant force in all of professional wrestling today! Ric Flair and his boys couldn’t stop me, the nWo couldn’t stop, and none of the pretenders up north could take on Big Poppa Pump! Last week, I made Jeff Jarrett tap out, and Booker, if it was down to you and me last week, I would’ve made you tap out like the little bitch I’ve always known you to be!

The crowd lets out a humongous “Ooh” and Steiner smirks snidely as Booker’s face lights up with rage (only because it can’t darken any more~!). Booker shakes his head slightly from side to side before slamming his microphone down onto the stage and sprinting down the ramp for the ring! Steiner backs off from the ropes and hands his mic to Midajah, who quickly exits the ring.

Booker dives under the bottom rope and into the ring, and the two giants start slugging away at each other with rapid right hands! The crowd is loving it as the two men go right at each other, neither man giving way! Steiner starts to get the upper hand after a vicious right uppercut to Booker’s jaw, knocking him back into the ropes. Steiner charges Booker, but he drills Steiner with a quick side elbow to the chin! Booker starts taking it Steiner faster and more furious than before, sending him staggering back into the center of the ring. Booker leaps at Big Poppa Pump… Harlem Side Kick! Steiner goes down, but quickly rolls out of the ring, clutching his jaw. Booker leaps up to his feet after the HSK, pumping his chest with his fist as he stares at Steiner, his face filled with rage. Steiner backs up to the entrance ramp where Midajah is waiting for him. Steiner grabs the microphone out of her hand, and huffing and puffing, speaks into the mic.


Scott Steiner: Book… Booker T… you stupid son of a bitch! You really… want to try and show just how bad ass… you really are? …Well, just wait… until I send your ass… to the hospital! …You want your Title match? …Well jerk off… Sin… January 27… you got it!

The crowd erupts into cheers as Booker nods his head in glee.

Scott Steiner: …And Booker… I’m gonna murder you!

Steiner throws the mic from the ramp to the ring, hitting Booker right in the chest with it! Steiner backs up the ramp with Midajah as Booker glares at him, even more furious after that last little stunt by Steiner. “Holla If Ya Hear Me” hits again, and the two men stare one another down, both men filled with anger.

Tony Schiavone: Oh my goodness! Professor, Booker T just called out Scott Steiner, and Big Poppa Pump accepted! It’s going to be Big Poppa Pump defending his newly won WCW World Heavyweight Title at Sin – Sunday, January 27, 2002 – versus Booker T!

Mike Tenay: That’s right, Tony. Scott Steiner was here to celebrate his big victory, but Booker T wasn’t having any of that. Like Booker said, Scott Steiner deserves to be World Heavyweight Champion, but Booker T didn’t deserve to get screwed over last week! Jeff Jarrett’s chair shot to Booker’s face cost him any chance in that match last week, and Booker deserves a fair title match!

Tony Schiavone: And we can only hope that Booker T does indeed get that fair match at Sin! But the question on my mind is, does Booker T have a future spot in this new Four Horsemen?

Oh Tony, bringing everything back to the Horsemen.

Mike Tenay: Well Tony, I can’t tell you the future. However, I think there is a chance Booker T could be inducted into the prestigious Four Horsemen next week, here on Nitro! Booker’s been an ally in the war against the New World Order, so it could happen, Tony. However, we have to take a commercial break, but don’t go away because up next, is high flying cruiserweight action!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, Teddy Hart and Jack Evans are already in the ring, and “Filthy” is playing as Chavo Guerrero walks down the entrance aisle. Chavito gets some cheers from the crowd, but is still in the process of gathering up face heat again after an extended heel run. Chavo gets in the ring and Billy Silverman calls for the bell.

Match Three
Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Teddy Hart (w/Jack Evans)
Singles Match

While Chavo does an excellent job in working with the inexperienced but electrifying Teddy Hart, allowing Hart to hit some high impact, flashy maneuvers; Chavo shows Teddy the ropes to solid chain and mat wrestling as well, displaying Chavo’s skills and the parts where the third generation superstar is still raw. However, the two still put on a mini-show, but Chavo is the one going places. Chavito controls the majority of the match, and ends up putting Hart away with a Gory Bomb after six minutes of action.

Chavo Guerrero def. Teddy Hart at 5:56

As Chavo stands up and allows Silverman to raise his arm in victory, “Filthy” is replaced “Sugar Baby”, bringing out the WCW Cruiserweight Champion, ‘Sugar’ Shane Helms to jeers from the crowd. Helms walks out onto the stage with his Title Belt strapped around his waist, no mic in hand or the apparent urge to make his way down to the ring. Instead, Shane Helms just stares at Chavo, smirking at Chavito and mock applauding his victory over Teddy Hart. Chavo leans up against the ropes nearest the entrance stage, and points his finger at Helms, shouting “I want that Title back, Helms!”

Tony Schiavone: Things our heating up in the cruiserweight division, Professor!

Mike Tenay: The quality in our cruiserweight division is always top notch, and it looks like Chavo Guerrero wants another shot at Shane Helms! These two men had a series of top notch last year, but it was Shane Helms who came out on top the past several times in the end. The Champ has had Chavo’s number, but if Chavo gets one more crack at Helms, you can guarantee he will be ready to go!

Tony Schiavone: We can all only hope that Chavo gets another shot at the Title, but in the mean time, let us send you backstage because ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing by with the former World Heavyweight Champion, ‘The Chosen One’ Jeff Jarrett!

Inferences to the Population

Jeff Jarrett is leaning back against the door to the nWo’s locker room, sporting black jeans, the nWo tee, the clashing orange-tinted shades, and of course, Jeff is holding a guitar in his right hand, holding the neck while the base rests on the floor. Okerlund stands to Jarrett’s right, looking a little nervous to be interviewing an irritated Jarrett.

Gene Okerlund: Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is Gene Okerlund again, and I am here with your former World Heavyweight-

Jarrett cuts Okerlund off.

Jeff Jarrett: You shut your mouth right now, Okerlund! I should be standing here the nWo World Heavyweight Champion still, but no, I got screwed over last week by the corrupt antics of Ric Flair! I was thrust into a glorified handicap match last week, had my emotional and mental support taken away by Stacy’s barring, and even then, after overcoming two-to-one odds, The Chosen One was still going to stand here, king of the mountain.

Jarrett pauses to push his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose.

Jeff Jarrett: Even after all of that, Ric Flair had to send in his cavalry. Out from the crowd like some common piece of trash came Dean Malenko. I was blindsided and next thing I know, I’m being placed in an illegal choke hold! My windpipe is being crushed… I blacked out! When I came to, I saw Scott Steiner celebrating with MY Title! Because of Ric Flair and Dean Malenko, I am left standing here with nothing. NOTHING!

Jeff runs his hand through his gelled hair and slams the back of his foot against the door. He’s clearly pissed off.

Jeff Jarrett: Ric Flair is jealous of me. Ric could never win the Title off of me when he was wrestling, and now that Hogan retired his washed up ass, he had to have someone – anyone – finish his work. He didn’t care if it was Booker T or Scott Steiner, so long as it happened. Ric had Dean Malenko waiting to strike when my guard was down; Dean is an old friend of Ric, a freaking Horsemen… he’d help guarantee that Ric finally saw me lose my Title. Dean screwed me over for Ric Flair, and a “WCW boy” got the Title Ric covets so badly.

Jarrett glares at Okerlund, who was smirking at Jarrett’s anger and his version of losing the World Title last week.

Jeff Jarrett: This screw job isn’t funny, Okerlund! You wipe that smirk off your face or I’ll break this guitar over your freakin’ head!

Okerlund gulps, and his grin quickly disappears.

Jeff Jarrett: Yeah, that’s what I thought. Now Flair, he’s the WCW President. He politicked his way to power, and I know that if I break a guitar over his head, my ass is going to be kicked off of television before you can even say “slap nut”. But Dean Malenko, that slap nut is another case. Dean, you may be Flair’s little buddy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t seek out my revenge on you for the screw job you helped bring about. I will get my revenge, and justice will be served, Iceman. And tonight, when you’re in the ring with Hollywood, the New World Order is going to be having his back. When you least expect it, Malenko, you’re gonna get a guitar broken right over your freakin’ head!

Jarrett glares into the camera before opening the door to the nWo locker room and walks inside. Gene Okerlund then starts to talk again.

Gene Okerlund: Well folks, there you have it…

Okerlund cuts himself off as the locker room door opens again. Jarrett peaks his head out from the room.

Jeff Jarrett: Oh, and Gene, just one more thing. I’m in the mood for showing Dean just what he can expect from The Chosen One, so…

Jarrett cuts himself off, kicks the door fully open, and BAM! Jeff Jarrett breaks the guitar over the head of Gene Okerlund! Okerlund crumbles to the floor, and Jarrett stares down at the KO’ed Gene.

Jeff Jarrett: That’ll teach ya’ to laugh at The Chosen One, slappy.

Jarrett closes the door to the nWo’s locker room once again, as the show cuts to a…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, we’re at the commentary booth.

Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to Nitro, and fans, I apologize for what you had to witness before the break. That was just disgusting! Poor Gene Okerlund... he did not deserve that assault by Jeff Jarrett!

Mike Tenay: That was a definitely a low blow by Jarrett; Jarrett is furious and upset about losing the WCW World Heavyweight Title, and that makes him a crazed and dangerous man. Poor Gene had to be a victim of that, but rest assured everyone, he is getting taken care of by our medical staff as we speak.

Tony Schiavone: Jeff Jarrett was not screwed out of that title match last week, Professor, despite what he claims. He tried to cheat, and Dean Malenko made sure Jarrett didn’t cheat his way to another tainted victory! Jeff Jarrett had to fight fairly, and the end result was his submission!

Mike Tenay: That is excellently said, Tony. Jeff lost his Title fair and square, but in his eyes, it’s a different story. Jarrett is looking for retribution, and he’s going to seek revenge on anyone and everyone! But now fans, let us get back to the wrestling action. Rick Steiner is waiting in the ring, and he’ll be taking on the undefeated ‘New Enforcer’ Cal Anderson!

“Z-Custom” hits, bringing out Cal Anderson and his uncle, ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson. Anderson dons his black and purple singlet, while Arn is sporting a dark blue sweater and black slacks. The two men march down the ramp and to the ring, Arn feeding Cal bits of advice all the while. Cal gets into the ring, and referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell to start the match.

Match Four
Cal Anderson (w/Arn Anderson) vs. Rick Steiner
Singles Match


This match was nothing more than a glorified squash match. Cal dominated the majority of the match, hitting an array of suplexes and slams to showcase his wide arsenal of moves, and just looking like a legitimate bad ass. Steiner puts up a fight, especially with stiff punches, but eventually succumbs to the Anderson Spinebuster after Cal counters a Steiner bulldog into an atomic drop and then hits the finisher. The ensuing count by Robinson was academic, and the streak continues for Cal.

Cal Anderson def. Rick Steiner at 4:39

Cal calmly celebrates his victory with a simple raising of his arms before exiting the ring and walking back up the ramp with Arn. Cal’s satisfied the victory, but he still has work to do. The camera follows the two men up the ramp, but then cuts to the back.

Calisthenics

‘The Iceman’ Dean Malenko is backstage by the entrance chute, jogging in place and hopping from side to side. Malenko tightens his wrists and stretches his arms and shoulders, preparing for battle. A few seconds later, Arn and Cal Anderson come into the show from the chute, and the WCW President, Ric Flair, walks into the shot from the side moments later. Ric walks up to Dean and places his hand on Dean’s left shoulder. Ric smiles and nods his head at Dean, while Arn flashes the four fingers. Dean nods his head and flashes the four fingers in return.

Ric Flair: You ready for this, Iceman?

Dean nods his head, and then actually speaks. Two times in a night? This could be a record.

Dean Malenko: I know you guys have my back out there, but I want to go at this alone. This is my big return match – against Hollywood Hogan of all people. I need to do this alone.

All three men nod their heads.

Arn Anderson: We knew you wouldn’t want it any other way, Dean. You know how it goes though; we’ll wait in Ric’s room, and if Hogan has any of his cronies come out to mess with you, the Horsemen have your back.

Dean looks at Arn and smirks.

Dean Malenko: I wouldn’t expect it any other way.

The men all exchange head nods, and Flair and the Anderson’s head off towards Ric’s office, leaving Malenko to continue to do his calisthenics.

Mike Tenay: Don’t go away fans because up next, Dean Malenko returns to WCW in the main event against ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan!

Tony Schiavone: You’re not going to want to miss this!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Wednesday Nitro returns for the final time, the WCW edit “Horseman” hits, bringing out ‘The Iceman’ Dean Malenko to a loud chorus of cheers. Malenko walks down the ramp, still tightening his wrists. He’s straight-laced and cold-eyed as he enters the ring, and just waits for Hogan. “Voodoo Child” plays moments later, bringing out ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan to a barrage of boos, fully decked in paraphernalia of shades, bandana, boas, weight belt, etc. Hogan takes his time strutting down the ramp and to the ring, strumming on his air guitar with Jimi Hendrix. Hogan finally gets into the ring eventually, but has to get all of his accessories removed before Nick Patrick can finally call for the bell and start the main event.

Main Event
Dean Malenko vs. Hulk Hogan
Singles Match

Poor Dean Malenko. His “big” return match is against Hogan, so you know he can’t do much with this one. Malenko gets pushed around by Hogan to start the match, as Hollywood just uses simple tie-ups before shoving the cruiserweight to the ground. However, Malenko shocks Hogan when he quickly spins around Hogan before Hulk can lock up with him, grabbing his arm in the process and locking Hulk in a hammerlock. Hogan yelled in pain, and t’was the start of Malenko showcasing his wide array of holds. Malenko takes Hogan to school, both on his feet and then after taking Hogan down to the canvas. The Hulkster ends up retreating to the outside, only for Malenko to follow. Malenko places his hands on the top rope and vaults over the top rope, landing on Hogan with a plancha!

The fall afterwards was quite haggard, but the fans were pleased nevertheless. Malenko continued his offense, beating down on Hogan with hard stomps and a knee drop to Hogan’s spine. Malenko uses simple strikes to keep on the offensive, but the tides turn when Hogan reverse a whip and sends Malenko shoulder first into the security guardrail! The crowd groaned, and Hogan went to work on Malenko, punching the cruiserweight down to his buttocks before lifting him up and dropping him throat first on the guardrail. The action spilled back into the ring moments latter, and Hogan continued his dominance. Hollywood, never an innovator, uses simple strikes and attacks in the corner to work over Malenko, before hitting the big scoop slam to Malenko. Hogan prematurely says that “this vanilla midget is finished, jack” and goes for the Leg Drop (OF DOOM~!), only for Malenko to roll out of the way!

The crowd is brought back alive with Malenko’s escape of that dreaded Leg Drop, and the Man of 1,000 Holds quickly snaps back up to his feet and hits Hogan with a nasty dropkick to the face with Hogan still on his ass. Malenko makes quick cover, but only gets two. However, Malenko is feeling the momentum, and goes to work on Hulk, beating down on Hogan with stiff chops and elbow strikes before firing off a snap suplex! Malenko’s offense continues and moments later, Malenko gets underneath the swinging Hogan, tackling him down to the canvas with a double leg takedown! The Iceman grabs Hogan’s legs and flips him, The Texas Cloverleaf! The crowd is cheering, ready for Hogan’s submission, but here comes Eric Bischoff! Bischoff is marching down the ramp towards the ring, and Nick Patrick immediately walks over to the ropes near the stage, shouting at Bischoff to leave. Bischoff stops in his tracks, but doesn’t leave. Meanwhile, just like Malenko last week, from the crowd comes Jeff Jarrett, guitar in hand. Jarrett hops the guardrail, dives into the ring, and CRACK~! Jeff Jarrett breaks the guitar over Malenko’s head! Malenko releases the Cloverleaf as he falls forward, and Hogan stops tapping while Jarrett grabs the debris and exits the ring, hiding by ducking down next to the ring apron. Bischoff starts backing up the ramp, cutting his conversation with Patrick off, who turns to find Hogan covering Malenko. Cover, and 3 count for Hogan. What a screw job.

Hulk Hogan def. Dean Malenko at 7:07

Eric Bischoff comes back down the ramp, and the cavalry is with him: Mike Awesome, Curt Hennig, Stacy Keibler, and The Outsiders all appear from the back and march down the ramp, while Nick Patrick rolls Malenko out of the ring, getting him out of harms way. Jarrett and the rest of the nWo enter the ring, while Dean Malenko staggers up the entrance ramp, Patrick by his side. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Cal Anderson appear at the top of the stage moments later.

Horse Hunting

As Malenko finally gets up to the three men, the camera shifts back to the New World Order in the ring, with Eric Bischoff holding a mic in his hand, a cocky grin on his face.

Eric Bischoff: You know something, Flair, for the past two weeks, it has been nothing but WCW victory after WCW victory for you. You become the WCW President, strip me of my power, and you screw Jeff Jarrett out of the World Heavyweight Title. You’ve been riding high, and now, bringing back the illustrious Four Horsemen? Now, now, Ric, the New World Order cannot let you end tonight on a high note. And this victory for Hollywood over that vanilla midget up there, that is just the beginning.

Bischoff smirks as he continues on.

Eric Bischoff: Tonight, Flair, the New World Order is going to trump your Horsemen. While the reformation of the Horsemen is a great idea, Ric, I will give you that, it will mean nothing come next week. These fans, these moronic trend followers, they love the idea of the Four Horsemen, you had them salivating when you announced the reformation earlier tonight. But Ric, it will all be in vain. The New World Order is the most prestigious faction in the history of wrestling, not the Horsemen. We beat the Horsemen into submission in 1999, and we’ll outright kill them now. But before we do that, we’re taking the wind out of your sails… with a new member.

The crowd’s interest is piqued, and Flair looks on as well, both interested and nervous.

Eric Bischoff: Kevin, you may have the honors for this one.

Bischoff hands the mic to Nash. Nash nods his head and thanks Eric.

Kevin Nash: Flair, next week, the New World Order plus one… is going horse hunting. Have your reformation, but two old retired geezers and a couple of vanilla midgets ain’t gonna stop our mission. But when we do kill off the Four Horsemen, the man we’re bringing in to help, is a true outsider. We’re bringing in one of the nWo originals next week, Flair.

Nash pauses, and then walks over to the ropes, leaning on them as he stares deep into the eyes of Flair.

Kevin Nash: Flair, me and Scottie almost destroyed WCW at Starrcade. In 2002, I promise you, the nWo is going to kill the Four Horsemen before you even get back on the saddle!

Nash pauses as he backs off the ropes, joining his posse in the center of the ring.

Kevin Nash: Hey boys…. see ya’ next week.

Nash winks as he drops the mic to the ground. It’s a big ole stare down between the New World Order and Ric Flair’s side as Nitro comes to an end.

Tony Schiavone: Professor, this can’t be! Another New World Order member!?

Mike Tenay: You heard right, Tony. Eric Bischoff is going to try and spoil the monumental return of the Four Horsemen by bringing in a new member to the New World Order!

Tony Schiavone: A true nWo original? What does that even mean, Professor!?

Mike Tenay: I’m not quite sure, Tony. I guess we can only wait until next week to find out.

Tony Schiavone: That is what we will have to do, Professor, and fans, I am sorry but we are out of time! You are going to have to join us next week for WCW Wednesday Nitro, live in Four Horsemen country – Charlotte, North Carolina – for the return of the Four Horsemen!

Mike Tenay: January 9, 2002, could be a date that will forever be remembered in wrestling history, folks. You’re not going to want to miss Nitro next week! Until then, fans, for Tony Schiavone, I’m ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay, so long and goodnight!

*END OF SHOW*​

Quick Results:
Konnan def. Curt Hennig at 6:36
Mark Jindrak def. Billy Kidman at 11:19
Chavo Guerrero def. Teddy Hart at 5:56
Cal Anderson def. Rick Steiner at 4:39
Hulk Hogan def. Dean Malenko at 7:07

Current PPV Card for Sin – Sunday, January 27, 2002
WCW World Heavyweight Title – Scott Steiner © vs. Booker T
Grudge Match – Curt Hennig vs. Hugh Morris
 
#878 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling
WCW Wednesday Nitro
Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville, Mississippi
January 30, 2002

*SIN RECAP VIDEO*

*OPENING CREDITS*

*PYRO*


Tony Schiavone: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome, to World Championship Wrestling Wednesday Nitro! I am ‘The Voice of WCW’ Tony Schiavone, and alongside me, as always, is ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay!

Mike Tenay: Thank you, Tony, and fans, welcome to a New World Order-free Nitro!

Tony Schiavone: That’s right, everybody! After the nWo originals lost to ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, Cal Anderson, and Lance Storm in the main event at Sin, nWo President Eric Bischoff gave the New World Order the night off! It’s the first time in a long time that World Championship wrestling is standing tall!

Mike Tenay: That main event at Sin was a huge victory for the Four Horsemen and WCW, and now, they get to enjoy this night of celebration – a night that could be capped off by Shawn Michaels reaching the pinnacle of this company by winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner!

Tony Schiavone: Shawn Michaels pinned Scott Hall in the main event, and that gives him this WCW Title match here tonight! What a moment it would be if the Showstopper wins WCW gold tonight!

Mike Tenay: You have to love Shawn Michaels’ chances coming into that match tonight. Michaels hasn’t lost since coming into WCW, and his back is holding up just fine so far. Plus, Scott Steiner cannot be at one-hundred percent! Steiner wrestled in that parking lot brawl last week, spent a night in county jail, and then went through a war on Sunday with Booker T!

Tony Schiavone: Those two didn’t wrestle on Sunday for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship – they downright fought!

Mike Tenay: Scott Steiner and Booker T beat each other senseless at Sin, and while they’re score has not been settled, Big Poppa Pump better be ready for Shawn Michaels!

Tony Schiavone: But that’s not all that happened on Sunday at Sin!

Mike Tenay: No, it isn’t. We have new Tag Team Champions in the Filthy Animals, Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio! The two cruiserweight icons overcame the odds and defeated the Natural Born Thrillers and the Young Lions to knock Mike Sanders and the Thrillers down a peg! However, they get another shot tonight!

Tony Schiavone: That’s right, Professor! Mike Sanders has invoked the rematch clause, and Mark Jindrak and Johnny Stamboli will now challenge the Filthy Animals for the WCW Tag Team Titles!

Mike Tenay: And there’s more, because we have a new WCW Cruiserweight Champion too! After ten long months, ‘Sugar’ Shane Helms has finally been dethroned from the top of the cruiserweight division as Chavo Guerrero Junior pinned Shane Helms at Sin to once again win the WCW Cruiserweight Title!

Tony Schiavone: It was a fitting end for Shane Helms’ Cruiserweight Title reign!

Mike Tenay: Shane Helms has cheated his way to keep that Cruiserweight Title over the past few months, and has especially used a steel chair to knock his opponent’s senseless. Shane Helms was looking to use a steel chair one more time against Chavo, but it was the return of ‘The Insane Luchadore’ Super Crazy who thwarted the deed! Super Crazy prevented Shane Helms from using that chair, and blasted him across the face!

Tony Schiavone: Shane Helms is irate that he lost his Cruiserweight Title, but he’s getting a chance to work out his frustration when he wrestles Lash Leroux!

A Nitro With No nWo …Or So We Thought

The Dynamic Duo is thankfully silenced as the beginnings of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” hit, sending Mississippi State University to its collective feet with the theme of our WCW President, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. “Horsemen” takes over a few seconds later, and as the crowd keeps on cheering, the Four Horsemen indeed make their appearance from the entrance chute. President Flair and ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson lead the charge, ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels right behind the two, already dressed in his wrestling tights for his huge WCW World Heavyweight Championship match tonight against ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner. ‘The Enforcer’ Cal Anderson, Lance Storm, and ‘The Iceman’ Dean Malenko bring up the rear in a line, each of the three rocking Four Horsemen t-shirts of the new incarnation. The crowd is in a complete and total frenzy for the Horsemen, killing so much TV time cheering as Flair tries to get them to calm down so he can speak once he gets a mic from David Penzer. Finally, he gets his wish, although you all know a cheap pop is coming.

Ric Flair: Starkville, Mississippi…. WOO!

WOO~!

Ric Flair: Mississippi State University… WOO!

WOO~!

Ric Flair: M..S..U! Oh Lord, the Naitcha Boy feels good ta’night!

The crowd cheers because it’s Flair, and Slick Ric starts strutting and dancing around the ring.

Ric Flair: For the first time in a long time, this is truly DUBYA-SEE-DUBYA… NITRO!

Cheap pop.

Ric Flair: Ta’night… there is no New World Order! Tonight, the n-Dubya-o does not exist!

Cheap pop times two.

Ric Flair: I know you’re happy for it, and if ya’ ask good ole Naitch, a congratulations is in order! So Mississippi State, give a round of applause… to the Four, HORSEMEN!

A huge round of applause as the Four Horsemen simply smirk to one another and lightly clap along with the audience.

Ric Flair: This past Sunday night, at Sin, the New World Order was coming to take all of our momentum, everything we’ve worked for this past month, and take it all away! After Starrcade, this company… we were on life support! Booker T was robbed of the World Heavyweight Championship, The Stinger…

The crowd cuts Flair off with cheers for Sting, followed by a “WE WANT STING” chant. Flair nods his head in agreement, but cannot hide the bitter look on his face at the cheers. Whatever happened to kayfabe, Mr. Flair?

Ric Flair: …The Stinger was taken out, and my in-ring career was ended by Hulk Hogan! Two of this company’s most prestigious veterans and idols saw their careers ended, and the top gun was denied what was rightfully his. When I left Starrcade last night, I thought the New World Order had truly taken over…

Flair drones off, looking down at his feet before snapping his head back up, a fire in his eyes.

Ric Flair: No, no, NO! That wasn’t gonna be the case on my watch! The Naitcha Boy, he was wheelin’ and dealin’, and he righted this ship, bay-bay! Eric Bischoff? Impeached! New World Order presents Nitro? Never again! Jeff Jarrett tainting the World Heavyweight Championship? Dean Malenko said otherwise, Champ!

The crowd cheers and Malenko can’t help but smirk, knowing he played a vital role in ensuring Jeff Jarrett did not keep the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Ric Flair: World Championship Wrestling was alive, but we weren’t back in the fight! We were crawling, gettin’ back to our feet, but this company needed more! Fire had to be fought with fire! A family had to come together to fight the family that is the New World Order, and the Naitcha Boy knew just what ‘cha needed! What Dubya-See-Dubya needed, was the Four… HORSEMEN!

Ah, cheap pop.

Ric Flair: Dubya-See-Dubya, you’re lookin’ at the best of the best right here! There’s no family closer than the Four Horsemen, and Eric Bischoff, there is no group ever that can compare to Four Horsemen! Cal Anderson, Dean Malenko, Lance Storm… The Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS… you can’t top these four, daddy-o!

Another cheap pop for Flair and the Four Horsemen.

Ric Flair: Bischoff, ever since the real band got back together, the New World Order has been slidin’ down a slippery path. Bischoff, you’re runnin’ scared. Jarrett isn’t your Champ anymore, and your originals are slippin’. The Outsiders – Kevin Nash and Scott Hall – they used to be the greatest tag team this company ever knew! What are they now, Eric? They can’t tag up with your biggest star ever – Hulk Hogan – to beat the Four Horsemen! Shawn Michaels – Sweet Chin Music~! – says Scott Hall is down for the count… one, two, three!

Ugh, another cheap pop. Flair takes a lengthy pause before continuing, ending the over-hype mode.

Ric Flair: Now I admit, the n-Dubya-o had everything going their way Sunday night. Curt Hennig and Mike Awesome, they both won their matches. Jeff Jarrett, he went through a war here with Dean Malenko – and Jarrett, the Iceman had your number – and the only reason Jarrett won, is the same reason why he always wins: The Chosen One used any means necessary. Jeff Jarrett, in a one-on-one wrestling match, you couldn’t stick with Dean Malenko!

The camera gets a shot of Malenko, looking bitter over his loss. We cut back to Flair, who looks to keep going. Make this better, aye Ric?

Ric Flair: I’m gonna shoot ya’ straight, Starkville: The Naitcha Boy was nervous during the main event at Sin. I knew, I knew that if the New World Order made it a clean sweep and beat us, they would’ve got all the momentum. Right now, the Four Horsemen wouldn’t be standin’ here victorious, it’d be Eric Bischoff and the n-Dubya-o.

The crowd boos the thought of the nWo all celebratory, although it almost came to be.

Ric Flair: Oh yeah, I don’t like that thought either… and that’s why we got the Four Horsemen, baby! Shawn Michaels, Lance Storm, Cal Anderson… take a bow, gentlemen! You three men, you stuck it to Hulk Hogan and The Outsiders, and you – WOO – kicked their ass!

And one more cheap pop for the Horsemen. Damn, total hype.

Ric Flair: Out of all of you Four Horsemen, there is one guy I need to speak to directly… and that’s you, Shawn.

Shawn looks at Ric, and at Flair’s request, HBK steps up to him.

Ric Flair: Shawn Michaels, lemme tell ya’ something. When I called you up, when I told you that the Four Horsemen were comin’ back from the dead… that we needed a man like you to fight the New World Order, I wasn’t sure if you’d do it. Now Shawn, I knew… I knew in my heart, that you wanted to come back to professional wrestling, and you knew it too. That itch, that itch to always be in this squared circle – wrestling – it never goes away. Right now, you’re just waitin’ to step into the ring tonight to fight Steiner for the WCW World Heavyweight Title, just like I’m itchin’ – I’m itchin’ like crazy, Shawn – to have one more match.

Flair pauses, seemingly going off on a tangent about himself.

Ric Flair: …I needed you, Shawn. I needed a man who knew how the New World Order worked, how they operated. I could always keep the n-Dubya-o at bay, I knew their methods and philosophy – I’m the one who created it! The New World Order, they’re just a spin-off of two groups, two families: the Four Horsemen… and the Kliq.

Michaels stares at Flair, pondering what the Nature Boy is getting out.

Ric Flair: It was Ric Flair and Arn Anderson who led the Four Horsemen, and it was you Shawn – no one but you – who created the Kliq! Shawn Michaels was the Kliq, and The Outsiders, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, they knew that lifestyle just as well as you. Do you see it, Shawn? Do you see where I’m going with this?

Michaels is silence, just continuing to stare at Flair.

Ric Flair: I needed someone to lead us. I needed someone who was n-Dubya-o. I needed someone who knew what it meant to be n-Dubya-o. Ric Flair knew what it meant to be n-Dubya-o, but my torch flames on, no more. Shawn, I needed someone who could carry my torch… I needed me. You, Shawn Michaels, are Ric. You… are me.

Michaels can’t help but smile at that compliment, and Flair smiles too before the men embrace. Kodak moment~! After that, Flair steps aside, giving Shawn Michaels the spotlight… and the microphone.

Shawn Michaels: …Wow. Thank you, Ric.

Michaels pauses off immediately, unsure of what to say to that kind of compliment.

Shawn Michaels: …Everything you said, Ric, that’s all true. You and the Four Horsemen of old, you were innovators like no other. The Kliq – me, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Hunter, Sean Waltman – we were innovators too. The New World Order, it is Kevin and Scott’s brainchild. They know how to run this group, and me, I know the way they think. Every move the New World Order makes… I see it comin’ before they can even take one step.

Michaels pauses, stroking his chin and pushing his cowboy hat up a mere inch.

Shawn Michaels: When I came into WCW, I knew that I had a mission to complete: I had to come in here and put my “best friends” in their place. I knew what the New World Order wanted to accomplish – they wanted to destroy this company. But me, Lance Storm, Cal Anderson, Dean Malenko… we’re here to fight. Ric, you and Arn fought valiantly for years, but like you said, the torch has been passed, and we are here to carry the torch on for generations more!

Cheap cheer for Michaels, who immediately speaks over the crowd.

Shawn Michaels: …However, I’d be lying, Ric, if I said the only reason I came to WCW was to help this company – lead the charge with the Four Horsemen – and eliminate the threat that the nWo represents. Ric… I came here to be the best. Shawn Michaels came down south to prove to the world, and most all, to himself, that he was still the best!

HBK pauses quickly, but continues on.

Shawn Michaels: Ric Flair, you are the superstar I idolized growing up. You were the Nature Boy, and to be the man, you had to beat the man! Now I’m not saying I want to challenge you to a match, to see if I could beat my childhood idol… but in the back of my mind, I needed to prove that I could beat the man. When I look around World Championship Wrestling, I know who the man is… the man, is Scott Steiner.

The crowd comes alive at the simple mention of Scott Steiner, the crowd torn between a loud amount of cheers and a loud amount of jeers.

Shawn Michaels: ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner… WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and the machine who has simply dominated every wrestler and superstar thrown in his way for months! Scott Steiner, I’ll be perfectly honest, you are a one-man wrecking crew, and you’ve destroyed careers and lives on your path to winning that WCW World Heavyweight Title you have strapped around your waist. Scott Steiner, you are the man, but ta’night… that’s all gonna change! Ta’night, there is no New World Order to worry about, so ta’night, it’s just you and me! In the words of the greatest wrestler ever: to be the man, you’ve got beat the man… well Scott, by the end of tonight, I’m gonna prove to everyone that Shawn Michaels is the man, and most of all, the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion!

The crowd breaks out into cheers as Michaels hypes the match up, and throws the challenge down for tonight’s main event.

New NewNew
New New
New
World
Order


The crowd bursts out into boos and the ring is filled with mass confusion as six heads swirl to the entrance stage. The New World Order has the night off, so why is their music playing? We’re about to get an answer because out from the back comes three nWo members: the nWo President, Eric Bischoff, Stacy Keibler, and WCW North American Champion, ‘The Career Killer’ Mike Awesome. Bischoff has a mic in hand, and while trying to look as serious as can be, has a smug, all-knowing look on his face.

Eric Bischoff: Hello Horsemen… you seem a little surprised to see me!

Bischoff grins as the crowd boos.

Eric Bischoff: Now, I know said that the New World Order was taking the night off – giving us a chance to regroup and rethink our strategy – but well, I guess I wasn’t fully honest.

The crowd boos the deception some more, while Bischoff chuckles.

Eric Bischoff: Don’t get me wrong, Ric, this is all of the nWo you’re going to see tonight… wait, no, there’s another lie again. However, myself, the beautiful Stacy Keibler, and my bodyguard for the evening, ‘The Career Killer’ Mike Awesome, we’re the only nWo members in the building. However, I have a good feeling that the Four Horsemen are going to be seeing more of the nWo by the time tonight is over.

The crowd boos some more while the Four Horsemen, especially Flair and Michaels, look at Bischoff with great confusion.

Eric Bischoff: Aw, what’s the matter, Shawn? You look confused. Here, let me break it down for you, cowboy…

Michaels glares at Bischoff, unappreciative of Bischoff’s condescending attitude.

Eric Bischoff: You see, cowboy, the New World Order isn’t really getting the night off. Mike Awesome, he’s here by my side tonight to make sure that the Four Horsemen doesn’t try and gang-style attack me like the common thugs you all are. However, the rest of the gang… they’re not in Mississippi, but they’ve been on – how do I say it? – assignment.

Michaels and co. continue to stay silence, their confusion stunning them and allowing Bischoff to unveil his story.

Eric Bischoff: While you’ve been here in Starkville, Mississippi, all day long, Shawn… your “best pals” The Outsiders, they’ve been taking a little road trip… to San Antonio.

As Mike Tenay informs the audience at home that San Antonio, Texas is the residence of Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid becomes filled with rage, catching on as to where The Outsiders went.

Eric Bischoff: If I remember correctly – and I do, Shawn – you said that you knew the New World Order was going to do, before we even ever did it. Well Shawn, let me ask you something – did you see this coming? …Let’s find out.

Bischoff, grinning evilly, cranks his neck up to look at the Nitro Tron, which suddenly starts to play a video.

nWo Voiceover: The following footage has been brought to you by the New World Order.

A handheld camera is being used as a car drives into a development. The cameraman turns – revealing Kevin Nash to be driving the vehicle – and films the gate closing that allows access to the community. The car drives up a hill before parking in a cul-de-sac. Nash and the cameraman (who is clearly Scott Hall) exit the car and start walking away from the cul-de-sac, the camera focusing on a house in the distance.

The video feeds cuts for a second, but returns at a new location. Scott Hall, still filming, and Kevin Nash are standing in some bush and shrubbery, the camera focused on Nash. Nash, chuckling, starts to whisper,

Kevin Nash: Hi, Shawn. I don’t want to speak too loudly… we might wake up Cameron.

Hall turns the camera, and we can tell that the two are spying on Rebecca Curci-Michaels, Shawn’s wife, and their two year old son, Cameron. Hidden in the bushes behind the gate to their backyard, The Outsiders can watch Rebecca through the sliding glass door that leads to their backyard; Mrs. Michaels is bending over a playpen, Cameron assumingly inside taking a nap.

The video feed cuts to static once more, but returns a few seconds later as Rebecca walks out the sliding glass door, dressed in just a bikini and carrying a towel. Rebecca lays the towel along an extended plastic recliner chair, and Mrs. Michaels lays out on it, rubbing tanning oil over her arms, stomach, and legs. Closing her eyes and letting the warm Texas sun bake her on this surprisingly and refreshingly warm day in Texas, The Outsiders just film Rebecca laying there, invading her privacy.

Yet again the video cuts to static after a while of Rebecca Michaels tanning under the sun, the next shot being of her putting little Cameron in a high chair and spoon feeding him lunch. The little tyke is energetic though, and grows tired of this after a while, showing Mommy that he can eat his applesauce by himself. Scott Hall snorts from behind the camera as Cameron, bored of using a spoon, throws his hand into the applesauce and wiping his covered hand across his face, getting more applesauce on his face than in his mouth. Precious.

Black and white covers the Nitro Tron one more time before we return to out nWo documentary. Scott Hall films Kevin Nash stepping over the gate to enter the Michaels’ backyard, day having turned into night. A disclaimer appears on the top of the Nitro Tron, claiming this is live, in the here and now. Scott Hall walks up to the gate, and climbs over it, the camera pointing down at the ground as he struggles to climb over the three or four foot tall fence. As the camera points at the ground in the bushes, we see around ten crushed bags that once contained McDonalds food, and at least seven bottles of beer, all of which were drank by Scott Hall, I imagine.

After finally getting over the fence, Hall staggers towards the house, Kevin Nash already leaning up against the house, right next to the fence. Nash motions for Hall to come over, Scott almost tripping over one of Cameron’s toys in the process.

Scott Hall: Son of a bitch!

Kevin Nash: Hey… keep it down, Scotty. Quit staggerin’ around… why did you have to drink all those beers?

Scott Hall: ‘Ey… I offa’ed you one!

Nash brings his finger up to his mouth, telling Hall to be quiet. Hall eventually gets into position, and focuses the camera on Nash, somehow keeping his drunken hands steady.

Kevin Nash: Shawn, I hope you’ve been enjoying all of our footage. If you have, just wait: it’s going to get even better.

Hall chuckles.

Kevin Nash: Shawnny, you, me, and Scotty, we all go way back. We know you better than anyone else does, and that includes the missus in there. Ya’ see, Shawn, you’ve been claimin’ to be a changed man ever since you came to WCW, which is all well and good, but frankly, it’s a lie. You’re still the same I knew in the 90s that I partied with every day and every night. What I want to know, Shawn, is does Rebecca know about the real Shawn Michaels? Does she know of your past, Shawn? Huh Heartbreak?

Kevin Nash: Does Rebecca know of all of the horror stories of the past? Will Rebecca still love you, Shawn? Will she still love you when she hears every single story about all the sex and one night stands with groupies, all of the drinking, all of the drugs? I’m a little skeptic, dear friend. But what about Cameron, huh? What will dear, precious, pure Cameron think when he grows up to find out that his dear daddy – his role model – is nothing but a lie? How will your son respond he finds out that his dad is a despicable human being who should’ve been taken behind the shed and taken care of like a dog with rabies?

Nash’s stare into the camera is thee single most intense gaze I have ever seen. His eyes are fill with so much hatred, even Lucifer himself would be astonished.

Kevin Nash: Will Rebecca still want to be the wife to a man who has so many skeletons in his closet that men such as Timothy McVeigh and Osama Bin Laden are deemed decent individuals when compared to you? Well let me tell you, Shawn, we’re about to find out. I’m gonna go inside your house, and I am gonna sit down and tell Rebecca every single sin you have ever committed.

The intensity from Nash’s face fades as he approaches the sliding glass door, putting his hand on the handle. Nash turns back to the camera one last time, all of that hatred switching to a sick and twisted frame of mind.

Kevin Nash: I don’t want you to worry, Shawn. Really, your family will be fine. Cameron, I’ll be there for your son. I’ll stand in your place, Shawn – I will be the role model to him that you never will be! Cameron, he’ll be my son, Shawn; I’ll be his father.

Nash starts to open the sliding glass door, Rebecca apparently forgetting to lock it. As he slowly and cautiously opens the door, Nash turns back to the camera one last time.

Kevin Nash: ...Your wife, Shawn, don’t worry about Rebecca either. Me and her, we’ve always been good friends, you know that. I’ll be there for her too, and I think that when this is all over, Shawn, Rebecca won’t just be calling me Kevin or Kev anymore; she won’t even be just calling me Big Sexy… she’ll be screaming my new nickname, Daddy.

Nash smirks maniacally into the camera as he walks into the Michaels’ house, Hall slowly following in after him. Hall turns around and closes the sliding glass door, the camera focusing on the Michaels’ backyard and swimming pool… before cutting to static.




As the Nitro Tron is snow, we cut back to live ringside, where Shawn Michaels is being held back by Lance Storm and Cal Anderson, desperately struggling and kicking his legs, trying to break free. Eric Bischoff is laughing hysterically, somehow finding amusement in that video. Shawn Michaels is openly weeping, crying as he tries to break free. The Horsemen fear what Michaels will do to Bischoff if he breaks loose, but Shawn breaks free!

Shawn Michaels sprints to the ropes and hops over the top rope, landing on the apron before hopping off the ring. Flair screams at Shawn to come back, yelling “It’s not worth it, Shawn! You’ll spend the rest of your life in jail if you go after him!” Bischoff, Awesome, and Keibler quickly hightail it to the back as Michaels sprints up the ramp, and by the time he reaches the stage, the three are gone from ringside. Michaels doesn’t stop though, sprinting through the entrance chute to the backstage as we cut to a…


*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​


During The Break

A “During the Break” tag appears in the bottom right hand corner as ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels is sprinting through the backstage area, car keys in his right hand. He runs through a door, sprinting out into the parking lot. HBK finds his target, his rental car, and hurriedly unlocks the door and hops in. The car starts, and in a second, Michaels drives off, tires squealing as Michaels floors the pedal, fleeing in a hurry, apparently off to save his family.

We cut to the back, where we’re now live.

Finding A Replacement – Part One – More Important Things

We’re back in the Four Horsemen locker room, the group absolutely stunned by what they just witnessed minutes ago. Just a couple seconds later, representative of the board of directors, ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko, walks into the room.

Ric Flair: ...I don’t know where he went, Larry.

Larry Zbyszko: That’s not technically why I’m here, Ric. The board called me as soon as they saw Shawn take off from the ring: they want you to know that the main event is still on as scheduled.

Ric Flair: Larry, Shawn just went AWOL! He took off! He’s probably heading to San Antonio, either to be with his family or murder The Outsiders.

Larry Zbyszko: I know, Ric, I know… and the board says if he’s not here, then he forfeits his title match. However, they’re adamant that Scott Steiner still defends the WCW World Heavyweight Title here tonight on Nitro.

Ric Flair: Look Larry, there are things more important than being the President of this company right now. I don’t know what the hell Bischoff and the New World Order is getting out, but what they just did was the most screwed up thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t care about booking matches tonight – I want to find Eric Bischoff, and kick his ass!

Arn Anderson: Ric, we’ll worry about Bischoff later. You still have a job to do. Larry, you tell the board we will find a suitable replacement for Shawn tonight, and they’ll get their main event.

Larry gives a sad smile and nod of his head, agreeing with Flair that there are more important things than the main event right now, like the mental and emotional well being of Shawn Michaels and his family. As Zbyszko leaves the room, the Horsemen all share uneasy glances, wondering what in the fuck just happened.

Tony Schiavone:

Mike Tenay: …Fans, I… I’m not quite sure what to say here.

Tony Schiavone:

Mike Tenay: What the nWo did, what The Outsiders did… I just cannot believe it. The lows that these people are willing to stoop to, just to make the lives of the Horsemen miserable.

Tony Schiavone: …I’m speechless.

A first?

Mike Tenay: Shawn Michaels, he didn’t deserve that. He had to watch as his family’s personal lives were invaded by the two men he always thought were his best friends!

Tony Schiavone: …I just… I don’t know what to say.

Mike Tenay: I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to come to terms to the twisted and perverse footage I just watched… fans, we’re here to put on a show for you, and well, I guess that is what we have to do. We’re not here to see that disgusting sort of antics by the nWo, we’re here for wrestling. Let’s… let’s just give you what you came to see.

A few seconds later, “Sugar” hits, bringing out the former ‘Sugar’ Shane Helms to a good portion of jeers from the crowd. Helms is not only without his Cruiserweight Title Belt, but he is also sans the Sugar Babies tonight. Dressed in just his baggy tights, Helms storms down to the ring, Lash Leroux already there for action. As soon as Helms gets into the ring, Mark Johnson calls for the bell, and Helms strikes right away.

Match One
Lash Leroux vs. Shane Helms
Singles Match


This one is nothing short of a glorified squash match, except for it really isn’t glorified. Helms mows through Leroux, beating the crap out of him from almost start to finish. The former Champ reddens Leroux’s chest up with knife edge chops and kicks, making me question if Lash’s chest or hair is a darker shade of red. While Lash does indeed get some offense in at some point, it’s simply Helms attacking and squashing Leroux, showing no mercy and ruthlessly stiffing the Ragin’ Cajun before finishing him off easily with a specially wicked Vertebreaker. The cover is academic, and Helms wins easily.

Shane Helms def. Lash Leroux at 4:07

After the match, Shane Helms refuses to let Slick Johnson raise his hand as victor, instead exiting the ring and heading over to David Penzer. Helms slaps the microphone out of Penzer’s hand as he announces Shane Helms’ victory, and then snatches a steel chair before reentering the ring. Helms drags the groggy Leroux into the corner of the ring, his head propped against the second turnbuckle. Helms places the chair in a way so that it’s in front of Lash’s face, setting up for something bad to happen. Helms blankly walks into the opposite corner, looks at Johnson and orders to get him a mic, and then takes off charging towards Leroux. Helms leaps off his feet, and CRUSHES Leroux with a wicked dropkick, kicking the chair right into Leroux’s face! The crowd jeers the events, and the cruiserweight collapses to the canvas, his hands over his face as he hides his now-fucked up face from the camera and crowd.

Ruthless

As Helms gets back up to his feet, he snatches the mic referee Mark Johnson got for him from his clutches. Helms then feigns hitting him with a right hand, causing Slick to cower and run. Helms paces around the ring, looking angry and on the verge of tears.

Shane Helms: DAMN YOU, CRAZY!

Helms snaps immediately, furious at well, Super Crazy.

Shane Helms: Super Crazy!! You freakin’ piece of crap! YOU SCREWED ME!

The crowd cheers as Helms loses it, the man going insane now that he has lost his Cruiserweight Championship.

Shane Helms: Ten months… ten months! TEN MONTHS I was the WCW Cruiserweight Champion! I dominated this division like no other, and this past Sunday night – at Sin – I was ROBBED! Two Mexicans conspired together and STOLE my Cruiserweight Championship away from me! This past Sunday night was an injustice! Karl Marx is smiling in his grave because two inferior beings joined together and had an uprising! The weak, the powerless, they overthrew the elite. I was the elite! I was the king of this cruiserweight division, and Super Crazy took it all away from me!

Helms paces around the ring, still livid.

Shane Helms: Let me tell you people, I REFUSE to allow these Mexicans to conspire and screw me over! Oh no, I will not let their blatant racism and discrimination last! Super Crazy, you pushed me over the edge! I’m goin’ a little craaaaaazy! I’m loco, essa!

Helms zones out, his eyes getting a creepy twinge in them.

Shane Helms: …You all thought I had a mean streak in me over the past few months. Everyone thought Shane Helms was becoming vicious? Well let me tell you all something, I was weak! I was a light-hearted coward! Do you people wanna see vicious? Do you wanna see me get ruthless? I’LL GET RUTHLESS! I’LL GO CRAZY! I’LL GET NUTS!

Helms continues to stare around the ring, just losing his flipping mind.

Shane Helms: I promise you all, right here and right now… you’re about to see a whole new side to Shane Helms. You’re going to see the most vicious, ruthless bastard in this entire company. Just wait… the pain I am going to inflict on Super Crazy, will be above and beyond ANYTHING, that the likes of you… have EVER SEEN!

Helms literally throws the microphone down to the canvas, slamming it so hard to breaks right on the spot! Helms leaves the ring afterwards, and “Sugar” hits right afterwards.

Tony Schiavone: …I think Shane Helms has flipped his lid, Professor.

Ya’ think!?

Mike Tenay: Shane Helms was the WCW Cruiserweight Champion for ten long months – that Championship became part of him. He identified with that title, and now that Chavo Guerrero defeated him at Sin, Shane Helms feels like he’s lost a part of himself. The result… it speaks for itself.

Tony Schiavone: …And if that is the case, and Shane Helms means what he just said, then Super Crazy and Chavo Guerrero better watch out!

Mike Tenay: Fans, this has been a bizarre night so far, and I hope that we can arrive at normalcy soon. We have to take a commercial break, but stay tuned because up next, the Natural Born Thrillers are going to get their rematch for the WCW Tag Team Championship! It’s the Filthy Animals versus the Thrillers, next!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, we’re not at ringside, but backstage at the interview area.

Even A Stacked Show Needs A Shitty Segment

At the interview set, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing by with the Filthy Animals – WCW Tag Team Champions, Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio, WCW Cruiserweight Champion, Chavo Guerrero, and the title-less Konnan. As expected, the four are all in a happy mood after great Sin PPV for the Animals.

Gene Okerlund: Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund and standing beside me, are the Filthy Animals! I hope everyone watching is enjoying the show so far tonight, but you, Animals, must be having a great time after the successful night at Sin.

There’s a general agreement and nodding of the heads from the Animals.

Gene Okerlund: New Tag Team Champions Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio, we’re going to start with you two gentlemen. It’s hard to believe that just over a month ago, you two were wreaking havoc throughout this company as enemies, but now, here you are, reunited and WCW Tag Team Champions! You had a great match to kick off Sin, and after a great effort, you came away winners! How does it feel to be Tag Team Champions?

Billy Kidman: You know, Mean Gene, we’re really proud to be Tag Team Champions. Standing here, all four of us, side-by-side and successful once again, it means a lot. Rey and I knew that our past could affect our chemistry together, and that it could be difficult for us to be an elite tag team. However, the friendship the two of us have, it’s taken us to where are now… Tag Team Champions.

Kidman and Misterio smile at one another, and I can’t decide if I shoot let them start a gay porno, or shoot them.

Rey Misterio: We know that the tag team division is extremely competitive, Gene, and that if we want to keep these belts, we’re gonna have to work really hard. The Young Lions had problems holding onto these belts all last year, and the Thrillers only kept ‘em for a month. Ta’night, the Thrillers are challengin’ for our titles, and we know that if we don’t bring our A-game, we’re gonna lose these belts tonight.

Gene Okerlund: Well guys, what are the chances of us seeing you’re A-game tonight?

Billy Kidman: Mean Gene, the Filthy Animals always bring their A-game! We respect what Mark Jindrak and Johnny Stamboli can do in the ring, but me and Rey can and will win tonight.

Kidman and Rey high five, while Okerlund moves the interview on to Chavo Guerrero. We have to have more of this?

Gene Okerlund: Chavo Guerrero, just like your two friends, you won WCW gold at Sin this past Sunday night! How does it feel to be a three-time Cruiserweight Champion after defeating Shane Helms this past Sunday?

Chavo Guerrero: Sunday night was a war, Mean Gene, and I gotta respect Shane Helms for puttin’ up one hell of a fight, but essa wasn’t gonna take away the Guerrero moniker – cheat to win – an’ get away it, holmes. Now, I didn’t know Super Crazy was gonna show up and take Shane Helms out, but what happened is in the past.

Gene Okerlund: So despite what Shane Helms said earlier, you two did not conspire together to defeat Helms this past Sunday night?

Chavo Guerrero: Loco, essa, that’s what Shane Helms is, Mean Gene. I respect Super Crazy as a wrestler, and I call him a friend, but I thought holmes was on the shelf for another month. Crazy, essa marches to the beat of his own drum, so if he showed up at Sin, he’s ready ta’ come back and wrestle. Grandpa Gory always told me to be a fighting champion, so Mean Gene, you can be the first ta’ report this. Super Crazy, you insane freak friend of mine, if you’re healthy and ready ta’ wrestle, I want you to show up next week to Nitro – I’d be honored to defend my Cruiserweight Title against you first, essa!

Gene Okerlund: Wow, what a challenge! Chavo Guerrero defends the Cruiserweight Title against Super Crazy, next week on Nitro? That’s sure to be a blockbuster right there!

Chavo just smiles and nods his head while Oak turns to the man who did not win any WCW gold at Sin, Konnan.

Gene Okerlund: Konnan, you fought a hard match at Sin against Mike Awesome, but despite your best efforts, couldn’t come home with the North American Title. How do you feel tonight?

Konnan: I can’t lie, Gene-O, I’m a lil’ dis’ppointed. I really wanted ta’ make ‘da night a trifecta fo’ ‘da Animals, but it jus’ wasn’t meant ta’ be. I ain’t gonna get down n’ give up, essa, but instead, I’m gonna keep my head on straight! Winnin’ ‘dat North American Title would’ve been nice, but it ain’t the gold ‘dat matters ta’ me right now, Mean Gene, it’s fightin’ ‘da n-Dubya-o! Sin was about tryin’ ‘da take it ta’ Mike Awesome, n’ I’m gonna keep playin’ my role, Gene. Helpin’ out Ric Flair n’ da’ Fo’ Horsemen, fightin’ ‘da n-Dubya-o… ‘dat’s wha’ I’m gonna do!

Konnan pauses while he nods his head, and looks over at Kidman and Misterio.

Konnan: Howeva’, I still got ‘da Filthy Animals ta’ look afta’, n’ I still gotta have their backs, essa! Ta’night, Billy n’ Rey-Rey fightin’ ‘da Thrilla’s, n’ ya’ll know Mike Sanders is gonna be at ringside, helpin’ out his boys. Well, Mean Gene, K-Dawg gonna be ‘dat equaliza’ fo’ the Animals ta’night! So Animals, les’ go do this thang!

Konnan starts yelling out in Spanish (poor Kidman must feel so lost), hyping the gang up. The foursome take off, heading for the ring while Okerlund just smiles.

Tony Schiavone: The Filthy Animals are heading this way, folks! This match is coming up right now!

As soon as Schiavone finishes that line, “Avalanche” hits, bringing out the former Tag Team Champions to boos from the crowd. Mike Sanders leads out Mark Jindrak and Johnny Stamboli, all three men without their usual arrogance. Sanders looks the angriest out of the three, while Jindrak and Stamboli are simply trying to stay focused and get motivated for the chance to win back the WCW Tag Team Titles just three days after losing them. “Filthy” hits once the Thrillers are in the ring, and the crowd breaks out into loud cheers as Konnan leads the charge for the Animals, dancing and throwing his arms around, getting the crowd pumped up for the match. Konnan plays to the crowd and slaps hands with the fans while Kidman and Misterio, like their opponents, just try and stay focused on the match. The champs eventually get into the ring, hand their newly won belts off to Billy Silverman, and we get ready to kick this rare Nitro title match off.

Match Two
Filthy Animals © (w/Konnan) vs. Natural Born Thrillers (w/Mike Sanders)
WCW Tag Team Championship


Much like the triple threat match at Sin, this match is not about telling a story or fancy chain wrestling, but quick sequences and high-impact spots. That is made clear straight from the start, as the four men brawl in the ring, allowing the Thrillers to get the advantage, only for Rey and Billy to hit stereo tilt-a-whirl head scissors to Stamboli and Jindrak. The Animals follow it up with clotheslines over the top rope, and the simultaneous no-handed somersault sentons to the Thrillers, sending everyone crashing to the canvas.

The tides turn both inside and outside the ring. Billy Kidman is crushed with a wicked lariat from Johnny Stamboli on the outside, letting Kidman do a wicked neck bump on the mats. Inside the ring, Misterio goes for a casadora into a bulldog, but Jindrak reverses and throws Misterio off him and through the air, sending the cannon-balled Rey crashing knees and head first into the corner turnbuckles! Killer.

The Thrillers are in cruise control for a good portion of the match, using their size to crush Rey Misterio, while Mike Sanders throws in a few quick distractions as well to help his boys keep their advantage. Despite earning several near falls from spots that the crowd was all for, the Thrillers can’t keep Rey-Rey down, and the little man is able to fight back in due time. Mark Jindrak lifts Misterio up for a death valley driver, but after stalling and complications to swing that nagging Mexican off him, Misterio reverses mid-move, swinging himself around Jindrak before spiking him with a swinging DDT! Both men have to recuperate, and while Jindrak makes the tag to Stamboli first, Misterio makes the hot tag to Billy Kidman.

Billy Kidman’s entry into the match throws momentum in the Animals’ favor, and Kidman connects with dropkick after dropkick to Stamboli and Jindrak (although one hits Billy Silverman for a ref bump), keeping them at bay until Rey Misterio can recuperate and help him back out. Despite Kidman getting the crowd behind him, the Thrillers’ strength in numbers gets the advantage back moments later. The challengers try to hit Kidman with a double vertical suplex, but Misterio reenters the fray. The little man grabs his partners’ legs and slings him down to the canvas behind the Thrillers. As the two turn to find out just what happened, Rey-Rey and Kidman land stereo kicks to the mid-section and DDTs!

Rey Misterio is feeling froggy and goes up to the top turnbuckle, but before he can leap onto one of the Thrillers, Mike Sanders inserts himself back into the match. Mr. Above Average hops onto the apron and shoves the wee-man off the top turnbuckle, sending Rey crashing to the outside and hot-shotting himself on the top of the guardrail! Misterio collapses, and the crowd boos the interjection of Mr. Sanders into the match. Furious, Konnan enters the ring to even the score, and comes sprinting at the grinning Mike Sanders, hitting him with a right hand that sends him flying off the ring apron and landing on the outside of the ring! Konnan turns his focus to Stamboli and Jindrak, and he and Kidman team up to subdue them. Konnan takes the two down with a rolling clothesline before knocking Mark Jindrak out with the 187 cradle DDT! Kidman, however, scores with the Kid Krusher! As Konnan instructs Billy to go up top, he rolls Stamboli onto his back and then leaves the ring. As Silverman comes to, Kidman leaps off the top and connects with the Shooting Star Press! Kidman makes the cover, Silverman counts, and 1-2-3, the Animals retain!

Billy Kidman pins Johnny Stamboli at 6:19; the Filthy Animals def. the Natural Born Thrillers to retain the WCW Tag Team Titles

Konnan helps Rey Misterio back to his feet on the outside as “Filthy” hits, and the two men join Billy Kidman in the ring to celebrate the victory. With their backs turned to the entrance stage as the champs collect their Tag Belts, The Young Lions come sprinting from the back, diving under the bottom rope and into the ring. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire have their fists raised to fight, but simply wait for the Animals to turn around. The Animals finally do, and flinch back out of instinct. The Lions simply smirk as the Animals flinch, their message already sent; they clearly didn’t come down here to fight. O’Haire points at the Tag Belts around their shoulders before the two men motion that they’re coming back around the waists of the Young Lions. The two sides stare each other down, knowing they will meet again, very soon.

Tony Schiavone: This one is not over yet, Professor!

Mike Tenay: No, definitely not! The Young Lions were unable to win back the Tag Team Titles at Sin in that three team match, but neither Chuck Palumbo or Sean O’Haire took the fall in the match! They still want – and arguably deserve – a crack at the Filthy Animals for the Tag Team Titles!

Tony Schiavone: The Filthy Animals have challengers coming from all sides!

Mike Tenay: Well the Natural Born Thrillers may not have won back the Tag Team Titles, but you can guarantee that Mike Sanders will still be weaseling his team back into title contention as well. Sin may have gave us new Tag Team Champions, but it seemingly did nothing to solve the battle between these three teams!

Tony Schiavone: It only added to the fire!

And let’s cut to the back because I’m sick of Tony.

Finding A Replacement – Part Two – Wrestle For Your Spot, Son

We’re backstage in the Four Horsemen’s locker room, but only President Flair and Arn Anderson are present. There’s a knock on the door before it is immediately opened, and Booker T comes charging in. Flair stands up from his chair to address him and presumably shake his hand, but Booker starts talking right away.

Booker T: Look, Ric, I know ‘dat Shawn Michaels hightailed it outta here ta’night, n’ ya’lls need a replacement fo’ yo’ main event. I’m jus’ gonna make this short n’ sweet; wit’ ‘dat main event spot open, I want muh shot at Scott Steina’! Ya dig?

Flair stares at Booker, looking a little taken aback and surprised by his forwardness. It doesn’t impress Naitch, however.

Ric Flair: Actually, no, Book, I don’t dig it.

Booker’s eyes widen, shocked by Flair rejecting him for the World Heavyweight Title match tonight.

Booker T: Tell me I din’t jus’ hear what I thought I heard, Flair!

Ric Flair: You heard exactly what I said, Booker. You’re a worthy competitor – one of the best talents in World Championship Wrestling – but frankly, I don’t think I should allow you to have another match with Scott Steiner here tonight, especially with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.

Booker T: N’ why ‘da hell not!? I’ve earned muh shot at Steina’, n’ I damn well deserve ta’ wrestle fo’ ‘da Dubya-See-Dubya Worl’ Heavyweight Title ta’night, dawg. Who else here ta’night is mo’ worthy than Booka’ T? Who else!?

Booker glares at Flair, absolutely furious with the President of WCW.

Ric Flair: No one here tonight has earned the right to wrestle for that Title, Book, but I don’t trust you in the ring right now, not when that World Heavyweight Title is up for grabs. You care so much about the Title, then when you’re fighting for it, you snap. Did you watch your match from Sin yet? You were an animal! You forgot all about wrestling and instead became obsessed with beating Scott Steiner down to a bloody pulp, kicking him like a mule, until he couldn’t get up! Then, maybe then, you would have went for the victory, but Book, you’re mind isn’t stable. You’re too obsessed with winning that World Heavyweight Title that when it comes time to wrestle for it, you forget about wrestling. You fight, and I’m sorry, but I want a wrestling match tonight in the main event. You simply won’t give me, and more importantly the fans, that.

Booker glares at Flair, looking like he is about to punch him in the face. Flair, however, doesn’t seem to care, and keeps going.

Ric Flair: As the President of this company, I have to tell you, Book, your actions at Sin were irresponsible and reprehensible. Before I ever put you in a match with Scott Steiner – let alone a World Heavyweight Title match – you need to cool off and prove to me that you can be a professional wrestler, not some common thug.

Ouch, Flair is just freaking owning Booker.

Booker T: I’m a thug, huh? Dat’s all Booka’ T is, Flair? Ight, sucka, we’ll see whose right ‘den. Gimme a match, Prez! Gimme someone ta’ wrestle, n’ I’ll put ‘em down – one, two, three! How ya’ want it, huh? Book End? Axe Kick! 110th Street Slam? How ‘bout da’ Harlem Hang Ova’? Wanna see Booka’ T go ol’ school!?

Flair is at a loss for words, as Booker T is just snapping.

Booker T: Ya’ know what? Keep yo’ punk ass back here, sit in yo’ comfy chair, make yo’ phone calls, n’ I’ll go out n’ wrestle! Dig that, Prez!

Booker turns on his heel and storms off, irately slamming the door the locker room closed as he does. Flair and Arn just share uneasy looks, having just witness an obsessed man snap.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​


Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to Wednesday Nitro, and fans, this has just been a bizarre night… a night full of mysteries.

Mike Tenay: We still do not know the whereabouts of Shawn Michaels, or what is currently going on in San Antonio, Texas. Shane Helms has gone crazy, and Booker T has snapped after being denied a rematch against Scott Steiner tonight for the World Heavyweight Championship!

Tony Schiavone: However, Professor, one mystery that has been plaguing us all for the past month, is about to be solved.

Mike Tenay: Cryptic videos have been playing for the past month about a returning superstar, and now, we’re about to re-familiarize ourselves with a WCW superstar…

Nobody’s Better Than The Savior – Really? You Fucking Sheep

Before we find out who the mystery man is, the video plays, one last time.

A series of blue digits scroll across the screen in rapid succession, flying in and moving out from every angle and direction. Despite their seemingly lack of order, they all come together and form into the figure of a bottle, a champagne bottle. The bottle explodes and the numbers disappear off the screen, being replaced by that shadowy figure we’ve saw for weeks hit a STO on some other figure. The video cuts to the man standing – his back turned to the camera, arms extended out at the perpendicular angle we’re used to. Both hands hold bottles, but this time, the figure starts to turn! Just as the man’s face is about to be visible, his figure turns into the blue digits and reform into the champagne bottle. The bottle explodes once again, and the digits form the words: He’s Better Than Everyone, and He’s Here to Save You… Now.

We cut back to the silent arena…









“WHO BETTA THAN KANYON~!?

The crowd breaks out into a surprisingly loud reaction, mostly filled with boos although some pops can be heard out of surprise and/or having not seen this gentleman in a long time. After a few seconds, the legend himself, Chris ‘Champagne’ Kanyon comes out from the back, strutting out onto the entrance stage, his arms raised at his sides and head tilted back, taking in the crowd’s reaction. Kanyon is dressed in an elaborate and expensive fur coat and sunglasses (Did Liberace pick that out?), and has a mic in one hand and a champagne bottle in the other.

While Kanyon makes his entrance, let me just say to those who though Kanyon was going to be Chris Jericho, baaaaaaah~! Sheep~! One simple reference to a pose, an indirect comparison of Jericho to Jesus, and the bandwagon starts. Jericho?? Really!? I thought you people knew me better than that.

Kanyon gets into the ring eventually and spins around in a few circles, basking in the boos of the crowd. He finally brings his mic up to his mouth and begins to speak.


Chris Kanyon: HELLO, W..C..W!

The WCW namedrop gets a few cheers, but the majority of the crowd still boos.

Chris Kanyon: Ya’ know, WCW, you have seen Kanyon around in a while, but that’s okay! Don’t fear, babies! Chris Kanyon hasn’t been kicked in the mud, living the standard life of an out of work professional wrestler, oh no! I wasn’t homeless and living under a bridge, I wasn’t working part time at McDonald’s, I was living the life!

Kanyon pauses as he slaps the cork off of the champagne bottle and takes a swig. He bottle looks half empty already… did Scott Hall have this in San Antonio?

Chris Kanyon: I’ve been spending the past ten months traveling around the world, baby! I’ve traveled to the most ancient landmarks of our ancestors, I have seen the most exotic islands and beaches and babes… and oh yeah, I showed all the ladies that there is no one better than Kanyon. Mississippi, you seem like a smart bunch, so let me ask you… WHO BETTER THAN KANYON!?

“EVERYBODY!”

Chris Kanyon: What!? Everybody is better than me!? Whoa, whoa, whoa, let’s just hold on a second here! I may have been in remote areas of the globe at times, but I’ve been sure to watch this company from the sidelines… and there ain’t no one better than Champagne, baby! I have seen the filth that this company has continually deteriorated into.

The crowd boos Kanyon, shocker.

Chris Kanyon: Ric Flair gimps around the camera each and every night, throwing his arrogant face in front of the camera time and time again; your beloved Naitch breaks himself in two in the ring to make himself think he’s still worth something. He steals the Presidency of this company to make himself still feel valuable. Oh yeah, Ric Flair is better than Kanyon!

The crowd rips into Kanyon more – you don’t insult Ric Flair, especially in the South.

Chris Kanyon: You don’t agree? Who else is there then? How about roided-up freaks like Scott Steiner and common criminals like Booker T fighting for the World Heavyweight Title? The title that Chris Kanyon will one day hold, might I add!

And more jeers.

Chris Kanyon: You have the Four Horsemen once more being brought back from the dead to give a dying company hope against the New World Order! Fat, broken down slobs like Konnan and Hugh Morris fight for titles and are put on per view! Well Chris Kanyon is not going to stand for that, ladies and gentlemen! I am here to SAVE you!

The crowd boos Kanyon, disagreeing with these statements; they don’t need saving. It’s the backstage that needs it, silly.

Chris Kanyon: This company needs to be raised from the sea, people! Ric Flair, the Four Horsemen, Booker T, Scott Steiner… none of these people can do that! There is only one man that can lead you people to salvation and prosperity! There is only one man who has the looks, the charisma, and the talent to take this ship on his shoulders and save it! That’s Kanyon, baby! WHO BETTA THAN KANYON~!?

As the crowd goes yell “Everybody”, “Don’t Hate The Playa, Hate The Game” hits instead, sending the crowd to its feet in cheers (although dear me, do I hear a few dissenters in there?) as Booker T storms out from the back, dressed to wrestle and microphone in hand. Kanyon is livid in the ring, his big return being spoiled by the disgruntled former Champ. Booker marches down the ramp and into the ring, looking incredibly focused. He circles the irate Kanyon several times before starting to speak.

Booker T: Ya’ know, I could run yo’ punk ass down, take everythang you said n’ turn it on its ass, but I ain’t goin’ do ‘dat ta’night! But no matta wha’, someone needs ta’ shut yo’ mouth up, n’ I’m here ta’ do jus’ that!

That gets a big response from the crowd, and the arrogant Kanyon is quickly turning into a flustered and afraid one.

Booker T: Apparently, Booka’ T ain’t ‘dat much of a wrestla’ an’aymo’, so Kanyon, let’s fin’ out if you can beat some second rate thug!

The crowd cheers as Booker tosses his microphone out of the ring to a stagehand. Referee Charles Robinson comes running out from the back, and Kanyon takes several steps back, waving his hands from side to side and shouting “no” repeatedly.

Chris Kanyon: I’m sorry, Book, but I haven’t been given the go-ahead to wrestle yet from my personal trainer! I have jet lag!

Booker doesn’t care, and thumps Kanyon with a huge right hand, sending him staggering back into the ropes before falling onto his ass. Kanyon tries to crawl out of the ring as Robinson enters it, but Booker simply knocks the champagne bottle out of his hands, and stomps on him as Robinson calls for the bell.

Match Three
Booker T vs. Chris Kanyon
Impromptu Singles Match


Booker T starts the match by just attacking the crap out of Kanyon, kicking him down repeatedly as Champagne tries to simply remove his coat. Booker does that for him eventually, yanking it off his back, partially ripping it in the process. Booker spends the opening parts of the match using the same animalistic attack he used on Steiner at Sin on Kanyon, working him over in the corner with hard right hands. However, Booker actually backs off and stays off of Kanyon this time, and his next strike is not another series of heavy rights, but the Harlem Side Kick, drawing a good pop from the crowd!

The two men work a highly entertaining opening, as Booker just shows his dominance in the early goings, scoring several near falls with high-impact slams, getting the crowd behind him with ease. Kanyon takes the beating and sells it like a frigging champ, and in return gets to fight back later by escaping the Book End with repeated elbows to the side of Booker’s head before scoring with a Russian leg sweep after an eye rake. Kanyon proceeds to beat down on Booker for several minutes, mixing up simple slams & suplexes with brawling techniques. Kanyon isn’t focused much on working down Booker as working the crowd it seems, but he does that excellently, getting the crowd totally against him and booing him with every slam and every punch.

It looked like Kanyon was going to walk away a winner when he hit Booker with an electric chair face buster, but Booker T gets a shoulder up before the three count, sparking a huge round of cheers for Booker T and essentially starting the comeback period for him. Kanyon is able to wear Booker with simple punches, but Booker blocks the STO finishing attempt from Kanyon, and ends up knocking him down with the Harlem Side Kick.

After recuperating, the two men get back up, but it is Booker T who is handily in charge in the ensuing brawl. Booker makes short work of Kanyon, really, getting the crowd really going when he leaps from the top turnbuckle, going old school by hitting the Heat Seeker missile dropkick after scoring with a high elevation scoop slam. While Kanyon has a moment of offense in a false hope spot, Booker ends up reversing a Kanyon whip into the ropes and flatten Kanyon with the 110th Street Slam! Booker follows up his version of the Alabama Slam with the move everyone wants to see… the Spinaroonie! If the Spinaroonie isn’t a clear cut example of Booker returning to his wrestling roots, then Lord (if She was real), what is? The Harlem Axe Kick, She said. As Kanyon staggers up to his feet after the slam, and Booker hits the ropes before finishing Kanyon off with the Harlem Axe Kick! Booker covers, and the scissors kick gets the job done: ONE! TWO! THREE!

Booker T def. Chris Kanyon at 8:13

Booker T lets Robinson raise his hand in the air in victory as “Don’t Hate The Playa, Hate The Game” hits again, and Booker doesn’t need any elaborate celebrations after this victory. He simply walks right up to the camera, pumps his chest with his right hand and forearm repeatedly, and shouts into the camera “Was ‘dat wrestling? I’m comin’ fo’ ‘da Worl’ Heavyweight Title, Steina’! I’m a comin’!”

Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to World Championship Wrestling, Chris Kanyon, here’s how we do things!

Mike Tenay: We’ve always known Chris ‘Champagne’ Kanyon likes to run his mouth, but bad idea to insult Booker T, especially when he’s fired up and ready to wrestle!

Tony Schiavone: Well Ric Flair made some legitimate points about Booker T earlier in the show – we was not wrestling Scott Steiner this past Sunday, he was fighting!

Mike Tenay: I’m still not sure what caused Booker T to snap the way he did at Sin, Tony. Is it a hatred of World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Steiner, or is it that need and craving to win back the WCW World Heavyweight Title?

Tony Schiavone: Booker T did lose the World Heavyweight Title at Fall Brawl without ever being pinned or submitting, so that has to always be on his mind, knowing he never really lost the Championship!

Mike Tenay: And that is exactly why I think Booker T is so obsessed with once again becoming the World Heavyweight Champion!

Tony Schiavone: Well one thing is for sure, Booker T will not be winning back the WCW World Heavyweight Title tonight, here on Nitro… because he won’t even be fighting for it!

Mike Tenay: We still don’t know who will be in the main event against ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner, but stay tuned because that’s something I know we’ll be finding out in due time!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, Tony Schiavone is cut off before he can even begin to talk… sweetness!

The Following Footage Has Been Brought to You by the New World Order

“Rockhouse” hits for a second time tonight, and the crowd ERUPTS into boos as the nWo trio – Eric Bischoff, ‘The Career Killer’ Mike Awesome, and ‘I Wanna Fuck You’ Stacy Keibler – reappear from the back. The three simply walk out onto the entrance stage and come to a half, Bischoff grinning from ear-to-ear as he raises a microphone up to his lips.

Eric Bischoff: Good people of backwater, Mississippi, please, lend me your ears!

Uh, insane heel heat for Bischoff. It’s true though… the South is all kinds of incest. Just ask KOP or his sis... prime example, tbh.

Eric Bischoff: However, this message, it’s not for you people… you’re not of importance to me or the nWo This message, goes out to our dearly beloved President, Ric Flair. Ric, since events that the New World Order did not foresee happening in the slightest…

The crowd cuts off Bischoff’s lie with jeers. The Bisch simply smiles.

Eric Bischoff: Flair, you need a main event tonight; you need to have someone wrestle Scott Steiner for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. I hear it’s not going to be Shawn Michaels, and you already eliminated Booker T from contention… so whose it going to be? Are you gonna go with a Horseman? Oh yeah, Ric, that’d be the just thing to do… tyrant.

More boos from Miss. State.

Eric Bischoff: Flair, for once in your life, I’d like to see you do the right thing, the just thing. You have no legitimate number one contender to Steiner’s Title anymore, so what you need to do, is go with the next champion in line. The North American Champion is the man who is, by definition of the very existence of this title, the second best wrestler in this company. We all know who the North American Champion is… he’s the guy who beat your precious Horseman, Lance Storm… The Career Killer, Mike Awesome!

Awesome (for the first time ever?) smirks and nods his head as he repositions the NA Title on his shoulder.

Eric Bischoff: Now Flair, I know you. In fact, I know you better than you even know yourself! You don’t want to put Mike Awesome in the main event. You fear Awesome becoming the World Heavyweight Champion – a dual Champion – and giving power to the New World Order. And that’s why Ric, in just a minute, I want you to open up your eyes, and watch the Nitro Tron.

Bischoff grins a horrible, evil grin, while the crowd is confused.

Eric Bischoff: You see, Flair, while The Outsiders went to San Antonio, a good friend of yours, Jeff Jarrett, he took a trip with Curt Hennig to North Carolina. This had to happen, Flair. We had to do this. Someone had to knock you off of that fictitious throne you sit so highly upon. Your faceless legions, they have to know about the real Ric Flair behind the Nature Boy moniker.

The crowd is confused, but Bischoff simply cranes his neck up towards the Nitro Tron, waiting for… something.

nWo Voiceover: The following footage has been brought to you by the New World Order.

That something is a video, another one. Someone (presumably Curt Hennig) is using another hand held camcorder to film as Jeff Jarrett walks up a hill in a seemingly reclusive location. After a few seconds of walking, a sign can be seen that reads “Wilmington Treatment Center”. Jarrett walks up to the sign before leaning up against it.

Jeff Jarrett: Hey, Naitch, how’s it going in Starkville? I’m sure everyone is wondering where I am, but you know where I am, don’t you, Ric? You know all about Wilmington, North Carolina, don’t you, Ric? This, ladies and gentlemen, is the greatest drug rehabilitation centers in the entire state of North Carolina, and one of the best in the USA.

Jarrett pauses while Curt Hennig speaks from behind the camera.

Curt Hennig: Heh, tell ‘em why we’re here, Jeff.

Jarrett simply smirks.

Jeff Jarrett: Ric knows why we’re here, Curt. These people, they don’t know who’s here, but they’ll remember him. We’re here today to visit the second generation Nature Boy… we’re here for daddy’s disappointment… David Flair.

Jarrett simply smirks, taking pleasure in revealing all this personal information to the entire viewing world.

Jeff Jarrett: You all remember David Flair. Young David came into World Championship Wrestling in 1999… and he was normal then. He was just 20 years old, and had his whole life ahead of him. But poor David, he never had a chance, did he, Ric? While your money put a silver spoon in baby David’s mouth, do you know what he spent his entire childhood and adolescence wondering? He wondered, “Where’s my Daddy?” Where were you, Nature Boy? We know the answer to that: you were at the hundreds – no, thousands – of parties, living the wild life and having affairs with women left and right. Poor David, he didn’t have a father in his life. Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger, Paul Roma, Brian Pillman, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and now Lance Storm… they were your sons, Ric. It was the young guns of the Four Horsemen that Ric Flair fathered; David Flair was nothing but a bastard child, and it drove him crazy. You, Ric Flair, your absence, drove David Flair into a psychotic, empty, hollow shell.

Jeff Jarrett: Do you know how you fix that emptiness, Ric? You fill it. You have to find meaning in your life, and you and I both know how David filled his empty shell. The fans who read the dirt sheets, they know it too, but Ric, I want you to hear it one more time: David Flair’s a cocaine addict. You drove your first born son into depression, you made him a lunatic. David Flair grew up his entire life feeling worthless, and the longer he was in this company – the longer he saw that you never cared about him, but your own career, your wrestler friends – the sooner he realized just how pathetic his existence has always been. Throughout all of that turmoil, inside that demented brain, David Flair found a life… a life of drugs. You, Ric Flair, you’re the reason you’re son is in rehab. You, Ric Flair, are the only reason that your own son, David Flair, is addicted to cocaine. But it’s not just drugs, is it, Ric? Oh no, we’ve known that for years. We all watched, live on national television and global pay per view, as David became crazy. You exploited David, Ric – you let him befriend those freaks, Daffney and Crowbar, those crazies. You let them wrap an innocent boy, you let them escalate his twisted brain and turn him into a psychotic, delusional, and potentially schizophrenic, freak of nature!

Jarrett pauses, shaking his head in disgust.

Jeff Jarrett: You’re embarrassed by him, aren’t you, Ric? You think your son is a pathetic waste of air, a taint to the legendary Flair name. David isn’t fit to have the last name Flair, he’s not fit to be the son of the Nature Boy! Deep down, Ric, you’re happy with this. You get a sick satisfaction knowing that David is stuck in rehab, his life forever in ruins because of cocaine. This just proves, all along, David Flair wasn’t worthy to be your son. While you headlined Starrcade’s, David sat home alone and cried… and you never once cared. But what about now, Flair? You say that you’ve grown up since the 1980s Ric, so what I want to know is… do you care now, Ric? Do you find David Flair to still be the pathetic human being you thought him to be when you sent him to rehab? When your wife, Elizabeth, when your youngest children, Ashley and Reid, pleaded and begged you to get help for David, you actually showed some compassion. Your golden family – the ones who weren’t the colossal failures that David has always been – they got you to help David, but did you care? Well, Ric, we’re about to find out…

Jarrett leans off of the entrance sign to the Wilmington Treatment Center, and walks up the long, paved hill to the actual facility. The video cuts off after a while, but returns a few seconds later to show Jeff Jarrett walking into the front doors of the center, Hennig following behind him, still recording. Jarrett walks up to the front desk, and the two parties converse, Jarrett letting them know of his appointment to come visit David. “We’re dear friends from WCW, I’m sure you recognize us,” Jarrett tells her, and the clerk apparently does recognize Jarrett. Jarrett is able to weasel his way through the exchange, and after getting David’s room number, they search off for it.

The video cuts off once more, and returns as Jarrett finds David’s room. There’s a window on David’s door – probably so the staff can peek through and make sure he hasn’t harmed himself in any way – and sees that David is sitting at a desk, playing with wrestling action figures. The figures David plays with are ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes, and Rhodes’ old arch-nemesis, David’s father himself, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. In a life that conditioned poor David to turn against his father – despise his father – toy Dusty is beating Ric up, hitting him with a Bionic Elbow before stomping on him repeatedly.

David Flair: Die! Die! Die, Ric, die!

Flair keeps having toy Dusty destroy toy Flair, but the mentally unstable, the depressed and recovering David Flair switches gears.

David Flair: Don’t worry, Dad! I’m here! I’ll save you!

A crudely designed pencil and crayon drawing of himself is picked up by David, and Flair uses his thin-paper self to knock Dusty down in his toy ring. As David saves his father, Jarrett opens the door. David hears the door, but keeps his back to it, engrossed in his fantasy world.

David Flair: It can’t be time for the anti-depressant meds… come back later. I’m playing!

Jarrett simply looks over his shoulder at the camera, grinning, know what is about to happen next.

Jeff Jarrett: Play time’s over, Davey.

Flair almost shoots right off his chair, his body growing rigid as he turns around, frightened. He sees Jeff Jarrett standing in his room, and lets out a blood curling scream, knowing what is about to happen to him. Jarrett charges him, and hits him with a right hand! David drops onto the desk, and Jarrett attacks him like a savage animal while Hennig closes the door with the hand not holding the camera. The Chosen One beats Flair senseless with punches, easily subduing him. Jarrett isn’t finished yet though, as he picks David off the desk and slams his face off of it multiple times! David’s yells and screams of protest finally stop, seemingly unconscious, but Jarrett has to finish the job. The Chosen One grabs David by the back of his head, takes a few running steps, and viciously slams David face first into the concrete wall of his room! Flair falls effortlessly to the floor, the blade job occurring moments later. Jarrett leans over Flair, and Hennig gets a close up on the blood rapidly spewing from David’s forehead. Jarrett takes his right hand, and wipes it across David’s forehead and face, smearing his blood all across his face, and also all over his hand. Jarrett lifts up his hand and shows his blood-covered palm to the handheld camera before dragging his hand down the concrete wall, leaving a trail of David’s blood. Jarrett then walks back over to David, savagely kicks him in the chest, and bends over him once more.

Jeff Jarrett: How do you feel now, Ric? How does it feel watching this? Do you feel concern over baby David? Do you fear for his safety, his life? Do you want to kill me, Naitch? Your demons have been shown to the entire world, Ric, your complete inability to be a father. You led David to his, you’ve made him hate your guts! Did you hear him, Ric? He despises you, he loathes your very being… but somehow, he still loves you! He wants to save you, Ric!

Jarrett laughs, amused that David can still care for Ric, despite all the neglect, all the times Ric was never the father figure to David he was supposed to be.

Jeff Jarrett: I want to know if this made you angry, Ric. I wish I could see how you’re reacting right now. Sadly, Ric, I can’t… I still have another stop on my mission, Ric. This is only getting started, Ric… the best is yet to come.

Jarrett smiles into the camera before Hennig shuts the camera off, and the Nitro Tron cuts to static.


*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​


Tony Schiavone: This can’t be! Damn them! Damn the New World Order!

Mike Tenay: I thought The Outsiders going to San Antonio was just an isolated incident to get back at Shawn Michaels, but this? This is just disgusting!

Tony Schiavone: How dare Jeff Jarrett air Ric Flair’s family problems to the world! What gives you that right, Jeff Jarrett!?

Okay, Tony, hold off on that aneurysm.

Mike Tenay: Some of what Jeff Jarrett is indeed true, fans. David Flair is indeed in Wilmington Treatment Center – one of the finest drug rehabilitation clinics in the United States – for a cocaine addiction, among other things. David has lived a troubled life, some of which we have seen over the past years with his friendship with Crowbar, and traumatic experiences with women such as Daffney and the nWo’s lead valet, Stacy Keibler. Poor David has become depressed, suicidal maybe, and is a borderline schizophrenic. His demons did not need to be exploited by the New World Order to attack Ric Flair. Damn it, this is just not right!

Finding A Replacement – Part III – The Main Event

The show cuts to the Four Horsemen locker room one last time tonight, and the environment is tense to say the least. Flair is sitting in a chair, shaking with rage. Arn stands behind him, a hand on his shoulder, trying to keep his best friend calm. The remaining three Horsemen all sit on a bench, facing Flair, waiting for him to address them. Flair looks to be on the verge of tears. However, when he starts to talk, it is not a visibly sad and/or upset Flair, but one who has hate in his eyes and revenge on his mind.

Ric Flair: …I swear to God, I am going to kill them. David… this is not his fight, damn it! He’s going through a rough time, you all know that – his problems don’t need to be aired in front of everyone, he doesn’t need that right now!

Arn just claps Flair on the shoulder, trying to keep him calm. Naitch lowers his head, and appears to wipe tears from his eyes. When he raises his head, he locks eyes with Lance Storm, Flair’s face looking murderous.

Ric Flair: Lance, I’m giving you a mission tonight. The main event is up next… you’re taking Shawn Michaels’ spot in it. I want you, versus Scott Steiner… versus Mike Awesome for the World Heavyweight Title.

Lance just nods his head and stands off the bench. Knowing that the main event is up next, Storm starts to leave the locker room, but Flair reaches out and grabs him by the wrist.

Ric Flair: That’s not you’re mission, Lance. Lance, I don’t care about the Title right now, there are more important things than gold and glory. Don’t focus on the match, Lance, don’t give that World Heavyweight Title a second of your time. I want you to pay no attention to Scott Steiner. You keep your eyes on Mike Awesome at all time, and damn it, you break his frickin’ neck! I want you to SHATTER his kneecap – your destroy his God damn career and inflict so much pain on his carcass that Eric Bischoff and Jeff Jarrett can feel, EVERY OUNCE OF PAIN, YOU CAUSE THAT SON OF A BITCH!

Storm just nods his head, probably afraid to do anything but agree with Flair in the state that Naitch is in. Flair releases his hold on Storm and falls back into the chair, his emotions over coming him. Storm hurries out of the room, the match about to get under way.

Tony Schiavone: We have our main event, Professor!

Mike Tenay: ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner defends the WCW World Heavyweight Title versus Mike Awesome and Lance Storm! This is going to be a great clash, but I think only one man is coming into this match focused on the Title!

Tony Schiavone: We know Lance Storm’s “mission” tonight – it’s not to win the Title, but cripple Mike Awesome!

Mike Tenay: You can be sure that Mike Awesome wants to win the World Heavyweight Title and bring it back to the New World Order, but The Career Killer is going to be looking over his shoulder at every turn for Lance Storm!

Tony Schiavone: You know Ric Flair doesn’t want Mike Awesome to win the World Heavyweight Title, but like he said, he doesn’t even care about the Title right now!

Mike Tenay: No, Scott Steiner’s World Heavyweight Title is not Ric Flair’s primary concern right now. That is the job for the WCW President, but Ric Flair has another role to fulfill that is far more important – the role of a father and family man! David Flair has been savagely attacked by Jeff Jarrett! Ric’s not in the right frame of mind to make decisions right now, and that’s why we have Mike Awesome in the main event right now. He just wants to see him – the New World Order – crippled by Lance Storm!

Shockingly, “Holla If You Hear Me” hits first, bringing out the reigning WCW World Heavyweight Champion, ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner to a loud mixed reaction from the crowd. With Midajah by his side, Steiner makes his entrance down the ramp and to the ring, his medieval chain plate draped over his head. Steiner makes his entrance quick, marching down to the ring right away and then posing and flexing his muscles as “Horsemen” hits, bringing out Lance Storm to a loud pop. Storm quickly marches down the ramp and into the ring, his mission on his mind. He doesn’t make eye contact with Steiner, just replaying Flair’s words to him over and over again. Finally, “Rockhouse” hits once more on Nitro, bringing out just ‘The Career Killer’ Mike Awesome to the loudest round of jeers has ever received in his career, sans when he appeared at the ECW event to drop the belt. Sorry, you just can’t compete with pissed off ECW fans. Awesome marches down the ramp, going back and forth from glaring at Storm and Steiner, a man of two missions tonight. Once in the ring, Awesome tries to hand the North American Championship Belt to Randy ‘Pee Wee’ Anderson, much like Steiner did long beforehand, but Lance Storm spears Awesome to the ground, quickly starting the match!

Main Event
Scott Steiner © (w/Midajah) vs. Mike Awesome (w/intense heat) vs. Lance Storm (w/a deadly mission)
WCW World Heavyweight Championship


Randy Anderson knew coming into this match that this was going to get stiff, physical, and outrageous quick, so it was best to just let these three men obliterate each other and not interfere. Storm and Awesome do just that right away, as Storm spears Awesome to the ground and pounds his face with stiff, closed-fisted right hands. It actually is not Anderson, but Steiner, who breaks it up, kicking Storm off of his former nWo-teammate. The three men go through a stiff series of exchanges in the early goings, as Steiner doesn’t pull back his right hands at all. Awesome responds in kind with stiff forearm strikes, and Storm with echoing knife edge chops and stinging kicks. By the end of it, Mike Awesome’s chest is dark red, Scott Steiner’s nose is trickling blood, and Storm has a small gash above his right eyebrow.

Big Poppa Pump and Lance Storm form a makeshift team to work over Mike Awesome, wearing the machine down with stiff strikes before Steiner flings him across the ring with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Storm, however, refuses to let Steiner go for a pin, as the Canucker wants to keep inflicting pain on him. Storm tries to kick the fallen Awesome’s face, but Freakzilla stops all that by folding Storm on his neck with a release German Suplex! Big Poppa Pump tries to dominate both men, and he succeeds for a while with clubbing blows and quick overhead belly-to-belly suplexes, but the numbers catch up, in a rare double team moment, there’s a Team Canada reunion as Lance Storm blasts the Champ (World Heavyweight, that is) with a Super Kick, and Mike Awesome quickly scoops Steiner off his feet and plants him with an Awesome Bomb!

The Career Killer tries to go for the pin and win the World Heavyweight Title, but Mike Awesome is not meant to be a dual champion, so says Lance Storm, via a running leg lariat to Awesome’s face. With Steiner down, Storm returns to his mission to fuck Mike Awesome up, and the two men engage in a stiff battle, throwing hard forearm strikes, harsh knife edge chops, and unforgiving kicks to the shins and quads. Storm cannot take Awesome down, however, as the North American Champion ends up catching Storm and dropping him on his neck with an overhead capture suplex! They’re ECW alumni, and Awesome emulates an old foe in Taz with that suplex.

The war between the two men spills to the outside, and Mike Awesome is the one trying to cripple Lance Storm, not the other way as intended. Awesome drags Storm over to the commentator’s booth, and tries to put his old teammate through it with an Awesome Bomb. Storm fights out by hitting the NA Champ with repeated right hands, and tries to flip Awesome through the table with a hurricanrana! Storm snaps his body downwards, but Awesome doesn’t budge, trapping Storm! The Canadian’s upper body is left dangling upside down, his head tapping off the table. In the ring, Steiner is back on his feet and simply leans on the ropes, content to let the two men kill each other. Awesome tries to life Storm back up onto his shoulders, but as he does so, the Horseman grabs the TV monitor in front of Schiavone, and blasts Mike Awesome right in the face with it!

The monitor to the face was a legitimate blow, and Awesome staggers back, blood immediately protruding from his head. That’s no blade job, folks. Pee Wee apparently missed the illegal blow (how he did, I have no clue) as the match continues on. Steiner still stands inside the ring, grinning as his opponents rip each other apart. Storm flings the probably concussed Awesome back on the announcer’s table, and climbs up there with him. Storm hoists the dazed Awesome to his feet, wraps him in a front face lock, lifts him into the air… and drops him with his SIT-OUT BRAINBUSTER… THROUGH THE ANNOUNCER’S TABLE!!

The two men crash to the concrete floor, and Randy Anderson looks over to David Penzer at the timekeeper’s table, knowing this match has gotten too far out of hand. If that wasn’t enough reason to call the match off, Booker T comes sprinting out from the back moments later, finally giving Scott Steiner something to do. Steiner, itching for a fight – especially one against Booker T – exits the ring and meets Booker at the bottom of the entrance ramp, and they brawl! Anderson has clearly had enough, and finally calls for the bell.

Scott Steiner nc. Mike Awesome and Lance Storm at 7:22; Scott Steiner retains the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Booker T and Scott Steiner exchange a flurry of rapid-fire overhead punches, trying to sock the other as hard as they can in the face. As we’ve become accustomed to with these men, it’s a stalemate as neither man really gains the upper hand. The two fight across ringside and over to the security guardrail, and Booker T gains the momentum for just a second as he clotheslines Steiner over the guardrail and into the crowd. Booker hops over the rail to join him, but Steiner hits him with a right hand, continuing their stalemate of a brawl. The two men work their way through the crowd, kicking the ever loving shit out of each other as they fade into the abyss of the Humphrey Coliseum.

As the two men disappear in the crowd, the camera focuses back on Lance Storm and Mike Awesome, still among the pieces of the broken announcer’s table. Tony Schiavone, as if he is a doctor, bends over Storm and shakes him, as if that will revive a man who is apparently unconscious. Arn Anderson comes hurrying out from the back, Dean Malenko and Cal Anderson right behind him. As those three rush down to the announcer’s table to check on Lance Storm, Ric Flair marches out from the back as well. The President of WCW storms down the entrance ramp, but walks right past his Horsemen, instead circling the ring and grabbing a microphone from David Penzer at the timekeeper’s table. Flair climbs up the ring steps and enters the ring, while on the outside, Cal Anderson and Dean Malenko help Storm to his feet, carrying him off to the back. Arn looks over his shoulder at Flair, and Flair nods towards the stage. Arn just smiles sadly and follows the Horsemen up the ramp, exiting the ringside area.


Tony Schiavone: What is Ric Flair out here to say!?

Mike Tenay: I don’t know, but we’re going to find out… next! And someone, get out here… Mike Awesome is hurt!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Wednesday Nitro returns from its final break, Flair is standing in the ring, microphone in hand, looking utterly pissed. Outside the ring, Mike Awesome is out of sight, having been helped to the back by security and medical staff, according to Mike Tenay. Eric Bischoff, however, stayed in the back… for now.

The Golden Family …Invaded

Flair is pacing around the ring, his suit coat long removed and haggardly flung on the top rope. He’s itching to speak… let’s find out what he has to say.

Ric Flair: I’m not gonna waste any time beatin’ around the bush… BISCHOFF! I want YOU, to get your ass out here, RIGHT NOW!

Flair undo’s several of the top buttons on his pink dress shirt, absolutely furious. No more than ten seconds goes by before Eric Bischoff strolls out from the entrance chute, sans any entrance music, a microphone in his hand. As he starts to speak, he can’t hold back the grin on his face.

Eric Bischoff: You called, Mister President?

The crowd simply boos Bischoff to no end. Flair pauses for several seconds before addressing the nWo President.

Ric Flair: …Why, Bischoff? Why are you doing this to me, to Shawn? How is this just, damn it!?

Bischoff just laughs at Flair’s questions.

Eric Bischoff: Why, Ric? It’s simple, isn’t it, old man? We do it, to make your life a living hell. We thrive off of this, Ric. Making you miserable, it’s our high; to compare it your baby boy, this is our cocaine.

Flair damn near flips his lid in the ring, stomping around the ring, trying to prevent himself from charging up to the stage and assaulting Bischoff. After gaining his composure, Flair starts to yell into the microphone, but Bischoff speaks over him.

Ric Flair: YOU SON OF…

Eric Bischoff: …YOU SHUT UP, FLAIR! SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!

The crowd rips into Bischoff, and Flair is slapped silent by Bischoff’s rare display of intensity.

Eric Bischoff: Why do you care, Ric? Why do you give a damn about David? When did you ever care about your son?

Bischoff waits for Flair to respond, but the Nature Boy is shockingly and surprisingly quiet. Does Flair know Bischoff is right?

Eric Bischoff: Your entire legacy in pro wrestling, Ric, builds you up to be the golden boy. You were the man who carried the National Wrestling Alliance; you innovated faction warfare with the Four Horsemen; you were the best wrestler in the world, and the most high-society and eloquent of them all. You were the golden boy of wrestling, Flair, and you’re family was supposed to carry on that tradition. The beautiful trophy wife, you have that in Elizabeth. The pretty cheerleader, that’s your daughter, Ashley. All that was missing, was a second generation superstar, a new Nature Boy to carry on your legacy when you retired. David Flair was never a part of your golden family, Ric; he was an outcast, a disappointment. So what did you do? Like any heartless bastard, you replaced him; you had another son, Reid, to be your Nature Boy.

Flair stays silent in the ring, absolutely shaking with rage, trying to maintain his composure.

Eric Bischoff: They are the people you care about, Ric! They are the people you should be worry about! And Ric, the New World Order… is about to give you a reason to worry about your golden, All-American family.

As Flair looks at Bischoff confused, Bischoff, as he has done too many times tonight, turns his attention to the Nitro Tron…

nWo Voiceover: The following footage has been brought to you by the New World Order.

After a few seconds of snowy static, we’re back for one last nWo video. Curt Hennig is filming Jeff Jarrett as he drives through a development. The car parks right away, and the two men get out. Jarrett stands in front of the car, and Hennig films him, the surrounding scene pitch dark around him.

Jeff Jarrett: Did you get a call yet, Ric? Did the Wilmington Treatment Center let you know somebody viciously attacked David today? It happened a few hours ago, Ric; I’m sure they called. You didn’t answer that call though, did you, Ric? You had other things to worry about than David; anything was more important than him. …But this, Flair, well, it’s a good thing this is happening live, as we go. Technology’s great, isn’t it Ric? We’re here… in Charlotte, outside your house… and you’re stuck in Mississippi, unable to do a damn thing.

Hennig moves the camera away from Jarrett, instead getting a shot of the luxurious Flair house. Hennig moves the camcorder back to The Chosen One.

Jeff Jarrett: You see, Ric, the people inside this house – your house – are the ones you really care about. David? He’s nothing but spit on the sidewalk. But your loved ones, sleeping inside, they are the ones that you’re going to worry about. Tell me, Ric, what do you think of your 13 year old boy, Reid? He’s got a great future ahead of him, doesn’t he? An all-star amateur wrestler, intelligent, handsome like his father, and already has wrestled a professional match; he’s got all the potential to be what David never was and cannot be, your Nature Boy. What are you going to do, Naitch, when I take a guitar from the backseat of my car, and I break it so hard over his head, that it scrambles his brains? How are you going to feel when I end little Reid Flair’s career before it even begins? Will you cast him off when I mess him up so badly he ends up as crazy as his older brother?

Jarrett pauses as he walks over to a backdoor of his car, opens it up, and pulls out a guitar. He slings it over his shoulder, gets back in front of the camera at a good angle, and keeps talking.

Jeff Jarrrett: Your daughter, Ashley, she’s the All-American girl you dreamed of, isn’t she Ric? She’s the pretty cheerleader that all the boys at her high school want to be with, and all of the girls wish they were. But Ric, I’m dying to know… how do you react when I knock her down, put her in your move – the Figure Four – and break her knee so badly that that promising cheerleading career of hers is finished? You’ve supported her at all of those national competitions, Ric – Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Nashville… you were there. I can make it so she never stands on the sidelines of the football field on Friday nights, cheering the football team on; she won’t be a cheerleader in college, traveling to all of the elite competitions. She’ll just be another unoriginal face in the crowd, Ric… and it’ll be all your fault.

Jarrett, looking deadly serious, keeps staring into the camera as he walks backwards toward the house, Hennig walking with him, keeping the camcorder fixated on him.

Jeff Jarrett: Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your wife either, Ric. Do you love your trophy wife, Elizabeth? I’m sure you do, she’s the kind of beautiful woman you’ve slept with all over the world – night in and night out. But what I question is, is does she really love you? How can someone as sexy as her love someone who isn’t even a real man? I can show your wife a real man, Ric. I can let her find out all about Jeff Jarrett and my… heh, slap nuts. How does that sound, Nature Boy?

Jarrett approaches the door, and halts in his tracks.

Jeff Jarrett: This is your worst nightmare, isn’t it, Ric? I’m making you watch your own living hell. The entire world knows that Ric Flair is not the great human being he tries to make himself out to be; he doesn’t even give a damn about his own son. But you’re not fully shallow, Ric; you care about people, you care about your golden family. Seeing that dream family fall and collapse, it would tear you up inside. It’d be worse than anything you ever experienced; losing the World Heavyweight Title, being publicly humiliated by Eric Bischoff time and time again, that plane crash that almost ended your career, being retired, they all wouldn’t compare. Ric… it’s time to for your worst nightmare, to become a reality.

Jarrett turns and turns the door knob, but it’s intelligently locked. Curt Hennig is an expert in B&E (breaking & entering) apparently, as he extends his him to Jarrett, an object apparently in it. Jarrett takes it, and it’s a crowbar! Jarrett uses the crowbar to pry at the lock and door, and after a few pulls, Jarrett’s able to pull the door off its hinges a bit. The Chosen One takes a step back before charging in, and he kicks the door down!

As Jarrett steps into the Flair household, there’s a chorus of yells and confusion from upstairs. A flight of steps are right in front of Jarrett, and a figure is standing at the top of the stairs. The pitch dark house gets some light as a figure turns the lights on from the top of the staircase. It’s little Reid Flair! He has his fists raised, like he knew Jeff was coming.

Reid Flair: I’ve been watching you from outside, you were on Nitro, just now. My Dad loves David, and I’m not gonna let you talk that way about my Dad, you asshole!

Jarrett simply smirks at the brash and brave Reid, but he is surprised as young Reid starts sprinting down the flight of stairs! Reid runs halfway down the stairs before jumping at Jeff Jarrett, but Jarrett raises his guitar and swings… and breaks the guitar over Reid’s head! Reid crashes and burns to the fancy marble floor at the bottom of the stairs, taking that fall like a champ. The teenage is lifeless at Jarrett’s feet, and Jeff has a sick smile on his face.

Jeff Jarrett: …That’s one down, Ric, two to go. Let’s go find out what holds in store upstairs, shall we?


Jeff starts walking up the steps to the upstairs, and as he does so, Hennig cuts the feed, the camcorder going static.


We cut back to the Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, the Nitro Tron snowy above Bischoff. The hideous, disgusting smile from Bischoff has disappeared; in its place is the grim look of a serious man, knowing what he just did let happen. Bischoff stares at Flair blankly, taking him in…

Ric Flair is sobbing, openly weeping uncontrollable tears. His face has turned red, his eyes puffy, snot running out from his nostrils. His arms are raised out in front of him, as if he’s grabbing at the Nitro Tron, trying to reach his family. Ric starts coughing and gagging, his body failing him. His legs give out, and Flair drops to his knees, still sobbing uncontrollably. As he does, he moans, screaming out “Reid! Elizabeth! Ashley!” over and over again. Flair continues to subconsciously grasp his hands out, trying to, and ultimately failing, to reach and save his family.


Tony Schiavone: …No, not this. Anything but this…

Mike Tenay: I-I can’t believe what I’ve just seen… this, no… this just can’t be.

Tony Schiavone: That, that’s his family, damn it! Call Jeff off, Eric! Call him off!

The camera focuses on Flair again, still sobbing uncontrollably as he yells out, “Reid!”

Mike Tenay: God, please, someone help! Someone stop the nWo… help Ric.

Flair continues to sob uncontrollably, this time yelling “Ashley!”

Mike Tenay: …Dear Lord, we’ve just seen the breakdown of Ric Flair…

Flair slowly crawls to the edge of the ring nearest the entrance stage. His upper body is leaning in between the first and second ropes, dangling over the apron. His right arm extends out as far as it will go, his fingers wiggling out to the Nitro Tron, still foolishly trying to reach for his family. As Nitro fades to black, we get one last shot of Ric Flair, weeping, tears, snot, and saliva falling from his face as he grabs for his family, a desperate, broken down man trapped in his own personal hell.

*END OF SHOW*​

Quick Results:
Shane Helms def. Lash Leroux at 4:07
Filthy Animals def. Natural Born Thrillers to retain the WCW Tag Team Championship at 6:19
Booker T def. Chris Kanyon at 8:13
Scott Steiner nc. Lance Storm and Mike Awesome at 7:22; Scot Steiner retains the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

A big LOL to those who thought Chris Jericho was coming into TTO. Epic fail. Overall, I think this was freaking epic... I hope you do too <3. Every who feedbacked Sin, expect it coming your way soon. C_class_superstar, PM me back about your BTB if you get the chance then.
 
#1,040 · (Edited)
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Here's the last Nitro on NBC. It's practically a PPV, really. Something over 30 pages, and lots of work. Tried to proofread it, but my eyes just started to blur by the end :p. Enjoy, and hope to get some love, boyo's <3.

World Championship Wrestling
WCW Wednesday Nitro
Outside Club La Vela, Panama City, Florida
March 6, 2002

*NITRO RECAP VIDEO*

*WCW HYPE VIDEO*

*OPENING CREDITS*


We are live from Panama City Beach, the place where an era ended almost one year ago. The final Nitro on the Turner Networks was live from here, and now, almost like it was planned :)side:), Nitro is back in Panama City, for the last Nitro on NBC.

Tony Schiavone: Ladies and gentlemen, hello, and welcome… to Wednesday Nitro!

Mike Tenay: Fans, this is World Championship Wrestling, and the season finale of Wednesday Nitro, here on NBC! I am ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay, and next to me, one more time, is Tony Schiavone!

Tony Schiavone: Professor, it has been an honor and a privilege to call all the shots with you over the years, and tonight, for the last time until WCW returns to television, we’ll do it again!

Mike Tenay: Tonight, an era ends for World Championship Wrestling, and we’re going to end that era with a bang! We are going to determine who is the undisputed World Heavyweight Champion, here tonight, when arch-rivals Booker T and ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner collide in the ring!

Tony Schiavone: They’ve met on pay per view twice this year already, but both times a clear winner was never determined. But tonight, right here on live TV, we’re going to see these two superstars wrestle until we have a clear winner, and an undisputed Champion!

Mike Tenay: It’s one of the greatest rivalries in WCW, one that has spanned from the tag team division, when Booker T and his brother, Stevie Ray, wrestled with Steiner and his brother, Rick. Harlem Heat and the Steiner Brothers put on classics before, and now, right here tonight, it will be Scott Steiner and Booker T, one more time, with the greatest prize in professional wrestling on the line!

Tony Schiavone: But there’s more than that, folks!

Mike Tenay: We’re about to get the action started right away tonight, ladies and gentlemen, and we’re going to do it with the reinstated WCW United States Championship! Four men will compete for the prestigious prize, but only one man will enter the off-season with the gold!

Tony Schiavone: And don’t forget, fans… anything goes in this match, tonight!

As the Dynamic Duo continue to hype up the return of the United States Title, “Horseman” hits, and Lance Storm comes jogging out from the back, to the theme of the Four Horsemen, carrying the tradition on (and getting him bigger cheers). Storm gets the crowd excited and ready to go for this match as he enters the ring, and when WCW’s horrible rift of “The Beautiful People” hits next, it marks the arrival of ‘The Career Killer’ Mike Awesome, now nWo-free. Awesome’s back in generic black trunks and a pad over his left elbow. Poor guy’s stuck being generic until the new television deal it seems. However, everyone knows Awesome still means business, and he’ll be proving that tonight. “Sugar Daddy” brings out Shane Helms, and while Helms’ entrance is still drawn out, and he’s still looking like Aladdin in his baggy silver best and baggy tights, the Sugar Whores Babies are not with him tonight. Cost-cutting measures~! “Who’s Better Than Kanyon” plays next, and Chris ‘Champagne’ Kanyon strolls out, wielding a bottle of champagne, the hideous fur coat, and again, that Buff Bagwell knock-off top hat. Ridiculous, sir. Kanyon, like Helms, takes his time getting into the ring. However, Helms, once in the ring, he quickly got ready for competition. Kanyon tries to take his time removing his jacket and top hat, and that’s a bad choice, as Mike Awesome grows tired of waiting, and flattens him with a lariat! We’re under way, so ring the bell Charles Robinson!

Match One
Chris Kanyon vs. Lance Storm vs. Mike Awesome vs. Shane Helms
WCW United States Championship – No Disqualification


Awesome’s lariat drives Kanyon back into the corner turnbuckles, and the Career Killer starts to beat Kanyon senseless, but it’s short lived, as Lance Storm runs and springboards off the second rope before side kicking Awesome right in the side of the face! Awesome crashes into Kanyon, a position Kanyon probably enjoys. Shane Helms comes running from the opposite corner, leaping over the two men, and landing on the apron right next to them and the turnbuckle. Helms leaps again, dropping Mike Awesome throat first on the top rope, hot shotting him. Helms lands on his knees on the apron, only to hop up onto the top turnbuckle. Helms scrapes Kanyon’s face, making him stagger back into the ring, and Helms leaps off the top, taking Kanyon down with the Overcast, aka a diving neckbreaker, aka the Buff Blockbuster. Suck on that, Bagwell. The high flying action continues though because as Awesome staggers back into the ring from the guillotine, Storm drops him with a Super Kick! Shane Helms gets up to his feet from the Overcast, and from behind comes Storm, lifting him up for a seeming belly-to-back suplex, and spins it out into a power bomb! Blue Thunder Driver! Storm covers: ONE! TWO! THR- SHOULDER UP!

Shane Helms gets the shoulder up, and what a wild start to this US Title match up! Storm waits for everyone to get up to their feet, and all three do so at the same time. The tempo quickly slows down, as the four men all take turns brawling with each other before it breaks down into two one-on-one encounters. Mike Awesome ends up slugging away on Kanyon, bashing his “pretty” face with hard strikes, while Lance Storm and Shane Helms go back and forth, grappling and going hold-for-hold. The two men dazzle the crowd in the center of the ring with their sequences, ending with a stellar stand-off. However, before the two men can try and lock-up again, Shane Helms is taken out by Chris Kanyon, as Mike Awesome whips Champagne right into him! Both men go down, and before Storm can react, he’s taken out by a running leg lariat from Awesome, knocking Storm through the second and third ropes and to the outside.

Awesome pursues to the outside, and hey, it’s no disqualification, so let’s have some fun. I said fun, so Awesome doesn’t just leave the ring, oh no. Instead, he waits for Storm to get up to his feet, gets a running start… and over the top rope suicide dive! Awesome collides with Storm, and the two men crash to the protective mats! “Holy Shit” chant? Yes, please and thanks. Both men are slow to get up from that spot, and rightfully so. The action is in the ring, then, as Chris Kanyon rakes the eyes of Helms to gain an advantage. Kanyon scores early, lifting Helms up into the air so his side is on Kanyon’s shoulders, and spins him, out, dropping him with the Argentine neck breaker! Kanyon covers, but it’s only a two count.

On the outside of the ring, both men are back on their feet, but it’s Mike Awesome, obviously, in control. The Career Killer bludgeons Storm with forearm strikes and stiff right hands before whipping him back first into the security guardrail. Awesome charges right afterwards, and STIFF leg lariat to Storm’s face! The Canucker drops like a ton of bricks onto his butt, and rightfully so. That kick could kill a child. Inside of the ring, Kanyon works over Helms some more, usually the basic brawling tactics and working Helms in the corner for the most part. However, he mixes it up here and there, scoring a long two count when he whips Helms into the ropes, only to shove him up into the air and crush him with his sit-out double leg slam. Some modern folks call it an Alabama Slam, but it’s really just a high-angle spine buster, when you think about it.

Back outside of the ring, and Mike Awesome is destroying Lance Storm, who looks a little concussed from the running leg lariat. Awesome sets a table up on the outside of the ring, but instead of using it, he whips Lance Storm into the timekeeper’s table. Watch out David Penzer! Storm collides with Penzer, and whoever rings the bell for WCW. Awesome looks on as Storm is down amongst the wreckage, and the Career Killer takes his time to walk over to Storm. As he does, so, he’s brained by a steel chair! Storm grabs a steel chair, and swings for the fences as he gets up from the timekeeper’s table, crushing Awesome in the skull. Back in the ring, Shane Helms fights out of the electric chair position, sliding down Kanyon’s shoulders and down to his feet. As Kanyon turns around, he swings for a clothesline, but Helms ducks that too. Kanyon turns around one more time, right into a kick into the abdomen… and the Vertebreaker~! Helms connects with his lethal finisher out of nowhere, and Kanyon’s folded up like an accordion! Cover: ONE! TWO! THRE – BROKEN UP… with a slingshotting Lance Storm, who elbow drops Helms in the back of the head.

Storm uses the top rope to slingshot himself over the rope and into the ring, and the elbow drop connects. Storm quickly pulls Helms back up to his feet, trying to ride the momentum he finally has. Storm lights Helms up with knife edge chops as the crowd – because who could ever forget Ric Flair? – yells out “WOO” with each chop as Storm knocks Helms back into the ropes. Storm whips the cruiserweight into the ropes, and then scores with a snap, rotating powerslam! Nice maneuver by Storm, but it’s a kick out at two by Sugar Shane. Storm keeps riding the wave of momentum, hitting a back breaker, only to keep a hold of Helms, get up to his feet, lift him up, and hit a running power slam. Nice combo, but a double sledge to his upper back from Chris Kanyon ends his ride. Kanyon, back on his feet, rocks Storm with right hands, knocking him back into the center of the ring, Kanyon pursuing with each strike. However, it just puts them in prime position for Mike Awesome to slingshot over the top rope, and take both men down with a diving cross body block! Double cover on both men: ONE! TWO! BROKEN UP!

Shane Helms comes to the rescue, leaping off his feet to land on Awesome with a senton, pushing even more weight down on Storm and Kanyon. They’re not too happy about it, apparently. Helms quickly gets back up to his feet, and starts kicking away at Mike Awesome as he gets up to his feet. Helms kicks, and then punches, and even throws in a back elbow strike, to try and subdue Awesome, but the Career Killer keeps getting back up to his feet. Helms eventually comes off the ropes and flies at Awesome, knocking him back into the ropes with a flying forearm strike. Helms hops right back up, comes off the ropes again… leaping Shining Wizard… but Awesome catches Shane Helms! Awesome grabs Helms out of the air, and spins around as he tosses Shane Helms into the air, sending the cruiserweight flying out of the ring, and through the table at ringside!

As Shane Helms crashes and burns in the wreckage of the broken table, a well deserved “Holy Shit” pops up yet again. Shane Helms is down and out, folks. Mike Awesome just half-shrugs his shoulders as Helms looks dead, and turns back around to face the ring. As he does so, he takes two forearm strikes, one from Storm, and the other from Kanyon. The two men work together, whipping Awesome across the ring and into the ropes. Awesome comes running back, and takes a Double Superkick! Nice double team-maneuver from Storm and Kanyon, but the big man stays on his feet… until Lance Storm drops him on his head with a cradle piledriver! Down goes Awesome! Lance Storm pulls himself up to his feet as Kanyon backs away from the carnage… only to lunge in, and Kanyon Cutter! Kanyon connects with his version of the Diamond Cutter out of nowhere, and hooks both feet as he makes the pin. Charles Robinson slides into position: ONE! TWO! THREE! It’s out of nowhere, but Chris Kanyon is the new United States Champion!

Chris Kanyon def. Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, & Shane Helms at 12:11 to win the WCW United States Championship

The crowd’s not too happy with the end result, but it doesn’t change the outcome. “Who’s Better Than Kanyon?” plays as Charles Robinson raises his hand into the air, the signal of his victory. Upon receiving the title belt, Kanyon grabs it immediately and pushes it up against his face, celebrating and sobbing. Fake sobbing, of course; he’s just trying to be an obnoxious prat. Cue the horrible celebration for Kanyon, while everyone groans.

Tony Schiavone: What a match that was ladies and gentlemen! All four men put everything on the line, but again, out of nowhere, Chris Kanyon, ever the opportunist, grabs the victory!

Mike Tenay: The awareness and ring-IQ of Chris Kanyon is top notch, Tony. Kanyon always know where he’s at, and what everyone around him is doing. He saw that Lance Storm was vulnerable, and just a few seconds later, dispatched him to become the new US Champion. He’s a wolf: he sees his opportunity, and he strikes.

Tony Schiavone: Well Mike Awesome and Lance Storm, two former Champions, will certainly be unhappy to walk out tonight with any title gold. Both men put on great efforts and looked close to winning.

Mike Tenay: Well so did Shane Helms, but we won’t be talking about how close he came to the United States Title, but how close he is to a broken body! He just got flung from the ring, Tony, and right through that table just a few feet from us. He’s looking worse for the wear, and as we get ready to head to a break, he’s being helped to the back by some agents right now.

We get a shot of Mike Rotunda and Johnny Ace helping Helms to the back as the show cuts to a…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, screw Tony Schiavone, let’s go to the sexy Stacy Keibler, free from the New World Order.

Year Long Culmination

We’re back in the interview area for Stacy Keibler, and she’s the beautiful dynamo doing the interview. Her subject? One of the two men in the main event tonight, ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner. Steiner’s already dressed to competition, his black tights with the red S on the sides, the sunglasses, no shirt, and that damn medieval chain mail plate over his head.

Stacy Keibler: Hi, I’m Stacy Keibler, and the man beside me is one who certainly needs no introduction. But just in case you want one, this is ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner, and you, Scott, are going to be headlining tonight’s Season Finale against Booker T, with the WCW World Heavyweight Title on the line. Any thoughts on how important this match is for you?

If Scott Hudson or Gene Okerlund asked that question, Steiner would berate them. But since it’s the sexy Stacy Keibler, Steiner just smirks at her.

Scott Steiner: Ya’ know, Stace’, I think everybody who has ever called themselves a fan of WCW, knows just how important this match is tonight. Tonight, me and Booker T, we finally finish this. We’ve really been going back and forth for over a year, and yet, there’s never been a true winner. Night of the Champions 2001, Slamboree, Uncensored, Mayhem in the Super Cage, the end of 2001, Sin, Superbrawl… we keep fightin’ over and over again, but yet, we never finish our problems.

Stacy Keibler: So tonight… it ends?

Steiner nods his head.

Scott Steiner: Oh yeah, Stacy, tonight, I’m gonna end it once and for all. Booker T, we had a little truce last week when we put WCW over our own feud, but tonight, it’s back to reality. When we step into the ring tonight, you’re once again that one-track minded *little bitch* who needs an ass kickin’! Over this past month, you took out my number one freak, Midajah, and at Superbrawl, you laid out my brother, my blood, Rick! You keep escalatin’ step after step, tryin’ to push me over the edge, but you can’t.

Steiner smirks again.

Scott Steiner: Your little ghetto tricks, Booker, they’re not gonna work. I’m not gonna snap, I’m not gonna lose my cool and open myself up to your attacks. I won’t let my guard down, and let you take away my title! I spent nine months away from the WCW World Heavyweight Title, and you almost got it away from me at Superbrawl! You were one shoulder away from gaining full possession of the World Heavyweight Title. And ever since that draw at Superbrawl, it’s been ten days without my title in my arms, and Booker, that’s been ten days too long. Tonight, I’m bringin’ my baby back home! You ain’t stoppin’ me, Booker! This is the third time we meet since I won the title two months ago, and it’s the last time. Third time’s a charm, Book, ‘cause this third time, there ain’t gonna be a count out, a double pin, none of that crap! We fight until a finish, and we fight until I make you pass out like the *little bitch* you are! So Stace’, holla’ if ya’ hear that, ‘cause I know you do!

Steiner gives the camera an intimidating look before walking out of the shot. As we get one last look at the beautiful Stacy Keibler, we cut back to the ring. However, one last thing: get more original, Scott Steiner. Used little bitch twice there? C’mon, sir. The steroids aren’t fucking with your brain too, right?

Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to Wednesday Nitro, folks, and that match tonight, Booker T versus Scott Steiner for the World Heavyweight Title is certainly going to be a war!

Mike Tenay: However, that’s not the only big matches we have tonight. In fact, we have two tag team matches coming up tonight. Later on in the show, the Young Lions, Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire, will settle their feud with the Natural Born Thrillers once and for all! But right now, however, we will witness the fall out of the New World Order.

Tony Schiavone: That’s right because ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan, who was noticeably absent from Nitro last week as the nWo was finally defeated, will team up with ‘Big Sexy’ Kevin Nash to take on the WCW Tag Team Champions, Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio!

Mike Tenay: The Filthy Animals were there last week to make sure the New World order got their due, but that wasn’t enough for them. Kidman and Misterio have issued a challenge to face the two nWo legends, Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash, and Larry Zbyszko is making it happen… and it’s happening right here, right now!

As the guitar chords of “Voodoo Child” play, ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan appears from the back, to a very mixed reaction. While Hogan’s still a heel – and has been since Fall Brawl back in September – there will always be a good portion of the fans who love him. Hogan appears from the backstage area, but it is not the same Hollywood Hogan. There is no air guitar tonight, nor any feather boas or sunglasses. Hogan’s not looking like the true nWo Hollywood Hogan, and hey, rightfully so I guess, since the nWo is finally dead. Hogan’s still in the black tights and has the electric black bandana, but the swagger’s gone. As Hogan enters the ring, we get the loud “HOOOOOWWWLLL” as the old Wolfpack theme hits, brining out ‘Big Sexy’ Kevin Nash. Nash is back in his Outsiders tights and top combo, again, showing that there is no more New World Order. Hogan’s a little chilly to Nash when he enters the ring, some tension between the two, apparently. “Filthy” hits, and the crowd gets on their feet as Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio come running out from the back, arms pumping as they get the crowd excited for this contest. Chavo Guerrero is with them tonight, just to make an appearance. The two eventually sprint down the aisle before diving into the ring, Chavo jogging behind them. Nick Patrick gets the match started moments later, with Rey Misterio and Kevin Nash to do the honors.

Match Two
Filthy Animals (w/Chavo Guerrero) vs. Hulk Hogan & Kevin Nash
Tag Team Match


It’s an obvious clash of styles, but it seems to me like Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash have something to prove here. Big Sexy tosses Rey Misterio around in the early going, his size far too much for Misterio right away. Nash is able to eventually sling Misterio into the corner with a two-handed choke toss, and then chokes Misterio in the corner with his big boot. Nash takes a few steps before charging in at him, but Nash is so slow, especially for Misterio’s reaction time, that Misterio easily uses the turnbuckles to help him spring upwards, shooting over Nash as he charges at him. Nash hits the breaks before he hits the turnbuckles, but Misterio still flips forward, sliding down Nash and scoring with a sunset flip. Nash kicks out right away, but Misterio’s already on his feet before Nash can react, and Misterio scores with a dropkick to the face!

Rey-Rey has the crowd on its feet with that maneuver in the early going, and the little jumping bean lunges at Nash as he gets up to his feet, attacking him with wild forearm strikes. It backs Nash into the ropes, but a whip is reversed by Big Sexy. Nash meets Misterio in the center of the ring, but tilt-a-whirl… and Nash takes the head scissors takedown! The crowd loves seeing Nash take the cruiserweight bump, and while it’s not the prettiest tilt-a-whirl head scissors, to say the least, it’s still a tilt-a-whirl head scissors takedown. Billy Kidman gets a tag in, and he goes to town on Nash for a while, but Big Sexy is able to knock him down to the canvas and tag in Hulk Hogan.

When Hulk enters the ring, any chance of high flying action from Kidman ends. Hogan just can’t do that kind of match, and it results in Kidman trying to attack Hogan from a brawling stand point. It fails, and Hogan takes control, over powering Kidman with right hands to knock him down. However, always resilient, Billy Kidman is continuously stingy, making Hogan work to keep him knock down. Kevin Nash gets involved at one point, landing a cheap forearm blow to the back of Kidman’s head as he runs off the ropes. Hogan puts Kidman down with a scoop slam afterwards, but gets in Nash’s face about it, pissed that Nash is trying to cheat. Again, the two aren’t on the same page. Moments later, when Nick Patrick is getting Rey Misterio back into his corner after breaking up a pin fall, Kevin Nash enters the ring. He claps his hands together, making Patrick hear a tag, and then tries to get Hogan to double team Kidman, signaling for a double power bomb. Hogan’s not having it, and just shakes his head at Big Sexy before exiting to his corner.

The Filthy Animals, destined to make a comeback, finally do. Kidman keeps fighting, and is able to slowly get up to his feet as he escapes a sleeper hold, after the universal sleeper spot where Patrick checks Kidman for a knock out. As Nash implores Hogan to choke Kidman to keep him incapacitated, Hogan stubbornly switches to a side head lock. Kidman is able to get out of that, and a few moments later, duck a Hogan right hand, and hit a drop kick! Hogan staggers, and a two more dropkicks knocks the big man down! Kidman makes the tag, and in comes Rey Misterio. Misterio knocks Hogan back into his corner with forearm strikes, and Nash tags himself in. Hogan, again, is pissed, and gives Nash a not-too-subtle nudge in the shoulder as Nash enters the ring. Nash and Misterio square off, and while Big Sexy knocks Misterio back with big strikes, things go awry when Rey-Rey ducks a Nash Big Boot. Misterio hits the ropes, and takes Nash to his knees by taking out Nash’s left leg with a low dropkick! Misterio hits the ropes again, looking for a shining wizard to end the match, but Nash gets out his right hand, full on punching Misterio in the groin! No DQ, ref?

The crowd jeers as Misterio doubles over, rolling into his own corner. Hulk Hogan is pissed, and enters the ring. Hogan confronts Nash as he gets to his feet, and Nash plays innocent while Hogan berates him. It eventually leads to Nash shoving Hogan out of his way, but the Hulkster retaliates by pointing the finger (of doom~!) at Nash. Nash smirks at Hogan, daring him to try him… and Hogan does, dropping Nash with three right hands and a scoop slam! The crowd cheers as Hulk Hogan exits the ring, leaving ringside as he walks up the entrance aisle, leaving Nash to fend for himself. By the time Nash starts pulling himself up to his feet, Misterio is back on his feet, and tags in Kidman. Rey stays in the ring, however, and hits the ropes… and connects with the shining wizard to Nash anyways! It was destined to be. Nash drops onto his back, and Billy Kidman is in prime position… Shooting Star Press! The crowd’s all cheers, and I can’t believe it as Billy Kidman covers: ONE! TWO! THREE! The Filthy Animals defeat Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash, and Billy Kidman pins Kevin Nash!

Filthy Animals def. Hulk Hogan & Kevin Nash at 7:42

Nash is down and out as Kidman and Misterio embrace in the ring, celebrating their big victory. It wasn’t necessarily clean, but it’s still a big win nevertheless for the reigning WCW Tag Team Champions. Nick Patrick raises their arms into the air before they get their belts back, and the two get onto the turnbuckles and raise them up, showing them off to the crowd as Nash angrily walks to the back, holding his palm up to his nose. Chavo finally enters the ring after Nash departs, joining his buddies in the middle of the ring as the two men get down from the turnbuckles. The Animals continue to celebrate the huge victory, three of the four members holding championship gold.

Tony Schiavone: What a huge upset for the Filthy Animals!

Mike Tenay: They may be the Tag Team Champions, but that doesn’t mean their favorites to beat two former World Champions. Billy Kidman pins Kevin Nash after the Shooting Star Press, but he does have to give an assist to Hulk Hogan on this one.

Tony Schiavone: Hulk Hogan wasn’t liking Kevin Nash’s method of cheat to win, and he let him know it!

Mike Tenay: There was clearly some tension between the two before the match began, as it looks like the two former running mates had some problems. That just became more apparent throughout the match, and if you upset Hulk Hogan, you’re gonna have to pay for it!

Tony Schiavone: Kevin Nash paid for it, and it let the Filthy Animals score one hell of a victory over the two legends!

Mike Tenay: This is truly shaping up to be a wild Season Finale of Nitro, fans, as we have already crowned a new United States Champion, and now this!? It’s a wild night, but it’s just picking up! Stay tuned for more!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Wednesday Nitro returns, there’s a boatload of cruiserweights in the ring. No, there aren’t more luchadores coming to America! It’s international palooza in the ring, as Alex Wright of Germany, Kaz Hayashi of Japan, Teddy Hart of Canada (or so they bill him from), Shannon Moore of America, and Lash Leroux from the Deep South (hey, it’s so back-ass there, it might as well be its own country). It’s about to get some more spice though, as the WCW-version of “Roadhouse Blues” brings out ‘The Insane Luchadore’ Super Crazy. Speaking of a boat to America! The crowd cheers for the Mexican daredevil, and the high flyer sprints down the entrance aisle before entering the ring, diving underneath the bottom rope and sliding to one knee. Crazy poses before making a loco face. Referee Scott Dickenson just shakes his head before getting everyone ready for a wild cruiserweight scramble.

Match Three
Alex Wright (w/Disco Inferno) vs. Kaz Hayashi vs. Lash Leroux vs. Shannon Moore vs. Super Crazy vs. Teddy Hart (w/Jack Evans)
6-Way Scramble Match


This is the Season Finale, so hey, let’s put some guys who haven’t been on television in a while, and just entertain the crowd and the fans at home. Filler match, sure, but better to have a filler match than a filler promo. The six men get spotty right away, as the three faces of the match, Alex Wright, Lash Leroux, and Super Crazy hit simultaneous hurricanrana’s to the heels at one point, but the heels strike back with stereo tilt-a-whirl head scissors. However, it’s all different: Hayashi hits Wright with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors into a bulldog, Shannon Moore turns his into a diving reverse DDT on Leroux, and Teddy Hart rotates around Super Crazy’s body not once, not twice, but three times before completing the head scissors takedown. Fucking hell, you spot monkeys.

Big spots galore, and people starting tumbling to the outside, allowing Super Crazy to hit a double jump springboard moonsault from the top rope to the outside, only for Teddy Hart to one up everyone, running and jumping over the top rope, taking everyone down with a no-rope assisted shooting star press! The six men separate, as only Super Crazy, Shannon Moore, Lash Leroux, and Alex Wright get back into the ring. Teddy Hart and Kaz Hayashi stay on the outside, where the Canadian-American youngster eventually drops Kaz right on his neck, lifting Hayashi up for a belly-to-back suplex, but flips it into a sit-out power bomb. That makes the Blue Thunder Driver look like nothing. Back in the ring, Alex Wright and Super Crazy team up momentarily, and Super Crazy takes out Shannon Moore with a leaping side two-legged heel kick to the face, knocking him right back into a Bridging German Suplex from Wright! Wright goes to cover, but Lash Leroux brakes it up with a springboard leg drop from the third rope to Wright! That takes out Wright, and Leroux gets up to his feet, Super Crazy is right behind him, grabbing his arms and sliding them across his throat with the straight jacket. From there, the Insane Luchadore lifts Leroux off his feet, and transition it into a release power bomb! It’s le ol’ Crazy Bomb, and it takes Leroux out, allowing Super Crazy to hit his three moonsaults. The Triple Moonsault seals it, and Super Crazy gets the three count before Teddy Hart can get back into the ring to break up the pin.

Super Crazy def. Alex Wright, Kaz Hayashi, Lash Leroux, Shannon Moore, and Teddy Hart at 5:34

As the rift of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” plays again, Dickenson raises Super Crazy’s arm in the air in victory. Crazy goes up to the second rope, standing on the middle rope as he raises his arms into the air, celebrating with the crowd. Teddy Hart is pissed as he and Evans storm up the entrance aisle, the brash youngster upset he couldn’t get back into the ring in time to break up the pin. Shannon Moore’s looking upset as well, kicking the bottom rope before leaving the ring, Kaz Hayashi just behind him.

Tony Schiavone: What a match, Professor! I could barely keep up with all of that high flying action!

If by keep up, you mean hype other matches tonight while Tenay calls the match at hand, then yes, you could barely keep up. Dick.

Mike Tenay: You put six high flying studs in the ring, and it’s going to get crazy! Those daredevils put it all on the line, but Super Crazy was the best of ‘em. The Insane Luchadore, despite losing to Chavo Guerrero last week for the Cruiserweight Title, is still someone to watch out for here in World Championship Wrestling. He’s got a bright future ahead of him in WCW, and all of the other cruiserweights are going to have to take it up a notch if they want to get a shot at Chavo Guerrero and the Cruiserweight Title!

Tony Schiavone: Very true, Professor, well said.

Wow, great addition, Tony. Really.

As the cruiserweights all leave the ringside area, there’s a moment pause, until…

Rest in the Nest

The crowd comes to life as “Seek and Destroy” hits, meaning that we’re going to get the arrival of one Steve Borden. And just like last week, it is indeed Borden, and not the man they call Sting, walking out from the back. Borden’s in a suit jacket, looking the part of someone corporate, not a dark and mysterious icon. As Borden starts walking down the entrance aisle, we quickly cut to a…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Wednesday Nitro returns, Steve Borden is already in the ring, and a microphone in hand. He starts to talk almost right after the show comes back from break.


Steve Borden: Before I dive into why I’m out here tonight, first, let me just get something off of my chest: The New World Order, is DEAD, BABY~!

The crowd cheers as Borden grins. It’s something Borden could say over and over again, I’d imagine.

Steve Borden: They came together over five years ago, but finally, after all of the speed bumps, the breaks in the action – everything – World Championship Wrestling is still alive, and despite what the critics try to say, we’re not going anywhere.

Ah yay, motivational speaking.

Steve Borden: Last week, last week was incredible when the boys in the back all came together, and represented what it means to be WCW. WCW, not any one person, defeated the New World Order. This is what we’re all about. And tonight, we’re going to keep showing the world just what World Championship Wrestling can do… when two of the greatest stars in this business, Booker T and Scott Steiner, collide for the WCW World Heavyweight Title!

Shill it, Steve, shill it.

Steve Borden: We’re going to end our time on NBC the right way, with that World Heavyweight Title match, but fans, I can promise you this, WCW will return, and I’m sure it will be sooner, rather than later. We’re going to travel around this country, and the world, to bring the fans the greatest wrestling today during our off-season, and you can check our website, WCW.com, to find out when we’ll be coming back to live television, and all of our latest news.

It’s incredibly horrible to do in a promo, but that sad part is, WCW really needs the shill job. Otherwise, the casual fan has no idea what’s going to happen with WCW in the near future.

Steve Borden: Now I think I’ve played the corporate company man well and long enough. I’ve talked about the future of World Championship Wrestling, so now… I need to talk about the future of Sting… and of Steve Borden.

Borden pauses for quite a while, lowering his head slightly as he tries to think of what he wants to say.

Steve Borden: Ever since last week, when WCW finally defeated the New World Order, my life has just kind of been in cruise control. I haven’t given much thought to the defeat of the nWo, or what it means for me, on a personal level. You see, the New World Order did a lot of damage during their run in this company, and I’m going to be perfectly honest: they damaged no one single person more than they did me.

Borden pauses, reminiscing on a lot of bad times.

Steve Borden: The nWo… they changed me, forever. The man that I am, Steve Borden, changed because of the New World Order. Before there ever was a New World Order, Steve Borden was Sting, and Sting was Steve Borden. We were the same people, the same entity. I was vibrant, I was eccentric, outgoing, and fun loving. My colors were bright, and I was lively. Every single person in the arena could get behind Sting, the Sting of old. But when the New World Order turned WCW into a state of chaos, of disorder and corruption… I was corrupted too. Sting was corrupted by the New World Order.

Borden pauses again, closing his eyes. Clearly, this is an emotional promo for him.

Steve Borden: If I were to ask any fan what colors they associate Sting with, it is not a light blue, or green, or yellow, no. When people think of Sting, they don’t remember the Scorpion, or the Stinger, they see the Crow. The New World Order changed Sting from that fun loving, happy guy, into a dark, mysterious, and brooding loner… in the black, and in the white. It was the nWo that changed Sting into the Crow; the nWo forever changed me. The person I became, the person that Sting had to develop into, was all because of the New World Order. My entire purpose, my whole reason for living, was to fight the New World Order. My only goal was to defeat the nWo! And guess what? It wasn’t even Sting who killed them! What did I accomplish!? What did the Crow really do!? What did STING REALLY DO!?

The fire’s in Borden’s eyes, but it is not to be in a professional wrestling ring. That fire, is all in himself.

Steve Borden: Over 5 years… 5 years of on-and-off fighting the New World Order, and yet, it wasn’t even me who defeated them. I poured everything into that battle, that war… and now that it’s over, why am I even here? What is Sting’s purpose anymore? The reason Sting kept coming back to WCW, the reason Sting flew from those rafters at Superbrawl, was the New World Order. It’s demented to say, but I needed the New World Order in my life! The nWo, they completed Sting, and now that they’re gone… the man they call Sting is empty. When the New World Order died last week… so to, did Sting.

Borden rubs his eyes with his thumb and two fingers, potentially swiping away a tear.

Steve Borden: Back in 1996, the New World Order killed the eccentric and fun loving Sting, and buried them deep within me. The birth of the nWo helped kill one Sting, and the death of the New World Order, killed the only Sting left. Last week, the Crow was defeated too, and now, there really is only one thing left to do. The time is here, the time is now… to announce my retirement from professional wrestling.

The crowd is initially stunned by Borden’s announcement, a sudden gasp from the audience. However, that surprise quickly turns into jeers: nobody wants to see this man retire from professional wrestling. Borden himself doesn’t like it either. He fights back tears as he responds to the crowd’s response.

Steve Borden: I know you don’t like hearing it, but I have admitted to myself that this is the right decision. Sting, the professional wrestler I have become over the years, is no more. Sting has been defeated, and try as I might to resurface the Crow or the Scorpion, I don’t know if I can. What purpose does Sting have left? There is nothing left for Sting to prove, no reason for Sting to fight. Sting is officially retired, my friends. The Crow was placed back in his nest last week when the nWo died, and now, it is time for the Crow to rest… forever.

Borden pauses, trying to make his point completely clear.

Steve Borden: Sting, Sting has been the person I’ve become, the person I had to change into to stay alive, help keep WCW alive. The New World Order morphed Sting into what I ended up as in these dying months. I have shed myself from the Sting persona, and I am going to let Sting rest in his nest. So while Sting may be no more, Steve Borden will still live on in World Championship Wrestling. I may no longer belong wrestling in this company, but Steve Borden has still devoted 15 years of his life to this company, and I’m never gonna leave it!

That gets the crowd cheering at least. Sting, the wrestler and character, may be retiring, but Steve Borden, the person, is still going to be a part of WCW, on-screen (and off, of course).

Steve Borden: Last week, as I celebrated in this ring with men like Booker T and Scott Steiner, Lance Storm and the Filthy Animals, I knew in my heart that WCW has found its future legends and icons. Those men, they are the ones to carry the torch now, not me. It is now my duty to help them along the way, steer them on right path to immortality and stardom. When World Championship Wrestling returns, I will still be here, and I will still be helping WCW in some capacity. Sting may be retiring tonight, but Steve Borden will still be here, helping lead WCW into a new era!

…it just won’t be in the squared circle.

Steve Borden: With all of this said, I just want to thank you, one final time, for letting the man you people call Sting, into your homes, and into your hearts. You people, you helped keep Sting alive when the New World Order beat me down over and over again. It was your love for Sting that kept Sting alive for so long, and your love will always keep at least some part of Sting alive, in each and every one of us. So, again, thank you, to every single person who has ever called themselves a Sting fan. I wouldn’t be here without you. But now, the show must go on, because, well, when World Championship Wrestling is in the house, it’s always gonna be… SHOWTIME, FOLKS!

Borden grins as he gets a catchphrase in one last time, and the crowd cheers as “Seek and Destroy” hits, potentially for the last time ever. Borden releases his microphone, letting it fall to the canvas, and exits the ring. Borden waves to the fans as he walks up the entrance aisle, the thousands of fans giving the former Stinger a standing ovation as he departs.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns…

Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to Wednesday Nitro, fans, and if you are just joining us, what a shocker you have missed! Sting is retiring!? Can it be!?

Mike Tenay: Well it certainly seems to be the case, Tony. Steve Borden has been Sting for over fifteen years, but the man we called Sting has changed immensely over the past five years after the introduction of the New World Order. The person Sting became as fighting the nWo became his obsession, it was nothing like the man Steve Borden ever wanted to become. And now, the New World Order is dead, and Sting doesn’t have to be that person anymore. The Crow is no longer needed to keep WCW safe, and Steve Borden can no longer carry that burden of being the Crow!

Tony Schiavone: It’s a darn shame to know that Steve Borden will never enter a professional wrestling ring again, but it’s still a comforting feeling to know that when WCW does return to television, Steve Borden will still be a part of World Championship Wrestling.

Mike Tenay: No one person has personified what it means to be WCW more than Steve Borden and the Sting character. While Sting’s wrestling days are now apparently over, Steve Borden will always define what it means to be WCW.

Tony Schiavone: Despite the retirement of wrestling sensation Sting, we still have a show to put on, fans, and we’re going to do just that.

Mike Tenay: That’s right because coming up next, the Young Lions and the Natural Born Thrillers are going to finish their long rivalry once and for all! These four men – Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire, and Mark Jindrak and Johnny Stamboli – all made their starts in wrestling in the WCW Power Plant. They trained together, became friends, and all developed in WCW together as the Natural Born Thrillers. While Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire eventually broke away from the group, the Thrillers resurfaced back in November when Mark Jindrak and Johnny The Bull re-aligned. They’ve been feuding ever since, and right now, it’s time to see which Power Plant tag team is truly, natural born thrillers!

With that said, “Young Lion” and its generic rock tune plays, bringing out the Young Lions from the back. Palumbo and O’Haire are sporting their blue attire tonight – Palumbo in the aqua blue trunks, O’Haire in the black biker trunks with blue lines on the sides. The two bash inner forearms on the top of the entrance “stage” before walking down the aisle and into the ring. “Avalanche” brings out the Natural Born Thrillers, sans Mike Sanders. Their manager has left for greener pastures, and now it’s just Mark Jindrak and Johnny The Bull tonight. The two men enter the ring, looking ready to prove their worth. Billy Silverman calls for the bell as everyone gets settled, and this pup’s underway.

Match Four
Natural Born Thrillers vs. Young Lions
Tag Team Match


It’s the end of a rivalry match, and these two teams know it, given the intense stare down as the match begins… followed by the wild four-man brawl as well. The four young guns all toss wild right hands, slugging each other senseless. Into the corner turnbuckles, along the ropes, in the middle of the ring, it’s all the same, wild, passionate brawling that Billy Silverman cannot control. He lets it go own, and good call, ‘cause don’t throw out this rubber match. The pier-four brawl ends with the Young Lions cleaning house, Chuck Palumbo sending Johnny The Bull out of the ring with a leaping side kick. Palumbo then aides his partner as the two men grab Jindrak by the hair and fling him over the top rope to the outside! As the Thrillers regroup together on the outside, here comes O’Haire, jumping over the top rope and landing on both men with a somersault senton! Much like the Seanton Bomb, really, but they’re standing and he’s running.

The action doesn’t stay on the outside, as O’Haire rolls Jindrak into the ring, and then climbs up onto his corner. In the ring, Palumbo work over Jindrak, scoring a near fall with a swinging side slam. Palumbo lifts Jindrak off his feet, so he’s perpendicular to his body, and then swings his legs out and slams him to the canvas. It looks almost like a Book End, but don’t tell Booker T that. The Young Lions are really on a roll here, as Sean O’Haire enters the match, and plows right through Jindrak with some right hands and knee strikes to Jindrak before hitting his rolling fireman’s carry slam. O’Haire makes another pin, but Johnny The Bull breaks it up, booting O’Haire in the head.

Stamboli’s interference helps give Jindrak time to recuperate, but he’s still on the receiving end of a beat down. The Young Lions continue to isolate Jindrak, so to change the momentum, the Thrillers have to bend the rules a little. Johnny The Bull walks along the apron at various times before going back to his corner, but the one time he does it, he’s fortunate enough for Chuck Palumbo to be running near the ropes. With Stamboli away from his corner, he’s close enough to hit a stray double sledge to the upper back of Palumbo. Chucky P staggers back into the ring, and Jindrak scores, lifting Palumbo up for a vertical suplex, but drops it into an implant DDT! That keeps Palumbo down, giving Jindrak plenty of time to recuperate, and then tag in his partner.

The Natural Born Thrillers now have the advantage, and Johnny The Bull roughly attacks Palumbo, fresh and ready to strike against his old friends. The Bull goes to town with the standard right hands for a while before incorporating some actual moves into his offense. Stamboli lifts Palumbo up in a military press, showing his strength, before letting Palumbo fall, landing chest first right behind his feet. No cover, but a minute later, The Bull scores a near fall with another military press, but this time turns it into a running powerslam! Nice toss and slam by Stamboli, but Palumbo still gets the shoulder up. Chuck Palumbo starts to mount a mini-comeback after the kick out, fighting his way up to his feet, blocking a Stamboli strike, and firing him a few shots of his own. Palumbo reverses a whip to send Johnny into the ropes, and Jindrak tags himself in on the rebound. Palumbo downs The Bull with a shoulder block, but then has to try and handle Jindrak. He can’t, as Johnny The Bull trips him from behind with a leg sweep, and Jindrak, right in sync with his partner, crushes Palumbo with a leg lariat to the face!

With the great double team maneuver, it seems like the Natural Born Thrillers have this match in hand, but the great face comeback is yet to come. Palumbo keeps taking the beating, on the receiving end of more hard strikes from the Thrillers, as well as a high angle belly-to-back suplex from Jindrak. However, Jindrak tries to end the match, and that’s where we get our comeback. Jindrak whips Palumbo into the corner, and connects with a running cross body block into his cornered opponent. From there, Jindrak hoists Palumbo up until he’s sitting on the top turnbuckle. Jindrak is slow to lift Palumbo up into position, and takes his time climbing up to join Palumbo. By the time Jindrak tries to hit his Frankensteiner, Palumbo is able to fight off Jindrak’s attempt, and after a slow tussle between the two, Palumbo gains the upper hand, and wraps his arms around Jindrak’s torso before driving him to the canvas with a super side slam!

If we were up north, that’d be something much like a Side Effect. Instead, it’s one hell of an impact maneuver, and both men are down on the canvas. Billy Silverman starts the ten count, but who cares, as both men eventually make the tags! Sean O’Haire storms into the ring after the hot tag, and starts bulldozing through the Thrillers, knocking The Bull down multiple times with running forearm strikes. Jindrak comes back into the mix, but eats a big back body drop, followed by The Bull going down with a roundhouse kick! Sean O’Haire is fired up, pumping his arms out and roaring away, the testosterone pumping. It doesn’t help, though, as he soon falls victim to the numbers game, the Thrillers getting back in control. However, Chuck Palumbo comes to the rescue. The Thrillers whip O’Haire into the ropes, and stand side by side, looking for a double team maneuver. Instead, Chuck Palumbo knocks Johnny The Bull’s block off with a Jungle Kick! Jindrak sees it and hesitates as O’Haire comes in, allowing the hoss to catch him with a huge knee lift to the face!

The Young Lions are back in control, although Billy Silverman forces Chuck Palumbo back into his corner. It’s at a poor time because it’s as Sean O’Haire looks to finish Johnny The Bull off with a crucifix power bomb. As O’Haire lifts him up, it’s all too easy for Mark Jindrak to blindside him with a running leg lariat to the ribs, forcing O’Haire to drop Jindrak, and let The Bull drop him with a spinning heel kick. That momentum is short lived though, as Sean O’Haire just ends up reversing a whip and planting his foe with a flapjack. O’Haire tags in Chuck Palumbo, who immediately signals for a Jungle Kick. In comes Mark Jindrak, and Sean O’Haire joins in too. Mark Jindrak breaks up the Jungle Kick before it can occur, driving a shoulder into Palumbo, driving him back into the ropes. O’Haire breaks that up with a double sledge to the upper spine, and then a knee lift. O’Haire deals with Jindrak, while Palumbo battles with The Bull. Moments later, simultaneous big blows: Sean O’Haire lifts Jindrak up and plants him with a crucifix power bomb, just as Palumbo scores with the Jungle Kick! Both men are down, and Palumbo and O’Haire bash their forearms together. From there, Palumbo has O’Haire go up top… and Seanton Bomb to Johnny The Bull! O’Haire connects beautifully, and Palumbo makes the cover… ONE! TWO! THREE! The crowd screams its delight as the two babyfaces pick up their rubber match victory, the Young Lions fired up as well.

The Young Lions def. the Natural Born Thrillers at 11:19

David Penzer booms the end result, and “Young Lion” plays as the two young superstars celebrate their victory over their longtime rivals. As Silverman raises their arms into the air, Jindrak and The Bull slowly roll out of the ring and start their final journey together up the entrance aisle, losing their feud to the Young Lions.

Tony Schiavone: The Young Lions finally get that ending victory over the Natural Born Thrillers, and Mike Tenay, these two young guns have a huge future ahead of them!

Mike Tenay: Oh indeed, Tony. These men are already multi-time Tag Team Champions in this company, and when World Championship Wrestling returns from its off-season, you can expect more success from these two men!

However, the hype of the Young Lions is cut short because apparently there’s something going on in the back…

The Immortal Return

As we cut to the back, we are following ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan, somberly walking through the hallways. Multiple men see Hogan as he walks down a corridor, and Hogan looks at many of them, getting nothing but cold shoulder’s, icy glares, and disappointed shake of the heads. Hogan has to deal with it, though, seeing as he sold WCW out months ago for the New World Order. Now that the nWo is dead, Hogan must face the consequences of his actions.

To say the least, Hogan’s glad to reach his locker room door and enter the safe confines of it, away from the WCW superstars who have turned against him. However, his locker room isn’t that safe apparently because someone has most definitely been in his room. How do we know this? Well, there’s a steel chair in the middle of the room, and on the seat of that chair… the red and yellow attire of Hulkamania! The tights, the weight belt, the bandana, and even the feather boas are draped around the top of the chair. Hogan’s perplexed by the “gift” in his locker room, and spies a note on top of his old red and yellow gear. The note is addressed to Hulkamania. Hogan tentatively takes the note in his hand, and flips it open to read it:

“To Hulkamania,
Use it well,
-A friend​

Hogan’s completely baffled by who has left this note for him, and the attire as well. It’s clear, however, that someone is sick of seeing Hollywood Hogan, and is ready for Hulkamania to run wild on World Championship Wrestling one more time.


Instead of taking a commercial break, we stay in the back, seeing as there was a break during the tag match.

Stop! Booker Time

Back to the interview area we go, and Scott Hudson is standing next to the other man who will main event tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match, Booker T. Booker’s already dressed for competition, his trunks, knee pads, and boots all a fiery red tonight. Clearly, he’s looking motivated and ready for tonight.

Scott Hudson: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We are just moments away from the huge main event of tonight’s Season Finale for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. In one corner, it will be ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner, the two time Champion. In the other corner, it will be this man next to me, four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Booker T!

Cue the close up on Booker.

Scott Hudson: Now Booker, this match is one of the biggest of your career. This could very well be the last time you get a chance at the World Heavyweight Title. What’s going through your mind as you’re just moments away from this astronomical match?

Booker nods his head a few times, trying to collect his thoughts.

Booker T: Ya’ know somethin’, I’ve been chasin’ this title fo’ ova’ five months now. I got robbed by ‘da n-Dubya-o at Fall Brawl, n’ been screwed time afta’ time. At Starrcade, I got robbed by the n-Dubya-o. December 26… Nitro… the biggest whiny, overrated, honky ******** in professional wrestling broke a guitar ova’ my head. Sin and Superbrawl, me n’ Steina’ fight… and no winner.

Booker glares off-camera, reminiscing on his bad times.

Booker T: I went through hell n’ back ta’ try n’ fight fo’ this Worl’ Heavyweight Title! I could’ve broke muh neck n’ muh back in ‘da Supa’ Cage at Mayhem. I’ve taken beat down after beat down, but no matta’ what, I ain’t givin’ up! I’ve come too far ta’ not win muh title, muh glory! This is muh shot, n’ Scott Steina’, yo’ cracka’ ass is goin’ down!

Booker nods his head emphatically.

Booker T: I don’t give a damn if this is muh last chance at the Dubya-See-Dubya Worl’ Title, ‘cause I’m takin’ this shot, right here, ta’night, n’ I’m takin’ ‘da gold! Fo’ too long, I’ve let people like Scott Steina’, the n-Dubya-o, everyone, hold me back. Well ta’night, it’s Booka’ T who is comin’ down that entrance aisle. It is Booka’ T who will be in that ring, fightin’ fo’ ‘da Worl’ Heavyweight Title, n’ you can be damn sure that it will be Booker T, winnin’, the Dubya-See-Dubya Worl’ Heavyweight Title! Fo’get Scott Steina’, fo’get the fans, fo’get Dubya-See-Dubya! All ya’ need to know, is Booker T! Remember ‘da name, Scott Hudson, remember ‘da name… of Booker T! Now can you dig that?

Booker gives Hudson a challenging look before turning on his heel and walking off-camera, presumably to the ring. The camera gets a final shot of Scott Hudson, trying to analyze everything Booker T said as the commentators speak over the shot.

Mike Tenay: The heated rivalry between Booker T and Scott Steiner is about to come to a close, with a head on collision for the biggest prize on our sport, the WCW World Heavyweight Title! It doesn’t get any bigger than this!

Tony Schiavone: And folks, it’s coming up next!

Or so you think!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

When Nitro returns, we’re not at ringside, waiting for the main event begin. D you know why? BECAUSE TONY’S ALWAYS WRONG~!

Setting A Seed For the Summer

Instead of being a ringside, we are backstage, one last time.

Kaz Hayashi and Shannon Moore are walking backstage, carrying their duffel bags as they look to leave the arena, and before the main event too! How rude. Since when are these two friends, by the way? Oh well, who cares. As the two men walk, they’re called for, first by a whistle, and then by, you guessed it, words~!

Shane Helms: ‘Ey, boys! Hold on just a minute. I’d like a word with you both…

Moore and Hayashi look at each other, confused, before turning around to face Shane Helms. Apparently, they want to listen to the young cruiserweight sensation. Helms smirks, and gingerly walks towards the two, banged up from his opening defeat tonight. Helms is in just sweatpants and a wife beater, a wrap bandaged over his shirt along his ribs.

Shane Helms: You know, I was watching that cruiserweight scramble tonight when I was getting my ribs taped up. I was impressed with what you guys showed out there tonight.

Moore and Hayashi both look on confused. They did lose tonight, after all.

Shane Helms: No, I’m serious, really. Shannon, we used to roll together, and you’ve always had talent, man. And Kaz, the trainings you picked up from your native Japan, you offer something that people struggle counter. The talent for you both is there, but you’re missing… something.

Helms smirks as he looks as the two.

Shane Helms: There was no sense of unity tonight when you two wrestled. It was a six man match, but you both went every man for himself. You think guys like Alex Wright and Super Crazy fought every man for himself? Of course not! Those two worked together! They got you, Kaz, on the outside where Teddy Hart could dispose of you. And you, Shannon, c’mon brother! Crazy and Wright took you out together, man! They doubled team you to take you out of the match… ‘cause they saw the threat you possess!

Helms is starting to make the two believe his words as they both nod their heads.

Shane Helms: Me, I see the threat that the two of you can possess… but no one else does! If you want to make your mark in this cruiserweight division, it’s time for you to start taking action! The old guard of the cruiserweight division – men like Chavo Guerrero, the Filthy Animals, and Super Crazy – they team up and steal opportunities from men like you! It’s high time for the young blood of the cruiserweight division to start lookin’ out for each other, watching each others’ backs, and get rid of these old son’s a bitches who won’t make room for us! This is our time, boys!

Moore and Hayashi agree, yelling out a collective, “yeah,” and nodding their heads. Helms slaps the two men on the shoulder, and the cruiserweights follow Helms back into the arena, preparing to hatch some plans for when WCW returns.

Now, we’re back at ringside, and yeah, it’s time…

After a pause, “Holla If Ya Hear Me” hits, bringing the crowd to life as ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner glides out from the back, along with the shades, mail chain plate, and a lead pipe. The crowd’s reaction, as always, is very mixed to the arrival of one Mr. Steiner. A good bit of the fans absolutely hate Steiner and his arrogant, bad ass ways, but some love his rebel attitude. Scott Steiner’s his own authority, and some find him to be such a bad ass, that he’s just that awesome. He’s not the only one getting a mixed reaction though, as Booker T gets a very mixed reaction as well when “Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game” hits too. Booker’s character has changed in the last month, calling the fans sheep’s and turning into a more individualistic being. Booker doesn’t recognize the crowd’s mixed reaction, instead keeping his eyes on the ring as he heads down the entrance aisle and into the ring. Once in the ring, senior official Randy Anderson raises the big gold belt up into the air, but everyone already knows that’s what these two are fighting for. Pee Wee Anderson gives the World Heavyweight Title Belt to a stagehand after David Penzer does the in-ring introductions. From there, after a delayed moment’s hesitation, Anderson calls for the ring of the bell, and the final match on NBC is underway!

Main Event
Booker T vs. Scott Steiner
WCW World Heavyweight Championship


The atmosphere in the “arena” is tremendous as Booker T and Scott Steiner stare each other down in the ring as the match starts, fans cheering and cameras flashing everywhere. This is a monumental moment, and they both know it. It’s a long stare down to start, and the two men start the match off right, slowly building up the tension with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. The two men test their strengths against each other, and to nobody’s surprise, Big Poppa Pump shoves Booker down to the canvas, drawing a pop from the crowd. Booker looks shocked by it, and gets right back up to repeat the process. The two men repeat the process multiple times, and while Booker holds his own against Steiner, shoving him down a few times, Steiner’s strength cannot be truly matched in the end.

Steiner uses his strength to grab the early advantage, and slugs Booker around the ring with slow, big right hands and forearm strikes. Booker fights back though, hurdling over Steiner as Big Poppa Pump tries a back body drop. Booker comes back off the ropes, and knocks Steiner back with a leaping forearm smash! With Steiner staggering, Booker follows up with a side Russian leg sweep, and scores a quick two count. The Booker Man keeps going, getting Steiner in a tie-up, and then going hard knock style, kneeing Steiner in the head three times before releasing him, and dropping him with a huge roundhouse kick to the head!

It’s Booker T who has the momentum now, and the four-time World Champion dazes Steiner with swift jabs before backing Steiner back into the ropes with hard knife edge chops. Booker holds nothing back, reddening Freakzilla’s chest before lifting Steiner up off his feet, draping his feet on the top rope. With Steiner caught in a rope hang, Booker keeps Steiner airborne with a headlock, and drives five back knee lifts into Steiner’s torso and face before dropping him back into the ring. Cover by Booker, and count by Pee Wee: ONE! TWO! KICK OUT!

Booker’s not disappointed in Steiner’s kick out, but instead keeps attacking Steiner with a renewed vigor. At Sin, Booker T lost his composure, and it failed him in getting the WHC. At Superbrawl, he kept his composure, but he let up a little. Tonight, Booker knows it’s his final chance, and a huge chance at glory. Booker backs Steiner into the corner with repeated chops. Kicks to Steiner’s torso follows, knocking Big Poppa Pump down to the canvas with a leaping back kick. Booker eventually takes BPP out of the corner and hits a sidewalk slam, but Steiner kicks out of the ensuing pin fall.

Big Poppa Pump won’t get his ass kicked for long like this, and fights back. While he’s able to land in some right hands and get Booker T staggering, a quick kick to the abdomen doubles him over. However, Steiner ends up reversing the ensuing whip into the ropes, and knocks Booker down with a shoulder block. Steiner hits the ropes as Booker gets to his feet, and derails him with a Steinerline! Booker drops, and Steiner makes a quick cover: ONE! TWO! SHOULDER UP!

He’s slow to get back up to his feet, but Freakzilla getting the upper hand, it seems. Booker pulls himself up to his feet, but Steiner knocks him back into the ropes with a big right forearm strike. Steiner charges Booker quickly, and sends him flipping over the top rope and to the outside with a running shoulder block. Steiner exits to the apron, and simply waits. As Booker pulls himself up to his feet off the mats, Steiner “flies” off the apron, crowning Booker with a double axe handle! These men will pull out all the stops, including Steiner going high risk… if you can call it that. However, it gets Steiner more of an advantage, and allows him to whip Booker back first into the security guardrail, the side of the ring, and then again into the security guardrail. As Booker crashes into the guardrail one more time, Steiner charges, full on tackling Booker into the guard rail! The guardrail almost snaps at its connecting points, but thankfully holds strong. That’s how a riot could start, you know. Steiner’s not done on the outside though, as he picks Booker up into the air with a military press, and lets him fall behind him… dropping Booker throat first on the guardrail!

Booker’s windpipe is crushed by the guardrail, and the Booka’ Man drops to the mats and curls into a ball, feeling completely destroyed right now. Ouch, that has to hurt. Big Poppa Pump stands over the fallen Booker, smirking as he tries to get air flowing back through his lungs. Steiner eventually rolls Booker back into the ring, only to drop him with a double underhook suplex, followed by Steiner’s steroid-pump-up – and kiss tip – elbow drop. Steiner pins, rolls off at one, and does some push-ups, taunting Booker T, even though Booker’s too out of it to realize. Instead, it’s all Big Bad Booty Daddy, as Scotty Steiner goes to town on Booker. While Steiner’s content to just pummel his longtime foe with right hands and forearm strikes, Steiner mixes in some big impact maneuvers as well, first whipping Booker into the corner. Steiner follows up with a running clothesline into the corner, but he’s not done there. Steiner hoists Booker up to a sitting position on the top turnbuckle, and Big Poppa Pump climbs up too. Booker ends up standing doubled over on the top rope, and Steiner on the second turnbuckle… and Freakzilla flips him over his body with an exploder suplex! Super exploder suplex from the top turnbuckle, and Big Poppa Pump’s down on the canvas too after taking the fall from the second turnbuckle. After a few moments, Steiner drags himself over to Booker, and makes the cover: ONE! TWO! THRE- SHOULDER UP!

The crowd applauds the kick out because, hey, they want this pup to continue. Continue it will, although Steiner’s a little slow to get up to his feet. He’s going to sacrifice his whole body if he has to, if it means winning sole possession of his World Heavyweight Title. While Steiner’s up on his feet, Booker’s struggling himself. Book tries to pull himself up to his feet, but can only manager to get to his hands and knees before starting to slump back down. Using this to his advantage, Steiner stands over Booker, and smashes a double sledge into his back. From there, Steiner raises his hands above his head, locking them together: he’s calling for the submission. Freakzilla grabs Booker underneath the arms pits, lifting him up slightly… and he locks in the Steiner Recliner submission hold! It’s nothing more than a modified camel clutch, but it can also serve as one hell of a choke hold, and the effects start to show on Booker T’s face instantaneously. Booker flails his arms, trying to find a way to break free, but it’s no use. Steiner has the hold locked in, and Booker’s too far away from the ropes to get a break.

Despite fighting the submission hold, Booker starts to fade as Big Poppa Pump keeps the Steiner Recliner locked in. Universal spot time: Anderson checks Booker T for a knock out as his body goes limp. Booker’s arm falls once, falls a second time, and starts to fall a third time, but stops it from going down all the way! The crowd breaks out into cheers as Booker starts to come back to life. A good portion of the fans may have turned against them, but they want this match to keep going, and they admire his resiliency. Booker tries to break out of the Steiner Recliner one more time, but is still incapable of prying himself free of Steiner’s steroid-fueled arms. Instead, Booker rams his head backwards into Steiner’s abdomen multiple times, doing it until Steiner’s grip on him loosens enough for Booker to slide his feet and body towards the ropes enough to get his foot on the bottom rope! Huge rope break for Booker T there!

Steiner’s looking pissed that the Recliner is forced to be broken up, but isn’t ready to give up control of the match just yet. Steiner pulls Booker up to his feet, and jacks him with a forearm strike, knocking Booker back into the ropes. Booker tries to fight back, but he’s clearly weakened from the Steiner Recliner. Booker’s on the receiving end of more strikes from Big Poppa Pump, and Steiner eventually drags his foe into the center of the ring. Steiner wants to finish it, right here, right now, and locks him in a front face lock before lifting him off his feet. Steiner rotates Booker… and he’s looking for the Steiner Screwdriver! Booker desperately tries to wiggle free from Steiner’s clutches, not wanting to suffer that huge drop into a modified piledriver, and hey, who can blame him. Booker keeps wiggling, and it eventually gets him somewhere, as Booker starts to fall back down to the canvas, aided with a seemingly inadvertent knee to Steiner’s torso on the way down. Booker is free, and both men stagger backwards momentarily. They stand up straight simultaneously, and it’s Booker T firing rapid right hands! Booker gets Steiner reeling… Harlem Side Kick, but it misses! Booker’s off balance as he misses the leaping kick, and staggers right into a spinning belly-to-belly suplex! Cover! ONE! TWO! THRE- SHOULDER UP!

Again, Booker T keeps fighting throughout this match, and Steiner’s certainly wondering what it’s going to take to finish him. The Steiner Recliner couldn’t get the job done, and the Screwdriver never even got off the ground. Steiner just starts wailing away on Booker with his right hands and forearm strikes, just passing time until he gets inspiration for what it will take to end Booker. As Big Poppa Pump knocks Booker back into the corner with his strike, it is there that the inspiration is found. Steiner smirks as he rakes his forearm across Booker’s nose and face, and then gets underneath. Following three shoulder thrusts to the ribs, Steiner drives Booker back up to a sitting position on the top turnbuckle. Steiner backs away, turning his back to Booker as he signals for a move that may very well kill him now: the Avalanche Frankensteiner! Steiner walks back over to Booker, and climbs up to the first turnbuckle, and then the second. As Steiner prepares to make the final climb up top, he’s greeted with a head butt to the torso! Booker’s not going down easy, and he knows what’s coming… and he’s going to fight. The two men quickly exchange right hands, but another head butt from Booker T seals the deal! Steiner falls off the second turnbuckle, and down to the canvas! Steiner’s down flat on his back, and Booker T, slow to get untangled from the top turnbuckle, slowly pulls himself up so he’s standing on that top turnbuckle pad. Booker checks his feet and takes a deep breath before leaping off… HARLEM HANGOVER… and it misses!

Oh my! If Booker hit that somersault leg drop, it would’ve been over! There’s a gasp from the crowd, as both men are down and out on the canvas. Randy Anderson refuses to start a ten count, as he knows that tonight’s match must have a winner! There will be no double knock outs here, folks. Both men slowly get back up to their feet, and when they do, it’s a stare down, the two both breathing heavily, especially Steiner. The two men slowly circle each other along the edges of the ring, each man giving the other a sharp, quick nod of respect before swinging with hard right hands! Both men take the shots to the face, and stagger back. From there, the intensity is right back to high levels, as the two men start beating each other senseless, throwing wild haymakers, one after another, not aiming or looking where their blow goes, just swinging away.

The brawl keeps going, but ends with Scott Steiner tackling Booker into the ropes. Big Poppa Pump gets the quick upper hand, and tries to whip Booker across the ring. Booker reverses it and spins before leaping off his feet, and connects with a beautiful short-arm Harlem Side Kick! Down goes Steiner, and Booker’s fired up now. Steiner pulls himself right back up to his feet, but walks right into a running bicycle kick from Booker, knocking Steiner into the ropes. Freakzilla rebounds off them, but Booker just keep kicking away, locking in an arm wrench before booting Steiner right in the chin with a hook kick! Booker dances and jives a bit as Steiner slowly pulls himself up to his feet. Booker hits the ropes as the doubled over Steiner gets up… Harlem Axe Kick! Down goes Steiner, and better way to follow it up than with the Spinaroonie~! Suck on that, Travolta. Booker’s got just one thing left to do, and that he does: the cover! Anderson slides into position and we have a new World Champion… ONE! TWO!





SHOULDER UP!



The crowd explodes into cheers as Steiner kicks out, and this match is still going! Booker’s eyes are larger than tennis balls in disbelief: “no way could Steiner kick out of the Axe Kick” must be running through his head. The Book Man slowly pulls himself up to his feet after just looking on in disbelief for a few moments. While the adrenaline is pumping through him right now, he’s still feeling the effects of everything that’s happened to him throughout this match. When Booker gets Steiner up to his feet, he slows the tempo, not wanting to risk striking big just yet in case it backfires. Instead, it’s chops to the chest from Booker T to wear Steiner down before slowly setting Freakzilla up and planting him with a side Russian leg sweep. A leaping knee drop follows after hitting the ropes, and a two count as well. Booker knows that moderate offense like this won’t finish Scott Steiner off, you have to go big or go home at some point. Book knows it, and eventually tries the Book End, hoping to seal the deal and win the gold. However, Scott Steiner’s not going down easily, and starts rapid firing side elbow strikes to Booker as he looks for the finishing blow. Steiner doesn’t stop, elbow shot after elbow shot connecting with the side of Booker’s skull until he’s forced to release his hold on Freakzilla and abort his Book End attempt. Book staggers away from Steiner, clutching his head as he does so, those elbow shots doing a good number on him. Steiner gathers his bearings before driving in, but Booker sees Steiner coming just in time, and spins away from Steiner’s shoulder block attempt. Big Poppa Pump staggers forward, losing his balance on the mishit, and Booker looks to takes advantage of it. Book swings in with a super kick, but Steiner ducks(!?) the attempt, and grabs Booker before he can turn around… and scores with the reverse DDT!

Both men are down on the canvas yet again, but Scott Steiner is recuperating quickly this time. He pulls himself up to his feet, but backs into the ropes, using them to keep him upright while he focuses on… breathing. Yeah, just breathing. Big Poppa Pump is well, big, and needs to keep the air running through him if he’s to survive this match much longer. Booker tries to start pulling himself up to his feet while Steiner keeps on breathin’, his eyes closed in concentration. It’s like he knows though, because as Booker starts trying to get up to his feet, he charges, decking Booker with the Steienerline! Booker goes down, but his problems are just starting, as Steiner roughly hoists Booker’s torso up, and locks in the Steiner Recliner yet again!

Steiner roughly locks in the submission maneuver, and Booker’s flailing like a rag doll, his legs unable to get a firm plant on the canvas, meaning he can just kick away and get nowhere. Booker knows if Steiner can get a firm grip on the Recliner, he’ll be trapped and pass out from the pressure of the hold. Booker keeps flailing away, his legs, arms, everything. Booker’s lucky enough to be close enough to the edge of the ring to kick his legs repeatedly, slowly nudging him the foot he needs to crawl, allowing his left foot to repeatedly kick the bottom rope. All that kicking works well, as Booker finally gets his left foot safely on the top of the bottom rope! Steiner can’t believe it, and is forced to release the hold as Pee Wee Anderson sees the rope break.

As Big Poppa Pump releases Booker T, Book flops face down on the canvas, his right hand rubbing his throat. He’s breathing heavy, his eyes are a little glazy, and he’s definitely drained. Freakzilla knows it, and he’s going to use it to his advantage. Steiner roughly pulls Booker up to his feet, and knocks him into back into the ropes with some hard right hands. Steiner whips Booker across the ring and into the ropes, and as Booker comes back at him, Steiner catches him around the torso. Overhead belly-to-belly suplex… wait, no! Booker gets his legs wrapped around Steiner’s ankles and shins, preventing the suplex. Steiner tries again, but Booker’s going nowhere! Steiner keeps trying, and Booker just waits until Steiner lets up for a moment. When he does, Booker releases his feet from Steiner’s calves, and knees him in the mid-section! Booker follows up with two more knee strikes to break free from Steiner’s arms. The psychology’s starting to fade here, and Booker quickly whips Steiner into the ropes… and plants him with the 110th Street Slam!

The delayed spinebuster connects, and both men are down now! Steiner’s flat on his back, while Booker’s face down, still needing to recuperate from a second Steiner Recliner. It takes Booker some time to get up to his feet, but once he does, he gets his right hand up in front of him, putting him in a trance. The head’s a bobbing, and Booker T is feeling “it” once again. Booker hops around the ring once before pointing to the corner, drawing a big reaction from the fans. Booker T wants to finish this match, right now, and he’s going to do it with style! Booker exits the ring onto the apron, and slowly climbs up the turnbuckles, starting his journey to the top. If Booker’s looking for the Harlem Hangover, it’s not going to do because Big Poppa Pump is showing signs of life and slowly getting up to his feet. As Booker T gets up to the top turnbuckle, he gathers his bearings, and checks his footing. Mike Tenay is calling for the Heat Seeker missile dropkick as Booker gets ready to leap. Here we go… HEAT SEEKER… hah, no! Booker never even gets to jump, as it’s Scott Steiner leaping through the air, jumping at the ropes. Steiner’s weight lands on the top rope, causing them to shake violently, and Booker loses his balance! Book falls, crotching himself on the top turnbuckle!

Any and all men are feeling for Booker T as his groin collides with the top turnbuckle and the steel connecting the turnbuckle and the ring post. Booker’s eyes are closed, and he’s in pain, from that last spot, and the match overall. Steiner slowly walks along the edge of the ropes to the corner, and swings Booker’s legs back into the ring, so he’s sitting on the top turnbuckle yet again. Steiner again climbs up the turnbuckles, slowly making his way to the second turnbuckle. Steiner wears Book down with two right hands before climbing up to the third turnbuckle… and AVALANCHE FRANKENSTEINER!! Oh my Darwin! Both men are down on the canvas, and a very well deserved “Holy Shit” chant breaks out from the WCW faithful. Steiner almost landed right on his neck as he hits a Frankensteiner from the top turnbuckle, and that shows just how much this World Heavyweight Title is to both men. They’ll risk it all, even death, to win this damn title. After several long, silent moments from the ring, Steiner starts stirring. It takes him a while, but Freakzilla slowly but surely pulls himself up to his feet. Steiner staggers backwards once he’s first up on his feet, but that doesn’t stop him from raising his arms into the air, showing he’s on top, while Booker T has fallen. It’s clear that Booker T is finished, and all Steiner has to do is slowly pull him up to his feet, and deliver the finishing blow. Indeed he does, as Steiner locks in the front face lock, lifts Booker up vertically and rotates him… and drops him on his head with the sit-out Steiner Screwdriver! Freakzilla drops Booker right onto his head one more time! Booker lands with a thud, and Steiner makes the cover moments later, many of the fans chanting along: ONE! TWO! AND THREE! That’s it! Scott Steiner has earned the right to be named the undisputed WCW World Heavyweight Champion!

Scott Steiner def. Booker T at 15:26 to become sole WCW World Heavyweight Champion

“Holla If Ya Hear Me” hits momentarily after the match ends, but just after David Penzer booms the end result of the contest. Scott Steiner slowly pulls himself up to his feet after the match, and gladly lets Randy Anderson raise Steiner’s arm into the air. From there, Robinson hands Steiner the World Heavyweight Title Belt, and all Steiner can do is hold it in his forearms, staring down at the big gold belt. Steiner grins as he looks at the title, and can barely contain his excitement knowing he is once again the true WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Steiner finally kisses the belt before proudly raising it into the air, getting a solid reaction from the respecting fans. Some may hate him, but you have to admire him for stepping it up a notch here tonight. As Steiner continues to celebrate with his pride and joy, Booker T slowly rolls out of the ring, and limps to the back, holding the back of his head. Two agents come down to help him back up the entrance aisle, but he refuses their help, slowly walking back on his own power.

The Next Phase of WCW

As Booker hobbles up the entrance aisle, he is passed by Scott Hudson as he walks down the aisle, up the steps, and into the ring. Wednesday Nitro on NBC isn’t ending with that spectacular main event. No, there’s a post-match interview to come, a trademark of many World Championship Wrestling pay per views. Tonight may not be a PPV, but judging by the aura of the show, and certainly the length in Word, it sure feels like one. Scott Hudson enters the ring, and joins Steiner in the middle of the ring.

Scott Hudson: Ladies and gentlemen, was that main event worthy or what!?

Mmhmm, cheers from the crowd. They dug that match, and for good reason. T’was the best match those two have ever put on together. Booker carried a lot of the work, but Steiner certainly exceeded expectations with his work rate tonight.

Scott Hudson: Big Poppa Pump, Scotty Steiner, you have proven once and for all that you are worthy and deserving of being the WCW World Heavyweight Champion!

Quick pop from some of the pro-Steiner crowd as Freakzilla grins.

Scott Hudson: No one has earned the right to close this Season Finale of Nitro off more than you, Scott, especially after this huge win. Please, tell us, what is running through your head right now, knowing you’ve just won one of the biggest matches of your life?

Steiner smirks as he pauses, thinking of what he wants to say. Plus, he’s still breathing heavily. This promo would sound awful if he was huffing and puffing throughout it.

Scott Steiner: Tonight, right now, I want to start off by doing the honorable thing. Booker T… you put on one hell of a match! It… it was the hardest fought match of my life, and believe me when I say, that I hate your guts. But Booker T… you can believe me when I also say: *God damn* do I respect you!

Steiner takes another deep breath as the crowd cheers, giving Big Poppa Pump the cheap pop. It’s out of character for Steiner, but I think it’s how he truly feels. When he starts to talk again, though, it’s back to Big Poppa Pump.

Scott Steiner: …But at the end of the day… I..WAS..BETTER..THAN… YOU~!

Steiner smirks as he receives a mixed reaction from the fans.

Scott Steiner: …It’s the truth, get over it, people. I was the better man – no, the best man in all of professional wrestlin’ – tonight, and I damn sure earned… the right to hold this World Title Belt!

Steiner nods his head as he raises his belt into the air.

Scott Steiner: Tonight, I proved that Big Poppa Pump is the best freakin’ star in this sport, and you can take a look back there in all those locker rooms… you won’t find ANYONE… who is better than Freakzilla!

Again, a mixed reaction from the fans after those comments. Scott Steiner just wrestled a fifteen minute match, and took a lot of big impact moves in that match. Maybe now is not the time to be throwing out open challenges like that.

Scott Steiner: I don’t know when WCW is coming back, but I’ll tell you this: it doesn’t matter to Big Poppa Pump! I don’t care if it’s next month, next week, next year, tonight, three years from now… whosever next, is gonna get their ass kicked! And who ever is next… I’ll personally make you my bitch!

Steiner gives the camera an intimidating stare, and Scott Hudson prepares to wrap this interview, and the final Nitro on NBC, up…





SPEAR~!





Scott Steiner goes down, and OH MY DARWIN~! GOLDBERG IS HERE! Bill Goldberg just came out through the crowd, and takes down the WCW World Heavyweight Champion with a Spear! This Panama City Beach crowd is going absolutely bonkers! Goldberg hasn’t been seen in WCW since the Slamboree pay per view in May, but everyone knows Goldberg is one of the biggest faces in the history of WCW, and the remains true to this day. Goldberg grins and nods his head, pacing around the ring as the crowd continues to cheer wildly.

As Steiner stays down, Goldberg walks over to Scott Hudson. The Man has something to say, apparently, and Hudson raises his microphone up to Goldberg’s mouth.


Goldberg: SCOTT STEINER! You talk about who is next for you in WCW? Well Scotty, I got news for ya’… YOU’RE NEXT~!

Goldberg strikes a signature pose, and Steiner slowly staggers up to his feet, but it’s a bad choice for him, as he walks right into a… kick to the abdomen, and JACKHAMMER~!

The crowd’s fucking hysterical as Goldberg has just returned to WCW, out of nowhere, and has dropped the WCW World Heavyweight Champion! Sure, he’s got to on his comeback, and Steiner’s just wrestled a huge match, but that doesn’t matter to the fans: all that matters is that Bill Goldberg is back… in World Championship Wrestling!


Tony Schiavone: Oh my God, Professor! GOLDBERG~!? Bill Goldberg is back in World Championship Wrestling!

Mike Tenay: Scott Steiner scores the biggest victory of his career by defeating Booker T in a classic match, but it is not Big Poppa Pump’s victory that everyone will be talking about now: The Man is back in WCW, and I cannot believe it!

Tony Schiavone: What a way to end tonight’s Season Finale of Wednesday Nitro!

Mike Tenay: Fans, it has been a tremendous and wonderful journey for Nitro here on NBC, and I don’t know when Nitro will return to the air, or on what channel or network, but I can tell you this: keep checking out WCW.com over the following weeks, and we’ll keep everyone updated on what the future holds for World Championship Wrestling.

Tony Schiavone: But what we do know is that when Nitro comes back on the air, it will be with ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion… and The Man, Bill Goldberg, back in World Championship Wrestling!

Mike Tenay: Again, it has been a pleasure and a privilege. Signing off on NBC for the last time, I am The Professor, Mike Tenay…

Finish it off, Tony. It’ll be your last chance to do so.

Tony Schiavone: …And I am the voice of WCW, Tony Schiavone. Fans, so long… and goodnight!

*END OF SHOW*





Quick Results:
Chris Kanyon def. Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, & Shane Helms at 12:11 to win the WCW United States Championship
Filthy Animals def. Hulk Hogan & Kevin Nash at 7:42
Super Crazy def. Alex Wright, Kaz Hayashi, Lash Leroux, Shannon Moore, and Teddy Hart at 5:34
The Young Lions def. the Natural Born Thrillers at 11:19
Scott Steiner def. Booker T at 15:26 to become sole WCW World Heavyweight Champion
 
#29 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Thanks Jack Flash and MSDavis for the feedback. And MSD, I am going to keep the TV write-ups shorter, while I go full-out for the Pay Per Views. I'd like to do this fed a while, and I have found out I will just burn out quickly if I write out the TV matches since there is normally 5-7 matches a week. Also, Nitro is just about finished. I just have the main event, so it will be posted tomorrow. I just don't want to do the rest, and just finish tomorrow. So yeah, new Nitro tomorrow.


WCW Monday Nitro Preview- May 15, 2001

World Championship Wrestling returns to the USA Network with another edition of Monday Nitro this Monday night, once again at 8PM Eastern Standard Time! Join ‘The Voice of WCW’ Tony Schiavone and ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay for another action-packed night of World Championship Wrestling action!

The main event of this week has already been signed, and it will definitely be a big match because it will be ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner taking on Diamond Dallas Page! Last week, Scott Steiner came down to the ring in the main event and took out Booker T and DDP in their scheduled WCW World Heavyweight Championship match when it looked like Page might just hit Booker with the Diamond Cutter and get the victory. DDP has challenged ‘The Genetic Freak’ to a match this week on Nitro, and Steiner has accepted. Will Scott Steiner take out Diamond Dallas Page again like he did last week, or will DDP get his revenge on Steiner! Tune into Nitro to find out!

Last week on Monday Nitro, Eric Bischoff announced an 8-Man Tournament for the United States Championship after Booker T was forced to relinquish the belt. Last week saw two quarterfinal matches, with Lance Strom defeating Disco Inferno, and Rick Steiner and Jim Duggan both getting counted out. This has already given Lance Storm a straight shot to the finals, which will take place at Slamboree, WCW’s return to Pay Per View on Sunday, May 27. This week, the rest of the quarterfinal matches will take place as Konnan will duke it out with The Wall, and Hugh Morris fights Chris Kanyon! All four men are going to want to the chance to move on to the semi-finals, so you can guarantee that you will see some top-notch fighting from these four men on Nitro!

Not only that, but the WCW Tag Team Champions Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire will be in action as they take on David Flair and Crowbar in a non-title match. Also, KroniK will face Air Raid, Shannon Moore battles his other former 3 Count friend Evan Karagias, and much, much, more! Other superstars at Nitro will include ‘The Chosen One’ Jeff Jarrett, ‘The Dog Faced Gremlin’ Rick Steiner, Jim Duggan, and ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair! Be sure to tune into the USA Network at 8PM EST this Monday night to see the best wrestling promotion today, promoting the best show in wrestling today, on the best network today! WCW Monday Nitro, only on USA!
 
#96 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Diamond Dallas Page Walks!

~Thursday, May 31- 12:13 PM- There have been rumors going around the internet that another main event talent has left World Championship Wrestling. Names have been thrown out like Diamond Dallas Page and Scott Steiner, but WCW.com has posted on their website the following:

World Championship Wrestling has cut all ties with Diamond Dallas Page. Page is no longer affiliated with the company.
This confirms that another top talent has indeed walked out of WCW since Monday Nitro was cancelled by the USA Network this past week. It seems the two sides have ended on bad terms with Page just walking out, and this is a huge blow to WCW. Page was a franchise player for World Championship Wrestling since the late nineties, and was a locker room leader in the backstage. Page’s departure is going to be a huge blow to the locker room morale backstage, which is already at a low. Again, Diamond Dallas Page has walked out of World Championship Wrestling.
The Rock Back Out of WCW Deal!

~Saturday, June 2- 8:36 PM- As it has been reported before, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had agreed to an agreement with World Championship Wrestling. However, it is being announced now that The Rock only agreed to a verbal agreement with WCW, and has now backed out of a deal with the company. The Rock met with the WCW Owner Trio of Eric Bischoff, Ric Flair, and Steve “Sting” Borden this morning to finalize his contract agreement with WCW. However, with the USA Network canceling Monday Nitro, it is now being reported that The Rock has decided not to sign with World Championship Wrestling and continue his movie career in Hollywood. This is a huge blow to WCW, as the company could have used a huge star like The Rock, especially at a time like right now. It seems that The Rock will now continue to be a free agent in the wrestling industry while he makes movies. Again, WCW suffers another huge blow this week as The Rock backs out of his verbal agreement with World Championship Wrestling.
 
#98 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

DDP leaving is a huge blow ,but The Rock not signing isn't so bad. If he stays a free agent and when you get a show then it would be possible for him to come.
 
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#125 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling- Wednesday Nitro

The Wednesday Nitro opening video and theme song plays, followed by a quick video of the main event from last week. The video quickly highlights Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner working together to take out Booker T, but Ric Flair making the save. The video ends, and the pyrotechnics go off to kick off the second Wednesday Nitro on NBC!

Tony Schiavone: Hello ladies and gentleman, and welcome to the second edition of WCW Wednesday Nitro on NBC! I’m Tony Schiavone,

Mike Tenay: And I’m Mike Tenay.

Schiavone: And you, ladies and gentleman, are about to experience an action-packed hour of professional wrestling, done the right way, the World Championship Wrestling way.

The Alliance

Tony Schiavone is cut off by the music of Jeff Jarrett all of a sudden, and The Chosen One comes out onto the entrance stage. His music cuts out as he starts walking down the entrance aisle, and is replaced by the music of “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner. Scott Steiner walks down the entrance aisle, Midajah by his side. Both men are in their wrestling gear already for the scheduled main event tonight. Jarrett is in silver and blue trunks, and has on a “Slap Nuts” t-shirt. Steiner is in his black tights, and has his medieval head plate draped on his head. Jarrett gets into the ring first, and takes a microphone from ring announcer David Penzer. Steiner then gets into the ring with Midajah, and the two stare into the jeering crowd. Finally, Jarrett begins to speak, although he is looking quite disgusted.

Jeff Jarrett: Ugh, Big Poppa, Midajah, I don’t about the two of you, but I am getting sick to my stomach having to see these in-bred slap nuts here in the Cajun Dome.

Jarrett is immediately cut off by an overwhelming amount of boos from the crowd.

Jarrett: Hey, don’t hate me because I’m from part of the south that doesn’t believe in incest relationships!

Jarrett is booed even louder by the Lafayette crowd.

Jarrett: But you know what makes me even more sick to my stomach? The fact that the two greatest wrestler’s in this lousy company’s history are standing in the ring right now, but neither man is holding the WCW World Heavyweight Championship!

The crowd boos Steiner and Jarrett again, but then start chanting “Booker T”.

Jarrett: Yeah slap nuts, that’s the slappy that should have lost the belt at Slamboree to Scott Steiner. That’s the slap nut who would have lost to Big Poppa Pump at Slamboree if it was a one-on-one singles match. The slap nut whose name you hicks chant, is the slap nut who should have lost the WCW World Heavyweight Title to me last week on Nitro. That’s the slap nut that did lose to me last week!

The crowd boos even louder for Jeff Jarrett. They obviously don’t like Jarrett claiming to be the World Champion, and disrespecting Booker T.

Jarrett: Last week, I had Booker T’s shoulders pinned to the mat, one-two-three, but Randy Anderson slow counted me.

The crowd jeers Jarrett again, knowing that it was not a slow count at all, Booker T simply kicked out of the Stroke.

Jarrett: But I’m going to be honest; it is not Randy Anderson’s fault Jeff Jarrett or Scott Steiner isn’t the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. It’s not The Chosen One’s fault. It’s not Big Poppa Pump’s fault. I blame one man, and one man only, for Booker T still be the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. I blame Ric Flair.

The crowd immediately jeers Jarrett for his outlandish claim, only to then start chanting “Asshole, Asshole”.

Jarrett: It’s true; Ric Flair is the man to blame! Last week, he had to make himself feel important, and interfere in my match against Booker T. Scott Steiner had every right to be involved in that match; he was the next number one contender. Ric Flair, however, had no business in that ring. Ric Flair was simply down in that ring to try and look important, and hold The Chosen One down.

The crowd starts jeering Jeff Jarrett yet again.

Jarrett: There’s no need to boo me for stating the facts! Nature Boy, you’ve been trying to hold me down ever since I came to WCW, and it’s pretty obvious you’re still trying that today. Ric, you can try all you want, but realize this: I am the Chosen One. I’m in the prime of my career, where as you’re over the hill. Ric, my place is in this wrestling ring. Your place, is in a Charlotte nursing home.

The crowd jeers once again at Jarrett. Double J is tired of the crowd it seems, handing the microphone to Scott Steiner.

Scott Steiner: Shut the hell up!

That draws an instant heel reaction from the crowd.

Steiner: Yeah, that’s what I thought. Booker T! You punk ass bitch *bleeped* you’ve been holding onto my title for far too long now! At Night of Champions back on March 26, you got one hell of a fluke victory over the Big Bad Booty Daddy. At Slamboree, I kicked your ass from here to Timbuktu, but you still found a way to escape with my Title. Booker T, you and I, and even The Chosen One here, plus all of my freaks, know that it should have been me facing you for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship last week. And that brings me to you, Eric Bischoff. Who in the hell do you think you are, Bischoff!? Do you think you can just screw Big Poppa Pump over you slimly little shit? *bleeped* I’m The Genetic Freak! The Big Bad Booty Daddy! Big Poppa Pump! I could break you in half!

Steiner pauses, the ‘roid rage apparently getting to him as a vein in his head starts to stick out.

Steiner: Eric Bischoff, it seems like you’ve gone downhill. Back in 1996, 97, 98, 99, you were the man. Eric Bischoff, you ran World Championship Wrestling, and you ran it into the ground. You ran it into the ground with a little thing called the New World Order.

The crowd immediately breaks out into a mixture of boos and cheers fro the mention of the NWO. Apparently, the faction is still a hit.

Steiner: And the nWo could have ran WCW to the ground, but you became a weak old fool, Bischoff.

Jarrett: You couldn’t beat Ric Flair. You had the chance to get rid of The Nature Boy two and a half years ago, but you were a wimp. And now, The Nature Boy is still in this company. So really Eric, I blame you for Ric Flair still being in WCW.

Steiner: But now, me and The Chosen One here are gonna take matters into our own hands. We’re gonna take some names, and kick some asses.

Jarrett: It’s time to get the WCW World Heavyweight Title on a legitimate champion, and weed out the old and pathetic like Ric Flair.

Both: We’re taking over this promotion, and making it our own!

Jarrett’s music hits, and the two men and Midajah walk backstage, jawing with the crowd all the while.

Segment Rating: 83%

Tenay: What a message sent by Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner!

Schiavone: Professor, Big Poppa Pump and The Chosen One are two of the most dangerous men in WCW. With these allied together now to try and take out Booker T, Ric Flair, and run WCW, this could only mean bad things for WCW.

Tenay: Well if Scott Steiner and Jeff Jarrett are going to try and “take over”, then they are going to have to beat the team of Booker T and Ric Flair tonight, in the main event!

Schiavone: That will be a monster of a match, but ladies and gentleman, we’re going to have to take a commercial break Coming up next, however, the battle between KroniK and the Filthy Animals rages on when Bryan Clarke takes on Konnan! Stay right here, on the number one channel for professional wrestling, NBC!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Bryan Clarke (w/Brian Adams) vs. Konnan (w/Billy Kidman and Tygress)

Ugh, this match was not too pretty. KroniK can work was an efficient tag team together as heels, but when in a singles match, especially against a wrestler like Konnan, things are too pretty. Clarke and Konnan spent the first couple moments of the match brawling, with Konnan gaining the early advantage. Brian Adams got involved however, tripping up Konnan. This led to Kidman and Adams exchanging words, and Clarke controlling over Konnan. It was brawling galore for Clarke and Konnan for the next two minutes as the former Adam Bomb pummeled the crap out of Konnan. K-Dawg ended up on the offensive soon after, and started to gain momentum with the Rolling Clothesline. Brian Adams feared the worst I guess, as he ended up getting into the ring. Konnan turned to face him, but got met with the Big Boot to the face! Konnan wins by disqualification. Billy Kidman is quick to help his partner out, grabbing a steel chair and getting into the ring. Kidman swings away, cracking Clarke in the back, and just missing Adam’s head. Kidman and the steel chair force KroniK to flee the ring, and back up the entrance aisle, their tails between their legs. The Filthy Animals stand tall, celebrating, and exchanging words, or in this case, shouts, at KroniK.

Konnan def. Bryan Clarke at 3:49 by DQ (Brian Adams int.)
Star Rating: ¼ * (68, 71, 63)

Schiavone: KroniK once again tried to assault a member of the Filthy Animals, but thankfully, a Filthy Animal was there to have his amigo’s back.

Tenay: Things really seem to be heating up between KroniK and the Filthy Animals after their attack on Rey Misterio Jr. at Slamboree. But Tony, we still don’t know why KroniK attacked one half of the Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion!

Schiavone: We don’t know why yet, but next week, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund will interview KroniK, and find out why they attacked the Filthy Animals at Slamboree! And ugh, Professor, you know what’s coming up next. How about you announce it?

Tenay: Coming up next, in what promises to be a disgusting moment, Lance Storm will have the ceremony for his inauguration as the Canadian National Champion. Things will definitely be interesting go say the least when that ceremony goes down, so don’t miss it. Stay tuned to Wednesday Nitro!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Canadian National Champion & United States Champion

When Wednesday Nitro returns, the ring is set up for the “ceremony”. There is a pedestal in the center of the ring, and has the Canadian Flag as its design. The Canadian National Championship Belt is on a stand next to the pedestal. The Canadian National Anthem then starts to play, and Lance Storm comes out to that, instead of his usual music. Lance is of course, in his wrestling gear, but has the Canadian flag drapes over his shoulders, as he walks down the aisle. Lance has flash cards in his hands, and when he gets into the ring, he hands them to David Penzer to read off of. Storm takes the microphone from Penzer, however, before Penzer can speak.

Lance Storm: This is the official ceremony of the crowning of the Canadian National Championship! So if I could be serious for a moment, I would like to have everyone please rise while I step onto the pedestal with the Canadian National Anthem playing.

The anthem starts playing, but the crowd simply stays in their seats, booing Lance Storm. Storm simply ignores them, stepping onto the pedestal, a proud smile on his face. The anthem gets about half way finished, when the music of Hugh Morris hits! Hugh Morris sprints down to the ring, and dives under the bottom rope into the ring. Storm hops off the pedestal and the two men begin to slug it out with another, wildly tossing right hands. Hugh Morris quickly gains the advantage, and sends Storm into the corner with a whip. Hugh charges and connects with a running avalanche! Storm staggers out of the corner, and gets sent over the top rope to the outside with a Morris clothesline! Hugh grabs a microphone from David Penzer, and the Canadian National Championship off of the stand.

Hugh Morris: Lance Storm, you can take this stupid Canadian Title, shove it straight up your ass! *bleeped*

Hugh Morris throws the Canadian National Title out of the ring, and at Lance Storm.

Morris: You can be the Canadian National Champion all you want, but you did not win that title at Slamboree! At Slamboree, the only title on the line in the match you screwed me out of, was the United States Title! However, you refused to fight for the US Title; you forfeited your spot in the United States Title Tournament! So therefore, everyone in the Cajun Dome is looking at the real United States Champion already, Hugh Morris!

The crowd starts cheering for Hugh Morris, who lifts up his shirt to reveal the United States Title Belt wrapped around his waist! The cameras momentarily focus on Morris celebrating with the US Title, until the cameras cut backstage.

Segment Rating: 70%

The Enforcer Cautions The Nature Boy

The cameras cut backstage to the locker room of Ric Flair. Flair is sitting down on a chair, lacing up his boots. Ric Flair isn’t alone, however, Arn Anderson is in the locker room too. The two are apparently in mid-conversation.

Arn Anderson: Look, Ric, I know you’re probably the greatest wrestler to step into the ring today, but you’re gonna have to watch yourself out there tonight. Bt not even just tonight, though, every single night. Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, they’re gunnin’ for ya.

Ric Flair: Hey, Double A, don’t worry man, it’s going to be fine. Jeff and Scott are just power-hungry. They realize me and Booker T are the top two guys in WCW right now, and they can benefit the most from taking us out.

Anderson: Ric, they seem hell bent on taking you out. You have got to watch yourself out in the ring, and make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Flair: Haha. Arn, when I have ever bitten off more than The Nature Boy could chew?

Arn and Flair look at each other, share a smirk, and slightly laugh.

Flair: On second thought, Double A, don’t answer that.

The twp share a laugh again. The smile from Anderson’s face diminishes soon after, however.

Anderson: I’m being serious though, Ric. You got lucky at Slamboree when you beat Jarrett; you saw how he manhandled you in the match and then afterwards. Tonight, him and Steiner could do the exact same thing. I mean, I’m worried about ya, brother. I’d be out there with you to try and help, but what good am I? I pose no real threat anymore.

The smile from Ric’s face has diminished as well. He stands up, and pats Double A on the shoulder.

Flair: You’re still the Enforcer to me, Arn. And tonight, Double A, Booker T and The Nature Boy are going to go out to that ring, and kick the crap out of Big Poppa Pump and The Chosen One! WOOO!

Arn Anderson and Ric Flair laugh and start t converse about the “old days” as the scene fades to commercial.

Segment Rating: 96%

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

When Wednesday Nitro returns, the camera cut to the announcer’s table.

Schiavone: Hi and welcome back to Wednesday Nitro, everybody. Coming up next will be a great cruiserweight extravaganza when Chavo Guerrero Jr. takes on Crowbar, but before we get into that, Professor, let’s talk about what we just witnessed.

Tenay: Let’s, Tony. It seems that Ric Flair’s best friend, “The Enforcer” Arn Anderson is back in World Championship Wrestling, and it looks like he came back to warn Ric Flair. Double A probably knows Ric better than anyone in Ric’s life, and Double A would know when Flair has bitten off more than he can chew. If Slamboree was any indication, then Ric Flair may have definitely bitten off more than he can chew.

Schiavone: This alliance between Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner is a dangerous one, Mike, so Ric Flair definitely will have to watch his back tonight, and every night from now on, if he is one of the primary targets of Jarrett and Steiner!

Chavo’s music hits, bringing about the next match.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Crowbar

The two cruiserweights put on the best 4-minute match you can get, but sadly, no one seemed to care. The crowd was either taking a piss break and getting refreshments, or just could care less about the cruiserweights. Schiavone and Tenay didn’t care either, talking more about the alliance between Steiner and Jarrett, and the upcoming main event, which will apparently directly follow this match, no commercial break. But hey, since there was, ya know, a match, let’s talk about it! Crowbar shows that while Crowbar may be a jobber in WCW, Devon Storm is one hell of a mat wrestler. Crowbar and Chavo go hold for hold and work on the mat for the opening minute and a half of the match, picking up several near falls along the way. Crowbar seemed to be out wrestling Chavo possibly, but a thumb to the eye by Chavo got him the advantage. Guerrero basically squashed crowbar from here on out, but kept it entertaining, hitting a couple of hurricanrana’s, as well as a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Pressed on time, Chavo quickly ends the match, pinning Crowbar after a Gory Bomb.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. def. Crowbar at 3:53
Star Rating: ** ½ (79, 63, 95)

After the match, Chavo quickly makes his way backstage, as does Crowbar. No commentary hype or anything, Ric Flair’s music hits, starting the main event.

Booker T and Ric Flair vs. Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner (w/Midajah)

The main event starts quickly, as it seems they’re pressed for time. However, Nitro still has about thirteen minutes left on-air, plus a commercial break. Oh well. Anyways, the match is average at best. This could have been a great match is Scott Steiner would have stayed on the ring apron for almost the whole entire match, but he ended up working most of the match. The heels traditionally dominate most of the match, working over Ric Flair. Steiner and Jarrett pulverize Flair, just simply beating him down like there’s no tomorrow. During this time, we get a split-screen of the match on half, and Arn Anderson watching on the other, shouting out encouragement to Flair from the backstage. The heels dominate Flair up until the six minute mark, and beating him straight through a commercial break. Flair finally makes a hot tag to Booker T after hitting a desperation low blow.

Booker T cleaned house after getting the tag, knocking down both Steiner and Jarrett multiple times. After knocking each man down about seven times, Booker starts breaking out the trade mark moves, hitting Jarrett with the Harlem Side Kick, and Scott Steiner with the 110th Street Slam. Flair then gets a tag, and the two faces work over both the heels in the ring. The legal men, Jarrett and Flair, brawl in one corner, and Booker T and Steiner brawl in the other. Booker T ends up tossing Steiner to the outside, where he continues his brawl with him. In the ring, Jarrett blocks a Flair vertical suplex with a thumb to the eye, and then hits a quick bull dog. Double J makes a cover, but it is only a two. Jarrett is furious by this, so he grabbed Flair to his feet and whipped him right into referee Nick Patrick, taking him out. Jarrett jawed with the fallen Patrick, telling him not to “cheat” The Chosen One. Double J jawed too long with Patrick however because when he turned around to face Flair, he got planted with a quick DDT. Flair then looked to lock in the Figure 4 quickly, but Flair got jumped from behind by Mike Awesome! Mike Awesome just came out through the crowd and hit Flair from behind with a double sledge. Awesome pummeled Flair with right hands, and then nailed him with the Awesome Bomb! Awesome went to the outside of the ring, and he decked Booker T from behind as well with a double sledge. Patrick started stirring to his feet, just in time for Jarrett to hit Flair with The Stroke to get the pin fall victory!

After the match, Mike Awesome and Scott Steiner attacked Booker T on the outside, while Jarrett assault Flair on the inside of the ring. Jarrett gave Flair another Stroke, while Scott Steiner gave Booker T an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the concrete floor! The heels continued their assault on the faces, as Steiner clamped on the Steiner Recliner to Booker T, and Jarrett threw Flair to the outside of the ring. Awesome scooped up the fallen Flair, and drug him over to the announcer’s table. Tenay and Schiavone took flight, just as Awesome gave Flair and Awesome Bomb through the announcer’s table! Mike Awesome and Scott Steiner then get back inside the ring with Jeff Jarrett, as well as Midajah, and celebrate their victory and attack on Flair and T.

Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner def. Ric Flair and Booker T at 8:13 (Jarrett pins Flair)
Star Rating: * (89, 94, 79)

Schiavone: This is absolutely disgusting!

Tenay: Mike Awesome hasn’t been seen in a WCW ring for about four months, but he has returned here tonight in a big way, Awesome Bombing Ric Flair through our announcer’s table!

Schiavone: Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner want to try and take over WCW, and it seems like they just gained a huge weapon to help them do it in Mike Awesome! But ladies and gentleman, we are out time! Be sure to tune in next week to Wednesday Nitro right here on NBC! Goodnight everybody!

Overall Rating: 82%
TV Rating: 2.25
 
#184 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling- Wednesday Nitro

The regular opening credits for WCW Wednesday Night rolls to open the show. Before a shot of the FedEx Forum is shown, a quick video plays, simply stating that WCW Wednesday Nitro will return to primetime, airing Wednesday night’s on NBC from 9 to 11 PM. The video ends, the pyro goes off, and the cameras scroll throughout the FedEx Forum here in Memphis, Tennessee! After a few moments, we cut to commentary.

Tony Schiavone: Hello ladies and gentleman, and welcome to another action-packed episode of Wednesday Nitro, straight out of Memphis, Tennessee, in the FedEx Forum! I’m Tony Schiavone, alongside me, as always, my good friend, The Professor, Mike Tenay!

Mike Tenay: Thank you, Tony, and just like you said, tonight will be an action-packed night! One of the great matches you will see tonight is some great tag team action! Chavo Guerrero Jr. will team up with Lance Storm to take on Guerrero’s opponent at Souled Out, the upcoming pay per view on the 26th of this month, Shane Helms, and Storm’s bitter enemy, Hugh Morris!

Schiavone: And in another tag team match, Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo will take on Totally Buff, Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger, in a rematch from two weeks ago!

Tenay: Palumbo and O’Haire made the challenge this week off-television, but Totally Buff have accepted the challenge! These two teams are going to lock up once again!

Schiavone: And although we don’t have a main event scheduled so far, I think we’re about to get one because I know I hear it, and I know you hear it at home; the music of Eric Bischoff is playing throughout the arena!

Uncle Eric Declares Enemies

“Back in Black” indeed is playing throughout the FedEx Forum, bringing out the WCW President Eric Bischoff. Bischoff walks out to a mixture of cheers and jeers, although the cheers now greatly out power the jeers. Easy E is dressed up in a suit and tie, carrying a microphone in his right hand. “Uncle Eric” walks down the aisle and into the ring. Upon entering the ring, Bischoff has his music cut, and then starts to speak.

Eric Bischoff: This is World Championship Wrestling Wednesday Nitro, and it is all brought to you, by me, the President of Operations, Eric Bischoff!

Bischoff gets some cheers, and a little bit of jeers. The cocky Bischoff still hasn’t changed.

Bischoff: And even though I have been the WCW President since this company got back on its feet, I haven’t been throwing around my power. I’ve been laid back. I’ve been just sitting back, making matches, and having a good time. For once, Eric Bischoff had no enemies.

The Bisch pauses before continuing.

Bischoff: But you see, last week, all that changed. Last week, I was given all the incentive I needed to have an enemy! Make that three enemies! Last week, Jeff Jarrett, you and your raggedy bunch of friends tried to challenge my authority, and call out my decision. You had the audacity to call me an enemy. Well Jeff, I may not have been you enemy then, but I am now! And Mike Awesome, I’m your enemy! Scott Steiner, I am most certainly your enemy! All three of you are now enemies of Uncle Eric, and The Bisch is here to make your lives living hells!

The crowd cheers on Bischoff, happy to see another person make a stand against the new heel faction.

Bischoff: For the past month, I’ve let Big Poppa Pump run his mouth and insult me and my authority. Scotty, you don’t like that I haven’t given you Booker T one-on-one, huh? Well, Scotty, I understand you want Booker T for the WCW World Heavyweight Title at Souled Out, and I realize that Booker T wants you just as bad. Well Steiner, I’m not going to just give you Booker T at Souled Out. You lost at Slamboree if I am correct, so therefore, you’re not the number one contender in my eyes. If you want to be the number one contender and face Booker T at Souled Out, then you’re going to have to win a certain match tonight. And you know what match that is going to be, Big Poppa Pump? To face Booker T at Souled Out, you have to win your match tonight… against Booker T!

The crowd erupts into cheers at the match. Schiavone starts hyping the shit out of the main event like it’s the end of the world. The fans continue to cheer the match just made by Bischoff.

Bischoff: Oh, you guys like that, huh? You like that match? I’ll give you something better! You boys want a war!? I’ll give you one! Next week, since Mike Awesome likes putting people through tables so much, I’m going to give Mike Awesome that chance again; next week on Nitro, Mike Awesome will take on Booker T in a tables match!

The fans break out into more cheers at the nice little gimmick match made by Bisch for next week. Eric isn’t done yet, though.

Bischoff: Hey, who the hell said I was ever finished!? I’m Eric Bischoff! I’m the President of WCW! I got the power! So next week, Jeff Jarrett, you’re going to be going one-on-one with The Nature Boy, Ric Flair!

The crowd absolutely explodes! The ovation the crowd made for the Flair/Jarrett match over powers the sum of the reaction of both matches made earlier by Eric Bischoff.

Bischoff: Jeff Jarrett, Mike Awesome, and Scott Steiner, you boys want a war!? Well, you’re going to get one! Because The Bisch, is back!

“Back in Black” hits the sound system once again, and Bischoff walks to the backstage as the cameras cut to commentary.

Segment Rating: 80%

Schiavone: The Bisch is back indeed!

Tenay: Eric Bischoff is not a man who is going to be intimidated by anyone. Jarrett, Steiner, and Awesome tried to intimidate Eric Bischoff, and now, the man with all the power is out to make their lives a living hell!

Schiavone: Well he seems to be on his way to doing that because he just booked Mike Awesome versus Booker T in a tables match!

Tenay: And in a huge main event for tonight, Scott Steiner will face Booker T, and if Big Poppa Pump wins, he faces Steiner at Souled Out for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Schiavone: And then, next week, a huge main event; Ric Flair vs. Jeff Jarrett! Professor, that is going to be one of the biggest matches in Nitro history! You throw in Booker T versus Mike Awesome in the tables match, plus everything else, we’re looking at quite possibly the greatest Wednesday Nitro ever!

No shit, Schiavone. The company’s only had 5 including this one so far, ya damn dip shit.

Tenay: Indeed it will, Tony. But ladies and gentleman, it is time for our first commercial break, but coming up after the break, Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire take on Totally Buff!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire vs. Totally Buff (w/Miss Elizabeth)

So it’s now the moment of truth for Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire. Are they going to become complete and total fodder by jobbing to Totally Buff again, or will they get their redemption and pick up the win? If you said the former, then well, not happening tonight. Palumbo and O’Haire pick up the win in this one after about four minutes of action. Totally Buff are totally off tonight, selling less to Palumbo and O’Haire than they do in any other matches of theirs. After a back and forth match, the young guns got the advantage after Chuck Palumbo dodged a Luger clothesline, and hit the Jungle Kick. Luger practically no-sells, but Palumbo realizes its Luger, you can’t change him. The young guns double team Bagwell, putting him down with a combined gut wrench power bomb. Wirth Luger and Bagwell down, well, kind of down, O’Haire ascended to the top turnbuckle and finished Buff off with the Seanton Bomb for the victory.

Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire def. Totally Buff at 4:08 (O’Haire pins Bagwell)
Star Rating: DUD (56, 64, 40)

Schiavone: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire get a much needed win tonight over Totally Buff. Palumbo and O’Haire have been on a slump since losing the Tag Titles to KroniK at Slamboree.

Losing two matches in a row is now a slump?

Tenay: These two teams have met in the ring twice now, and each share a victory now over another. Let’s see if these two will meet up again in the future and find out who will win the next contest.

Schiavone: Well hopefully these two teams will meet up again and see who is best, but right now, we’re going to send things backstage to Mean Gene Okerlund, who is standing backstage with Lance Storm.

Canada vs. USA- Part Deux

Gene Okerlund is standing backstage with Lance Storm, who is already in his wrestling gear. Storm has a tag team match later on in the night. Okerlund seems a bit perplexed.

Gene Okerlund: Hello ladies and gentleman, I’m Mean, Gene Okerlund, and I’m currently standing by Lance-

Lance cuts off Okerlund.

Lance Storm: Excuse me, Gene. Next time you filthy American announce my presence, you will state that I am also the first, only, and current reigning Canadian National Champion!

Okerlund: Err, yes. I’m here standing by the first, only, and current reigning Canadian National Champion, Lance Storm! Lance, you were not scheduled for this interview, and you have called for it very suddenly. Why the need for an interview?

Storm: I am a champion in this discriminatory company! I should be able to have an interview whenever I see fit. However, if I could be serious for a moment, I do have an announcement to make. I was just with Eric Bischoff, and it appears that Eric has booked me in a match against Hugh Morris for the upcoming pay per view, Souled Out. However, Mr. Bischoff has not told me if my title will be on the line at Souled Out, or anything else except for the fact that I shall face the pig that symbolizes what is America. Hugh Morris is a fat slob, who has no respect for anyone else because he is your typical ignorant, stubborn, American.

Lance pauses, swallowing spit in his throat. Mean Gene looks disgusted from Storm’s words.

Storm: But as I was saying, Gene. At Souled Out, the greatest wrestler in WCW, Lance Storm, will face off with the most overrated wrestler in WCW, Hugh Morris, in a match. Next week, Eric Bischoff has promised me he will announce some special stipulation to the match for Souled Out on-air to all of these pathetic American fans.

Lance Storm’s promo is interrupted by the appearance of Chavo Guerrero Jr. Chavo walks up to Lance, dressed in his wrestling gear.

Chavo Guerrero Jr.: Hey, essé! You ready for our match agains’ Helms n’ Morris, holmes?

Storm: I’m an excellent wrestler, the best one here in this company. I am always ready to go out and out-wrestle my opponents to victory.

Guerrero: Well ight then essé! Our match is up next yo, so let’s go do this thing!

Chavo and Lance walk off-screen, heading towards the curtain to go on stage

Okerlund: Well ladies and gentleman, you’ve heard it from Chavo, Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Lance Storm versus Hugh Morris and Shane Helms is up next!

Segment Rating: 83%

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Lance Storm vs. Hugh Morris & Shane Helms

Three out of the four wrestlers in this match are the new era of the workhorses in WCW, making this match quite a good one. Chavo and Lance dominate for most of the match, working over Shane Helms, keeping Helms on the mat, trying to use their ground advantage over the cruiserweight champion. However, Helms made a hot tag to Hugh Morris, who ended up cleaning house on both of the heels. Hugh was about to finish off Chavo with the No Laughing Matter, but Storm crotched Morris on the top turnbuckle. Thankfully for Hugh, he was in his own corner, and Helms tagged himself in. Helms made short work of Lance Storm, tossing him over the top rope after connecting with several punches. Helms shifted his attention towards Chavo, while Hugh Morris got to his feet. Hugh, enraged by Storm’s cheap shot, gets out of the ring and proceeds to brawl with Lance Storm. The two men brawl throughout the arena, leaving Chavo and Shane in the ring alone. Helms almost finished the match off with a Vertebreaker, but Chavo rolled himself along Helms’ back, escaping the move. From there, Chavo connected with a quick kick from the behind straight to the groin, but referee Scott Dickenson was not in an angle to see the move. Chavo rolled through backwards, ending up on top of Helms for the pin, and the victory!

Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Lance Storm def. Shane Helms & Hugh Morris at 4:49 (Chavo pins Helms)
Star Rating: ** (82, 77, 88)

Schiavone: Chavo Guerrero cheated again! In his second match in a row, Chavo Guerrero cheated to win!

Tenay: He’s a Guerrero, Tony, they lie, they cheat, they steal. Chavo is just living life and wrestling like his father Chavo Sr., and his grandfather, the great, legendary, late Gory Guerrero. And if Chavo keeps the success he’s been having, he has a great chance of becoming the WCW Cruiserweight Champion at Souled Out.

Schiavone: And what about Lance Storm and Hugh Morris? These two will face another at Souled Out! They’ve been at each other’s throats for months, and at Souled Out, they’re going to get the chance to beat the heck out of one another!

Tenay: But we don’t know what kind of match it will be! Eric Bischoff informed Lance Storm that match is made for Souled Out, but won’t tell us the stipulation until next week on Nitro!

Schiavone: Well ladies and gentleman, we have to take a commercial break, but stay tuned because there is still a lot more to happen tonight on Wednesday Nitro, right here on NBC!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Who’s The Real Ripper?

When Wednesday Nitro returns, Jeff Jarrett is making his entrance to the ring. Double J is already at the side of the ring, wielding his trusty acoustic guitar. Jeff is alone, and dressed in jeans and a “Slap Nuts” t-shirt. The Chosen One has a mic in hand, and gets into the ring. The fans as always, our reigning down boos at Jarrett. His music cuts, and Jarrett begins to speak.

Jeff Jarrett: So slap nuts, it seems like Jeff Jarrett will be kicking Ric Flair’s ass next week on Wednesday Nitro!

The crowd immediately cuts off Jeff, booing him.

Jarrett: Boo me all you want; I’ll kick his ass just like I did at Slamboree!

More boos for Double J.

Jarrett: Naitch, you got lucky at Slamboree when you got that fluke upset. You somehow got a roll-up, and you got a lucky fast count; you beat me. Woo-hoo, go celebrate like it’s the biggest thing ever. Oh wait, you never got the time to, did you? I kicked your ass some more right after the match!

Jarrett pauses; the crowd boos him a bit more, although they are quieter this time around.

Jarrett: Flair, you’re old, and you’re weak. The only way you survived this past month is because you’ve had Booker T by your side with Arn Anderson. But next week, you got me, one-on-one. You have no sucka to help you out. It will simply be you and me, one-on-one. And Flair, I guarantee you this, I will show the world that you are nothing. You’ve become the star you are today by stealing the work of others. You’re a rip-off of the real stars like Buddy Rogers. You’re not the Nature Boy, Ric. You’re a failed remake of the real Nature Boy, Buddy Rogers. Ric Flair, your legacy was started by other wrestlers, and next week, slappy, your legacy is going to be destroyed by another wrestler! Next week, I am going to destroy you, and your two-cent legacy!

The crowd rips into Jarrett with boos after that segment of his promo. Jarrett is getting over with the fans more and more now because of this feud with Flair.

Jarrett: Now choke on that, slap nuts!

The fans continue to boo, but all of a sudden, “Sprach Zarathustra” hits the sound system, brining out Ric Flair and Arn Anderson! The crowd is going bonkers! Flair and Anderson come out onto the entrance stage, dressed in their best suits. Flair has a microphone while Anderson stands next to Flair, staring down Jarrett, his arms crossed.

Ric Flair: WOOO! Once again, the Chosen One is running his mouth about The Nature Boy, Ric Flair! Jeff Jarrett, next week, we get to face each other in the ring, one-on-one, once again, huh? Well Jeff, just like at Slamboree, I’m going to pin your shoulders to the mat, one-two-three, and be the victor once again. WOOO!

The crowd breaks out into cheers for Flair.

Flair: Jeff, you can talk a lot of smack, and you know what, you can even back it up at times. You’re one hell of a wrestler, Jeff, but this time, you entered a battle you cannot win. You entered a battle with the best professional wrestler ever! WOOO! Ric, WOOO, Flair, WOOO!

The crowd breaks out into cheers once again.

Flair: And Jeff, maybe I am a complete and total fake. Maybe I got all of my success because of others. But what about you, Jeff? You stole material off of others too, Honky Tonk. Swinging guitars around at people! If I remember correctly, good ole’ Double J wanted to be a country singer up north, but really, I’m shocked he wasn’t trying to be more like Elvis Presley and the Honky Tonk Man. When you first came to WCW, I half expected you to start singing “Hound Dog”!

The crowd bursts out into laughter, while Jarrett looks on enraged and embarrassed.

Flair: And hey, maybe the great Buddy Rogers did invent the Figure 4 that I use today, but hey, Honky Tonk, if I remember correctly, you use a Figure 4 too! You like to try and act like the dirtiest player in the game too, Jeff, but as you know, the slot has already been filled up by the Nature Boy, Ric Flair! WOOO!

More cheers for Flair.

Flair: I think I know what your deal is, Jeff. Yeah, Jeff, I’ve figured you out.

Flair pauses, but then starts screaming into the microphone.

Flair: You want to be Ric Flair! You want to be the Nature Boy! You want my success! You want my glory! Well son, I earned my legacy, and no two-bit, arrogant, conceited, daddy’s little boy, son of a bitch can just take that away! Jeff Jarrett, you can’t take anything of mine, and you can’t be me! Because there is only, WOOO, one Nature Boy, and that is Ric, WOOO, Flair! WOOO!

The fans continue to break out into cheers for Flair.

Flair: You want to be the man, Jeff; you know the saying. To be the, WOOO, man, you’ve got to, WOOO, beat the man! And Jeff, you cannot beat me! You lost at Slamboree, and next week, you will, lose again! WOOO!

“Sprach Zarathustra” hits the sound system in the FedEx Forum once again, and Flair and Anderson head to the backstage. Jeff Jarrett watches them leave, looking pissed and embarrassed, knowing Flair got the better of him in the promo.

Segment Rating: 94%

Tenay: Tony, it looks like Ric Flair has had enough of Jeff Jarrett! He just came out and stole all of the Chosen One’s thunder with that speech.

Schiavone: Well Ric Flair is right, there is only one Nature Boy, and that is him. Jeff Jarrett can be the Chosen One all he wants, but he cannot be Ric Flair. He cannot be the Nature Boy.

Tenay: But he can try and maim Ric Flair next week in their match on Wednesday Nitro!

Schiavone: Well there is only one way to find out, and that will be by watching next week! However ladies and gentleman, we have to take a commercial break, but don’t go away because up next, the main event! Booker T versus Scott Steiner!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Booker T vs. Scott Steiner (w/Midajah)

So main event time, ladies and gentleman; Scott Steiner has to beat Booker T to get a World Heavyweight title shot at Souled Out. Nifty! The crowd was red-hot for the match itself, but the quality of the match did not match up with the crowd’s reaction. Booker T and Steiner brawled throughout the ring and ringside area for all six minutes of the match, just trying to simply beat the crap out of one another. Booker T almost got the victory midway into the match when he was about to hit Steiner with the Harlem Axe Kick, but Steiner countered, landing an elbow to the gut, followed by an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Steiner went on the offensive for almost the rest of the match, wearing down the World Heavyweight Champion. Steiner scored several near falls with his multitude of suplexes.

Booker T ended up fighting back as always, and scored a Harlem Side Kick, sending Steiner to the outside. While outside, Midajah handed Big Poppa Pump his lead pipe. Midajah quickly ran to the other side of the ring, got up on the apron, and began distracting referee Randy Anderson. During the distraction, Booker T leaned his body between the second and third rope, trying to get a hold of Steiner. Booker leaned his head out to far, and got decked in the head with the pipe! Booker T fell back onto the canvas, knocked out. Big Poppa Pump then proceeded to get into the ring, and apply the Steiner Recliner. Booker was KO’ed, but Anderson had no idea, and thought he was choked out, giving the win to Scott Steiner. Because of the victory, Big Poppa Pump will face Booker T at Souled Out for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Scott Steiner def. Booker T at 6:22
Star Rating: * ½ (82, 89, 69

Schiavone: Booker T was just screwed over, Professor! This is an outrage, a scandal!

Tenay: Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner cheated his way to victory once again, and this time, it gives him Booker T at Souled Out for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship!

Schiavone: And I’m thinking that next week, there will be hell to pay for Big Poppa Pump!

Tenay: If Booker T can survive the tables match against Mike Awesome! Don’t forget ladies and gentleman, next week on Nitro, Booker T and Mike Awesome face off in a tables match, and we get a Slamboree rematch, Jeff Jarrett versus Ric Flair!

Schiavone: It is without a doubt, going to be the best WCW Wednesday Nitro ever! But that is all for tonight ladies and gentleman, thank you for tuning in. Until next week, for Mike Tenay, I’m Tony Schiavone, see you all next week on Nitro!

Overall Rating: 79%
TV Rating: 2.20
 
#236 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

WCW Souled Out Predictions Contest

Matches:
Predict the winners and the match order
But the number you think the match will be next to the heading of the match, and bold your predicted winner…
(1-7 with 7 Being the Main Event, and 1 the Opener)…

WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Singles Match
7 - Booker T © vs. Scott Steiner (w/Midajah)

WCW North American Championship
Ladder Match
4 - Hugh Morris vs. Lance Storm

WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Singles Match
1 - Shane Helms © vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

WCW Tag Team Championship
Unification of Cruiserweight Tag Team & Tag Team Titles
3 - KroniK © vs. Filthy Animals (w/Tygress)

Grudge Match
Special Referee- Eric Bischoff
6 - Jeff Jarrett and Mike Awesome vs. Ric Flair and Sting (w/Arn Anderson)

Debut of Cal Anderson
Singles Match
2 - Alex Wright vs. Cal Anderson

Grudge Match
Tag Team
5 - Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs. Totally Buff

Show Questions:

What will be the worst match – rated due to overall match rating in %? - Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire vs. Totally Buff
What will be the best match – rated due to overall match rating in %? - Shane Helms © vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Will Souled Out see anyone(s) turn from face/heel to heel/face?
If Yes – Who is/are going to turn? - NO
Who will be pinned in the Tag Team Unification Match? - Bryan Clark
What will the overall PPV be rated – as a %? - 69%
What will the buy rate be for the show? – person closest to it gets the point - 0.65
 
#239 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Well, I haven't been reading this thread so I won't make predictions for Soulded Out but I've gotta say, after just skimming through, this looks very professional and well written. I'll start reading and reviewing from Soulded Out.
 
#250 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Never triple post again.

At first glance I was very suprised with where this thread was going. I didn't know you were using EWR and that's why I was pretty shocked. I thought that someone was taking BTB into places where it had never been before.

I was wrong.

This thread is just playing off a computer simulator. You've written just a few promos and booked a few storylines. Easy shit. You wanna see what a real Thread is like? Turn to Page 35 or so of 'Being The Booker', you'll see what BTB is all about.

It's easy to take a computer simulated program and just turn it into words. How do I know that? You've just done it.
 
#263 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Breaking News- Wednesday Nitro to go Primetime!

~Monday, August 27- 3:03 PM- WCW.com and NBC.com are both announcing that as starting September, 5, 2001, WCW’s Wednesday Nitro will move to primetime! Since July 11, 2001, Wednesday Nitro has been running from 10 PM to 11 PM EST, but will now run from 8 PM to 10 PM EST! This is huge news for World Championship Wrestling as they will now be back on a 2 hour television show instead of the 1 hour show Nitro has been for the past month and a half. This will give WCW more time to promote and develop more feuds and storylines, as well as give more talent more TV time.

The announcement was made early this afternoon in a press conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The stars representing WCW at the press conference were Eric Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett, and Tony Schiavone. Ric Flair, Sting, and Booker T were not at the conference, but the reason for that is to sell the feud between them and Eric Bischoff and Jeff Jarrett, as well as Scott Steiner and Mike Awesome. The announcement itself came as quite a surprise, and on short notice. Many inside WCW were expecting the announcement to come in time, but not in the month of August. Inside sources also weren’t expecting WCW to go primetime in the start of September, but were hoping to go primetime after Fall Brawl. Waivers and ads have already been sent out by WCW to advertise and hype the move to primetime, and it is expected for the move to primetime to be heavily hyped during Nitro this coming Wednesday. After the move to primetime is made, many are expecting a serious increase in ratings for Nitro. Nitro was drawing low ratings in the late night time slot, but that is because of the time slot itself. NBC is expecting ratings almost as high as WWF’s Monday Night RAW when WCW makes the move to primetime.

Many are expecting a very big night on September 5, with a returning star, and debuting talent as well. There is also a rumor going around that the main event will be Booker T defending the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Jarrett, Ric Flair, and Sting. Right now, that is just a rumor, but a very strong rumor at that. The match would be a bit irrational since Booker, Flair, and Sting are all practically aligned together against Jarrett, and with Eric Bischoff making the matches on-screen, it would make more sense for someone like Scott Steiner to be in the match. However, this is World Championship Wrestling, and rational booking has never been commonly seen trait in WCW. Nevertheless, World Championship Wrestling’s flagship program, Wednesday Nitro, will move to primetime, airing from 8 to 10 PM EST, starting September 5, 2001.
I felt the need to go primetime is greater now than ever. With the upcoming "war" about to occur, that is going to need quite a bit of booking segments. This creates 5 more segments for that major storyline, and also gives more room for newer talent, and the undercard. And the main event will indeed be that fatal four way. You may thank your own Jack Flash for that match; he picked that match after winning the predictions contest.
 
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#333 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

N-N-New World Order!-Ha ha. Great stipulations added to the main

event with it being a gaunlet and a lumberjack match to nWo's liking.

Kaz Hayashi vs. Super Crazy-Some nice cruiserweight action for Nitro

to kick off and nice to see Super Crazy get a debut victory. Like I said, I

hope he gets a legit feud soon enough.

One More Shot-Good match for next week to build up on the feud and

also great stipulation.

"Tony Schiavone: What a match for next week! We’re looking at one of

the best matches in Nitro’s history next week!" LOL. That was great.

KroniK © vs. Totally Buff-Well you couldn't except anything from this

match. First off even though I am a Brian Adams fan, the only ring skills

these guys have are brawling. Second this isn't Japan so you couldn't

have a good heel vs. heel match that gets over with the crowd. Anyway

I see that O'Haire and Palumbo are still in the title picture which is

good.

Not Just Games, But War Too-Huge news. Hulk Hogan returning to WWE and WAR GAMES. Now that's awesome.

Shane Helms © vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.-Pretty good match with the awesome Vertebreaker ending the match.

Konnan (w/Tygress) vs. Rey Misterio Jr.-A decent match with Misterio getting the victory building up to Rey vs. Kidman. The feud is looking pretty good so far.

Dig It Sucka!?-Good build up to this main event.

Final Hype-Good fast build up to get the main event pumped up.

Final Preparations-Wow even more build up!? Some action in this one with Booker and Flair taking care of nWo.

Booker T © vs. Jeff Jarrett vs. Ric Flair vs. Sting-Good opening with Booker T and Flair kicking it off and Booker T winning. We all know Bischoff did something with Sting being No. 2. Sting gets beaten by the Book Man and it continues with Jarrett. Jarrett and Booker T have the best round and the main faces come for the save for Booker and Booker T walks away Champion!

The “Perfect” Debut-Mr. Perfect in nWo? Cool. I wonder where this will go. I though maybe Booker and Curt would wrestle for the title, but then I though that nWo doesn't have 5 people unless Henning is with them so only time will tell.
 
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#334 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

i really liked thei show. I like how you got out of the 4 way predicament, you made it great, these are great stips

I liked crazys debut, I hope he wins the c/w belt soon

Strom and Hugh Morrus had a class confronation, really well written, it deserved a better rating

Main event ruled, i don think u should put 2 many ppl in the nwo, but hennig is ok.

This is my fave thread on here, realli cant wait for next show!

if ya can pleaze check my btb, it is wcw too
 
#335 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

I knew you could do it Szumi!

You did well to tturn the match into a grand master plan from the nWo!

Nice to see Super Crazy in the fed as he is a great addition to the cruiserweight division.... Hopefully he will fued with Helms as I think you need a good heated cruiserweight fued.

A bit dissapointed to see you continue the Hugh Morris/Lance Storm fued. I am not a big Morris fan but I suppose the roster is still quite thin in the middle.

I hope you have some plans for the tag team division cos I am getting a little tired of these abyssmal matches! Hopefully there are some new teams around the corner?

Rey seems to be developing well although I was not a fan of his heel turn.

The main event was written well and so were all the promos. I was so happy when Booker won I could just imagine the reaction if this was a real show! A shame about the end but it is nice to see Hennig back.

Another great show. Keep up the good work.
 
#337 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Hi, I'm iceman335 and here is my review:

nWo promo: Very good way to start the show. I expected them to have a plan for the match. Nice touch on how Sting, Flair and Booker T are injured. I think Booker will retain somehow.

Match 1: As I predicted, Crazy basically squashes Kaz. Nice amount of time given to the match and good solid action for the first match of the night.

Hugh/Lance promo: I like Lance in this promo he really digged into the Americans, making him a great heel. All was going well until Morrus said: “all you did was climb a ladder faster than me! You never beat me!” That completely took away the prestige of a Ladder match. If he wanted Lance beat him with his shoulders on the mat then why ask for a submission match, because if Storm wins, Hugh can just say that he can’t beat him on the mat again.

Match 2: I just could not find a reason for this match at all!

Nice way to keep audience waiting for the next part with using Ric Flair.

Flair promo: OMG!!! The dream wcw team of Flair, Hogan and Sting are facing the now in war games, this is off the chart! Brilliant segment! Great build up to Hogan returning.

Match 3: I enjoyed that Helms won. He is getting great crowd response and maybe a push into the heavyweight division is on the cards next year. He has taken the Cruiserweight division by storm

Match 4: Not really getting the heel Rey his style is to Face. He need to sell out a bit more, by not doing amazing moves all the time. This would help his heel status.

Tenay: “defeated Konnan pretty easily.” I didn’t like this it made Konnan feel like a jobber.

Booker promo: in character all the way thru and good it built up a good image for the WCW title belt.

nWo promo: I loved Eric here, he is truly evil on Flair.

Main Event: Didn’t enjoy the first part. But you made it sound as crap as it would be. Really couldn’t feel Flair winning. I have a feelin Booker’s going all the way.

Nice to see Sting almost win. Don’t see why he would shake hands with Booker after and not go straight for Steiner?

Booker playing the underdog at the early stages. We he win at the end, I see an all out brawl occurring?

Nice brawl as I predicted. I expected it be a no finish. So good see Booker retain by pinfall.

Hennings back!!! Never saw that at all, what a complete shock and he took out the WCW champ. nWo be there usual selves and use the spray paint!

Overall: 8.5/10- the show was well written and structured cant wait for next week!


I wonder how Hogan will debut:

1)Run in for the save next week if nWo are doing a beatdown
2)Debut in the wargames
 
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#363 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

Opening match is with the Cruiserweights and they are always a great way to get the night underway with. Surprised to see Super Crazy take the win in his 2nd match but I'm sensing a match at Fall Brawl between these two men for the title.

Interview with Mr. Perfect was done well, he certainly does seem confident heading into the match later on. However I'm going to go against him and say that Booker T will indeed take back his championship with him tonight some how or some way

Well I didn't like the back to back interviews, but it's not a major deal, I just didn't like it. Anyways KroniK defending against two other teams seems pretty difficult for them and with the talent they face, I sense a change in the title coming.

Well seems like you didn't like the tag match! Anyways, this gives a win to the Young Lions and helps them for their credibility. As expected, KroniK jumps the opponents for the PPV and lays them out, I definently expected them appearing somehow.

Good promo and I enjoyed it the whole time through. Bischoff tries to run down Hogan but to no avail. Only problem that I did find with it was too many "dude's" and "brothers" I know it's Hulk Hogan and just like Carlito, it their's trademark but that might have been too much.

World-Heavyweight Championship time and now let's see if Mr. Perfect is going to be able to grab the gold. Booker T wins which is no surprise and everything seems to be going wrong for the nWo here tonight, maybe the same thing for the main event?

Jeff Jarrett interview was ok, nothing special other than more build up for the Steel Cage match next. I'm not sure who is going to win but I'm expecting Flair to win. That way the feud between WCW and nWo ends up ending at Fall Brawl.

As expected, Flair takes the win and now War Games is on! Wow, threw a totally shocking twist into the match now with the World-Heavyweight Championship on the line. I'm doubting now Booker T will be able to walk away with his title intact.
 
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