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WCW (2001) - Monday Night Wars return

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#1 · (Edited)
WCW, 2001


The Story
World Championship Wrestling, a formerly strong competitor to the global force known as the World Wrestling Federation, was seen as a shell of itself by 2001. A company that once ran shows that garnered millions upon millions of dollars struggled to remain relevant with mainstream media and entertainment fans alike.

Mis-management, poorly managed talent contracts, and backstage politics riddled WCW. The effects of such issues became clear to fans in 2001; with talents that seemingly "phoned it in" every week as they engaged in storylines that garnered little to no interest.

The nail in the coffin came with the merger of AOL and Time Warner. The merger saw the end of Billionaire Ted's regime at the helm and effectively ended the company's investment in professional wrestling.


The Sale of WCW[/img]
WCW was up for sale to the highest bidder...and it's strongest interested investor came in the former of the tyrannical millionaire mogul of pro wrestling Vince McMahon.

The bid was nearly turned to a full sale, until 48 hours prior to Vince McMahon's planned announcement. 48 hours before the salivating millionaire prepared to dump a nuclear bomb on the wrestling world, an unexpected buyer secured the assets of World Championship Wrestling.


The Problems with the Purchase:
Choosing anonymity, the mysterious buyer (who presumably was backed by millionaire investors) was ready for the challenge - and there were many.

The purchase had it's loop holes in the form of such:
1. The purchase did not include distribution. WCW Nitro and Thunder were dropped from TNT and TBS respectively - he or she would need a new distribution outlet.

2. The purchase did not include major WCW stars. Stars like Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, Bill Goldberg, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, and more were secured with guaranteed money via AOL-Time Warner contracts. It was cost a sizable income to buy out their contracts. Luckily, the mysterious buyers were able to secure Scott Steiner, Sting, and Diamond Dallas Page - but were unable to secure Hogan, Nash, and Goldberg.

3. WCW had a large roster of inflated contracts - an understandably large hurdle to overcome in ensuring the company was profitable.


The Plan ~ Pt.1 - Roster Cuts / “Veteran Contracts”:
The anonymous owner quickly reviewed the current roster and made necessary cuts. Along with the cuts, came a few wrestlers that asked for their release in order to pursue other ventures. However, WCW does not want to go without it’s veterans. The value of established stars is not simply in their on-screen appeal, but also in their off-screen knowledge. That being said, WCW has signed a few veteran talents to backstage role contracts and has signed others to “Veteran” deals - wherein the talents are on-call to work for television, appear for special PR events, but have the ability to work for other promotions.

The following were handed their release:

• Sid Vicious
• Ron Harris & Don Harris
• Ernest "The Cat" Miller
• Jason B. & Scotty O.
• The Demon
• Tygress
• Ms. Jones
• Reno
• Hugh Morrus
• Van Hammer (Major Stash)
• David Flair
• M.I. Smooth

The following talents asked, and were granted, their release:

• Mike Sanders
• Jeff Jarrett

The following talents have moved towards other company roles, but may appear sporadically on TV:
• Terry Funk (moved to a “WCW Legends” contract)
• Jim Duggan (moved as a road agent, part-time performer)
• Disco Inferno (moved as a road agent, part-time performer)
• Alex Wright (moved as a trainer, part-time performer)

The Plan ~ Pt.2 - New Hires:
The anonymous owner was clear to his management team - he did not want to repeat previous failures of other higher management. He wanted a very clear message - veterans and young stars were both important - and a balance between the two was key to WCW's success. With the recent cuts, WCW management was instructed to propose new hires for the main roster and a new developmental territory called "Power Pro Wrestling". They came in the form of the following:

Major Stars Signed
• Randy "Macho Man" Savage - left WCW in 2000, has been re-signed to a multi-year deal.
• Jacques Rougeau - released from WCW in the late 90s, but has re-signed as a part-time talent, and will be concentrating on the PPW development system.
• Carl Ouellet - released from WCW in 2000, re-signed as a part-time talent, and will be leading the training in the PPW developmental system.
• Madusa - released from WCW in 2000, re-signed as a part-time talent and lead trainer for the female division in PPW.
• Jerry Lawler - recently released from WWF, Lawler will presumably be joining the announce team.
• Torrie Wilson - released in December of 2000, has been re-signed and is reporting to PPW for training.
• Road Warrior Hawk - with Animal signed to WCW, this may very well bring the return of the Road Warriors. A risky signing, considering his personal demons.
• Nova - a former ECW competitor with an impressive offense
• Sabu - a former ECW competitor with an ability to shock and awe fans, has a major cult following.
• Super Crazy - a former ECW competitor with impeccable in-ring charisma and lucha libre ability
• Little Guido Maritato - formerly of the FBI in ECW, an impressive technical cruiserweight.

Young Wrestlers Signed to Deals:
• American Dragon (Bryan Danielson) - trained by William Regal and Shawn Michaels
• Spanky (Brian Kendrick) - a trainee of Shawn Michaels
• Chris Hero - brought up in an indy wrestling promotion called CZW and IWA:MS
• CM Punk - young talent with a very skinny frame - a product of IWA:MS. Said to have excellent charisma and in-ring skill.
• Claudio Castagnoli & Ares - collectively known as the Swiss Money Holding. This team has been doing well in the independent scene internationally and have caught the eye of many talent agents.
• Christopher Daniels - worked WCW on a verbal contract, now signed to a written developmental deal. Worked Japan under the name “Curry Man”.
• Ken Anderson - debuting rookie with an impressive charisma, though needs work on his in-ring abilities.
• Michael Modest & Donovan Morgan - a team of true technicians that have been waves on the indy scene and Japanese scene for years.
• Bison Smith - a very large and daunting wrestler who has recently toured internationally.
• Kimo & Ekmo, the Island Boys - the offspring of the Wild Samoan family tree.

The Future of the budding WCW Women's Division:
• Alexis Laree
• Cheerleader Melissa
• Dawn Marie (of ECW)
• Jazz (of ECW)
• Melina Perez​
 
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#2 · (Edited)


WCW World Champion: Curt Hennig
Defeated: Booker T via pin fall on 05.07.2001 // Title Defenses: 0
WCW United States Champion: Booker T
Defeated: Rick Steiner via pin fall on 03.18.2001 // Title Defenses: 1
WCW Television Champion: VACANT
Last Champion: Jim Duggan // Title Defenses: 7
WCW World Tag Team Champions: Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo
Defeated: Kevin Nash & Diamond Dallas Page via pin fall on 01.14.2001 // Title Defenses: 6
WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Shane Helms
Defeated: Chavo Guerrero Jr. via pin fall on 03.18.2001 // Title Defenses: 4
WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions: Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio
Defeated: Elix Skipper/Kid Romeo via pin fall on 03.26.2001 // Title Defenses: 1

Title History
#. Champion[# of Reign] / Defense Record / Start - End Date

WCW World Championship
1-55. http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=755
56. Booker T[3] / V8 / 10.02.2000 - 11.26.2000
57. Scott Steiner / V13 / 11.26.2000 - 03.26.2001
58. Booker T[4] / V0 / 03.26.2001 - 05.07.2001
59. Curt Hennig / V0 / 05.07.2001 -

WCW United States Championship
1-45. http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=759
46. Lance Storm[3] / V1 / 11.10.2000 - 11.26.2000
47. General Rection[2] / V3 / 11.26.2000 - 01.14.2001
48. Shane Douglas[4] / V1 / 01.14.2001 - 02.05.2001
49. Rick Steiner / V2 / 02.05.2001 - 03.18.2001
50. Booker T / V1 / 03.18.2001 -

WCW Television Championship
1-40. http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=150
41. Scott Steiner[2] / V6 / 12.28.1998 - 03.14.1999
42. Booker T[6] / V11 / 03.14.1999 - 05.09.1999
43. Rick Steiner / V19 / 05.09.1999 - 09.13.1999
44. Chris Benoit[3] / V4 / 09.13.1999 - 10.24.1999
45. Rick Steiner[2] / V3 / 10.24.1999 - 11.21.1999
46. Scott Hall* / V0 / 11.21.1999 - 11.29.1999
--. TITLE VACATED**
47. Jim Duggan*** / V5 / 02.16.2000 - 03.28.2000
--. TITLE VACATED ^

* - won title via forfeit, when champion was injured and unable to defend title
** - Hall abandoned the title by throwing it away
*** - Retrieved title from trash can and crowned himself champion
^ - Title retired after WCW reboot from Eric Bischoff/Vince Russo


WCW Cruiserweight Championship
1-37. http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=758
38. Chris Candido / V2 / 04.16.2000 - 05.15.2000
39. Crowbar / Daffney* / V0 / 05.15.2000 - 05.22.2000
40. Daffney** / V1 / 05.22.2000 - 06.06.2000
41. Chavo Guerrero (as Lt. Loco) / V5 / 06.06.2000 - 07.31.2000
42. Lance Storm / V1 / 07.31.2000 - 08.14.2000
43. Elix Skipper*** / V4 / 08.14.2000 - 10.02.2000
47. Mike Sanders^ / V2 / 10.02.2000 - 12.06.2000
48. Chavo Guerrero Jr.[2] / V4 / 12.06.2000 - 03.18.2001
49. Shane Helms / V4 / 03.18.2001 -

* - won title in tag team match with Tammy Sytch and Candido to become co-champions
** - won title in a title decision bout against Crowbar
*** - was awarded championship by Lance Storm
^ - Won title in a handicapped "Powerbomb" match with Kevin Nash as his partner

WCW World Tag Team Championship
1-75. http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=59
38. Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak[2] / V6 / 10.09.2000 - 11.16.2000
39. Alex Wright & General Rection* / V0 / 11.16.2000 - 11.20.2000
40. Chuck Palumbo & Shawn Stasiak[2]** / V1 / 11.20.2000 - 12.17.2000
41. Diamond Dallas Page[3] & Kevin Nash[8][/b] / V0 / 12.17.2000 - 01.14.2001
42. Chuck Palumbo[4] & Sean O'Haire[3] / V6 / 01.14.2001 -

* - General Rection was a replacement for Disco Inferno, who suffered a shoulder injury
** - Defeated Alex Wright and Elix Skipper (replacement for General Rection)

WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship
1. Kid Romeo & Elix Skipper* / V0 / 03.18.2001 - 03.26.2001
2. Rey Mysterio Jr. & Billy Kidman* / V1 / 03.26.2001 -

* - Won in tournament final

Schedule of Events

The Next Show...

WCW Worldwide, 05.12.2001 (ESPN2) (SAT)
Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas, USA

1. WCW TV Title Tournament: Jason Jett vs. Kid Kash
2. Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo vs. AJ Styles & Air Paris
3. WCW TV Title Tournament: Kanyon vs. X

WCW - Main Roster
Air Paris
AJ Styles
Alex Wright [PT]
Bam Bam Bigelow
Billy Kidman - WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion
Big Vito
Booker T - WCW United States Champion
Brian Adams
Bryan Clark
Buff Bagwell
Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Chuck Palumbo - WCW World Tag Team Champion
Crowbar
Curt Hennig (w/ Bobby 'the Brain' Heenan) - WCW World Champion
Diamond Dallas Page
Disco Inferno [PT]
Dustin Rhodes
Elix Skipper
Evan Karagias
Jamie Knoble
Jason Jett
Johnny the Bull
Kaz Hayashi (w/ Leia Meow)
Kanyon
Kid Romeo
Konnan
Kwee Wee
Lance Storm
Lash LeRoux
Lex Luger
Little Guido Maritato
Mark Jindrak (w/ Stacy Keibler)
Mike Awesome
Norman Smiley
Nova
Rey Mysterio Jr. - WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion
Rick Steiner
Road Warrior Animal
Road Warrior Hawk
Sabu
Sean O’Haire - WCW World Tag Team Champion
Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah)
Shane Helms - WCW Cruiserweight Champion
Shannon Moore
Shawn Stasiak (w/ Stacy Keibler)
Sting
Super Crazy
The Wall
Yang (w/ Leia Meow)

Tag Team Roster
2-Cute - Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore
Air Raid - Air Paris & AJ Styles
Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire
Filthy Animals - Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio
Jung Dragons - Kaz Hayashi, Yang, & Leia Meow
KroniK - Brian Adams & Bryan Clark
The Alpha Males - Kid Romeo & Elix Skipper
The First Class Club - Mark Jindrak, Shawn Stasiak, Stacy Keibler
The Mamalukes - Big Vito & Johnny the Bull
The Roadwarriors - Hawk & Animal
Totally Buff - Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell

Managers
Bobby 'the Brain' Heenan
Leia Meow
Midajah
Stacy Keibler
Torrie Wilson

Staff
Arn Anderson [R] (Road Agent)
Dusty Rhodes [R] (Road Agent)
Jerry 'the King' Lawler [R] (Color Commentator)
Larry Zybysko [R]
Ric Flair (WCW President) [PT]
Tony Schiavone (Play by Play Commentator)

Power Plant Pro Wrestling
Singles Roster
Amazing Red
American Dragon (Bryan Danielson)
Apolo
Billy Fives
Bison Smith
Bobby Roode
Chris Hero
Christopher Daniels
CM Punk
Donovan Morgan
Ebessan
Homicide
Hotstuff Hernandez
Jay Lethal
Jimmy Jacobs
Ken Anderson
Kenny Omega
Low Ki
Michael Modest
Samoa Joe
Spanky (Brian Kendrick)
Sonny Siaki
Tom Howard

Tag Team Roster
Air Raid - AJ Styles & Air Paris
Samoan Swat Team - Kimo & Ekmo
Swiss Money Holding - Claudio Castagnoli & Ares
The Briscoe Brothers - Mark Briscoe & Jay Briscoe
The Urban Outlawz - Marshall Knox & Mike Knox
York & Matthews - Christian York & Joey Matthews

Female Roster
Alexis Laree
Cheerleader Melissa
Dawn Marie
Jazz
Madusa
Melina Perez

Staff
Alex Wright (Lead Trainer)
Carl Ouelette (Trainer)
Dusty Rhodes (Promo Coach)
Jacques Rogeau (Road Agent)
Jim Duggan (Trainer)
Larry Zybysko (Color Commentator)
Mike Tenay (Play by Play Commentator)
Terry Funk (Trainer, PPW Commissioner)

WWF Roster - 2001
WWF - Singles
Al Snow...Big Bossman...Big Show...Billy Gunn...Brock Lesnar...Buchanan...Charlie Haas...Chris Benoit...Chris Jericho...Chris Nowinski...Crash Holly...Dean Malenko...Eddie Guerrero...Funaki...Goodfather...Haku...Hardcore Holly...Justin Credible...K-Kwik...Kane...Kurt Angle...Leviathan...Mark Henry...Maven...Perry Saturn...Prototype...Randy Orton...Raven...Rhyno...Rob Van Dam...Rodney Mack...Shelton Benjamin...Spike Dudley...Steve Blackman...Steven Richards...Stone Cold Steve Austin...Tajiri...Taka Michinoku...Tazz...The Rock [PT]...Tommy Dreamer...Triple H...Undertaker...Val Venis...William Regal...X-Pac

WWF - Tag Teams
Acolytes - Bradshaw & Faarooq...Edge & Christian...Dudley Boyz - Bubba Ray Dudley & D'Von Dudley...Hardy Boyz - Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy...Lo Down - Chaz & D'Lo Brown...T&A - Albert & Test...Too Cool - Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi

WWF - Women
Chyna...Ivory...Jacqueline...Lita...Molly Holly...Nidia...Stephanie McMahon...Terri Runnels...Trish Stratus...Victoria

WWF - Non-Wrestlers
Jim Cornette...Jim Ross...Michael Hayes...Paul Heyman...Shane McMahon

WWA Roster - 2001
WWA Full Roster
Brian Christopher...Ernest 'the Cat' Miller...Gangrel...Hugh Morrus...Jeff Jarrett...Juventud Guerrera...Lenny Lane...Lodi...Luna Vachon...Nathan Jones...Psicosis...Reno...Road Dogg...Stevie Ray

FREE Agents - May 2001
FREE Agents - Singles
Abdullah the Butcher[PT]...Axl Rotten...Balls Mahoney...Bill Goldberg [X]...Blue Meanie...C.W. Anderson...Chilly Willy...Chris Candido [J]...Chris Hamrick...Cyrus the Virus...Davey Boy Smith (British Bulldog)[X]...David Flair...Dennis Knight (Mideon)...Gangrel...Gary Wolfe...Glacier...Greg Valentine...Hulk Hogan [X]...Ian Rotten...Johnny B. Badd...John Tenta (Earthquake/Avalanche)...Julio Dinero...Kevin Nash [X]...Michael Shane...Mike Barton [J]...Mikey Whipwreck...Ron Studd (Reese)...Sandman...Scott Hall [J]...Scott Vick (Sick Boy)...Scotty Riggs...Sid Vicious [X]...Steve Corino...Tony Mamaluke...Tracy Smothers...Vader [J]...Van Hammer...Vic Grimes

FREE Agents - Tag Teams
Da Baldies - Tony DeVito & Spanish Angel...Danny Doring & Roadkill...Mean Street Posse - Joey Abs, Rodney, & Pete Gas...Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger...The Harris Brothers - Ron & Don Harris...The Headbangers - Mosh & Thrasher...The Nasty Boys - Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags

FREE Agents - Females
Elektra...Francine...Missy Hyatt...Sable...Stacy Carter (The Kat/Miss Kitty)...Tammy Lynn Sytch

FREE Agents - Non-Wrestlers
Joel Gertner...Lou E. Dangerously


[*] - Inactive, in rehab
[J] - Touring Japan
[PT] - Part Time Talent
[MEX] - Touring Mexico
[EUR] - Touring Europe
[X] - Not Available - either due to personal reasons (injury/rehab) or due to Time Warner contract
 
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#3 ·
WCW Monday Night Nitro, 05.07.2001 (ESPN)
Reed Arena in College Station, Texas, USA

1. Randy Savage beat Scott Steiner (10:49) with the Diving Elbow Drop.
2. WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Rey Mysterio Jr. & Billy Kidman[c] beat Kaz Hayashi & Yang (10:26) when Kidman used the Shooting Star Press on Yang (1st Title Defense)
3. Lance Storm beat Jason Jett (07:01) with a Superkick.
4. WCW Cruiserweight Title: Shane Helms[c] beat Chavo Guerrero Jr. (08:20) with the Vertebreaker (2nd Title Defense)
5. Open Challenge: Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal beat Mark Jindrak & Shawn Stasiak (w/ Stacy Keibler) (02:30) with the Doomsday Device on Jindrak.
6. WCW World Tag Team Titles: Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo[c] vs. Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell ended in a No Contest (00:00) due to match cancellation.
7. WCW World Heavyweight Title: Curt Hennig beat Booker T[c] (20:21) with the Hennig Plex (TITLE CHANGE!)

~~DETAILS BELOW~~

Pre-Show Hype
Prior to the official show’s start, we see Jerry “The King” Lawler make his Nitro debut and join Tony Schiavone and Scott Hudson at the commentary booth. Lawler gets a massive pop as he joins the team - Schiavone touts that the return of Monday Night Nitro will be a “Night of Surprises”

In-Ring Segment
The show starts with Scott Steiner coming to the ring with Midajah. He goes on a tirade about given a World Title shot tonight against Booker T - claiming he wants to evoke his rematch clause tonight. He calls out the “anonymous WCW owner” to the ring and demands it be made official. Out comes Ric Flair, revealed to be the new owner of WCW officially. Flair explains that after a lot of investors signed on, Flair assumes full ownership of WCW and tells Steiner that he will get his rematch, but not tonight. Flair states that tonight is a night where change happens - where main event stars are born. He says tonight Booker T will defend his World Championship against a man who has never secured a World Championship in his illustrious career - the returning Curt Hennig!

Steiner rips apart Flair verbally, saying that they have a past - the “Magnificent Seven” - and that Flair is going against the code. That code being, “Whatever Big Poppa Pump wants…he gets. You know that better than anyone. And tonight, Big Poppa Pump wants a fight - and if he ain’t gettin’ the fight he wants…he’ll grab the nearest sum-bitch and beat their ass!” as he looms towards Flair.

Flair backs off a bit and tells Scotty that he’s a changed man - that the time of Naitch has come and gone. Flair states that he’s not a competitor anymore and he now wears a suit of authority - “But with that authority comes great power, big man. And if it’s a fight you’re looking for - then I’m the man to see! You see, I’ve got a guy in the back right now that’s itching to make his way to this ring and cement himself as a big time player at WCW. He’s a guy that we haven’t seen around here in over a year. A guy who’s a former World Champion here at WCW. And he’s a guy who’s just ACHING for a fight. So, big man, you want a fight? You gotta fight - RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW! TONIGHT!”

Flair’s eyes bug out of his head in excitement as he points to the crowd, who is ROARING in cheers, anticipating who it may be. “You all know ‘em, you all know he’s here. Scotty - let me re-introduce to you, the man who is going to give you your fight RIGHT NOW…”MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE!!”

The crowd goes absolutely insane with cheers as they are treated to not only the return of the “Madness”, but the return of the OLD SCHOOL Savage. The old theme “Pomp and Circumstance (Remix) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URs_oDcWB2U)” hits and the crowd goes absolutely insane. Coming out with his old school green, blue, and yellow LOUD attire - “Macho Man” Randy Savage explodes onto the stage with fireworks blaring at both sides. Savage points to the ring and twirls the finger to a MASSIVE pop - as Steiner rips off his head-gear and orders Midajah out of the ring.

MATCH 1
Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Scott Steiner

The bout kicks off with Steiner attacking Savage the moment he enters the ring. Steiner whips Savage into the corner, but Savage blocks and back elbow Steiner in the nose - knocking him down. Savage pounces on Steiner with right fists, but Steiner rolls out of the ring. Savage is quick to meet him with an apron double axe handle and continues to reign fists into Steiner. The two brawl at ringside for a bit, before Savage hurls Steiner into the steel steps and rolls him back into the ring. Savage looks poised to hit the Top Rope Axe Handle, but Steiner pushes the official into the ropes and crotches the Macho Man - enabling Steiner to hit a TOP ROPE BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX for a near fall.

Steiner works on Savage’s lower back a great deal with strikes, elbows, and general submissions (like a face lock with a knee pressed into the small of the back). Savage tries to fight back, but struggles to hide his pain- enabling Steiner to consistently re-attack the injured back with devastating slams and clobbering blows.

Eventually, Savage does fight back successfully after catching Steiner in a reverse atomic drop during an attempted 2nd rope axe handle and NAILS Steiner with a lariat takedown. Steiner rises, but Savage drapes his neck over the top rope and looks poised to hit the Top Rope Elbow Drop - but Midajah meets Savage on the apron and distracts the Macho Man - enabling Steiner to drive a running shoulder block to Savage and sends him HARD off the apron and crashing into the guard rail ribs-first. Savage is in trouble, and Steiner hits a big overhead belly to belly on the outside.

Steiner looks ready to end things and rolls Savage in the ring and looms over him. He looks ready to lock the Steiner Recliner, but Savage manages to slide backwards to avoid the hold and hit Steiner with a Snap DDT to regain composure.

Fans roar in cheers, awaiting Savage’s triumphant rise. The two legendary figures get to their feet and trade blows. Savage gets the upper hand with jabs of fury and a few boots to the gut. He whips Steiner to the ropes, but Steiner reverses. Steiner lands the clothesline, kisses his bicep and tries for an elbow drop - but Savage dodges and locks Steiner in an Oklahoma Roll for a near fall. They rise up again, Savage dodges a lariat, hits the ropes and nails Steiner with a high knee that stumbles Steiner into the ropes and bounces him into the waiting arms of Savage for a reverse atomic drop, followed by a swinging neck breaker. Savage looks poised to hit the top rope again - but again Midajah gets on the apron - only to get ripped off the apron by Miss Elizabeth (MASSIVE pop from the crowd!) Elizabeth and Midajah argue at ringside, enabling Steiner to crotch Savage again and prep him for the FRANKENSTEINER. But as Steiner leaps, Savage holds onto the top rope and Steiner crashes to the canvas - enabling Savage to get back up and NAIL the Diving Elbow Drop for the pin.

After the pin, Elizabeth joins Randy in the ring and the two embrace - holding one another’s arm up and making it known the two have reunited in WCW.

WINNER: Macho Man Randy Savage via pin fall

Mean Gene’s Return, Macho Man’s 1st interview

After commercial break, Mean Gene Okerlund comes out to the stage to a HUGE ovation (chants of “Mean Gene” even break out). Okerlund thanks fans and thanks them for the support. He starts by saying he has never felt more enthusiastic about WCW’s future with Ric Flair at the helm and is excited to be the first to interview this man…the returning former 4x WCW World Champion - Macho Man Randy Savage and the lovely Miss Elizabeth.

Savage comes out to a massive pop as he twirls his finger to the sky and calls out Miss Elizabeth to join him. Gene says it’s great to see Savage back and has to ask him what brought him back to the WCW, after a quiet departure following his last WCW Nitro appearance in May 2000 (Just over 1 year to this day) and return with his former valet Miss Elizabeth.

Savage, with his emphatically excitable and gruff voice, responds by asking Gene…

Savage: Mean Gene - do ya FEEL IT? Do ya FEEL it? Do ya feel the tingles running up and down your spine? DO YA FEEL the little hairs left on the top of that dome of yours SPIKE UP? Ya know what this eeeezz? (Pauses and lowers his voice) That’s the madness..OOOOOH YEAHHHH!!! And the WCW has been missing it for a year - and it’s about time, brother, to bring it on back!

Savage: For 1 year - the Macho Man Randy Savage has been lying in wait for his opportunity to come back where he belongs. And it AIN’T where the big boys play, Mean Gene, oh no. It’s where the CREAM OF THE CROP come to fight and more importantly than that…come to win. Can ya dig it? And who better to rise to the top with than with the very lady who rode that wave with me all of those times before? (pointing at Liz, who applauds Randy Savage and taps him on the back supportively).

Mean Gene: So with your return, what’s next for the Macho Man?

Savage: I’m gonna answer your question with a question - Mean Gene. What does cream do? RHETORICAL QUESTION - it rises to the top, and that’s exactly what the Macho Man’s gonna do. He’s gunning for the top, he’s gunning for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship! The Macho Man didn’t come back to play curtain jerker - he came to be the best once again - OOOOOOOH YEAHHHHH!!!!

Nitro’s Card

Tony Schiavone and Jerry Lawler ran down the card for tonight’s festivities - staying that up next would be the first ever WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Title defense from the Filthy Animals - as they take on the Jung Dragons. They also include that WCW World Tag Team Titles are on the line as O’Haire and Palumbo face off against Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell - in a rematch after the champions very quick and dominant win over the veterans at WCW Sin. And, in the main event, as Ric Flair stated, WCW World Champion Booker T will face off against the returning Curt Hennig.

MATCH 2
WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles
Filthy Animals[c] vs. Jung Dragons (w/ Leia Meow)

The cruiserweight tag team division, a division that only JUST kicked off before the danger of WCW’s closure, proved to be the beginning of a very powerful division. The bout began with the the Jung Dragons attempting a pre-bell double suicide dive to the Filthy Animals (at the instruction of Leia Meow) - only to have the veteran cruiser weights dodge respectively and cause the asian duo to crash and burn on the outside. The Filthy Animals simultaneously hit the ring and DOVE onto the Jung Dragons - Rey with a Tope Con Hilo and Kidman with a Spaceman Plancha.

The four cruiser weights battled at ringside for a bit- with the veterans getting a clear advantage. Kidman rolled Yang into the ring, but was promptly tackled from behind by Kaz Hayashi (while he managed to pull Rey into the steel steps). The Dragons landed a flurry of stomps and whipped Kidman to the rope and attempted a double back elbow, but Kidman rolled forward (dodging), baseball slid under an attempted double lariat - and enabled Mysterio to get back up and land a springboard dropkick that NAILED the Jung Dragons.

Mysterio rolled Kaz out of the ring, enabling Kidman to concentrate on Yang in-ring. Kidman started off with a flurry of flipper forearms and ran Yang to the ropes. Kidman leap frogged over Yang, rolled over and caught the young wrestler with a monkey flip. Yang angrily shot up and got caught with a japanese arm drag. Yang again rose in a rage and attempted a screaming lariat, but Kidman ducked, pulled Yang around and landed a reversal swinging neck breaker for a 1 count fall.

Yang quickly rolled out of the ring. Kidman attempted another dive, but Leia Meow stood in front of Yang to prevent the attack. Meow thought she had safely protected Yang, but Mysterio leapt off the apron picked up Meow and moved her away. Kidman then landed a BIG twisting plancha onto Yang to a HUGE pop. Kidman rolled him back in, but got a 2 count fall. Kidman pulled Yang to the corner and tagged in Rey.

The Animals whipped Yang to the ropes and hit a unique Reverse Atomic Drop (Kidman) / Running Wheel Kick (Mysterio) combo for a 2 count that Kaz Hayashi broke up. Rey looked poised to put Yang up for a top rope hurricanrana - but Leia Meow got on the apron and enabled Kaz Hayashi to rush in and hit a SECOND ROPE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP TO MYSTERIO! (Fans let out a collective “OOOOOOOH” groan of pain). Mysterio clutched the back of his head quickly - a headache that wouldn’t get any better with Yang’s top rope guillotine leg drop. Yang shook off the cobwebs and quickly tagged in Hayashi, who immediately rushed at Mysterio with a Roaring Elbow and dropkicked Kidman off the apron.

Hayashi angrily stomped on Mysterio’s head in the corner and foot choked the luchador until the official broke it up. As he did, effectively distracting himself to get Hayashi away, Leia Meow took her whip and began choking Mysterio until the official turned around.

The match would proceed with the Jung Dragons keeping the offense on Mysterio by centering attacks on the neck - even hitting a unique Bearhug (Hayashi) / Diving Leg Drop (Yang) combo for a very close near fall that Kidman had to break up. The duo didn’t stop there and proceeded to hit another quick tag move - a powerful Wheel Barrel Suplex (Hayashi) / Falling Neckbreaker (Yang) combo that got ANOTHER dangerously close near fall.

The Jung Dragons seemed close to victory - as Hayashi rushed in and knocked Kidman off the apron with a forearm and called for Yang to prop Mysterio on the top. Mysterio was proper for an Iconoclasm from Hayashi - but Mysterio reversed with a diving head scissors that hurled Hayashi’s face into Yang’s skull. Hayashi tumbled through the ropes as Yang tumbled into the corner. Shaking cobwebs away, Yang stumbled to Mysterio, who slapped his arms away and nailed a pop-up hurricanrana that knocked Yang’s head straight to the canvas.

Kidman for the hot tag - who charged in full of fire and decked Yang a number of times. Hayashi attempted to stop the attack, but fell victim to a double flapjack from the Filthy Animals. Yang looked for a springboard cross body, but Kidman reversed with a double knee gut buster. The match ended with Yang taking a Top Rope Hurricanrana (Mysterio) / Capture Powerbomb (Kidman) combo, which was followed by Kidman’s Shooting Star Press for the victory.

WINNERS: Filthy Animals via pin fall (title retention)

The #1 Contenders Arrive

The victory was cut short - as a piercingly arrogant voice demanded for the music to be cut off. Well, it wasn’t done in such a refined manner. It was more like, “SHUT THAT DAYAM CRAPPY ASS MUSIC UP, MAN. SHOOT!”

The voice belonged to Elix Skipper. Skipper, joined by his tag team partner Kid Romeo, appeared on stage - looking unamused at the Filthy Animals.

Skipper: Hey boys, I got some good news for y’all. Y’all about to lose some weight real dayam soon. Now, don’t get it twisted none - it ain’t like Kidman will be able to walk around with no shirt or anything…y’all just gonna lose some weight around the waist - namely, the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles - the titles ya’ll STOLE from us, ya understand?

Skipper: Look at ‘chu two, all mad and huffy - I don’t understand why ya’ll so mad? (motioning towards Rey) I mean, Rey - what you weigh, son? Fiddy pounds? That belt gotta weight a whole lot for little guy like you. We doin’ y’all a favor and lightening yo’ load! Hell, come to think of it (looks towards the crowd) we doin’ ALL Y’ALL a favor. Because when the belts are around the waists of the prettiest men in professional wrestling - money flows and ratings grow. We y’all saviors!

Crowd: BOOOOOO!!!

Elix Skipper: Next week, Monday Night Nitro - we’re cashing in our rematch, boys.

Skipper: So until then - keep them belts shiny, take ‘em to Mexico and show ‘em to your fam - just make sure Uncle Paco don’t be pawnin’ them for booze, ya understand? Cuz, If there’s a scratch on them belts, there’s a scratch on ya asses. Ya heard? (drops the microphone emphatically - as he and Romeo motion around their waists).

Kid Romeo: Hey putos, if you don’t understand English, let me translate for you. (Runs a hand around his waist) Los campeones estan aqui!

Meanwhile, Backstage…

In the office of the freshly revealed WCW President, Ric Flair cuts a promo to the camera, revealing some more of WCW’s mission statement to the fans. He admits some failures along the way, but promises a few things to fans - action, excitement, and everything you love about professional wrestling.

Ric Flair: The Nature Boy’s no dumby - he’s been in this business for over three decades and I know this business better than any man alive. I know this business may have been built on the sweat, the blood and the tears of the veterans - but it’s new roads are gonna be paved by the future of this business. The Nature Boy’s generation only has so much to give, and we gotta get the future ready to take over - and that’s why, as my first major act as WCW President, I have decided…

Camera pans out to reveal the WCW Television Championship rested upon the President’s desk.

Ric Flair: To bring back a championship that used to epitomize the future of this industry. The WCW Television Championship - held by men like the Ultimo Dragon, Lex Luger, Diamond Dallas Page, Arn Anderson - and even our current WCW World Champion - Booker T! Every man that has held this championship has made it to the big time - and starting THIS WEEK on THURSDAY NIGHT THUNDER - this championship will be held up in a 16-man tournament. The start of that tournament begins THIS THURSDAY! LIVE on ESPN2 - THURSDAY NIGHT THUNDER. And the Nature Boy guarantees you all that BIG surprises are coming up - what you see tonight ain’t even HALF of what we got in store for you!

Ric Flair: WHOOO!!!!!

??? HOLD ON A DAMN MINUTE, YOU HAG!

Abruptly, with 3 security men being violently shoved aside - Scott Steiner angrily bursts the doors open and shouts angrily…

Scott Steiner: You sum-bitch! I should kick your old ass right now! Who the hell do you think you are putting me in a match with Savage? I wasn’t ready for Savage, I was ready for Booker T - I was ready for my damn rematch!

Ric Flair: (Standing up) And you’ll get your rematch, big man, just not tonight.

Scott Steiner: THAT’S BULLSH*T AND YOU KNOW IT! You’re just jealous, Flair! Jealous that Big Poppa Pump is triple the man you’ll ever be and quadruple the champion you’ll ever be!

Ric Flair: Scotty - you’ll get your rematch, just not tonight, it’s as simple as that. But you might wanna start getting that ring rust off - I mean, you did lose to Randy Savage, whose been out of the ring for a year…

Scott Steiner: WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, YOU SH*T HEAD?! (angrily tussles the guards to reach for Flair, but is pulled out of the office by more) I’LL KILL YOU, YOU SUM-BITCH! THIS AIN’T OVER!

MATCH 3
Lance Storm vs. Jason Jett

The re-introductions of the 2 ECW alumni continued the fast paced action. Prior to the match, however, Lance Storm took to the microphone and started, classically…

Storm: If I can be serious for a moment…(pauses, as crowd jeers) I have to express my complete disdain at the lack of respect that Ric Flair has shown to a world class athlete like myself. Here, at the premiere Monday Night Nitro on ESPN - he’s dared to give me a lack luster opponent in Jason Jett. (curls a lip) His name alone emanates amateur, and his so-called “in-ring skill” does nothing to improve that.

Storm: Jason Jett lacks skill, he lacks in-ring presence, and he lacks finesse. In other words, Jason Jett is not worth my time. He does nothing for my advancement. Therefore, Jason, I am going to give you an opportunity to save yourself from embarrassment and enable you to simply leave the ring, get counted out, and go on with your life. Allowing me to move onto much more important matters.

Storm puts the microphone down and crosses his arms, as a parent would to a scolded child. Jett motions to Storm and mouths, “Are you serious?” Storm promptly takes the microphone in hand, “This is no joking matter, Jason. You have a choice.”

Jett promptly takes the microphone and looks poised to answer - only to CLIP Storm with a flipping dropkick that knocks the Canadian out of the ring. Jett charges the ropes and looks ready to dive, but Storm rushes away. Jett sees this and feigns a suicide dive, but flips forward to roll over the top rope and land on the apron. Storm turns back around to get caught with a rolling denton off the apron by Jett that gets a loud POP from the crowd.

Jett wastes no time in rolling Storm into the ring. Storm gets to his feet and manages to hit a knee into Jett’s gut and sends him to the ropes. Jett ducks a clothesline, ducks a back elbow, springboards off the middle rope and connects with a capture arm drag. Storm shoots up and charges with another lariat, but Jett ducks and locks Storm in a full nelson and converts to a headlock, Storm reverses into an arm bar, but Jett flips forward and locks in his own wrist lock. Storm rolls free and single leg trips Jett and locks a grounded headlock. Jett maneuvers free into a drop-toe-hold into a front headlock, Storm double leg trips into an attempted boston crab, but Jett twists sideways and crashes Storm onto the canvas. The two men shoot up with kip-ups and get a standing ovation.

Jett tries for a sneaky leg drop, but Storm side steps and catches Jett with a low dropkick to the side of the head and follows up with repeated stomps to the back of the head until Jett gets to the corner. There, Storm fires off a few forearms and shoots him to the corner. Storm looks for a monkey flip, but Jett LANDS ON HIS FEET! Jett shoots to the ropes and catches Storm with a springboard 180 twisting DDT for a 2 count fall!

Storm slyly rolls out of the ring to safety, but Jett attacks with a baseball slide. Storm manages to side-step and pull Jett RIGHT into the steel steps, slowing down the pace and even enabling Storm to hit a snap suplex on the outside, followed by a back suplex on the side of the apron! Announcers recognize Storm’s central attack on the back - likely trying to slow Jett down.

Storm rolls Jett into the ring and readies for a top rope missile dropkick, but Jett side-steps and locks Storm into a Magistral Cradle for a DANGEROUSLY close two count. Storm catches Jett with a jumping calf kick to regain the control and locks on a knee-to-the-back camel clutch variant. Jett fights it off and manages to push Storm to the ropes. He leapfrogs over Storm and catches the Canadian with a unique hip-toss neck breaker that gets a BIG reaction. Storm clutches his neck in pain, as Jett sneaks up behind and nails a Bridging Dragon Suplex!!!

1…2…KICKOUT by Storm!

Jett pulls Storm up and looks poised for his “Crash Landing”, but his back gives way and Storm quickly rolls him up in a small package - but for a 2 count! The two men rise, Storm looks for a super kick, but catches the boot and NAILS a Capture T-Bone Suplex! Jett favors the back, but calls for the Crash Landing again! The crowd rises, but Storm wiggles his legs to prevent the lift and pushes away from Jett. Jett goes for a kick to the gut, Storm catches it - Storm pulls the leg upwards - forcing Jett to back flip and…

Fans: OOOOOOOHHHHH~!!!!
Tony Schiavone: OH MY GOD!!!!
Jerry Lawler: OOH-HOO!!! HE’S NOT GONNA BE EATING RIGHT FOR A YEAR!

In mid-backflip, as Jett was still airborne, Storm LEVELS Jett with a super kick to the chops. Jett crashes hard to the canvas, Storm covers - but it’s academic 3 seconds later. Crowd chants of “HOLY SHIT!” ring out loudly in the arena, as Storm’s hand is raised in victory.

WINNER: Lance Storm via pin fall

An Interview with a Champion

Mean Gene Okerlund is standing by at the entrance stage and introduces the current WCW World Heavyweight Champion and current WCW United States Champion Booker T, whom receives a large pop from the crowd. Mean Gene welcomes Booker T back to Monday Night Nitro, to which Booker T promptly responds.

Booker T: Gene, it’s about damn time! (pauses as the crowd pops) Cause tonight the WCW World Champion’s about to light the mug up!

Mean Gene: Well, tonight has been a night of surprises and what’s in store for you is a great example. New WCW President, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair has placed you in a 1-on-1 bout, not with the former WCW World Champion Scott Steiner, but with the returning Curt Hennig. Your thoughts?

Booker T: Mean Gene, it’s like this: I’m the WCW World Champion and that means Imma take on ANY MAN that wants a shot. It don’t matter if it’s Scott Steiner, and it don’t matter if it’s Curt Hennig - whoever wants a shot, come GET YOU SOME!

(Sirens blare…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTqwnMWiH1I)

Fans: BOOOOO!!

Mean Gene: Come on! Again?!

(No sooner did Gene say that, than did an angry Scott Steiner, with Midajah at his side, angrily stomp towards Booker T. Steiner promptly shoves Gene off-camera and gets directly in the face of Booker T - the two are nearly nose to nose.)

Scott Steiner: You fight anybody, anytime, anywhere? HUH?! How about you give me what’s rightfully mine? Why don’t you PUT UP or SHUT UP? Right here, right now - you and the the only REAL man in WCW. Screw Curt Hennig - you and I, right now!

(Steiner shoves the microphone in Booker’s chest - and Booker snatches it off)

Booker T: You know what? I’m about that double duty - you wanna get yo ass kicked AGAIN tonight? You GOT IT!

(Steiner rips his headpiece off and stomps towards the ring, as Booker removes his button down shirt and stomps forward until officials quickly storm in and Ric Flair appears. Flair promptly orders Steiner to be removed from the arena - and if he doesn’t go quietly, he will be suspended. Steiner, after much argument, starts to leave when….

(Champion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YAzkR-VZ6g)

“I am a CHAMP-E-ON….”

(The crowd pops HUGE for the return of CURT HENNIG. Hennig saunters through the curtain and slowly makes his way to the base of the stage, near Ric Flair. Chewing his gum loudly, Hennig lifts a microphone up and smiles arrogantly at the scene before him).

Curt Hennig: Wow, look at what you’ve all done to this place (shakes his head towards Flair, Booker, and Steiner) Let’s all take a minute and reflect on how imperfect things have been since I’ve left. Just look at what’s happening here in WCW. Without me - the doors nearly closed. Without me - you’ve got some gorilla barking either for a banana or a World Title shot, I can’t tell - because I can hardly understand him.

Steiner: (shouts profanities towards Hennig, as the security keep him at bay).

Curt Hennig: Without me (saunters closer to Booker T) you’ve had to deal with THIS…as your World Champion. (Booker T curls a lip, as Hennig smiles arrogantly) But, at least there’s one shining hope for the future - because Ric Flair did the only smart thing in his life, well - at least since I used to manage his career (winks at Flair, who just scoffs at him) - and that was put ME in the World Title picture.

Curt Hennig: Scotty, Booker - I hate to tell you boys, but now that I’m back…by comparison, you’re just not main event material anymore. I am the Selection of Perfection…and the future’s looking absolutely…perfect. (smiles and lobs the microphone at Booker, who slaps it away - as we head to commercial).

MATCH 4
WCW Cruiserweight Title
Shane Helms[c] vs. Chavo Guerrero

The bout began with Chavo Guerrero trying to “shush” the crowd and reached towards Shane Helms for a handshake. Shane, understandably so, was hesitant to accept. Chavo promptly grabbed the microphone and said: “Look, Shane, I know you and I have had differences. I get why you wouldn’t want to shake my hand. I mean, after all, you did steal my Cruiserweight Title (holds a hand up, as fans jeer). No, no, it’s okay. I forgive you. Let’s let bygones be bygones and let’s just have a good, old fashioned, cruiserweight match. Okay? All’s forgiven.”

Chavo puts the microphone away and extends a hand. Shane sells being a bit hesitant, but looks to accept - *SLAP~!!!* Only for Chavo to slap the taste out of his mouth. Chavo mouthed off a bit, as Shane rubbed his jaw and charged Chavo with a right hand. Chavo ducked and hit the ropes. Helms went for a clothesline, but Chavo ducked. Helms for a back elbow, but Chavo ducked. Chavo off the ropes, Helms leap frogs over, then low bridges under. Chavo runs at Helms, Helms with a back body drop - but Chavo side rolls onto his feet and points to his head - laughing at Helms’ attempt. But his arrogance turned him RIGHT into a *SLAP~!!!* from Helms. The slap resonated loudly and Chavo’s head went swimmy - enabling Helms to connect with a super kick and lock in 2 count.

Chavo rolled out of the ring to safety and even avoided an attempted dive from Helms. Helms, however, landed on the apron and instead caught Chavo with an apron-dive rolling senton. Helms pummeled Chavo with stomps of fury until Chavo managed to roll out of the way and slide back in the ring. Helms followed and Chavo tried for a quick elbow drop - but Helms rolled back out, Chavo crashed elbow-to-canvas and Helm slid in with a Magistral Cradle for another 2 count fall. Chavo, again, rolled out of the ring and jogged himself to the corner edge of the ringside area to avoid an attempted to dive. He ordered the official to keep Helms at bay as he re-collected himself.

Helms’ frustration grew, until he eventually slid out of the ring and towards Chavo - only for Chavo to dropkick to the steel steps RIGHT into Helm’s knee. Helms collapsed in pain as Chavo pounced like a tiger to it’s prey, stomping heavily on the knee and even knee smashing him on the apron.

The attack continued in-ring, with Chavo centering the attack on the leg, like a true cruiserweight veteran. Jerry Lawler praised Guerrero, stating, “The only thing Chavo hasn’t done yet is break his leg - but just you wait. Time to teach this young punk some respect.” Chavo locked in a leg grapevine and looked poised for victory - but Helms grabbed the ropes. Chavo grabbed Helms by the leg and looked for a dragon screw, but Helms back flipped out of it - only to get a NASTY low dropkick to the knee. Chavo smiled wickedly as he maneuvered over to Helms and kept him grounded with a running low dropkick to the side of the head - and a quick cover for a 2 count. Chavo capitalized by grabbing Helms by the injured leg and locking on a NASTY elevated single crab - pressing his knee deep into the lower back of Helms and cranking the leg horribly backwards.

Helms looked ready to tap out - as fans began to cheer for his resurgence. Helms eventually crawled towards the ropes and reached as far as he could, but as he got closer to the lower ropes, Chavo release and yanked him in the center of the ring and locked a cross-legged STF - applying further pressure to the leg. Helms frantically reached for the ropes that were so far away. Eventually, Helms began to pry Chavo’s grip apart, but not before Chavo released and dropped an elbow across the back.

Chavo continued the onslaught over the leg, but Helms would fight back after Chavo missed a frog splash and ate a VICIOUS Shining Wizard for a close 2 count. Helms would fire an onslaught of forearms until Chavo fell to his knees and followed up with a super kick for another close count. Helms favored the leg greatly, which allowed Chavo regain the advantage when Helms attempts the Vertebreaker, only for his leg to give out and Chavo to reverse into an Impaler. Chavo motioned to the top rope and looked poised to hit an uncharacteristic moonsault, but Helms rose and ran himself into the ropes - crouching Chavo. As Chavo laid on the top rope in pain, Helms pulled Chavo onto his back - and from the top rope, yanked him to the center of the ring with a VERTEBREAKER that got a HUGE reaction from the crowd and the 3 count fall.

WINNER: Shane Helms via pin fall (title retention)

The First Class Club

Backstage, Pamela Paulshock is standing by with the newly dubbed the “First Class Club”, the team of Mark Jindrak and Shawn Stasiak - led by Stacy Keibler. Keibler rudely brushes Paulshock’s question regarding their excitement about Nitro and sharply states that the REAL question is how excited the fans are to see Stacy Keibler and the First Class Club.

Stacy: Without us - what else would women yearn for (rubbing the chests of Stasiak and Jindrak) and men drool for? What you see here is the entire reason that people tuned in to WCW? They wanted some beautiful bodies and even better action (smiles). So, tonight, these men…REAL men…are going out to that ring and laying down an open challenge to ANY tag team in WCW.

(Fans immediately pop, with rising chants of “L-O-D” from the internet savvy crowd, to which the First Class Club completely ignore)

Shawn Stasiak: Need we remind just what your eyes are set upon? (speaking in a very whispery ‘god-like’ voice) You’re looking at the “Mecca of Man” Shawn Stasiak and the “Alpha of Atlanta” Mark Jindrak. Combined, you’re looking at 3 WCW Tag Team Championship runs between us. The most interesting part of that - not one of them was together…but that changes with the new era in WCW.

Mark Jindrak: Let’s cut to the chase - Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo have been riding high for a little too long for our tastes, and we intend to take the spot that rightfully belongs to us.

Stacy Keibler: Tonight’s the first step, boys. We get their attention…then we get their gold.

Thursday Night Thunder’s return

We get a promotional video for Thursday Night Thunder - debuting on ESPN2, with the return of Diamond Dallas Page being the top draw. Also advertised is the WCW Television Title Tournament - where we see names like Lance Storm, Bam Bam Bigelow, Kanyon, Crowbar, Norman Smiley, Disco Inferno, and Jason Jett appear in the video. They also advertise a WCW Cruiserweight Title match - Shane Helms defends against 1/2 of the Jung Dragons - Kaz Hayashi. They also advertise Booker T, Curt Hennig, Scott Steiner, Randy Savage, and many more!

First Class Opportunity

After commercial break, we see that the First Class Club is in the ring. Stacy Keibler restates the FCC’s intention and re-invites ANY tag team in the back to step forward and try their luck with the First Class Club. When no one seemingly answers, Jindrak grabs the microphone and begins mocking the roster.

Jindrak: I thought this was where the big boys play. (Smirks) I guess they were right…they are just BOYS. No tag team back there is ready for MEN, let alone FIRST CLASS MEN.

Stasiak: Okay, boys, we’re giving you until the count of 10 to grab as much testicular fortitude that you can possibly muster up and bring yourselves out here. I know you’re all scared - after all, this is kind of a losing battle for you. But, I promise, if you’re THAT scared - we’ll TRY to take it easy on you.

The trio enjoy a hearty laugh, as Stacy instructs the referee to begin counting to ten. Just as they near 9…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naCIh_T3MDs

“AWWWWWWWW——WHAT A RUSH!!!”

Fans: YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Jerry Lawler: WHAT?!!!!
Tony Schiavone: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! IS IT….IT IS!!! IT IS!!
Jerry Lawler: OH NO! STACY, GET OUT OF THE RING!
Tony Schiavone: IT’S THE ROAD WARRIORS! WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING HERE?!!

Fans: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

The arena in the Reed Arena literally shook cameras as they began roaring with cheers and chants as Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal, equipped with their infamous spiked shoulder pads, stomped their way towards the ring. Stacy Keibler, with jaw dropped to her feet, stood frozen at ringside - as Jindrak and Stasiak quickly escaped the ring. No sooner could they collect their thoughts, than did the Road Warriors remove their entrance attire, and stand tall in the ring.

Open Challenge Bout
the Road Warriors vs. the First Class Club (w/ Stacy Keibler)

It took nearly a full minute before the action began. As the First Class Club hesitated to enter the ring, chants of “L-O-D” rang across the arena, to which both Hawk and Animal played it up. After some egging on from the crowd, the LOD scaled two corners and got the crowd in a frenzy - but enabling the FCC to rush into the ring and attack the legendary tag team from behind and begin pummeling them in their respective corners. However, as Stasiak attempted to hurl Hawk into the ropes, Hawk reversed and NAILED Stasiak with a picture perfect dropkick. Jindrak, seeing this, turned to attack Hawk with a Lariat, but Hawk ducked - Jindrak bounced off the ropes into the waiting arms of Animal - who POWERSLAMMED him into the mat as hard as he could - ricocheting Jindrak’s back hard off the canvas with a THUD.

The Road Warriors pulled the FCC to their feet and simultaneously lifted them high and dropped them down with stereo gorilla press slams. Stasiak rolled onto the apron - enabling Animal to charge full force with a flying shoulder block and knock Stasiak CLEAR off the apron and into the guard rail! Animal motioned to Hawk with two thumbs pointed to the sky - and the crowd lost it.

Jindrak stumbled up to his feet into the electric chair lift of Animal…leading to a DEVASTATING DOOMSDAY DEVICE! Jindrak landed HORRIBLY on the back of his neck and folded over. Animal pinned his motionless body as Hawk counted along with the ref for the full 1-2-3. The crowd went NUTS with cheers, as the Road Warriors cemented their return to WCW after damn near 7 years of being away (last appearing at WCW Slamboree ’96).

WINNERS: the Road Warriors via pin fall

After the match, however, referees poured into the ring to check on Mark Jindrak - who still laid motionless in the ring. Cameras focused on the Road Warriors, but live fans saw the look of concern on every referee’s face. Shawn Stasiak and Stacy Keibler rushed in to check on Jindrak - it was obvious something had gone wrong. Cameras rushed elsewhere quickly thereafter.

The WCW World Tag Team Champions

Backstage, Mean Gene Okerlund stands by at the stage and introduces the reigning WCW World Tag Team Champions Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo. Okerlund promotes the duo as the longest reigning Tag Team Champions since 1997 - when the Outsiders held the titles for 231 days. Tonight, they face Luger and Bagwell in a rematch. Mean Gene asks the duo for their thoughts.

However, both men seem largely distracted about the scene in the ring - and quickly escape the interview and go off camera. Gene, completely ad-libbing and visibly distracted as well, tells the TV crowd that Mark Jindrak has yet to rise after taking the Doomsday Device and is being attended to by medical staff.

Cameras finally focus on the scene - where we see Mark Jindrak is breathing, but still unresponsive. O’Haire and Palumbo join Stasiak (completely breaking kayfabe) and surround the scene. Meanwhile, Stacy Keibler is at the corner - crying out of concern.

More members of the locker room go towards the ring - Shane Helms, Billy Kidman, Rey Mysterio, and a few others rush to the ring to aid in any way they can. Ric Flair also joins the situation. Schiavone tone deepens as we see replays of the incident in slow motion - where we can see that Jindrak is hit quite hard from the move and landed very awkwardly on the back of his neck.

Tony Schiavone: Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, this is not part of the show. I don’t know how else to explain it right now - but we, at WCW, are in a rough sport - but we never look to injure anyway in such a way that we’ve seen here. I can’t stress this enough - this is not part of our entertainment tonight (pauses as someone off-screen speaks with him). Well, folks, I can at least say that Mark Jindrak is breathing and is finally responsive. Thankfully, he seems to be moving his arms slowly - but doesn’t seem to have regained his composure.

Cameras focus to see Jindrak is being lifted onto a stretcher and led out of the arena. The crowd applauds as they see Jindrak’s eyes open, as he responds to medical staff and friends alike. A commercial break is had, and Schiavone explains that the situation has forced the previously scheduled WCW World Tag Team Championship bout to be cancelled.

Tony Schiavone: However, ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been told that the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair has indeed rescheduled that bout to happen this Thursday on Thunder.

Jerry Lawler: I hate to be the one to say it, Tony, but what did these kids think when they entered a match with the Road Warriors?

Tony: Jerry - now’s not the time.

Jerry Lawler: Look, the Road Warriors are dangerous, their brutal, they’ve never been a team known for playing fair. They got in that ring and they injured a up and comer like Mark Jindrak for no good reason! The First Class Club is our future - and those idiots squashed it!

Tony: I’d like to think that this situation was not intended by the Road Warriors - they are competitors, so they compete. Things get rough in that ring and these situations are sometimes not avoidable.

Jerry Lawler: Oh, it’s avoidable! Just don’t let those idiots back into the WCW ring - that avoids the situation forever.

Tony: Well, folks, up next is our main event - but we’ve got to take our last commercial break - tonight, Booker T defends the World Title against Curt Hennig - and it’s coming up NEXT!

A Surprise Return

As we return, we are greeted by Michael Buffer who deals out the introductions. Curt Hennig saunters out arrogantly, performing his ‘catch the towel from behind’ schtick from days old on the way to the ring. Booker T comes out emphatically to fiery pyrotechnics and flashing red lights - garnering a huge positive reaction from the crowd. As the two men are in their respective corners, Michael Buffer begins to give out introductions - when Curt Hennig cuts off Buffer, who looks quite preterbed.

Curt Hennig: Hold on, Buffer. You don’t get to introduce the greatest entity in professional wrestling without giving him a PROPER introduction - which is why I’d like to bring out someone who not only can give out a proper introduction, but can also manage the best of the best…

The crowd is stunned and ROARS in approval as Bobby “the Brain” Heenan comes out to the ring to a HUGE ovation. Chants of “WEASEL” break out as Heenan enters the ring and snatches the microphone from Buffer.

Bobby Heenan: Take a hike, you hack and let a professional do the job for once (Buffer angrily shouts at a nearby ringside attendant, as Heenan raises a hand)

Bobby Heenan: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you…former WCW World Tag Team Champion, WCW United States Champion, and AWA World Heavyweight Champion…he is the SELECTION OF PERFECTION and YOUR NEW WCW WORLD CHAMPION…and it’s about damn time (pop from the crowd)…CURT…HENNIG! (As Curt swats his gum at some ringside fans, Heenan looks towards the other end of the corner and mutters)

Bobby Heenan: And in this corner…(looks at Booker T up and down) this guy (drops microphone, as Booker T runs his hand angrily over his face)

Michael Buffer takes the microphone, scoffs at Heenan, and gives Booker T a fabulous introduction - making sure to emphasize a “REAL” World Champion in his introduction.


MAIN EVENT
WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Booker T[c] vs. Curt Hennig (w/ Bobby Heenan)

The bout starts off with an amusing chant battle with the crowd, “BOO-KER-T”, “HE’S-SO-PERFECT”. Hennig starts things out by laying the verbal smack down on Booker T, suckering him into a quick headlock. Booker T is quick to hurl him to the ropes, but Hennig catches him with a shoulder block to knock him down. Hennig off the ropes, but Booker low bridges. Hennig hops over, Booker with a leap frogs over and looks for a back body drop - but Hennig cartwheels away and catches Booker T with a running dropkick. As Booker quickly rises to one knee - Hennig wipes his hands clean and wipes dirt off his shoulder, shouting out, “You’re nothing! You’re like a fly on my ass!”.

Booker curls a lip in frustration, but settles down and circles once more. The two ready to engage in a lock-up, but Hennig quickly applies a go-behind. He tries to lift Booker off his feet, but Booker hooks his leg into Hennig’s, elbows the grip, applies an wrist lock and…OUTSIDE CRESCENT KICK across the face! Hennig crashes to the canvas, but quickly rolls out to safety - as Heenan runs towards Hennig and pulls him away from the apron - before Booker can attack.

After some time outside, Booker tries to exit the ring and gives chase - only for Heenan to trip Booker when Hennig runs back in - enabling Hennig to attack from behind with a running knee to the small of the back. Hennig continued the assault on the lower back with vicious ground and pound. Hennig attempted to capitalize with a back body drop, but Booker T grabbed Hennig by the head and DROVE him into the canvas with a head smash! Hennig again rolled out of the ring to safety, but this time, Booker was hot on his tail. Booker attacked Hennig viciously on the outside, and clotheslined him clear over the guard rail into the audience. Hennig attempted to escape, but Booker grabbed hold and HURLED him into a row of steel chairs - forcing fans to scurry in fear.

Booker hurled Hennig back to the ringside area and back to the ring. Hennig begged for forgiveness, and sucked Booker into a thumb to the eye, followed up by a shoulder tackle into the corner, followed by a flurry of lefts and rights in the corner, followed by repeated stomps to the gut. Hennig tried for an irish whip, but Booker T reversed - Booker charged full speed into the cornered Hennig - but Hennig dodged and Booker’s flight crashed him FACE FIRST into the exposed buckle! Fans let out an “OOOH” of angst, as Booker seemed visibly shaken. Hennig tried for a school boy pin - but got a near fall, and decided to work over the injured head with a sleeper.

Though Booker would break out - Hennig’s attack on the head proved to be fruitful. Neckbreakers, DDTs, bulldogs - you name it, Hennig used it to keep Booker at bay. However, despite the attack, Booker simply refused to be put down for the 3 count. Hennig continually moved back to his submission arsenal and tried to put Booker down for a nap - but the former Harlem Heat member refused to give in and eventually battled back and caught Hennig with an unsuspecting Harlem Sidekick - which would ground Hennig long enough to bide some time.

The two men rose, with Hennig looking for a German Suplex, but Booker T elbowed free - only for Booker to try and walk away, for Hennig to pull him back by his tights and NAIL a pinning German Suplex for a VERY close near fall. Hennig didn’t give up and held onto the rear-waistlock, trying for another German Suplex, but Booker, again, elbowed free, but this time ran backwards and crushed Hennig in the corner. Hennig put the boots up in an attempted corner clothesline, and shot to the 2nd rope - but Booker T grabbed Hennig by the legs and yanked him off the ropes HARD - causing Hennig to crash onto the canvas! Booker ascended the top rope - and to much fanfare NAILED the Heat Seeker Missile Dropkick for a BIG 2 count fall.

Heenna, who was nearly having a heart attack outside, got onto the apron and argued with the official - all the while throwing something into the ring. Booker, distracted by Heenan, charged the manager - but Heenan dodged. With the official still distracted, Hennig grabbed what looked to be a pair of brass knuckles and charged Booker T - only for Booker to duck and Hennig to NAIL the official in the back of the head! Hennig turned around quickly, only to get hit with a BIG flapjack from Booker T - sending the brass knuckles flying out of the ring.

Hennig stumbled to his feet and groggily walked RIGHT into a BIG spine buster from Booker T. Booker T motioned to the top rope and began to ascend - when Heenan jumped on the apron and grabbed his leg. Booker T angrily stared at Heenan and violently kicked him in the chest. However, this allowed Hennig to charge the ropes and ascend the top rope, but his climb was in vain, as Booker T fired off a flurry of right hands that knocked Hennig back to the canvas…and left him victim of the HARLEM HANGOVER!

Booker T wanted to cover, but the official was still out. Booker frantically yanked at the dead-weight official, but he simply wasn’t getting up. However, another official rushed towards the ring as Booker T covered - 1…2….HENNIG KICKED OUT! Having enough time to catch his breath, the challenger was able to pull himself to his feet.

Booker T rose up in frustration - even more so as Heenan got back on the apron and threatened to sue Booker T for assaulting him. Booker responded by grabbing for Heenan - only for the Weasel to jump off the apron. As the official yelled at Heenan, Booker turned into a SWIFT KICK TO THE GROIN BY HENNIG! Hennig quickly pulled Booker in, wrapped him up…

HENNIG-PLEX! The official counted…ONE…TWO….KICKOUT!!! The crowd went NUTS with cheers - as Hennig argued angrily with the official - who retorted by threatening to DQ Hennig.

Hennig pulled Booker T up and looked ready to hit another Hennig-Plex, but Booker T reversed with an inside cradle!! ONE…TWO…KICKOUT!!!

Hennig rose in a rage, Booker stumbled back up. Hennig with a wild lariat, but Booker ducked under the arm, grabbed him in a Urange…

BOOK END!!!!

The crowd rose in cheers - Booker T covered…

ONE….TWO…

Tony Schiavone: WHAT…WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?! WHO ARE THOSE GUYS?!

Suddenly, two unnamed men (seemingly from the crowd) violently yanked the official under the ropes and sent him crashing to the floor below. Booker T, who still remained oblivious as to why his three count stopped - rose up…only to get pulled into a…

FLAPJACK / DOUBLE KNEE FACE BREAKER COMBO!!!

The two men - both strong build with an amateur-wrestler look - quickly scurried out of the ring and grabbed the 1st official and rolled him back in the ring. The crowd jeered heavily, as Tony Schiavone protested - asking who the two men were.

The two departed and left through the crowd - as Heenan faked a look of shock, mouthing “OH MY GOODNESS, WHO WERE THEY! I DON’T KNOW THOSE MEN!”

The groggy official slumped over to the action, as Hennig hooked the leg.

ONE….TWO….BOOKER PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT HEENAN SHOVED IT OFF…THREE!!!!!

The bell rang. Some of the smarkier crowd ROARED in cheers, while a great majority jeered loudly as Curt Hennig was announced as the NEW WCW World Champion. Heenan emphatically grabbed the belt and handed it to Hennig - who held it up high for all to see. As Hennig held the belt proudly over his head - he mouthed the words to the camera - “It’s about damn time”.

WINNER: Curt Hennig via pin fall (TITLE CHANGE)
 
#4 · (Edited)

WCW is "officially perfect"

In a night where anything was possible, one man's long journey finally came to it's peak. Curt Hennig, the former "Mr. Perfect" and multi-time champion, finally achieved the one accolade that eluded him his entire career. Curt Hennig became World Champion...however, it was not without it's controversy. Ric Flair, the freshly revealed WCW President, made his mission to change the outlook for WCW by giving opportunities to both younger and more veteran talents - with his goal of forever changing the landscape for WCW. Little did Ric Flair know that his offering to Curt Hennig, a chance at a World Championship, would be treated so poorly.

"I can't say I wouldn't have done the same," admitted Ric Flair to WCW.com. "But it doesn't change the fact that ya didn't just pull one over on Booker T, a guy who busted his butt to get that title, but ya also pulled the wool over the Nature Boy's eye. No one puts one over on the boss."

Flair promised that the dubious actions of Curt Hennig, alongside the returning Bobby Heenan, were not going to go unpunished.

"I can't overturn a decision - but I can make him regret it," Flair quipped to reporters.

Flair's problems didn't just stop with Curt Hennig. Aside from the obvious frustrations of the former WCW World Champion Booker T, another former champion is undoubtedly about to make his frustrations abundantly clear to the new President. "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner, whom lost to a returning Randy Savage after demanding a World Title rematch from Ric Flair, was promised his rematch following Booker T's defense against Curt Hennig. However, with Booker T having lost the title - Steiner has given up his contention for the gold to the very man he was scheduled to face for it - Booker T (who is the new #1 contender).

The World Title picture wasn't the only title about to make a big presence in WCW. Ric Flair also announced the return of the WCW Television Championship - which would be held in a tournament starting at Thursday Night Thunder. Thunder will also host a Main Event that was originally scheduled for Monday Nitro - pitting WCW World Tag Team Champions O'Haire & Palumbo against Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell.

Thunder also marks the return of WCW mainstay Diamond Dallas Page, and undoubtedly a very angry pair of former WCW World Champions in Booker T & Scott Steiner.


WCW Thursday Night Thunder, 05.10.2001 (ESPN2)
Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas, USA

1. WCW Cruiserweight Title: Kaz Hayashi vs. Shane Helms[c]
2. WCW Television Title Tournament ~ 1st Round: X vs. X
4. Diamond Dallas Page vs. ???
5. WCW Television Title Tournament ~ 1st Round: X vs. X
6. WCW World Tag Team Titles: Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo[c] vs. Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell

Plus... NEW WCW World Champion Curt Hennig, Booker T, Scott Steiner, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, and many more! PLUS an exclusive interview with the Road Warriors, following their attack on Mark Jindrak on Nitro!
 
#5 ·

Mark Jindrak out for undisclosed amount of time

WCW Monday Nitro was, without a doubt, a ratings success for the World Championship Wrestling company and it's affiliates at ESPN. However, one very dark cloud cast itself over the event and nearly cut the event short. Mark Jindrak and Shawn Stasiak, now called the "First Class Club", found themselves in a precarious position during their open challenge when the challenge was accepted by the returning Road Warriors. In their response, the dangerous pair known as Hawk and Animal did not waste time in disposing their brass and cocky challengers. With fans cheering loudly, the Road Warriors lifted Jindrak onto their shoulders and crash landed the young man down on the back of his neck with the devastating Doomsday Device.

The crowd roared in cheers as the 3 count was imminent following the brutal maneuver. However, as the music died down to a low hum, fans noticed that Mark Jindrak has not risen. EMTs were called to the scene and cameras rushed to keep focus out of the scene. However, during a scheduled interview with the WCW World Tag Team Champions Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo (who were scheduled to face Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell next, and whom are out-of-character friends with Mark Jindrak), the champions broke character and showed visible concern over their fallen friend. Soon after, they abandoned the interview and rushed to the ring.

A few scary minutes passed before Jindrak finally responded to personnel and began moving his limbs. Fans, who originally booed the cocky and brash young man, applauded the man as he was carried out of the ring and towards the nearest medical facility.

"No one wants to see something like that, not even our fans," said Alex Wright, a WCW competitor and current trainer at the Power Plant. "We were all scared. The priority was not the show at that moment, it was our fallen comrade."

"When he responded, it was like a gust of fresh air," said a visibly shaken Chuck Palumbo. "I know we've had our differences with the Mark, but the last thing I wanted to see happen to him was something like that."

Ric Flair, WCW President, was asked for his thoughts on the situation and his reaction to the Road Warriors following the event.

"This isn't an easy thing to talk about," Flair admitted. "The thing is - those two young men went out to that ring and did what any young men with a mission to be the best would do - call out the big boys. What happened out there was nothing short of a fluke - no one goes into that ring looking to end careers. We look to win matches, to be the best, to do whatever it takes...except that. There's a level of respect going into that ring. It didn't matter if I was fighting Dusty Rhodes and bleeding buckets, or if I was fighting Hulk Hogan -- as much as I may have hated them when I was in the ring with them, there's an unspoken respect - we've all got families to feed."

The Road Warriors could not be reached for comment - but are expected to be at Thursday Night Thunder for an exclusive in-ring interview with Mean Gene Okerlund.
 
#6 ·
This is awesome!!!! I cannot wait for you to post more!
 
#7 ·
Report: WrestlingINC.com:

WCW started it's house show tour this Wednesday (one night prior to Thursday). WCW.com has also posted a few 10 second clips of the show to help promote it's new House Show tour, which includes all of WCW's major stars including Curt Hennig, Randy Savage, Scott Steiner, Booker T, and Diamond Dallas Page. Mysteriously missing from the event (and someone who has yet to be advertised) is Sting. Despite that, the fans left the show extremely happy. Below is the summary results from the show:

WCW House Show, 05.09.2001

1. Street Fight: Norman Smiley & Bam Bam Bigelow beat Johnny Stamboli & Big Vito (07:21) when Smiley pinned Vito.
2. WCW Cruiserweight Title: Shane Helms[c] beat Jamie Knoble (07:45) with a top rope swinging neckbreaker.
3. Goldustin beat Kwee Wee (05:01) with a Lifting Reverse DDT (3rd Title Defense!)
4. WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Title: Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman[c] beat Kid Romeo & Elix Skipper (07:10) when Kidman used the Shooting Star Press on Romeo. (2nd Title Defense!)
5. WCW United States Title: Booker T[c] beat Lance Storm (13:10) with the Book End. (1st Title Defense!)
6. WCW World Tag Team Title: Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo[c] beat Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore (00:57) when O’Haire used the Sean-ton Bomb on Moore. (6th Title Defense!)
7. Randy Savage & Diamond Dallas Page [w/ Elizabeth] beat Curt Hennig & Scott Steiner [w/ Bobby Heenan & Midajah] (15:23) when Page used a spinning Diamond Cutter on Hennig.

• Show started with Norman Smiley coming out to challenge anyone to a street fight. He claimed he was the hardcore legend and that he could take anything on. The Mamalukes came out to accept the challenge - to which Norman stated it was a 1-on-1 challenge. When the Mamalukes looked poised to attack, Bam Bam Bigelow came out to a HUGE ovation. After a fun hardcore bout, it was Bigelow who hit Stamboli with the Asbury Park Driver and hit Vito with a Diving Moonsault through a table. Bigelow then grabbed Smiley (who had been KO'd by a chair shot from Vito earlier) and laid him on Vito for the win.

• Kwee Wee versus Goldustin (Dustin Rhodes wearing a very "Goldust"-like outfit that would likely not fly on television) was a very entertianing bout, including some very sexual taunting from Dustin that threw Kwee Wee off his game. Kwee Wee eventually turned to "Angry Alan" and started to pummel Goldustin viciously and even ripped off a corner buckle. But as the official looked to re-attach the buckle, Alan turned into a VICIOUS kick to the groin by Goldustin that was followed up by the Lifting Reverse DDT for the 3-count fall. Golden glitter fell from the sky as Goldustin posed in victory. Fans stated that Dustin really entertained fans, but our reporter worried that Nitro and Thunder fans would never get to see the act due to copyright infringement from WWF.

• Shane Helms and Jamie Noble, with no surprise, turned it up with some amazing high flying and fast paced action. At one point, fans thought Helms may lose after Noble hit Helms with a 2nd rope Alley-Oop that got a DANGEROUSLY close 3-count. Another move saw the two men battling on the apron, with it ending with Helms hitting a snap suplex onto the apron corner. The ending came when Noble attempted a superplex, but Helms battled free and hit a DEVASTATING Top Rope Swinging Neckbreaker that got fans to chant "HOLY SHIT" and received the pin fall win.

• In a possible preview to Nitro - Mysterio/Kidman defended their titles against Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo successfully. Another fast paced lightweight bout with amazing moves. At one point, Skipper hit a top rope walk hurricanrana to Mysterio that got an amazing ovation. In another spot, Kidman hit a springboard shooting star onto everyone on the outside. Romeo was also on-point, nearly getting a win after hitting a running corner buckle to Mysterio and following it up with a spinning fisherman's buster for a VERY close near fall. However, the ending came when Romeo and Skipper floored Kidman with a back suplex/neckbreaker combo and ascended the top ropes - ready to double dive on Kidman. Mysterio leapt into the ring and charged the ropes, crotching Skipper and then LEAPT onto the top rope and nailed a SWIFT Hurricanrana to Romeo. Skipper was then dropkicked off the top rope and tumbled to the outside. With Romeo out, Kidman hit the top and NAILED the Shooting Star Press for the victory and a MASSIVE ovation.

• Lance Storm came out and claimed that the United States Title was a discriminatory towards his nation of Canada and promised he would not only take the title, but re-name it to it's proper championship name, the same name he once gave it. The Canadian HEavyweight Title. Booker T took exception to this and had an amazing back and forth bout with Storm. In the end, Booker T caught Storm's Superkick, spun him around and hit the Book End to secure the win.

• The Tag Titles were on the line, with O'Haire and Palumbo getting a decisive victory over 2-Cute (formerly 3-count) in under 1 minute. It began with 2-Cute attempting to have a pre-match concert (claiming to hear the "requests" from the live crowd), only for O'Haire and Palumbo to interrupt and promptly shut the show down.

• The main event proved to be the high-spot of the evening. Lots of near-falls and managerial interference (that actually saw Miss Liz SLAP Bobby Heenan to a HUGE ovation!) In the end, Steiner and Savage brawled outside of the ring and amidst the crowd - while Heenan managed to sneak a low blow on DDP during an attempted Samaon Drop Cutter. Hennig quickly looked for the Picture Perfect Plex, but DDP rolled side-ways and reversed into a Swinging Diamond Cutter for the SHOCKING 3-count fall - pinning the newly crowned World Champion and getting a MASSIVE pop from the crowd.

Overall, the show was a success and fans left the arena happy. WCW stars like DDP and Savage also signed a few photos and interacted with fans after the show.
 
#8 · (Edited)

WCW Thursday Night Thunder, 05.10.2001 (ESPN2)
Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas, USA

1. WCW Cruiserweight Title: Shane Helms[c] pinned Kaz Hayashi (05:29) with the Vertebreaker.
2. WCW Television Title Tournament ~ Round 1: Ultimo Dragon pinned Chavo Guerrero (06:42) with the Dragon Sleeper.
3. WCW World Tag Team Titles: Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo[c] pinned Lex Luger & Buff Bagwell (10:34) when O’Haire used the Sean-ton Bomb on Bagwell.
4. WCW Television Title Tournament ~ Round 1: Lance Storm pinned Crowbar [w/ Daffney] (00:05) with the Calgary Kick.
5. WCW United States Title: Booker T[c] pinned Scott Steiner (05:21) with the Book End.
6. Non-Title Bout: Curt Hennig[c] pinned Diamond Dallas Page (15:01) with the Picture Perfect Plex.

FULL DETAILS BELOW


Welcome back to Thursday Night Thunder

Thursday Night Thunder starts with an extremely loud fireworks display to the tunes of Linkin Park’s “Crawling” (hey, it’s 2001, Linkin Park was in and super popular - of course WCW would strike a deal with them to use the song for Thunder). The video compiled shows amazing stunts from the WCW alumni, major moments, and top stars. When we are taken to the live arena - fireworks blare loudly and proudly. A cascade of shooting stars with bomb-like sound effects explode over the crowd of Amarillo, Texas - who are on their feet.

Tony Schiavone, joined by his Thursday Night Thunder crew of Scott Hudson and none other than the living legend Larry Zybsyko - who gets a ROAR of cheers from the crowd, so much so that Larry must get up for a moment to address the crowd with his signature hand bow. They introduced the card of the evening, including two titles on the line -

1. the WCW Cruiserweight Title would be on the line as Shane Helms defends his title against Kaz Hayashi. Helms just got off an impressive win of former champion Chavo Guerrero on Nitro, whereas Kaz is looking to redeem himself after he and Yang lost their shot at the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles.
2. the WCW World Tag Team Titles will be decided as the champions O’Haire and Palumbo defend against Luger and Bagwell

They also hype the big return of DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE (whose graphic on the Turner-tron gets BIG round of cheers from the Texas crowd), but Larry cuts him off and says they are ignoring potentially the biggest name that is scheduled to appear tonight…their NEW WCW World Champion…CURT HENNIG (who gets a loud mixed reaction from the crowd).

Tony Schiavone: Folks, last Monday was shocking to say the least. Curt Hennig’s return to WCW is not etched without controversy, and he didn’t come alone. With Hennig came the return of Bobby ‘the Brain’ Heenan, who played a role through his bout against former champion Booker T - and it was after the interference of two, yet to be named, men that Hennig would secure the win and his place in history as WCW Champion.

Larry: Let me just say that I don’t think Curt Hennig had any idea who those men were.

Tony: (Pausing) Are you serious?

Larry: Dead serious. Did you see the look on Bobby Heenan’s face? He said, plain as day, he had no idea who they were.

Tony: Oh, and Bobby’s NEVER been known to lie.

(Suddenly…no music played…but the proud figure of Bobby ‘the Brain’ Heenan appeared at the stage - getting a resounding mixed reaction and a chant of “WEASEL”)

Larry: Well, looks like we’ll get our answers sooner than we thought…

The Age of Perfection

Bobby Heenan: Ladies and gentlemen, and I use that term loosely, my name is Bobby ‘the Brain’ Heenan (roar from the crowd). And you people, as undeserving as you are, are about to be apart of history — but, believe me, if I had it my way, it’d be ANYWHERE but in Amarillo, Texas.

Tony Schiavone: (noticing the quick jeers of the crowd) Well, that didn’t take long…real easy guy to hate.

Bobby Heenan: I’m glad that I’ve aroused your attention. The last thing to rise around here was your obesity rate. (More jeers, which Bobby ignores) But I digress, you humanoids are baring witness to an event unlike any other witnessed in WCW - even the WORLD. You get the opportunity to BASK in excellence. You get to witness the very first day of the AGE OF PERFECTION.

(Heenan makes his way to the ring)

Heenan: I’ve heard a lot of questions from people in my career in this business — Who is the best wrestler in the world? Who is the best athlete in the world? Who is the biggest and best man to ever grace God’s green Earth? For the first time in my career, I can answer all of those questions with one answer.

Heenan: I introduce to you, YOUR reigning World Heavyweight Champion…THE SELECTION OF PERFECTION…CURT HENNIG!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YAzkR-VZ6g

(The crowd ROARS in mixed reactions as fireworks rain down beautifully from the ceiling onto the stage. Overly gaudy fireworks blare across the stage as female models grace the stage. Each carrying an end of a very large banner that reads “The Perfect Champion”. Curt Hennig BURSTS through the banner emphatically with arms raised high - like a football player would burst through the banner at the start of a game.

Lyrics of “I…AM…THE..CHAMPION” echo across the arena. Heenan emphatically applauds as glitter, confetti and more dance across the skies before Curt Hennig. Suddenly, Heenan orders two ringside staff photographers to get on all fours - enabling Henning to use their bodies’ as steps to the apron. Heenan than orders a nearby staff member to get on the apron and hold it open for Hennig - which they do, as Hennig emphatically enters the ring.)

Tony Schiavone: Are you kidding me?
Larry Z: This is befitting of a true champion, Tony. I’ve never, in my life, felt that someone was so deserving of this championship. Curt Hennig represents what we all want in a leader. We should’ve had a golden carpet out here to guide him through the plebeians.

Curt Hennig: (Looks down at the large golden strap around his waist and looks up sharply at the camera) It’s about damn time (LOUD pop from the more internet-savvy crowd, as they begin to chant “YOU DESERVE IT! *clap clap clapclapclap*). You’re damn right I deserve it. Think for a minute, what life must be like when you’re born perfect. When you have no flaws, no blemishes on your perfect record in life. Think for a minute how that life must be. All of your life, everyone around you knows just how perfect you are - and do you know what they do?

Curt Hennig: One of three things. ONE: They align with you, hoping and praying to God that some sort of what you have in life rubs off on them and helps guide them to becoming even HALF of what you are.

Curt Hennig: TWO: They help guide your path. A man like Bobby ‘the Brain’ Heenan, who has managed great men in our sport and drove them to success, saw an opportunity like he never has before. When I came back, he knew this was the time to drive - it’s about time Curt Hennig gets his shot. So he pulled that old manager’s jacket off the wall, lobbied for my shot, and now we’re back in business! (ROAR from the crowd)

Curt Hennig: OR THREE: they run and hide - because they know they can’t match up to what you are. You want to know why it took me this long to get a World Championship around my waist? When you’re as perfect as me - all the big champions run and hide, and hope that I don’t catch them. You name them - they ran from me.

Curt Hennig: Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Scott Steiner, Booker T — anytime a World Title happened to find itself in their hands, they suddenly stopped accepting my challenges. I’ve beaten every one of those men before and they KNEW that if I had the chance at the big time, I’d beat them so bad they’d be lucky to curtain jerk an event that had MY name on it. (BIG mixed reaction from the crowd)

Curt Hennig: I said it last week, and I’ll say it again - now that I’m back, the so-called “Main Event Players”, who’ve been boring you people to death for the past year, are gonna quickly realize that they just aren’t in MY Main Event league!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cdWNzrwqT0 - CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKAAA?!

The crowd went UP to the feet in excitement as the former World Champion and current United States Champion BOOKER T made his way towards the ring - looking none too happy about the situation at hand. Hennig, who seemed to be disinterested tossed the microphone to Bobby Heenan and leaned back nonchalantly in the corner as Booker T entered the ring. Heenan stood between the two men cautiously as Booker T paced back and forth.

Booker T: You gotta big mouth for such small man. (Pauses as the crowd pops) You know, man, I knew you was no good - but I had hope you’d be different this time ‘round. But you the same damn, old punk ass that you were the last time you was here.

Booker T: (Noticing Hennig ignoring him, he begins to pull off his belt and look ready to whip Hennig - who quickly retreats to the outside) You best listen to me, sucka, because the next thing outta mouth is gonna change yo’ damn world. TONIGHT, right here in Amarillo (Cheap pop) I’m cashing in my rematch, SUCKA!

(HUGE Pop from the crowd, as Hennig feigns fear, only to start chuckling and points to Heenan - who also begins chuckling).

Bobby Heenan: Oh, Booker, you’re a funny man. I knew you were a lot of things, dumb, pathetic, naive, but funny - never saw it coming.

Booker T: Best watch your mouth.

Bobby Heenan: Watch MY mouth? Oh no, Book, if anything YOU should watch MY mouth - because what I’m about to say is about to change YOUR world.

Bobby Heenan: I’m not sure what about this situation you don’t understand - so I’ll say it slowly for you. YOU…are NOT…main event caliber. Therefore, YOUR Picture Perfect champion does not waste his time with people like you. (Pauses as Booker begins to clench his fist) HEY! You hit me, I’l sue! You don’t want to get locked up again, do ya? I heard about your past, after all.

Booker T: You pressin yo luck, fool.

Heenan: (Gulps a bit) Okay, let me get to the point. Do you have a rematch clause? Yes, you do. Unfortunately for you, you don’t get to cash in that rematch clause. You see, as Mr. Hennig’s manager, it is my duty to research any and all people that may effect him. And in my research of YOU, it’s come to my attention that YOU hold another title (Points at the United States title) — and YOU haven’t defended it in 30 days.

Heenan: Granted, WCW wasn’t exactly running for about 90 days, so WCW has offered a 1 week extension for all champions to defend their titles. Now - Mr. Hennig just won his title, so he doesn’t NEED to defend it up until 30 days. However, YOU, as Untied States Champion, MUST defend your title tonight — or you forfeit the championship.

Heenan: WITH that knowledge, I’ve reached out to WCW Management and notified them of this very important matter - and my people have reported that you already have a match tonight, defending the United States title.

(Crowd jeers, as Booker T angrily runs his hand over his face)

Booker T: You know what? I’m not even mad. (Looks over at Curt Hennig) All your damn life, all you been doin’ is running’. You tellin’ everyone that people RAN from YOU? Sucka, you RAN from THEM. You RAN from Hulk Hogan, you RAN from Randy Savage, you RAN from Sting, you RAN from me. All your damn life you been hidin’ behind other people - this punk ass here (points at Heenan) and your two boys that jumped me from behind.

Heenan: Hey, we have NO idea who those men were…

Booker T: SHUT YO DAMN MOUTH! (Heenan retracts and backs into the corner in shock) But just know - you ain’t got a choice but to fight me. It might not be tonight, but it’ll be soon. And I promise you — when it happens, Imma beat yo ass and take back my title. (Drops the microphone and looks to leave the ring when…)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTqwnMWiH1I — HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME!

Fans ROAR In a mixed reaction as red lights cascade the crowd as “BIG POPPA PUMP” SCOTT STEINER, accompanied by MIDAJAH, comes angrily stomping towards the ring. Undoubtedly frustrated. He jumps onto the apron and leans forward towards Booker T.

Scott Steiner: YOU SUM-BITCH, because YOUR dumb ass lost the belt, I never got MY damn rematch! So, you know what’s gonna happen now, boy? You wanna know who your fighting tonight? YOU’RE LOOKIN’ AT ‘EM! (crowd POPS in excitement, as Booker T lowers his belt and looks ready to go to blows).

Scott Steiner: TONIGHT…I’m taking YOUR title…then, because you F**KED me outta MY rematch…I’m taking YOUR rematch. HOLLER…IF YA HEAR ME…BITCH!

(Steiner angrily throws the microphone as Booker’s chest - who angrily swats it away and looks to attack, but Steiner jumps off the apron and flip off Booker - then proceeds to flip off Hennig and shouts, “AND YOU’RE NEXT!”)

Tony Schiavone: This is unbelievable, ladies and gentlemen, tonight - on a night where we thought we’d see a World Title match - Booker T will have to defend his United States title against the man he beat for the World Title - Scott Steiner. And what did he mean by take his rematch from Booker?

Larry: Well, ya gotta think that if Scott Steiner beats the number one contender tonight, that he’s gotta be the new number contender.

Tony: But, Booker has his rematch clause, Larry.

Larry: So did Scott Steiner, but instead of getting his rematch, Curt Hennig got the title shot - and now we have situation on our hand. Turnabout is fair play, Tony. Tit for tat. Hennig took Steiner’s rematch, so Steiner’s taking Booker’s rematch. Easy as that.

Tony: Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next, the WCW Cruiserweight Championship is on the line as champion Shane Helms takes on the Jung Dragon’s Kaz Hayashi in 1-on-1 action. And later tonight, we begin the WCW TV Title Tournament - as we have TWO 1st round bouts tonight - and from WCW.com, we’ve learned that Chavo Guerrero is in one of the matches, and Lance Storm is in the other. We don’t know who the other two competitors are yet - but undoubtedly, it’ll be a sight to be seen.

Larry: And don’t forget, Tony, on top of a United States Title match just made, AND a Cruiserweight Title match, we also have the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line - as O’Haire and Jindrak face Luger and Bagwell in what was supposed to happen on Nitro.

Tony: Yes, and this all came about after an unfortunate accident in the ring that occurred during the return of the Road Warriors - injuring the young star Mark Jindrak. And later tonight, Mean Gene Okerlund will have a sit-down interview with Hawk and Animal regarding that incident and their futures in WCW.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Shane Helms[c] vs. Kaz Hayashi [w/ Leia Meow & Yang]

Before the bout, we see clips from Monday Nitro - where Shane Helms successfully defended his title against Chavo Guerrero after a surprise Vertebreaker gave Helms another successful title defense victory. The bout began with Yang jumping on the apron and providing a quick distraction that enabled Kaz to charge from behind. However, Helms, privy to the attack, side stepped and forced Kaz to collide head-to-head with Yang and stumbled into a school boy roll-up for a 2 count.

Kaz angrily kicked out and attacked, but Helms ducked the shot, bounced off the second rope and NAILED a springboard cross body pin for another 2 count. Kaz angrily shot up and charged, but ate drop toe hold. As Kaz lay on his belly, Helms shot off the ropes for a low dropkick to the side of the head - but Kaz narrowly dodged and quickly rolled out of the ring to safety. Helms was held back by the official as Kaz angrily stomped around the ringside area - joined by Yang and Leia to re-group.

As the trio grouped outside, Helms shot off the ropes and flipped OVER the top and crash landed onto…the hard thin mat below. Yang and Kaz, seeing the attack attempt, pushed one another away and forced Helms to crash hard on the outside of his own accord. With Leia Meow distracting the official, Yang and Kaz stomped upon Helms on the outside and proceeding the double toss him into the ring apron back-first (his back was apparently hurt on the landing).

After some 2-on-1, they rolled Helms back in the ring and Kaz quickly covered for a 2-count. Kaz quickly applied a knee to the lower back of Helms and pushed is knee down as he grabbed Helms’ jaw and pulled his head backwards - applying a knee-assisted camel clutch. Helms was able to pry the hands of Kaz free quickly, but Kaz quickly dropped an elbow across the back and quickly followed up with a running flipping senton across the back for another 2-count. Again, Kaz locked a standard camel clutch and bent as far back as possible (bending Helms horribly backwards and getting a groan of despair from the audience looking on).

Helms eventually made it to the ropes to break the hold. As Kaz was pulled away, and Helms hung his head on the lower rope - Yang suddenly ran and jumped and hit a low apron-assisted dropkick across Helms’ face! The crowd jeered, as Kaz emphatically pulled Helms to the center of the ring and covered - only to get a 2-count. Kaz began shouting angrily in Japanese as he yanked Helms up and sent forearms into his back before whipping him to the corner. Kaz charged but ate a boot to the face. Kaz charged again and ate another big to the face. Kaz angrily charged a 3rd time, but Helms rolled to the side, and caught Kaz with the SUGARSMACK (Super Kick) out of desperation! Helms collapsed to the canvas, clutching his back all the while.

Meanwhile, Leia Meow got on the apron again to distract the referee, enabling Yang got back on the apron. Helms swung a haymaker, but Yang dodged and locked Helms up by the arms. Kaz saw this and charged with a running super kick, but Helms stomped on Yang’s foot to release the hold and force Kaz to super kick his own partner off the apron. Kaz sharply turned around, only to be met with a knife edge chop, followed by another, and another, and another. Helms for the whip, but Kaz reverses. Kaz for a back body drop, but Helms holds onto the rope. Kaz charges, but Helms back body drops him over the top - but Kaz lands on the apron. Helms sees this and BELTS Kaz with the jumping enzugiri! Kaz holds onto the rope for dear life as his body staggers dangerously on the apron. Helms, seeing his opportunity, charges full force into the ropes and SPEARS Kaz THROUGH the ropes and onto the outside!

Fans: HOLY SH*T! HOLY SH*T!

Tony Schiavone: OH MY GOD! DID YOU SEE THAT?
Larry: The kid just launched himself through Kaz Hayashi!

Kaz looked out of it, as Helms rose up and let out a ROAR of enthusiasm as the crowd JUMPED in cheers. Helms pulled a near lifeless Kaz up and rolled him into the ring, Helms ascended the top rope as Kaz forced himself up by the ropes - only to become victim to a BIG Frog Splash into a Diving Crossbody! Helms went to cover, but he saw Yang charging the ring. He ducked a lariat attempt and NAILED Yang with a Double Knee Facebreaker that left Yang out on one knee, enabling Helms to hit a SMACKING Shining Wizard (BIG pop from the crowd). Kaz groggily rose to his feet and tried for a sneaky super kick, but Helms grabbed the leg and spun Kaz around, rear waist locked him and DROVE him into the corner, then converted the waist lock into the gory lock and CRASHED Kaz into the canvas with the Vertebreaker for the full 3-count fall and a standing ovation from the crowd.


However, after the bout - as Helms celebrated is victory and began heading backstage…The Mamalukes suddenly appeared on stage - seemingly blocking Helms from going backstage.


Helms stood ready to fight, until Johnny the Bull and Big Vito spread apart and dauntingly called Helms to walk past them. Helms cautiously did so, but not before Big Vito grabbed him by the shoulder and told him, “Heads up, little man…you got some dangerous eyes on you.” Helms pushed Vito’s hand off his shoulder and backed up cautiously backstage - all the while Johnny and Vito stared a whole through the Cruiserweight Champion.

WINNER: Shane Helms via pin fall (3rd Title Defense)

Imperfect Circumstances

When we return from commercial break, we are greeted by Mean Gene Okerlund who introduces his guest at this time - acting WCW Owner and President - the Nature Boy Ric Flair! Flair comes out to the loudest ovation of the evening, as he struts his way towards the ring. Okerlund welcomes the legendary competitor, but has to get down to brass tax.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Ric Flair, undoubtedly, the return of WCW Monday Night Nitro was one of the ages. It was full of surprises, amazing action, but also - controversy, namely with the WCW World Championship. Last week, as you know, Curt Hennig defeated Booker T to become World Champion - but not without some help from Bobby Heenan and two yet-to-be-named individuals who Heenan claims he has no affiliation with.

Mean Gene: Being that Curt Hennig was hand-chosen by you as the first man to receive a World Title shot - you must be feeling extremely frustrated with how things turned out.


Ric Flair: Mean WHOOO By God Gene (crowd lets out a WHOO) Now, before I go off on a tangent, I’m gonna let this one build (holds his hand out for some quiet). I’ve been sitting at home for the past 3 days trying to put together a proper reaction to what happened with Curt Hennig and Booker T — because, Gene, I’m a President, I’m an Owner, I’m a boss. I’ve got to think these things through, right?

Ric Flair: For 3 days - I sat at home listening to my people in Charlotte ask me, “Ric - why did you put Curt in the main event? Ric, did you plan this with Curt? Ric - did Curt Hennig pull one over on the dirtiest player in the game?”

Ric Flair: Gene, I’ve known Curt Hennig for over 10 years. We’ve been to war together - either at each other’s side or at each other’s throats. I’ve seen the best of that man and the worst of that man. But through it all - I saw a guy who never got his shot. All the years I’ve known Curt Hennig, he’s been sheltered away in the mid-card. It’s just like he said - all the big time players cast him aside, and he dominated the mid-card ranks for years. So, after all the years I put into Curt Hennig, I thought it was his time to get his rightful shot.

Ric Flair: A NEW BEGINNING in WCW - 1 on 1. One of the most talented legendary figures in our industry facing off against the top dog of the new generation in WCW. (Pauses) Ya know, Gene, I’m a President now - I can’t just fly off the handle, right? I mean, I’m the big man on campus now - I’ve got an example to set.

Ric Flair: TO HELL WITH THAT! (Crowd pops as Flair rips off his coat and slams it to the ground) I OWN THIS PLACE, I’M THE BOSS, AND I’LL ACT HOWEVER I DAMN WELL PLEASE! AND CURT HENNIG, you son of a [BLEEP!], you screwed over ME, you screwed over the fans, and you screwed over Booker T. And I stand here, with cake on my face, because I trusted that after all these years - you finally grew a set, pal! But, boy was I wrong! I’d kick ya in the groin - but I don’t think it’d hurt ya, much!

RIc Flair: Curt Hennig, I know you’re still back there, and I saw ya packing your bags - thinkin’ ya got the rest of the night off - well, guess again! I’m the boss and I say you’re in action TONIGHT, RIGHT HERE, IN AMARILLO, TEXAS! (HUGE Pop from the Texas crowd).

Ric Flair: You wanna be a champion?! You wanna be the MAN?! Than you gotta beat the REAL men of this company. Every night you come into WCW arenas, Curt Hennig, you’re gonna have to PROVE to me and PROVE to the world that you deserve to be World Champion. And since Booker T’s already got a match tonight, I gotta guy back there who has been itching to get back in this ring. He’s a REAL man, he’s been World Champion (crowd begins to stir and chant various names) and he’s been our franchise player since Day Freakin’ One!

Fans: YEAHHH!!!!!

Ric Flair: Curt Hennig, get your gear ready, because tonight you go ONE ON ONE…WITH DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE!!!

Fans: YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Tony Schiavone: OH MY GOD! DDP and Curt Hennig LIVE tonight on Thunder?!
Larry Z: This isn’t fair, the champ isn’t ready for this!

Ric Flair: WHOOO!!!!

(The crowd ROARS in cheers as Ric Flair leaves the ring with a toss of the microphone, visibly infuriated that he has been one-upped by his former partner-in-crime. Backstage, cameras catch Curt Hennig and Bobby Heenan standing, mouth agape, as they watch the TV in their private locker room. Curt Hennig slams his bag down angrily, as Heenan tells Curt, “Don’t worry, we got this! You’re perfection, you’re the man, you’re the champ — and you’ve got the support of the smartest man in the industry. Diamond Dallas Page is a joke, he’s a chump - we’ve got this, don’t worry!”)

WCW Television Title Tournament ~ Bracket A, Round 1
Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. X

The match begins with Chavo Guerrero taking to the microphone and asking for silence. He tells the crowd his new mission in WCW is to spread his horizons.

Chavo Guerrero: Last Monday Night, you all cheered because Shane Helms pinned me 1-2-3. What you didn’t know is that on Monday morning, I woke up with the flu. (Fans jeer) That’s right, I had a temperature, I had the chills, I had a headache, and I STILL competed and I STILL beat Shane Helms all over this ring. And the only reason he pinned me was because I wasn’t 100%!

Chavo: But, that’s okay - you know why? It’s a blessing in disguise. It made me realize that I don’t NEED to win the Cruiserweight Championship - because I already dominated that division MORE than once. That division is behind me now, and it’s time to dominate a new division - the Television Title division. It’s a perfect fit - after all, I AM the best thing on WCW Television.

Tony Schiavone: Oh, god…
Larry Z: 2nd best - but the 1st best already has the World Title, so Chavo’s in-line for this one.
Tony Schiavone: Are you serious?

Chavo: So, bring out my “mystery” opponent (wiggles his fingers, deliberately feigning fear) and let’s start my road to the WCW Television Championship and my road of dominance!

Chavo drops the microphone and leans over the ropes, displaying to the crowd his over-confidence and lackadaisical approach towards the match. However, with just a mere 2 seconds of music, the face of arrogance changed to that of concern…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h5mU34L-wk

Tony Schiavone: WAIT A MINUTE…
Fans: YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Tony Schiavone: COULD IT BE?!


“And his opponent, from Nagoya, Japan, he weighed in at 185 pounds…the ULTIMO DRAGON!!!!!!”

The arena ROSE in unison as the return of former WCW TV, and WCW Cruiserweight - ULTIMO DRAGON burst through the curtain to a HUGE ovation. Dragon flips over the top rope and into the ring and removes his cape. As Dragon and Chavo stare at one another across the ring, the bell rings and we are underway.

Before the two can engage in a lock-up, fans roar in chants of “WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!” Chavo reacts to this by charging at Dragon, only for Dragon to drop toe hold him. Chavo gets up, but Dragon flips him with an arm drag, followed up by a hip toss and ending with a flipping dropkick that forces Chavo to retreat to the outside. Dragon looks poised to hit a suicide dive, but Chavo runs away and hides behind the steel steps. Dragon uses his momentum to flip over the rope and onto the apron. Chavo attempts to lariat Dragon’s legs, but Dragon leaps over and hits a rolling senton off the apron onto Chavo.

Dragon amps the crowd up and rolls Chavo back to the ring. As Chavo rises, Dragon gets on the apron and looks for a springboard attack, but Chavo charges forward and trips Dragon - forcing his abdomen crashing across the hard top steel cable rope. Chavo covers quickly, but only gets a 1 count. A furious Chavo stomps wildly into Dragon’s chest and pushes him into the corner, where he continues a stomping attack. He whips Dragon into the corner and NAILS a running corner dropkick that knocks Dragon to the canvas. Chavo covers again, but only gets a 2 count. Chavo proceeds to roll Dragon to a seated position and locks a rear chin lock - even tearing at Dragon’s mask’s eye holes - in an attempt to unmask the luchador.

Chavo continues to hold the chin, until Dragon pries his hands free - only for Chavo to drop a knee between the shoulder blades and NAIL Dragon with a running low dropkick to the side of the head. Chavo begins mouthing off to Dragon, shouting, “This is MY time, not YOUR time! MY TIME! Do you know who I am? I’m a GUERRERO!” Chavo runs the sole of his boot across the eyes of Dragon and yanks Dragon in the center of the ring and locks on a camel clutch. Dragon manages to pull himself free by lifting Chavo in an Electric Chair Drop - but instead of falling backward…

Fans: OOOOOOOOHHHH!!!

Electric Chair Drop Double Knee Gutbuster! Dragon pulled Chavo forward as crashed Chavo’s stomach and chest into two knees from Dragon. Dragon musters the strength to pull himself up and clips Chavo with a series of swift kicks, ending with a spinning heel kick to the chest that knocks Chavo back into the corner. Dragon connects with a Handspring Elbow and hits Chavo with a North Lights Suplex for a close 2 count!

Chavo rolls out of the ring to safety…or so he thought. Dragon hits the ropes and looks for a baseball slide, but Chavo dodges and looks for a clothesline. Dragon ducks, kicks Chavo in the gut - POWERBOMB ONTO THE APRON! Chavo collapses hard - enabling Dragon to get on the apron - ASAI MOONSAULT! Dragon rolls Chavo into the ring and finishes him off with the Cancun Tornado (Corkscrew Moonsault) for the 1-2-3 and a HUGE ovation from the crowd.

WINNER: Ultimo Dragon via pin fall (moves onto 2nd round)

You Don’t Snub a Total Package

Backstage, Mean Gene Okerlund is standing by with the No.1 Contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Champions - the veteran team of Buff Bagwell & Lex Luger - collectively known as Totally Buff.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Gentlemen, last Monday Night, we were scheduled to see you two gentlemen take on the young stars of Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo for the WCW World Tag Team Championship - a title that neither of you are strangers to, but due to a travesty, that match was postponed until tonight. Now, just seconds away from your title bout, what are your thoughts?


Lex Luger: (Flexes his arm, as Buff flexes his bicep as well) Do you see this, Gene? You know what this is? THIS (flexes his chest out) is the Total Package. And I don’t care WHAT happened last Monday, when you look at THIS, you don’t snub the Total Package. If anything - they should’ve cancelled the World Title match - because it’s not HALF as important as Totally Buff getting tag team gold.

Mean Gene: Come now! A young man’s career could’ve been ended last Monday Night!

Buff Bagwell: You wanna know a travesty, Gene? A REAL travesty was that the fine ladies of Monday Night Nitro didn’t get their promised opportunity to take a glance at these pretty faces, and these gorgeous bodies (smiles and cackles like a hyena).

Lex Luger: Who cares about some young punk? I don’t. I care about one thing and one thing only - that Totally Buff went 3 days without a championship that they would’ve had. This waist is beautiful as is, but it’s even more beautiful when it has gold around it.

Buff Bagwell: O’Haire, Palumbo - consider your little buddy’s injury a blessing. You boys got 3 extra days with a pair of golden straps that you didn’t deserve. But now, time’s up, boys. Time to give us what belongs to us. Time to let some REAL men run this division. Men who are BUFF…and have ALL the STU…

Abruptly, Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo burst into the scene and goes nose to nose with the veterans in a very violent manner, throwing Bagwell and Luger off a bit. O’Haire is shaking with rage, as Gene thrusts a microphone towards Palumbo - who mutters lowly to the veteran team.

Chuck Palumbo: Mark Jindrak is laid up in a hospital. I watched his mother cry in my arms. And you have the audacity to make light of his situation? (Pauses and presses his head forward into Bagwell’s - who stumbles back a bit) You’re going to both wish that you hadn’t done that…

The two young men, who typically adorn smiles on their faces, adorn dangerous stares of evil intent as they back-track and walk off-screen - leaving the veterans speechless.

Behold Beauty


In a beautiful colorized bedroom, sat a bed adorned with silky blue sheets and dressed with delicate rose petals. One would normally avert their eyes to such beauty - but those sheets were holding something far more elegant and gorgeous — behold the beauty that is…Kwee Wee. His body promiscuously dressed by the silky sheets, Kwee Wee softly pet his delicate white long haired cat “Mr. Pickles” as giggled at the camera.

Kwee Wee: Hello, friends! (wiggles his fingers excitedly) OOH, how I’ve missed you so. Oh? Are there some of you who don’t remember me? (purses his lips and clicks his teeth) For shame on you, you naughty things you! (Giggles) Oh, it’s quite alright — normally, I’d be a bit…frustrated…that you’d lack the knowledge of such a beauty as Kwee Wee - but I’m a changed being now.

Kwee Wee: Isn’t that right, Mr. Pickles? (rubs Mr. Pickles’ head - the cat responds with a dead-pan expression and an annoyed lapping of his lips). I’m calmer, sweeter, gentler. My inner beauty now matches my outer beauty. No more of this angry Alan creature - no no, Mr. Pickles has talked me back into what truly made Kwee Wee Kwee Wee - inner peace and beauty.

Kwee Wee: And I want to share my epiphany of life with ALL of you in WCW. Which is why I’ve entered myself into the WCW Television Title Tournament. When I win the Television Title - I will have the platform to spread my word of love, peace and beauty to you all…(his eyes widen with a certain psychotic nature, as he tilts his head to the camera) for your own good. (smiles widely and pets Mr. Pickles).

WCW World Tag Team Championship
Totally Buff vs. Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo[c]



Luger and Bagwell come out with a look of concern on their faces, but quickly return to their arrogant selves and pose for the cameras - as fireworks blast off behind them. O’Haire and Palumbo enter the ring with absolutely zero flare, they lob the belts to the official and look absolutely ready for business. O’Haire paces and demands to be entered first - and the moment the bell rings, he takes Bagwell down with a double leg and begins hammering elbows - as the crowd ROARS in cheers.

Tony Schiavone: I have NEVER seen this fire from O’Haire and Palumbo - these are not happy young men.
Larry Z: The veterans made a rookie mistake - they went personal before this match, and these young men have a lot more on the line and a lot more to lose now. BIG mistake.

O’Haire eventually moves off Bagwell and knocks Luger CLEAR off the apron with a BIG running sole kick to the face. Luger crashes to the ringside area. Bagwell attempts to sneak a lariat, but O’Haire dodges, hits off the ropes and NAILS another violent double leg takedown, followed by some trapping elbows. Bagwell eventually gets him off and stumbles to the corner. O’Haire looks for a running attack, but Bagwell lifts a boot and connects it with Sean’s face. Sean stumbles back and Bagwell quickly gets to the 2nd rope, but O’Haire charges in and…

*CLAP!!!*
Fans: OOOOHHH!!!

O’Haire with a leaping enzugiri that catches Bagwell across the side of the head. Bagwell’s arms go limp as he flops to the canvas and O’Haire quickly ascends the top rope for the Sean-ton Bomb, but Luger rushes in and pulls Bagwell out to safety…or so he thought. O’Haire went to all fours, as the very large Palumbo launched OFF O’Haire’s back and onto Totally Buff with a rolling sen-ton over the top rope and to the outside! Palumbo rolls Bagwell back into the ring and hurls Luger into nearby steel steps.

Bagwell stumbles to his feet and walks into a Rolling Fireman’s Carry from O’Haire. O’Haire, again, hits the top for the Sean-Ton Bomb, but Bagwell wisely pushed the official into the ropes and crotched O’Haire hard. Bagwell quickly capitalized and yanked O’Haire into a reverse tree of woe and started slamming shoulder blocks into the lower back of the upside down O’Haire. After repeated frustrated blows, Bagwell violently threw O’Haire off the ropes with a snap suplex and covered for a 2 count. Bagwell hurled O’Haire into the corner, but ate a boot from O’Haire as he tried a corner lariat. O’Haire looked poised to charge, but was yanked HARD down to the canvas as Luger grabbed a handful of his hair as he ran forward. Fans jeered as O’Haire clutched the back of his head in pain.

Palumbo charged to attack Luger, but the official stopped him, enabling Luger to yank O’Haire up and violently down with a sickening back suplex that slammed O’Haire on the back of his head. Bagwell started to blatantly choke O’Haire - but stopped when the ref turned around. Bagwell centered his attack to the head of O’Haire for a bit - weakening him enough for the Total Package - who took to a submission game to keep O’Haire grounded - also targeting the head. Luger looked to have a win close when he locked a deep sleeper - but O’Haire battled free and got to the ropes. Luger and Bagwell started to attack with frequent tags and attacks - but it was during an attempted double flapjack, that O’Haire reversed into a Diving Double DDT to both Luger and Bagwell!

Luger got up and charged with a forearm smash, but O’Haire ducked and connected with a jumping enzugiri. Bagwell attempted to attack with an axe handle, but O’Haire kicked the arm of Bagwell away and hit Bagwell with a super kick and a HOT TAG TO PALUMBO!

Palumbo was a ball of fire as he entered and took both Totally Buff members down with running lariats, dropkicks, and any charging maneuver you can think of. He eventually tossed Bagwell clear over the top rope, enabling Luger to charge, but Palumbo ducked the shot and hit Luger with a SICKENING Chuck Deluxe (overhead Belly to Belly). Luger stumbled to the corner, where Palumbo landed a corner running big boot and followed up with a Fireman’s Carry Sitout Spinebuster for a 2-count fall. Palumbo readied a running attack, but Bagwell tripped the young star, enabling Luger to collide with a running forearm smash that knocked Palumbo into the ropes and into a PILEDRIVER from Luger. Luger, hurt from the attack earlier, tagged in Bagwell, who charged in and covered - but only got a 2.

Bagwell lifted Palumbo up to his feet, but Palumbo slapped his hands away and aimed for a super kick, but Bagwell caught and pulled him in with an uncharacteristic capture suplex! Bagwell covered, but again got a 2-count. Bagwell angrily lifted Palumbo up and looked for a Tornado DDT - but Palumbo threw him off. Bagwell landed on his feet, charged at Palumbo…

*CLAP*
Fans: OOOOOHHH!!

Running Big Boot across the face to Bagwell! Bagwell stumbles backwards, Palumbo for the super kick - Bagwell ducks and lifts Palumbo across the top rope with a flapjack. Bagwell readies for the Blockbuster and launches…

PALUMBO CATCHES BAGWELL IN MID AIR - JUST AS BAGWELL GOT INTO THE FRONT FACE LOCK…RUNNING SPINEBUSTER!!!!! Crowd went nuts, Palumbo tags in O’Haire. O’Haire rushes in and CLOCKS Luger with a running super kick and ascends the top rope - SEAN-TON BOMB! MISSES! Bagwell rolls out of the way, kicks O’Haire in the gut and readies a piledriver…

*CLAP~!!!*

JUNGLE KICK FROM PALUMBO! Bagwell crashes to the canvas, O’Haire re-ascends the top rope - SEAN-TON BOMB! ONE…TWO…EMPHATIC THREE!!!!

The crowd ROARS as the champions retain the gold to a standing ovation, and chants of “THAT WAS AWESOME!”

WINNERS: Palumbo & O’Haire via pin fall (Title Defense!)

Road Warriors Speak Out

Tony Schiavone: Well, folks, last Monday - as was well documented earlier this evening - we witnessed a horrific event. During the return of Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal - Mark Jindrak was given the Doomsday Device, but landed horribly wrong.

Larry Z: He landed directly on the back of his neck, Tony. That’s something that no wrestler wants to happen to them. It’s one of the most sensitive and unprotected areas of our bodies when it comes to taking a bump.

Tony Schiavone: Right you are. As a result, Mark Jindrak was motionless on the canvas for about 4 minutes. A lot of us feared the worst - but thankfully, Jindrak recovered and regained feeling in his limbs. After a few days of tests - it was revealed that Mark Jindrak suffered a severe cervical fracture that will require surgery.

Larry Z: An injury like that doesn’t heal itself, so we’re happy to see that Jindrak will recover from this, but it’s a long road ahead.

Tony Schiavone: It’s estimated that Mark Jindrak will miss anywhere from 6-18 months of in-ring time, depending on the success of the surgery and the turnaround in rehabilitation. We, at WCW, wish Mark Jindrak a speedy recovery. You’ll have a place with WCW when this is all said and done.

Tony Schiavone: Unfortunately, Larry, it seems not everyone feels the same. Earlier this week, Mean Gene Okerlund had a sit down interview with the Road Warriors - to get their take on the situation from Nitro. Keep in mind when you watch this - we, at WCW, had no idea the responses we would hear. The wrestling business is built on respect and trust — and there’s no excuse for what you are going to hear from these two men. I’d call them legends, but after I heard this…I’m not so sure anymore…


(Camera cuts to a sit-down interview room with the Road Warriors - who are dressed in street clothes - sitting across from Mean Gene Okerlund).

Mean Gene: Ladies and gentlemen, last Monday Night Nitro - we faced devastation. A young star here in WCW Mark Jindrak suffered a career crippling injury that will result in him not competing in WCW for about one full year. As you know, while we support a competitive edge in WCW, we never want to see a competitor suffer such an injury.

Mean Gene: And if people like me, people who aren’t involved in the incident, feel so deeply about the situation - I can only imagine what you, Animal and Hawk, must be thinking. This is your opportunity, gentlemen, any words you’d like to share regarding this horrendous situation?

(Animal and Hawk look towards one another for a moment. Hawk leans back a bit and crosses his arms, as Animal leans forward).


Animal: Yeah, Gene…we’ve got a few words. [CENSORED] ‘em!

Mean Gene: Excuse me?!

Animal: You heard me. [CENSORED] ‘em! You think we care about some young punk who can’t hack it in our ring? You know how many bumps we’ve taken? Do you know how many times we’ve been dumped on our heads? A LOT! And you know how much time we lost? NONE! You know why? Because WE come from the old school, WE come from a time when wrestlers were REAL MEN. We weren’t fragile, we could take a cannon to the face and go to work the next day. That’s what REAL MEN do. That young punk we blasted away in that ring — he’s a perfect example of what’s wrong with wrestling today.

Hawk: He’s ALL fluff! (shouting and emphatically leaning forward) All the squats, all the bench presses in the world — and all that kid got was a good pair of pecs and hard ass. But just because you gotta hard ass, doesn’t MAKE you a hard ass. Little pansy took one bump from us - and now he’s laid up in the hospital. Yeah, we’re sorry - sorry we didn’t get here SOONER.

Mean Gene: Gentlemen, I’m appalled, how could you take joy in this?

Animal: It’s evolution, Gene. The strong kill off the weak — and that makes the future better. Consider what we did a favor - we’re taking out all the weak players in WCW, so that only the strong survive. You used to have a tagline around here - This is where the big boys place. WELL WE AIN’T BOYS! WE’RE MEN! And the BOYS you had around here are in deep [CENSORED] now!

Hawk: We don’t shed a tear for what we do - we shed a tear because we didn’t get to do it sooner. If the young BOYS can’t handle what we throw at ‘em…then LEAVE. Run and hide, and stay the hell out of our way. We didn’t come here to play nice-nice. We came here to dominate. Bodies WILL fall, people WILL get hurt…that’s how the business SHOULD be.

Animal: You gotta problem with that, Gene? HUH? (stands up with Hawk and pushes Gene off his chair) You wanna do something’ about it?! HUH?! Go ahead, tough guy, do something! DO SOMETHING!

Mean Gene: Wait a damn minute (stands up and walks off camera), I’m not going to stand here and take this - here, conduct your own damn interview! (Rips off his mic and throws it to the ground, muttering ‘to hell with this’).

Animal: That’s right, RUN AND HIDE! That’s what I thought! (looks towards the camera) Let us make this clear for you — we don’t give a damn that we put a kid up in the hospital, in fact - we liked it. We liked it so damn much — that maybe, we’ll do it again.

Hawk: AAAAAH! WHAT A RUSH!!!!!

(The Road Warriors rip off their mics and storm off-camera, as we head to commercial).

WCW Television Title Tournament ~ Bracket A, Round 1
Crowbar [w/ Daffney] vs. Lance Storm

This bout saw the return of Crowbar and Daffney - who got a decent pop from the crowd. Crowbar came out with his lead pipe and seemed very passionate about not giving it up to the official. Lance Storm, who came out with arms behind his back, stopped mid-way towards the ring and lifted a microphone to his lips.

Lance Storm: Excuse me, if I could be serious for a moment…
Fans: BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Lance Storm: I must remind everyone here in attendance that I, Lance Storm, am a professional athlete. (Pauses and points towards Crowbar) And as an athlete, I don’t compete with weaponry. This is a WRESTLING match, not a street fight, and I DEMAND that the weaponry in that man’s hand be removed promptly - or I refuse to enter that ring.

Larry Z: He has a point, Schiavone. Lance Storm is a WRESTLER…the best kind of wrestler. He plays by the rules - he’s not some scumbag from the crap-fest that was ECW - he’s one of the few that actually prides himself on being a pure athlete.

Tony Schiavone: Be that as it may, Crowbar doesn’t seem to be happy with giving up his precious lead pipe.

Lance Storm continues to stay put in the entrance way and even tells the official, “Do your job and ensure that this ring is safe for competition - remove the weaponry or I will go to the back and lobby for your license to be revoked.”

The official eventually gets Crowbar to give up the lead pipe. Lance Storm mutters, “That’s better.” and starts to march towards the ring. However, as he enters the ring, he lifts the microphone again.

Lance Storm: Excuse me, but there is one other matter that must be addressed before this match begins. (Fans: BOOOOO!!!!, Storm points towards Daffney, who stands near the apron) That young lady has had a history of interferences in the past, and has most notably cost many wrestlers a fair chance at a competitive and fair bout against this man. Her track record speaks for itself — I demand that she be removed from the ringside area immediately…


Tony Schiavone: Oh, please. Is he serious?
Larry Z: Of course he is. Daffney’s a troublemaker. Lance Storm is not about unfair situations - he wants a true 1-on-1 bout.

Crowbar and Daffney visibly seem annoyed and argue with the official - who argues with Storm that he can’t do that, as Daffney has done nothing wrong.

Lance Storm: Crowbar - if you had any decency in your entire body - you’d have Daffney leave the premises. (Pauses) Or do you NEED her to win?

Fans: OOOOOOHH!!!!

(Crowbar, gritting his teeth, looks towards Daffney and asks her to leave. Daffney tries to protest, but Crowbar tells her, “I got this!” Daffney unhappily leaves with a pouty face. The bell rings and Crowbar turns to begin the bout when…)

*CLAP~!!!!!!!*
Fans: OOOOOOHHHH!!!!
Tony Schiavone: THE CALGARY KICK! WAIT A SECOND…

As Crowbar was distracted, Storm PELTED Crowbar in the jaw with the Calgary Kick and quickly covered the hardcore high flyer. 1…2…3. Just as soon as the bell rang to start things, it rang again to end things. The fans jeered heavily as Storm stood up strong and had the official raise his hand in victory.

Tony Schiavone: What in heck was that?!
Larry Z: THAT was a win!
Tony: THAT was a cheap shot!
Larry Z: It’s not Storm’s fault that Crowbar wasn’t ready when the bell rang. Storm did NOTHING wrong. The bell rang and he attacked as any wrestler would. Maybe Crowbar needs to stop paying attention to other things and start paying attention to his opponent.

Lance Storm emphatically marched away with his arms raised. He passed Daffney and nonchalantly nodded as he briskly walked past her and motioned around his waist that a title would soon adorn it.

WINNER: Lance Storm via pin fall (moves onto 2nd round)

Don’t Make Him Angry

Backstage, we see Booker T readying himself for his United States title defense. Pamela Paulshock enters his locker room for a brief interview and asks him his thoughts on matters as of late. With his loss of the World Title and now having to defend his United States Title tonight.

Booker T: Pamela - let me make something clear to you and everybody else — I ain’t afraid of a fight. Defending my United States title ain’t nothing I’m afraid to do. I’ve already faced Scott Steiner more times than any man in this company. For years, me and my brother were beatin’ down Scotty and his brother Rick - and for years, I’ve been beatin’ Scotty one on one. It’s the same game, just a different ballpark.

Booker T: You see, Scott Steiner’s been running’ around here acting like he’s something big and dangerous. He THINKS he scares people - but he’s done nothing but LOSE since we came back. He talks big, but when it comes to walking - his punk ass can’t hang. I beat ‘em for the World Title 3 months ago and Imma beat him tonight.

Pamela Paulshock: There’s no question that you and Scott Steiner have animosity towards one another. Part of why Scott Steiner is angry is that he never received his World Title rematch - and says he’s taking yours from you. Any thoughts to that?

Booker T: He thinks he’s taking what belongs to me - he also thinks he’s a big man. The only damn thing big on Scott Steiner is his damn head - and I’m only talkin’ bout the one y’all can see on TV. Believe me, the other one can’t claim the same thing, ya dig?

???: You wish that were true…

(Midajah appears on camera)

Midajah: The Big Bad Booty Daddy is more man than you’ll EVER be. He’s the biggest man in this company - inside and outside the ring. And if I were you, I’d be careful what I said - I wouldn’t want to be on Big Poppa Pump’s bad side…

(Suddenly, Booker T crashes to the ground hard as a lead pipe is smashed over his back. He clutches his back in pain as Scott Steiner begins pummeling him with stomps and HURLS him harshly into his locker. Booker T rolls around in pain as Steiner grabs him by the throat and shouts…)

Scott Steiner: You wanna talk smack?! GO AHEAD! TALK! C’MON, BOOKER! TALK! (continues choking Booker T) That’s what I thought, bitch! This is just a taste of what you’re in for. I’m gonna take everything you got - your title, your rematch, and your LIFE!

(Steiner is eventually pulled off by officials as we head to commercial break).

WCW Worldwide Returns

When we return, we see a video package presented that hypes up the return of WCW Worldwide. In it, it’s revealed that we will see TWO WCW TV Title Round 1 bouts, one of which is seeing the WCW return of KANYON.

WCW TV Title Tournament ~ Round 1: Jason Jett vs. Kid Kash
WCW TV Title Tournament ~ Round 1: Kanyon vs. Lash LeRoux

Also, the Alpha Males, Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo will be getting ready for their bout against Rey Mysterio & Kidman, as they face the high flying team of Air Paris & AJ Styles. The event also hypes that the Road Warriors will be in attendance, as will the Macho Man Randy Savage!

WCW United States Championship
Booker T [c] vs. Scott Steiner [w/ Midajah]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTqwnMWiH1I - Sirens blare and the fans immediately rise to their feet in a LOUD mixture of cheers and jeers. Red lights dance across the arena as the bell sounds for the 1st of the 2 Main events of the evening. Through red flashing lights, Steiner and Midajah appear on the stage. Steiner seems overly confident entering the match - knowing he’s weakened his opponent prior to the contest. Steiner enters the ring and flexes his gigantic muscles for the crowd - screaming over at Schiavone and Larry that he’s going to KILL Booker T tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTV_CG0fT4 - the crowd uniformly ROARS in cheers as the theme of the former Harlem Heat member Booker T hits the PA system. Steiner leans towards the ropes and awaits to meet Booker head-on. However, a few minutes pass and no Booker T. Schiavone speculates that Booker may not be able to compete after the attack…

…when suddenly…

*CRACK~!!!!!!*

Booker T leaps over the guard rail from the crowd, equipped with a steel chair, and SLAMS the chair across Steiner’s back before the bell rings. Steiner arches his back in pain and turns into a STIFF chair shot to the head that knocks Big Poppa Pump out of the ring. The official frantically tries to get control - as Booker throws the chair aside and exits the ring, shouting, “You wanna street fight, BITCH, you got one!” Booker T rolls out of the ring and sends Steiner CRASHING into the steel steps, the bell still having not been rung.

Steiner struggles to break free, but manages to belt Booker in the gut with a stomp and attempts an irish whip, but Booker reverses and hurls Steiner HARD into the steel guard rail and clotheslines him clear into the crowd.

The fans go NUTS as Booker T and Steiner trade blows amidst the crowd. Steiner manages to push Booker away and tackle him into a sea of chairs! The bell STILL hasn’t been rung!

Eventually, the two men brawl back to the ringside area. Midajah distracts Booker T enough to enable Steiner to belt him from behind and send him crashing across the announcer’s table. The brawl continues with Steiner choking Booker T with some nearby cords before eventually throwing him into the ring. Booker stumbles a bit in the ring, as Steiner pummels the man in the corner and viciously starts to choke him with his boot. Eventually, Steiner released the illegal choke after the official broke it up. Steiner chased the referee out of the ring and turned into the outside crescent kick!


Booker T eventually got to the top rope and readied the Heat Seeker, but Steiner crotched him and launched him with an avalanche overhead belly to belly suplex that got a 2.999999! Steiner argued with the official, but returned to Steiner by ducking a lariat and connecting with a release german suplex to Booker. Steiner continued to focus on the back and readied to hit the Steiner Recline, but Booker slipped behind Steiner and nailed the 110th Street Slam for a 2.999999! Steiner rolled out of the ring for a chair. Midajah distracted the ref as Steiner went for a chair shot - but Booker T dodged and Steiner hit the top rope - repelling the chair into his own face and walking him into the Book End -for the BIG 3-count fall!

WINNER: Booker T via pin fall (1st Title Defense!)

During Commercial Break…

When we return to Thunder - we see Steiner getting handcuffed by police officers and forced away backstage. Ric Flair screaming his head off that Steiner needs to be in jail to straighten his head out. We see what happened when Booker T left the area — Steiner, who was being helped up by Midajah, starts to yell at the official for not seeing the chair shot (the one HE did to himself) and proceed to BASH the official in the face and pummel him with forearms. More officials ran in and Steiner decked them viciously, until some road agents (such as Jim Duggan, Alex Wright, etc.) tackled Steiner as police officers cuffed Steiner. Flair came out, furious, and the two men got into each others face before Steiner was eventually removed.

Main Event Introductions

When we return to Thunder - we see Steiner getting handcuffed by police officers and forced away backstage. Meanwhile, back to the ring, Michael Buffer is in-ring for the main event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YAzkR-VZ6g - “Champion” hits the PA System and the house lights go out. Just then, a lone spotlight appears on stage - where “the Selection of Perfection” Curt Hennig stands with arms rested at hips and championship glinting brightly. Hennig raises his hands up as fireworks cascade at his sides. Behind the World Champion, Bobby Heenan applauds and tells nearby cameras how great Curt Hennig is and that, tonight, DDP’s going to wish he debuted on WCW Worldwide against some loser.

Hennig throws his towel at a ringside fans’ face and nearly insights an incident - until the fan is carried away. Hennig smiles wickedly as he enters the ring and holds the WCW World Title high above his head. Meanwhile, Heenan heads to the announcer’s table and begins debating the situation with Tony Schiavone.

Tony Schiavone: Well, Bobby, what do we owe the honor? (Sarcastically)

Bobby Heenan: Save it, Schiavone. The only reason I can stomach sitting next to you again is for reason - to address your accusations. YOU, sir, are hired to be objective, yet you sit here and talk poorly of YOUR World Champion. Do you know who that is? That is the “Selection of Perfection”, a man who has captured gold in EVERY promotion he’s ever wrestled in. He’s defeated legends time and time again and never got his due. Last Monday, he beat Booker T fair and square in that ring…

Tony Schiavone: Are you kidding me, Brain? You mean to tell me you didn’t see those two men come out there and attack Booker T? You mean to tell me you weren’t the one behind that?

Bobby Heenan: I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about! Those men are not affiliated with me or the World Champion - and those men did MINIMAL damage to Booker T. it was the power, the strength of THAT man in THAT ring that put away Booker T - and you know it!

Tony Schiavone: HA! Is that so?

Bobby Heenan: That’s so! I was a broadcast journalist, you know. A better one than you. I actually see the facts, not the fiction. And I’m reporting 100% fact. Curt Hennig is the World Champion and he deserves to be - and THIS match right here shouldn’t even be happening. It’s not even for the title, so why should the champion be bothered with a scrub like Page?

The music dies down, and fans begin to rise with HUGE chants of “D-D-P!” over and over. Heenan angrily shouts at a few ringside fans to shut their mouthes, but the chants only get louder. The only thing that stops them is the sound of a very familiar theme…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YsUEFf521I - SELF HIGH FIVE!

Fans: YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

In moments, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE bursts through the curtain and begins to pump the crowd up! DDP points towards the fans, holds up the diamond sign and emphatically stomps downward - as a parade of fireworks BLARES across the arena. DDP storms towards the ring and slides right in. Hennig quickly retreats as DDP points towards the crowd once more and gives the sign for more fireworks to blare above the ring.

This match was ON…

MAIN EVENT
Non-Title Bout
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Curt Hennig[c] [w/ Bobby Heenan]

Michael Buffer delivers the official introductions and we are underway. The two men circle one another, but pause as further chants of DDP reign through the arena. DDP smiles wickedly as Hennig protests and shouts insults towards Page to discourage him. The two men circle for a bit more before the lock horns and begin violently pushing one another into the ropes until the official is forced to break it up as DDP pushed Hennig into the corner. Hennig angrily rolled out of the ring and re-collected himself, as DDP egged him back into the squared circle.


After Hennig forced the official to back DDP up, Hennig charged in for a cheap shot, but DDP pushed the official aside, ducked the attempted haymaker and BELTED Hennig with a right hand. Hennig hit the ground, but shot back up into ANOTHER right hand. Hennig stumbled into the ropes and DDP landed a FIERY right fist into the jaw that sent Hennig over the top rope and to the outside! DDP pumped the crowd up, as Hennig stumbled towards the guard rail and angrily stomped around the ringside area - demanding the official get DDP under control.

Meanwhile, Heenan screamed that the official was blind and he should DQ him for the closed fist.

Hennig took his time to re-enter the ring as fans chanted “D-D-P” again. Hennig and Page circled one another and went for a tie-up. Hennig applied a go-behind and held on for dear life, but Page elbowed the grip and reversed with a wrist lock. Hennig rolled through and locked on his own wrist lock, and pulled it into a headlock. DDP went for the push off the ropes - but Hennig grabbed a HANDFUL of Page’s hair and pulled him back into the headlock - as the crowd jeered heavily!

As Schiavone protested the hair pull - Heenan quipped, “What hair pull? I didn’t see a hair pull. Your screen must be busted.” Schiavone responded, “I saw it right in front of me.” Heenan responded, “Then your brain must be busted - I’ve been telling you for years to get that thing replaced.”

Hennig kept the headlock on tight and reversed an attempted back suplex into a headlock takedown, now grounding the submission. Page managed to get to his feet again and attempted another whip, but Hennig, again, grabbed the hair and pulled him back into the headlock - but this time, Page used the momentum to lift Hennig clear up and down hard with a Saito Suplex that landed Hennig awkwardly on the back of his head. Hennig, again, rolled out of the ring to safety…but safety was temporary. Before he could react, Page LEAPT over the top rope with a springboard body splash to the outside.

Page emphatically got the crowd riled up as Hennig struggled to get to his feet. Page overheard some of the insults from Heenan and SLAMMED Hennig’s face into the announcer’s table - as Page stared a whole through Heenan.

Hennig stumbled back to the ring, as Page slid right in after him. Hennig grabbed the official and pulled him in front of him - disallowing Page an attack - which suckered him into a thumb to the eye by Hennig, followed by a QUICK running spear-like elbow into the lower back of Page. Page fell to his knees in pain, as Hennig hit the ropes and dropkicked Page dead in his lower back. With Page down, but not out, Hennig tenaciously stomped on the back as hard as he could. Page crawled to the ropes, but Hennig pulled him away and dropped a nasty looking elbow drop across the back and followed up by pressing his knee into the back and pulling up on Page’s jaw-line with a knee-assisted camel clutch.

Page seemed in trouble, but began to break free, only for Hennig to drop his rear across the back and follow up with a jumping knee drop across the back.

Larry Z: Hennig, like a true old school technician, has found a weak-point in Page’s game, and is attacking it like a shark to blood.
Heenan: Thank you, Larry, it’s nice to see someone has the brains out here to carry the show while I tend to other matters.
Schiavone: I’ve never taken away from Curt Hennig’s in-ring ability. But, the way he’s been acting in WCW is unbecoming of such a talented man.
Heenan: And how, may I ask, do you think he’s acting?
Schiavone: Like a cheater!
Heenan: I believe the term is “champion”, Schiavone. “Champion”, I know WCW hasn’t had a real one of those in a while, so I’ll let your ignorance go with a warning this time.

Hennig continued to work over the back with calculated strikes and submission, and even a STIFF whip to the corner that forced Page to his knees and onto the canvas in pain. Hennig even pulled DDP over the ring apron (stomach on the apron) and DROVE a running jumping knee across Page’s back while draped over the apron. Hennig mouthed off to a few ringside fans, shouting, “Go ahead and chant for a loser! This guy should be shining my boots!”

Hennig looked for a pin fall after hitting Page with a pendulum backbreaker, but only got a two count. Hennig responded with a chin lock - with the knee pressed firmly in the back. Fans began to stir and chant, eventually getting Page to pull apart Hennig’s grip, but Hennig blasted Page in the back with a knee lift. Page arched his back as he stayed on his feet. Hennig shot off the ropes and looked for an attack ,but Page grabbed Hennig and dropped him across the top rope with the Stun Gun (infamous from “Stunning Steve Austin” of WCW fame).

Heenan: ILLEGAL MANUEVER!
Schiavone: How do you figure that?!
Heenan: ILLEGAL ON MORAL GROUNDS!
Schiavone: MORAL GROUNDS?! Are you kidding me?!
Heenan: I can see that YOU applaud this type of degenerative attack! I’m going straight to Ric Flair’s office to have a talk about you, Schiavone!

Hennig clutched his throat in pain and flailed like a fish out of water, as chants of “D-D-P” began all over again - DDP getting a BIG ovation from the crowd. Hennig was the first up as DDP struggled against the corner. Hennig attempted a corner body splash, but Page moved out of the way and Hennig crashed into the top buckle and was left draped across the top buckle. DDP responded with a field goal kick to the ribs of Hennig that bounced him up and back down across the top rope. DDP did it again, and this time Hennig flopped back into the ring and into the waiting arms of an Atomic Drop from DDP, followed by a discus clothesline!

DDP pulled himself up via the ropes (still favoring the back) and forced Hennig back to a vertical base. He fired off a few right and lefts to corner Hennig, and proceed to hit the old-school 10-count punches in the corner. Hennig flopped forward and into a swinging neck breaker from Page for a 2-count fall.

The Champion struggles to his feet as DDP lays in wait. Hennig gets up, and as DDP approaches, he grabs hold of Page’s trunks and yanks him face-first into the middle buckle. A resounding wave of jeers explode from the crowd as a faint Hennig arrogantly points to his head and smiles wickedly, all the while Heenan applauds the maneuver.

Schiavone: Desperation out of the World Champion proves to be fruitful.
Heenan: That wasn’t desperation, that was a very technical move. It was the Euro-National Japanese Tongan face breaker, Schiavone. Do your homework. Didn’t you pay around with Tenay for years? Did you pick up nothing?!
Schiavone: (sarcastically) Boy, did I miss you, Bobby.
Heenan: Sweet talk will get you nowhere, Schiavone. The World Champion is my priority. Your Larry’s problem now.
Larry Z: Thanks a lot.

Hennig gets up and NAILS DDP with a running knee to the back and quickly rolls him up in a school boy pin, with his FEET ON THE ROPES!

1…2…DDP STILL KICKED OUT! Hennig angrily argued with the official for a bit, before pulling DDP up - and DDP LOCKED A SMALL PACKAGE!!!!

ONE….TWO…..

HENNIG KICKED OUT!

The two men shot up, Hennig fired a backhand chop, DDP fired one of his own. Hennig fired a right hand, DDP fired another one back at him. Hennig rakes the eyes of Page and belts him in the gut with a toe kick. Page bends over, enabling Hennig to shoot off the ropes with a swinging knee lift, but Page side-steps and ROCKETS Hennig down hard with a spinning spine buster!

ONE….TWO….KICKOUT BY HENNIG! The crowd rumbles in excitement!

DDP pulls himself up and yanks Hennig up along with him. Irish whip to the corner, but Hennig reverses an attempted corner attack with a boot to the face. Hennig gets on the 2nd rope and dives with a cross body, but DDP catches and POWERSLAMS Hennig down - ANOTHER COVER…ONE…TWO…KICKOUT AGAIN! Hennig crawls to the ropes and tries to escape the ring, but DDP grabs his leg and yanks him up. With leg trapped, DDP looks to attack, but Hennig jumps for an enzugiri, but DDP blocks, grabs both legs and CATAPULTS Hennig into the corner. Hennig stumbles on spaghetti legs and into the JERSEY BOMB!!!

ONE….TWO….

Hennig grabs the lower rope to break the count! DDP can’t believe the ring positioning, but gets back up to his feet. Hennig, again, crawls to the ropes to escape. DDP grabs him him a waist lock and pulls him in. Hennig grabs the official’s shirt and refuses to release…allowing the distraction for Hennig to lift his leg upwards into DDP’s groin!

As DDP releases the hold, Hennig quickly locks DDP up for a roll-up before the official can see what happened.


ONE….TWO….KICK OUT BY PAGE! Fans ROAR in cheers and rumbles as Hennig angrily pulls DDP up and quickly looks for the Picture Perfect Plex, but DDP flails to disable the lift, spins around…

DIAMOND CUTTER!! NO!! Hennig pushes away and escapes through the ropes. Hennig, taking a moment to catch his breath - calls to Heenan - who leaves the announcer’s table with the World Title - hands it to Hennig - and the two begin to leave. But Page will have none of that. Page charges out of the ring and attacks Hennig and rolls him back into the ring. However, before Page re-enters, Heenan is barking angrily at him. Page stalks Heenan - as Hennig distracts the official.

Suddenly…

TWO MEN leap over the guard rail and BELT Page from behind, laying an old-school beat down on the former World Champion. Schiavone exclaims it’s the same two men who attacked Booker T on Monday! Heenan looks on in “shock” (note the quotes) as the two men lift DDP up and hit a Superkick/German Suplex ON THE CONCRETE! The two men proceed to roll the lifeless DDP into the ring and escape through the crowd. Meanwhile, Hennig pulls the lifeless DDP up, hooks the leg…

Picture Perfect Plex.

3 seconds later, it was all over. Hennig’s hand was raised, Heenan applauded the miraculous
efforts of the champion - and the crowd jeered in protest. Again, Hennig and Heenan put one over on the WCW.



WINNER: Curt Hennig via pin fall
 
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