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

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

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

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

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

Bischoff: Steve, Ric, how are you?

Steve Borden: Afternoon Er-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bischoff takes a deep breath, and begins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One by one, the staff and wrestlers of WCW stood up and left the conference room. Many men were talking amongst themselves, most likely asking each other if they thought WCW would get a buyer, and if they did, who would stay and leave WCW. The last men to leave the conference room were Booker T, Lance Storm, Ric Flair, and Steve Borden. Flair and Borden are the very last two, and Borden stares down Bischoff as Flair whispers into his ear. Bischoff wondered what was going on, and then… an idea popped into Bischoff’s mind.
 
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#2 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

March 26, 2001- Backstage Nitro- 2:18 PM

Bischoff has just walked into his office after meeting with the booking team and a few of the wrestlers, when he saw he had messages on his cell phone. Quickly, Bischoff decided to listen in.

The messages as Bischoff predicted were from the wrestlers and staff of WCW. He received calls from Billy Kidman, Brian Adams & Bryan Clarke, Crowbar, and Road Warrior Animal that they all were going to sign the new WCW contracts if Bischoff could find an owner. Alex Wright, Brian Knobbs, the Rhodes’, Jimmy Hart, MI Smooth, Reno, and Shawn Stasiak called to say they were going to either try and get into the WWF, or just didn’t ever want to be apart of the WCW environment again. Dusty and Dustin Rhodes however, were already given contracts from the WWF to return so they could run a storyline together. Bischoff was satisfied with who said they would return, and was only disappointed in the loss of Dustin and Dusty Rhodes because they were going straight to the WWF. Bischoff let out a sigh, and left the room once again, to try to find Ric Flair and Steve Borden.

Bischoff searched and searched for Steve and Ric, but couldn’t find either man. Bischoff searched for over 40 minutes when finally, ready to give up on finding Steve, he turned around to go back to his office, where he saw Ric Flair and Steve Borden walking up to him.

Eric Bischoff: Steve, Ric, just the men I wa-

Steve quickly cut Bischoff off.

Steve Borden: Eric, I don’t know if you saw me at the meeting, and could read the ideas that were going through my mind, but Eric, before I go any further, did you get a backer since our last meeting?

Ric Flair: Of course he didn’t Steve!

Bischoff: Steve, Ric’s right, I haven’t gotten a buyer yet; I don’t think I’m going to be able to find one at all.

Bischoff looks right into Borden’s eyes, a look of plea, asking for help.

Borden: I think you know what I plan to do then. The idea popped into my mind when the three of us were talking before the meeting started yesterday. I planned on saying it then, but I didn’t. Instead, I consulted the idea with Ric here, and…

Flair: We want to buy WCW. We want to restore the legacy we built in the NWA to WCW by being the owners.

Bischoff: That’s all well and good, but…

Borden: But nothing Eric. The three of us can buy WCW, and run it back to greatness.

Bischoff and Flair: WHAT!?

Borden: Yes, the three of us. Ric, the two of us together don’t know how to fully run a company. Yeah, we can book, but Eric knows how to do the other essential tasks as an owner.

Flair and Bischoff are both silent. Flair has a look of anger on his face, Bischoff a shocked look. Flair is pissed that Bischoff will still be running WCW, Bischoff shocked that he’s involved in the plan.

Borden: Then it’s settled; the three of us together will run WCW.

Flair: You hear that Bischoff? The three of us. Not just you, not just me, not just Steve, each and everyone of us. That means that you can’t make decisions unless the three of us have talked about it together, and the decision has been agreed upon. You understand that asshole?

Bischoff: Yeah, I understand that Ric. The three of us all worked together to practically rebuild WCW from the bottom up to be a great promotion once again, where the three of us make decisions that are good for business, despite the relationships we have with each other and other people. Can you agree to that Ric?

Flair: I’m not the one who likes to screw around with people’s lives Eric. My word is my bond, now if the same could actually be said for you…

Borden, realizing he is going to have to be the man-in-the-middle between the two, is quick to try and restore order.

Borden: Look guys, we have to be professionals and men here. If we want to make WCW great again, the three of us all have to work together, and let bygones be bygones. Now shake hands like professionals so we can move on with our lives and announce the new ownership to Ted Turner, WCW, and the world.

Flair and Bischoff look at Steve dumbfounded, but Bischoff puts his hand out to Ric to shake it. Ric quickly shakes Bischoff’s hand, and released the shake.

Borden: Good, now let’s see, it is now 3:26, the pre-show meeting starts in about a half an hour. Let’s go there so we can announce the new partnership.


March 26, 2001- Pre-Nitro Meeting- 3:58 PM

All the staff and wrestlers of WCW were sitting down in chairs, as Eric Bischoff stood at the top of the room, Ric Flair on his left, Steve Borden on his right.

Eric Bischoff: Alright guys, most of you already know the run-down for tonight, if you don’t, don’t worry about it, the run-down will be on the white board in here for you to look at after the meeting.

Bischoff takes a deep breath, trying to hold in an ear-to-ear grin.

Bischoff: You see, the original intent on this meeting was to simply tell you the run-down of Night of the Champions, and say that this would be the last show we ever had as the company called World Championship Wrestling. But you see, all that changed about 30 minutes ago. These two legends next to me, have concocted a marvelous plan that has just saved WCW. So Steve, Ric, why don’t you two make it official.

Flair: Boys, World Championship Wrestling as we know it has been changed for the better because Steve and I…

Borden: along with Eric…

Flair: …have officially made it known to Bischoff…

Borden: …that we are going to purchase WCW with Bischoff!

Bischoff: The three of are going to call Ted after Nitro to tell the old man that WCW isn’t going to the WWF, but staying in the hands of three men who helped make it what is once was; the number one promotion in the world!

There’s a round of applause and lots of hooting and hollering from the boys, as they are happy to hear the great news.

Bischoff: Now as you all know, I gave you all a new WCW contract yesterday, as well as a copy of your AOL Time-Warner contracts. So far, the following men have opted to sit-out the rest of their AOL-Time Warner contract and not be a part of the new WCW: Alex Wright, Brian Knobbs, Jimmy Hart, MI Smooth, and Shawn Stasiak. Dustin and Dusty Rhodes have already signed WWF Contracts, and Reno has decided to leave WCW in hopes of signing with the WWF. Although these men have decided to not stay in WCW, they are still welcome to compete tonight. However, Billy Kidman, Brian Adams, Bryan Clarke, Crowbar, and Road Warrior Animal have all already stated they would and have now signed new WCW contracts!

Another short round of applause for the men who already signed to WCW begins. Instead of Bischoff resuming talking, it is Steve Borden who does.

Borden: But now is not the time for anymore celebration. Now we need you all to decide: Are you staying with AOL-Time Warner, or are you truly WCW. You all should have your contracts with you. Think about what you want to do, and make the decision. Sign the WCW contract and give to one of us three, or hand Eric your AOL-Time Warner contract, he’ll know that it means you want to sit out the contract and collect the loads of money that goes with it.

Flair: Boys, the choice is yours now. You don’t have to make a decision yet, we’ve decided to give you all another week to think about this since we now know for a fact WCW isn’t going anywhere.

Bischoff: Alright ladies and gentleman, this meeting is over. You can now go about your business as you would any other Nitro show. You’re all dismissed.

At these words, the staff and wrestlers rose out of their seats, many leaving in groups, discussing their option yet again. Some men however, went right up to Eric, Ric, and Steve and handed them a signed copy of a new WCW contract. Those men were: Air Paris, AJ Styles, Booker T, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Chris Kanyon, Chuck Palumbo, Diamond Dallas Page, Elix Skipper, Evan Karagias Hugh Morris, Jamie Knoble, Johnny The Bull, Kid Romeo, Lance Storm, Lash Leroux, Mark Jindrak, Mike Sanders, Sean O’Haire, Shane Helms, Shannon Moore, Yang, Arn Anderson, Billy Silverman, Charles Robinson, Mike Rotunda, Mike Tenay, Nick Patrick, and Senior Official Randy Anderson.

All in all, the three men were pleased with the sudden burst of signees, but were not surprised by many. Many of the wrestlers who already signed were the young, talented cruiserweights, or longtime veterans of WCW. The same went with the staff; they were either veterans of WCW, or were up and coming at their respective positions. Soon enough, everyone cleared out of the meeting, time past, and Night of the Champions went down without a problem. The results went as follows:

Night of Champions Results said:
~The show opens up with a video montage of all the former WCW World Heavyweight Champions, with men like Ric Flair, Sting, and DDP being highlighted upon the most. Some former WCW World Champions such as Vince Russo, David Arquette, Chris Benoit, Vader, and Bret Hart weren’t even included.

~Booker T defeated Scott Steiner in a Champion vs. Champion Match with a Book End. Booker T now holds both the United States and World Heavyweight Championships.

~Filthy Animals (Rey Misterio Jr. & Billy Kidman) defeated Yung Dragons (Yang & Hayashi) and 3 Count (Moore & Karagias) when Misterio pinned Moore to advance into a match against Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo for the Cruiserweight Tag Team Belts.

~Shane Helms defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to retain his WCW Cruiserweight Championship after hitting a Vertebreaker.

~Sean O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo defeated Team Canada (Mike Awesome & Lance Storm) to retain the WCW World Tag Team Championship after O’Haire pinned Awesome with a Seanton Bomb.

~Shawn Stasiak defeated Bam Bam Bigelow with a neckbreaker

~Filthy Animals (Kidman & Misterio) defeated Team Canada (Skipper & Romeo) to win the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship after Kidman pinned Skipper with the Kid Krusher.

~Sting defeated Ric Flair with the Scorpion Deathlock

~Ric Flair and Sting hugged and celebrated in the ring, and the two cut a promo saying that the legends of WCW weren’t just going to let WCW die, and that WCW wasn’t going to die anytime soon. Flair took shots at Vince McMahon, Ted Turner, and TNT, and said that although TNT and Turner were kicking Nitro off the air, WCW would be back better than ever sooner or later, and to check wcw.com for updates. The show ended with Flair and Sting celebrating with the crowd, as announcers Tony Schiavone, Scott Hudson, and Mike Tenay all plug WCW.com, and to have fans visit WCW.com daily to check for updates on when WCW will be back.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

April 1, 2001- Ric Flair’s Mansion- 10:18 PM

Almost a week has passed since Night of the Champions, and the week deadline for the members of WCW to decide on which contract they were going to choose was almost up. Eric Bischoff, Ric Flair, and Steve Borden were all sitting in the living room of the Flair Mansion in North Carolina, going through contracts, and discussing who all has signed with WCW, left WCW, and who is yet to make a decision.

Ric Flair: Okay, so far the following people have left WCW: Alex Wright, Bam Bam Bigelow, Brian Knobbs, Dustin Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes, Jimmy Hart, Leia Meow, Major Gunns, MI Smooth, Paisley, Reno, Shawn Stasiak, and Wayne Debruce.

Steve Borden: Air Paris, AJ Styles, Big Vito, Billy Kidman, Booker T, Brian Adams, Bryan Clarke, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Chris Kanyon, Chuck Palumbo, Crowbar, Daffney, David Flair, Diamond Dallas Page, Don Harris, Elix Skipper, Hugh Morris, Jamie Knoble, Jim Duggan, Johnny The Bull, Kaz Hayashi, Kid Romeo, Konnan, Lance Storm, Larry Zbysko, Lash Leroux, Mark Jindrak, Midajah, Mike Awesome, Mike Sanders, Rey Misterio Jr., Rick Steiner, Road Warrior Animal, Ron Harris, Sean O’Haire, Shane Helms, Shannon Moore, Terry Funk, The Wall, Tygress, and Yang have all signed the new WCW contracts. Chris Candido, Tammy Sytch, Miss Jones, and Norman Smiley all signed the WCW contracts, but we rejected their contracts and released them. Sid has decided to retire from wrestling after the incident at Sin.

Eric Bischoff: And of course, Buff Bagwell, Goldberg, Jeff Jarrett, Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Shane Douglas, Stevie Ray, and The Cat have not made a decision yet. Booker said that Stevie was going to retire from wrestling, but would possibly commentate or be a road agent for us.

Borden: Buff and Lex will sign, Lex was telling me yesterday he wants to sign with us, same with Buff.

Flair: Lord only knows what is up with Steiner, Shane Douglas, Jeff Jarrett, and Goldberg. What about Nash Bischoff? I assume you two have been in contact lately.

Bischoff: Honestly, I haven’t been in touch with Nash at all. He hasn’t called me about the contracts, and I’m not going to call him. If he wants to stay with WCW, he should call me and tell me. I shouldn’t have to call him.

Although that’s what Bischoff said, it isn’t what Bischoff meant. Bischoff had indeed called Kevin numerous times this week, but only ever gotten a hold of Kevin once. Nash didn’t like the pay he would receive as part of the new contract, and was thinking about not signing over that. That conversation was held on Thursday, and every time Bischoff called Kevin after that, he never got an answer from Kevin.

Borden: Well, I say we set a deadline for tomorrow at 7 PM. If any of the undecided wrestlers haven’t made contact with any of us by the deadline, we call the wrestlers and get a decision from them right away.

Flair: If they refuse to give us an answer, we cut up their AOL-Time Warner contract, and refuse to let them in WCW.

Flair stared right at Bischoff as he said this, letting Bischoff know he was only talking about Kevin Nash.

Bischoff: That sounds like a good idea. Now listen guys, I really think we need to make sure Scott Steiner and Jeff Jarrett sign the new contract. Both men were pretty over in WCW, and can be built as stars still for WCW. Shane Douglas is talented, and could be a big star as well. Goldberg is good for the draw value, Luger and Bagwell aren’t very important in my eyes…

Flair: And for Nash?

Borden: Ric, you need to stop worrying about Nash. You have to push your opinion of Nash to the side, and make a judgment as an owner who has no positive or negative opinion on Nash.

Flair: If you say so Steve. I just don’t want there to be any politics from the likes of Kevin Nash in WCW anymore. He basically killed WCW before, and I am not going to let the legacy I helped build be tarnished by the likes of him.

Borden: Alright Ric, I understand. Look, it’s getting late. Let’s be finished for the night, and we can have another meeting in the morning. Eric, are you staying in a hotel or here?

Flair gave Bischoff an icy glare, letting Bischoff know he wasn’t welcomed in the Flair house outside of this meeting.

Bischoff: I’m going to stay at a hotel Steve, thanks for asking though. Goodnight.

Bischoff left the Flair house, and walked out to his car when his cell phone rang. It was from Kevin Nash.

Bischoff: Kev?

Kevin Nash: Yo Uncle Eric, you’re just the man I needed to talk to.

Bischoff: About what Big Kev?

Although Bischoff acted like he had no clue what Nash needed to talk about, he knew what Kevin needed to talk about, but wanted to make Kevin seem more important.

Nash: It’s about these contracts.

Bischoff: What about ‘em?

Nash: Well you see, I want to come back to WCW and all, but these contracts really just don’t support me financially. Are you sure I can’t get any kind of pay raise?

Bischoff: No Kev, you can’t. I want to, but it just isn’t an option.

Nash: What if you fired guys like Shane Douglas and some godly wrestlers? That would make some room for me financially. I mean, WCW really doesn’t need that kind of crap all the time. We all know Douglas is a waste of space, air, and money, and the same can be said about a lot of those godly wrestlers.

Bischoff: Even if I wanted to fire Douglas, I couldn’t. He, like you, is one of the people who are yet to verify if he will sign a new WCW contract or sit-out his AOL-Time Warner contract. And I can’t fire any of the cruiserweights Kev, Steve and Ric wouldn’t agree to that.

Nash: Ah well, I guess not everyone can have such an intelligent view on things like I do.

Bischoff almost started to laugh hysterically, but turned his laugh into an odd sounding sneeze

Bischoff: Yeah, uh, I know what you mean. But Kev, come on man, we’ve been through a lot together in WCW, sign a new contract, and help make this place great again.

Nash: I want to Eric, but there is nothing in this for me at all?... Unless… how about this idea Eric?

Bischoff: Lay it on me Kev.

Nash: I will sign your contract at the new price, only because of the respect and friendship I have with you, if you guarantee me a World Heavyweight Championship reign?

Bischoff knew it was coming. Nash had been trying to play politics the whole phone call, and knew it was only a matter of time until Nash tried to play a title stipulation clause. Bischoff was at a crossroads, but had no idea what to do. Should he:

A) Agree to giving Nash a World Title Reign, despite the fact he isn’t supposed to do something like this
B) Tell Nash no, he either signs a contract like everyone else, or he doesn’t sign at all


OOC: Alright, here is the first round of interactive voting. You the readers decide on Eric's decision. You can either vote for Eric to agree to Nash's confirmed World Heavyweight Title reign, or you can basically tell Kevin to stuff it. Keep in mind that Eric and Kevin are good friends, and he wants to see Nash in WCW, to not only have his friend in there, but to one up Ric Flair as well. But also, Nash is a master politician, and could be a problem backstage, which is something Bischoff wants to steer away from. Also, promising Nash a title reign that Bischoff may not necessarily be able fulfill could cause lots of problems between the three owners :D. So come on and vote for which option you'd like to see Easy E take.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

I'm doign a WCW 2001 fed again, and using the Trio ownership backstory idea. But other than that, it shall be different. Like last time I started out with a PPV, this time I shall not so I don't burn out right away by writing this huge PPV.

Leep the votes coming, so far the voting is 3 for A, and 4 for B. The winning option is the first to get 5 or 7 votes. The votes are also taking place at another forum, which is why the votes are of different numbers than what you see here.
 
#10 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

April 1, 2001- Outside Ric Flair’s Mansion- 11:13 PM

Bischoff couldn’t believe what he was almost pulling himself into. Did he really want to go back on his word? He knew if WCW was to be successful, it couldn’t if have the politics backstage that this deal and Nash would bring. And it was at that point in time that Bischoff realized he was never Nash’s real friend. He was a puppet that Nash had all along. Bischoff was a man with power that Nash manipulated ever since 1996. Bischoff gave Nash the power… then, but not now… not any more.

Bischoff: Fuck you.

Nash was stunned. After a few moments of silence, Nash finally regained his voice.

Nash: What the fuck did you just say to me Eric?

Bischoff: You heard me; I said fuck you. Ever sine you came into WCW in 1996, you played me like a fucking fiddle! You dangled me around like some damn poppet, using me to get yourself power and glory. I brought you into WCW! I gave you the New World Order! I gave you the WCW Heavyweight championship! I gave it all to you! When did I get something in return!? You didn’t give me shit! Not one fucking time did you repay me for all the things I did for you; not fucking once!

Eric was fuming. All of his pent up rage of 5 years was now coming out of his mouth. He realized how much he hated Nash, and how he, nor WCW, needed him.

Bischoff: You’re an egotistical dick, Kevin! You aren’t half the wrestler or name you think you are! If it wasn’t for the wrestling ability of Scott, and the name value of Terry, you wouldn’t be shit! You were never the big thing in the nWo! Never! You can’t wrestle worth shit! You can’t sell a PPV worth shit! You’re the fucking reason WCW is in the predicament it is in now! You and that fucking ‘finger-poke’ idea with Hogan back in ’99! You almost killed WCW before Kevin! I’m not going to let you come into the new WCW and kill it for good! Fuck you Kevin Nash!

And with that said, Bischoff closed his cell phone, hanging up on Nash. He had given Nash everything in WCW, and because of that, WCW was no longer under the heavy financial backing of Ted Turner. WCW no longer had Monday Nitro, Thunder, or Saturday Night. Because of guys like Kevin Nash, WCW was almost dead. Eric Bischoff finally came to his sense, and realized, WCW does not need Kevin Nash. Eric Bischoff was done being involved with secret deals, however… Ric Flair was not.

April 1, 2001- Ric Flair’s Bedroom- 11:21

Ric Flair was on his cell phone with Jeff Jarrett, a man who was yet to sign a new WCW contract.

Flair: Look Jeff, I understand you completely, I agree that you should get a run as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. You are the Chosen One for this company, and in my opinion, the New Age Nature Boy.

Jeff Jarrett: Ya damn right I am Ric, and that is why I think we should just add that stipulation into my new contract.

Jeff Jarrett wanted the exact same thing Kevin Nash wanted; a guaranteed World Heavyweight Title reign. Jeff, however, was much more deserving a World Title reign than Nash. Jarrett was a better wrestler, arguably better on the mic than Nash, was younger, and wasn’t going to be like Nash (as much) with the backstage politics. Ric Flair wanted to give Jarrett the guaranteed World Heavyweight Title reign. He liked Jeff, and knew he was World Champion material. However, if Flair did this, wouldn’t he just be liked Bischoff then? Would he stoop down to Eric’s level if he made a secret agreement with Jeff, no matter how much he liked Jeff and thought Jeff deserved the reign? What would Steve do in this situation? What would he say if he found out? But then again, Ric thought, what would Jeff do if Ric wouldn’t allow him to have the guaranteed Title reign? Would he refuse to sign the contract and never return to WCW? Ladies and gentleman, Ric Flair had a dilemma.

Should Ric…

A) Agree to giving Jarrett a guaranteed World Heavyweight Championship Reign
B) Tell Jarrett he won’t make any secret deals; he can’t have a guaranteed Reign
 
#16 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

April 1, 2001- Ric Flair’s Bedroom- 11:23

Ric Flair: Well Jeff, I must say, you are without a doubt the future Ric Flair, and I have thought that from the first time I saw you wrestle. WCW is going to need you to help lead the company back to the status of number one promotion in the world. Jeff, you are indeed the Chosen One my man, and I am going to agree to get you a guaranteed World Heavyweight Championship reign if it means you staying with WCW anyways.

Jeff Jarrett: That’s what I like to hear, Ric, that is what I like to hear. I’ll sign with the new WCW, and then, Jeff Jarrett is your new WCW World Heavyweight Champion!

Flair: Well Jeff, I must say, just because I am giving you this Title reign doesn’t mean you’ll be getting it right away. I mean, Booker is a deserving champion and all… we want to give him a run with the belt.

Jarrett: Hey, hey, hey, Ric, Booker can have his fun in the sun for a while, but you and I both know it, WCW will be the most successful with me on top.

Flair: And in time, you will be on top. I just want to make sure that the feud and storyline is right. I don’t want you to win the World Title in some mediocre feud; it’s going to be the big thing.

Jarrett: That’s what I’m talking about! It’s all set then, Ric. I’ll sign with WCW, you give me a guaranteed World Title reign.

Flair: Yeah, its all set.

Jarrett: Good, then I will talk to you later…

Flair: Wait, Jeff! This uh, little talk… keep it quiet. I don’t want, um, the boys to know about it.

Jarrett: Heh, sure thing Naitch. Later.

Jarrett hung up his phone, and left Ric to think about what he had just done. Ric Flair just made a secret agreement with Jeff Jarrett, giving Jeff a guaranteed World Heavyweight Championship reign. Ric knew he shouldn’t have done that, but he wanted to see Jeff in WCW. He though Jeff could be the next “Nature Boy” in professional wrestling, and he wanted to be the man to make Jeff Jarrett a big star, bigger than he was now. Steve and Eric may not like this deal, and that is why he knew he just had to persuade them into giving him a reign as Champion; he couldn’t say he promised Jeff the Title. He had to keep this deal what it was, a secret.

April 2, 2001- Ric Flair’s Mansion 8:13 PM

It was the next night, and the three men were once again assembled in the mansion of Ric Flair. The deadline the three owners had made had now passed. It was time to assemble the final roster. At the time the deadline was made, the following superstars had not yet decided on signing with WCW or staying on their AOL-Time Warner contract; Buff Bagwell, Goldberg, Jeff Jarrett, Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Shane Douglas, Stevie Ray, and The Cat. By now, those 9 superstars’ status with WCW was now fully known.

Steve Borden: Alright, well, this is it guys- the WCW Roster is now about to be finalized! We each were to contact 3 men and find out if they were going to sign or not. Ric, why don’t you go first.

Ric Flair: Alright Steve, let’s see. Jeff Jarrett has signed with us, as has Scott Steiner.

Steve Borden: Lex and Buff both happily signed the new WCW contract. The both said they were looking to tag team together, and I have no problems letting the two do that. Shane Douglas is going to become a free agent. He is looking to just wrestle the independents for a while.

Eric Bischoff: Stevie Ray is retiring from the business, and is going to be one of our road agents. The Cat has decided to become a free agent. He said he was looking to get away from the business for a while…

Flair: And for Nash!?

Bischoff: Let me guess, you think I probably wielded some secret deal with Nash that will give him some power backstage?

Ric swallowed hard. Ric could see Eric doing something like that, but it was really Ric who made the secret deal.

Bischoff: Well Ric, let me tell you something. Kevin Nash is an egotistical hack. That man played and controlled my mind for 4 years, and he isn’t doing that anymore! He tried to make a deal with me; he wanted a guaranteed World Heavyweight Title run! But you know what, Ric? I told him fuck no! This is the NEW World Championship Wrestling, and I wasn’t going to let there be any politics in this company. I knew you wouldn’t make a deal like that, and I knew Steve wouldn’t either. I said I am a changed man damn it, and that isn’t just me bull shitting the boys. I am a changed man. Kevin Nash is not a part of WCW.

Ric felt like a complete ass. Here Eric openly said that he, Ric, would not make a secret deal like that with anyone in WCW. But in reality, Ric was the one who made a secret deal with Jeff Jarrett, giving him the same thing Kevin wanted Eric to do for him.

Flair: I-I, I didn’t think that, Eric. I just wanted to know if that man would be a part of this company or not.

Bischoff: Yeah, I bet Flair. God damn it man, you are going to have to learn to trust me! The three of us are a team, Ric, a team! We all control the fate of WCW, and if this company is going to survive, you have to trust me! You may be the Nature Boy in the ring, but damn man, this isn’t the Ric Flair show! This isn’t ‘what Flair says, go’, Ric. You’re the Nature Boy in the ring! You’re a legend in the ring! But when it comes to running a company, to making a company a success, I am the one who is the legend! I am! So for one second, Ric, just one fucking second, get rid of your ego and try and co-operate.

Oh, that was it- Eric had hit a nerve. Ric was fuming! How dare Bischoff take shot after shot in Flair? Flair stood up, and dived over the coffee table that separated him and Bischoff, lunging himself into Bischoff, and tackling him into the chair Eric was sitting on. Flair started throwing wild right hands at the temple of Eric, but Borden quickly tackled Ric to the ground, restraining him.

Borden: KNOCK IT OFF! The BOTH of you! You two must work together for this company survive and thrive! You both have egos, and you both need to get them in check. If you both want WCW to be a global powerhouse, and it to be the number on promotion in the world, you are going to have to set your differences aside and work together! I am not going to stay here and be the one who has to keep you two in line; I’m not some person in a day care. You two are adults and professionals, so act like it.

Silence, lots and lots of silence. Flair and Bischoff exchange glares, while Borden lets out a deep breath.

Borden: Look, let’s just call it a night. Everything we have is done. Our roster is finalized, and we know what we want to do schedule wise. Let’s just all go home, calm down, get some sleep, and go from there. Eric, you leave the room first.

Eric leaves the room as said, Borden standing between the two men. Bischoff walks right out to his car and leaves. Flair retires to his room as well. WCW was a saved promotion, but how long can this saved promotion be a surviving promotion when two of the owners can’t even get along?
 
#17 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling News and Notes said:
~World Championship Wrestling is indeed a saved promotion. When it seemed like the company would be bought out by Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation, the trio of Eric Bischoff, Ric Flair, and Steve Borden have bought the company from Ted Turner. Although the company is still alive and running, WCW is left without any sort of Television deal. The Trio (as they will now be called) has decided on going through a dark phase throughout at least April. The company will not have any Pay Per View’s, but starting in May, the company will start running a light house show schedule throughout mainly the south east. WCW is looking to secure a television deal throughout the month of April, and hope to be able to have Monday Nitro starting at some time in May.

~World Championship Wrestling has announced its new official roster on WCW.com today. The roster is:
Air Paris
AJ Styles
Big Vito
Billy Kidman
Booker T
Brian Adams
Bryan Clarke
Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Chris Kanyon
Chuck Palumbo
Crowbar
Daffney
David Flair
Diamond Dallas Page
Disco Inferno
Don Harris
Elix Skipper
Evan Karagias
Goldberg
Hugh Morris
Jamie Noble
Jeff Jarrett
Jim Duggan
Johnny The Bull
Kaz Hayashi
Kid Romeo
Konnan
Kwee-Wee
Lance Storm
Larry Zybsko
Lash Leroux
Lex Luger
Mark Jindrak
Midajah
Mike Awesome
Mike Sanders
Miss Elizabeth
Rey Misterio Jr.
Ric Flair
Rick Steiner
Road Warrior Animal
Ron Harris
Scott Steiner
Sean O’Haire
Shane Helms
Shannon Moore
Stacy Keibler
Sting
Terry Funk
The Wall
Tygress
Yang
Many stars seemed to stay with the company, but big names that are missing from the list include Dustin and Dusty Rhodes (who signed WWF Contracts), Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Shane Douglas, and Sid. WCW will still have their other bigger name stars like Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, Jeff Jarrett, and Scott Steiner, as well as Ric Flair and Sting, of course.

~WCW.com has listed the company’s official championships and their champions. The titles are:
WCW Champions:
World Heavyweight: Booker T
United States: Booker T
Tag Team: Palumbo and O’Haire
Cruiserweight: Shane Helms
Cruiserweight Tag Team: Misterio Jr. and Kidman
Hardcore: Vacant
It comes as no surprise that all of the champions are still the same, but it was rumored that all of the championships would be declared vacant. It is somewhat interesting that the company has decided to keep the Hardcore Title around, but it probably will not receive that much attention, if any.

~The full list of the talent that has left WCW can be seen here:
Alex Wright
Bam Bam Bigelow
Brian Knobbs
Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch
Dustin Rhodes
Dusty Rhodes
Jason Jett
Jimmy Hart
Kevin Nash
Leia Meow
Major Gunns
MI Smooth
Miss Jones
Norman Smiley
Paisley
Reno
Shawn Stasiak
Shane Douglas
Sid
Stevie Ray
The Cat
As previously stated, both Dustin and Dusty Rhodes have signed contracts with the World Wrestling Federation. Stevie Ray has retired and is now working as a road agent backstage. Sid, who suffered a serious fractured leg at the January PPV, Sin, has also retired from the wrestling business.

~The Trio reportedly have no interest in bringing in any outside talent to WCW right now, but after WCW can get a TV deal and things get rolling again, The Trio are looking to bring in many former ECW wrestlers. The Trio has had their eyes on Rob Van Dam, CW Anderson, Nova, Steve Corino, Super Crazy, Kid Kash, Danny Doring and Roadkill, and the Full Blooded Italians.
The diary is about to get up and running ladies and gentleman. I just have to finish getting everything set up in EWR, and secure the TV deal. And then, we're off.
 
#18 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling Reaches TV Deal with USA Network!

-April 16- World Championship Wrestling has announced this Monday morning at a press conference in Atlanta, Georgia, that World Championship Wrestling has reached a deal with the USA Network. World Championship Wrestling, or WCW, has been without any television shows since the end of March, when they were kicked off of the Turner Network’s and lost Ted Turner as a financial backer. The company seemed to be on the verge of destruction when arch-rival Vincent K. McMahon of the World Wrestling Federation put in an offer to purchase the WCW Company. However, the company has now been bought out by Eric Bischoff, Richard Fliehr (known on-screen as “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair), and Steve Borden (known as Sting on-screen). The three owners of WCW have been in contacts with television networks such as USA, NBC, CBS, Fox, and MTV for possible deals, but it was the USA Network that signed a deal with World Championship Wrestling.

WCW will air its flagship program, Monday Nitro, starting Monday nights on May 7, 2001, and the show will run from 8PM-10PM EST. The USA Network had previously been the home of WCW’s arch-rival WWF’s Monday Night RAW, airing Monday Night RAW from January 11, 1993, to September 18, 2000, before RAW made the jump to TNN. It is rumored that USA has only signed a TV deal with WCW to get back at the World Wrestling Federation, but that is just a rumor. Again, WCW Monday Nitro will debut on the USA Network on May 7, starting at 8:00 PM EST.
World Championship Wrestling News and Notes said:
~As many have heard by now, Monday Nitro is indeed going to be on the USA Network, starting May 7, 2001, and will run from 8:00 to 10:00 PM EST. Monday Nitro will be held live, and tickets are now on sale for the first Nitro, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

~WCW.com has announced that World Championship Wrestling will return to Pay Per View on Sunday, May 27, 2001, with Slamboree! Slamboree will be held in Mobile, Alabama, and tickets are on sale now. In fact, WCW.com has listed its full PPV schedule for the rest of the year. The schedule is:
May 27- Slamboree
June 17– Great American Bash
July 15– Bash at the Beach
August 26– Big Bang
September 30– Fall Brawl
October 28– Halloween Havoc
November 11- Mayhem
December 16- Starrcade
~Now that World Championship Wrestling has secured a television deal, the question now has been what to do with storylines? Should everything be scrapped, or should WCW continue on like nothing happened? Well, the plan right now it seems is to basically start over, but some old storylines could continue. So far, it is rumored that Team Canada and the Magnificent Seven will be separated, but the Filthy Animals will stay a faction. Not much else is known, so it will definitely be a surprise to see how everything plays out when Monday Nitro returns to television on May 7, from 8 to 10 PM EST!
Now that a TV deal is secured, I look to start writing some shows. Peace.
 
#20 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

I am really enjoying this thread, it is a unique way of doing a BTB, where you get to see all the backstage wranglings, and there are interactive elements. I never saw much WCW but I have enjoyed what I have seen here so far, and look forward to seeing your first Nitro.
 
#24 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

WCW Monday Nitro Preview- May 7, 2001

World Championship Wrestling is back! WCW and Monday Nitro returns Monday, May 7, 2001, when Nitro debuts on the USA Network! WCW has been on a hiatus ever since March 26, 2001, when WCW held its “Night of Champions” edition of Monday Nitro in Panama City, Florida. May 7, however, Monday Nitro is back and it will be a night filled with excitement!

In what promises to be an action-packed night, the main event is where the most action will be out because Booker T defends his newly won WCW World Heavyweight Championship against three-time champion Diamond Dallas Page! Booker T is currently the reigning WCW World Heavyweight and United States Champion after defeating Scott Steiner in a Title vs. Title match on the “Night of Champions” Monday Nitro. But after tonight, Booker T may not be the World Champion as DDP is looking to once again win the title! This is the kind of match you would see on Pay Per View in any other promotion, but WCW is going to give you this huge match in the main event on Monday Nitro!

World Championship Wrestling is a promotion filled with prestige and many legendary stars. On the debut of Monday Nitro on the USA Network, we will hear from two of the most influential people within the past decade; Eric Bischoff and Ric Flair! Both men will speak their minds on anything and everything, so you will surely not want to miss the opportunity to hear what they've got to say!

Also, Shane Helms goes one-on-one with Shannon Moore in a non-title match, the team of Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell take on David Flair and Crowbar, and much, much, more! Other stars at Monday Nitro will include Disco Inferno, Jim Duggan, Lance Storm, Rick Steiner, and Scott Steiner!

Monday Nitro is back, and it is back on a whole new network! Don’t forget to tune into the USA Network this Monday night at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time! ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay and ‘The Voice of WCW’ Tony Schiavone will call the action for Monday Nitro on a show you will not want to miss!

Confirmed Matches:

Shane Helms vs. Shannon Moore
D. Flair & Crowbar vs. Totally Buff
Booker T © vs. Diamond Dallas Page- WCW World Heavyweight Championship
 
#26 ·
Re: WCW 2001- The Trio Ownership

World Championship Wrestling- Monday Nitro

A marvelous showcase of pyrotechnics goes off to kick off the Monday Nitro debut on the USA Network! The cameras look around the arena in Atlanta, giving the crowd a chance to get on TV before the cameras cut to the commentator’s table, where Mike Tenay and Tony Schiavone are sitting.

Tony Schiavone: Ladies and gentleman, I proudly welcome you, once again, to World Championship Wrestling’s Monday Nitro! It is 8PM Eastern Standard Time, and you must be tuned in to the USA Network! Hello fans, I am Tony Schiavone alongside ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay!

Mike Tenay: Tony, it is my distinct honor and privilege to be in this commentator’s booth, sitting next to you. I cannot believe it; WCW and Monday Nitro live on!

Schiavone: Indeed we do, Mike! For those of you who didn’t know, WCW has not been on air since March 26, 2001. At that time, we held what we thought was our last show ever in Panama City, Florida. However, it was only our last show on the Turner Networks because World Championship Wrestling is still alive, but now on the real station for professional wrestling, the USA Network!

Kicking Things Off

“Back in Black” plays over the PA, bringing out the one and only, Eric Bischoff! Bischoff comes out onto the entrance stage holding a microphone, and then walks down the ramp and into the ring. Bischoff is sporting a suit and tie, his hair shaved and dyed black. Bischoff receives a mixture of cheers and jeers, but “Uncle Eric” doesn’t seem to acknowledge the fans. Instead, he simply brings the mic up to his mouth to speak.

Eric Bischoff: Ladies and gentleman, this is Monday Nitro!

That earns Bischoff a cheap pop from the crowd.

Bischoff: This, ladies and gentleman, is the NEW World Championship Wrestling! This is the NEW WCW on USA!

More cheap pops.

Bischoff: And you know, when I say the new WCW, I truly mean it. This isn’t the World Championship Wrestling where the guy who plays politics gets the shot for the World Title. This is the World Championship Wrestling where the best wrestlers will fight the best wrestlers for the World Heavyweight Championship! Before, WCW was ruined by egotistical jackasses who tried to pull strings behind the curtain. But that isn’t going to happen this time around. The political bastards (bleeped) who screwed this company over aren’t going to be around this time. So to those who tuned into Nitro to see crap like Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Hulk Hogan…turn the TV off because you won’t see them in WCW ever again!

The last comment gets Bischoff some more cheers from the crowd. This WCW crowd just wants to see some wrestling.

Bischoff: This is World Championship Wrestling, damn it! This is the company that is going to give you the best wrestling in the world! And that’s what you will see tonight! You are going to see Shane Helms battle Shannon Moore! You will see Diamond Dallas Page challenge Booker T for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship!

The crowd again bursts into cheers at the mere mention of Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page, who are easily two of WCW’s biggest stars.

Bischoff: And you know, that reminds me of something. Booker T, will you please join me at ringside.

The crowd is quite confused, but burst into cheers as “Can You Dig It Sucka!?” hits the PA. The reigning double champion walks down the entrance ramp, slapping hands with some fans all the while. Booker is dressed up in slacks and a dress shirt, the World Heavyweight Title strapped around his waist, and the United States Title slung over his right shoulder. Booker gets into the ring, and looks at Bischoff, uncertain as to why he is out here with ‘EZE’.

Bischoff: Now Booker, I can see you are a little confused as to why I just asked you to join me here in the ring, so I will get right to the point. Right now, you are carrying two championships, the World Heavyweight and United States Championships. You are a double champion here in WCW, but the thing is, when a wrestler becomes a double champion, he must vacate one of the championships. So Booker T, I have called you out here to let you know that you must make up your mind as to which title you are going to vacate.

If Booker T really has to ponder this decision, he’s an idiot. Should he remain the United States Champion, or stay on top as the World Heavyweight Champion? Honestly! Anyways, Booker T puts both of the titles out in front of him, looking at each one, deciding which one he wants to keep the most. After a few moments, Booker T kisses the United States Title Belt, and hands it to Eric Bischoff.

Booker T: Ya’ know Eric, I don’t really like havin’ ta’ give up one of muh belts, but if I gotta’ give up one of these belts… sucka’s got ta’ know that I am stayin’ the Dubya See Dubya World Heavyweight Champion!

Bischoff: Hey Book, that is all fine with me. I am just out here to play by the rules, and keep things running smoothly. I wish you all the best tonight though when you defend the World Title against DDP.

Booker T simply nods his head at Bischoff, before leaving the ring to go backstage, raising the World Heavyweight Title Belt up in the air all the while. The crowd cheers Booker T to the backstage, and once he is out of view, the cameras and the crowd focus their attention back on Eric Bischoff.

Bischoff: So here I have the United States Title Belt in my hand. And you know, if this was the old WCW, I would probably just give the title to some random wrestler. But you know what, this is the NEW World Championship Wrestling, and if someone wants to become the United States Champion, they are going to have to earn it… in an 8-Man Tournament!

The crowd pops for the mention of an 8-Man Tournament.

Bischoff: There will be an 8-Man Tournament for the United States Championship, with the finals taking place on May 27, at Slamboree! And hey, production crew, put the brackets up on the screen.

Disco Inferno vs. Lance Storm
Jim Duggan vs. Rick Steiner

Konnan vs. The Wall
Chris Kanyon vs. Hugh Morris
Bischoff: Over the next few weeks, you are going to see those 8-men do battle for the chance to become the United States Champion. And oh yeah, that tournament… it starts tonight!

Bischoff drops the microphone and heads to the back while the crowd cheers.

Segment Rating: 84%

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Shane Helms vs. Shannon Moore- Non-Title

Shane Helms and Shannon Moore do battle in a non-title match up to kick off Nitro in terms of wrestling. Helms and Moore fight for seven to eight minutes, going through some nice sequences in the beginning of the match, until Shannon Moore gained the advantage after hitting a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and a springboard 180 leg drop from the second rope. Shane Helms ended up fighting back though, blocking a Tornado DDT attempt later on in the match, reversing it into an inverted atomic drop. After picking up momentum with several knockdowns to Moore, Helms finished Shannon off with his innovative Vertebreaker.

Shane Helms defeated Shannon Moore at 7:47
Star Rating: ** ¾ (72, 61, 83)

Tenay: Shane Helms picks up a well fought victory over Shannon Moore after hitting that innovative and lethal Vertebreaker!

Schiavone: Professor, Shane Helms is really proving that he is a great cruiserweight here in World Championship Wrestling. I don’t know about you Tenay, but I am expecting some great things from Shane Helms here in this new WCW!

Tenay: I agree with you one hundred percent, Tony, Shane Helms is going to be a huge star here in WCW! But we have to keep things running as the team of Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger will team up to take on David Flair and Crowbar!

Schiavone: This should be good!

Yeah… I bet.

Crowbar and David Flair (w/Daffney) vs. Totally Buff (w/Miss Elizabeth)

Tony Schiavone saying “this should be good” was without a doubt the most inaccurate thing to be said in WCW history. These four men stunk the ring up, but at least Crowbar made it so that the match wasn’t completely awful. The match itself was short, and was a complete and total squash. Totally Buff annihilated the team of Flair and Crowbar, beating them in less than 3 minutes when Luger made David submit to his Torture Rack.

Totally Buff defeated David Flair & Crowbar at 2:54 (Luger over Flair)
Star Rating: DUD (63, 65, 60)

Schiavone: Totally Buff just dominated David Flair and Crowbar there, winning in under two minutes!

Tenay: Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell are two men who have been around WCW for a while now, and they know how to get the job done. Tonight was no different. These two men could definitely prove to be a formidable team here in the tag team division.

Schiavone: Indeed, Professor! Well we are going to have to take a commercial break here ladies and gentleman, but coming up after the break, is the first match in the United States Title Tournament! Don’t turn the channel!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Jim Duggan vs. Rick Steiner- United States Title Tournament Quarterfinal

Ugh. This match was absolutely awful… leave it to WCW to put on two horrible matches back-to-back. Rick and Jim just completely botch spot after spot in this match, showing why they don’t deserve jobs with the company. Steiner botched several belly-to-belly suplexes, and Duggan botched a vertical suplex, as well as a running knee lift. Honestly! How do you fuck up a knee lift!? When the two men weren’t screwing up spots, they were brawling in an unconvincing manner, except for a couple of Steiner’s stiff right hands that actually connected to the skull of Duggan. Thankfully, the match didn’t go very long, as the two men ended up brawling on the outside while referee Scott Dickenson counted them both out. Steiner almost got back into the ring before ten, but Dickenson reached ten just before Steiner got into the ring. The bell was rung, and the match was declared a draw, infuriating the Dog Faced Gremlin. Steiner knocked Dickenson down with a hard right hand, and then attacked Jim Duggan on his way to the backstage, beating him down with some right hands before whipping him into the steel steps.

Rick Steiner and Jim Duggan are counted out at 4:36
Star Rating: DUD (59, 67, 43)

Schiavone: Well this is definitely going to cause some controversy! Jim Duggan and Rick Steiner both got counted out! Who advances to the next round of the United States Title Tournament? Do both? Do any?

Tenay: I don’t think either of them do, Tony! They both are eliminated from the tournament!

Schiavone: Do you know what that means Professor?

Tenay: What Tony?

Schiavone: The winner of Lance Storm and Disco Inferno will get in automatic bye to the finals of the tournament!

Tenay: What a huge break for Lance Storm or Disco Inferno!

Nature Boy in the House!

The commentator’s go silent as “Sprach Zarathustra” hits the PA, and out comes ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair! The Nature Boy struts out onto the entrance stage in an Armani suit, ‘woo’-ing all the way down the entrance ramp while the crowd cheers him on. Flair gets onto the ring apron and struts on it before getting into the ring, the crowd still cheering him on. Flair gets into the ring and struts some more, before getting a microphone from ring announcer David Penzer. Flair brings up the microphone to his mouth, but never gets to start talking, as the crowd lets out a huge collective “WOOO!”. This brings an ear-to-ear grin to the face of Flair, and lets out a “WOOO!” of his own. The crowd cheers Flair some more, but finally silent so Flair can speak.

Ric Flair: Atlanta, Georgia… WOOO!

“WOOO!” goes the crowd, followed by more cheers for Flair. Uh huh, Ric Flair is a legend.

Flair: Atlanta, Georgia… The Nature Boy is here! In the NEW World Championship Wrestling!

The cheap pops draws even more cheers for Ric Flair. Flair is cheered for a little bit more before starting up again.

Flair: This is the new World Championship Wrestling, and like Eric Bischoff said at the start of this program, this ain’t the land of politics anymore! Finally, the real talent like Booker T, Rey Misterio Jr., Shane Helms, Konnan, Diamond Dallas Page, and everyone else, has an equal chance to be a star. There isn’t going to be any Hulk Hogan or Kevin Nash to try and screw people over! There isn’t ever going to be any of that crap in World Championship Wrestling again! This new WCW is the company that is formed from the guys who have love for World Championship Wrestling. The wrestlers and performers in WCW are the guys who truly love this sport, and want to be here. That is why you’re not going to see Kevin Nash, but Ric Flair! That is why you’re going to see Booker T! You all are going to see the stars that stayed loyal to WCW throughout the years like Sting! You’re going to see the best damn wrestling promotion today! WOOO!

Flair pauses to strut a little bit, while the crowd cheers him on.

Flair: You know, WCW hasn’t been gone that long. The company was on a hiatus for just a little over a month, but let me tell you something: I hated waking up every single day knowing that I wasn’t going to go get to perform for World Championship Wrestling. WCW and the National Wrestling Alliance made Ric Flair! They made The Nature Boy! And I hated every single day without WCW! But guess what!? W-WOOO!-C-WOOO!-W-WOOO!- is back! Monday Nitro, WOOO!, is back! The real number one wrestling promotion today, is by-WOOO!-God-WOOO!- back! WOOO!

Flair pauses as the crowd breaks out into more cheers for The Nature Boy.

Flair: When I woke up this morning, I had the greatest feeling a man could have. When I woke up, I knew that tonight, I would be standing here in front of all of you, in a WCW ring. There is no better feeling than that, baby! Because this is World Championship Wrestling! And I am The Nature Boy, Ric Flair! I am one of the men who helped make this company what it once was! Me! Sting! Arn Anderson! Four Horseman! We are what helped make this company what it once was. And once again, The Nature Boy is going to help take WCW to new heights! Ric Flair is going to once again help make WCW the number one promotion in the world! And I am going to do it for the boys in the back, but most of all, I am going to do it for each and every one of you!

The crowd starts to cheer again, but Flair keeps going through their cheers.

Flair: Because if it wasn’t for each and every one of you fans, there wouldn’t be a Nature Boy! There would be no Ric Flair!

The crowd’s cheers become too loud for Flair to talk through, so he stops to let them cheer. Flair sheds a tear at the love the crowd gives him… the man is speaking from the heart.

Flair: I may be getting up there in age, and I may not be able to wrestle like I used to, but by God in heaven, I am going to keep wrestling night in and night out, for each and every one of you! And to all the men and women in attendance, and everyone watching at home, I leave you with one last thing…WOOO!

“Sprach Zarathustra” hits up again, and Ric Flair leaves the ring to the backstage area, the crowd still cheering him on.

Segment Rating: 91%

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Disco Inferno vs. Lance Storm- US Title Tournament Quarterfinal

Thankfully, the second United States Title Tournament Quarterfinal match-up of the evening didn’t suck like the last one. In fact, Storm and Disco put on a pretty good nine-minute match that was possibly the match of the night. It is announced during this match that the winner of this match will indeed get a bye to the finals at Slamboree. Anyway, Storm dominated most of the match, wearing down Disco with his crisp technical offense. Disco ended up fighting back, but was no match for Storm, submitting to Storm’s Canadian Maple Leaf Crab.

Lance Storm defeated Disco Inferno at 9:16
Star Rating: ** ½ (75, 72, 78)

Canadian National Championship?

After the match is over, Storm throws Disco to the outside of the ring, and gets a microphone from a stagehand.

Lance Storm: If I could be serious for a moment, I have something that I want to say. I am a Canadian, and this is a disgrace that a pure-bred Canadian like myself has to fight for a dismal title that makes all of you people just have an increasing amount of nationalism in a pathetic nation. America is a fascist nation in disguise, and I refuse to fight for a title that is named after this stupid country! I will not fight for the United States Championship; I fight for the Canadian National Championship! And it just so happens, that I am already in the finals for the Canadian National Championship! Rick Steiner and the USA-obsessed freak Jim Duggan already got themselves eliminated from the tournament, giving me a straight shot to the finals. So at Slamboree, whoever it may be that I face, let me tell you something. When you step into the ring with me at Slamboree, you will be fighting a real professional wrestler, and the best damn wrestler in this company. You will be fighting a man who is going to win the Canadian National Championship for his great country of Canada. You will be fighting, Lance Storm!

Storm drops the mic and leaves the ring, the fans booing him all the way up the ramp.

Segment Rating: 75%

Schiavone: What a jerk, Mike! Lance Storm has no respect for this company, or this country!

Tenay: Lance Storm is a phenomenal wrestler, but his attitude towards other countries is just horrible. If Lance Storm would stop worrying about the United States of America and Canada, and focus more on his wrestling, he could be a Heavyweight Champion. But instead, he has to preach that he refuses to fight for the United States Championship, simply because of its relation to the USA!

Schiavone: He has no class! I hope at Slamboree, he gets his!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

When Nitro returns from break, a video starts to play.

The Chosen One

The video starts off with short clips of Jeff Jarrett’s early career, wrestling in CWA Memphis, and also his time in WCCW, WCWA, and his early days in WCW. The video then cuts to Jarrett’s return to WCW in 1999, and various clips of him breaking guitars over the head of his foes and hitting The Stroke. The video hypes Jarrett as one of the nastiest players in the game, and “The Chosen One”. The video ends saying ‘Next week, Jeff Jarrett comes to Nitro!”

Segment Rating: 81%

The Champ is (Getting) Ready

As the video ends the cameras cut backstage where Booker T is sitting down on a chair in his locker room. Booker has his black wrestling trunks on, and is pulling up black knee pads. After doing so, Booker stands up, grabs his WCW World Heavyweight Championship Belt, and walks out of his locker room.

Segment Rating: 79%

Schiavone: Booker T looks like he is ready to go, Professor!

Tenay: Well he’s going to have to be ready Tony because coming up next, it is Booker T versus Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship!

Schiavone: This is going to be a great main event, and you are not going to want to miss this match. Don’t change that channel!

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Booker T © vs. Diamond Dallas Page- WCW World Heavyweight Championship

WCW gives you a main event with two ‘big’ name stars, but the match isn’t that good… how typical. Booker and DDP put on an eleven minute match that the crowd wasn’t fully into with it being a face versus face match, although the crowd did favor Booker T more than DDP. The two went back and forth the whole way, with no one ever gaining a real advantage. In the end, Booker T looked to have the match won when he set DDP up for a Book End, but DDP countered and looked for the Diamond Cutter. Before he could hit the Cutter though, Scott Steiner came out from the crowd in street clothes and hit DDP and Booker T both over the head with a lead pipe. Steiner ended up destroying both men with the pipe, and then hitting hellacious belly-to-belly suplexes on both men. Nitro ended with Scott Steiner holding up the WCW World Heavyweight Championship high into the sky, standing over the fallen DDP and Booker T.

Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page go to a no contest at 11:03 (S. Steiner interferes)
Star Rating: ** (80, 85, 71)

Schiavone: How despicable! Scott Steiner just came out here and ruined a perfectly good main event! That was uncalled for!

Tenay: And not only that, Tony, but it looked like we were close to seeing a new WCW World Heavyweight Champion! DDP was about to hit Booker with the Diamond Cutter, but Steiner had to inject himself into the match!

Schiavone: Whether DDP was about to win the title or not, we will now never know, all thanks to Scott Steiner! But ladies and gentleman, that is all the time we have for tonight! I hope you all enjoyed this return on Monday Nitro and its debut on the USA Network! For Mike Tenay, I’m Tony Schiavone, thanks for watching WCW Monday Nitro and tune in next week! So long everybody!

Overall Rating: 76%
TV Rating: 4.27
RAW Rating: 6.44
 
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